Reading for July 22nd

 Read Acts 11.19-12.5. In 11.19-12.25: Peter's mission expands and ends. In verse 19: the persecution over Stephen again accounts for the expanding mission (8.1), so far still limited to Jews. Antioch will be the base for Paul's mission (13.1; 14.26-15.2; 18.22). In verse 20: Since Luke contrasts them with the Jews, These Hellenists differ from the Greek-speaking Jews appointed to serve in Acts 6.1-6. Like the Samaritans in Acts they are not called gentiles. In verses 22-24: The embassy of Barnabas from the church in Jerusalem appears to be another official visitation (8.14), and his credentials as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith also recall his obedience tot he apostles (4.36-37). In verse 25-26: Having once introduced Saul to the apostles (9.27), then having sent him from Damascus to Tarsus, Barnabas now brings him to Antioch. in Greek, the name "Christians" clearly links with "the anointed one" ("Christos") from the Hebrew "messiah." Among Jewish groups, the believers are the "messianists" or followers of the Messiah Christ Jesus. In verses 27-28: Although they come from Jerusalem, these prophets do not appear to have apostolic authorization, but were accepted as having a special gift of the Spirit (see also 13.1; 21.10, Agabus 1 Cor 12.28-29; 14.29, 32, 37; Eph 2.20; 3.5; 4.11). Referring to the famine during the reign of Claudius reminds the reader of the connection with events of public consequence (Lk 2.1; 3.1; Acts 5.36-37; 17.6; 18.2; 24.5; 26.25: "this was not done in a corner"). In verses 29-30: Barnabas and Saul are the agents of this ministry of relief (12.25; Rom 15.31; 2 Cor 8.4; 9.1, 12-13). In 12.1: This king Herod is Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great (Lk 1.5; see also Herod the ruler who imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptizer and interrogated Jesus: Lk3.1, 19;  8.3; 9.7-9; 13.31; 23.7-15; Acts 4.27). In verse 2: James was one of the twelve and close to Jesus (Lk 5.10; 6.14; 8.51; 9.28, 54; acts 1.13). In verses 3-4: The Jews whom this execution pleased in Luke's story are probably "the Judeans" who regarded the followers of Jesus as a threat to the Temple and its leadership. The festival of Unleavened Bread and the Passover are virtually identified in Luke's narrative, marking the time of Jesus' and Peter's arrest (Lk 22.1) In verse 5: The fervent prayers of the church hope for God to act. Comments or Questions..