August 31 - Acts 23

Thursday, August 30th. Acts 21

So I don't know about you - but I had to read Acts 22 as well - and even that kind of leaves you hanging!  But Liam's poop pulled me away. 
Paul doesn't even seem scared.  I think that is amazing.  He is a true martyr - and while I am not 100% sure, I can pretty much guarantee that I would be terrified! 
I think it is interesting how all of the riots we have read about, the accused gets to offer his defense to the crowd.  I suppose it's not a far cry from our current judicial system with a jury - but it is dramatically different.  Was Paul a Roman citizen then?  I can see where it would be valuable to be more aware of the laws that applied to different classes of people/citizens.  It seems odd to me that a Roman citizen is treated different than any other Jew, and that Egyptians and others are also treated so dramatically differently.  I suppose that in that region of the world this is still the case...

When everyone begged Paul to stay away from Jerusalem but then the succumb to "God's will be done." I can't help but question my ability to REALLY live that way versus having my own agenda. 

Wednesday, August 29 - Acts 20

The resurrection of Eutuchus happened as if it wasn't a big deal! Can you imagine? Why was it so underplayed?
Paul's ministry is truly amazing. I like V.33 - it is one thing to be a missionary, and another to be a self-supporting missionary that sells their belongings and works to support themselves and their mission. I feel like the latter is a rarity.

Tuesday, August 28 - Acts 19

Friday, August 24 - Acts 18

Thursday, August 23 - Acts 17

Wednesday, August 22nd - Acts 16

Tuesday, August 21 - Acts 15

This Chapter clearly shows the freedom that is given to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, for "He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith" (15:9).

Notice that they didn't just say these men should keep the law of Moses now that they are saved but rather they can't be saved apart from it.  This is a huge contrast that obviously had to be dealt with.

I really like what Peter said in the very next verse as well: "...why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?"

This statement is what EVERY religion eventually leads to.  It's so easy to regularly justify ourselves via our own actions, yet in so doing we place a burden on ourselves and others that we are unable to handle.  And inevitably such a burden leads to unwarranted pride and unfair judgment.  It's very important to always be reminded that it is by the grace of God and faith in Jesus Christ ALONE that we are saved.

Friday, August 17th - Acts 14

Very grateful that we don't tear our clothes as a sign of dismay....
The perseverance of the apostles is amazing to me.  They were up against crowds that loathed them enough to stone them yet they continued preaching in city after city.  Pretty amazing.  We also see the healing of the lame in verse 9/10.  Again, it wasn't that Paul healed him but his faith that healed him.  I always think of the question of whether miracles such as this happen today - but how many mysteries are their in medicine where the only explanation is faith?  Granted their are some healings/recoveries that maybe will have some sort of logical explanation but there are many more where the statistical games say here are less than 1% that live etc and they survive even after losing a couple limbs from a shark.  And that boy grows up to say it was a blessing. 

Thursday, August 16 - Acts 13

Wednesday, August 15 - Acts 12

Tuesday, August 14 - Acts 11

This Chapter we see the Gospel being spread outside of Israel for the first time by those other than the Apostles.  The term "Christian" is used for the first time.  Prior to this it was a Jewish sect (for lack of a better word).  I think it's important to remember that Christianity, though rejected by orthodox jews, is a jewish religion.

Notice about Barnabas it is written, "full of the Holy Spirit and of faith".  It reminds me of the verse: without faith it is impossible to please God.

I like the reaction to Peter's account - immediate acceptance!  I believe this is a definite sign of the Holy Spirit working.  It was a huge deal to all of a sudden accept the Gentiles into the faith (as seen in Ch. 10).  We ought to be discerning yet willing to heed the voice of God.  Again, without faith it is impossible to please God.

Back to Peter's vision (I forgot to write this last Friday): What was the significance of the different varieties of animals?  Why do you think it was significant to state that the sheet full of animals was lowered by four corners?

Friday, August 10 - Acts 10

Thursday, August 9 - Acts 9

Wednesday, August 8th - Acts 8

Tuesday, Aug 7 - Acts 7

Friday, August 3rd: Acts 6

We read of expansion of the church, selecting seven men to "wait on tables", with a lot of focus on Stephen.  A suspenseful ending regarding Stephen and what will come of his trial

Thursday, Aug 2 - Acts 5

Wednesday, August 1st - Acts 4

While the apostles were able to do many miracles, the true sign of the Holy Spirit is the proclamation of Jesus Christ.  I like the verse "For there is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved".
This Chapter emphasizes the power of coming together to worship and pray as well as the necessity of giving to those in need.
Interesting how miracle after miracle - first with Jesus and now the apostles - the religious leaders of that day were so blinded by their own beliefs.