God’s work is greater than our traditions.
Happy Thursday! ✌🏽How has your week been so far?
We continue our journey through the book of Acts, which leads us today to Acts chapter 11. Just as with the conversion of Saul, it concerns a key moment in the book of Acts: the official admission of Gentiles into the church of God.
News is spreading rapidly that Gentiles are also accepting the gospel and converting. But not everyone is enthusiastic. Many believers still view Christianity as a Jewish heresy and find it difficult to accept that God works outside of Judaism. They find it hard to accept that the uncircumcised are also a full part of God's family.
Peter is criticised for entering the homes of Gentiles and allegedly eating with them (which, according to their thinking, is contrary to the law).
Peter explains how the Spirit fell upon them, just as it had upon them in the beginning. His conclusion is simple and humble: “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17) Peter acknowledges that God’s work is greater than his tradition.
In Antioch, too, a new congregation is growing, consisting of both Jews and Greeks. Barnabas is sent to check on what is happening. But when he sees God's grace in action, he is glad and encourages them to remain faithful to the Lord.
It is in Antioch that the disciples are called ‘Christians’ for the first time. Probably as a nickname—perhaps even meant mockingly—but it expresses something essential: they belong to Jesus.
The events in Acts 11 pose an important dilemma, one that remains very relevant today. Peter must answer to believers who take issue with his interactions with Gentiles because it was new and not in line with their culture and traditions.
Are you willing to broaden your perspective when God does something new?
