October 19, 2019: SOAP #3607:  Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10-11

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 11:2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened…

Acts (KJV) 11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying…

Observation:  Peter was a Jew and had been raised as a Jew.  He knew the restrictions on mixing with non-Jewish people. When the Holy Spirit told Peter to go with the men asking for him (Acts 10:19), He left out one detail—they were Gentiles!!!   Would Peter break the tradition and obey God’s clear instruction OR would he keep the tradition and refuse God’s instruction?

Peter went.  The Holy Spirit filled the Gentiles the same way He filled the Jewish believers on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4).  Here in Acts 11, Peter explained to the other Jewish disciples as to why he broke the tradition.  It is not difficult to understand why Peter “explained everything to them precisely” and “expounded it by order.”

Application:  Last night I was at two middle school football games.  A gentleman in the bleachers asked about my cap with “Navy Corpsman” and the symbol of the Third Marine Division.  (In Viet Nam I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman assigned to Golf Company 2/4, Third Marine Division.)  Giving “precise” answers and “expounding it by order” gave opportunity to show the work of God in directing my life.  Many things in my life make no sense if I leave God out of the story!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, there are so many things in my life that have no purpose or reason if not considered in the light of Your involvement.  You are the reason, my sustainer, and my shield of protection.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!