on the road again

Good morning friends,
Yesterday we read about how some of the Jewish leaders plotted to kill Paul, but the plot was overheard by Paul's nephew. He told the Tribune what was happening and our story continues from there today. Paul is sent under heavy guard to Caesarea, which was the seat of Roman authority for the region. He went with a letter from the Tribune to the Roman Governor explaining the situation. We often think of the Roman Empire as persecutors of the church, and certainly that was the case later. At this point, we'll see that the Empire was also an important source of protection for Paul and others, and Paul will use that protection to continue his mission of preaching the gospel. May we also always use the power and opportunities we have to live and share our faith.

God bless,
Sam

Acts 23:23-35

23 Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, ‘Get ready to leave by nine o’clock tonight for Caesarea with two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen. ²⁴Also provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Felix the governor.’ ²⁵He wrote a letter to this effect:

26 ‘Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. ²⁷This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, but when I had learned that he was a Roman citizen, I came with the guard and rescued him. ²⁸Since I wanted to know the charge for which they accused him, I had him brought to their council. ²⁹I found that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but was charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. ³⁰When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.’

31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him during the night to Antipatris. ³²The next day they let the horsemen go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. ³³When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. ³⁴On reading the letter, he asked what province he belonged to, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵he said, ‘I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.’ Then he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod’s headquarters.

persecution

Good afternoon friends,
We read on Sunday about Paul and Barnabas preaching in the synagogue and telling the story of Jesus. As we see today, they were invited back the following week to say more about Jesus. As we'll see, some in the audience become very angry. While our first instinct is usually to wonder why people would be so violent, remember that they were worried their faith was at risk. Despite the risks and the persecution, the church kept growing and people's lives were changed.

God bless,
Sam

Acts 13:42-52

42 As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath. ⁴³When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 

 

44 The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. ⁴⁵But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. ⁴⁶Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,
“I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles,
   so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” ’ 

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. ⁴⁹Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. ⁵⁰But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. ⁵¹So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. ⁵²And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

proclaiming beyond boundaries

Good afternoon friends,
I hope you can get out and enjoy this lovely afternoon. Today's reading continues the story of the aftermath of Cornelius's conversion. We see a lot of attention to the first gentile conversion. In our passage today we see that Cornelius is the first of many, so the church's previously imagined limits are totally changed. Who might God be calling us to reach now?

God bless,
Sam

Acts 11:19-24

¹⁹Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. ²⁰But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. ²¹The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. ²²News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; ²⁴for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.

starting a conversation

Good evening friends,
We continue the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. Yesterday we saw an angel send Philip to a wilderness road between Gaza and Jerusalem. Then the Holy Spirit told Philip to go up to a chariot he saw there, with the eunuch inside. What happens next humbles me and, tradition says, gave birth to the Ethiopian Church, which is still active today.

God bless,
Sam

Acts 8:32-40

³²Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. ³³In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”

³⁴The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” ³⁵Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. ³⁶As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” ³⁸He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.

³⁹When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

bloom where you're planted (or uprooted)

Good morning friends,
Today's passage is in some ways a microcosm of the whole book of Acts. God uses everything, including persecution and escape from danger to spread the gospel. When the church is persecuted, they protect themselves by escaping. They also risk themselves by continuing to spread the message of God's love. When running from danger leads them to surprising places, they keep opening their mouths and God uses that to bring more people into the shelter of the gospel. In the same way today, wherever we go we can bear witness to God's love with our words and actions.

God bless,
Sam

Acts 8:1-13

And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. ²Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. ³But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.

⁴Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. ⁵Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. ⁶The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, ⁷for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. ⁸So there was great joy in that city.

⁹Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. ¹⁰All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” ¹¹And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. ¹²But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place.

Pentecostal preaching

Good morning brothers and sisters,
After Jesus ascended into heaven the disciples followed his instruction and waited in Jerusalem. They prayed and worshiped together and in the temple. One day when they were praying together in an upper room God's Holy Spirit came down on them like fire and led them to speak in other languages to proclaim God's love. This grabbed lots of attention and a crowd gathered. Peter addressed the crowd to explain what was going on. This was the beginning of the church, and in the Spirit's power the message continued to spread. What are you going to do with the message today?

God bless,
Sam

Acts 2:14-17, 22-24, 32-36

¹⁴But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. ¹⁵Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. ¹⁶No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ¹⁷‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams…

²²“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— ²³this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. ²⁴But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power…

³²This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. ³³Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. ³⁴For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, ³⁵until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ ³⁶Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

training in godliness

Good morning friends,
This week's theme is God speaking to us through scripture. Today, Paul gives Timothy some advice about being a leader in the church. Part of that advice is to focus on reading and teaching scripture, which helps us become more godly.

Blessings on your journey,
Sam

1 Timothy 4:7-16

⁷Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, ⁸for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. ¹⁰For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. ¹¹These are the things you must insist on and teach.

¹²Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. ¹⁶Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Thanksgiving in Corinth

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm grateful for the privilege of ministering with you at Laurelton. This is a special community and I treasure your gifts and our time together. Paul reminds the Corinthian church that God gives them possessions not for themselves but so they can share them with others. He encourages them to give thanks for what they have by giving generously. He also encourages them to give thanks for God's grace by sharing the gospel with others. Even the hardships the community faces provide an opportunity to glorify God through obedience and persistence.
May we use our gifts well to serve others and build up God's kingdom,
Sam

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

⁶The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. ⁹As it is written,
     “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
          his righteousness endures forever.”

¹⁰He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; ¹²for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. ¹³Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, ¹⁴while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

angels long to look

Good evening/morning brothers and sisters,
This week I'm out of town for continuing education. In this case, I'm off to Stony Point Conference Center outside of New York City for the Synod's Early Ministry Institute (EMI). EMI is a conference for folks new to ministry like myself. It's actually a series of three, week-long periods of conversation, worship and reflection over three years. This is my second year and I'm really looking forward to it. I hope you'll pray that God uses this time to strengthen and challenge me to be a more faithful disciple and minister. I'm sending this reading out so early because I'm hitting the road very early Monday morning to be at the conference for a 9 am start.

We read the beginning of 1 Peter yesterday. Today's passage might need a couple of readings to make sense, as the writing is a little complex. Peter's main point is that the ancient prophets caught glimpses of God's amazing grace in Christ but knew that the privilege to see that for themselves wouldn't be theirs. Instead, Peter's generation had the honor of knowing Christ's love in the flesh. Peter is reminding them what a blessing it is to be part of that story and how the experience of Christ's gospel should shape their whole lives in holiness. Even though our experience is somewhat less immediate, the honor of knowing Christ and sharing that message with others can shape our life too.
Blessings as you begin a new week in Christ's service,
Sam

1Peter 1:10-16

10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, 11inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory. 12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look!


13Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

The Lord's Supper

Good morning brothers and sisters,

In yesterday's passage Paul reprimanded the Corinthian Christians for messing up the Lord's Supper by some not having enough and others eating and drinking too much. Following up on that he reminds them what the purpose of the Lord's Supper is. This first paragraph is what we know as the "words of institution." We hear them each time we serve communion. It does the same thing for us it did for the Corinthians: reminds us why we have come to the table so we really can proclaim Christ's death through our meal.


The second paragraph reminds us what a great gift this communion with the Lord is. We are called to examine ourselves first and to focus on Christ in the sacrament. When we examine ourselves we can see where we are falling short of our calling, ask forgiveness, and take a step forward as God's people. Then, together, we find nourishment at the Lord's table.


God bless,

Sam


1 Corinthians 11:23-34

23For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.


27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. 28Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. 30For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. 32But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34If you are hungry, eat at home, so that when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. About the other things I will give instructions when I come.

unity in the cross

Good morning friends,
Paul moves from greeting right to one of his main concerns about the life of the Corinthian church. He warns them of the dangers of division within the community. In this case it seems like people were divided because they identified themselves by the teacher who had led them to Christ. Paul argues that the point is never the teacher or leader they know best; the point is always Christ. For that reason Paul says he's grateful he didn't baptize many in that community so that people won't identify themselves with him. Instead, Paul's message there was about proclaiming the gospel. Paul even says that he didn't use eloquent words because even that can distract from the power of the cross. The cross of Jesus is the center of our good news, because God loves us so much that Jesus endured death on the cross to bring us home to God. When the church keeps the cross at the center of its ministry, we stay on track. When we don't, it's much easier to fall into division over different issues or priorities.

God bless,
Sam

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

10Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 11For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. 12What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." 13Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?


14I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

gospel fruit

Good morning all,
A quick reminder about the Irondequoit Veteran's Day service on Thursday. This is a service to honor and remember our veterans and their service. It will be held at Irondequoit Town Hall at 10:45 Thursday morning with light refreshments after. I'll be leading opening and closing prayers and it would be great to see others there to honor our vets.

This morning's reading is less unsettling than yesterday's, but it contains the same sense that Christians will always struggle against the powers of darkness in the world until Christ returns. Here the writer gives thanks for the Thessalonians' faith. He calls them the "first fruits of salvation through sanctification by the Spirit." That idea of early Christians as first fruits is common in the letters. That means that as Christ and the apostles and the church planted the seed of the gospel (the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ) those early Christians were the first to grow. The Old Testament talks about the first fruits of the harvest being holy and offered to God. In the same way the first Christians are set apart for God's service to continue to plant the seed and prepare a harvest of faith for God.

We later Christians are also set apart for God and are still called to plant the seed of the gospel. It often feels like the world doesn't want to hear the good news because people don't go to church the way they used to. I am convinced that people are as hungry as ever for it, but many people don't know that the church has any good news. People from 20-60 grew up in a culture that distrusts institutions in general. From embezzling televangelists in the eighties and nineties to widespread sex scandals of the last 20 years and high profile intolerance and hatred in many parts of the church even today people could be excused for thinking the church is about greed, self-service, and prejudice. Who will welcome our neighbors into a relationship with a loving God and accepting church if not us?

In addition to welcoming, we are called to pray frequently and seriously for the word of God to bear fruit in the world. Think about finding a way to make prayer a daily practice and include in your prayers the ministry and mission of the church around the world. Remember especially churches that are still persecuted (Burma, parts of China and elsewhere). We might be surprised what widespread, concentrated prayer can do to open the hearts of others and to open our eyes to opportunities to share the word. Don't fear but believe.

God bless,
Sam

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, 3:1-5

13But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, 17comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

3:1 Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you, 2and that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people; for not all have faith. 3But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will go on doing the things that we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Conclusions

Good morning all,
I'm sorry I've been off schedule the last few days. Today I'm back at home and hopefully back on schedule sending these out in the morning. Today's reading is the end of Acts. Yesterday Paul arranged a meeting with the Jewish leaders in Rome. Today he holds that meeting and explains his faith that Jesus is the Messiah. As usual, he backs up that claim with scripture, both from the Law (the first five books of the Bible) and the prophets. We're told that some believe Paul and others do not. As has happened in the past when faced with unbelief Paul tells the people that he will take the message to the gentiles. The same line of thinking also plays a role in Paul's letters.

For Paul a big part of the reason many Jews don't believe is to give gentiles an opportunity to hear the good news. As a Christian of mostly gentile descent, I'm grateful that God sent his word to everyone and not just to his first love, the people of Israel. The truth is that God loves everyone and wants everyone to have the welcome and grace he offers in Jesus. Paul proclaimed that good news to many, offering new life to all kinds of people in his time. As we see here, he continued that work after the Book of Acts closes. We continue that work today, so that those who feel lost and hopeless will know that God loves them.

Blessings,
Sam

Acts 28:23-31
23After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. 25So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, 26‘Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. 27For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ 28Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, 31proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

grace and promise

Good morning friends,
This morning's reading continues Paul's sermon in the synagogue. Yesterday Paul recalled the promises God made to Israel and moved from there to John's testimony about Jesus. Today Paul continues by explaining Christ's death and resurrection as the fulfillment of those promises. Christ fulfills the promise because God promised to raise up a descendent of David as the chosen one to bring forgiveness. This is what we see in Christ.

Paul proclaims that in Christ there is freedom from sin that we can't find in the law. There's something about us that feels we have to earn our standing with God. The truth is that God forgives us as a gift. We can't earn God's love and we don't have to. Truly we are saved by grace, by pure love. Paul concludes with a warning not to let the opportunity of God's mercy in Jesus pass but to trust in Christ. I pray we would take the opportunity of Lent and especially of Holy week to trust God more in our lives.

God bless,
Sam


Acts 13:27-41
27Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. 28Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. 29When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.

30But God raised him from the dead; 31and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. 32And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you.’

34As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, ‘I will give you the holy promises made to David.’ 35Therefore he has also said in another psalm, ‘You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.’ 36For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; 37but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption.

38Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; 39by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40Beware, therefore, that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 41‘Look, you scoffers! Be amazed and perish, for in your days I am doing a work, a work that you will never believe, even if someone tells you.’”

scattered, but still witnessing

Good morning all,
This morning we see the aftermath of Stephen's death: a severe persecution of the church. Saul approved of the killing of Stephen and now goes around dragging people out of their houses and putting them in prison. The church is scattered all over the area including not only Judea but Samaria as well. Samaria was thought of by most Jews as an unclean area. The Samarians had been brought in by the Babylonians during the exile to repopulate Israel and now they worshiped Israel's God, but most Jews still resented them as interlopers with bad theology. That's why Jesus's story of the good Samaritan is controversial.

Here too, the church makes an opportunity out of persecution. They scatter by necessity but turn that situation into mission. Philip is another of the deacons elected earlier who starts proclaiming the good news about Jesus and making new disciples. This expansion of the good news isn't just random either. Jesus gives the pattern for the church's mission in the beginning of Acts saying: "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.” We see this pattern unfolding as the church is scattered from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. The rest of the book will show the church taking the message to the ends of the earth, a movement that continues with us today.

God bless,
Sam

Acts 8:1-13

And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
4Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8So there was great joy in that city.

9Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. 10All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place.