a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

important role in a culturally sensitive situation over the issue of circumcision, a
Jewish religio-cultural concern, which was causing tension in the community.
However, the decision of the community in line with the Spirit was significant in
resolving the issue. In a letter, the leaders stated that their decision was in
accordance with the Spirit of God (Act. 15:28). It is likely that it was the Spirit
who brought about a consensus in their theological formulation during this time of
inter-cultural crisis.
6.2.2.3 The Spirit and Mission Theology and Practice
It was clear that Jesus’ promise that the disciples would be empowered by the
Spirit for witness not only in Jerusalem but also to the ends of the earth (Act 1:8)
included non-Jews as well. However, it was not easy for the Jewish disciples to
fully comprehend the concept of a Gentile mission, as their theology did not allow
them to develop a missiology that accommodated it. Therefore, the Spirit had to
intervene to change their minds. There are examples which indicate that the Spirit
took the initiative in formulating or reformulating the Apostles’ mission theology
and practice. The best example is the mission of Peter to Cornelius’ household. In
a trance, Peter heard a voice telling him not to call unclean what God had cleansed
(Act. 10:10-15). Subsequently, Peter was asked by the Spirit to go to the house of
the Gentile centurion Cornelius (Act. 10:19-20). He had the ‘direct instruction of
the Holy Spirit’ and a ‘complementary vision.’ 124 Here it is significant to note that
Cornelius, a man from outside the Acts community, also received a voice to send
men for Simon, who would instruct him about what was to be done. Spirit took
the initiation in two simultaneous events, in the life of both Cornelius and Peter,
124 Stronstad, Prophethood of All Believers, 109.
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