Authored By Luke | Written Circa a.D. 63
The book of Acts bridges the gospels to the expansion of the church from Jerusalem to Rome. It chronicles the moving of the Holy Spirit amongst the first to receive it as they set out to witness to the world. These are the empowered acts of miracles, wonders, and boldness.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”
The purpose for which this book was written, plus, the purposes for which it is used today.
From the start of congregations, to the spread of the gospel, and the founding of the church
Reasoning against both pagan and Jewish thought
Basis for coping with specific situations in the context of problems and persecutions
Despite oppositon, the gospel is still spreading
How this book may nourish your spirit.
Acts is jam packed with jaw-dropping action. Reading about the miracles performed and the powerful way that the early Christians moved opens your mind to the reality of what is possible in Christ.
The posture of the believers in the face of adversity offer a refreshing perspective that, if adopted, will undoubtedly bring with it, the peace that surpasseth all understanding.
In the face of persecution, in the midst of imprisonment, the people of God continue to praise and worship Him. Most inspiring, are the movements of God that followed!
The few that risked their lives to build what we are grateful to have access to today, would undoubtedly be labeled as “radical.” The zeal behind their convictions challenge all doubts, fears, and insecurities regarding witnessing to others.
Loving fellowship and selfless giving abound in Acts, feeding a desire to serve God’s people and those in need in general.
Bible maps can enhance your understanding of context and the environment where the Bible’s books are set. It works to support your faith by providing context in relation to places you have heard of and may have visited.
It may seem simple, but it affects you deeply. In this fight for our faith, all defense is valuable.
God bless your understanding!
Did you know that meditating is compared to chewing something with your mind? More specifically, it is a synonym for ruminating which also refers to "chewing the cud" - a process of eating for optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients. Below are 3 simple steps to improve your ingestion of God's word.
Be focused.
Pray earnestly.
Take it personally.
The Word of God is spirit and life (John 6:63); it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
The shipwrecked crew and Paul arrive to warm greetings in Malta. As Paul is helping the islanders build a fire, a viper latches onto his hand. “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”v.4
After a few years in prison in Caesarea, Paul is finally on his way to Rome, but the journey is a difficult one. Winds are against them most of the trip, causing significant delays. By the time the windy winter season is upon him, Paul is in Crete, the middle of the distance to Rome, aboard a large grain ship with over 250 passengers.
Paul recounts his journey from persecutor to preacher, illustrating just how passionately he was opposed until his encounter with God on the road to Damascus by which he has been obedient ever since.
There’s another plot against Paul’s life. The chief priests and Jewish leaders are trying to convince the new governor, Festus, to transfer Paul back to Jerusalem so that they can kill him while he’s en route.
The Jewish high priest and elders have made their way down to Caesarea to state their charges against Paul in front of the governor, Felix. They call him a troublemaker who starts riots and accuse him of desecrating the temple. Paul asserts that they can not prove any of their accusations and that when they found him in Jerusalem, he did not have a crowd nor was he involved in any disturbance.
The Roman commander who has Paul in custody has brought him back before the Jewish council to unpack why they want to execute him. Paul gets smacked in the mouth and, in turn, insults the high priest.