December 31, 2009 - Acts 11:2-3

“So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.’” Acts 11:2-3.
Peter, having stayed with Cornelius and his Gentile household, returned to Jerusalem. Upon his arrival, the Jewish followers of Jesus began to confront Peter for lodging and eating with Gentiles. This was something that Jews, whether followers of Jesus or not, had not been allowed to do, according to Jewish Law. And now, one of their primary leaders had crossed the line, and he was now being called into accounts.
I am grateful that conflicts like this are included in the story of the early church. It doesn’t seem as though the early followers of Jesus sought to sugar-coat or attempt to sweep the conflict that did occur under the rug. I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they are not really much different than you and me. It helps to remove our “stained-glass” image of the early church, and the rosy lens through which we see such stories.
I am, also, grateful to see these early followers hold each other accountable for their actions. Peter, who apparently was not above being held to accounts, had done something that had been thought of as questionable, and his brothers and sisters confronted him concerning these actions, requiring him to give an explanation. This kind of accountability is a good thing and can serve both the individual and the community well. In this situation, Peter’s actions were appropriate and it was the community that needed some adjustment in attitude.
Questions to consider: Are there issues that we, as a community of believers have been sugar-coating or attempting to sweep under the rug? Is there anyone in your life that can hold you accountable? How functional and helpful is this to you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me some people who care enough – who love me enough – to speak the truth to me and to hold me accountable. Help me to be as open as I can in those relationships, so that I might be more conformed to Your image. Amen.