Category: Acts - Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry

Acts 15:12-22a - Lectionary for James of Jerusalem

10/4/2021

10/4/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The New Testament letter of James is easily considered strongly Jewish in its tone and audience. Scholars will even draw comparisons between the theology of James and Paul, suggesting some sort of a power struggle, based on Paul's desire to care for Gentiles and James' care for Jews.

However, the discussion we have recorded in Acts 15:12-22 gives us a very different picture. Here, James, who is recognized as the lead elder, or bishop, of Jerusalem, has heard Peter's description of the Gospel coming to the Gentile household of Cornelius. The Holy Spirit fell upon the people even before Peter was finished speaking of God's grace in Christ.

James recognized the Scriptural pattern and drew from Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel to explain that God's desire is to redeem Jews and Gentiles together. This hardly sounds like someone who wants to prove that Jews are better than Gentiles. James is also the one who makes the recommendation which is accepted by the apostles and elders. Gentiles should be called to God and not be constrained from most of their cultural habits. However, (v. 21), since Moses has been preached all over the world, they should abstain from four things which are particularly offensive to Jews. They should avoid idolatry, sexual immorality, and eating things strangled or blood.

The first two are part and parcel of the godly life anyway. The last two, which very clearly point forward to the Christian view that the only blood we consume is that of Christ, are also culturally offensive to Jews.

In the end, James is saying that God welcomes Gentiles and wishes them to look to Christ, trusting Him in word and deed, trying to avoid giving offense to their Jewish neighbors. A good word for us as well.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 11:27-12:5 - Lectionary for James the Elder

7/26/2021

7/26/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

We often wonder what in the world our government officials might be thinking. Some of the reasoning that comes out in the form of laws or emergency actions seems bizarre at best. Yet it is nothing new.

In Acts 12 Herod had James arrested and killed. Verse one suggests this action was more or less a test, to see what people would think. Because it was a popular action among the Jews, he then arrested Peter. By this method, possibly he could present Peter to the people after Passover. Perhaps they would decide Peter should die. If not, Herod could look like the good guy who stopped Peter from being executed.

Political pragmatism is almost always a bad idea. It leads to division among the people. It makes leaders appear weak. It plants doubt in the minds of the public, and of other leaders, whether policies are actually heartfelt, whether promises mean anything, and to what level a leader will stoop so as to get his own way.

James the brother of John was executed. Yet there were other Christians who were able to take his place among the leaders of the Christians in Jerusalem. God's kingdom can't be stopped so easily. Moved by the arrests, the Christians gathered together to pray. When Peter was released from prison by supernatural means, he went "to another place" which is not specified. No doubt, he took the Gospel with him. So did all the Christians emboldened by the work of God.

No, Christ's kingdom can't be stopped very easily. It is an everlasting kingdom. Though James lost his earthly life, he was instrumental in gaining a heavenly reward for many others.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 13:26-31 - Lectionary for Mary Magdalene

7/21/2021

7/21/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The apostle Paul, preaching in Antioch, said something extremely timely for us as well as for those in Antioch. In Acts 13:27 he observed that the people who heard the Scripture read every Sabbath in Jerusalem still didn't recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Because they didn't understand the Scriptures, they condemned Jesus to death.

Our world as a whole is living in darkness. They don't recognize that Jesus is the Messiah. They don't understand the Scriptures or take them into account in their thinking. For this reason, when confronted with ideas which are plainly present in Scripture, such as the reality and gravity of sin, the need for a substitute for sin, and the exclusivity of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, our world takes offense or scoffs at the simple Christian truth.

We miss what is revealed plainly. Our minds are darkened. We are not willing to see the truth.

However, to all who do see the truth, to all who receive the grace of God by faith in Jesus, He gives eternal life and salvation.

Salvation in Christ, as Paul describes it in Acts, is not based on our feelings. It is not a shot in the dark. It is something which God has described in detail through the Law and the Prophets, and which he brings to pass through the historical events surrounding Christ's death and resurrection.

We don't have to guess. Jesus has done what is needed for our salvation. Rather than guessing or hoping, we trust in the true events of Jesus' death and resurrection. They are for you and for me, just as they are for the saints in Antioch.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 15:1-21 - Lectionary for St. Peter and Paul, Apostles

6/21/2021

6/21/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

We recognize Acts chapter 15 as a foundational gathering in Church history. In this passage, which scholars generally date in the spring of the year 51, the question had arisen whether Gentiles could become Christians without first converting to Judaism. Additionally, it was unclear whether they would need to take on Jewish law and customs or not.

If we think about it, this was a really huge question. There was no known background for answering it. What would the people recognized as leader of the Christians, assembled in Jerusalem, do? Acts 15:2 and 15:6 both attest to there being a large amount of discussion and debate, and that the discussion involved significant disagreement. This was not a friendly picnic in the park.

Peter's experience at the household of Cornelius, recorded in Acts chapter 10, became very important in the discussion. Though we don't have a clear identification of what Paul and Barnabas brought to the table, Galatians suggests that the same kind of dispute drove them to Jerusalem for the consultation. Paul had been bringing the Gospel to non-Jewish people. They were believing and living as Christians, apart from the dietary customs and other cultural habits of Judaism.

What was the conclusion? Salvation can come to Gentiles, just as to Jews, regardless of their cultural differences. However, in the end of the decision, converts are cautioned to avoid a few things which would be culturally very offensive to Jews. This was to avoid burning bridges across the cultures which could bring people to Christ.

The decisions of Acts 15 are consistent with Old Testament precedent, by which people from any nation could join into Israel, God's covenant people. However, in the New Testament context, the association is done by trusting Jesus and receiving his grace through faith in him, rather than by changing cultural habits and following a series of laws.

God still calls people to himself. Salvation is still, and has always been, by God's grace, received by faith. We still do well to offer that grace to others, and to avoid erecting cultural barriers which would drive others away. We allow the Lord to convert people, changing them from inside out. We trust he is able to do it.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 13:13-26 - Lectionary for St. John the Baptist

6/16/2021

6/16/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

In Acts 13:13-26, the leaders of a synagogue, recognizing Paul as a guest who was an esteemed teacher, asked him if he had any exhortation for the people. So far, it was more or less standard procedure for worship in the synagogue. That all changed rather quickly.

Paul promptly reminded all the people gathered of the one most important element of their faith. God is able to rescue people who have fallen into bondage. This is the Lord's desire. Paul gave four examples, and through these, he brought the people to know that salvation through faith in Jesus is just like being rescued from captivity in Egypt.

Israel, in bondage in Egypt, was rescued through Moses. This event would immediately remind the attendees at the synagogue of the Pssover and the journey through the Red Sea. It was all about someone (a lamb) dying for them so they could be released and be brought out of death and into life. Paul then fast forwarded to Saul, who was used by God to rescue them from sin and bondage. However, Saul, the earthly king, was replaced by David, the godly one. God's promise to David was that a king would be on his throne forever. This was fulfilled in Jesus. He is the one ruling in the name of God, on the throne of David, and who is able to die in our place and rescue us from bondage.

Salvation is in Jesus, the one who gave himself as a substitute for our sin, dying so we would live. This is the Gospel. Paul went there right away. Jesus, the deliverer, was right there for the people.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3 - Lectionary for St. Barnabas, Apostle

6/9/2021

6/9/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Our reading in Acts 11 for the day of St. Barnabas introduces us to Barnabas, caling him "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (v. 24, ESV). Barnabas not only introduced Saul to the Christians in Antioch, later becoming a common traveling companion of Paul, he also served an important purpose among the earliest Christians. He was the one appointed by the leaders in Jerusalem to find out whether the reports of Hellenists believing on Jesus were true. At that time there was still considerable question whether non-Jewish people could actually become Christians. Barnabas verified that indeed they could.

In this way, Barnabas was the point man who represented to the whole Church that the Gospel was for all nations, regardless of whether they had previously been converted to Judaism. It was an incredibly important realization, which has motivated world mission to this day.

Yes, the Gospel is for everyone. There is no people group, no language, no ethnicity, no place of origin where it would be inappropriate to deliver the message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ!

The realization of Barnabas also prohibits Christians from any sort of racist or xenophobic attitudes. If people from every background are to receive the grace of God, they most certainly are to receive our kindness as we express the love God has shed on us through Christ.

May we have grace to be like Barnabas, seeing clearly what Christ has done in every nation!

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 8:14-17 - Lectionary for Pentecost Tuesday

6/2/2021

6/2/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The work of the Church is intended by God to call people to receive God's word. In Acts 8:14-17, the people of Samaria had received God's word. The apostles who were in Jerusalem wanted to be sure the Samaritans were in Christ. Apparently, in verse 16, the Samaritans had not shown some sign which was expected of those who had believed. The apostles laid hands on those Christians and they received the Holy Spirit. They showed the evidence the apostles could recognize.

We may not always recognize someone's trust in Jesus at first. It's very hard to read some people's reactions. This includes their reaction to the Gospel. We speak the truth of God. Some people hear. They might respond positively or not. And they might not let us know in any way we can identify.

Regardless, we do the same thing. We encourage them, we pray for them, we continue to care. The person who has heard the Gospel continues to hear. At some time, by God's grace, we hope to discern a positive response.

The Word of God and the Holy Spirit will not be hindered. God is working to draw all people to himself by the Gospel of Christ. He boldly proclaims forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God as a free gift. This is God's gift to the Samaritans and his offer to us as well.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 10:34a, 42-48 - Lectionary for Pentecost Monday

5/26/2021

5/26/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The events of Acts chapter 10 were earth-shattering to the early Christians. Peter and some other Christians, all from among "the circumcised," were brought to the household of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. They were in a setting which few devout Jews would enter. Not only was it bad form for Jews to enter into a Gentile household, but it would create ceremonial uncleanness. Gentiles could come to the Jews but it didn't work the other way around.

While Peter was telling Cornelius and his household about Jesus, the Holy Spirit fell on them. They began speaking in tongues, declaring God's praise (v. 46). The other Jewish Christians who were there were amazed as well. They really didn't know that the Holy Spirit would or could come to Gentiles, especially if they had not previously converted to Judaism.

The great discovery of this day was that God saves Jew and Gentile alike by his grace through faith in Jesus. He doesn't make any cultural requirement. You don't have to become Jewish in your outlook or behavior. People of every nation can be rescued from sin by trusting on Jesus. Even those of a pagan background, even those from a nation which has persecuted the Jews.

We can take hope in every age, then, that Jesus is just the same sort of savior. He has not neglected his people. He rescues them as they believe he is the savior. He turns all nations from their sin and toward his righteousness. And he welcomes them to the washing of baptism and the regeneration found in a life which looks toward Jesus' resurrection as our eternal hope.

Jesus comes to the household of Cornelius. He can come to your household, your workplace, your community. He is that great.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 1:1-11 - Lectionary for The Ascension of Our Lord

5/12/2021

5/12/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The first eleven verses of the book of Acts take the place of our Epistle reading for Ascension Day. Here, the author, presumed to be Luke, jumps right in with Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and the last interaction between him and his disciples before the ascension.

The disciples wanted to know if Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus' answer was rather cryptic. He pointed them to the coming of the Holy Spirit who would make them his witnesses. Then he ascended into heaven.

Has the kingdom been restored? In these last days, as we will be considering more during the season of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has come and we testify about what God has done in Christ. This testimony extends all around the world. God is calling people to himself, by grace, through faith, to receive his forgiving love. He rules over the world, but in an oblique way. He rules over his Church in a less oblique way. And He calls the Church to bring his good news of salvation to every nation.

When we pray, "thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven" we are acknowledging that God's kingdom is, indeed present. We want his reign to be evident among us as well. God is restoring the kingdom. Not to a political group, like Israel, but to his children, adopted by grace, living in Christ.

Even though the Holy Spirit has fallen upon the Church, we still pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in us, making us faithful witnesses to the resurrection, now and always, to every nation.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 - Lectionary for Easter Wednesday

4/27/2021

4/27/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Was I responsible for that? Some of the voices in our society push us to take responsibility for something done or not done by others. The sins of the fathers, or some distantly related group of people with ancestry on the same continent, come back to roost. Is this biblical?

In one sense it is. Peter, speaking to a crowd in Acts, blames the people for denying Christ, even though as a group they personally didn't do it. Yet it was precisely the kind of thing they would have done.

As a people, we humans are just the kind of people who would reject Jesus and put the Author of Life to death. Even though our hands were not involved, given the same circumstances, plenty of us would cooperate.

In the instance of Christ, God took what was evil and used it for good. Christ having been put to death, our sins were put to death as well. Christ being raised from the dead, we are raised to new life.

What's our response? The same as that of the crowd in Acts three. We repent. We turn to God. We find our sins wiped out. As Christ rose from the dead, we are raised to new life. This is the good news of God in Christ.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 13:26-33 - Lectionary for Easter Tuesday

4/25/2021

4/25/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

In Acts chapter 13 the apostle Paul brings the good news that God has worked salvation through Jesus. He is speaking to a Jewish audience here. It's really significant that in verse 27 he says that the Jews didn't understand what was written about Jesus.

The message of Scripture seems clear. God is going to rescue his people from sin by means of a substitute who will die in their place. Paul understood this to be Jesus, perfect man and perfect God.

The good news of God is easy to miss. Looking at it through Christian eyes it seems completely obvious. But it is not so clear to those who read or hear with only a natural understanding. Even the apostles, when told of the resurrection, didn't believe. How much more difficult is it for those who have never seen Jesus and hardly heard of him to believe?

Christ is raised from the dead. He is the one who gave his life for you and me. Perfect God, he is holy in every way. Perfect man, he is able to take the place of a man in death. He alone could take our sin upon himself and put it to death by his death.

The good news? He has risen from the dead and lives to raise us as well. So look to him, believe he is what he showed himself to be. Believe and live.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 10:34-43 - Lectionary for Easter Monday

4/21/2021

4/21/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

God shows no partiality. Here's one of those biblical statements, from Acts 10:34, that illustrates why I don't have a bumper sticker on my car. How do we take that idea of no partiality? Does it mean that anything goes? Not at all. The passage goes on to say that God's salvation is for every nation.

Despite salvation being available for all nations, verse 35 specifices that it is related to fearing God and doing right. And as the passage continues, fearing God is identified with recognizing Jesus as the one who rescues people from sin through his death and resurrection.

God shows no partiality. Everyone is welcome to be part of his kingdom, but it is a very specific kingdom. We don't get to make up the rules of how to come to God. We don't get to make up the rules of how one lives a godly life. This is completely impartial, at the discretion of God. But his rules never change.

God in Christ has opened the gates of life. All who believe him may enter and live in God's kingdom. He calls us to enter and walk by faith. In verse 43 we read that "everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (ESV).

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 1:15-26 - Lectionary for St. Matthias, Apostle

2/24/2021

2/24/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The job of identifying and calling a pastor to a local congregation often brings with it considerable labor, even heartache. We rightly ask what kind of character we are looking for. We wonder about experience, knowledge base, ability to teach, and willingness to learn and grow. We wonder if the person we will call is just right to fit into our congregation and community.

In Acts chapter one, the first place where the apostles ever are recorded as taking a passage of Scripture and interpreting it independently of Jesus' directions, the eleven decide that they need to select another apostle to complete the number Jesus had selected. They identify qualifications, then set about the task of selecting which person will be the replacement apostle.

How do they deal with the two candidates they have identified? They pray and they flip a coin. Both have been with Jesus since the start of his ministry. Both are witnesses of the resurrection. What will they decide?

In fact, they don't decide. The process of casting lots allows God to decide. They assume that the Lord will bring his will into the process of casting lots.

Matthias is a real apostle. He completes the number of twelve. We don't really hear much more about him. But he is a real apostle.

God can take people about whom we know relatively little and use them in our church and community, according to his good pleasure. While we would like to do our best to find the perfect match, we can realize that God knows our situation, inside and out, and that he will guide us in every way we need to go.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 20:28-35 - Lectionary for St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor

2/1/2021

2/1/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

In Acts 20:28-35 the apostle Paul speaks with a number of elders, encouraging them. They are due to face many challenges - "fierce wolves," "men speaking twisted things." We don't actually know if Titus, whose day we recognize on January 26, was among those elders. But we do know that Paul was speaking to men like Titus. These elders serve as pastors of congregations. They are the resident theologians, encouragers, prayer warriors, and leaders, making disciples to be like Jesus.

What is the work of a pastor like? It involves facing opposition, often the kind of opposition which will twist words, assume bad motives for good actions, and attempt to destroy the work of God. Paul reminds these elders that he has worked tirelessly to care for God's people. He has spoken to them from God's word. He has worked with his hands when needed to make ends meet, since the Christians have not always been able to support their leaders financially. His desire has been to provide Christians, any who will receive the Gospel, the words of forgiveness and eternal life, given freely by God's grace through Jesus.

In verse 35 he reminds us that the Lord says it is more blessed to give than to receive. When we give away the Gospel, the grace of God, we certainly don't lose anything. Rather, we are provided with God's encouragement.

It's a good thing to be a pastor. I would encourage any young man who has a desire to work with God's Word to consider whether the Lord would be calling him to be a pastor. It's a gift of God to be able to give to God's people. As Paul passed the torch on to younger pastors such as Timothy and Titus, we in this generation are seeking those who would be the pastors to the next generation. It's a wonderful calling.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 9:1-22 - Lectionary for the Conversion of St. Paul

1/27/2021

1/27/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The Church remembers the conversion of St. Paul on January 25. Our first reading for this commemoration is from Acts 9:1-22, the description of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.

Saul was hostile toward Christianity. He, along with the other Jewish leaders, considered it to be a violation of the Jewish understanding of God as one. They didn't consider Jesus to be the Messiah. For this reason, to guard what they saw as the purity of their faith, many were determined to crush the Christian movement.

In Acts chapter 9, Saul makes a trip from Jerusalem to Damascus with the intention of arresting and imprisoning Christians there. The ultimate goal would be to bring them to trial and have them executed. Saul had a reputation, apparently, for carrying out this process. When the Lord speaks with Ananias of Damascus in a vision, Ananias already knows that Saul is coming to town and is a danger.

In the midst of his anger, his furly against the Christians, Saul is confronted by the Lord, who sais he needs to stop his attacks on Christians. Convinced by this supernatural encounter, and blind as a result of the bright light he sees, Saul is led into Damascus by the hand and spends several days in prayer, waiting on further instructions from God.

Who comes? Ananias comes. He prays that Saul would receive his sight. Receiving his sight again, Saul arises and is baptized. He begins then to persuade people that Jesus is the Christ.

Most of us don't have such spectacular stories of our conversion. In fact, most of us were either raised in a Christian family and have believed Jesus as long as we have known, or we were convinced of Jesus by someone who brought us Biblical arguments at some point in our lives. The Holy Spirit doesn't just go around knocking people down and confronting them. He is able to, but it isn't the way most people learn of the Gospel.

Yet all Christians, like Paul (Saul's Greek name, and the name we know him better by), are called to bring Jesus with them into every part of life. We are to be guided by the Holy Spirit and to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. We bring the message of Jesus and his redemptive love to those around us, whether in Damascus, Jerusalem, or your home town.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 16:1-5 - Lectionary for Timothy, Pastor and Confessor

1/23/2021

1/23/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The Church recognizes Timothy, Pastor and Confessor, on January 24. In Acts 16:1-5 we get a glimpse into Timothy's discipleship. The apostle Paul apparently knew the family, or at least was introduced to them by some of the Christian community in the area where Timothy lived. Paul wanted him to go along and collaborate in some ministry work. He took him, had him circumcised, and brought Timothy with him on his journey. There are several things I'd like us to notice about this.

First, Timothy had a good report (Acts 16:2). People already thought well of Timothy. He was a Christian and apparently was serious about his commitment to Christ.

Second, Timothy's father was a Greek, apparently not a Christian, since Luke makes the point of contrast between his mother, a Christian, and his father, a Greek (v. 1). Nobody at that point had a long history of Christianity in the family, but Timothy only had one parent who was a Christian. Yet he could be called and used by God.

Third, we have no mention of Timothy's education. While I think highly of a solid seminary education, and endorse that by dedicating a good bit of my time to teaching seminary students, there was no such system available at that time. Paul, the mature Christian leader, took Timothy along with him and gave him the training he needed. It amazes me what a low opinion we seem to have of local pastors and teachers. Rather than expecting that they will assist all who desire to learn the fundamentals of their craft, we expect that the pastor of a church will help people mark time in the pews until, if they show great promise, they will be sent to seminary so they can learn their way around the Bible. Why do we not rather assume that any godly man will become comfortable with making disciples, starting with his family and moving in circles outward, and that those who take to it most easily will enroll for seminary classes because they are confident that God wishes to use them as pastors?

Finally, we have to notice that Paul has Timothy circumcised so as not to be offensive to the Jews in the community. While Paul doesn't seem to think circumcision is important to the Christian life, he does think that creating offense is a decidedly bad thing. We cooperate with cultural norms when we can so as to avoid offending those who need to hear the Gospel.

This was likely a lesson to Timothy as well. By complying with the cultural expectation, Timothy could gain a hearing from the Jews in the community. He could tell them that Jesus had paid for their sins without trying to overcome the suspicion that he was trying to convert the Jews into Gentiles.

As we make disciples, then, we recognize that not all will have a noble pedigree. We take people right where they are and help them know the Scripture and the God of the Bible ever better, enabling them to love and serve their neighbors with precisely the Gospel message they need - that Jesus has taken away the sin problem and delivers eternal life by his grace through trust in him.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 4:8-13 - Lectionary for Confession of Peter

1/19/2021

1/19/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

On January 18 the Church remembers Peter's confession, the time when the apostle Peter articulated the idea that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. This was certainly a bold statement, as it went against all the Jewish sensibilities of fiercly guarding the orthodox and true statement that God is one. He had no way of understanding the idea of God as three persons of one substance, one in essence and being. Yet he knew Jesus was saying and doing the things that pertained to God.

In Acts chapter four, when Peter and John were being tried before the Jewish court of elders and chief priests, Peter's confession remained the same. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, who has performed the work of healing on a disabled man. Peter and John didn't do it. Jesus did it.

It seems every time I turn around someone is saying that the early Christian leaders were grasping for power and authority, seeking to govern people's lives, and creating a climate of oppression that would bring glory and honor to themselves. That's an interesting theory, but it falls flat when it works with passages like this one. Peter and John specifically affirmed that they were not the men in power. They didn't want power. They claimed no responsibility for God's goodness poured out through them. Whatever the good deed, they didn't do it. Christ, working through them, did it.

As Christians, called to confess that Jesus is the Christ, God the Son, the savior of the world, how should we live in light of this attitude held by Peter and John? We also confess that we are simply obedient servants, praying for those in need, hoping to rejoice in God's provision for their needs. Whatever our abilities, whatever our resources, whatever our position of authority, we recognize that God is the one who is working all the good that may be done in this world.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51–60 - Lectionary for St. Stephen, Martyr

12/24/2020

12/24/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The power of God's Word is amazing. In Acts chapter six Stephen was doing no more than speaking the truth. The Holy Spirit was working in him and he was doing miraculous things, all by the Holy Spirit to confirm the Word of God he was speaking. Those powerful acts were capturing attention. They were also stirring up discord. The holy ones among the Jews, seeing the works, and hearing the proclamation of God's truth, wanted Stephen stopped. He was not understanding the Scripture in the same way they were. So they set a trap, which was successful in bringing Stephen before the Jewish court.

I notice today a very interesting question, found in Acts 7:1. "Are these things true?" The court actually wants to know what Stephen has been saying and doing. The deceptive witnesses gathered against him were telling falsehoods about Stephen, about Jesus' claims, and the goals of the Christians. "Are these things true?"

If we were to make this into a movie today, sadly, the Scripture would likely be twisted. Stephen would go on trial. The high priest, confronted with his misunderstanding of Scripture and his unbelief, and plagued by his dysfunctional family, would believe Stephen (oh, wait, it better be Stephanie) and would repent. The whole court would be converted and Stephanie would become the religious leader everyone would trust. Maybe her boyfriend would even believe!

The truth claims in God's Word don't always work out that way. Stephen proceeds to tell the truth. He explains the history of Israel and how it all leads up to Jesus as the Messiah. The truth so inflames the court that they move right into judgment, have Stephen stoned, and bring him to his eternal destiny earlier than he and his family might have expected.

In the end, though, Stephen is completely unharmed. He becomes a heroic figure in the early Church. He sees Jesus welcoming him. The incident, at which Saul of Tarsus was present, sets Luke up to tell about the work of the Holy Spirit in Saul. God's Word is spread and the number of converts far exceeeds those people involved in the trial.

When we tell the truth we might stir up some disputes. Some who ask us to explain ourselves really only want to bring us to court, at least a court in which they act as the judge, jury, and executioner. It's fine. We tell the truth anyway. After all, if we believe Jesus really carried our sin and guilt and defeated death on our behalf, what do we have to fear? There's no harm that can befall us. Just like Stephen, we recognize that truth is truth. We speak and act in accord with it. We believe the Holy Spirit is able to work through the Word of God and accomplish His will. Our job, like that of Stephen, is simply to be faithful.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 2:1-21 - Lectionary for Pentecost Sunday

5/27/2020

5/27/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Apocalyptic. For some reason, that’s become a popular descriptor of unpopular situations. Plagues, famines, earthquakes, tidal waves, acts of war. Apocalyptic. Dare I mention . . . no, better not. Everyone’s been talking about that for the last two weeks to flatten the curve.

In Acts chapter two, the disciples start speaking of the glories of God. The people from many different nations, cultures, and language groups, all gathered in Jerusalem because of their desire to be present for the feast of Pentecost, hear them speaking in their native languages, from all around the region. God is communicating with them all about his glory, telling them about it in the language dear to their hearts, the language in which they dream.

Is it necessary for God to provide this gift so they would understand? Yes and no. Notice when Peter explains it to them, he does not seem to have the gift operating. He is heard from them in the very language in which he speaks, and he is understood. The people can understand what is happening. They didn’t need a translator. But they did need an interpreter.

How often are we confronted with God’s glory, his majesty, his works of mercy, and we fail to notice? We don’t need a translator, but we do need an interpreter. We need to be kicked in the shins and told to look at how Jesus is working a miracle when a baby is brought for baptism. We need someone to tug on our ears and remind us to listen up to the reading of God’s Word because he will create faith through it. Our minds wander in prayer and we need someone to catch our attention and tell us, once again, that this is a real live chance to bring our needs before God and that He is listening. We need that interpreter to tell us about the times.

Sometimes, though, we realize that the situation is apocalyptic. It is going to lead to an unveiling of God, which will bring a final judgment. We still need the interpreter for this. Some of the people in Jerusalem who were having faith created in their hearts by God’s Word were fearful about the time of the end. Some people in our culture are as well. Notice I used the term “apocalyptic” only for things we would consider to be terribly destructive? What does Peter have to say about them?

They are frightening, yes. But they are part of God bringing his people to himself at the end of time, gathering them as a mighty community from every place and every age, showing them that they are partakers of his mercy and grace, that nothing can harm them in the end. Peter gives apocalyptic signs as signs of hope.

In this coming season of Pentecost, may we have grace to watch for Jesus’ gracious presence and the signs of his coming. It will be a time to see!

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 2:14a, 22-36 - Lectionary for Trinity C

6/12/2019

6/12/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

On Trinity Sunday we regularly make special notice of the Trinity - one God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our passage from Acts 2:22-36 does just this. Father, Son, and Spirit are presented in unity but with different roles. The roles are not a sign of different ranks or values. They merely represent different activities.

Here we find the Father showing works that affirm who the Son is and explore his deity. He raises the Son from the dead. He promises that the Christ will sit on David’s throne. He sends the Holy Spirit through the Son. The Father is God, acting in this role.

In our passage we also see the Son, having brought forth miraculous works, being crucified, killed, and raised from the dead, remarkably passive roles. However, having received “the promise of the Holy Spirit” (v. 33b, ESV), he then sends the Holy Spirit upon the believers. The Son is God, acting in this role.

Finally, we see the Holy Spirit, who, poured out on the discipoles, has provoked them to declare God’s mighty works in the native languages of the many onlookers, even though the discipoles themselves didn’t know those languages. The Spirit is God, acting in this role.

One God in three persons appears in this passage. The purpose is the same - to make much of God’s glory among all nations. This is the work of God.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 2:1-21 - Lectionary for Pentecost C

6/5/2019

6/5/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In Genesis 11 we read about the confusion of languages and the scattering of the nations. At that time, because the people were proclaiming their own glory and seeking their will to be enforced, God threw them into confusion. In their confusion they would be hindered in the attempt to take dictatorial power in the world. Now, in Acts 2:1-21, God puts the languages and peoples back together. The disciples, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, are proclaiming God’s works, rather than their own works. The people, from many nations, hear God’s glory in their own languages. This speaking in tongues tells the people of God’s restoration.

Rather than being separated by language and culture, the nations are now drawn together by God’s mighty works, which are the same in every land and for every people, regardless of language. The message of sin and redemption applies to everyone.

In these last days, then, we proclaim Christ crucified for sinners, received by faith. The Lord has given His Holy Spirit to call people from every nation to hear and believe him.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 1:12-26 - Lectionary for Easter 7C

5/27/2019

5/27/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

I recently read a passage in a New Testament commentary which made a passing reference to the idea of twelve apostles. The commentator made an unfortunate oversight by questioning whether, with Judas gone, both Paul and Barnabas should be included. In our first reading for this week, from Acts 1:12-26, the apostles and the others with them, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, select Matthias, who can certainly be included. Of course, we hear nothing more of Matthias through the rest of the New Testament.

Really, this is all right. Our culture seems intent on making people famous and considering the obscure members of society as unimportant. I have friends and family members who seem to revel in citing musicians and artists I have never heard of, as well as tracking scientific developments particularly by women and minorities, perhaps considering that more important than the actual discovery. And I confess to being personally interested in numerous people who might easily be considered “also-rans.” But in general we would like to think that importance and notoriety should go together.

What’s Matthias’ status? He has a part in the apostleship because he was selected as a faithful eyewitness. It seems a simple qualification. It could happen almost accidentally. But he is selected and called to be faithful with the message of Christ crucified for sinners. We don’t know the extent of his ministry. He has little fame or recognition, but he has a part in the work of God.

Like Matthias, all who bear the Gospel are witnesses. The Lord can use our humble abilities, even our presence which may seem accidental, to preserve and advance his word and work in our world.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 16:9-15 - Lectionary for Easter 6C

5/20/2019

5/20/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In Acts 16:9-10, we are told of a striking surprise. Although we often think of the New Testament period as one in which God moves supernaturally, with miracles around every cornder, this is not actually the normal pattern. God’s people see his presence in what they are doing, but not this way. In a night vision Paul ses and hears a Macedonian man calling for help. If this were not an important and surprising event it would not have been mentioned. More often the Lord directs us through circumstances, desires, people in our lives, and, of course, through His Word.

How did Paul respond? Of course, he and his associates went to Macedonia. But what help did they bring? This was informed, not by the vision, but by the Scripture. They brought God’s Word, the gospel of Christ crucified for sinners, to the people they visited. The message and overall work of Paul was not changed by this vision, only the location.

This urges me to ask a question of myself and others with specific callings to ministry. What are we called to do as Christian pastors, teachers, or evangelists? we are called to bring Jesus’ words of life to others. So what of Paul’s vision? That told him where, not what or how. When the Lord sends me a vision telling me to go to Macedonia, I will go. Otherwise, wherever I am will do just fine. The mission never changes. Jesus’ work to reconcile the world to God remains the same, no matter where we are.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 20:17-35 - Lectionary for Easter 4C

5/6/2019

5/6/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our first reading for the fourth Sunday of Easter is from Acts 20:17-35, where Paul the apostle speaks some final words to the elders in Ephesus, the last time he ever expects to see them. We realize upon a close reading of Acts that the city of Ephesus was not originally friendly to Christians. It was a dangerous place, as recently as Acts chapter 19. But by this time there are even multiple elders.

Paul does give some warnings. In Acts 20:29-30 he speaks of those who would resist Christ as “savage wolves.” They will deceive the people and turn them against the Gospel. However, in verse 32, he expresses confidence that God’s Word can keep His people.

Our contemporary culture tries to turn people against the Gospel. We could well say there are savage wolves surrounding us. In much of Western Christianity the attacks take the form of demands that Christians should act and think just like those who would deny Christianity in the name of “reason,” “progress,” or some such thing. The attacks are there, hammering away at Christian teaching.

Christians today, like the apostle Paul, need to stand firm against these attacks. If in fact Jesus has atoned for our sin, both sin and the atonement are definitive facts. If Jesus has risen from the dead, as was recognized without a reasonable doubt in the time when eyewitnesses abounded, he has shown himself not to be overcome by death. If the Gospel is worth dying for, as the apostles uniformly testified, there is no reason to act so as to preserve our reputation, position, or even our life. We stand for Christ, the one who gave himself for us.

Will we be faithful to God’s call through Paul? “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock” (Acts 20:28a). Especially elders, the shepherds of hte people, care for the flock God has given them. There will be opposition, but it is not to be feared.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 9:1-22 - Lectionary for Easter 3C

4/29/2019

4/29/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our first reading for this week, from Acts 9:1-22, describes the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, better known to us by his Greek name, Paul. He was turned from a career persecuting Christians to one of proclaiming Christ’s forgiveness. In verse 16, the Lord tells Ananias, who prayed for Saul, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (ESV).

Recently I have heard from many people who claim to be dedicated to proclaiming Christ. As these are mostly people I have never met before and will not be able to speak with at any length, I must take them at face value. We will assume they know the Christ and that he has called them to their work. However, I often wonder if they are prepared for the suffering they will endure. Saul was rejected by his own colleagues. He accepted a call to obey God rather than man. He endured hardship, imprisonment, torture, and, finally, death at a relatively early age, all because he was willing to proclaim that salvation is only by grace through faith, and not of our works. This message was counter-cultural. Rather than teaching people to strive for the things of this age and this world, Christians seek God’s kingdom as the goal above all else.

In our current world, when far and wide we see people seking political and cultural solutions to their problems, Christians are widely scorned and, in my nation, increasingly under attack. We look at our world’s problems differently than the secular establishment. We hope and plan for eternity, knowing that, even though we care for our planet and its residents, earthly solutions to eternal problems will never work. We have the audacity to hope in a God outside ourselves. So we are often under attack by a world that has very different priorities.

Do you wish to minister to Christ’s people, like the apostle? Prepare to suffer. Prepare to walk with Christ to death. And look right through that suffering and death to the resurrection that our Lord has promised. All these trials are temporary. God’s kingdom lasts forever.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.