BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

As a people group, Israel traces its identity back to Abraham and his first instructions from God to ultimately bless every family, or “nation,” on Earth (Gen. 12:2-3). To be Israel was to live this way with God.

Along the way, as all people do, they lose sight of God’s instructions. They start thinking God chose them not to bless others, but to dominate others like superiors. It’s not for cruel or disruptive behavior that Peter gets yelled at by the religious elite. It’s for loving and welcoming people he’s supposed to stay away from.

Our previous reading, in Acts 10, showed Peter’s dream about God’s impartial love messing him up in the best way. Peter is now seeing that life in God’s way is about blessing others always, without favoritism. Or, like Jesus said, loving neighbors as ourselves.

Meanwhile, people are proclaiming Jesus in the bustling city of Antioch. Jesus’ good news takes root. People, Jew and Gentile alike, start becoming those who belong to Jesus’ way of life.

But trouble is brewing. For the first time, the leaders strike down one of the chosen 12 disciples who walked with Jesus. Herod Agrippa, trying to thwart the Jesus movement with a show of force, executes James. We miss Luke’s story if we focus only on the inspiring moments about spiritual growth and gospel expansion. Jesus’ words “you must bear your own cross” are echoing louder as the story unfolds.

Yes, good things are happening. But “good” is being redefined as “love for all” rather than “pleasure for me.” The blood and suffering of Jesus’ disciples mark pain that only love produces. Therefore, they become symbols no less beautiful than Jesus’ own blood.

Near the end of our reading, Herod Agrippa mistakes his power for godlike privilege and claims glory reserved only for God. He displays this selfish pride, then falls dead. Meanwhile, Jesus’ selfless love marches on as his partners continue establishing his Kingdom everywhere they go.

Reflection Questions

• Can you think of another man arrested during Passover? (Turn to Luke 22 if you need a hint.) Why might this detail about Peter’s arrest be significant?
• Take a moment to review Gamaliel’s advice to the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:33-39. What happens to those who fight against God (see Acts 5:39) in today’s reading? Can you think of any other examples in Acts where someone tried to scheme against God and experienced severe judgment?