Acts 11 (view this passage)

nathan made this entry on March 26th, 2008
Topic(s): Compromise

In the beginning of chapter 11, Peter is accused of eating with Gentiles by his fellow Jews. Obviously a Jew eating with an "uncircumcised" Gentile was something the Jews of Peter's time did not approve of. Peter explained to them, however, that God had shown him directly that the Gentiles were acceptable. Peter also told them how the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit just as he did at the Pentecost.

 Here is the difference between a true believer and someone who loves tradition and culture over God. Contrast Peter's response with the Pharisees of his time. The Pharisees refused to believe in Jesus, despite all of the miracles performed and the proof Jesus displayed that showed Him as God.

 There are some people who refused to change their beliefs,  or refuse to do anything different from what they are used to (in the context of religion). Regardless of the truth and facts presented before them, they see any change as a compromise, and shun it and the people who propose it. Rather than seeking God and trying to understand how God may be leading the church in this present time, they believe they already hold all the truth and there is no reason to consider change.

 Peter could have reacted to God by saying we have rules and laws that have existed for hundreds of years. Peter could have said that witnessing to these Gentiles was not acceptable in the past, therefore it must not be acceptable now. But is it possible for someone who has an active connection with God to make such a statement?

 If we have a close relationship with Him, we will not see every issue through the eyes of tradition and the culture of religion. We will instead seek to understand what He is trying to convey to us for this present time. We will not judge solely on how something looks to us, but will judge according to the truth that comes from God.

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