Obeying the heavenly vision
Scripture reading for June 10: Acts 26
“”Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:19-23
Paul, lead by the Holy Spirit, was given the opportunity to share the Gospel with King Agrippa. In this account, Paul again shared how his view of Jesus and those following Him was radically altered by an encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road. During this encounter, Paul was given an appointment to serve Jesus as a witness to his people as well as to the Gentiles. Jesus had promised to deliver Paul from the Jews and from the Gentiles. Through Paul, God would open the eyes of all those in darkness granting repentance through Jesus Christ. (Acts 26:15-18)
In sharing his personal repentance in response to God’s revelation of Jesus Christ to King Agrippa, Paul was obedient to that vision. His world view was powerfully altered and after the vision Paul changed from a persecutor and killer of Christ’s followers to a witness of Christ’s love and mercy for all men. Paul powerfully proclaimed Jesus as the fulfilment of Moses and the prophets through His suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead. This placed him in conflict with the Jews, who like him before this vision, considered Jesus an impostor and his followers as dangerous.
Have you ever had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that brought repentance and dramatic conversion? How have you sought to be obedient to that heavenly revelation? Are you aware of the conflict that comes when you change your world view to embrace Jesus and His followers?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your personal revelation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and my appointment to preach Your amazing Gospel. I have sought to obey that heavenly vision and continue to daily walk it out. Deliver me from those bent on my destruction and use me to reach lost people. Amen.
Patient endurance!
Scripture reading for June 9: Acts 25
“When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”” Acts 25:7-12
Luke records Paul’s two years in prison in Caesarea awaiting justice from false charges by his own countrymen. When Felix took over from Festus, the case against Paul was again argued by the Jews. They were set on seeing Paul eliminated and brought serious charges that they could not prove. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, took to his own defense in a calm and reasoned manner. Festus, a politician, wanted to please the Jews. He offered Paul the opportunity to stand trial in Jerusalem. But Paul knew of their murderous plot to kill him and as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar for justice.
But Paul also had the leading of the Lord Jesus Who had promised before that he would testify in Rome. (Acts 23:11) As Paul had patiently waited, over two years went by and he had many opportunities to share the Gospel with the Roman authorities and soldiers keeping him. He was allowed visits with his fellow church members. Sometimes God’s promises must await His perfect timing. Like Paul, we must work while we wait! We are not to live in fear of death or depression over our current circumstances.
Have you ever received a promise from the Lord and then had circumstances that defied its fulfilment? How did Paul keep a good attitude while imprisoned for over two years? What world view did both Festus and Felix hold that God used Paul to work on?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sustaining Your people through difficult times by giving vision and understanding of Your plans. Thank You for the fruit of the Holy Spirit to patiently endure and faithfully obey Your plan to share the Good News with all! Open my eyes to those I am to witness to today. Amen.
Mixed motives, opportunity missed!
Scripture reading for June 6: Acts 24
“After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. . “ Acts 24:24-27
Paul was kept in the jail at Caesarea under Roman governors. Felix, the current governor, had a good understanding of the “Way”, or the early church. God had been working on him through other witnesses and now would send him Paul to more accurately share the Gospel message. As Felix and his wife sent for Paul, they received a strong Gospel message and a reasoned message about righteousness and self-control and God’s coming judgment of all men. This message brought alarm to Felix and he sent Paul away, limiting the conviction of his own sinful life view.
But Felix was captivated with a fleshly world view. He loved money and looked at Paul as a source of possible bribes. He possibly thought the Jews might also bring him money to keep Paul in custody. He sent for him and conversed with him for about two full years. God’s patience was on display and Felix and his wife were given great grace. But time passes and so does opportunity to hear the Good News and be saved. Another leader replaced them and another mission field was opened.
Did God give you a season or special opportunity through someone he sent to minister the Gospel to you? Did you respond to the opportunity or did you have mixed motives and miss the opportunity? Do you seize every opportunity to share about righteousness, self control and coming judgment?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending several persons to offer me the Gospel message and receive salvation. Thank You for granting me repentance leading to eternal life. Use me in whatever circumstances You desire to give others the opportunity to find salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Violent disagreement
Scripture reading for June 5: Acts 23
“Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection , nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?”” Acts 23:6-9
Paul, himself a Pharisee, knew what it was like to hold belief in the supernatural in a religion where there were others who mocked that belief. As Paul faced accusations against his preaching of Jesus, he perceived the conflict between the factions in Jewish leadership and took advantage of that. He argued for the resurrection of the dead, a key factor in the Gospel message he was ready to share even with these who were opposed to him. This statement brought new discussions and dissension. Luke records that a great clamor arose and there was sharp conflict verbally. It even got so heated that the Roman soldiers felt they had to protect Paul from bodily harm or death.
That night in the barracks of the soldiers where Paul was being guarded, the Lord Jesus appeared to him and gave him a word of knowledge, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Believers are always about the Lord Jesus’ work. Paul had been testifying about the resurrection and Jesus in Jerusalem. God was moving him to a new mission field through unusual means. Conflicts are part of the spiritual battle between Christ’s supernatural resurrection message and the sad view of ‘Sadducees’ who only view life in the natural.
Have you ever argued with someone about supernatural truths or the Gospel? What happened through the conflict or clamor that furthered God’s work? How should we as New Testament believers view doctrinal disagreements with others?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are always working through each encounter and the grid of world views that are strictly natural to bring about repentance and an expanded understanding. I offer my life and belief in Jesus Christ as a daily testimony to those in my path. Use me as You see fit! Amen.
“Who are You, Lord?”
Scripture reading for June 4: Acts 22
“”As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the One Who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.” Acts 22:6-10
Have you ever noticed how many questions there are in Scriptures? By one estimate, there are 183 questions in the Gospels alone. This is because God wants us to think and evaluate the answers so that we might chose to change our minds willingly. In this testimony of Paul, he again recounts his earlier life as a devout Jew who persecuted Christ’s followers. He was on his way to Damascus with arrest warrants for believers there when Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, then called Saul. A light shone around him and a voice asked him a penetrating question. He was addressed by name, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Paul (Saul) responded with another question: “Who are You, Lord?” Although Paul knew about Jesus Christ, he did not know Jesus Christ. Jesus wanted personal relationship. This conversation, although heard clearly by Paul, was not understood by those with him. As Paul processed this information, he must have come quickly to the conclusion that his world view of Jesus Christ was in error. His persecution of Christ’s followers was actually a persecution and rejection of Jesus! “What shall I do, Lord?” was the humble request of a heart changed! The result of this bright revelation of Jesus was blindness in Paul, needing to be led by the hand. He obediently followed to Damascus, awaiting instructions.
Have you ever been convinced something was true and found out that it definitely was not? Has a question ever caused you to think more deeply and reflect on your direction? What question would you have for Jesus if He appeared to you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for desiring personal relationships with each of Your children. It is comforting to know that You ask us questions to help us find truth. Help me, as a teacher of Your Word to ask questions that probe the heart and draw people to Your Word and Jesus. Amen.
What is to be done?
Scripture reading for June 3: Acts 21
“And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they had heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to their customs. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Acts 21:17-22
The early church in Jerusalem was primarily Jewish and Apostles Peter and James were the elders in charge. Paul was sent by Jesus to the Gentiles and he came to Jerusalem to report about what God was doing through his ministry. These church leaders glorified God for what was being done. But there was a concern over Paul’s reception among the many new Jewish converts there. They had received reports of Paul’s teachings to the Gentiles and how Paul had advocated that the Jews who were also in the Gentile church Paul established were told that they did not have to keep the law, circumcise their children or keep Jewish customs. This was causing division.
“What then is to be done?” James and the leaders asked. They came up with a plan to have Paul go through the purity vows of the temple before worship. There were some other Jewish believers who would do this as well to try and win over those who were still zealous for the law of Moses. Their plan was put into place, but ended up in conflict. The crowd was stirred up against Paul and his party and they were ready to beat them and stone them. Roman soldiers intervened to stop the execution.
Does this shock your understanding of the conduct of people who were religious and had trusted in Jesus? Does church leadership always have all the right answers for disagreements? What world view clashes were evident during this encounter of Jews, Jewish believers, and Gentiles and Apostles?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for recording these events in the early church where the Apostles and believers had to work out their world view and live as a believer in Jesus in a culture of mixed backgrounds. Help me to live in an understanding way, bringing peace when views clash. Amen.
It’s Christ’s Church!
Scripture reading for June 2: Acts 20
“And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after My departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them.” Acts 20:25-30
Paul was meeting with the overseers of the Ephesian church as he was on his way to Jerusalem. He knew that this was his last meeting with them in person, after preaching there for two years. He wanted to share critical information that would help the church and its leaders during the difficult times to come. The first truth was that he had shared with them the whole counsel of God. God’s Word is able to save those who believe from death and destruction. It is the calling and responsibility of overseers to preach all God’s Word fearlessly because there would be those who would arise who were ‘fierce wolves’ that would seek to kill and devour Christ’s flock of believing sheep. They would twist the Word of God to draw disciples for themselves and for money. The Church was God’s Church, however, and He had bought it with His Son’s blood. God was watching and all leaders, true and false, would be judged and rewarded!
Overseers are to watch over their own lives to make sure that they are living by faith in the whole counsel of God. Then they are to watch over the flock of God, protecting them from them from the wolves and warning them through Scripture. Paul warned them that some of their own in leadership would prove to be false and like wolves, would be destructive. Paul’s preaching and example was his legacy passed on to the next generation. These instructions are as appropriate today as then.
Have you ever experienced a leader who turned out to be a wolf? What things can you do to protect yourself from this deception happening in the future? What is your responsibility towards the church and its leadership?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are the head of the Church and that You bought the Church with the blood of Your Son. Help me as an overseer to be watchful of my own life and of the flock of which I am a member. May my life, preaching, and example reflect the whole counsel of God. Amen.
“Who are you?”
Scripture reading for May 30: Acts 19
“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and diseases left them and evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the Name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus Whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that he fled out of that house naked and wounded.” Acts 19:11-16
Everyone likes miracles and Paul the Apostle was used by God in ‘extraordinary’ miracles. Pieces of cloth or handkerchiefs that Paul had kept on his body were sent to the sick and demon possessed and they were made well and cleansed. Some Jewish exorcists observed Paul in action and the disciples that worked with him. They thought that they would just adopt and imitate the formula that he was using so successfully. They carefully used the words, “In the Name of Jesus” but added for clarification “Whom Paul proclaims.” The results were disastrous! The demon in the one they sought to deliver took on all seven of these exorcists and beat them up!
To add insult to injury, the demon spoke to them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” That is a penetrating question that begs for an answer. When we try to imitate Jesus or other believers without true faith, we cannot get results. In fact, we may be shown up for the frauds we really are. If we are to be truly used in healing and deliverance, we must know Jesus Christ personally and have the seal of the Holy Spirit declaring we are God’s child. Demon spirits recognize true faith and those marked by God’s Spirit. There is no way we can fake spiritual authority effectively.
How does this record of Scripture help you to understand how spiritual authority operates? How did the evil spirit recognize Paul and Jesus? What was lacking in these Jewish exorcists? Could you face a demonic force with confidence in Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me and filling me with the Holy Spirit. Like the apostles of old, I want to be used by You to bring Good News to those who are hurting and demon possessed or oppressed. Do miracles through me as You have promised in Your Word. Amen.
Tentmaker/preacher/apostle!
Scripture reading for May 29: Acts 18
“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because they were of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the Word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”” Acts 18:1-6
Lots of people view ministry as a job or profession. But in Jesus’ day in Israel, every young man learned a trade in preparation for a life of service. God called people who were workers to do ministry. Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, learned the trade of carpentry. There were many who worked at their profession and served the Lord. There was also a calling as a Levite to the priesthood. This was a special tribe who were designated to handle the sacred articles of worship and lead in prayer and sacrifice. Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin and his trade was a tentmaker. This trade was honorable and helped the community and provided for his family. Their work did not define them, but was a tool of serving and worship.
From this world view, Paul became a Pharisee and religious leader of the Jews. He would have learned the Old Testament Scriptures by thirteen and become a member of the synagogue. As Paul found Jesus Christ, he was given an assignment by Jesus to preach the Gospel to Jew and Gentile. He was sent out by the Church at Antioch and it was his custom to go to the Jews first and share Jesus. In Corinth, Paul found other Jews, Pricilla and Aquila, to work with in tent making and also in discipleship. This helped support the ministry and connect with others. His rejection and opposition from the other Jews there caused Paul to declare his innocence from their blood. He shook out his garment as a sign of judgment and turned to preach to the Gentiles.
How do you view ministers of Jesus who work at secular jobs? When people reject these ministers and the Gospel message, are they really responsible for their own destruction? Are we ever to force people to listen or threaten them for their rejection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your sacred calling in my life to learn the trade of farming and care of animals. Thank You for using that to train me for ministry of Your Word and reaching people and caring for their souls. Use me today. Amen.
Gospel truth declared!
Scripture reading for May 28: Acts 17
“Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man Whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”” Acts 17:29-32
Paul confronted the idol worshipers in Athens, a city full of idols. He first reasoned with them every day. Part of this reasoning was to have them look at themselves and listen to their own poets who declared that they were ‘God’s offspring’. Their bodies were fearfully and wonderfully made. They were not made of gold or silver or precious stones like the idols that their artisans had crafted. Worship of idols was a sign of great ignorance about the nature of God and His offspring.
Paul went on to call them all to repent–change their mind and dispel ignorance by believing the Truth. Worshiping idols broke God’s law and was not loving God with all heart, soul, mind and strength. God had appointed a Man–Jesus Christ, as the standard of judgment for all men, Jew or Gentile. In Jesus was perfect righteousness which God demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead. This Gospel declaration brought two responses initially. Some mocked in unbelief and refusal to repent. Others were drawn to want to hear more, knowing that there was something that they wanted.
How did you respond when someone who believed in Jesus Christ shared truth with you of your need to repent? When we share with others, are we responsible for the outcome? Knowing Jesus had warned them that they would be rejected, mocked and even killed, what motivated them to speak boldly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for bold witnesses who are fearless and full of faith to share the Good News. Thank You for sending them to me in my youth. My love for You and others who are lost moves me to ask You daily for open doors and for boldness to share, even with those opposing truth. Amen.