Reading
Acts 9:1-31
Truth for Today
The Spirit transformed Saul in two fundamental ways. First, He took Saul's natural strengths and refined them. Saul was a gifted natural leader, with strong will power. He was a man of strong convictions, a self-starter, bold, a master at using his time and talents, a motivated individual, and a profoundly gifted thinker and speaker. The Holy Spirit also eliminated undesirable characteristics and replaced them with desirable ones. He replaced Paul's cruel hatred with love; his restless, aggressive spirit with peace; his rough, hard-nosed treatment of people with gentleness; his pride with humility. Only the Spirit of God can so thoroughly sanctify a life.
Reflecting on the Text
1. What natural strengths does God want to strengthen and use in your life? What undesirable qualities do you think the Lord wants to replace? What is necessary on your part for this process of sanctification to proceed?
2. When has God used you to play an "Ananias" role in someone's life? What was that like?
3. Pray faithfully for the people you know (or know of) who are highly antagonistic to the gospel. Watch what God will do!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Conversion of Saul - Part 5 - Devo for 10/02/2009
Reading
Acts 9:1-31
Going Deeper
Read Philippians 3:1-14 for more insight into Paul's thinking about his relationship with Christ.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How does Paul compare and contrast his life before and after meeting Christ?
2. Read Romans 3. Consider the way in which Paul met Christ. Is salvation initiated by God or by humanity? What are the implications of this for your prayer life?
3. What kinds of thoughts and feelings do you imagine Paul experienced during the three days he was without sight, while he fasted and waited for divine instructions (9:6-9)?
Acts 9:1-31
Going Deeper
Read Philippians 3:1-14 for more insight into Paul's thinking about his relationship with Christ.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How does Paul compare and contrast his life before and after meeting Christ?
2. Read Romans 3. Consider the way in which Paul met Christ. Is salvation initiated by God or by humanity? What are the implications of this for your prayer life?
3. What kinds of thoughts and feelings do you imagine Paul experienced during the three days he was without sight, while he fasted and waited for divine instructions (9:6-9)?
The Conversion of Saul - Part 4 - Devo for 10/01/2009
Reading
Acts 9:1-31
Questions
1. What specifically did God ask Annanias to do, and why was this a troubling command?
2. What was the ironic twist in Saul's story (9:2, 23, 29)?
3. Acts records that Christianity was often referred to as "the Way" in the first century (see 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). What does this mean?
(Verses to consider: 18:26; John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-20; 2 Peter 2:2)
Acts 9:1-31
Questions
1. What specifically did God ask Annanias to do, and why was this a troubling command?
2. What was the ironic twist in Saul's story (9:2, 23, 29)?
3. Acts records that Christianity was often referred to as "the Way" in the first century (see 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). What does this mean?
(Verses to consider: 18:26; John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-20; 2 Peter 2:2)
The Conversion of Saul - Part 3 - Devo for 09/30/2009
Reading
Acts 9:1-31
Questions
1. What happened to Saul as he made his way to Damascus to round up more Christians?
(Verses to consider: Acts 22:14; 26:16; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8)
2. How did his traveling companions react?
Acts 9:1-31
Questions
1. What happened to Saul as he made his way to Damascus to round up more Christians?
(Verses to consider: Acts 22:14; 26:16; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8)
2. How did his traveling companions react?
The Conversion of Saul - Part 2 - Devo for 09/29/2009
Reading
Acts 9:1-31
Keys to the Text
Saul/Paul: Like his namesake, Saul, Israel's first king, Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin. (Saul was his Hebrew name; Paul was his Greek name). He was also a Roman citizen. Paul was born about the time of Christ's birth, in Tarsus, an important city in the Roman province of Cilicia, located in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He spent much of his early life in Jerusalem as a student of the celebrated rabbi Gamaliel. Like his father before him, Paul was a Pharisee, a member of the strictest Jewish sect. Miraculously converted while on his way to Damascus (ca. AD 33-34) to arrest Christians in that city, Paul immediately began proclaiming the gospel message. Paul received the Spirit without any apostles present because he was a Jew (the inclusion of Jews in the church had already been established at Pentecost), and because he was an apostle in his own right, since Christ personally chose him and commissioned him for service. After narrowly escaping from Damascus with his life, Paul spent three years in Nabatean Arabia, south and east of the Dead Sea (Galatians 1:17, 18). During that time, he received much of his doctrine as direct revelation from the Lord. More than any other individual, Paul was responsible for the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Acts 9:1-31
Keys to the Text
Saul/Paul: Like his namesake, Saul, Israel's first king, Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin. (Saul was his Hebrew name; Paul was his Greek name). He was also a Roman citizen. Paul was born about the time of Christ's birth, in Tarsus, an important city in the Roman province of Cilicia, located in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He spent much of his early life in Jerusalem as a student of the celebrated rabbi Gamaliel. Like his father before him, Paul was a Pharisee, a member of the strictest Jewish sect. Miraculously converted while on his way to Damascus (ca. AD 33-34) to arrest Christians in that city, Paul immediately began proclaiming the gospel message. Paul received the Spirit without any apostles present because he was a Jew (the inclusion of Jews in the church had already been established at Pentecost), and because he was an apostle in his own right, since Christ personally chose him and commissioned him for service. After narrowly escaping from Damascus with his life, Paul spent three years in Nabatean Arabia, south and east of the Dead Sea (Galatians 1:17, 18). During that time, he received much of his doctrine as direct revelation from the Lord. More than any other individual, Paul was responsible for the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Conversion of Saul - Part 1 - Devo for 09/28/2009
Reading
Acts 9:1-31
Drawing Near
1. What is your conversion story? How did you come to believe in Christ?
2. What was your life like before?
3. In what tangible ways has Jesus Christ transformed you?
The Context
As our study continues in chapter 9, Luke records a monumental event in the history of the church - the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. It was Saul (Paul) who would become God's apostle to the Gentiles, leading the church in spreading Christianity "to the ends of the earth." Therefore it is Paul, more than any other person, who figures prominently in Acts 10 through 28. No one else was better suited to the task than Paul: a "Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Philippians 3:5; Galatians 1:14); a native of Tarsus, thus thoroughly acquainted with Greek culture (17:22-31); a citizen of Rome (16:37); trained in a trade so that he could support himself (18:3) as he traveled and ministered.
But before Christ could use this highly gifted man, He first had to transform him. And thus we have the record of his life-changing encounter with Christ on the Damascus road! The change in Saul was instantaneous. In less than one week he went from "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord" (9:1) to preaching Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God" (9:20).
The church was understandably suspicious, but Saul's powerful and persistent preaching, coupled with the efforts by the Jewish authorities to kill him, finally convinced the apostles that Saul's conversion was genuine. According to Galatians 1:17-18, Saul/Paul spent about three years in Arabia between the time of his conversion and his journey to Jerusalem. According to Luke, following Saul's acceptance by the apostles, the church enjoyed another growth spurt and a time of peace.
Acts 9:1-31
Drawing Near
1. What is your conversion story? How did you come to believe in Christ?
2. What was your life like before?
3. In what tangible ways has Jesus Christ transformed you?
The Context
As our study continues in chapter 9, Luke records a monumental event in the history of the church - the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. It was Saul (Paul) who would become God's apostle to the Gentiles, leading the church in spreading Christianity "to the ends of the earth." Therefore it is Paul, more than any other person, who figures prominently in Acts 10 through 28. No one else was better suited to the task than Paul: a "Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Philippians 3:5; Galatians 1:14); a native of Tarsus, thus thoroughly acquainted with Greek culture (17:22-31); a citizen of Rome (16:37); trained in a trade so that he could support himself (18:3) as he traveled and ministered.
But before Christ could use this highly gifted man, He first had to transform him. And thus we have the record of his life-changing encounter with Christ on the Damascus road! The change in Saul was instantaneous. In less than one week he went from "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord" (9:1) to preaching Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God" (9:20).
The church was understandably suspicious, but Saul's powerful and persistent preaching, coupled with the efforts by the Jewish authorities to kill him, finally convinced the apostles that Saul's conversion was genuine. According to Galatians 1:17-18, Saul/Paul spent about three years in Arabia between the time of his conversion and his journey to Jerusalem. According to Luke, following Saul's acceptance by the apostles, the church enjoyed another growth spurt and a time of peace.
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Gospel Begins to Spread Beyond Jerusalem - Part 6 - Devo for 09/26/2009
Reading
Acts 8:4-40
Truth for Today
God often accomplishes His sovereign work through human instruments (see 2:4, 14; 4:8, 31; 6:3-8; 7:55; 8:17; 10:1-48; 16:25-34). Like a master sculptor, He takes otherwise useless and inconsequential tools and uses them to create a masterpiece. There is a prerequisite, however, for being used by God. Paul writes, "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:20-21). God uses holy tools to do His work.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Simon tried to be used by God, but failed. How is Simon's story a sober warning to all in the church who claim to be believers in Christ?
2. Why do you think God called Philip away from a thriving ministry to many and sent him to speak to one solitary individual in the desert? What are the implications of this divine act for your own life?
3. As a child of God who has been commanded to make disciples of all nations, how specifically do you sense God is leading you to share the gospel this week? What can you do to become a more effective witness?
Acts 8:4-40
Truth for Today
God often accomplishes His sovereign work through human instruments (see 2:4, 14; 4:8, 31; 6:3-8; 7:55; 8:17; 10:1-48; 16:25-34). Like a master sculptor, He takes otherwise useless and inconsequential tools and uses them to create a masterpiece. There is a prerequisite, however, for being used by God. Paul writes, "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:20-21). God uses holy tools to do His work.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Simon tried to be used by God, but failed. How is Simon's story a sober warning to all in the church who claim to be believers in Christ?
2. Why do you think God called Philip away from a thriving ministry to many and sent him to speak to one solitary individual in the desert? What are the implications of this divine act for your own life?
3. As a child of God who has been commanded to make disciples of all nations, how specifically do you sense God is leading you to share the gospel this week? What can you do to become a more effective witness?
The Gospel Begins to Spread Beyond Jerusalem - Part 5 - Devo for 09/25/2009
Reading
Acts 8:4-40
Going Deeper
Read Matthew 13:1-23 for more insight about sharing God's Word.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How does the parable of the soils in Matthew 13 illustrate the varying reactions to the gospel that are reported in Acts 8?
2. What events in chapter 8 suggest satanic opposition to the spread of the gospel? In other words, what demonic and worldly roadblocks did the believers encounter as they took the gospel into Samaritan territory?
3. Some Christians point to chapter 8 as proof that believers need to seek a "second blessing." By this they mean that believers need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit at some point following salvation. What evidence do you see for this? Against this?
(Verses to consider: Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Acts 8:4-40
Going Deeper
Read Matthew 13:1-23 for more insight about sharing God's Word.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How does the parable of the soils in Matthew 13 illustrate the varying reactions to the gospel that are reported in Acts 8?
2. What events in chapter 8 suggest satanic opposition to the spread of the gospel? In other words, what demonic and worldly roadblocks did the believers encounter as they took the gospel into Samaritan territory?
3. Some Christians point to chapter 8 as proof that believers need to seek a "second blessing." By this they mean that believers need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit at some point following salvation. What evidence do you see for this? Against this?
(Verses to consider: Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
The Gospel Begins to Spread Beyond Jerusalem - Part 4 - Devo for 09/24/2009
Reading
Acts 8:4-40
Questions
1. How did Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch come about?
2. How do you see the Spirit's continuing role in the growth of the church?
Acts 8:4-40
Questions
1. How did Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch come about?
2. How do you see the Spirit's continuing role in the growth of the church?
The Gospel Begins to Spread Beyond Jerusalem - Part 3 - Devo for 09/23/2009
Reading
Acts 8:4-40
Questions
1. What does it mean that the believers "went everywhere" preaching the word?
(Verses to consider: Acts 9:32; 13:6; 14:24; 15:3, 41; 16:6; 18:23; 19:1, 21; 20:2)
2. Based on the record of chapter 8, was Simon a true Christian or not? Explain your answer.
Acts 8:4-40
Questions
1. What does it mean that the believers "went everywhere" preaching the word?
(Verses to consider: Acts 9:32; 13:6; 14:24; 15:3, 41; 16:6; 18:23; 19:1, 21; 20:2)
2. Based on the record of chapter 8, was Simon a true Christian or not? Explain your answer.
The Gospel Begins to Spread Beyond Jerusalem - Part 2 - Devo for 09/22/2009
Reading
Acts 8:4-40
Keys to the Text
The City of Samaria: The ancient capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, which eventally fell to the Assyrians (722 BC after over 20 years of idolatry and rebellion against God). After resettling many of the people in other lands, the Assyrians located Gentiles from other areas into the region, resulting in a mix of Jews and Gentiles who became known as Samaritans. The Samaritans withdrew from the worship of Yahweh at Jerusalem and established their worship at Mount Gerizim in Samaria. As a result of this history, Jews repudiated Samaritans and considered them heretical. Intense ethnic and cultural tensions raged historically between the two groups so that both avoided contact as much as possible.
Miracles, Wonders, and Signs: Many miracles accompanied the spread of the good news. "Wonders" refers to the amazement people experience when witnessing supernatural miracles. "Signs" point to the power of God behind miracles. Marvels have no value unless they point to God and His truth. Throughout the book of Acts such works were often done by the Holy Spirit through the apostles and their associates to authenticate them as the messages of God's truth.
Acts 8:4-40
Keys to the Text
The City of Samaria: The ancient capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, which eventally fell to the Assyrians (722 BC after over 20 years of idolatry and rebellion against God). After resettling many of the people in other lands, the Assyrians located Gentiles from other areas into the region, resulting in a mix of Jews and Gentiles who became known as Samaritans. The Samaritans withdrew from the worship of Yahweh at Jerusalem and established their worship at Mount Gerizim in Samaria. As a result of this history, Jews repudiated Samaritans and considered them heretical. Intense ethnic and cultural tensions raged historically between the two groups so that both avoided contact as much as possible.
Miracles, Wonders, and Signs: Many miracles accompanied the spread of the good news. "Wonders" refers to the amazement people experience when witnessing supernatural miracles. "Signs" point to the power of God behind miracles. Marvels have no value unless they point to God and His truth. Throughout the book of Acts such works were often done by the Holy Spirit through the apostles and their associates to authenticate them as the messages of God's truth.
The Gospel Begins to Spread Beyond Jerusalem - Part 1 - Devo for 09/21/2009
Reading
Acts 8:4-40
Drawing Near
As the church grew, the believers had to depend on God's Spirit more than ever for direction and wisdom. Think of a time when you knew with certainty that God was leading you to do something. How did you know? What happened?
The Context
Acts 1:8 is one of the most significant verses in the entire book. It not only serves as a blueprint for God's global plan but also functions as a kind of outline for Luke's inspired record. Chapters 1-7 detail the action of Christ's witnesses in Jerusalem. Beginning with the persecution led by Saul in chapter 8, the gospel began to spread as Christ had commanded.
Luke recorded Philip's trip into Samaria and his ministry there in order to reveal the marvelous truth that Jesus, the promised Jewish Messiah, was also the King and Savior of the Gentiles. The message of Christ was and is a worldwide gospel. All nations and languages would be invited and included in the kingdom of God (see Isaiah 56:3; Daniel 7:14). Philip was sovereignly instructed to suddenly leave a booming ministry in Samaria to go south into the desert. There he met a prominent official from the court of Candace, the queen of Ethiopia, reading (but not understanding) the prophet Isaiah. The succeeding story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch provides a wonderful picture of God's global love and His surprising plan to get the good news of Christ to those who have never heard. Even though there is opposition, the underlying truth of this section of Acts is clear: Nothing can stop God's powerful and eternal plan to fill heaven with worshippers from "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues," (Revelation 7:9).
Acts 8:4-40
Drawing Near
As the church grew, the believers had to depend on God's Spirit more than ever for direction and wisdom. Think of a time when you knew with certainty that God was leading you to do something. How did you know? What happened?
The Context
Acts 1:8 is one of the most significant verses in the entire book. It not only serves as a blueprint for God's global plan but also functions as a kind of outline for Luke's inspired record. Chapters 1-7 detail the action of Christ's witnesses in Jerusalem. Beginning with the persecution led by Saul in chapter 8, the gospel began to spread as Christ had commanded.
Luke recorded Philip's trip into Samaria and his ministry there in order to reveal the marvelous truth that Jesus, the promised Jewish Messiah, was also the King and Savior of the Gentiles. The message of Christ was and is a worldwide gospel. All nations and languages would be invited and included in the kingdom of God (see Isaiah 56:3; Daniel 7:14). Philip was sovereignly instructed to suddenly leave a booming ministry in Samaria to go south into the desert. There he met a prominent official from the court of Candace, the queen of Ethiopia, reading (but not understanding) the prophet Isaiah. The succeeding story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch provides a wonderful picture of God's global love and His surprising plan to get the good news of Christ to those who have never heard. Even though there is opposition, the underlying truth of this section of Acts is clear: Nothing can stop God's powerful and eternal plan to fill heaven with worshippers from "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues," (Revelation 7:9).
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Deacons of the Church - Part 6 - Devo for 09/12/2009
Reading
Acts 6:1-8:3
Truth for Today
At first glance, Stephen's death may seem pointless. Here was a promising career cut short. His ministry seems to have ended in failure. Not only was he killed as a heretic, but his death also triggered the first persecution against the entire church. That persecution, spearheaded by Saul of Tarsus, scattered the Jerusalem fellowship. Such a skewed view of Stephen's death, however, betrays a lack of understanding of the way the Holy Spirit works. The persecution, which seemed to be a negative, was in reality a positive factor. It led to the first great missionary outreach by the early church. Satan's attempt to stamp out the church's fire merely scattered the embers and started new fires around the world. In the words of the early church Father Tertullian, the blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Review the description of the deacons in 6:3-5. If you had been in the early church, what personal character flaws might have disqualified you from a position of service? In what areas do you need to grow?
2. Stephen's presentation of the gospel to the Jews might be labeled bold, even blunt. When is it appropriate to speak hard words to the lost and to be more confrontational regarding sin? Who in your life might benefit from such tough love?
3. Today, persecution of believers is happening around the world. Some 200 million Christians (your brothers and sisters in the faith!) face ongoing suffering, torture, and even death simply because of their commitment to Jesus Christ. What can you do for them? How can you encourage them?
4. How would you answer the person who said: "I don't see any way that any good can possibly come from the suffering and persecution of Christians?"
Acts 6:1-8:3
Truth for Today
At first glance, Stephen's death may seem pointless. Here was a promising career cut short. His ministry seems to have ended in failure. Not only was he killed as a heretic, but his death also triggered the first persecution against the entire church. That persecution, spearheaded by Saul of Tarsus, scattered the Jerusalem fellowship. Such a skewed view of Stephen's death, however, betrays a lack of understanding of the way the Holy Spirit works. The persecution, which seemed to be a negative, was in reality a positive factor. It led to the first great missionary outreach by the early church. Satan's attempt to stamp out the church's fire merely scattered the embers and started new fires around the world. In the words of the early church Father Tertullian, the blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Review the description of the deacons in 6:3-5. If you had been in the early church, what personal character flaws might have disqualified you from a position of service? In what areas do you need to grow?
2. Stephen's presentation of the gospel to the Jews might be labeled bold, even blunt. When is it appropriate to speak hard words to the lost and to be more confrontational regarding sin? Who in your life might benefit from such tough love?
3. Today, persecution of believers is happening around the world. Some 200 million Christians (your brothers and sisters in the faith!) face ongoing suffering, torture, and even death simply because of their commitment to Jesus Christ. What can you do for them? How can you encourage them?
4. How would you answer the person who said: "I don't see any way that any good can possibly come from the suffering and persecution of Christians?"
The Deacons of the Church - Part 5 - Devo for 09/11/2009
Reading
Acts 6:1-8:3
Going Deeper
In some ways, the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah's task was similar to Stephen's situation. Read Jeremiah 7:23-28.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What did God say the results would be when Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed the truth of God to the people of Israel?
2. What implications does this hold for modern-day Christians called to share the truth of the gospel with a secular culture?
3. What happened immediately following Stephen's death? Why do you think his murder did not appease those who were opposed to the gospel?
Acts 6:1-8:3
Going Deeper
In some ways, the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah's task was similar to Stephen's situation. Read Jeremiah 7:23-28.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What did God say the results would be when Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed the truth of God to the people of Israel?
2. What implications does this hold for modern-day Christians called to share the truth of the gospel with a secular culture?
3. What happened immediately following Stephen's death? Why do you think his murder did not appease those who were opposed to the gospel?
The Deacons of the Church - Part 4 - Devo for 09/10/2009
Reading
Acts 6:1-8:3
Questions
1. What situation prompted the leaders of the early church to take steps to organize more efficiently, appointing Stephen and others to special positions of service?
2. Consider this statement: "We dare not try to force the Spirit to fit our mold. Organization is never an end itself but only a means to facilitate what the Lord is already doing in His church." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
3. What were the requirements for the men chosen to leade the church in serving ministries? Why would these qualities be needed?
4. How would you characterize Stephen's message to the Jews? Was it "seeker sensitive"? Was it hotheaded? Misguided? What were Stephen's major points?
Acts 6:1-8:3
Questions
1. What situation prompted the leaders of the early church to take steps to organize more efficiently, appointing Stephen and others to special positions of service?
2. Consider this statement: "We dare not try to force the Spirit to fit our mold. Organization is never an end itself but only a means to facilitate what the Lord is already doing in His church." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
3. What were the requirements for the men chosen to leade the church in serving ministries? Why would these qualities be needed?
4. How would you characterize Stephen's message to the Jews? Was it "seeker sensitive"? Was it hotheaded? Misguided? What were Stephen's major points?
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