Daily Devo | When God Loves People We Don't Like (New Testament in a Year, Acts 11:1-30)

After Cornelius and his household receive the Spirit, you might think it would be cause for celebration. Instead, Peter is criticized for not keeping his distance from such Gentile outsiders. Peter then explains God's miraculous involvement in the matter. Should Peter, or anyone, oppose God's own choice? Meanwhile, believers scattered by persecution continue sharing the gospel, and many people come to faith in Antioch. Many of these new believers know nothing of the books of Moses or the prophets so Barnabas enlists the help of Saul, the one who had formerly persecuted many of those same believers! Together they spend a year strengthening the believers, and it is in Antioch that the followers of Jesus are first called Christians.

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For Reflection:

- What lesson could we learn from the Jewish believers' reluctance to accept these newer Gentile believers?

- Why do you imagine it important for the Jerusalem believers to recognize God's work among the Gentiles?

- What qualities made Barnabas such an effective encourager and leader?

- What qualities and gifts has God given you to similarly encourage the spiritual growth of other believers?

- Prayer: Lord, help me recognize your work in others and faithfully participate in the mission of making disciples.