jonah look-alike - One interpreter points out that the theological subtext of Peter’s appearance before Cornelius’ household is framed by Luke’s allusion to the story of Jonah. Notice the similarities-both are reluctant to obey a call to take the word of God to Gentiles; both "go down" to Joppa (cf. Jonah 1:3); both titles contain the name "Jonah" (Mt. 16:17); both protest verbally their commission despite God’s revelation of God’s intention; both include the number three-for one three days and nights in the belly of a great fish, for the other God speaks three times through a vision; both proclamations are received by their Gentile hearers, and both positive results evoke hostility from "traditional" Israel (Jonah 4:1 / Acts 11:1-2). [1]

the spirit and racism - Shall persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or . . . racism keep the gospel from being heard and embraced? NO! Luke says in this lesson. Persecution might have blocked the hearing (Acts 7), and now racism could slam the gospel door to the gentiles (Acts 10-11). Yet this lesson clearly demonstrates that God opens the very doors that we close. Once again, the Spirit of Pentecost erupts and holy chaos happens. The result is a new Christian community. [2]

 

What are several contexts within which you have been called upon to deliver a difficult message?

Congregating within racial/ethnic groups has been too much of America’s sad social history. Why do so many people feel more comfortable in homogeneous company rather than in heterogeneous groups? What are the suspicions that underlie such behavior?

With whom do you most identify in this story? Peter-a Christian proclaimer who struggles with a limited paradigm? Cornelius-a god-fearer who wants more knowledge about God? Cornelius’ household? Where is your church in this story?

 

For suggestions on ways to frame or block this passage for a homily, please see Don’t Fence Me Out," which was posted on DPS for Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001.

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[1] For a further discussion on the similarities between Jonah and Simon son of Jonah, see, R.W. Wall, “Peter, Son of Jonah: The Conversion of Cornelius in the Context of Canon,” JSNT 29 (1987) 79-90.
[2] Beverly Gaventa quoted in Interpretation: Acts