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Responding to Criticism
Acts 11:2-4, 18
“So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.’...Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened…When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God…”
Why did Peter feel the need to explain his actions to the circumcised believers in the Jerusalem church?
Peter was an apostle who had walked with Jesus. He had obeyed God in going to Cornelius’ house and had seen the Holy Spirit poured out on the Gentiles who had gathered there. Even though he had significant authority in Christ’s kingdom and the early church, Peter still submitted his life to others. He loved the Church, and desired to see unity between the circumcised and uncircumcised parts of the Church. When we serve on mission with Jesus, we too might be criticized for our choices and efforts to obey God. How we respond will determine whether the Church will move forward together under God’s hand.
Lord Jesus, I pray for your humility and grace as I live on mission with you this day, for your glory.
Acts 11:2-4, 18
“So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.’...Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened…When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God…”
Why did Peter feel the need to explain his actions to the circumcised believers in the Jerusalem church?
Peter was an apostle who had walked with Jesus. He had obeyed God in going to Cornelius’ house and had seen the Holy Spirit poured out on the Gentiles who had gathered there. Even though he had significant authority in Christ’s kingdom and the early church, Peter still submitted his life to others. He loved the Church, and desired to see unity between the circumcised and uncircumcised parts of the Church. When we serve on mission with Jesus, we too might be criticized for our choices and efforts to obey God. How we respond will determine whether the Church will move forward together under God’s hand.
Lord Jesus, I pray for your humility and grace as I live on mission with you this day, for your glory.
About this Plan
Join Randy Friesen as he follows the Bible reading plan of the Life Journal and shares his reflections with you. Each entry includes three parts: a highlighted passage from the reading, a brief reflection, and a prayer. We trust that you will be inspired by the messages that God is speaking through his Word.
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We would like to thank Randy Friesen, VIce President for Leadership Development with Global Disciples, for providing this plan. For more information about Global Disciples, please visit www.globaldisciples.org
