Living in the Image of God M05S06
We discuss Peter’s interactions with Jewish believers in Jerusalem, regarding his meeting with Gentiles in Caesarea: to understand that every participant in a mission is accountable to the mission objectives and other mission participants. “Accountable” implies an obligation to obtain necessary permission and seek other participants’ understanding regarding actions that can affect performance of the mission objectives. In the example from Peter, Jewish believers in Jerusalem questioned his interactions with Gentiles and Peter responded to them in detail, respectful of their right to demand explanation. They were satisfied with his response. Further, they accepted his message that every person is entitled to receive the Gospel and their mission included spreading the Gospel to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike.
This bible study focuses on understanding mission accountability. To begin, we recall that every mission belongs to God, if the mission objectives and methods and procedures are consistent with Living in the Image of God. Whether the mission is by a single person or group of persons, every member is accountable to the mission objectives and to other mission participants.
We discuss an example from Apostle Peter, based on his address to Jewish believers in Jerusalem, regarding his meeting in Caesarea with Cornelius and other Gentiles (i.e., non-Jews). The Jewish believers had questioned Peter’s interactions with the Gentiles: “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]. He responded to them in detail and through his response showed he respected and honored their right to demand explanation.
The Jerusalem believers were satisfied with Peter’s response. Further, they accepted his message that every person is entitled to receive the Gospel and their mission included spreading the Gospel to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike: “When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life’” [Acts 11:18].
Peter’s response to the Jewish believers illustrates mission accountability: that every participant in a mission is accountable to the mission objectives and other mission participants.
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