I’ve been reading a quick biography on the Apostle Paul by E.P. Sanders and have been thinking about the early Church post-ascension. I have seen many who have glorified the Church in Acts and the apostles, but we forget the humanity that is sure to leak into any Christian circle devoid of a risen Christ. Paul found tremendous opposition, not only from Jews who saw him as a heretic, but also Jewish Christians and disciples who were skeptical of this “new” Gospel and the motives of Paul. Pair this with the news that some were even preaching a Gospel contrary to that of Paul and the disciples (Gal. 1:8, 2 Cor. 11:4), and you have a mess of theology and practice.
Yet, the Spirit of God still moved.
It is incredible the freedom Christ grants His Church. He could have easily given us a list of rules and practices, but He makes room for our humanity – our artistic and spiritual expression. It is encouraging that the Church in Acts was just as dependent on the movement of Christ as we are today. All the firsthand experience and theological training was nice, but it was never going to drive the Church forward into a broken world. It was always about Christ, our risen Lord who defeated sin and obligation.
Today, may we bury our differences and preferences in order to find the common ground of Christ. May we have the courage to say simply, nothing without the handprints of our Lord is of any significance. Enlarge our vision of your Church, Lord. Move in our hearts to unite with our dysfunctional practices and causes to see your completed work at the cross.
Matt simon blog 