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Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
The Scriptorium

Hospitality (Again!)

Salvation is proved in good works of love.

Acts (15)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

This week’s video is presentation 15 in our study of Acts, and looks at the work of theology in the ongoing work of Christ. You can view it by clicking here (scroll down to Lesson 15).

Read and meditate on Acts 16.31-34.
The jailer probably lived at the jail, perhaps in an adjoining apartment – one of the perks of the job. He had a family, and Paul’s response to his desperate question indicated that the grace of God would reach through the faith of the jailer to embrace all those within his household.

For reflection
1.  Let’s not get into questioning how that happens; it is the power of God’s covenant and the promise of His Word (Acts 2.39). We also note that the whole house – all the family members – were baptized. Even the children? And hold on, surely these people didn’t own a pool or even a bathtub? Paul was baptized right after he believed. Now the same with these folks. Why is baptism so important?

2.  We note again how the Gospel powerfully changes people. Just hours before, this jailer had thrown the apostles into the slammer without so much as a “Sorry ‘bout this, guys.” He was a brutal man, and that’s why he was a jailer! But now, how tenderly he and his wife and family cared for Paul and Silas! How powerful is the grace of God! This man’s hospitality is the first proof of his conversion. According to Ephesians 2.8-10, how do we prove our conversion each day?

3.  We can almost feel the rejoicing all around. Paul’s and Silas’ hymn/prayer had been answered right in front of their eyes, and a family of lost souls found a new and eternal reason to live and love. What could be more fun than this? The coming of the Kingdom is a witness of joy (Rom. 14.17, 18). How should we expect to show that joy to the watching world?

4.  Was it just something about the Philippians? Lydia had responded to the inward work of God’s grace with love and hospitality, and now here we see it again. No, it’s not the water supply in Philippi; it’s the living water supply of the Spirit and grace of God which, quickening lost souls, melts and renews their hearts and teaches them how to love. How is the Lord teaching you to show His grace to the people in your Personal Mission Field?

5.  How can we share the Gospel in such a way as to help people get off on the right foot – the loving and hospitable foot – in their new journey with the Lord?

Summary
The Gospel has power to save and transform. Jesus makes all things new as He rescues a lost soul for His Kingdom. We should expect the Lord to do new and transforming works of grace in and through us every day. How are you seeking the transforming grace of the Lord for today?

Closing Prayer
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the LORD his God,
Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,
Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
The LORD raises those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
The LORD shall reign forever—
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!

Psalm 146.5-10

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book,
The Kingdom Turn (click here).

Please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Or, you can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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