Q1 — Torah | Luke-Acts & Romans
Acts 12-16; Lev. 16-27, Num. 1-3; Psalm 22-24
FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
Acts 12-16
Watch the Gospel Spread
A New Home Base
Last week, we saw persecution drive many of the Jerusalem Christians away from the city. In chapter twelve, we'll see one last look at the oppression in the region, as Herod kills James and imprisons Peter. After a divine prison break, even Peter leaves Jerusalem, and Luke turns the reader's attention to a new headquarters, Antioch. At the end of Friday's reading (11:19-30), we saw this group thriving, as Jews and Gentiles worked together, and Barnabas brought Saul to the city to teach the new converts (11:25-26). This Tuesday, we'll see the Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas to represent the group on a mission to spread the gospel into new regions.
Strategically Spreading
Tuesday and Wednesday, we'll read of Paul's first missionary journey, then on Thursday, he'll split with Barnabas and start his second journey. It helps to have a map handy as you read these chapters, as he goes from Syrian Antioch to Cyprus to Pisidian Antioch. From there, he heads to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe before retracing his steps back "home" to Antioch at the end of chapter 14. On his second journey, he'll see a vision (16:9-10) that will lead him into Greece.
The Exciting Conquest of the Gospel
_ What's in a Name?_ This week, we'll watch Barnabas' sidekick Saul become Paul, the leading spokesman of the mission to the Gentiles. Notice the change from 13:7 to 13:13. What do you think led to the change? Heroics in Jesus' Name! Luke packs these chapters with fantastic stories like when Peter gets mistaken for his angel and when a fortune-telling slave girl gets cured, only to leave her money-grubbing owners mad at the miracle-workers! The marvelous deeds of Paul and Barnabas even lead some to mistake them for the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes. Paul gets stoned, beaten, and imprisoned, but nothing stops him from speaking! This is Us. After Paul's vision (16:9), the narrator stops calling Paul and his companions "they" and starts describing what "we" did. This change seems to indicate that Luke, the author, joined the traveling party in Troas, and will continue with Paul. The four "we" passages are Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; and 27:1-28:16.
Facing the Opposition
As Thursday's reading (Acts 15) begins, the harmony and growth in Antioch are threatened by "some men" who come from Jerusalem, teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised and follow the law of Moses for salvation. The issues outlined in this chapter will form the backdrop for many of the epistles we'll read later.
In 1957 — long before board games like Settlers of Catan and video games like Civilization, a Frenchman named Albert Lamorisse invented the "game of world conquest," known as Risk. I have great memories of huddling around a table, trying to outwit and outmaneuver friends as we all try to spread our troops across a map of the world. To win, you have to choose the right home base (I recommend South America, Africa, or Australia!) and spread from your home base into the right territories, at the right time.
FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
Lev. 16-27, Num. 1-3
Leviticus 16-27 and Numbers 1-3 continue to explore the intricacies of God’s relationship with His people, emphasizing holiness and order within the community of Israel. Leviticus 16 outlines the Day of Atonement, a pivotal ritual that highlights God’s desire for reconciliation and sanctity among the Israelites. This sets the stage for understanding the gravity of sin and the need for atonement.
In Leviticus 17-27, various laws are introduced that govern morality, worship, and community life, revealing God's intentions for a holy nation. Numbers 1-3 shifts the focus to organization and census-taking in the Israelite camp, illustrating the importance of structure and identity among the tribes. Each tribe has a specific role and responsibility, culminating in the intricate design of the community.
BIG TAKEAWAYS
The themes of holiness, community, and God's unwavering presence resonate through these passages. They address fundamental questions about identity, purpose, and the nature of sin, encouraging readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the continuous influence of God's covenant throughout history. Recognizing these connections invites a deeper understanding of both the ancient text and its relevance today.
REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS
Psalm 22-24 weaves together a powerful narrative that highlights the suffering, sovereignty, and salvation of God. Psalm 22 begins with a poignant expression of despair, famously echoed in Jesus' cry from the cross. It reflects the deep anguish of abandonment but transitions to a confident proclamation of God's faithfulness. In this psalm, we witness both the pain of affliction and the hope of redemption, as it ends in a tone of worship and communal praise.
Psalm 23 follows as a comforting reminder of God's shepherding care, affirming that believers are never alone or lacking. The imagery of green pastures and still waters illustrates the peace and restoration found in a relationship with God.
Finally, Psalm 24 celebrates God’s sovereignty over all creation. It challenges us to recognize the holiness required to approach God and highlights the idea of the coming King. Together, these psalms guide readers through the depths of human experience, ultimately directing hearts toward reverence, reliance, and the assurance of salvation found in the Lord. This progression invites contemplation on how we connect with God in our own lives, amid trials and triumphs.