Paul seems to be addressing two major issues regarding to how to keep a body healthy. For the majority of the book, Paul emphasizes the unity among the believers, both Jews and Gentiles. He portraits the believers as a body, and tells them that each person has his or her unique roll in building up the body. After speaking about how to keep the body healthy internally, he speaks about the armor of God. Often we see this part of the scripture preached in churches as a way to equip ourselves for the spiritual warfare. But I wonder, in order to be truly equipped, we need strengthen ourselves in both aspects, internally and externally. If our inside is crumbling, then what is the point on protecting our outside?
_Philippians
“Press On”
Philippians 3:12
_Acts
Chapter 2: The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost
The Holy Spirit filled the place where the disciples were staying, and the Spirit enabled them to speak in other tongues. This led to the event where Peter spoke boldly in public about Christ, and three thousands were added to them.
If The Spirit hasn't come to the place, the three thousands people would not have been saved...but I wonder it would have much bigger consequence than that. I don't know how long these followers of Christ would've remained strong without the Holy Spirit. After Christ ascended, the people were waiting for the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit didn't show up, I think people would have started to doubt and lost faith. That could have been the end of Christianity.
Chapter 4: Peter, filled with the Spirit, boldly speaks before the Sanhedrin, surprising the elders and teachers. They were astonished that these ordinary unschooled men were able to defend their faith with courage and eloquent words. They took note that they were with Jesus. If Peter and John weren’t filled with the Spirit, they would’ve not able to defend their faith and might have given into their threats to stop spreading the message. Once again, this would've strengthen the pharisees while discouraging the believers from spreading the Gospel.
Chapter 10 & 11: Peter saw a vision about God commanding him to eat the unclean animals. Right after the vision, Peter heard a command from the Holy Spirit not to hesitate and go with the three men who will come to him. The three men showed up at Peter’s house and delivered a message saying that Cornelius has sent them to invite Paul over. Despite of being against his custom, Peter obeyed and went to Cornelius house, and witnessed that the Holy Spirit coming down on these gentiles as he preached. Other disciples heard the news and were convinced that the repentance of life is granted to even gentiles.
If the Spirit did not speak to Peter, he might not have gone to Cornelius’ house. Not only Cornelius and his house would not have been saved, but the disciples would've still believed that the Good News is only for Jews and not Gentiles.
_Matthew
<coming soon>
