Acts 16:9-15
This text is used for the Lectionary Year C on May 1, 2016.
The Lectionary continues to push us in the light of Easter, to see the world imaginatively, which is not an easy thing for many in our congregations. We have such confined assumptions and this is true for folks across the theological spectrum, for both the biblical literalist and the biblical cynic. They are children of the same limiting formation.
In chapter 16, we are reminded that the missionary movement is not being shaped primarily by a strategic plan. It’s much more organic where (v.6) the Spirit keeps them from preaching in certain places. We do not get an explanation as to what that (being constrained by the Spirit) is like, and sermons acknowledging this could be helpful for both of followers mentioned above.