Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Paul 1.4

When I woke up for prayer the next morning, my burden for the Gentiles was heavier than ever. But my concern that the assembly of God in Judea would not receive them was also greater than ever. As those of us staying in the house of Manaen gathered in the courtyard, the Holy Spirit spoke to me. After Barnabas had finished praying, I spoke the word of prophecy.

"Brothers and sisters, the Lord Jesus would have Barnabas and I go to Jerusalem to present to the pillars of the church the door God has opened for us to the Gentiles."

Barnabas paused thoughtfully for a moment. Then he responded as I knew he would, "Then to Jerusalem we will go."

The eyes of Manaen's wife Judith peered out at me from beneath her veil. "You had better go secretly," she said. "Some will try to sabotage your purposes if they know what you are doing."

Jerusalem had once been the focus of all my hopes and dreams. I had disdained my Greek education and Tarsus in my early teens and moved to live with my sister in Jerusalem. Her husband was a Pharisee, and a member of the Sanhedrin. He convinced the great Gamaliel to take me on as a disciple.

4 comments:

Keith Drury said...

1. Is your term “Assembly of God” a new term you invented to apply to Christians [what we call] “churches?” We’re wondering up here if it was an adaptation from Jewish use or a newly invented term of yours? (by the way--we have a "denomination" that goes by this name--but maybe you wouldn't understand the term "denomination?")

2. You seem to use “a word of prophecy” like was say “The Lord is prompting me.” Are we correct in that interpretation? Is your “gift of prophecy” the gift of correct impressions from God?

3. So Judith had already tangled with [what we call] the Judaizers by now? That’s nice information for us up here. With the perspective of history we’d say Be careful too. Be humble and don’t make a big scene by showing off an uncircumcised believer like Titus if you take him along. Judith gives good advice—they are out to put you on a shorter leash. Go see the pillars, I wonder if they will add something to your teaching.

Ken Schenck said...

1. Is your term “Assembly of God” a new term you invented to apply to Christians [what we call] “churches?” We’re wondering up here if it was an adaptation from Jewish use or a newly invented term of yours? (by the way--we have a "denomination" that goes by this name--but maybe you wouldn't understand the term "denomination?")

We Greek speakers call them local assemblies/ churches. Don't tell anyone but there are a lot of Essenes that have hoped on Jesus, and they use the Hebrew equivalent for their community, the "yahad" of God (cf. 1Q 1.13).

2. You seem to use “a word of prophecy” like was say “The Lord is prompting me.” Are we correct in that interpretation? Is your “gift of prophecy” the gift of correct impressions from God?

Some people have the gift of hearing and speaking to the community God's will and direction, including an indictment of sin.

3. So Judith had already tangled with [what we call] the Judaizers by now? That’s nice information for us up here. With the perspective of history we’d say Be careful too. Be humble and don’t make a big scene by showing off an uncircumcised believer like Titus if you take him along. Judith gives good advice—they are out to put you on a shorter leash. Go see the pillars, I wonder if they will add something to your teaching.

Let's just say she's heard some stuff...

David Drury said...

Great stuff... I'm enjoying bigtime! You're so gifted.

Have you read "Paul" by Walter Wangerin? A continuation of his "book of God" novelization of scripture.

dd

Ken Schenck said...

I haven't, Dave. I think I bought his book on God but, as usual, never finished it ;-)