Acts 13:13-52 – Claim Your Joy

Read Acts 13:13-52

So, there is no confusion: Saul is also known as Paul, and going forward we’ll use his Greek name, Paul. There can be misconceptions about the name change, but it would have been common in those days to have both a Hebrew name (Saul) and a Greek name (Paul). It’s easy to think of Saul as the bad guy and Paul as the good guy, but it’s the same guy, and there was nothing divine about his name change like we’ve seen in the Bible before.

Paul was about to be used by God in mighty ways. In this moment where it all began, he could not even fathom what he was about to encounter: miracles, works of the Holy Spirit like this, and even disaster. But those stories will unfold in due time. For now, we need to get to know Paul as one of the greatest Christian leaders of all time. Continue reading “Acts 13:13-52 – Claim Your Joy”

Acts 13:1-12 – Follow the Holy Spirit

Read Acts 13:1-12

Were you impressed by how quickly the men praying in Antioch heard the Holy Spirit and then immediately acted on the message? It sounds like the message fell upon the group, rather than just one person. Such a great confirmation for Saul and Barnabas to start their missionary journey!

Have you ever experienced anything like that? For these believers, there was absolutely no doubt what should be happening next because of a profound message from God. We can only long for and expect to hear from God in this way. His messages are often a lot more subtle. For Saul and Barnabas, the clear direction was to go, but go where? Continue reading “Acts 13:1-12 – Follow the Holy Spirit”

Acts 12:1-25 – Answered Prayer

Read Acts 12:1-25

It’s hard to read how Jesus’ disciples were treated, and yet they remained true to their mission. What an inspiration for us! It does seem savage that King Herod would pick the Passover as a time to brutally kill James and then take Peter into custody. For Peter, I can’t even imagine being chained to two other individuals while waiting for an unfair trial, seeking to rile the people, and probably take his life.

Then we see how mightily God answered the prayers of the believers and delivered Peter from his captors. We can’t help but rejoice. Don’t rush past this miracle. Answered prayer does happen, sometimes in unfathomable ways. What was most surprising to you about the jail break? Continue reading “Acts 12:1-25 – Answered Prayer”

Acts 11:19-30 – Stay True to the Lord

Read Acts 11:19-30

It was happening. Jesus had wanted his name to be preached to all peoples. That was the upside to all the believers being scattered after Stephen’s death. It’s hard to minister to new people when you stay sheltered in place. But the danger was also real that getting caught up in the world was the best way to fall away from the Lord.

The church at Jerusalem used their judgment in sending Barnabas in to encourage the isolated believers. These faithful ones were on the front lines facing the hatred and mistrust of fellow Jews, and the uncertainty of what Gentiles would think. And yet Jesus’ name was being proclaimed, and lives were being transformed. Continue reading “Acts 11:19-30 – Stay True to the Lord”

Acts 10:39-11:18 – What a Stir!

Read Acts 10:39-11:18

This reading picks up right where we left off. Cornelius and his household now hear the whole story of what happened to Jesus, his death, his resurrection, and the promise Jesus made. Peter shared that “everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” What a stir that message must have created!

I love that the Holy Spirit showed up even before Peter finished delivering his message. There could be no question now. God’s promises extend to Gentiles, too. What a stir such a realization caused the Jewish friends who had accompanied Peter! Peter had already come to terms with that reality. It was good to see that the others came to see the truth as well. Continue reading “Acts 10:39-11:18 – What a Stir!”

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