Jesus Creed

Jesus Creed

Acts and Mission 48

posted by Scot McKnight | 11:47am Thursday October 22, 2009

PaulRemb.jpgLuke ties off the end of chp 12 with subtle words, but words that indicate that God is in charge and God’s mission will move forward — even if it means death of God’s special servants, like James, and corrupt leaders who opposed God’s mission. Here are Luke’s words:

Acts 12:24     But the word of God continued to increase and spread.  25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark. 

There are some transitions here: James will assume leadership in Jerusalem in that Peter has departed. Paul, aka Saul, will assume centrality in the Book of Acts, and Barnabas, whom we have seen before, and John Mark, whose house is where Peter gave his last witness before departing, will be Paul’s companion (for awhile).


The Jerusalem persecution and death-of-Herod scene leads to the growth of God’s Word: persecution prompts growth because it tests God’s people and draws them closer.

And now we resume where we left off with Saul and Barnabas in chp 11 — and their charge to deliver funds to the poor in Jerusalem. So, when Saul and Barnabas show up here they are returning from their mission to deliver funds …


Acts 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.  2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 

In Antioch, a city at the cusp of the Land of Israel in many folks’ minds… The prophets and teachers were together; they were worshiping; they were fasting. God’s Spirit — who prompts the mission of God in this world and in the Book of Acts — speaks to separate Barnabas and Saul (note order) to the mission God has for them. 


Here we go… Saul is about to have is name change in this narrative and it times with his public mission to the Gentiles.


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posted October 23, 2009 at 4:43 am


Before redemption,there are many persecutions and sacrifices made,many lives have been losts,and a lot of abuse of the people who are sent by God to carry on His will into this world.His only Son Jesus Christ have shed His precious blood to redeem us,and those who believed in His name and claims the blood will surely get saved.The people like Saul have another name because the name you bear should be in tuned with the service or vocation you are doing in this life,in the kind of life God wants to direct you into,if you let Him take charge or take over you.Whenever we are willing to change our name in line with service or anything we choose to call us,we can always make it a choice to change our name whenever.But,it’s always God’s will to make even the simplest thing to happen in your life,and if we allow His perfect will to happen,it shall happen.By faith,Hope and Love to God,anything and everything is possible,and the name above all names,we can always claim,in Jesus name,we are made perfect.



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