Here are some ideas for learning and teaching a few of the great principles in Acts 10-15. And while you’re here, I recommend you check out my free online course, “Seeking Jesus.”
Short Clips from Seeking Jesus
I’ve pulled out some short clips from the “Seeking Jesus Course” connected to this week’s readings that you could use as a morning devotional or spiritual thought.
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Ideas for Learning More About Acts 10-15
***The Word of God Grew and Multiplied***
In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa (grandson of Herod the Great) was wreaking havoc on the church. He killed James and put Peter in prison…things were not going well! But in verses 21-24 we read:
“Upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. But the word of God grew and multiplied.”
There are lots of great lessons we can learn from this. First of all, don’t let it get to head if people compliment your talk in church–give God the glory! 🙂
My favorite principle though is that in spite of James being killed, in spite of Peter being put into prison, in spite of all the opposition, God’s word grew and multiplied. Collectively and individually we will face serious trials and setbacks. But as we continue faithful to God, everything is going to work out. The stone cut without hands will continue to fill the earth!
It’s also interesting to note that Josephus, a Jewish historian writing in about 90 AD also writes about the death of Herod Agrippa and includes many of the same details (although there are some significant differences). You can read Josephus’s account here.
***The Jerusalem Council and Fence Laws***
In some ways the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 relates to fence laws…what laws do the Gentiles actually need to live, and which are optional? We have similar issues today–especially with the advent of the new For the Strength of Youth. Each of us has a great responsibility to seek the Spirit’s guidance in choosing what we will do (and not do) as followers of Jesus Christ.
If you’re interested in reviewing the details about fence laws, as well as seeing how they can help (or hurt) us, visit my fence laws page.
***More Resources***
“Peter as a Learner and Teacher,” by John Hilton III
“Peter, Cornelius, and Cultural Boundaries,” by Thomas Wayment
“The Jerusalem Conference: The First Council of the Christian Church,” by Frank F. Judd Jr.
***Additional Videos***
Here are a couple of relevant video clips you might be interested in: Any appropriate clip from the movie “Acts of the Apostles” (1994). Acts 10 starts here.
The Bible Project’s videos can be really helpful for getting a big picture overview. Here’s a link to their 10-minute video Acts, Part 1, as well as the link to Part 2.
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I hope these resources are helpful to you in your learning and teaching this week!
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