Part II was Acts 4-7
Part III was Acts 8-11 (This week).
Part IV will be Acts 12-15 (Next week).
That's right, we are really in the swing of Acts in Midweek. Here are a couple thoughts about Peter's dream and experience with Cornelius.
1. It took a vision repeated 3 times for God to break through Peter's prejudice. That must mean prejudice is rooted very deep in a man's heart. Even for an apostle.
2. Prejudice is based on a lack of knowledge and experience with people who have a different perspective than we have. Therefor we all have it.
3. Prejudice is hard to identify within our selves because the very concept is based on a lack of knowledge and/or experience. We should seek to reduce prejudice when we recognize it. We do this by getting to know people different from ourselves.
4. Sometimes the idea of being a "Chosen people" has caused prejudice to develop.
5. Does God still have a chosen people and if so how might they remain untainted by prejudice?
Conclusion: God does have a chosen people, but they are not based upon race or even religion. God's chosen people today are those who have truly chosen Him and endeavor to continue to do so.
Unfortunately we didn't get to some other really interesting topics in the section:
- The conversion of Saul to Paul and the obedience of Ananias the prophet. (He got up and went).
- The conversion of the eunuch who Phillip stumbled upon by the spirit.
- The "beaming up" of Phillip. Now that's a weird one.
Best,
e
