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God is Setting All Things Right. So I am Blogging Through the Bible in a Year.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

November 20 - Acts 11-12: Gentile Christians Grow in Number; God Executes Herod

Today’s Reading: Acts 11-12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Jews were initially skeptical of allowing Gentiles but realized it was God's Plan.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

In Jerusalem, Peter recounted his vision and his visit with Cornelius. The Jewish Believers praised God!
The scattered disciples taught only Jews until many Greeks accepted Jesus.
The Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to Antioch who fetched Saul from Tarsus. The Disciples of Jesus were nicknamed "Christians". They sent money to Jerusalem to help the Believers weather a famine.
Herod murdered James, John's brother, and arrested Peter. An angel helped Peter escape. He asked that everyone tell the Apostles what happened.
Herod executed the ones guarding Peter.
God killed Herod for acting like God instead of giving Him the glory.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Jewish Believers were initially skeptical of the Gentiles but eventually realized it was God's Plan.

The Jews always felt superior to the surrounding nations. This is why they were initially skeptical of Peter for associating with the Gentiles. Once they realized that the Gentiles had an opportunity to join them as God's Chosen People, they praised God for giving Life to the nations. God wants the entire world to set things right.
Today God's Chosen People need to remember that God calls anyone to be His Chosen People. There are some people Christians do not expect to obey Him. Sometimes they are skeptical that these people would follow through. Once we realize they do have a legitimate place, we should praise God for bringing light into their lives. When God's Chosen People realize His Light goes throughout the world, they should praise Him!

The Christians in Antioch wanted to help the Disciples in Jerusalem.

In the first of what would be several aids to Jerusalem, Barnabas and Saul were sent to give money to the Jerusalem Disciples to help them through a famine. God's Chosen People help other Chosen People no matter where they may be.

Herod had too high of an opinion of himself.

Herod had an interest in Jesus but found nothing wrong with Him. Later, his power corrupted his senses and he began persecuting the church. He executed James, one of Jesus' three closest Apostles. He had a second in jail and would have executed him if an angel hadn't intervened. Unfortunately for him, that episode did not convince him to stop. He took credit for his oratory skills and God executed him. Those who lack humility will eventually lack life.

Rhoda should have had a giraffe as her profile photo on Facebook.

She forgot to open the door.

What groups do you have a difficult time accepting as God's Chosen People?


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