Acts – Be Still…

Acts 19:23-41 – Persecution is Real

Have you noticed a pattern in the book of Acts? Any time there is a profound move of the Spirit, it is followed by a riot, some unrest, or danger for the apostle Paul and his companions. We can see similar things happening today when pastors or groups of Christians are persecuted for doing good. It’s like we have targets on our backs for the enemy to come calling, to bring calamity or raise enemies.

I was reminded this week of what Jesus said about this in his Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:10-12, we read: “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” If you are or have ever been threatened because of your faith, rest in the words of Jesus. As believers, we can expect to be targets when we speak openly about our faith. Continue reading “Acts 19:23-41 – Persecution is Real”

Acts 18:24-19:22 – How Do We Represent Jesus?

Read Acts 18:24-19:22

Paul’s second missionary journey was winding down in our last reading, and here we start his third and final journey. First, Luke, the author of Acts, introduces us to Apollos. It’s always good to read about real-life people besides the apostles and how they responded to the Good News about Jesus and salvation. We can get clues for how we should or should not represent Jesus to our own circle of friends and acquaintances.

Apollos was a Christian Jew teaching about Jesus. It seems a little odd that he wouldn’t know about the Holy Spirit. Imagine his delight in hearing about the power from Paul’s students, Priscilla and Aquila (you may remember them from previous readings). That Jewish couple wanted to help clarify for their brother in Christ all that being a Christ-follower meant. What a great way to show up for Jesus! Continue reading “Acts 18:24-19:22 – How Do We Represent Jesus?”

Acts 18:1-23 – God Willing

Read Acts 18:1-23

Paul’s second missionary journey continues as he leaves Athens and moves on to Corinth, also in Greece. Paul met up with some refugees from Rome, fellow Jews and tentmakers. Paul continued to preach the word and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. When that message brought opposition from the Jews, he decided to focus his message on the Gentiles. Isn’t that what Jesus had asked him to do all along?

Understandably, being a Jew himself, Paul would have wanted his fellow Jews to accept and follow Jesus. Paul would have been grieved that they just couldn’t see the truth when it seemed so clear to him. But it wasn’t that long ago that Paul himself had been oppressing Christ followers. Continue reading “Acts 18:1-23 – God Willing”

Acts 17:16-34 – The Unknown God

Read Acts 17:16-34

Paul shows us how he responded when he was at odds with what he saw around him. When Paul saw all the idols and shrines for gods other than the one true God, he responded. Paul didn’t just sit back and hope everything worked out for the people of Athens. He sought out the people who were talking, the learned ones who were influencing people’s worldview. Yes, it seems there were “influencers” even in those days.

I’m sure Paul took delight in sharing about God to these people who we’re told spent a lot of time talking about spiritual things. Paul didn’t shy away from confrontation when it came to professing the truth and wanted to “reason” and “debate” with these leaders. I’m not sure I’ve ever been that bold. How about you? I think it’s something we should all aspire to as believers. We should want to state our case for being on Team Jesus. Paul spoke out “daily” to any who would listen. Continue reading “Acts 17:16-34 – The Unknown God”

Acts 17:1-15 – Are You Open Minded?

Read Acts 17:1-15

Do you feel a little like you are accompanying Paul on his missionary journey? Does the way Luke writes this account make you feel like you are right there? We also see a little of life in Thessalonica to see what kind of believers there are and what their challenges may be. As you may know, Paul writes two letters to that community of faith as part of our New Testament.

What struck you most about this leg of the men’s journey? Do you want to see a map so that you truly picture the countryside being covered? I like picturing Paul teaching the Bible to folks. Of course, stories about Jesus were not part of the Scriptures Jews were familiar with. In those early days, it was writers like Luke who were also keeping track of Jesus’ life and impact on the world. Our New Testament was living out loud as it was written. Continue reading “Acts 17:1-15 – Are You Open Minded?”