"The Irresistible Truth About the Truth”
Acts 11:19-14:28

We pick up the pace now in our series in the Book of Acts, and will finish the entire book by Labour Day (even with my summer vacation). 

The early church, (these followers of The Way), was a very Jewish community and movement. Peter's encounter with the Roman Centurion Cornelius, opened the door to welcoming the Gentiles who sought God and followed his call. Peter convinced his Jewish brothers and sisters that, "God does not show favouritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." (Acts 10:34,35).

After this, the church's centre of activity and growth shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch; a bustling, cosmopolitan, Hellenistic city, 300 miles north of Jerusalem; with people from every part of the Roman world; Jews and a broad assortment of Gentiles.

As it spreads, any positive response to the Good News they bring is often met with resistance. Yet, with each new wave of persecution, this new, radical life of grace and freedom in the Spirit, continues to grow. 

Persecution and punishment only cause the followers of Jesus to spread out even more - growing more fervent and committed along The Way. Many join with them, and the strange diversity of people is remarkable.

And not without its own problems.

For this Sunday...  Read Acts 11:19 - Acts 14:28 (linked above) 
(It's a longer passage - but it blazes along like a summer action movie)

Why don't they give up and just go along with the way things have always been? Why does resistance cause the church to grow? 
Can you think of other instances in life where this is true?

Going Deeper... there are a few occasions in Acts that the town of Caesarea is mentioned. 

Read Acts 12:19 - 24; Herod goes to Caesarea, and contrast it with Acts 10; when Peter encounters Cornelius in Caesarea.
What similarities and differences do you notice? What can the 2 stories teaching us? 

(Also, See a parable of Jesus - Luke 19:11-27) are there similarities and differences with the stories in Acts 10 & 12? 

Does it remind you of any of Jesus' other parables?

Looking ahead... We will suspend our Series in Acts; Making a Good Start, until I return from summer vacation on Aug 17. 

Everyone is encouraged to read ahead in the Book of Acts, asking; "What is Luke trying to teach about the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church?" And "What is the Holy Spirit doing in our life together as we seek to follow the Way?"

"What do we need to do and learn?"

Along with any other questions you can think of...
~ Pastor Joe