Slices
Prepare
Have you been misunderstood, even as you tried faithfully to do the right thing? Bring any hurts before our compassionate Father.
Bible passage
Paul’s arrival at Jerusalem
17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: ‘You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.’
26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.
Explore
After the prophecies, arriving safely in Jerusalem (v 17) would be a blessed relief. The assembly of leaders enable Paul to share his testimony of God’s blessing over his ministry. Jesus’ brother James is there, too, to join in the celebration of considerable numbers of Gentiles turning to faith (v 20). The mood is upbeat.
Next come discussions on belonging – how new believers from a non-Jewish background will identify and be seen as Christians without the deep understanding of the Law or customs held dear by Jews. Paul’s teachings have evidently been misunderstood or misrepresented by some authorities (v 21), with the elders keen to learn how to address this ‘fake news’.
‘What shall we do?’ (v 22) remains a question asked in the church when confronted with people from differing backgrounds and perspectives. The ways we respond individually and collectively are important. Paul takes a pragmatic, compassionate step, taking time out to undergo ‘purification rites’ with the four men who had made a vow to God. His personal salvation doesn’t require any additional steps, but he acts with empathy towards the new Christians and to demonstrate solidarity (v 26). What unnecessary, extravagant actions can we take to embody love?
Respond
How we can extend authentic hospitality to newcomers in church, even when they may be visibly or behaviourally ‘different’? Let’s demonstrate fully what being a Jesus-follower means.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Chronicles 24–27; Galatians 3
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for Revealing Jesus Pioneer Kate Cope as she supports Faith Guides in the Nottinghamshire area, helping them discern how best to disciple children and young people without church backgrounds. Pray that the Faith Guides will have growing confidence as they serve their local communities.
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