ACTS 16: Share a meal
We’re over half way through this journey through the Book of Acts – it’s certainly quite a ride!
If you’re just joining us, welcome aboard! We’re reading a chapter a day and I’m providing a link to the chapter in the NIV(UK) version, but you can of course read the chapter in whatever version you like. I’ve been sharing some short reflections, but the important part is the last part: ACTION.
I wonder how you’ve been getting on with the short challenges I’ve been setting…
READ: Acts 16
REFLECTION: There’s a lot of cultural stuff going on in this chapter, did you notice? Having last chapter won the argument that Greeks did not have to undergo circumcision to be recognised as believers, Paul decides to make Timothy get circumcised before he accompanies him, seemingly to appease the Jews. Everywhere he goes, he shares the decisions made in the last chapter – cultural guidelines on how to create a safe, stable society.
When Lydia invites these preachers to her home, she feels the need to qualify it – ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ She’s a woman, a Gentile. She’s not sure that it’s acceptable to them to visit her home.
When Paul heals the woman with a spirit and annoys her owners, their argument is this – ‘These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practise.’
It’s all about customs. All about what divides them. All about what is lawful and unlawful, acceptable and unacceptable.
But God cannot be pinned down by cultural norms. He will not be hemmed in by the traditions of how it’s always been done. He breaks Paul and Silas out of that prison. He rocks their world – quite literally! He demonstrates graphically that His people have the freedom to worship in spirit and truth, not imprisoned by rituals and customs.
Not only that, but they are to do it with their heads held high. They will not go quietly, but want to be respected and escorted out of the city. They have done nothing wrong and they need everyone to see that for themselves.
ACTION: Share a meal
Sharing a meal is far more significant than just the food. It’s a symbol of acceptance and connection. Both Lydia and the jailer respond to the teaching of Paul and Silas by inviting them to share a meal with them.
We’ve lost that art on the whole today. Many families no longer eat together. Inviting people round for a meal is not a cultural norm in our society any more. But sharing food together engenders connection.
Find a way to share a meal with someone today (or if that’s too short notice, make plans to invite someone round later in the week). If inviting someone round feels a step too far, why not have a chat over lunch in the office or go for a coffee and cake in a cafe?
