"Paul in Jerusalem"

-Although Paul was told not to go to Jerusalem, he decided to go anyways to see James. Considering the problems that could have occurred due to their differences, I thought it was brave of Paul to do what he did. Although Paul represented the Gentiles and James represented the Jewish Christians they were able to praise God together. They welcomed each other with open arms and showed each other respect and kindness for the good works they were doing for the Lord.

I believe this passage challenged me to think about my openess to Christians outside of our church or my realm of friends. If I were James, would I have welcomed Paul with open arms considering our differences? How can we learn to put our differences behind and consider the more important issues that bring us all together?

Posted by Esther Kim

Paul the Witness

Paul sure took advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel. Even though he had been held on false charges for several years, when he stands before the king, his primary aim is not for his own release through gaining the king’s favor, or to “ingratiate himself with the authorities", but for the king’s conversion.

Paul had a plan as a missionary and years in prison was not part of it. Yet he didn’t lose sight of his purpose as a missionary, and still preached the gospel wherever he happened to be. When our lives are thrown off course – maybe for years – will we be able to trust God’s plan and that he would give us “words and wisdom” in any situation?

doing the loving in the all the right places

"all the jews and greeks who lived in the province of asia heard the word of the Lord" (acts 19:10).

in today's reading, mr stott makes an interesting observation when he states that religious people are best evangelized in religious buildings, but secular people are best evangelized in secular buildings.

i guess there's something to be said about sharing the gospel with unbelievers but not necessarily in a church setting, where "religious" culture and language may be unfamiliar and intimidating and off-putting.

we need to be culturally "sensitive" even when we relate to people who are of the same culture as we are.

we can all learn from the apostle paul who was the master evangelist. he was wise enough not to feel that persuading non-religious people into the synagogue just to hold dialogue with them was the most important thing.

instead he met them where they were most comfortable. by argument, by persuasion, by irrefutable evidence, and surely by the example of his own life, he proclaimed the message of salvation.

he is the example and pattern for our own evangelism. it is inspiring to think that by this strategy, "all the jews and greeks who lived in the province of asia heard the word of the Lord" (acts 19:10).

Mission in Macedonia

One thing that really stuck out to me regarding this reading was when the author described how the Gospel united people across racial, social, and psychological lines. It makes you think of how far apart some Christians are from one another while still proclaiming the same God.

I thought the way John Stott explained the different attitudes of those willing to hear the reason of the Scriptures versus those who adamantly rejected it also offered a clear remedy for some of our own shortcomings and obstacles. We need to adopt a more "serious attitude to the Scriptures," as the Jews in Berea diligently did. The power of the Scriptures is lifechanging and has shown itself to be the most effective conversion method for unbelievers and the spiritual sustenance for all Christians. The ending quote of my passage was fitting that I thought everyone should have a chance to reflect on.

" A characteristic of the true religion is that it suffers itself to be examined into. " --Bengel

The Jerusalem Council

By reading of today's reading, we can see glimpse of what struggles and issues that early churches had to face in planting and expanding of churches in worldwide. We see there was a group of people who insisted the gentile converts to conform to the law of Moses, mainly circumcision, to be saved. I do appreciate how the issue had been handled by and among apostles and the Council. Stott mentioned that it was the combination of prophetic witness ( Book of Amos) and apostolic experience (Peter's ministry to the Cornelius', Paul and Barnabas' ministry to the gentiles)to convince the council. We know the result by reading of Act 15:19-29. The Gospel of grace is for everyone, the circumcised and the uncircumcised.
Like Stott said, through this ordeal, God taught not only our forefathers but to us that Gospel of grace is for everyone who put his or her faith in Christ. We don't need any additional laws and rituals to complete our salvation.
Another aspect the brought forth a positive outcome was that the Council created guidelines not to enforce Jewish law on the gentile converts to avoid any conflicts in fellowship with one another.

Philip and an Ethiopian Leader

As Christians we should have that desire to share the gospel with others. But even though God pushes us into places or to people the opportunities just pass us by and our encounters with others are ‘short and sweet.’ I feel Philip was open, obedient, and patient to be led by God.

While reading the passage I thought about this verse:
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Stephen's Martyrdom

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59~60)

As the leadership group is preparing for mission trip this summer, I think the message is very appropriate and relevant to us. According to the writer, Stephen’s martyrdom played a vital role “in the development of the worldwide Christian mission” because his brutal death was a manifestation of today’s Christian essentials, God’s promise to his people that Jesus will always be with us and His words, the scripture, will never pass away. I think buildings and traditions as mentioned in the text can impede God’s mission in the world when we as Christians and ones who are called to carry on the Great Commission hold on to today’s worldly standards and fail to incorporate the value system taught by the scripture.