Acts chapter 13

Isn't it funny how easy it is to drop a habit after just a day or two of not doing it?

vs 11

Woah. I mean, that is just totally mega. This is not something anyone would ever do today. This is the second curse to be called down on someone in the name of God. Peter cursed Simon the sorcerer, remember? We simply do not do this stuff. Is that because it doesn't fit us culturally? Or because we don't feel we're allowed?

vs 12

This verse is worded very interestingly. It involves both seeing the reality and power of Christ in blinding the magician, but also being amazed at the teaching of the belief as well. Interesting combination. But the way it says it almost suggests he believed once he had seen the power, because of the teaching.

vs 13

Bit of a travel update. Interesting that we hear nothing more of the proconsul. Paul and Barnabas did their work, and moved on. John Mark also left them at this time, who knows why.

vs 14

As you would, I assume. Notice the unity that existed - Pisidian Antioch had 1 synagogue. Now I am sure that wasn't because of a deeply felt unity among the Jews. I bet it was because the government allowed only 1 synagogue, and so you either went there or went nowhere. Could do wonders for Christianity.

vs 15

A bit like an old school Brethren church - having visitors speak. Although in Brethren churches they waited for the Spirit to convict you! Even in synangoges the leaders just asked you.

vs 16

This verse alone tells us that some gentiles worshipped in synagogues. Probably as proselytes. I love "motioned with his hand". We're not given any idea of what he motioned. It just brings to mind the broad, sweeping motion of one beginning an oratory.

vs 17

Wow. That was a hugely simplified summary. Awesome. We just went from Genesis through Exodus in 1 verse.

vs 18

This takes us right through to Deuteronomy.

vs 19

Joshua.

vs 20

450 years in three verses, then Judges covered in this one verse. But you can see, both here and in earlier speeches given in Acts the need for historical summaries. The jews were never keen on forgetting their history. We love forgetting ours. Can you imagine trying to fit 2000 years of Christian history into the beginning of every sermon? I might try starting to do that, just in my next few sermons. And obviously going very quickly - 3 sentences per 450 years.