Acts 4:1-22 – Propaganda or Not?

Read Acts 4:1-22

The Sadducees and religious leaders now confront Peter and John for their presentation. Peter’s words have struck a chord with them, but not in a positive way. This text has always been a helpful example for me and Christians everywhere to be bold and remember who we are trying to please.

Are there any details of this account that surprised you? Some might be surprised that Peter and John found themselves in jail. Others may marvel at how quickly the number of believers was adding up. Perhaps it is how perplexed the religious leaders were with these two “ordinary men.” Continue reading “Acts 4:1-22 – Propaganda or Not?”

Acts 3:1-26 – Peter Seizes the Moment

Read Acts 3:1-26

What an opportunity Peter and John had that afternoon to speak the truth about Jesus. They had been planning to attend a prayer meeting, but God had other plans. The lame man benefited greatly from Jesus’ healing touch, working through Peter. It would have been a lot easier to just throw a few coins at the beggar, but the Spirit moved Peter to take action.

You may feel convicted by what Peter did and wish you had more opportunities to share Jesus’ love. Perhaps you prefer a behind-the-scenes role and like to tithe and give offerings to those in need in the name of Jesus. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, we are encouraged to be cheerful givers. But we should avoid those divine appointments placed before us to minister to someone’s needs, as Peter did that day. Continue reading “Acts 3:1-26 – Peter Seizes the Moment”

Acts 2:29-47 – Community of Believers

Read Acts 2:29-47

Peter’s sermon continues here as he tries to help the people listening catch up and understand the great opportunity they had been given. They were living in the days shortly following Jesus’ resurrection, an event that changed history forever. Can you imagine being one of the ones who witnessed Jesus’ return from the grave? Reading about it is great, but having witnessed it happening in real time would have been crazy!

Peter’s words “pierced their hearts” into action. The people were hungry and asked what they could do. How many times have you been so moved by a sermon? Peter’s response to those seeking more of Jesus was to repent and be baptized. If they choose to do that, they will receive the Holy Spirit. Continue reading “Acts 2:29-47 – Community of Believers”

Acts 2:1-28 – Come Holy Spirit

Read Acts 2:1-28

The day finally arrived for the disciples. The Holy Spirit came in a mighty way. I would not have expected anything less. The baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised was fulfilled on Pentecost that year, approximately 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead and 10 days after Jesus ascended to the Father.

From the way Luke describes it, there could be no question that something unusual was happening. Can you imagine hearing this message in your own language from someone foreign to you? “And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” All of these people from different backgrounds shared a faith and marveled at the same God. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-28 – Come Holy Spirit”

Acts 1:1-26 – In Those Early Days

Read Acts 1:1-26

To get our heads right to walk through the Book of Acts, we need to put ourselves back into the story. Luke picks up right where his gospel leaves off. We’re in those early days following Jesus’ resurrection when everything was just a little unclear. Jesus had been teaching one day and then killed the next. Just like he said, Jesus was brought back to life and spent more time with his friends.

The Book of Acts will take us on a journey through the early days of the Christian church as Jesus’ followers spread the news just as He told them to do. The whole mission relied on one thing for success—the coming of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading “Acts 1:1-26 – In Those Early Days”

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