Devotion - Monday, September 13

This morning I was reading from Acts 11.19-30. This portion of Acts is dealing with the expansion of “The Way” beyond those who are Jews. It begins by acknowledging that following the death of Stephen, there is a persecution of the followers of Jesus. The followers travel to the outlying cities and villages, but they speak the word to “none except Jews.”

But some, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, spoke to the Greeks, “preaching the Lord Jesus.” Many of these Greeks come to believe and to follow.

When news of what is happening reaches Jerusalem, Barnabas is sent to Antioch. Upon arriving he “saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.”

The circle, which defined who is to be considered in and who was thought to be out, just got much larger. Or, perhaps it would be acceptable to say that the circle become porous, allowing more fluidity in determining who is and who is not acceptable as part of Jesus’ Way.

Barnabas will send for Paul, and for a whole year they live with these Greek followers. No doubt they share with them their knowledge and understanding of what Jesus asks of his followers. There is a need to preserve orthodoxy. But that comes in the verses which follow. The incredible news is Barnabas’ announcement is beholding “the grace of God” in a place where it had not been expected.

Sometimes we draw the circle too tight. Sometimes our insistence on a circle leaves outside the surprising work of God.

This section of Acts also includes the announcement, “the disciples were for the first time called Christians.” We aren’t known by this title until that point in time when those considered outside are truly welcomed inside. We become “Christians” when we make porous those lines which divide and exclude.