Category Archives: Bible

SEPTEMBER 17 Reading 260 BEYOND JUDEA Acts 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. Overview Intense persecution scattered Christians through Judea and Samaria (8:1–3). Samaritans (vv. 4–7) and even aContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

SEPTEMBER 16 Reading 259 THE FIRST MARTYR Acts 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. Overview Conflict in the community was resolvedContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

SEPTEMBER 15 Reading 258 REVERENTIAL AWE Acts 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! Overview A husband and wife conspired to deceive the church—and were struck dead by God (5:1–11). An eruption of miraclesContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

SEPTEMBER 14 Reading 257 IN JESUS’ NAME Acts 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. Background Name. In our society a name is aContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

SEPTEMBER 13 Reading 256 POWER Acts 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. Overview The Spirit suddenly and visibly came to the gathered believers on Pentecost (2:1–4).Continue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”