milo2030

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

BEYOND JUDEAActs 8 “A great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria” (Acts 8:1). The church that prospers under persecution crumbles when comfortable. OverviewIntense persecution scattered Christians through Judea and Samaria (8:1–3). Samaritans (vv. 4–7) and even a magician named Simon (vv. 9–13)Continue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

THE FIRST MARTYRActs 6–7 “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ’Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ’Lord, do not hold this sin against them’ ” (Acts 7:59–60). The good sometimes die young. But never unnoticed. OverviewConflict in the community was resolved by appointing seven deacons (6:1–7).Continue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

REVERENTIAL AWEActs 5 “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events” (Acts 5:11). Fear of God” is another way of saying that we take God seriously! OverviewA husband and wife conspired to deceive the church—and were struck dead by God (5:1–11). An eruption of miracles polarized public opinion (vv. 12–16),Continue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

IN JESUS’ NAMEActs 3–4 “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). We can have the utmost confidence today in the power of Jesus’ name. BackgroundName. In our society a name is a label that identifies a person.Continue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

POWERActs 2 “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). The most important gift of the Spirit is not tongues, but enablement. OverviewThe Spirit suddenly and visibly came to the gathered believers on Pentecost (2:1–4). They began speaking in languagesContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”