DAY EIGHTEEN | Acts 11
Consider a small circle drawn on a piece of paper. Now imagine a hand reaching out and gently stretching the boundaries of that circle until it encompasses a much larger space. Acts 11 paints a portrait of the early Church undergoing a similar stretching of its boundaries.
Peter, freshly inspired from his encounter with Cornelius, faces criticism from the circumcision party. They're not pleased he has mingled with Gentiles. With grace and conviction, Peter recounts his vision and the ensuing events, culminating in the Spirit’s unmistakable outpouring upon the Gentiles. It becomes clear: God's love and call are far more expansive than their previous understanding.
Meanwhile, in Antioch, a new circle of believers emerges, not limited to Jewish converts. As news of this reaches Jerusalem, Barnabas is dispatched. Witnessing the grace of God in action, he rejoices and encourages them. It's here, in this diverse community, that the term “Christian” is first used, marking a significant evolution in the early Church's identity.
Acts 11 challenges us to consider the boundaries we might have set, consciously or unconsciously, around our understanding of God's kingdom. The chapter beckons us to celebrate the diversity and growth of the body of Christ.
As we reflect today, let’s pray for the flexibility and openness of heart to embrace the expanding circle of God's family. May we, like Barnabas, always be encouragers and welcomers, celebrating the diverse ways God moves amongst His people.
Consider a small circle drawn on a piece of paper. Now imagine a hand reaching out and gently stretching the boundaries of that circle until it encompasses a much larger space. Acts 11 paints a portrait of the early Church undergoing a similar stretching of its boundaries.
Peter, freshly inspired from his encounter with Cornelius, faces criticism from the circumcision party. They're not pleased he has mingled with Gentiles. With grace and conviction, Peter recounts his vision and the ensuing events, culminating in the Spirit’s unmistakable outpouring upon the Gentiles. It becomes clear: God's love and call are far more expansive than their previous understanding.
Meanwhile, in Antioch, a new circle of believers emerges, not limited to Jewish converts. As news of this reaches Jerusalem, Barnabas is dispatched. Witnessing the grace of God in action, he rejoices and encourages them. It's here, in this diverse community, that the term “Christian” is first used, marking a significant evolution in the early Church's identity.
Acts 11 challenges us to consider the boundaries we might have set, consciously or unconsciously, around our understanding of God's kingdom. The chapter beckons us to celebrate the diversity and growth of the body of Christ.
As we reflect today, let’s pray for the flexibility and openness of heart to embrace the expanding circle of God's family. May we, like Barnabas, always be encouragers and welcomers, celebrating the diverse ways God moves amongst His people.
Posted in Acts Devotional