Pastor John Wright

Okay, it's finals week; after grading 50 book summaries of Jesus and Community, you'd be making bad puns too. Yet amidst such adventures, I've spent some time looking at the end of Acts 9, and become intrigued.

I'll have to check this with my colleague, Tom Phillips, who is an Acts scholar, but it seems to me that Acts 9:31 begins a new literary unit that runs all the way until 12:1 when a new persecution breaks out against the church. While scholars tend to see Acts organized by the spreading of the gospel (Acts 1:8), it seems that periods of persecution and rest also structure the events of the narrative. If this is so, Acts 9:31 provides an introduction to a whole narrative of life within the church following the close of the persecution that broke out against the church following Stephen's stoning. In some sense, this era begins and ends with Saul. The new interval is one when the church dwells in peace. The passages make clear that dwelling in peace is a good thing for the church. Because of the nature of the "Way", this seems not necessarily be the norm, and therefore, it is not a time to stand still.

V. 31: What is it that peace for the church allows? The word "edified" or "built up" has a sense of household management. Why would the text mention the fear of God? What would be the comfort of the Holy Spirit? What is the deal of mixing fear of God and the comfort of the Spirit? Are these contradictory or not? You might want to check out Proverbs 1:7.

Vv. 32-35: Why would Peter's visit to "the saints in Lydda" lead him to a man, paralyzed for eight years? Why are they not the Lyddian saints, but the saints who dwell in Lydda? What happens?

Perhaps you'd like to check Mark 2:1-12. How does this story shed light on the story of Peter and Aeneas? What was the result for the church? Why? What is the cause of people entering the church during this time of peace?

Vv. 36-43 tell the story of Peter and Tabitha (little girl) or Dorcas. Describe the character of Dorcas from the description of her and those who react to the mention of her death. Maybe think of Mike Patterson, and discuss your experience there. Why would the women show Peter the garments that she had made (v. 39)? What is the point? How does Peter recessitate her?

It might be good to read the story from Mark 5:38-43. What are the similarities and differences between the stories? Given these similarities and differences, what does it mean that Peter raised her, "in the name of Jesus"?

Now return to the introductory statement. What takes place while the church has peace? Why? Why is it that the church, even today, can witness more visibly to the kingdom when it is at peace, internally and externally? Why is it important for us to sustain the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit during such times?

Have a wonderful evening! I'm hopeful to be blogging a little more very soon.