NOTES for Act 11:1-30
The Book of Acts is not so much the history of the early Church as the history of the Holy Spirit acting in the Church. The apostles and all the disciples are guided, directed, and instructed by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit decides whether an uncircumcised Roman officer may be baptized; He indicates where and why the apostles are to go; He gives prophecies that shape the life of Christians. Yet in most episodes this action of the Spirit is mentioned almost in passing, as something self-evident, as though it could not be otherwise. But you and I know how very different things can be in our own lives. Which of us can boldly say that our actions are guided exclusively by the Holy Spirit? What has changed? The Spirit of God has remained Himself, and human nature has remained the same... Perhaps the issue is our faith? Or our boldness? Or our love?