Reading Acts 21-28, from a South African angle with Scott McKnight

We've been reflecting the last 2 days on the book of Acts with New Testament scholars, Scott McKnight and Gert Steyn, on the question: what does it say for us today here in South Africa. Of course it would be difficult to cover the whole book, so I will briefly reflect on the chapters that our group worked with, namely Acts 21-28.

For us, the notion of the journey (difficult as it was) towards Rome, driven by a passion for the Kingdom or the reign of Jesus, the Christ, stood out. In our time we find passionate followers and passionate causes, yet, the content of our passion should remain the notion of the Kingdom of God, the plan of God,(one could maybe (?) speak of the Mission of God). God acts beyond the nationalistic ideals of Judaism, beyond the church's walls and Paul aims to descern this mission of God, as he charts his way, via Jerusalem, Rome, etc.

There is another reality or theme, which is the reality of crossing borders and experiencing tension, fracture, but also inviting conflict. Crossing borders following the prompting of the Holy Spirit, being driven by the vision of the Kingdom, expose and challenge the existing powers and the powerful. There is also violence, militant resistance, conspiracy, physical danger; but then, there is also grace, miracles, progress for the vulnerable and contested witnesses of the Kingdom. Paul's life, his enduring legacy is painted in the difficult journey for the sake of the gospel.

There was a third theme: Paul's onward journey is where relationships are central. Often these are under pressure, often it is tested, often renegotiated, yet it remained critical in his mission. It becomes the mission. The gospel witness comes via real relationships. Behind these are power relations, vested interests, and histories- yet, this remains the terrain of God's redemptive, healing and liberating work.