Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 11:1-18

Summary

The lectionary texts since Easter have focused on the accounts of the spread of gospel after Pentecost. There has been opposition in Jerusalem, to the point of imprisoning apostles. But the by the Holy Spirit, they are released from jail. The Spirit then instructs them to go to the Temple and “tell the people the whole message about this life” (Acts 5:20).

We have read of Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus (Acts 9). That is a story of both conversion and fulfillment, as the true desires of Paul’s spiritual life are made clear and met. Luke continues expanding the work of the church beyond Jerusalem as he recounts Peter’s trip to Joppa where he raises Dorcas from the dead. Another outpost of the gospel is established.

Luke is not…

1. Peter recounts the work of the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:48 and then again in Acts 11:15-17. What do you think of the work of the Holy Spirit in Peter’s defense before his critics? Describer how awareness of and dependence on the Holy Spirit are a part of the decision-making process in your congregation?

2. In Matthew 16: 17, we read, “And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.” (NRSVUE) As you recall the story of Jonah and think about Peter’s mission to Cornelius, how would describe the significance of Jesus calling Peter by this name?

3. In this story we see how Peter came to a better understanding of God’s heart and God’s mission. It is an example of continuing conversion. Can you…