An Open Mind

Read Acts 8:1–12:25

4. Peter told them exactly what had happened.
5. “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me.
6. When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of small animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds.
7. And I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’
8. ‘No, Lord,’ I replied. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean.’
9. But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’” Acts 11:4-9

Pulling off a surprise party takes the street smarts of a big-city detective and the logistical skill of an army general. Weeks of planning can crumble at any minute, but if done right, the moment of sweet surprise finally comes.

For the early church, the surprises keep coming. This reading contains some unique ones, including Philip’s encounter with an Ethiopian official, Peter’s vision, and Paul’s conversion. Not all of the surprises are good, however—in particular, the church’s persecution. But through it all, these first believers learn how powerful God is and how big their mission field has grown.

As you read, be alert for God’s surprises, in the text but also in your life and church.

The introduction of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the church was a struggle. Up until this point, all the believers were Jews. When Peter brought the news that a Gentile named Cornelius had become a believer in Christ, the believers in Jerusalem were shocked and didn’t know how to respond. But Peter said that God had overcome his objections and led him to Cornelius. In fact, God had given Cornelius the Holy Spirit—proof of salvation. After Peter’s colleagues heard the whole story, they praised God and accepted this new development as great news (Acts 11:2-18).

As this incident shows, conflict with other Christians may arise over important issues. When this happens, we should guard ourselves against the bias of our initial reaction. We need to listen and speak respectfully, not jump to conclusions.

Before judging the behavior of fellow believers, let them tell their side of the story. The Holy Spirit may have something important to teach you through them.