Today's Devotion

Summarize today's scripture The circumcisionists criticize Peter because he went into the house of an uncircumcised man and ate. Peter then tells them how he went to Caesarea in a vision and was led by the Holy Spirit, and how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles, and when they ask him who he is to stop God, he accepts the salvation of the Gentiles. 1. The Accusation of the Circumcisionists (11:1-3) God wants us to break through our human prejudices and limitations. The news of Peter's preaching in the Gentile house and the conversion of the Gentile becomes known to the apostles and brothers in Jerusalem. The circumcisers accuse Peter of entering the house of an uncircumcised man and eating his food. The circumcisers mean "circumcised believers." They had become Christians but were still unable to break free from Jewish tradition and were thoroughly reluctant to associate with the uncircumcised. The Holy Spirit came and the church revived, but they failed to let go

Summarize today's scripture Peter preaches the gospel of peace, saying that in every nation he has realized that God accepts those who fear him and do righteousness. The Holy Spirit comes upon all the Gentiles who hear about Christ's death, resurrection, and forgiveness of sins. Then Peter and his companions are amazed and baptize them in the name of Jesus Christ. 1. Peter's sermon (10:34-43) God does not look at people by their outward appearance. Peter's encounter with Cornelius convinces him of this. The Greek word for "look" (v. 34) means "to show favoritism," which includes ethnicity, race, gender, and class. God wants all people to be saved. Peter now summarizes the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is the last of his five sermons. The centerpiece of the gospel is always "Jesus Christ. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, and with God with him, Jesus defeated the devil and did every good work. After dying

Summarize today's scripture When the men sent by Cornelius come to visit Peter, Peter goes with them as the Holy Spirit tells him. When Cornelius wants to bow, Peter stops him, explaining that it is against the law to associate with Gentiles, but that he has come at God's direction. Cornelius explains his reason for requesting Peter and says he will listen to everything God has commanded. 1. People Introducing Cornelius (10:17-23) God works in His own timing. Just as Peter is questioning the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrive. Peter hears the voice of the Holy Spirit saying, "Do not doubt, but go with them, for I have sent them" (v. 20). The men sent by Cornelius introduce him as "a righteous man, a God-fearing man, a man praised by the Jews. Cornelius is a Gentile with a good reputation for good character. Through the direction of the Holy Spirit and those sent by Cornelius, Peter is convinced that it is God's will for him to go to Corne

Today's Scripture Summary Cornelius, a God-fearing centurion, sends a man to Joba to ask for Peter, as the angel had told him. After a vision of bowls filled with various beasts descending from heaven, Peter refuses the command to eat them. After being told not to defile what God has cleansed, the bowls ascend into heaven. 1. Cornelius sees a vision (10:1-8) God remembers the prayers and good deeds of the godly, regardless of ethnicity or race. Cornelius is a Gentile who is a centurion in the legion of Dalmatia. The legion of Dalmatia (Italy) is a Roman infantry unit and consists of about 600 men. The commander of the unit is a centurion, and there are eight to ten centurions under him. The pious Cornelius, along with his entire family, feared God, saved many people, and prayed to God all the time. God valued his faith and life. One day, as he was praying around the hour of Zegus (3 p.m.), an angel appears and tells him that God remembers his prayers and deliverance, and instructs

Today's Scripture Summary In Ruthenia, Peter heals Ananias, who had been seriously ill for eight years, and when many people see this, they turn to the Lord. In Joppa, Tabitha, a priestess who had done many good deeds, dies, but Peter prays and raises her from the dead. When many people hear of this, they believe in the Lord. Peter stays at the home of Simon the tanner. 1. Peter heals Ananias (9:32-35) During the early days of the early church, the early stages of the gospel of Christ, there was a need for itinerant evangelism, so Peter does not stay in Jerusalem. He travels in all directions and visits the saints in Ruthenia, which is adjacent to the plain of Saron. Lydda is about 40 kilometers from Jerusalem. Peter heals Ananias, who had been laid up for eight years with a severe case of leprosy. At the time, Ruthah was a hub for international maritime traffic, so news of the miracle of healing Ananias spreads quickly in the surrounding area, bringing many people back to the Lord

Today's Scripture Summary Saul travels to Jerusalem to escape the Jews. When the disciples don't believe that Saul has become a disciple, Barnabas tells the apostles how he encountered the Lord. Saul's defense in Jesus' name leads him to Tarsus to escape the threats of the Hellenized Jews. The church in all of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria stands strong. 1. Saul escapes Damascus (9:23-25) God protects the evangelist. After "many days," the Jews conspire to kill Saul. Based on Saul's testimony elsewhere (e.g., Gal. 1:11-24), we see the "many days" (v. 23) here as the period of time between his conversion and preaching the gospel in Damascus, then traveling to Arabia, staying there, and then returning to Damascus to preach again. The Jews can't leave Saul alone because it would lead to the collapse of Jewish beliefs and the Jewish social system. The Jews' system becomes known to Saul, and Saul's disciples get him out of Damascus. Satan pe

Today's Scripture Summary The Lord commands Ananias to visit Saul, saying that Saul is the Lord's chosen vessel to carry His name to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel. Ananias goes and lays his hands on him, and Saul sees again and is baptized. Saul preaches in every synagogue that Jesus is the Son of God, and all who hear are amazed. 1. The Lord calls Ananias (9:10-16) A repentant soul needs a leader. After transforming Saul, the Lord calls Ananias to fit him in. We don't know how Ananias became a disciple; he may have fled with the believers in Jerusalem as they fled to Damascus, or he may have heard the gospel from believers who were living in Damascus and had fled. The Lord tells Ananias where Saul is and that he is praying. Knowing Saul's notoriety, Ananias is reluctant to go to him. But the Lord commands, "Go," and tells him what Saul has been commissioned to do (v. 15). God's thoughts are higher and bigger than ours, and He transforms a man who was an

Today's Scripture Summary Saul seeks permission from the high priest to bind the believers and bring them to Jerusalem. Suddenly, near Damascus, a light from heaven surrounds Saul. As he falls to the ground, Saul hears the voice of Jesus. Blinded, he is carried by men to Damascus, where he abstains from eating and drinking for three days. 1. Saul persecutes believers (9:1-2) Saul was the one who took the lead in killing Stephen (7:58; 8:1). Saul asks the high priest for a letter to take to the various synagogues in Damascus. The intent is to bind all believers to Jerusalem. At the time, Damascus was a very large and developed city, with many Jews living there and several synagogues. The believers fled there because of persecution. The reason the Jews, including Saul, persecuted the believers is because the gospel is in conflict with Jewish beliefs. Judaism never recognizes Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) sent by God. - Why did Saul want to go to Damascus? What can I do to help someon

Today's Scripture Summary Philip travels the wilderness road down to Gaza as the messenger of the Lord has commanded. There he meets a eunuch in charge of the Ethiopian queen's treasury, who reads from the book of Isaiah but doesn't realize it. Philip starts with that passage and preaches the gospel. He baptizes the eunuch, and as he comes up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord leads him. 1. Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26-31) Philip is an evangelist who hears and obeys the voice of the Holy Spirit. Philip obeys the angel's instructions and travels to Gaza. Gaza is located on the Mediterranean coast west of Jerusalem and on the wilderness road to Egypt. There, Philip meets an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official in charge of the country's finances. The "Ethiopia" in the text is the Nubian kingdom to the south of Egypt, which corresponds to the area of northern Sudan today. In Old Testament times, it was called "Goeth." &q

Today's Scripture Summary Peter and John go down to Samaria and lay hands on those who have been baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus," and they receive the Holy Spirit. When Simon sees this, he tries to buy the power with money. Peter rebukes him, telling him to repent of his wickedness. On their way back to Jerusalem, Peter and John preach the gospel in several villages in Samaria. 1. The Holy Spirit comes on the Samaritans 8(:14-17) The gospel and the Holy Spirit go hand in hand. The apostles in Jerusalem send Peter and John to Samaria. The purpose is to confirm the faith and salvation of the Samaritans and to teach them more about the faith. The Holy Spirit has not yet come upon any of the Samaritans; they have only been water baptized by Philip. So Peter and John lay their hands on them and they too receive the Holy Spirit. The coming of the Holy Spirit to Jerusalem at Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit to Samaria after the martyrdom of Stephen are the sa

Today's Scripture Summary After Stephen's death, Saul throws the saints into prison in an attempt to eliminate the church. The scattered saints travel around preaching the gospel, and Philip preaches Christ in the city of Samaria and performs signs. There is great joy in the city as unclean spirits leave and people are healed. As a result of Philip's preaching, Simon the magician believes and is baptized. 1. Philip preaches in Samaria (8:2-8) Persecution and scattering are new opportunities to spread the gospel. Saul (Paul), who deserved the death of Stephen, wants to get rid of the church, so the believers in Jerusalem are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. The scattering of believers results in an expansion of the gospel: they go to all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth, as chapter 1:8 says. Philip goes down to the city of Samaria and preaches the gospel. Jews don't get along with Samaritans, but Philip preaches the gospel in the city of Samaria, cas

Today's Scripture Summary Stephen says that the Jews, like their ancestors, killed the righteous. When he says that he sees heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, they plug their ears and stone him. Stephen falls asleep, entrusting his soul to the Lord and asking for forgiveness for their sins. That day there is great persecution in the church in Jerusalem, and the saints are scattered. 1. Stephen's rebuke (7:51-53) It is not easy to expose one's sins in the presence of the powerful, but Stephen boldly points out the sins of the Jews before the council. He had addressed his audience favorably as "we," but now he distances himself from them by saying "you" (v. 51). He criticizes the Jews for being stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart and ears, and always resisting the Holy Spirit. He says that their ancestors killed those who prophesied that the righteous one (Messiah) would come, and now the Jews are the ones who murdered tha

Today's Scripture Summary The people of Israel multiply, and the king of Egypt kills the babies of Israel. Moses is saved by Pharaoh's daughter and learns the wisdom of the Egyptians. He becomes a murderer to save his people and flees, but after 40 years, God calls him back to lead Israel out of Egypt. But the people make idols and worship them. 1. Moses (7:17-43) Stephen speaks about Moses, the leader of the Exodus. He mentions Moses at length because of the accusation that he had blasphemed Moses (6:11). Stephen says that Moses fulfilled his calling to save the Israelites (vv. 34-36) and testified to the coming of a prophet like himself, "Jesus Christ" (v. 37). The phrase "wilderness church" (v. 38) suggests that a community of faith as a people gathered by God existed even in Old Testament times. Stephen refers to the Law of Moses as the 'living word' (v. 38), emphasizing the fact that he is not against the law. The 'armies of heaven' (v.

Today's Scripture Summary Stephen answers the high priest's interrogation. God promised Abraham the land of Canaan and gave him a covenant that his descendants would be servants in other lands for 400 years. God was with Joseph, one of Jacob's twelve sons, and sent him to Egypt to be a ruler and deliver Israel from tribulation. 1. Abraham (7:1-8) Stephen begins his sermon before the council. Rather than trying to prove his innocence, he uses this opportunity to teach that Jesus Christ is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. He gives a redemptive account of the tabernacle and temple, along with key figures Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon (7:2-50). At the beginning of his sermon, he addresses his audience, including the council members, by calling them "fathers and brothers" to let them know that he holds no ill will toward them. He also refers to Abraham as "our father" (v. 2), recognizing that Hebrew Jews and the Hellenistic Je

Acts 6:8-15, A Man of the Spirit, Calm in Crisis Today's Scripture Summary When Stephen was full of grace and power, performing signs and wonders, some of the freedmen argued with him. Unable to resist Stephen, who speaks with wisdom and the Holy Spirit, they bribe people. False witnesses testify that he speaks against the temple and the law. At this point, Stephen's face is like that of an angel. 1. Stephen's ministry and the response of the freedmen (6:8-10) The seven workers in the early church were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Stephen, in particular, was full of grace and power, performing great miracles and signs. Miracles are the mark of a prophet. Immediately after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, "apostles" performed signs and wonders (5:12-16), but now non-apostles also perform signs and wonders. This suggests that the work of God has become universalized. However, a hostile response to Stephen's ministry occurs. The so-called "

Acts 6:1-7, A Growing Church with Wise Conflict Resolution Today's Scripture Summary The Hellenized Jews resent the Hebrews over the issue of almsgiving. The twelve apostles choose seven men who are praised for being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to do the work of hospitality, while they devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. They choose seven men, including Stephen, and lay hands on them. The word becomes more and more vigorous, and the number of disciples increases. 1. Problems in the Church and the Apostles' Response (6:1-4) A problem arose in the beautifully growing early church. Widows of Hellenized Jews were not receiving relief, and they resented the Hebrew Jews. Hellenized Jews were Jews who had lived in the province of Hellas and had come to stay in their homeland for various reasons. Hebraic Jews were Jews who originally lived in the land of Judea and spoke Hebrew. There were differences in language, culture, and thought between the two groups,

Acts 5:17-42, The Gospel Preached with the Help of the Holy Spirit Today's Scripture Summary The chief priests and Sadducees are jealous of the apostles and imprison them. At night, the Lord's messenger opens the bars and rescues the apostles, but the temple authorities bring them back. When the members of the public try to kill the apostles, Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, intercedes. Freed, the apostles rejoice in their humiliation and intensify their evangelism. 1. Angelic Help and Evangelism (5:17-26) Spreading the word of life comes with hindrances. The religious leaders put the apostles in prison. This is because they ignored their warnings and continued to preach the gospel (4:13-22), and because they were filled with jealousy as the church grew and their status fell. But God helps the apostles. An angel (messenger) of the Lord opens the door at night and pulls the apostles out. The angel commands the apostles to "go and stand in the temple and speak these

Acts 5:1-16, The sin of deceiving the Holy Spirit, and Spirit-empowered ministry Today's Scripture Summary Ananias and Sapphira hide part of the price of the land and pay only part of it to the apostles. Peter rebukes Ananias, saying that his heart is full of Satan, that he has deceived the Holy Spirit, and that he has lied to God. Ananias dies on the spot, and so does his wife, who has also spoken lies. The whole church is afraid because of this. 1. The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11) The early church has been revitalized by the devoted service and love of the saints. Then a frightening event occurs. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of land that belonged to them, hid some of the money and laid some at the apostles' feet. The couple conspired with each other and thought the apostles wouldn't know. Peter rebukes Ananias for deceiving the Holy Spirit because 'Satan is in your heart' (v. 3). Their lies were not just a personal sin: they did not deceive people, bu

Today's Scripture Summary The apostles and their companions pray in unison. They ask that God's word would be preached and that signs and wonders would be done in spite of the threats of those who oppose Jesus. As they pray, they are all filled with the Holy Spirit and speak God's word with boldness. The group of believers are of one mind and one accord and share what is theirs. 1. The saints pray together (4:23-31) The spiritual strength to endure persecution comes from prayer. Peter and John go to a coworker and tell him everything that has happened. The companions are probably a small group of people, including the other apostles and some believers. When they hear the threats and warnings from the council, they pray out loud with one accord. They ask for God's help to overcome the persecution they are about to face. The call to "Lord High Priest" (v. 24) is a confession that the God who is in control of heaven and earth is the true ruler, not the Jewish cou

Today's Scripture Summary The religious leaders are unable to condemn the apostles because of the healing. They warn them not to speak in the name of Jesus lest rumors of the signs spread further. But the apostles reply that they cannot help but speak of what they have seen and heard. Fearing for the people, the officials release the apostles after only threatening them. 1. Council members wary of the apostles (4:13-17) The apostles boldly preach the gospel with the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The council members are surprised to see Peter and John speak so boldly. "Unlearned men" (v. 13) refers to those who are not professionally trained in knowledge, here referring to their lack of rabbinical training. Because they spoke in the power of the Holy Spirit, the supreme wisdom, their words were coherent and logical, and they were able to be bold in the presence of the highest authorities. The fact that a transfiguration has taken place is so obvious that the public

Today's Scripture Summary The religious leaders take the apostles prisoner as they tell them that in Jesus there is resurrection from the dead. About 5,000 men hear them and believe. The next day, when the apostles are interrogated, Peter proclaims Jesus' death and resurrection, saying that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. 1. Those who hinder the spread of the gospel (4:1-4) The miracle of healing the sick is followed by persecution. Peter and John are brought before the council for healing a man who had been unable to walk since birth. The Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, in particular, hate what the apostles are teaching and preaching about the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees were a wealthy aristocratic class at the time, politically and economically allied with Rome, and they felt that the messianic ideas taught by the apostles could jeopardize their relationship with the Roman Empire. Despite their obje

Today's Scripture Summary Peter tells those gathered in Acts that the healings came not through the power of the apostle himself, but through faith in the name of Jesus. The Jews killed Jesus, but it was in fulfillment of what God had planned: repent and be cleansed of sin, and the day of renewal will come. God sent Jesus to be a blessing. 1. The name that worked miracles (3:11-16) Miracles of healing are opportunities to share the name of Jesus. After the miracle of the healing of the crippled man, Peter begins to share the gospel with John and anyone else who will listen. He makes it clear that this was not done by the apostles' own power and piety, but by "faith in the name of Jesus. Because his audience is Jewish, Peter emphasizes the covenant faithfulness of God, 'the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' (v. 13). He also exalts Jesus' name as the 'servant' (v. 13), 'holy and righteous' (v. 14), and 'Lord of life' (v. 15), whom God has

Today's Scripture Summary A man who was crippled from birth begs Peter and John at the temple gate. Peter says he has no silver, but he gives him what he has, telling him to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The people are greatly astonished to see him running and walking, entering the temple and praising God. 1. The Man Who Couldn't Walk from Birth (3:1-5) After the descent of the Holy Spirit, power begins to be manifested through the apostles. This paragraph is the first healing transfer in the book of Acts, showing that Jesus' ministry was passed on to the apostles. As Peter and John go up to the temple at the time of the first reading, or the 3:00 p.m. prayer, they encounter a man begging at the temple gate. The phrase "who was lame and could not walk" (v. 2) indicates that his condition was hopeless, beyond cure. The Hebrew for "begging" (v. 3) is in the imperfect tense, meaning that he continued to beg. Peter draws his attent

Today's Scripture Summary Peter says that those who spoke in tongues were not drunk, but the word was fulfilled. God said through Joel that in the latter days He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, and each generation would prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams. When God gives signs and wonders and executes judgment, those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. 1. Peter's defense (2:14-15) When the disciples spoke in other languages, the people were astonished and mocked them, causing great confusion. In response, Peter says, "Listen to me" (v. 14) and begins to preach with apostolic authority about the significance of the descent of the Holy Spirit. He first explains that the disciples were not drunk when they spoke in other languages. He emphasizes that it is the third hour, or 9:00 a.m., and says that it is not common sense to think they are drunk when it is morning (2:13). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter tries to instill faith in the people by te

Today's Scripture Summary On the day of Pentecost, the disciples gathered together in one place were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. When the pious Jews who were staying in Jerusalem, who had come from all over the country, heard them, they were amazed. Some mock the disciples for their newfound drunkenness, while others say they heard them speak in the language of the place where they were born about the great things of God. 1. The Holy Spirit descends (2:1-4) The day of Pentecost (Seventh-day Advent) is the 50th day after Passover and the 10th day after Jesus ascended into heaven. Passover is the first harvest of barley, and Pentecost is the first harvest of wheat. The descent of the Holy Spirit on a crowd of about 120 people at Pentecost marks the beginning of the church's spiritual harvest. The "sound like a rushing, strong wind" and "tongues of fire" that accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit were signs of the divi