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 at work in the Church. The apostles and all the disciples are led, directed and instructed by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit decides whether an uncircumcised Roman officer may be baptised; He shows the apostles where to go and why; He gives prophecies that shape the lives of Christians. Yet in most episodes this action of the Spirit is mentioned almost in passing, as something taken for granted, as though things could not be otherwise.

But you and I know how very different things can be in our own lives. Which of us can confidently say that our actions are guided exclusively by the Holy Spirit? What has changed? The Spirit of God remains Himself; human nature has remained the same… Could it have something to do with our faith? Or our boldness? Or our love?