Friday, April 6, 2012

Acts Lesson Five

Chapter 3

I added a few more thoughts to our look at chapter 3:1 from last time:

 v. 1    Daily time set aside for prayer. Application?  See also my posts at www.thecontemplativecatholicconvert.blogspot.com for some prayer strategies.

The hour of prayer for Jews occurred at: 3rd hour, 6th and 9th (09, 12, 3PM).  See Daniel 6:10.  See also Mark 15 and note the times at which specific events of the crucifixion occurred:  verse 25(crucified), vv. 33-34 (Darkness) and 44-46    (Died). See Catechism paragraphs 2725-2733 and my embedded comments from the last lesson. Then look at Luke 16:8 and consider how members of Islam typically pray five times a day: before sunrise, noon, late afternoon, after sunset and before bed. How might that inform (challenge?) us about Christian faith and practice?

3:2   Beautiful gate was probably near Solomon’s porch (see verse 11). But scholars only can speculate.

3: 1-15   Note how Peter and John took yet another opportunity to preach the gospel message after a crowd had gathered. When you have met the risen Jesus, it’s hard to be quiet. Application for you and me?

v. 13   “Servant” (or Son) (probably related to Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Note how often “servant” is mentioned in that Isaiah passage). Consider John 13:5. It is often easier to wash someone’s feet one time than it is to be ‘as Christ’ to someone – especially those of our own household. How many families would not break apart if the husband and wife followed this example, and that in Ephesians 5:22-31 (don’t skim vv 25-31 in that passage).

vv. 17 ‘Acted in ignorance’. See 1 Tim 1:12-15 with Acts 26:8-18; 2 Cor 4:3-6 (note the follow on verses in 7-10. Application?)

vv. 17-26 The gospel proclamation. Note the key words: repent, conversion, sins wiped away, refreshment, don’t listen à cut off from the people, turn from evil ways.  Consider now John 14:6 and John 8:24.  What might be an application for us?

                     
Continued next time






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