Acts
God’s Covenant of Circumcision
This chapter contains the longest sermon recorded in the book of Acts. In these first eight verses Stephen gives the history of Abraham. The Jews greatly admired Abraham and prided themselves in being his “children.†Furthermore, they depended on their nation’s heritage rather than their …
Obedience to God and Man
As you can imagine, the temple guards were perplexed upon finding the empty prison cells (v. 24). They were soon informed, however, that their prisoners were already back in the temple, preaching as though nothing had happened (v. 25). The guards once again arrested the apostles, but they did …
From “God” to “Stoning” ?“ Paul Still Committed to Preach
There was a temple of Jupiter near by and the priest of the temple came quickly bringing oxen and wreaths of flowers. They were ready to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas and worship them (v. 13). When these missionaries realized that the people had not heard the Gospel, but …
Paul ?“ Flexibility in the Itinerary
Freedom and flexibility are the characteristics of a Christian under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can only lead us as we are sensitive to His leading. After visiting the churches he had founded, Paul tried to enter new territory for the Lord. He tried to …
Paul’s Advice is Initially Rejected
As Paul embarked upon his last journey, at least three things must have encouraged him (vv. 1-3). Luke, who dropped out of sight after leaving Paul in the hands of James and the elders of the Jerusalem church, (21:18) is with him. Julius, a hardened Roman centurion who was assigned to …
Paul Confronts a Sorcerer at Cyprus
Chapter 13 marks a major division in the book of Acts. The focus shifts away from Peter and the church in Judea, towards Paul and the churches he planted during his travels. The Lord called Paul and Barnabas to minister to the Gentiles. They were what we today call foreign missionaries. The …
Effective Church Ministry
This passage gives a run-down of what went on in the early Church: 1. Where did the church meet? (v. 12) ?“ They met where everyone could see them, in the open space on Solomon’s Porch, one of the two great porches that surrounded the temple area …
Flexibility in the Ministry
Paul and Silas traveled by land to Derbe and then on to Lystra where Timothy was enlisted as an assistant for Paul (v. 1). Timothy’s mother was Jewish, but his father was Greek. Due to his mixed heritage, Timothy had not been circumcised. To avoid offending the Jews, Paul decided to …
Paul’s Defense Before Felix
Paul, in his own defense, stood before Felix and the Jewish leaders and categorically denied the charges brought against him (v. 10). His first point was that he was only a visitor in Jerusalem, and he had been there less than two weeks (v.11). He stated that he had never once ca …
Obstacles that Hinder the Work
Not wanting to cause further trouble for Jason and the other Christians, Paul and Silas left Thessalonica by night and traveled southwest to Berea (v. 10), about 45 miles away. One might have expected Paul to switch up his tactics in Berea, but as usual they went right to the synagogue …