Tag Archives: Acts

Paul in Athens

Posted on July 7, 2012 by

Conflict in Naming the Good The Apostle Paul is many times a persona non grata in the cities of his first and second missionary journey. Luke’s telling of his story often highlights the trouble he perpetually found himself in. He … Continue reading →

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Why the Resurrection is Disruptive

Posted on June 29, 2012 by

A pattern has developed in the book of Acts of getting rid of Paul. Paul is not a zealot knifing Roman solders and officials. Paul is not a revolutionary leader, gathering together men willing to bring commotion in the street. … Continue reading →

Posted in On the way to Sunday's sermon | Tagged | 1 Comment

Making Paul Go Away

Posted on June 29, 2012 by

In Paul’s second missionary journey a definite pattern emerges. It isn’t so much a pattern of his enemies. If you’re keeping score Luke is remarkably even handed here with respect to the opposition. Sometimes Jews side with Paul or come … Continue reading →

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Paul in Philippi Joyfully Bears Jesus’ Substitutionary Cross and Shares in his Vindication

Posted on June 21, 2012 by

Trouble Finds Him Paul having released the slave woman from her bondage to the python spirit now has to face her earthly masters. According to Luke, Paul and Silas are physically assaulted by the her owners and brought before the … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Reflection, On the way to Sunday's sermon, Understanding the Bible | Tagged | 3 Comments

Lydia is to Paul with Women, as Cornelius was to Peter with Gentiles

Posted on June 15, 2012 by

Egalitarian FAIL As an egalitarian society we like to assert that we have no pecking orders, but none of us believe it. We know that in any community or context, there are pecking orders. There are people with power and … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture commentary, On the way to Sunday's sermon, Understanding the Bible | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Banality of Ministry

Posted on June 8, 2012 by

Lottery Winners Church planters are an exciting breed of cat. They are filled with enthusiasm and drive. They overflow with visions of the church finally done right and whole cities renewed. In most cases this lasts until they actually start, … Continue reading →

Posted in Institutional Church, On the way to Sunday's sermon, Wisdom | Tagged | 2 Comments