Last night, I went to the Duke women’s basketball game. A friend was visiting me and he wanted to go to the game. He had never been to a basketball game. I kept wondering what I should try to explain to him. Why did some baskets made earn one point, some two points, and some three points? Why does the referee take the ball away from the player who ran (traveled) down the court? What is a full court press? Why don’t players try to block the shot of someone trying a free throw? 

Well, you get the idea. The game is different when you have not been before! After the game which Duke won, hooray! I asked him what he had enjoyed the most. His favorite part of the evening was a performance by the cheerleaders during one of the breaks in the game. 

The writer of Hebrews is having to do sort of what I did at that game. He is trying to explain about Jesus to a community of Jews who were friendly, but didn’t know about the Savior. In this week’s focal text, the writer uses language and images that would ring a bell for this Jewish readership. He writes about high priests. His readers would remember Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, lthamar, and others. 

Then, the writer brings the news of Jesus Christ. He has had the same life experiences as we do, yet He has not sinned (Hebrews 4:15). He is perfect (Hebrews 5:3). He is the source of salvation (Hebrews 5:9). The high priests of the Jewish tradition were to be honored and respected, but should not be confused with this great high priest, Jesus Christ. 

Let me slip in another basketball image. The Jewish priests were like the warm-up before the game. It was important. It helped prepare for the game. It was good to enjoy. However! Jesus Christ was the game Himself. There is no need to keep score during warm-up, but with the call and claim of Jesus, knowing the score is important. And He has won the game! Who Jesus was and what He did...who Jesus is and what He does...this is the real thing and not just a warm-up. If we know Jesus, we know the final score. Melchizedek got it all started (Genesis 14:17-24) and Jesus completes the order of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-24). Enjoy the pre-game warm-up, but in the grace of salvation celebrate the final score! 

What Someone Else Has Said: T. A. Langford (God Made Known, Abingdon) wrote: “To speak of God at all requires both humility and courage. To be aware of God is to be overwhelmed.” 

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Holy Priest, Lord Jesus...” 

Hebrews is a letter to the Jewish community. The writer seems to want to make sure the readers do not confuse the messengers-angels--with the message. Jesus Christ is the message (Hebrews 1:8). 

Angel. It is a word that means “messenger.” Who have been God’s messengers in your life? For whom have you been a messenger for God? 

These days, I think the angels in my life do not recognize themselves as angels. Are they perfect? No. Have they conveyed to me the saving, healing, loving presence of Jesus Christ? Yes. (In my heart now, I am with thanksgiving naming some of them. Take a moment to give God thanks for your angels.) 

Some friends give me a vocabulary calendar each year at Christmas. On the pages of the calendar, every day is given a word. On the day I write this, the word is “perfunctory.” What I note is that when an angel is recognized, it is anything but perfunctory. For example, when the angel Gabriel greeted Mary and then told her about the child to be born to her (Luke 1:26-38), Mary at first ponders the situation and is perplexed. It ain’t business as usual! 

In writing the Jewish people, the author of these verses acknowledges that God has indeed spoken to them “in many and various ways” (Hebrews 1:1). But now, there is another Voice, even Jesus Christ, Son of God. It ain’t business as usual! 

The measuring stick for the truth of what angels say to us is Jesus Christ. In the edition of the Bible I am using today, there is a heading each time the subject changes. At the head of this chapter, it reads “God Has Spoken by His Son.” Messengers may come in divine service (as it says in Acts 1:14), but the message is true only if it is Jesus Christ! 

As James Montgomery wrote (hymn 220, The United Methodist Hymnal): “Angels from the 

realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth; ye who sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth...Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new born King.” 

What Someone Else Has Said: In Christ for the World (editor, James Logan, Kingswood Books), Bishop Arthur Kulah wrote: “...no matter what culture is one’s own, the gospel of Jesus Christ is universal and transcultural.” 

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Help me listen, Lord, to those who bring Your Good News to me...” 

How did you come to have faith in Jesus Christ? 

That question stirred in me as I read this focal text. Look at Acts 28:24. The key word in that verse is peitho. Different translators choose different ways of putting that word into English. The King James Version says “believed,” as if some simply accepted what they heard. The Revised Standard Version indicates that some were “convinced,” suggesting that they initially resisted. The Common English Bible reads “persuaded,” as if logic led them to the truth. 

In The New Testament According to Eastern Texts the word is rendered “hearkened,” with an understanding of a sudden new insight, like waking up. “Inclined to believe” is the way The Twentieth Century New Testament translates it. This sounds as if someone has not come fully to faith. How did you come to have faith in Jesus Christ? 

Paul was still a prisoner when this scene occurred. Some who heard him no doubt 

figured he was not worth listening to if he were a prisoner. Others would have been impressed that Paul still professed his faith, even under duress. How did you come to have faith in Jesus Christ? 

In this week’s focal text, Paul is speaking to persons in the Jewish community, persons who Luke closes out this account of Paul’s ministry, depicting Paul’s work as bold and not blocked by anything put in his way (v. 31). What adjectives could be used to describe your witness for Jesus Christ? 

What Someone Else Has Said: Edgardo Colón-Emeric (Dean of Duke Divinity School) has written (Wesley, Aquinas, and Christian Perfection: An Ecumenical Dialogue, Baylor University Press): “Faced with the enormity of the problems of this present age, a church without saints easily falls prey to presumption (the right theology or technology can fix everything) or despair (all love’s labors are lost). 

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Lord God, You sent Paul. Where now would You send me?...” 

These days, Malta is a tourist destination. This island just south of Italy gets three times as many tourists as it has residents! That is not exactly the way it was when the ship that prisoner Paul was on slammed into a reef and Paul found himself on the island. He was well treated (Acts 28:2). Paul survived an episode with a snake, so the islanders honored him. Paul ministered with many acts of healing. Great story! As one writer has said, it unfolds like the script of a Hollywood action movie. 

In today’s lesson, Paul certainly knew what to say and when to say it. He was about to be flogged 

and got it stopped because he acknowledged that he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25) and 

flogging him without a trial would be illegal. 

A little later, when he was told that he had insulted the high priest, Paul protested that he did not know that the man who had so upset him was the high priest (Acts 23:4-5). No punishment for ignorance. 

Then, when Paul noticed that there were both Pharisees and Sadducees present, he stated openly that he was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6). This led to a great tumult between the two groups and the officials rushed Paul away to safety (Acts 23:10). 

Knowing what to say and knowing when to say it is important. (I remember something that happened when I was in the sixth grade—Wow! What a memory! We were taking a quiz and Billy said very loudly, “The answer to number six is 17!” He was right, but Mrs. Murdock did not think that was the right time to announce it!) 

There are four ways to say something. One way is by speaking. Another way is by doing. A third way is by not speaking. A fourth way is by not doing. 

I have a friend who is an active and vigorous Christian. I don’t recall ever hearing her articulate her faith, but I have seen it dozens of times: food for the homeless, housing for the needy, selling cookies for mission money, organizing charity events, cooperating with multiple congregations, weekly care of children in church nursery, inviting strangers to worship, support of the ailing church members...! could keep on. She says something by what she does! 

Knowing what to say and when to say it made Paul such a faithful witness that the Lord sent him on to Rome to testify (Acts 23:11). Where next does God want to use you? 

What Someone Else Has Said: In his novel This Tender Land (Atria), William Kent Krueger has one of his characters say: “There is a river that runs through time and the universe, vast and inexplicable, a flow of spirit that is at the heart of all existence and every molecule of our being is a part of it. And what is God but the whole of that river?...Perhaps the most important truth I’ve learned across the whole of my life is that it’s only when I yield to the river and embrace the journey that I find peace.” 

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “How do I speak for You, O God?...” 

Recently, my sister and I had a disagreement. She felt strongly that she owed me $400 and I disagreed. She wanted to send me a check for $400 and I did not want her to do so. We found a compromise. She sent a check for $400 to the library fund of the church I attend. (So, now she will get a tax write-off as a charitable contribution.) I am librarian at the Bethany Church library, so I get some funds to use not for myself but for others. (I can sleep well at night because of that solution.) 

The early Christian community had a major disagreement. The Jewish practice called for circumcision of men as evidence of keeping the law of Moses (Genesis 17:10-14). Now there was something new: non-Jewish believers, Gentiles. Should they be circumcised? They had a show-down meeting of the Council at Jerusalem. Paul made the argument about the saving faith of those Gentiles. If those from the Jewish tradition wanted to continue the practice of circumcision, they could do so. It would not be required of those from Gentile tradition. You can practice circumcision if you want to, but it does not have to be done. Compromise. Both sides win. 

Often, we think of compromise as lowering our standards. On the other hand, in the tradition of Paul, compromise might lead to a stronger community. What are the portions of the life of faith that must not be compromised? How do I relate to those who do not agree with my understanding of what cannot be compromised? 

There is one thing in this account of the early church that we might overlook. When they had a disagreement, they got together to talk about it. All points of view were heard. They explored answers that would not force anyone to set aside what he or she had experienced. And they listened to one another (Acts 15:12). Because they were willing to hear out what others had to say, they were, as a community, able to come to a direction that all could take. 

When was the last time you had a conversation with someone with whom you disagreed? Were 

you able to find a path that both of you could 

take? Why or why not? 

What Someone Else Has Said: In his book Me and We (Abingdon), Leonard Sweet has written: “For some people, the most important thing about life is ‘What’s your salary?’ or ‘What’s your religion?’ For Jesus, the most important thing about life is ‘Whom do you love?’ That question can be answered in a variety of ways and with a multiplicity of lifestyles.’’ 

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your 

prayer begin: “O Lord, help me to get first things first...” 

Look around your sanctuary this Sunday morning. Who is included? Who is excluded? Who has been welcomed? Who would not be welcomed? Who might even be asked to leave? 

When we look at this week’s focal text, it starts out with a gracious openness to Paul and Barnabas. In New Testament times, most Jewish services and ceremonies were generously open to the pubic. Those moments that required strict observance of the Jewish laws were usually held in private, mostly at home. Paul and Barnabas were so well-received (Acts 13:42) that the Jewish community invited them back to say even more. 

Oops. The story changes. What had been generous hospitality turns into bitter and hostile rejection (Acts 11:45). The ones who had welcomed Paul and Barnabas now get the local authorities to run the apostles out of town (Acts 13:50). What happened? 

Jealousy (Acts 13:45). Inclusivity (Acts 13:46.47). Diversity (Acts 13:49). The religious authorities were upset that someone else’s proclamation got more attention than did theirs. They were angry that Paul and Barnabas expanded the good news message to include Gentiles. They didn’t like the way that message of salvation was accepted by diverse people. 

In disturbing ways, this negative response to the Gospel sounds like the 21st century. We seem to live in a culture that demands that we divide into “us” and “them.” God’s generosity is a bit more than we can practice! 

Don’t forget the closing verse in this week’s study: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). Even in the midst of the “mixed receptions,” there is still room for joy. It is a scene of living out the words of the classic Christmas carol: “Joy to the world! The Lord is come!” 

Look again at the opening paragraph: “Look around your sanctuary this Sunday morning. Who is included? Who is excluded? Who has been welcomed? Who would not be welcomed? Who might even be asked to leave?” 

What Someone Else Has Said: Jaroslav Pelikan (On Searching the Scriptures—Your Own or Someone Else’s, Quality Paperback) wrote “A people of the Book may or may not think of itself as unique, but it cannot evade-and neither can the present-day readers of the Book -the question of its relation as a community of faith and observance to other communities.” 

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Loving God of us all...” 

Have you ever made a public confession of faith that Jesus Christ is your Savior? If so, you are an angel. Have you ever contributed to a fund to help feed underprivileged people? If so, you are an angel. Have you ever reached across racial lines to develop a new friendship? If so, you are an angel.

The word “angel” is a translation of aggĕlŏs, a Greek word that means “messenger.” If you have by word or deed expressed the saving, healing, loving truth of Jesus Christ, you have been a messenger of that truth. You have been an angel.

Sometimes, others do not accept the work of angels. In today’s study text, there is a dramatic telling of how Peter was rescued from prison. Then he showed up at the home of some friends (v. 13), and some of the folks didn’t think it could possibly be true (v. 15). Peter had to keep on knocking v. 16). When have I given up on a mission because I did not get immediate results?

There is a sad side to Peter’s escape from prison. Herod is so upset that his prisoner got away that he orders the guards at the prison be put to death (Acts 12:19). Clearly, not everyone is pleased with the message and work of an angel. Have there been times that I have ignored what God’s messenger had to say?  

This strange story ends with the death of Herod (v. 23). Eaten by worms! What an infamous death! In putting it this way, Luke (the author of Acts) is making it clear that wealth and power are not the measurements of faithfulness. So, I am moved to wonder how I have measured my faithfulness to God.  

Because we know the story has a happy ending, we can laugh at the way the maid (Rhoda) reacted to the sudden awareness that Peter was out of prison (vv. 13-14). Instead of opening the gate to let him in, she rushes to tell the others the good news. This makes me remember times when I have failed to do the most obvious, simple thing that would have helped. Maybe as simple as a smile at a lonely person…maybe as simple as saying “Hope to see you at church next week” …maybe as simple as holding the door for someone to enter the store. Sometimes, the best way to serve God is a simple first step.

What Someone Else Has Said: In Wesley, Aquinas, and Christian Perfection (Baylor), Edgardo Colon-Emeric wrote: “Because angelic understanding is unerringly true, (angelic) actions are unceasingly oriented toward fulfilling the will of God.”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Use me, O Lord, even me…”

These verses capture one of the life-changing moments in the life of the early church. We see unfold an awareness of God’s love of all people, not just “my kind of folks.” But this does not come easily. Looking over this text, I see the word “hungry” (v. 10), the word “puzzled” (v. 17), the word “mortal” (v. 26), the word “dazzling” (v. 30), the word “oppressed” (v. 38), the word “commanded” (v. 42), the word “astounded” (v. 45). This shocking new clarity about God’s universal love does not come easily.

In this account, there is a description of Cornelius that got me to wondering. In v. 2 and v. 22, Cornelius is described as one who feared God. The word translated “feared” is phŏbĕō. It can mean to be scared or frightened of something or someone. It can mean to be in respect or awe of something or someone. It can mean to be alarmed by something or someone; it can mean to hold something or someone in reverence. Which do you think best describes Cornelius? In v. 4, he is in terror before God’s angel. In v. 2, he is in an ongoing conversation with God. I guess we can say that God is not limited to just one way of loving us.

This chapter gives the inspiring account of “God showing no partiality” (v. 34). Are there those I look down upon, but whom God loves? What human distinctions are important to me, but which mean naught to God? Race? Gender? Income? Strength? Popularity?  

Peter comments on how some have been witnesses to what God has done in Jesus Christ (v. 39, v. 41). A few weeks ago, in this series of commentaries, we noted that the word “witness” is a translation of martus, a word sometimes rendered as “martyr.” That reminds me that there is a risk in telling others what we have seen in Jesus Christ. There have been times and places in history when Christians were persecuted and even killed simply for being Christian. In the time and place where I live, Christian martyrdom is more likely to mean being considered irrelevant, or bothersome, or ignorant. Saints have often been willing to die because of their faith. What am I willing to undergo because of my faith?

How firm is my foundation?

What Someone Else Has Said: In Bad Faith (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company), Randall Balmer has reminded us: “A building can feature all sorts of dazzling baubles and filigree, but if the timbers that make up its foundation are rotten, the entire structure is compromised.”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Lord Jesus, You have been so real for Peter and Cornelius, so now I look at Your presence in my life. Be with me so my witness is full and faithful…”

Usually, when I reflect on this text, I look at how the magician Simon tried to cheat and discover some new secret powers. That disgrace leads him to pray for forgiveness and a new beginning (v. 24). That message is still in these verses, but this time something else jumped out at me.

Look at Acts 8:14-17. It tells about people who had been saved by their faith in Jesus Christ and their acceptance of the word of God. Wouldn’t you think that would be enough? Wouldn’t you be pleased if a bunch of folks committed themselves to Jesus Christ? One of the inspiring images of evangelical revival meetings is a scene with men and women at the altar, accepting an invitation to follow Jesus.

But that may be quitting too early.

These verses tell of how the journey is to continue: receive and live by the Holy Spirit. There have been times in the history of the Church when we measured success solely by counting on the number of professions of faith. This text lets us know that that ain’t enough. Do we let the Holy Spirit continue to shape us, to use us, to guide us? What is the evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in my life? Think about your local church: what is the evidence that the Holy Spirit is guiding congregational values and activities?

This is certainly not to say that faith in Jesus Christ is not important. Nothing in this text suggests that. It is to say that there is more to the story.

In this week’s account, when Peter and John laid their hands on those who had faith, all became aware of the Holy Spirit (v. 17). When do you see the Holy Spirit at work? Last week, I saw a member of Bethany come every day of the week to restock the Little Free Pantry (in the parking lot). Last week, I heard a new member say she came to Bethany because she felt a welcome she did not feel at a previous church. Last week, a player on our dartball team offered a supportive prayer for the hurting places in our opponent’s congregation. The Holy Spirit is alive and well.

What Someone Else Has Said: Bill Leonard has written (Baptist Questions, Baptist Answers, Westminster John Knox): “The Holy Spirit is at work in the world; it is the stealth presence of God moving in places and persons that often the world (and the church) do not recognize immediately, if ever.”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Come, Holy Spirit, and bring alive my faith in Jesus…”