This week, we had a quick writing assignment to rewrite a portion of Acts in different modes. Here's the original text and two examples(It's pretty apparent which writing style I'm better at). I hope you think a little about the way the Bible was written and how we can convey the Gospel to others through this rich language of ours.
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that fGodgshows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (lhe is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:34-43, ESV)
God does not have biases. Why would He show prejudice or favor towards
one or another? The LORD sent His word to the ends of the earth, to all
times. Where was the Truth proclaimed? Jesus spoke of His love through
His people through all Galilee concerning the Holy Spirit, the events in
Jerusalem and the freedom He brought. What should we do, hearing this
ourselves? Nothing but tell of the resurrection on the third day and
live knowing this hope. Who orchestrated these great events and ordains
all things? Praise our God and Father who cares for His children through
the Holy Writ.
Instead of limiting His love to a chosen nation, the Father shows no partiality but gave His Son to all. Do not live without the fear of God but live in a way that encourages righteousness in your land. This way, the truth of Jesus Christ can spread through all nations instead of stalling His witness. No other reason besides the deliverance of saving grace could prompt the Savior to be baptized as a man and deliver freedom to all with His power on the cross. Instead of being silent, this revelation gave witness to Jews and Gentiles alike, those chosen by God. He intrusts preaching, commands it, to sinful humans who He fills with His Holy Spirit, not just using His own might, revelation and creation. Through His name alone, all come to receive that which Jesus does not hide away but gives freely to all - salvation.