The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11

The Acts of the Apostles 

Chapter 

11

1. Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him. 3. saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?"

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 1 to 3)


Oh Holy Spirit of God I thank You for never denying anybody of Your Holy presence. If there is someone who creates such barriers to Your mighty presence is us believers, who may think that Faith in You is something private or something that is reserved only for Roman Catholics! This is a great mistake on our part, one that we must be careful not to make, for by means of such an error, we are blocking the conversion and salvation of many non-Christians and this, goes against Your plan for our salvation.


4. Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5. "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7. I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat,'8. But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9. But a second time the voice answered from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' 10. This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11. At that very moment three men from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 4 to 11)


Oh God as in the case of Peter at the time that he received Your vision he did not understand its meaning, however when the time to give testimony arrived, You gave him all the answers and filled in the missing pieces  of the jig-saw puzzle. Throughout our daily life, and even in the life and history of the Roman Catholic Church many decisions were made and are being made that may be misunderstood, however in time all the clouds will be cleared and all our questions will be answered.


12. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house, 13. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14. he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.'

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 12 to 14)


Oh Jesus how much I wish that I am so close to You at all times, so much that I can live my life according to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit. I honestly pray for this today. I am aware that if I am to be totally led by Your Spirit, I will be led to areas and people whom I do not know, and even situations that I am not aware of, where Your presence and message of salvation are both missing. I invite all the readers at this moment to sing with me this prayer to the Holy Spirit of God. 


Prayer to the Holy Spirit


15. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16, And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said. 'John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.' 17. If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?"

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 15 to 17)


Oh God, it seems that one of the gifts of Your Holy Spirit helps us to remember Your Word at the right time, for a good purpose and with a good intention. I was not aware of this. I thank You for this understanding oh God. Now I understand that when we talk about You, it is Your Spirit that is really talking and not me, my memory or myself.


18. When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Ten God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verse 18)


Oh God, You have opened the doors to welcome all who desire to believe in You. If this was not so Christianity would not have come to Malta as according to Your will by means of the Apostle Paul. I thank You, my God, for permitting us to be included in the list of nations and countries who were planned to receive You and Your Message of Salvation. I also pray for those nations who are aware of You but for the time being do not believe in You. As in the case of Ecumenicism we are to respect the beliefs of others and others are to respect our belief in You. 


19.Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verse 19)


Oh God even to this very day those who believe in You are still being persecuted and have had to flee from their country of origin at the risk of their life. However, oh God persecution does not weaken our faith but strengthens it especially when keeping in mind that our cause is just and valid and that after these moments of persecution Your salvation awaits us.


20. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who. on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 20 to 21)


Oh God, You speak and work in ways that we can either predict or fully understand, As in the case of these believers who fled as a result of persecution, You choose to intervene on our behalf by means of anybody and any situation, in order to have Your message spread. Moreover, You are able to change what appears to be a negative situation into a positive one on our behalf.


22. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24. for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.


(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 22 to 24)


Oh God, we are also to be happy as a Church when we hear positive news of conversions in the Roman Catholic Church or in relation to a major issue. If You would like to be informed about such positive updates and share the joy of the Good News I invite you to click on the following link and subscribe freely to the following link: -The Christian Post


25. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26. and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians".

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 25 to 26)


Oh God, I thank You for making changes in our plans so that Your will be done. If Paul had resisted Barnabas in favor of his own agenda, the people of Antioch would not have benefited as much as they did. Moreover, this day is very important for us, for on this day our name as 'Christians' was born.


27. At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30. this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.


(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 27 to 29)


Oh God during the times of the Apostles there was a world -wide famine. During our times, there are still famines in the world and the Roman Catholic Church generously turns on us believers to contribute financially both in kind and in active presence towards countries experiencing such situations. Many Youths go to share this experience doing missionary work, however, the greatest need that is being felt in the world is also of a spiritual nature. We are famished for Your presence oh God. Even if we do not admit it, we need You more than the money we earn, more than our luxuries, more than our careers, more than ever before. 

Therefore, I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:

Oh, Jesus. God my Father I pray to You sow the seeds of new vocations in the hearts of our sons and daughters, for indeed we are hungry and thirsty for You and Your presence more than ever. A lot of theories and beliefs are being spread and atheism is on the increase. We are living in a world that is becoming more scientific and less spiritual. Therefore, I pray that You renew our souls with a revived spiritual fervour so in all our circles so that we can continue to spread Your message throughout all the world. I pray that we become more aware of our vocation as missionaries with the obligation of spreading the faith by both actions and words Amen.

The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10

The Acts of the Apostles 

Chapter 

10

1. In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2. He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God my Father You can be the God of all who accept You as being their God, even those people as in the case of this centurion who was a soldier in the Roman Empire. May we all be like this person who not only believed himself but also encouraged his household to stay firm in the faith, even though if he was caught the consequences might have been negative both for himself and even for his family. Oh God I pray for all Fathers of many families such as myself, that we do our utmost to keep our families in the faith, even though we may appear to be old fashioned when compared to the trends of the current period.

3. One afternoon  at about three o'clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius." 4. He stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" He answered, " Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial  before God.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 3 to 4)


Oh God if anyone  thinks that our prayers to You are a waste of time because we pray a lot but get a few replies, one must stop and consider if what we are praying is good for us or not. On the other hand we need to consider that God  does not have only our interests but also that of others. If I am praying for a change in employment maybe to work as a waiter, there might be a waiter who wants to work as a call agent. In order to make the transfer of job possible one has either to quit or be sacked for the other to take his place and this obviously takes time. Therefore we need  to pray for the gift of patience until God's plans  unfold.


5. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6 he is lodging with Simon, a tanner,  whose house is by the seaside. "

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse  5)


On reflecting oh God You can also send others to refer to us by means of others. May we always be tools in Your hands oh God. Amen.


7. When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8. and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa.

(The Acts of  the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 7 to 8)


As in the case of Abraham in the old Testament without being aware we might being hospitable to angels or people with a good name as in the case of the devout soldier. You also chose those who were devout to You as in the case of the Apostles, Moreover You also chose us and sent us on a mission of salvation both for ourselves and even for others. As Christians or Roman Catholics we are each others angel with the role of helping each other in their spiritual life.


9. About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 13. He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12. In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. 13. Then he heard a voice saying, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat." 14. But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean." 15. The voice said to him again, a second time, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane."

(The Acts of  the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 9 to 15)


Oh God by means of these verse You have brought together the teachings of the Old Testament as found in the Book of Genesis face to face with the Acts of the Apostles that is in the New Testament period. By means of Peter's vision and his hunger pangs, You updated Your teachings. At times as in the case of Peter we  feel comfortable living according to our old ways, however You are telling us to take hold of our Bibles in light of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and download a new service pack. This may not be easy to adjust to, for old habits die hard as in the case when we used to receive You in our mouth instead of on our hands. As a consequence there were some who experienced psychological problems until they accepted the fact that they were permitted to hold You in their hands before they receive You. I pray oh God that You give me the courage to admit my errors and apologise for any misconception that I might have thought and said and be ready to admit our mistakes. Amen


16. This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 16)


According to Joseph who was given the gift of interpreting dreams once a vision or dream happened three times it was already in progress, therefore this was actually taking place. This is the time for us to evaluate our lives and put a stop to any false belief that is hindering us from living as whole persons. 


17. Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon's house and were standing by the gate.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 17)


Oh God at times we do not understand the meaning behind actions that take place in our lives. As in the case of Peter while in the situation we remain perplexed and without words, however knowing our mental limitation as humans and our strong motivation to rationalise everything You are teaching us not to waste our time in reasoning out the situation but to accept and obey Your will even if at the time the reality seems to be a bit fuzzy, for what we do not understand at that time You will reveal to us later on when the time is right.


18. They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter was staying there. 19. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look, three men are searching for you. 20. Now get up,  go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 18 to 20)


Oh Father Your Spirit is one of action indeed ans surely not a passive one. When living a life led by Your Spirit one is always on the go as in the case of Peter and my others. In two verses meaning verses 18 to 20 there is a barrage of verbs that are associated with action and speed. These are the following:- Look; Now; get up, go down, go with them, without hesitation!


21. So peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 21)


Oh Peter indeed You are walking in the foot steps of Jesus. When in the garden of Gethsemane the guards came looking for Jesus who fearlessly admitted which of the men he was and gave the guards the opportunity to take him without showing the least sign of resistance, while Peter had already his hand resting on his dagger. However this time Peter was prepared for the event by the power of the Holy Spirit who showed him the good intents of the messengers of Joppa. During moments of dilemma the same Holy Spirit illuminates our intellect by making us aware of any trap that we might be heading into amen.


22. They answered, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house to hear what you have to say." 23. So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 22 to 23)


Oh God that we may be always ready to open our hearts to dwell in so that we can welcome and accept the good news of Your Salvation. I would never prefer a better place than to find a lodging with You oh Jesus! May I always be open to receive the never ending bounty of the messages found in the Bible Amen.


24. The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 24)


Oh God and Father, what great faith did Cornelius have, so much that it empowered him with the gift of perseverance and generosity. Not only had he benefited from believing in You but he also wanted to share the wonderful experience of believing in You with others who were close to him such as family and friends. 


25. On Peter's arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshipped him. 26. But Peter made him get up, saying, "Stand up; I am only a mortal."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 25 to 26)


Oh God our praise and worship is to be given only to You and not to material goods or people. It is the case that worship is being given to parts of the body such as feet and even apparel such as shoes. In such cases worship is given to both the user and the article, which should be given to You Amen. On the other hand we are to be careful for  even our children can be a source of worship and attention that may outweigh the love and attention given to You my God and Father.


27. And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28. and he said to them, "You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?"

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 27 to 29)


Oh God by means of these verses You gave me another lesson in not being judgemental or ever showing any form of discrimination, for as in the vision of Peter you told him not to call profane anything that You have made clean.  Therefore when somebody asks us to help him or else we happen to meet somebody who needs our help even if the person is of a different religion or country we are not to hold back our support. Amen.


30. Cornelius replied, "Four days ago at this very hour, at three o'clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes stood before me. 31. He said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the  home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' 33. Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 30 to 33)


Oh God at times to understand what You say to my heart is not always possible. You speak by means of different people and situations and at times I cannot connect one message with another and as in the case of Cornelius would need more clarification. 


However, I thank You for giving me the understanding by means of the father where I confess my sins and the good counsel that You give me by means of this instrument in Your hand for he helps me to understand my dilemmas, Moreover I still thank You for these messages, for when I am at peace with myself in a spirit of prayer even after time has passed You explain to me the meaning of such events and messages and then I realise what You had planned for me, and why certain events happened.   


34. Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35. but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 34 to 35)


Oh God this is one quality that i love You more for. Showing no partiality means that You are biased against nobody regardless of ones belief. You welcome everybody whether the person is a Muslim or from any other religion. If a person shows belief in You and lives according to Your ways this is acceptable to You my God.


36. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-he is Lord of all.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 36)


On reflecting Your message contained a simple message that is not impossible to live. If it were so, You would not have given it to us. What makes it difficult and challenging to live Your Message of peace and love, is that as humans we are clothed with a body that if left to its own ways, without any form of restriction or control it will rebel and go against Your Ways. By default we are all sinners, however where it not for Your grace and loving mercy and the power of Your Holy Spirit our chances of salvation would be non existent, for although we wish to live according to Your ways, our sinful nature as in the flesh is in constant war or struggle with our spirit which is Your Holy presence that dwells in us.


37. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40. but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41. not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 37 to 41)


Oh God my Father this is also the creed that I believe in, the message that as a Roman Catholic I am bound to preach to others so that they also receive the faith and gift of the Holy Spirit, if they accept You in their lives. This is the main aim of my sharing this blog, so that others may read, reflect and believe in Your word not in mine and ultimately receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.


42. He commanded  us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 42 to 43)


Oh Jesus this is also my creed and the message that I am duty bound to deliver to others. Everywhere I go I am a loaded gun ready to deliver the message of the Gospels. I thank You oh Jesus for all the people that You permit me to meet so that I can discuss in a friendly environment Your love and the wonders that You perform in our lives. While I was at the clinic yesterday You permitted me to meet a couple who are 'born again Christians' although we did not agree on all the issues we still agreed on Your love and the power of Your healing grace.


44. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46. for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said,

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 44 to 46)


Oh God how caring and loving You are! You do not show partiality in favour of Roman Catholics and discrimination against those who do not yet know You. You generously and lovingly give the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who desire it.


47.  "Can anyone wit-hold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48. So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 47 to 48)


Oh Jesus You do not make any discrimination among those worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit or not. This is such a wonderful gift, that we all should pray for regardless of our creed. Amen


Oh God Almighty I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer while also by clicking on the following link which directs us to a prayer to the Holy Spirit


Prayer to the Holy Spirit:-



Oh God my Father in name of all the world and all its nations regardless if they believe in You or not I pray that today You anoint the world with a renewed baptism. The baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that You may come and dwell in our hearts. I also pray that this blog will continue to spread throughout the world so that others can experience You and Your healing word. May You disinfect the Internet from all forms of malicious site and bless each server, so that all will proclaim Your Name and be blessed Amen.