"Having Influence" - Comments on Acts 13:1-12

(1) Discerning God’s Will (v.1-3)

In the first three verses we see the church in Antioch gathered together seeking to understand what decisions to make – particularly, in this case, who to send off on the broader mission of sharing the gospel of Jesus with the Gentiles. It was while they were worshipping, having prepared themselves by fasting, that they became convinced that it was Barnabas and Saul who were God’s choices in this matter. This was not a decision that could be made entirely by human intellect, for only God could really know all of the capabilities of the people involved, and all the details of the challenges ahead that they would have to face.

First the Christian community fasted, which would generally mean going without food, but could also include going without anything that would tend to distract the people from God and show a preference for human desire as opposed to spiritual necessities. So they wholly committed themselves to an experience of God through neglecting anything that would tend to get in the way of this, and thus were then free to fully give themselves to each other and to God in worship. It was now that they could really hear the Holy Spirit speak.

Having heard that it was to be Barnabas (the prophet encourager from Cyprus) and Saul (the converted teacher from Tarsus) that were set apart by God, the gathered community then committed themselves to prayer to confirm that they had understood the Spirit’s direction correctly and perhaps to begin to grapple with the implications of all this. One of these implications would be the need to commit themselves to an acknowledgement that Barnabas and Saul would be going in their name, acting on their behalf, and they would have to support these two missionaries in every way they could.

This is the pattern by which churches today lay hands upon their called and chosen vessels for ministry and mission service. This is both an acknowledgement of special giftedness and a calling of God, with a symbolic touch of solidarity, encouragement and ongoing prayer support. However the main point of these verses to us – is that it was when the people were most focussed on God (rather than themselves) that they received the guidance they were searching for. We already know that each one of us has been sent to our neighbourhood and workplace and schoolyard for the gospel, however it will be some of the detail of the nature of our corporate witness that we will need the Holy Spirit’s clear direction on.

(2) Working as a Team (v.4-5)

What has become known as Paul’s “first missionary journey” began by heading for Barnabas’ home island of Cyprus. They began speaking about Jesus where it was most natural – in the Jewish synagogues. It was to be when they became more well-known for their hopeful and life-changing message that they would have the opportunity of sharing with interested Gentiles. And when this happened, and when God’s Spirit started bringing people to faith, then such missionaries as Saul and Barnabas were going to need help. At this time they were able to draft John Mark (the traditional author of the second gospel) into their team.

The assistant role that John Mark played has been widely discussed: from administration tasks such as travel plans and accommodation, through to ministry areas such as discipling new converts. Whatever the case, it is clear that people like John Mark were recruited and selected to carry out important roles that the apostles, prophets and teachers were not suited to or didn’t have the time to do properly. So we see here the beginnings of the “body of Christ” philosophy later written about by Paul in 1 Corinthians – that if the gospel is to be successfully spread, then all the unique and varied God-given giftedness in the church will have to be brought together as a unified whole.

(3) Interest and Opposition (v.6-12)

The Governor of the Roman colony of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus, was one who was very much interested in the message that Saul and Barnabas had been sharing around this island. As such, Luke refers to him in this text as an “intelligent man” (v.7), therefore he was thoughtful and inquiring concerning the deeper matters of life. However, there was someone else, who for their own reasons, not only opposed these missionaries, but also sought to get in their way and disrupt any positive relationships they sought to build.

This man was known as “Bar-Jesus” or “Elymas” and is described as a “magician” and “false prophet” – indicating that he had some attraction and influence (in the superstitious Roman world), yet was a fraud – completely and actively opposed to the ways of God, and a very dangerous man. He was perhaps seeking to endear himself to the governor by promising him knowledge of the future through which he could exercise greater levels of control. [It is interesting in Acts, that often when a thrust is made for the gospel into a new area, there is opposition.]

Paul was able to recognise very quickly the inner nature and destructive behaviour of this man, and would not stand idly by while negative influences were being brought to those he was seeking to “save”. Paul identified this man’s lies and opposition to all that was “righteous”; he might have been known as “Bar-Jesus” (“son of Jesus / son of salvation”), but clearly he was really a “son of the devil”. Paul had a creative way of dealing with this situation! He rendered him blind, symbolising his inner darkness, his spiritual blindness.

Paul himself had become blind as part of his conversion experience, new light dawning for him as he reflected on his past sin and the truth of Jesus. All of us have to at some stage deal with our spiritual blindness and inner darkness and receive the light of Christ. Hopefully this can be a smooth transition for those who are interested in the spiritual side of life and respond positively to the sharing of the gospel. Others will find themselves in great despair and danger like this “magician/false prophet”, yet will still have the opportunity of repentance and conversion; for it is only said that this “Bar-Jesus” will be blind “for a while” ie. a temporary state with an undetermined time-frame, that would probably depend on how he reacted to all this.

We will find many people today … in the places that we traverse … interested in the hope and faith that we have; especially if we’re able to first and foremost offer them acceptance and friendship. But it is also possible that we will face opposition – sometimes right in our face, other times behind our backs. There will be people so caught up in their own agendas, and feeling so confronted by our message, that they set their minds to making sure we don’t have the access we need to the people who are open to our witness to Jesus.

You might be sharing your heart with someone, only to be interrupted by another person set on (for any of a number of possible reasons) putting up barriers between you and them, or confusing them with other alternatives or suggestions, or indeed trying to discredit you in some way. If and when this happens, we will need to find creative ways of dealing with it. [Perhaps if you have experience of this, you could talk to me about it.] This whole area of speaking the truth directly (and protecting the welfare of the humble enquirer), yet doing so in a spirit of grace and love (allowing for the repentance of any aggressor) is a tricky one!

However, we probably shouldn’t assume anyone is an opponent until they prove themselves to be one, lest we become too negative, too timid, and miss opportunities to enrich people’s lives. After all, whereas it may have been thought that Roman Governors would be the most difficult to deal with, the first one Paul encountered became a believer! And, it was over and against the worthless falsehoods of the “magician” that the Governor probably saw the truth of Paul’s gospel. Opposition may well be what causes previously closed doors to open. The church has actually had some of its brightest moments in times of persecution and great challenge.

As our church seeks to make an impact with its witness to Jesus in this community, there will be those who seek to hold us back or push us to the side. If this is the case, it may be an indication that we are being successful in our mission, and we will need the power of prayer to see us through such opposition. How did Paul deal with the opposition put up by the so-called “magician” Bar-Jesus (verse 9)? Through being filled with the Holy Spirit! May we be filled by the Holy Spirit enough to recognise opposition when it arises and know how to deal with it.

(4) Saul becoming Paul (v.9)

In verse 9 of Acts 13, we have the transitioning in the name of the great Apostle. It’s not as if Saul changed his name – Saul would have been his name in a Hebrew setting, and Paul in a Greek setting. But this is itself the clue to the significance here. It is at this point in history that the Christian message in the hands of its greatest missionary is taken with the full authority of the Holy Spirit into the Gentile world. This is no longer a new stream of Jewish religion, but the transforming power of God unleashed on the whole Roman world; thus now Saul must be known by his Greek name Paul.

Notice the positive and impacting influence Paul was able to have! He was both able to put an opponent in his place, and strongly influence a Roman Governor toward faith in Jesus. Paul was obviously able to share over some period with Sergius Paulus, as we read that it was such significant and relevant teaching that, supported by the effective silencing of an annoying distraction, led this official toward Christian belief.

God in Action (as seen in Acts 12)

Here, in Acts 12, we have a concerted effort by a jealous civic ruling power (in the form of King Herod Agrippa 1) to eliminate the key figures of the Christian movement.

Herod’s attempts are understandable if we study this ruler’s family legacy: his grandfather was Herod “the Great” … who sought the whereabouts of Jesus at his birth through the ‘wise-men’ from the East; and when he failed in this attempt to have the baby Jesus killed, massacred all the children of Bethlehem under two years of age. And, his uncle was Herod Antipas, who was responsible for the beheading of John the Baptist, and before whom … Jesus stood trial!!

This Herod (v.1), took every opportunity to increase his popularity with the anti-Christian population, with the purely selfish intent of preserving the status-quo & keeping the peace … thereby ensuring a successful reign as king. This sort of pragmatism demanded that disruptive dissenters be ruthlessly eliminated!

No wonder the people went into fervent prayer!!

James, the disciple of Jesus, brother of John, fisherman son of Zebedee, paid the ultimate price (in hostile circumstances) for his committed & active faith. And Peter was next!!

The authorities had hoped that the crucifixion of Jesus would have brought an end to his ethical challenge & spiritual awakening, however in this they were completely mistaken! Disciples / Jesus followers / so-called “Christians” … (these) wholeheartedly committed themselves to perpetuating Jesus’ mission of reconciliation with God; and it took extreme measures to silence them.

Peter was arrested, thrown in prison … to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers, working in shifts around the clock … two soldiers outside the prison door, and two soldiers inside the cell – Peter being chained by the wrists between them. [Usually such prisoners would only be bound to one guard = so here we have Peter being held under extreme security (due to Herod’s unwillingness to risk any chance of escape).]

After the Passover commemorations were complete, Peter would be brought out before the people for trial and public execution.

Peter has come so far … from a small private fishing business to the leader of a fast growing spiritual movement … from a fear of being recognised as a friend of Jesus to a new confidence in fearlessly preaching the good news in the power of the Holy Spirit. Was it all to end here?

I imagine that (quite reasonably) Peter was feeling:
· scared - we’re not sure if he knew about all this prayer going on!
· worried - his fellow disciple James had just been executed!
· confused - after all he was in the prime of his life & ministry!

However, interestingly, Peter was sleeping … which could suggest exhaustion, but could also suggest peacefulness – in that his life was truly in God’s hands.

The early Church learned very quickly that if they were to survive, let alone grow, they needed to dedicate themselves to prayer. Therefore, it is not surprising to find members of the local church at prayer in their house groups, at the time when their foremost leader’s very life was at stake. And this was “fervent” prayer (v.5): earnest, committed, faithful, intense, heartfelt, united, continuous prayer; and an intimate conversation with God … whom they trusted wholly for the right outcome!

The Church “fervently” prayed and now something was going to happen! God was going to act!! And act God did!!!

Peter’s fate is NOT at the whim of Herod (as Herod indeed thinks), but rather in the hands of a loving, purposeful God! At just the right time, the night before Peter’s trial (v.6) – God intervenes!

THERE WAS AN ANGEL & BRIGHT LIGHT; PETER WAS WOKEN WITH THE WORDS “GET UP QUICKLY”; AS HE DID, THE CHAINS SECURING HIM TO THE SOLDIERS FELL AWAY; OBEYING INSTRUCTIONS, PETER DRESSED HIMSELF & FOLLOWED THE ANGEL OUT OF THE PRISON WITHOUT BEING TROUBLED BY ANY OF THE GUARDS or the heavy iron gate. PETER FOUND HIMSELF FREE & IN THE ENVIRONS OF THE CITY!

Dreams can be very vivid & seem very real, and Peter originally attributed all this to a dream. However, when reality struck, Peter knew who had brought this all about. Only God could have freely entered that cell, broke the chains that bound him, disabled the guards’ ability to do anything to stop his escape, and see him through to safety in the face of such dire circumstances!

Even in thinking he was in the middle of a dream, Peter could connect with a voice saying to him the words “follow me” (v.8) and respond appropriately.

The “Angel of the Lord” and the bright “light” represent God breaking into a very ‘dark’ situation for Peter. God was bringing an assurance that no-one can defeat God’s purposes and the spreading of the Gospel.

[Only God can rescue us from the ‘hell-holes’ we find ourselves in at times, break the chains that bind us…take the shackles off our feet so we can dance, deliver us from the evil influences around us (which would hamper our progress), and see us (as well) through to safety in the face of difficult circumstances!!]

Peter said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from [my enemies]” (v.11).

Do we notice that this miraculous escape occurred while the people were deep in prayer! Those at John Mark’s home were still deep in the atmosphere of prayer when Peter came-a-knocking!

We can also notice that this is a very honest re-telling of the story, because despite their prayer being described as “fervent”, these people were quote: “amazed” at seeing Peter (v.16). This reminds us that it is one thing to pray with all our hearts, but another to really believe God will act, and still another thing again to actually be alert … looking for God’s answer … not wanting to miss God’s activity!

Having prayed, are we looking for such marvellous interventions by God; or have we prayed only through obligation, and have already dismissed the possibility of any dramatic change? As we pray, are we also seeking to observe what God might be doing! God might already be working towards an appropriate solution before we have even started praying!! The purpose of our praying would then be more inclined towards an active observation and focus on what God is already doing!!!

Prayer, as well as being a petitioning communication with God, is an opportunity for developing our awareness of God’s presence and activity amongst us! In the place of prayer we actually then discover God’s level of care for the community around us, and where He is leading and guiding us to make our contribution.

Where do we already see God operating in our community [workplace, school]???
· At the Point Cook Market – drawing children and their parents toward our activities (which have a positive and hopeful edge to them)
· In people volunteering at the Jamieson Way Community Centre – showing their community spirit and care for the needs of other residents
· At the “Christmas By The Lake” planning meetings – where there has been an expressed desire for more traditional [Jesus honouring] carols, and a nativity drama of some kind
· At “Search for Life” – drawing people from the broad community into a connection with Jesus and Jesus followers (that can be discussed over ten weeks).

It could have been that these people in the house, when they accused the ‘maid’ Rhoda of being “out of [her] mind” (v.15) in claiming that Peter was at the door, and then were “amazed” at seeing Peter themselves, could have felt this way because God had acted way above & beyond the scope of their prayers. These faithful people had experienced the execution of their beloved friend James, and may have felt restricted to simply pray that God would draw close to Peter in this time leading up to his inevitable death. We should of course not limit the possibilities of God’s response!

It was the ‘maid’ Rhoda that saw beyond what others expected to see, and was not prepared to have her enthusiasm crushed by suggestions she was out of her mind – “she insisted that it was so” (v.15)! She was so expectant … a few words from outside the gate was enough for her to recognise that prayer had been answered in a remarkable way. Rhoda might have been considered a lowly hired servant, but here exhibited characteristics of Christian Leadership!

The important point remains that: even though these Christians didn’t fully understand God’s intentions – their faithfulness in prayer didn’t diminish! THE POWER OF GOD WAS STILL UNLEASHED TOWARDS HIS PURPOSES & WILL THROUGH THE CHURCH BEING PREPARED TO CO-OPERATE WITH HIM IN PRAYER … a place from which God’s power (to bring about change) is experienced.

The Momentum Builds - a sermon on Acts 11:19-26

We could say that it was tragic that people who had just committed their lives to Jesus were hounded and persecuted for their new found faith, to the extent that they had to leave their native communities and head to places that were less antagonistic to different ways of thinking and believing. Who would have thought that it would be safer and better for Jesus followers in a big city like Antioch with its bad reputation in the area of morality! Who would have thought that a place like Antioch would have provided a better base for Christian mission than Jerusalem – for so long the centre of God’s dealings with the Jewish people! How it must of felt, to have to leave all their familiar surroundings, and their cultural and spiritual centre, just because they knew that Jesus was Lord and Messiah!

However, although it was still difficult to bear, this was not actually tragic or ultimately even regrettable! It was all part of God’s plan for the evangelisation of the world. In taking their new life in Jesus northward (and westward), with an obvious strong commitment within them, these early believers began the spread of Christianity around the world. God can and does bring good out of times of affliction. And these were not the heroes of the faith that we are normally reading about, but rather just everyday people who had become Jesus followers. Sure, Peter had set the scene for Gentile mission through his interaction with Cornelius, and his defence of this to the church back in Jerusalem; but almost with life of its own, the gospel message spread through ordinary people in everyday relationships.

For us today, the difficulties that come to us purely because we are Jesus followers should actually make us stronger and more effective – we know more about what we believe and why we believe it. We are able to know more intimately the One we rely upon and follow – Jesus of Nazareth. What are some of the difficulties of being a Christian in today’s world??? Some possibilities are:
· Standing out as different and therefore coping criticism or ridicule
· Having to make different harder decisions (ethics, financial, time)
· Being seen as one who needs a crutch.

These believers had left Jerusalem with their faith in Jesus being seen somewhat as a new grouping of their traditional Jewish religion. So it was no wonder they only shared about Jesus with Jews. However, as we know, God had instigated a revolution through Peter’s leadership towards reaching the Gentiles. It wasn’t long before other believers from other places (like the island of Cyprus, and Cyrene on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa) who had also been touched by the good news, started to share their testimonies a lot wider.

The momentum was building towards this following of the resurrected Jesus becoming a world wide phenomenon. Antioch, in Syria, 500 kilometres north of Jerusalem, was the third biggest city in the known (Roman) world, behind Rome and Alexandria. Antioch had a population at this time of around 500,000, with a melting pot of different cultures; it had a thriving economy – being placed strategically on the trade routes south to Palestine and Egypt, east to Persia, and west to Asia Minor. This would be the place where the church of Jesus Christ would really be launched, and the place from which Paul would begin his great missionary journeys. Why? Because people were willing, despite their difficulties, to share their faith! Why?? Because their faith was so important to them, and it had brought so much positive change to their experience of life!! And, because these believers understood God’s inclusive (heart) concern for all people groups. And, of course, as we read in verse 21, “the hand of the Lord was with them”.

The Gentiles of Antioch, in big numbers, took to the Christian message as the very thing that they had been waiting for, as something that exactly suited their case! Such big news travelled back to Jerusalem, where the church leaders wondered if this was for real, and was this movement true to the beliefs and message of the originating disciples.

They must have had a strong sense that it was authentic (following the convincing appeals of Peter – vs.1-18), because they sent a man with a reputation for support and encouragement – Barnabas. This was the man who, in Acts 4, had sold a field that belonged to him, and gave the money to the common purse of the believers. And when Barnabas experienced first hand the authenticity of the believers in Antioch, he could only rejoice and help with the teaching of these new Christians. Barnabas is one who could be flexible and adapt to the presenting circumstances. Luke clearly comments in verse 24 that Barnabas is “full of the Holy Spirit”.

However, in his God-given wisdom, Barnabas also knew that someone special would be needed to bring all this together, and take leadership in the mission further west, lest the momentum and opportunity be lost. But who would this special person be? Who could take on such complex leadership? It would of course be Saul, who would become known famously as Paul. You’ll remember that the former persecutor of Jesus followers had been converted on the road to Damascus, and remarkably become a disciple himself.

God had revealed to Ananias (Acts 9) that Saul was God’s chosen instrument to bring God’s name before the Gentiles. When Saul sought to connect up with the original disciples and they were still afraid of him, it was Barnabas that reassured the meeting that Saul had indeed been touched by God’s Spirit and become an ardent follower of Jesus.

And so Barnabas could have already been Paul’s closest friend, and therefore could know very well the person of God’s choosing. Time had moved on and Paul had been quieting sharing his faith locally around his home town of Tarsus, until the time was right. Barnabas travelled the 250 kilometres northwest to Tarsus, and having eventually located Saul, convinced him that this was the moment – the mission-field was ready. Then they travelled back together to Antioch. You can see I hope, God’s hand in all of this, not manipulating from afar, but rather working deeply and significantly in the lives of those that truly trusted in Jesus.

This new and growing Jesus movement would now have a name! They would be called “Christians”. This name likely came first from the curious citizens of the general Antiochean community, seeking to describe this new and somewhat exciting phenomenon which was fast becoming a distinct movement; likely to also being given as a nickname by those seeking to ridicule or diminish this cause. Yet the early believers were willing to accept this title as it indicated clearly that they:
Ø belonged to Christ, or
Ø were those of the household of Christ, or
Ø belonged to the party of Christ, or
Ø were partisans of Christ, or
Ø were Christ followers, or
Ø the Christ people (ones who are always talking about Jesus);
Ø perhaps the most literal translation suggests the ones who ‘transact business under the name of Christ’.

It is interesting with all the common usage of the term “Christian”, it is only used in two other places in the New Testament (Acts 26:28 & 1 Peter 4:16).

Some think now that the title “Christian” has outlived its usefulness, and is not really understood as it should be. There are a whole lot of unfortunate connections of this term with the failings and shortcomings of the Christian church in the past, and how this term has been connected with more nationalistic causes as opposed to other nationalistic causes. Referring to certain countries of the world as “Christian countries” just confuses what the word really should indicate, for example, to say Australia is a “Christian” country says more about its historical undertones that it does about its current spirituality. Countries can’t really be Christian, only people can be Christian, and only then if they truly wholeheartedly decide to belong to Jesus.

Australia is really a secular democracy where people have the right to choose their own religious path. We, as the Jesus followers, or as the Christian church, have the responsibility of presenting Jesus to the communities of Australia, in such a way as they will be attracted to join the Jesus movement themselves.

The believers of the first century church, despite their difficulties, shared the good news of Jesus with integrity, and the cause of The Kingdom of God was built. As we read continually in Acts, the numbers of believers continued to grow – many people were added; and of course – the hand of the Lord was upon them! These Christians were able to adapt and share the message of Jesus in a way that the spiritually needy and diverse citizens of Antioch could understand and appreciate.

"When the Penny Really Drops!" - Acts 10

Peter had been given plenty of indications that the mission he had been given involved sharing the gospel throughout the whole known world. Take for example Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8 … “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”.

However, Peter was a Jew, and as a Jew, his expectation of a Messiah had always been about restoring Israel to the Jews and the overthrow of foreign occupying forces like the Romans. So Peter’s fixation had been on the welfare of the Jewish people, and the fulfilment of Jewish religious practices. Peter’s upbringing would have ingrained in him suspicion of non-Jewish Gentile peoples – who had their own practices, in some cases forbidden to the Jews.

The Jewish people were not to eat certain foods, to do so would render them ceremonially unclean. And to associate at a table with those who ate these forbidden foods would also render them unclean. So no wonder Peter and other disciples would find it unusual and uncomfortable and difficult to associate with Gentile people, let alone see them as their responsibility in sharing the gospel. [Even though such food restrictions were not intended for Gentiles, the Jews still considered them unclean for so partaking.]

The incident we have read in Acts chapter 10 depicts the time when ‘the penny really dropped’ for Peter … as to the extent of Jesus’ commission to him. The incarnation of Jesus was not for Jews only, but rather for all the people groups of the world. God had been seen to this point only in terms of narrow Jewish interpretations, now God would have to be seen much more in multi-cultural terms. The Jews were a “chosen people”, but this was not necessarily meant to imply a special status, but more a special opportunity – that through them the nations of the world could identify their Creator and relational God.

God’s love actually extended to all people, that all people could find salvation through Jesus. No human being is beyond the reach of God’s saving and sanctifying work. And Peter would have to get over some of his previous misconceptions, and reach out to and associate with Gentile people. This was a continuing part of Peter’s conversion experience – he would have to continue to be open to new insights. This is like us – we can’t come into relationship with Jesus, and still hold all the same views on life we always did (before knowing Jesus).

It is not a conversion at all … when hardly anything changes. It would be like changing our car over to gas, but still putting petrol in it. Or it would be like having duel fuels in our car (petrol and gas) never quite making a decision for the one over the other. When we come to Jesus, we bring to him all of our belief systems of the past, and allow him the access to change these to conform with his nature and attitudes. So Peter will now have to love those he was formerly suspicious of and removed from. We see as this chapter progresses that Peter allows God to change his (Peter’s) viewpoint!

At the same time this ‘penny was dropping’ for Peter, God was speaking to a man by the name of Cornelius, preparing him for an impending interaction with Peter and subsequent total conversion. Cornelius was a Roman official, and therefore a potential enemy of a Jesus follower like Peter. The main reason why another Roman official, Pontius Pilate, consented to the crucifixion of Jesus … was Jesus’ threat to the peace (“Pax Romana”) and the status quo in the Roman empire. And here was a person (Peter) trumpeting the resurrection of Jesus!

Yet this particular Roman official Cornelius was a spiritual seeker, a man who was bringing up his family with a respect for greater ideals & had sound ethical and moral standards, a leader who was having a good influence on the people around him, a generous man toward the poor and needy. You could say that this man was certainly not far from the “Kingdom”, yet still needed to be personally introduced to Jesus.

Cornelius could have been attracted to the monotheism and high ethical standards of the religion of the Jews, yet was not attracted to the circumcision and food restrictions required to become aligned with it.

And so it was, when Cornelius became aware through a vision (which indicates an idea implanted in his mind by God) that Peter was residing nearby in Joppa, the Peter who had formed such a great reputation as a teacher and healer; he sent people to bring Peter … that he might also hear about this Jesus. This is just magnificent! God brings together a sincere seeker … with a disciple who has been spiritually prepared to bring a gospel message (even to one who would have previously appeared to be an enemy).

How many people are there out there that God is currently preparing to hear the gospel message from us – from we modern-day disciples of Jesus? Now God had to go to great pains to convince Peter that God was interested in the Gentile people.
What does God have to convince us of? What ‘penny has to drop’ with us? Is it simply how much God loves the people of this community, and how much God wants to connect with them? Is it simply our need to drop certain prejudices or preconceived ideas that may have formed barriers between ourselves and people in the general community? What could some of these misconceptions be???

· They are not interested in God or things spiritual?
· They are too busy or too satisfied with the way they are?
· They are not very nice people and probably can’t change?
· They will not like us?
· They will laugh at us?
· They will not find the gospel helpful?
· They will find our church to be strange?
· That our own problems and needs are too large!
· That we have to get our own act together first!
· That Christianity is so special to us that we want to keep it to ourselves – in our own tight little package!

Could it be that there are people already fully prepped by God, who are waiting to hear from us – not necessarily our life story and biblical truth initially, but just an offer of a listening ear and friendship … that God will take where it needs to go!

Peter travelled the fifty odd kilometres from Joppa to Caesarea. When they met (at verse 25), we can see that there was something impressive about Peter, as Cornelius fell to knees in worship. This action allowed Peter to share with Cornelius about the one who really should be worshipped. Peter’s refusal to accept the worship that only God should receive also puts him on the same level as Cornelius – both men are human beings, and both Jew and Gentile now have equal access to God! It may be that our simple acts of acceptance, humility, listening, hospitality and friendship are impressive enough to allow for a subsequent sharing of our faith.

Acts 10 encapsulates another critical turning point in the history of the world. First there was God’s creation and His covenant to care for the people. Then there was the incarnation of Jesus in the face of the people’s repeated rebellion. Then there was Jesus’ death on the cross to provide a path of forgiveness. Then there was Jesus’ resurrection to open up the possibility of new life for all. Then there was the gift of the Holy Spirit to bring to each believer the intimate presence of Jesus and the giftedness to be effective in life. Now there is the confirmation that our mission is to share the good news of Jesus with all people everywhere! [And a major part of the integrity of that mission will be seeking to live in peace with those who are not the same as us!!]

When Peter shared the good news of Jesus with all those that Cornelius had invited to the gathering, the presence of the Holy Spirit became so evident, and deeply touched all those present. This led to mass baptisms and great rejoicing. These people and this community would never be the same!

"What's Most Important?" A Sermon on Acts 9:32-43

1. Peter on Mission for Jesus

From Acts chapter 9 we see a widening of the gospel message from its Jewish beginnings toward the mission to the Gentiles. So, this was a time of great momentum for the early Jesus movement. Saul had just had his Damascus Road experience. Peter had found his own mission legs through his restoration to ministry by Jesus (John 21), and his following experience of the Holy Spirit resting upon him (Acts 2).

At Pentecost, Peter had preached with great effectiveness, many thousands being added to the Kingdom. Peter, with his disciple colleague John, was remarkably able to give the ability to walk to a man who had been born crippled (Acts 3); of course this being achieved in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Peter was also an important part of a self-sacrificing worshipping community that was attracting both respect and persecution.

Peter, in terms of the complexity of his missional call, would likely have been an extremely busy person. He also had the complication of being tempted to keep looking over his shoulder to see who might be coming to get him. By this time Peter was likely to have had an agenda in mind, of moving strategically from place to place, to preach the gospel of Jesus to a mass audience.

Yet, when the message came asking him to go to Joppa to respond to a specific pastoral need, Peter wholeheartedly responded! Peter was able to quickly determine what was the most important and pressing need, and respond to that! Here is a challenge for us to become wise interpreters of what really counts, and where the serious opportunities for ministry lie!

In Joppa (modern day Jaffa), the community was in distress about the loss of Tabitha (known also as “Dorcas”). Obviously her life of service had had a great impact on those around her, they regretted her death significantly, and would miss her terribly. We read later about widows attending Tabitha’s body dressed in the clothes that Tabitha had made for them. Tabitha was likely a widow herself, who may have selflessly hosted a household of other widows.

Tabitha’s friends lovingly and carefully prepared her body for burial, but at the same time were not going to give up hope that something could still be done! This was a level of human compassion that would be hard to deny!

They knew Peter was nearby – and Peter had been with Jesus for three years, and had subsequently become renowned for his healing ministry. If Jesus could raise people from the dead, then maybe Peter could as well. Although, we don’t know exactly what these people were thinking and expecting in calling for Peter to come, the level of emotion on display would suggest that they were not just looking for comfort. And the two emissaries sent to Peter were bold enough to ask him to come straight away (presumably before any burial would take place)!

Peter had just brought healing to Aeneas in Lydda (v.32-5). In Lydda, Peter would have connected up with Christians dispersed from Jerusalem or those who had become believers at Pentecost; but being semi-Gentile territory, he could also make the serious push toward sharing Jesus with non-Jewish people. His strategy for this was probably in place. And it was working, as people from Lydda, and even further to Sharon had become believers in Jesus.

And then the call came! How often is our day planned out to perfection … to get everything that needs to be done … done, when the phone rings! [Following the broad response to the healing of Aeneas in Lydda, Peter may have become the ‘go to person’, with many such calls upon his time.]

This particular call could have been seen as a disruption to Peter, as it could be to our day, but Peter is tuned in well enough to the heart of God to respond appropriately. Peter gave this worthy request priority; he “got up” from what he was doing, travelled the 15 or 20 kilometres to Joppa, and went to the upstairs room where the body of Tabitha lay in the company of many mourners.

There was no doubt that Peter was committed to the big-picture mission given to him, but he understood that responding to a pastoral need such as this, rather than being a divergence, was actually part of a wholistic response to the needs of a community. Peter didn’t hesitate – he attended to the presenting need!

Curious that Peter asked all the mourners to go outside of the room where Tabitha lay! I would have thought that it would have been helpful to have all those who knew and loved the deceased to remain present while prayers were said.

However, if we look back to when Jesus brought Jairus’ daughter back to life, Matthew’s Gospel has Jesus putting the crowd outside; likewise in Mark except for the presence of Peter, James & John and the child’s parents; and Luke records Jesus excluding anyone else from entering the room apart from these five people.

So what Peter’s exclusion of others from the room would indicate, combined with Peter’s action in kneeling in prayer – was that this was not Peter in his own capacity or strength that was bringing this remarkable resurrection about, but really Jesus. There might have been human voice and touch involved, but the power source behind this was actually Jesus.

We can only hope and pray, that as we speak into and touch people’s lives, that they will sense and appreciate the presence of Jesus! That Peter’s presence was interpreted correctly as Jesus’ presence in this incident with Tabitha – is seen in the numbers that came to believe in the Lord, as news of this event spread around Joppa.

2. Hospitality in the Name of Jesus

I love networking around the community; but I have been reminded of why I would be called to build relationships in the local community. This was not just so our church could be well placed to develop a long-term physical presence there, but so that people could be touched by the presence of Jesus.

No person can be seen as just a means to an end, not a local politician or council officer or community centre manager. These are all possible interactions in which Jesus might be seen. God longs to give new life to all people and be in relationship with them. But the challenging question has to be asked: ‘Can people see Jesus in me?’ & ‘Can people see Jesus in you?’

A spirituality based on the life of Jesus, will take seriously any hostilities we may have for others including people we don’t really know, and embark us on a journey of moving from that anxious hostility toward open hospitality. This will be a counter to a society suffering from suspicion, fear, defensiveness and aggression. This also opens up the possibility of receiving what others have to offer us, and participating together as mutual travellers in a ‘re-creative community’ amidst the alienation in the world. How do we relate to the stranger at our door or the ‘telemarketer’ on our phone? Sensible boundaries should be drawn (to protect one’s family), however might these all too often be convenient rather than really needed?

Henri Nouwen writes: "Hospitality … means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy".[1]

So, offering hospitality in the name of Jesus, is more than just being prepared to you’re our home to friends, neighbours and strangers; it is about how we conduct ourselves, and how open we are to encouraging people and welcoming them into our life ‘space’.

The friends of Tabitha needed to be reassured that Peter would care about their grief and sense of loss. They needed to know that the creditable life of their deceased friend would be honoured. They needed to see that the representative of Jesus could bring them comfort and hope. Once we put ourselves out there – advertising a caring Christian community where everyone is welcome – we have to come up with the goods!

Peter was busy, yet was able to discern and respond to the most pressing need, that would reassure the community of Joppa that Jesus was alive, available and active. Peter touched Tabitha’s life in a remarkable way, and many came to believe in Jesus! May God guide us in integrating all the love, grace and giftedness we have been given, into a unified expression of care for the local community.

[1] "Reaching Out", pages 68-9