Chapter 20 contains the story of Eutychus, the young man who was sitting in an upper story window listening to Paul preach well into the night, and who fell asleep, falling out of the window to his death, only to be miraculously revived (Acts 20:7-12). I love this story for several reasons: 1) I must […]
These two chapters cover the transition between the completion of Paul’s second missionary journey and the commencement of his third. A person I have always had great interest in is Apollos. We are introduced to him for the first time in chapter 18. Acts 18:27 – After he arrived, he was a great help to […]
As we look at Acts 16 and Paul’s ministry in Philippi, there are just so many great principles for us to learn and apply in our own lives. Frankly, along with chapter 20, it is one of my favorite chapters in Acts. First, notice the Spirit’s leading of Paul and Silas in v. 6-10. How […]
Chapter 15 is one of the most important passages in Acts and covers one of the most significant events in church history – the Council of Jerusalem, where it was determined that one did not have to become culturally or religiously Jewish to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I would encourage each of you […]
Chapter 13 marks a sharp shift in the focus of Luke’s account of the early church in Acts. Up until this point, Peter has been the main character through whom God was working to establish and grow the early church. From here on out, that focus shifts to Saul, also known by his Gentile name, […]
I love how honest the Bible is when it comes to the shortcomings of God’s people. Sometimes, we are given a glimpse into the foibles of the great heroes of scripture. Other times, as in these two chapters in Acts, we are able to see the weaknesses of the early church. We often put the […]
Life for the early church changed pretty rapidly after Stephen’s execution. Jesus had instructed his disciples to remain in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost but he also told them that the Spirit would empower them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the […]
These three chapters present a pretty stark contrast. Chapter 5 begins with the account of Ananias and Sapphira and their lies to the church, the apostles, and to God. Later, the apostles get arrested and thrown into prison but are miraculously freed by an angel. That’s where I want to pick the story up. Acts […]
Just wanted you guys to know I hadn’t forgotten to blog. Also, I am still reading with you. I am just falling behind in my posts. You will see the rate of my postings picking up as I get caught up with the reading. Here we go! Acts 3:19 – Therefore, repent and turn back, […]
As I write these posts, it occurred to me that you might be interested in my devotional method. There isn’t anything unique or original about it, but I thought if I showed you how I approached these texts in my devotional time in the morning, that might help you with your time. This is not […]