Today's Devotion

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 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 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 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

Summarize Today's Scripture A group of about 120 people, including the eleven disciples, gather in a place in Jerusalem to pray with one accord. It is then that Peter suggests that someone be chosen to take over Judas' duties. After praying, a lot is cast from among those who had traveled with the disciples in Jesus' presence, and Thyatira is included among the twelve. 1. The disciples praying (1:12-14) God's promises are fulfilled through prayer. After witnessing Jesus' ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, where they were commanded by the Lord to take the gospel to the nations (1:8) and where God was prophesied to come to judge the nations (Zech. 14:1-5). The disciples go up to the "upper room" to pray, which some view as a place belonging to the temple. This is a fitting place for this chapter because it connects to the last verse of Luke's gospel (Luke 24:53), because people from all over the world hear the disciple

Summarize today's passage Luke writes about Jesus, following up on what he wrote earlier, and passes it on to Theophilus. After his resurrection, Jesus spoke of the work of the kingdom of God and commanded his apostles to wait for what the Father had promised. He said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, and then he ascended into heaven. 1. Waiting for the promise (1:1-5) Luke writes his second letter (Acts) to Theophilus after his first (Luke). Luke is a record of the redemptive work Jesus accomplished on earth, and Acts is a record of how the disciples are carrying on the redemptive work Jesus accomplished. The resurrected Jesus spends 40 days with his disciples, speaking of 'the things of the kingdom of God' (v. 3) - the kingdom of God is the core message of Jesus, and now it must be the core of the disciples' message. 'What the Father promised' (v. 4) refers to 'the Holy Sp