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Commentary on "Let the Church Know"
Day 6: Thursday, June 14, 2012 - Giving Him the Glory
Point 1: The author encourages members not to worry about boasting if they turn in successful reports.
Point 2: Peter's report saves the day. In Acts 11:1-18, when Peter went to Jerusalem he was taken to task for associating with Gentiles at Cornelius' s house—since they stayed with them for a few days (Acts 10:48), God's vision & commands to Peter were doubly impressive (yes, they would have had to eat the Gentile food). Jews weren't even to visit Gentiles (Acts 10:28).
Anyway, the author emphasizes Peter's report: "...as a result of Peter's report to the Jerusalem church, the criticism ceased..." Well, yes, but it was the CONTENT of the report. Peter's witness to these critical men is explained fully in both chapters 10 & 11. Why did Peter go to a Gentile house in the first place?
"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." (Acts 10:19& 20)
"The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them." (Acts 11:12)
When Peter arrived in Caesarea, He began to speak to all those assembled there, witnessing to the risen Jesus.
"They killed Him by hanging Him on a tree, but God raised Him from the dead on the third day and caused Him to be seen.....we ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead...All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." (11:39-43)
While Peter was still saying these words about Christ, "...the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message." (10:44) "Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
It is amazing that nowhere in this entire lesson did the author even mention any of this. Scripture tells us of very specific instructions by God, the Holy Spirit, His "pouring out on the Gentiles, and of Peter's comment in Acts 10: 47b that the Gentiles had "received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
Today's lesson statistics:
SOURCE OF POWER FOR SUCCESSFUL WITNESSING AND CHURCH GROWTH |
REPORTING: MENTIONED 10 TIMES |
RELYING ON THE HOLY SPIRIT: NOT MENTIONED |
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