Conversion as Cross cultural communityConversion as Cross cultural community

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Community in a cross cultural context

Community in a cross cultural context

Acts 6

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Racism in the early church

Racism in the early church

Acts 6

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

Hellenists

Jews by religion, Greek by

culture and language

Hebrews

Jews by religion, did not speak

Greek, distained Greek culture.

Neglect

Divided

Greek Problem Greek solution

Greek Problem Greek solution

Acts 6

2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

NIV Study Bible Notes

Appearances are everything

Appearances are everything

When doing right isn’t enoughThe Church chose not just people who were qualified morally, intellectually or otherwise. They chose people whom those hurt by racism could be confident that their needs would be addressed. They chose people not only who could act fairly, but who also had the appearance of being able to act fairly.

An astonishing assumption

The Church assumed that those hurt by racism could lay aside their hurt and care for those who allowed racism to cloud their judgment.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the minorities were in charge of caring for the majority.

Principles to live byPrinciples to live by

1. No Blame Game

1. No Blame Game

2. Recognize the problem and adapt to it.

1. No Blame Game

2. Recognize the problem and adapt to it.

3. Be willing to change how things are done for the sake of unity and love.

1. No Blame Game

2. Recognize the problem and adapt to it.

3. Be willing to change how things are done for the sake of unity and love.

4. The ones most hurt by the problem are the ones most invested in the solution.

1. No Blame Game

2. Recognize the problem and adapt to it.

3. Be willing to change how things are done for the sake of unity and love.

4. The ones most hurt by the problem should be the ones most invested in the solution.

5. The Holy Spirit is essential to making this kind of unity work.

ResultsResults

Acts 9

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Acts 10

24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me."