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Scripture Guide

Acts 11:1-18

Author

Eunice McGarrahan

Keywords (9)

Scripture

Acts 11:1-18

Updated

Jul 1, 2025

Commentary

Summary

The gospel has been spreading in Acts and the gospel is meeting resistance, with apostles being imprisoned. 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 describing the implementation of a strategy concocted by the apostles in Jerusalem.…

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Author

Eunice McGarrahan

Eunice (“Junior”) McGarrahan serves as the Teaching Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, bringing a wealth of experience and theological insight to her ministry. Over the years, Junior has held various roles, including Associate for Theology in the Office of Theology and Worship (PCUSA) and associate pastor at The National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. She has also served in pastoral roles in Virginia and Kentucky, further deepening her ministry experience.

Junior’s journey to pastoral ministry was shaped by over thirty years in youth ministry, where she honed her passion for teaching and mentoring young people in their spiritual growth. She later pursued advanced theological education, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Her academic pursuits continued with a Doctor of Ministry from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, where she focused her dissertation on the Eucharistic theology of the Heidelberg Catechism, reflecting her commitment to exploring the Reformed tradition.

Junior is married and has a son who lives and works in the Washington, DC area. She is deeply rooted in family life, and her home life is central to her pastoral identity.

Known for her thoughtful and engaging teaching, Junior is passionate about exploring the depths of faith and guiding others through their spiritual journeys. She is particularly interested in the intersections of theology, discipleship, and service, and is dedicated to equipping others to live out their faith with depth and conviction. Whether she is teaching, preaching, or mentoring, Junior embodies a life of faithful service and commitment to the church's theological heritage.