Dear Luke

A light-hearted reply to the Book of Acts in the Bible

I've really enjoyed reading the sequel to your first book, Luke.  (At least, I assume it was you who wrote it, as you forgot to sign it - which isn't like you; you're normally so meticulous about getting everything right - but I'm sure I recognised your writing.)

Anyway, it's an amazing story! After reading your previous letter, I was sure there was more to come, but this went beyond my wildest imaginings! Of course, when Jesus was put to death it looked like the whole thing had gone horribly wrong.  I know that you wrote about his resurrection, but such things are really rather hard to believe, despite all the witnesses. But your new book certainly put paid to any doubts I may have had.

The coming of the Holy Spirit on all those who heard Peter speaking at Pentecost must have put the wind up them! Seriously, how did Peter manage such an excellent talk while all that commotion was going on - though I suppose that was the work of the Holy Spirit too? I reckon that some of the preachers I've heard could do with being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

It was great to hear about the explosive growth of the church that followed, and lovely to hear about the unity of the believers at that time. Again, the work of the Spirit was something else! Is that why those who try to do outreach in their own strength find it so unfruitful?  Mind you, I know of churches these days who will barely speak to each other, so what sort of witness does that give?

And who'd have thought that Jesus would choose Saul to be his messenger - after all he'd done to persecute the early believers. A most unexpected turn of events, but a master-stroke! Who could have thought of that?

It must have been quite a shock for Peter to realise that God was interested in the Gentiles too. No wonder the believers back in Jerusalem got so hot under the collar about it! I have to admit I had to stop and think hard about this myself, too.  But, again, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon them in such a clear way did put it beyond doubt.  In fact I've heard that there are believers from all kinds of Christian churches who have been filled with the Spirit and not just the Pentecostals - Catholics, Methodists, even Evangelicals.

I didn't really understand why Saul changed his name to Paul. Was that to symbolise his complete change of heart? Anyway, he became quite a traveller; I trust he collected 'boat-miles'! To start with I wondered whether he just liked the adventure, but I quickly realised that he was following the leading of the Spirit, who was determined that the Good News should reach the whole world, not just Jerusalem or even just Samaria. Sometimes I just wish we'd think about reaching the next village, though the Spirit is still out and about reaching the rest of the world, of course.

I don't find all of Paul's writings easy to understand, so had a lot of sympathy for the poor man who fell asleep during one of his sermons.  But, how amazing that Paul was able to bring him back to life after he had fallen from the third floor window! I don't remember the last time I saw such a miracle, but people still fall asleep in sermons, of course.

I was rather shocked, though, about all the riots and trouble that followed Paul everywhere.  I'd never really thought that Christians would be in the middle of that kind of thing. But then I thought back to Jesus' own life, and he certainly faced a lot of opposition - right up to his death, of course. But it's rather a far cry from all the respectable Christians you tend to see nowadays...

Despite all that, Paul carried on preaching right to the end. I'd have got very anxious about having to speak in front of Governor Felix and King Agrippa, but Paul seemed as clear and assured as ever.  Where did he get that peace and assurance from - was that also the work of the Holy Spirit? There are some Christians round here who could use some peace and assurance.

You stopped your account at a strange place.  Did Paul get to speak in front of Caesar? I assume it was nearly the end for Paul, but I'm curious to know just what happened. If you ever write the next instalment, be sure to send me a copy.

Yours as ever,

Theophilus

PS Why did you call your book 'The Acts of the Apostles'?  Surely it was the 'Acts of the Holy Spirit', as it was the Spirit who took the initiatives and was working through Peter, Paul and the other apostles.

PPS Did Paul take any pictures on his travels?  If so, I wonder whether they could be put online so everyone can see.  I haven't been to most of the places he visited, and it would be nice to be able to picture him there.