Gospel – Acts 11-12

An Aqueduct found at Caesarea

Caesarea is one of the most interesting places to be in Israel. There are so many Roman and Crusader building remains there. One of that is the aqueduct which is a long ‘pipe’ to transport water during the Roman era. Probably this aqueduct was around during the time of the Apostles and could have been used by Cornelius who was stationed in Caesarea.

Caesarea is mentioned quite a few times in the Bible and it was also the last stop in Israel that Paul made before being sent to Rome. Caesarea was a harbour then and was a grand location for Roman activities like horse racing, athletics, theatre and gladiators.

Ok, today we shall begin on the Bible blog.

Bible Passage:  Acts 11-12

Cornelius and his family were probably one of the first gentile Christians. Perhaps the first was the Ethiopian eunuch who was preached to by Philip. The story is interesting in that God personally instructed Peter in a dream to preach to Cornelius and his family; Knowing that Cornelius and his family were gentiles and that the Jews had no association with them and felt that it was unclean to eat with the gentiles. Peter felt it very strange at first but God revealed him the Truth and he obeyed.

From this story, we know that the Lord God, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the God of everyone in this planet. Perhaps some traditional Chinese will feel that Jesus is a ‘western’ God, but the very truth is that God has granted His Grace to all of humanity and not only to the Jews.

Today I rethink about His Grace He has shown my family and I. Paul once said that we gentiles today have such Grace because the Jews did not accept Jesus and the salvation hand of God that was stretched out to them.

As a side note, I went to the Jewish religion website and it says that the Jews do not believe in Jesus because He did not come as a warrior Messiah to save them from their enemies and that they felt that traditionally it is the view of the past Rabbis that the Messiah has to come as such a warrior.

We, the gentiles are the branch that was grafted into the natural tree. We are not the initially chosen people of God but it is through God’s tender mercy that today we are partakers of the inheritance of God.

Ephesians 2:11-13

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh-who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands- 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Another view I have of this story was that the believers were humble enough to accept Peter’s explanation from ‘the beginning’. I would think it must have been rather difficult for Peter to convince his fellow Jewish Christians of God’s Grace to everybody.

Initially, the believers were stunned when they heard that Peter even ate with the gentiles! “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” However, they considered God’s grace and gave glory to God.

I wonder, how many of us are able to follow them in considering and accepting a valid explanation.

Sometimes, I feel people, including me may react in the opposite way; that is to oppose Peter’s explanation and not give him a chance to explain. I am guilty of that at times, having already preconceived ideas or biases and not opening a listening ear. Also, from the way Peter explained, it is also a guide to us on how we can preach to other people.

Last Sunday, the Door To Door group had a good discussion on the common questions raised by Christians and Non Christians. Some valid points were raised.

One good point is, if the listener gives us a chance, is to explain God from the beginning of the Bible and to the end. This will help to reinforce our beliefs as it explains the Bible in totality and directs the answer to the question. I feel that many Christians nowadays only listen partially or have only read the Bible partially. Perhaps such explanation can help them to understand our beliefs better.

The last point I would like to share is about Barnabas. Barnabas means ‘Son of Encouragement’. Barnabas was sent to Antioch to assist in the church work there. The church was growing fast, and Barnabas was a great help to the church as he gave encouragement to the believers there. 4 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Not only that, Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul. He was not afraid of what others have said about Saul who was once a persecutor of Christians. Coincidentally, the term Christians were first used at the church in Antioch where Barnabas together with Saul, ministered to the church for a whole year. From this story, the it is evident of the effect of having believers who are good encouragers. The church will prosper and many people will be added to the Lord or have their faith strengthened.

In the end of year 2002 during one of the short term theolo that I attended, there was a Malaysian church brother who gave me lots of encouragement in praying for the Holy Spirit. Actually, he did not speak much about how to pray for the Holy Spirit or gave his testimonies. The real encouragement I received was his dedication to pray with me in every time available during the theolo. We practically prayed during every break, lunch, dinner etc and I thank God that he was there to motivate me to pray on.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (New King James Version)

9 Two are better than one,

Because they have a good reward for their labor.

Although I did not receive the Holy Spirit during the theolo, I thank God that I received the Holy Spirit about 2 weeks after the theolo at somebody’s house. Since the year end Spiritual Meeting is approaching, perhaps we can take this opportunity to be like Barnabas, to encourage our family members and friends to pray for the Holy Spirit. We could encourage them by praying with them and saying encouraging words to strengthen their faith and resolve to pray for the Holy Spirit.