This section of Acts continues the stories of the early church, and a lot about Paul. There were lots of questions and comments - but some of the statements and stances of A. N. Wilson in Paul: the mind of the Apostle got us thinking.
One statement was that Jesus would have been more comfortable in the Jerusalem church than in the churches started by Paul. The idea is that Jesus was, in many ways, a traditional Jew, preached to the Jews, and had some not very nice things to say about non-Jews. While I can accept that Jesus was a practicing Jew, I don't think he allowed himself to be limited by the laws - which often got him into trouble with the established leadership. Jesus put people first so, even if he was more comfortable in the Jewish context, I believe he would have been happy to have gentiles follow him. He praised the hypothetical Samaritan that did not put Jewish ritual cleanliness laws ahead of the welfare of a fellow human being (and he doesn't give the nationality of the injured man). He healed Romans, he talked with women - even Samaritan women, he valued faith in whomever it was found. The thought that he would have disapproved of the preaching of Paul does not make sense to me. Jesus pushed boundaries, Paul pushed them further but in the same direction. That is my sense - but I am no expert.
Another idea found in the book was that people weren't drawn at all by the preaching of the early church but by the "magic" miracles performed by its disciples. This was a little mind blowing, in a way. I can see how the miracles seemed to prove a power - a power that some would covet. This week I had a physiotherapist appointment that cured the vertigo I have been battling for a month. It's amazing how much one can enjoy the absence of a malady! I can see how even this minor kind of healing could seem like magic and draw people to the one that displayed that power - but I don't think that was all there was to it. Paul spent hours arguing in synagogues and marketplaces. Paul preached and taught wherever he went. Sometimes he performed miracles, but it doesn't seem that he focussed on that. His priority was the message even though some people were even trying to get his shadow to fall on items that could then be used for healing - so obviously he was known for his works, as well. I think the miracles are there to validate Paul's claim apostleship, but not to take away from the message.
So what does this mean for us? Does this mean that, even when we are more comfortable in one setting, another may be a valid alternative? Does it mean that sometimes we need to be sure we are not distracted by the "flash-bang" of a service or community but need to really look at its purpose and meaning?
It is amazing to me that someone that was so dedicated to Phariseeism and the destruction of the early church could turn around and, by invoking the name of Jesus, perform spectacular miracles and speak eloquently in favor the way he had previously tried to wipe out. I find the writings of Paul a bit arrogant and hard to read, in places. But I still find it amazing that he could be so confident of what God wanted. It is one thing for those of us who have grown up in the church to be confident of its preaching and teaching, but to convert to something other, something that, many times, contradicts that of which he had been so sure, is something beyond my understanding. Maybe when he regained his sight, he also gained spiritual sight, without the blinders of religion. How do we do that? How can we remain faithful to what we believe and not be blinded by the "frills", the enticements of the "magic" other faiths offer? At the same time, how do we focus on the essentials of our faith, and not be bound by the trimmings?
Another question that arose is - can other religions be as valid as our own? Does God love people who are faithful, but through a completely different set of beliefs, rites and rules? Can I truly be a Christian, believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and still respect people who believe differently, such as Muslims, Hindi, Buddhists etc.? Do I have to believe they are all condemned because they don't believe in Jesus as Lord? Some of them think similar thoughts about me and my belief.
It is all confusing. I wish I had the clarity of thought and purpose that drove Paul. I wish the Holy Spirit would clearly tell me whether or not to go places or do things. I pray God will work within each one of us and help us to see what is the right thing to think and do, and help each of us to be the person God planned us to be.
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