REACHING OUT TO THE GENTILES

PETER AND THE GENTILES Peter at the house of Cornelius (At.10.1-48) The miracle in Joppa Peter’s vision – “ What God has cleansed, you must not call common” (At.10.15). Visit to Caesarea – “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality” (At. 10.34). Report to the church in Jerusalem(At.11.1-18) Opposition resulting in a division Acceptance of Gentiles as believers The church in Antioch (At.11.19-30) Significant in early church history Followed Peter’s example in accepting Gentiles First to be called “Christians” (At.11.26) Persecution by Herod Agrippa (At.12.1-25) James martyred (At.12.2) Peter imprisoned and released (At.12.3-19) Herod’s gruesome death (AT.12.20-23)

THE CHURCH HAS MAIL Letters or epistles? Occasional communications Epistle – communications of formal or didactic nature Letters – communications of a more personal nature Occasional communications Specific local church or individual Specific “agenda” The question of “dual authorship” God through the Holy Spirit was the originator God worked with the human writer over a lifetime to produce the letter

1 THESSALONIANS Specific church “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians . . .” (1.1) Specific agenda “We urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” (4.1-2) “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” (4.13)

THE EPISTLE OF JAMES Author Date Recipients (1:1 – 2) Message James, often believed to be the half-brother of Jesus mentioned in Matthew 13:55. Date Evidence is stronger for the mid-fifth decade—around 46 AD, although some believe it was written as late as 60 AD. Recipients (1:1 – 2) Addressed to the “twelve tribes”, usually understood to refer to the Jewish church.  Moreover, the general description may also reflect the fact that it was meant for a wider audience. Message Most view James’ content as a form of wisdom literature.  Hence, James begins the book by outlining two areas where divine wisdom could be applied to the Christian life.

Written to Jewish believers by the brother of Jesus The first letter(?) Written to Jewish believers by the brother of Jesus Addressed specific concerns: The persecution following Herod Agrippa’s death The question of wisdom and how to apply it Faith and works The tongue Prayer Controversial Stresses the need for faith demonstrated by works “ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (1.22) “ You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” (2.24)

PAUL’S FIRST JOURNEY Separated with Barnabus (At.13.1-3) Journey to Cyprus (At.13.4-12) Barnabus’ home The gospel already preached to the Jews Received well by the proconsul Sergius Paulus Journey to Galatia (At.13.13-14.20) Mark decided to return Visited Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe Spoke in the synagogue in Antioch Polemic divided Jews and Gentiles Took gospel to the Gentiles Return to Antioch (Syria) (At.14.21-28) Reported “how God opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (At.14.27)