Acts 8, in which the gospel comes to Samaria as a result of the scattering of believers due to the persecution seemingly led by Saul. A couple of items of interest to me are first, that Saul was dragging people out of houses. Were these house churches? And secondly, men and women are dragged out, … Continue reading Acts 8. →

In response to the accusations presented against Stephen, he responds by basically telling Israel's story. Surely the Sanhedrin knew this story. But the punchline in this is that Stephen casts the Sanhedrin with all of those opposed God's work, including the treatment of the prophets. It's a great telling. We would do well to memorize … Continue reading Acts 7. →

Stephen is seized. What's next?

Gamaliel provided very wise words to the Sanhedrin, that seem universal to me. 38 "So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing,39 but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop … Continue reading Acts 5. →

Here's your post to comment on for Acts 4. Love to hear from you. I was struck this morning by verses 18-20, from the NET version: 18 And they called them in and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Whether it is right before God to obey you … Continue reading Acts 4. →

Here's your post to apply your comments to. I'm encouraging you to do so. Something that caught my eye in this chapter was the word "turning". From the NIV: 19"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 26 "When God raised up his … Continue reading Acts 3. →

With an incredible demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power, the church was born. 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added. Such a time ... 42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.43 Reverential awe came over everyone ... And the Lord … Continue reading Acts 2. →

We begin Acts! It's a big book. I note that Luke completes the post-resurrection information missing at the end of Mark. The plot is contained in Jesus' statement in Acts 1:8,  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all … Continue reading Acts 1. →