These last two days can either be used for catch up or reflection. Let's ask a few questions in reflection about the book of Acts.
What was the BIG idea that Luke was trying to convey through the book of Acts?
There are a lot of BIG ideas in Acts. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the growth of the church, the theology of what church is, the theology of missions, etc. But I think that what Luke wanted you to get from his writings was this. It's all good. Through the good times and the bad, Jesus never abandoned His people. He never failed them. He always had their best interests in mind. He was always reaching to those who had never accepted Him. We see a picture of success, but not from our point of view, from Christ's. The growth and expansion of the church was a natural byproduct of a healthy church that pursued Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and spirit.
Was like fairer for these followers of Jesus than those who didn't follow Christ?
The short answer is no. Look at Paul. What was fair about being beaten, stoned and flogged? What was fair about Stephen being martyred or any of the countless others who gave their life for their faith in Jesus? For some reason people think that if they follow Christ life will be easier. I suppose in many ways it is. You don't have to fear death and you know that Jesus will never leave you. But we get disillusioned when life doesn't cooperate with us. Luke paints for us a picture of followers whose relationship with Jesus is more valuable than their comfort or personal plans.
What happened to Paul?
The Bible doesn't tell us how Paul died. Church history/tradition believes that he was beheaded by Nero. Some also believe that Nero let him go and Paul traveled to Spain. However, we would probably have some evidence of that.
What was the BIG idea that Luke was trying to convey through the book of Acts?
There are a lot of BIG ideas in Acts. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the growth of the church, the theology of what church is, the theology of missions, etc. But I think that what Luke wanted you to get from his writings was this. It's all good. Through the good times and the bad, Jesus never abandoned His people. He never failed them. He always had their best interests in mind. He was always reaching to those who had never accepted Him. We see a picture of success, but not from our point of view, from Christ's. The growth and expansion of the church was a natural byproduct of a healthy church that pursued Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and spirit.
Was like fairer for these followers of Jesus than those who didn't follow Christ?
The short answer is no. Look at Paul. What was fair about being beaten, stoned and flogged? What was fair about Stephen being martyred or any of the countless others who gave their life for their faith in Jesus? For some reason people think that if they follow Christ life will be easier. I suppose in many ways it is. You don't have to fear death and you know that Jesus will never leave you. But we get disillusioned when life doesn't cooperate with us. Luke paints for us a picture of followers whose relationship with Jesus is more valuable than their comfort or personal plans.
What happened to Paul?
The Bible doesn't tell us how Paul died. Church history/tradition believes that he was beheaded by Nero. Some also believe that Nero let him go and Paul traveled to Spain. However, we would probably have some evidence of that.
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