Saturday 21 May 2011

Background

The Gospel advice (eg Matthew10:14) to itinerant preachers is to shake the dust from yourfeet and move on. This is the action that we seen at the end ofsome pretty heavy speeches made by Paul in on his journey fromPaphos to Antioch. For example, he had reminded those in thesynagogue and other God fearers of their history as the people ofIsrael, leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus,using Scripture to reflect on the significance of these events. Hehas now told those whom he addresses that what was offered andavailable in Jerusalem was also on offer here. However they wererunning the risk of making the same error of judgement as those inJerusalem did, by not receiving in faith the promise of salvationthrough the death and resurrection of Jesus.

By the next Sabbath, great crowds had gathered to hear more of thispromise, which was where the trouble started (again). The Jewsbecame hostile toward the Gentile (non-Jewish) crowds, who wereglad to hear that the promise was also extended to them. The Jewswere, in effect, punishing themselves because Paul feels thathaving told them first, he was now free to preach to the Gentiles.Finally the Jews stir up trouble for Paul and Barnabus who leavetown, shaking the dust off their feet as they go.

To Ponder

When was the last time that you shook the dustoff your feet and left? How did that feel? What drove you to thepoint that meant this was your only response to a situation?

How do you understand the verse "I have set youto be a light" (v. 47) in your own journey of discipleship and howdoes that have visible expression?