Daily Reading Week 41
Sunday
Acts 4
DISCOVER
What is the main issue that upset the Sadducees in Peter and John’s preaching? (v 1-4)
How did the authorities respond to Peter and John? (v 13-14)
One of the key themes in this chapter is boldness. How do you define boldness? How do you balance wisdom and boldness in your daily walk?
Peter and John’s courage came from, 1) They witnessed the work of God through the person of Jesus. 2) They received power and authority from Jesus. 3) They had been with Jesus. How does your relationship with Christ give you courage?
Is there a specific area of your life where you feel like God is calling you to step out in courage?
RESPOND
As Peter and John were speaking to the people, the Sadducees came and arrested them and took them into custody until the next day. The people then began questioning Peter on how he could heal the man in Acts 3. He took the time and explained to them that it was through Christ. Peter and John were then commanded not to speak or teach anymore in the name of Jesus. Peter and John boldly proclaim, “we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
Peter and John give the reader an understanding of standing firm and showing great confidence for the truth. Even when they were told not to speak of Jesus they stood up and said they cannot help but speak of what they have seen and heard. In no way are they teaching us to revolt against authority, but rather they’re demonstrating what it looks like to live out the Bible.
The word “boldness” or “confidence” used in Acts 4:13, is literally the idea of speaking all things and conveys the idea of freedom of speech. The basic idea is free and fearless confidence. It is the attitude of openness that stems from freedom and lack of fear. The same word is used in Ephesians 6:19-20 where Paul prays over the saints in Ephesus.
Steven Cole comments that the boldness of Peter and John reminded the people of the boldness of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful compliment, for people to recognize that we are like Jesus because we have been with Him. If we’re going to be like Jesus, we will be bold witnesses who confront hypocrisy and false teaching. We won’t be rude or mean, but we will let others know that we’ve been with Jesus and it shows through our daily walk.
Monday
Acts 18
DISCOVER
Even though Paul faced some significant opposition in Corinth, God gave him a great promise in verses 9-10. What is this promise? How does this promise encourage Paul?
As you look back on your life, what are some of the promises that God has given you through His Word? How have these promises encouraged you?
As Paul continues his mission from city to city, he takes a couple (Priscilla and Aquila) with him. How does this couple prove to be helpful to both Paul and the Gospel?
How is Apollos described in verses 24-26a? Yet, Luke (the author) points out one area Apollos needed some guidance. What’s that area and what’s the significance of that area?
In what ways can we provide and receive correction within the Christian community, as shown by Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos?
RESPOND
Paul travels by himself to the city of Corinth, a major city west of Athens. Once he arrives, he soon meets a couple by the name of Aquila and Priscilla. These three eventually team up with some other team members and teach and disciple in this area. Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila eventually leave and head to Ephesus. Priscialla and Aquila met a dynamic communicator named Apollos.
Apollos was not only a charismatic speaker, he was also competent or mighty in the Scriptures. That word “mighty” is where we get our English word “dynamite.” We can best translate this as “a man who was very attractive and effective in his speech because the words he communicated contained great power.”
As exciting as this was, Aquila and Priscilla noticed that Apollos could use a coach in his life, someone to come alongside him and help him. This couple did not do this in a public arena that could have made Apollos look bad, Rather, they took him into their home and discipled him in the Scriptures.
This is one thing that all of us need in life. We need someone that will be honest with us and help us grow in our walk with the Lord. If you do not have a mentor/coach in your life, make a vow today to find one. In addition, you may be able to be a coach to someone. As Paul sought out Timothy and Moses sought out Joshua, today look for someone who you can disciple.
Tuesday
Acts 19
DISCOVER
What lessons can we learn about evangelism from Paul's time teaching in the lecture hall of Tyrannus?
In what ways does the account of the seven sons of Sceva warn against the misuse of Jesus' name?
How can we prepare for and respond to opposition and conflict in our faith journeys?
What does the silversmiths' reaction to the Gospel teach us about the potential resistance to faith transformation in a society?
RESPOND
In Acts 19, Luke records Paul’s third missionary journey as he leaves Antioch and heads for the city of Ephesus. This part of Acts mainly focuses on the preaching and teaching that took place in Ephesus and surrounding areas. Ephesus was a port city which would prove to be vital for communicating Pau’s message. While in Ephesus, the power of God was demonstrated in miraculous ways. Unfortunately, there were some in the city that tried to use God’s power in deceptive ways and attempted to gain popularity and fame.
One of the big themes in this chapter is the truth that Jesus is the true object of our faith. Paul only preached and in doing so preached against the many idols in Ephesus. In the Old Testament we read about idols invading the land of Israel, which were the people of God. In the New Testament we see Paul invading all lands with the gospel of Jesus. It’s almost like Paul is on a mission to tear down all idols.
This is not a physical mission but rather a spiritual one. Paul is getting at the root, and showing people that he had a message that was greater than any idol. His ambition and goal was to get the people to see that all the idols of this world are temporary at best. In addition, these idols didn’t contain any power for this life.
While it’s not common practice for us today to look to idols such as were created and constructed in Ephesus, we’re all guilty at times of creating idols, things that take priority in our lives ahead of Christ. Take some time today to reflect and see if there are any idols you’ve created in your life. Ask the Lord for clarity and guidance as you do this.
Wednesday
Acts 20
DISCOVER
Even after uproars and upset crowds, Paul looked for ways to encourage people. In what ways can we encourage others who might be dealing with some kind of opposition?
According to verses 8-12, a guy named Eutychus fell asleep during Paul’s message. After falling out the window and apparently dying, he is resurrected to life. What does the resurrection of Eutychus reveal about the power of God working through Paul?
As you look back at verses 22-23, Paul states that he’s headed to Jerusalem. What is the “force” that’s leading him to go? What awaits him once he gets to his destination?
The leaders at Ephesus were warned to be cautious of impostors/false teachers. What word of advice does he give to these leaders about these false teachers?
As Paul addressed the elders at Ephesus, he spoke about being a mentor to them. How important do you think this is for the furthering of the church in this area? How important is it to you to have a mentor/coach in your life?
How does Acts 20 challenge you to serve God and His people in a selfless manner?
RESPOND
In Acts 20, Luke records the story of Eutychus, the young man who falls asleep at Paul’s teaching and dies because he fell out of the window he was resting on. We can assume that Paul is preaching the gospel of Jesus to the believers in Troas, and he was most likely using personal stories of the great miracles Jesus had done on earth and through the apostles after He ascended.
Eutychus nods off listening to Paul preach these great wonders, and in his sleep his weight naturally shifts him to fall out of the window he sat in and caused his death. Eutychus’ name means “Fortunate,” and fortunate he was (what irony)! After these events, Paul then through the power of Jesus breathes life back into him. Eutychus becomes himself a miracle of Jesus’ power and mercy. Soon afterwards, the church in Troas goes back upstairs to their meeting room and takes communion. It was like this was a small pause in the midst of a great service to serve as an example of Paul’s message.
What a beautiful symbol of the resurrection! The church is breaking bread to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the fact that the church has that same power in them, and they do it with a sign and symbol from God of that very power. God rose Eutychus from death and symbolically shows the church of Troas and us that we are all “fortunate” in Jesus Christ alone!
Thursday
Acts 21
DISCOVER
In what ways does Paul’s decision to address the crowd reflect his unwavering commitment to spread the Gospel?
How does Paul being arrested highling the cost of being a disciple of Jesus?
Trying to discern God’s will can be really challenging at times. When we add in possible opposition it just increases the challenges. How did Paul discern God’s will while dealing with opposition?
How does Acts 21 encourage us to stay the course, trusting in God’s plan, regardless of the possible challenges we face?
RESPOND
In Acts 21 Paul starts his long journey to Rome and Ceasar. The rest of the book will detail his journey to Rome and Paul’s most prolonged imprisonment. We now enter the last part of Acts where Paul becomes a suffering servant similar to Jesus. Paul is unjustly imprisoned and is accused of something he didn’t do by his Jewish brothers and sisters. Paul came back to his own to Jerusalem, and his own received him not.
In Acts 7, we saw Saul as a willing participant in Stephen’s suffering, and in Acts 9 we saw Saul the persecutor of the Christians. But, in Acts 21, we see Paul the suffering servant and the persecuted. This is a perfect example of the power of the Gospel. Jesus changed Paul. Jesus transformed Paul more and more into his own image. And, as Paul became more like Christ, he always invited others to grow with him. As Paul wrote, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”
But, now we see Paul persecuted and imprisoned. We see Paul as a suffering servant; we see Paul following the passion of Jesus. I think it leads us to ask ourselves, “Are we prepared to suffer?” We may not be imprisoned as Paul was in Acts 21, but are we willing to testify of Jesus and be scoffed at by co-workers, classmates, friends, and even loved ones? Are we able to lose all of our financial stability, yet still give a portion of what we have like the parable of the women with two mites?
Oftentimes it takes suffering to push us to Jesus. Do you welcome the idea of possible suffering? Do you view weakness as an opportunity for God’s power? These are hard questions to answer, and Paul’s story gives us confidence that following Jesus with faith in our suffering is the correct response.
Friday
Acts 22
DISCOVER
How does Paul’s conversion story inspire those who may feel unworthy or incapable of serving God?
One of the tools that Paul used when sharing the Good News is his personal experiences. Think back over your life. What are some personal experiences that you’ve had that can be used to share and demonstrate the Gospel?
How does this chapter highlight the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity?
What can we learn from Paul about standing firm in our faith and convictions despite opposition we may face?
RESPOND
Paul is falsely accused by religious Jews of bringing Gentiles into the inner courts of the temple which is deserving of death in certain cases. By falsely accusing Paul, the religious class Jews would be breaking the eighth commandment which states, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Paul would have known the immense hypocrisy of these Jewish men, and would have every right to preach a righteous anger to them.
But, in this moment, Paul testifies of God’s great works and miracles in his personal life. He is bold yet very gentle in his response to these hypocrites. He is kind, even calling the High Priest, “his ruler.” Paul is submitting to an authority he doesn’t have to with the hope that his gentleness will persuade his accusers.
In this moment we see Paul imitating Christ as a meek and gentle servant. Jesus was falsely accused by his brothers, yet he always responded with a calm answer in meekness. And, even when Jesus was crucified, he begged God the Father, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Paul similarly does everything to respect the Jews, yet still they tear their clothes and yell like mad men to have him killed. The Jews despise the message of truth.
How often do we respond in anger and frustration when we’re wronged? How often do we want immediate justice and vindication? When we face adversity, whether at work, in family life, at school, or for one’s faith, it is important to remember Jesus and Paul and how they responded to adversaries: with meekness and the truth. May we imitate Christ and Paul in this way.
SaturdAy
Psalm 121
DISCOVER
How does the idea of God’s constant watchfulness bring comfort to you in your everyday life?
List the many ways that this psalm encourages you in times of trouble and uncertainty.
Reflect on a situation where you felt God’s divine protection. How did this situation affect your faith?
What are some steps that you can take to being cultivating the same unwavering faith the psalmist demonstrates in Psalm 121.
As followers of Christ who live in the twenty-first century, how do we see God’s protection play out in a world that often seems chaotic and dangerous at times?
RESPOND
When your world turns dark and the road seems challenging to navigate, where do you turn? What is your source for the confidence you need to face the headwinds of life? Psalm 121 encourages us during these times. It reminds us where our help comes from and infuses us with confidence: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
This psalm is classified as a psalm of confidence meant to celebrate God’s providential care and is the second psalm in the Songs of Ascent, which begin in Psalm 120. This psalm opens with the confident assertion that God will be his helper, therefore he “lifts his eyes” to the hills. In Hebrew the “lifting of the eyes” implies looking at something longingly or with great desire. Of course, the reason he’s looking with such longing is because that’s where his help comes from.
The English rendering of the word “help” doesn’t do the term justice. The word appears twenty times in the Old Testament and thirteen of those times, as is the case in Psalm 121, the word refers to God’s ability to save and deliver.
According to Dennis Tucker, “We have confidence that the Maker of heaven and earth stands as Guardian watching over our coming and our going both now and forevermore. No matter what troubles and adversities may be coming your way, take a moment and lean into this great psalm.