The Rock Becomes The Foundation

My Reflections on Acts 1-2

Today, I’m beginning this series on Acts. What I’m sharing are my reflections as I read through this great book. In most cases I did not seek out a commentary, if I did I’ll make sure to bring it up. I may share some things I learned in class as we reflected together on what we can glean from this rich document about the Early Church.

Hint:
When I’m sharing my random thoughts, you’ll see them appear like this in the post.

---

While Jonah may be my spirit Prophet, you can’t discount the transformation that Peter goes through in the first few chapters of Acts. It’s truly remarkable, and one of the first things that stood out to me while I read Acts this time. So much so, that all throughout my notes there are big bright highlights with the words “PETER’S REDEMPTIVE ARC” followed by what he experiences. But before we get to that, how about a little background?

Background

Acts starts out by referencing that author’s “former book.” Who is author of this book? What is the former book, they’re referencing? I can kill two birds with one stone here and say Luke. Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, was asked by Theophilus to write this book (or scroll if you want to get technical).

But, who’s Theophilus? General scholarly agreement is that Theophilus was a real person, not a group of people because the name means “dear to God,” and some scholars suggest that he may have been Luke’s patron. In ancient times, a patron had “social, economic, and political resources that are needed by the client (Luke). In return, a client can give expressions of loyalty and honor that are useful for the patron (Theophilus).”¹ Basically, Theophilus is the social, economical, and political clout behind what Luke is doing, and Luke “repays” him by being loyal to him.

Finally, based on Theophilus’ desire to hear from Luke, when I was reading I believed that he was likely a Christian. The different commentaries I checked out for this background agree with me.

So, Luke is sharing with Theophilus what happened with the followers of Jesus after Jesus ascended which is found in 1:1-11, and sets up the whole book. Now let’s get to the fun stuff!

Pondering Acts

I think it’s funny that after everything that’s happened in the four gospels (death, resurrection, etc.), with Jesus sitting right there saying “stay in Jerusalem… in a few days you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit,” the first question the Apostle’s ask is,

“Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?”
1:6

Seriously!? *face palm* It reminds me of the persistence of little children. Yes, I realize that a case can be made for that (let the children come, etc.) but talk about a one track mind. It’s like when my son was little. Sometimes I would get so tired of being asked the same question, I’d finally give in. In this situation, Jesus isn’t like I was, he basically says “you’re not going to find out when that will happen,” then he’s taken up to heaven.

This is where things get interesting for Peter, and I’m here for it! The group returns to Jerusalem, and goes to the room they had been staying in where they’re joining/joined by the family of believers - about 120 people!

Random Thought 1:
All throughout Luke’s gospel we see the pairing of women and men. The first one that comes to mind is Simeon and Anna - both prophets who prophesy over infant Jesus. The upside-down kingdom of God elevated the status of women. You can see it throughout Luke’s gospel, and again in Acts 1:14 when Luke says “all were united in their devotion to prayer, along with some women…” Thanks for including the women Luke!

Random Thought 2:
A “family” of 120 believers in one spot? I don’t know about you, but my experience with family is that it can be pretty messy. Dealing with people can be difficult, but for some reason, family relationships can get downright cruel. I have questions!

1. Did they fight?

2. Would it have been smelly?

3. Would they have noticed? (I mean, there’s that whole “nose blind” thing.)

4. How did no one notice 120 people together?

5. Lastly, because I once heard this in a church, were there angels around them keeping evil away?

Points to ponder, I guess.

Then Peter - who floundered between belief and unbelief, who sank in the water, who was rebuked by Jesus, who denied Christ, and then sat with him on the beach after his resurrection sharing a meal- yeah, that Peter - he stands up, and makes the first decision for the group. They must replace Judas. He’s even quoting Scripture like a champ! Go Peter! They find two choices (Matthais or Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus), draw lots, and replace Judas with Matthias.

Random Thought 4:
Now, I have more questions, but they’re related to today. Some Christian traditions don’t like gambling, and I can certainly understand why. I’m not endorsing gambling by any means. However, sometimes “casting lots” is referred to as gambling. When this happens those traditions are quick to point out that it was an Old Testament practice, or a practice for pagans. Hmmm… something doesn’t add up here.

Random Thought 5:
Poor Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus. Not only does he have three names, which is confusing, the lots don’t land on him! Like, how would that feel? To think that even God didn’t choose you to be an Apostle? Talk about rejection. I wonder how he handled everything. Was there animosity towards Matthias? Was he jealous? I know I’d have a hard time, did he? I just feel so bad for him.

But that’s not all for Peter. He’s not done yet.

So they’re all in one place, and this sound comes out of nowhere. Like the wind but there’s no wind, and all of a sudden they begin talking in all kinds of different languages. Whoa, that must have been interesting!

Random Thought 6:
Keep in mind, there are more people than normal in Jerusalem because Passover had just happened. (I think I just answered one of my own questions from above.) It’s not like when we celebrate Christmas and Easter today. You know, where you’re with family for a few hours, and then leave to your own house? No, this was a big deal in the Jewish tradition, and many people would still be staying in the city.

How did people around them react?

Some didn’t know what it meant because this group of people were talking in their native language, others thought they’d drank too much.

Random Thought 7:
It doesn’t matter what you do, there will always people who oppose you, try to rationalize what they’re seeing, resist change, and avoid what’s going on and how God (the whole Trinity) is moving.

That being said, it didn’t make them any less Jewish, they’re still part of God’s chosen people. I feel like this lesson can still be applied today.

Also… did Jesus set out to create a new religion? I don’t believe he did, but what are your thoughts?

Here comes Peter, storming right onto the scene with one of the most epic sermons recorded in the Bible. I think my favourite part is when he says “You, with the help of wicked men, had Jesus killed by nailing him to a cross” (2:23). Ha! Go Peter! Kinda brings back that “get behind me Satan” rebuke we heard in the gospels, only now Peter is the one declaring it.

In his first sermon, he shares about David and how God promised to seat one of his descendants on the throne. Remember back in the Gospels (again) when Jesus met Blind Bartimaeus (Mt. 9:27-31; Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43)? Remember what Bartimaeus (or the two blind men if you read Matthew) said? “Son of David, have mercy on me/us!” This brings credence to their words.

Anyway, at the end of the sermon, “those who accepted” were baptized, and 3,000 people were added to the group. (Wow, they’re going to need a bigger room!) As a group they learned together, built a community, shared meals, praised God, and demonstrated God’s goodness. Through this, their numbers grew.

Random Thought 8:
“Those who accepted” tells me there were some who didn’t accept, but the Bible doesn’t share how Peter ran after them declaring the Gospel again, and again, and again. He didn’t tell them how they were going to hell, if they didn’t accept. There’s none of that. Peter continues preaching, and has amazing interactions, but from what I remember, hell wasn’t a huge part of his message.

Concluding Thoughts

I really fell in love with Peter’s story because I can relate to it so much. I often feel like I’m taking one step forward, and a few steps back. This can be in life, faith, and pretty much anywhere else.

I think we can learn a lot from the first two chapters of Acts. Can we go back there, and do exactly what they did? Of course not! But we can have meals together, and build community. We can share life together. We can share the Good News without the fear of hell, and the shame of damnation. Okay, so maybe Peter condemned their actions a little… but they did crucify Jesus, that’s just a fact… even a historical fact not just a biblical one.

I’m also pondering the dichotomy between “God’s Plan” to sacrifice his Son, and the people crucifying Jesus. I came across this in A More Christlike God by Brad Jersak. I don’t want to say too much, because I feel like it’s something I need to ponder on and research more.

Have you read Acts? What stood out to you in the first two chapters?

1. Neyrey, Jerome H. 1991. The Social World of Luke-Acts: Models for Interpretation. Peabody Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers, 242.