Acts 11-13

Chapter 11-Isn’t it interesting how Luke re-writes the exact same story as in Chapter 10 about the animals on the sheet? Do you get the impression that is an important story? I think for the Jewish people-it obviously was. The whole issue of clean food is such a HUGE part of life still today for the Jewish people. This passage is the very spot in the Bible where we---the non-jews---are ‘officially’ invited to the party in heaven! Woohoo!!

Chapter 12-This chapter is bookend-ed by deaths. At the beginning, James (the brother of John) is killed by King Herod. I think it’s the first account of one of the 12 apostles being martyred. Then, at the end of the chapter, King Herod is struck dead by an angel. I think the lesson is clear---don’t mess with the 12 apostles!!! Or is it--don’t think yourself greater than GOD?!?! Either way---Herod messed up big time! Of course, this chapter also has the cool story of Peter’s daring jail break with yet another angel. Isn’t Rhoda a great name for a girl who gets all excited and forgets to let Peter in off the street?

Chapter 13-Barnabas and Saul (whose name changes in this chapter to Paul) set out on their mission trip. I can’t imagine teaching the gospel, getting rave reviews & saving lots of people, and then getting kicked out of town by the leaders. Crazy! Sounds like the leaders aren’t very in touch with the people, but that’s a political discussion we won’t have here!!!!


Jim Bales
April 9