March 1st, Sunday: Acts chap. 24 & 25

Acts 24

How does the unsaved go about opposing the Lord's servants and their work?

Tertulus, the lawyer, started with flattery, knowing that many people in high places are susceptible to it.

Flattery appeals to our pride.

If we do not flatter ourselves, others could not successfully flatter us.

See, we really want to believe what they say.

Then Tertulus used slander.

Napoleon said, 'He who knows how to flatter, also knows how to slander.'

As his last weapon, the lawyer called upon false witnesses, who together supported Tertulus' lies about Paul.

Paul's defense was 3-fold.

His life, his faith and his service to his nation.

Although his enemies could not prove their accusations, Paul did not go free.

The safest place for Paul was in that prison, for God had work for him to do in Rome.

The principle for you and me is this:

You may know understand why God permits lies to triumph.

But leave it all in His hands.

He is in control.

And the final judgment rests with Him.

Acts 25

Festus tried to use Paul as a political pawn to win favor with the Jews.

If he had succeeded and sent Paul to Jerusalem, the apostle would have been killed.

Paul did the wise thing – he used his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar.

There are times when believers must use the law to protect themselves and the ministry.

But now Festus had a problem – how can he send Paul to Caesar when he had no charges against Paul that could be proved!

God's people are sometimes treated like the guilty, even though they are innocent.

Remember David, Joseph, Daniel and Jeremiah.

Not to mention, our Lord Jesus Christ.

In all that happened, God was fulfilling His promise to Paul that he would witness before rulers and finally get to Rome.

Being a prisoner and enduring the hearings were difficult for Paul, but he used his opportunities wisely.

He believed Jesus' words that He spoke in Luke 21:13, 'But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.'

February 28th, Saturday: Acts chap. 22 & 23

Acts 22

The starting point of Paul's defense is his identification with the Jews.

He associated his conversion with Ananias.

The turning point of Paul's defense was the use of the word Gentiles.

Had he not used that word, Paul might had been set free.

But the whole burden of his life was to reach the Gentiles.

Paul's arrest was due to religious bigotry, pure and simple.

His people did not realise that God was doing a new thing in the world.

Now the finishing point was the threat of a scourging, which Paul avoided by asserting his Roman citizenship.

From then on, it was one hearing after another and a delay of 2 years in Caesarea.

But God was working out His will in His time.

And Paul was willing to wait.

Acts 23

Paul was in danger.

If the Romans did not imprison him, the Jews would kill him!

What means did God use to help Paul?

Well, his integrity.

His other means God used was strategy.

Now this did not set Paul free, but it did divide the enemy camp and get the Romans to protect their prisoner a little better.

And God used advocacy.

Christ had assured him in Corinth, and He would assure him again.

Paul knew that if God is for us, who can be against us.

We'll read about opportunity.

Paul's nephew lived in the city, and by the providence of God, discovered the Jewish plot.

Only the Lord could have worked that out.

We don't know the details.

We never know what friend or relative God will use to help us.

We'll read about authority.

Paul had the protection of 472 Roman soldiers.

And the entire authority of the Roman government was behind him.

The Romans did not give Paul a fair hearing, but God still used them to protect Paul and get him to Rome, because that was God's ultimate plan – to get Paul to Rome.

February 27th, Friday: Acts chap. 20 & 21

Acts 20

The uproars usually cease, so be patient.

But be sure to get ready for the next battle.

Stay in the Word.

Stay on your knees.

God's servants need to get away from people and have time alone to think, meditate and pray.

Paul knew that he was facing danger in Jerusalem.

And he wanted to be prepared spiritually.

If you want to catch the heart of Paul, consider his statements:

“Serving the Lord, I kept back nothing. That I may finish my race with joy.”

And he says “It's more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 21

We'll learn about the traveler.

This farewell journey brought both joy and sorrow to Paul.

But life is like that, doesn't it?

He knew what lay ahead of him but he kept going.

Years before the Lord had told him to get out of Jerusalem.

Was he wrong in going back?

We'll learn about the peacemaker.

Paul moved from 'The will of the Lord be done,' to 'Do what we tell you.'

So anxious was Paul to bring unity to the Jews and Gentiles in the church that he agreed to the plan.

Was he following wisdom from above, or earthly wisdom?

That's been a debate down through the years.

You see, not every decision we make turns out to bring peace.

We'll learn about the prisoner.

The plan almost worked.

On the last day, however, trouble started.

Of course, their charges had been absurd.

Yet the mob lives on 'suppose' and not fact.

Paul had been careful not to cause any unrest in the city.

But his efforts had been in vain.

He would spend the next 5 years in Rome.

Sometimes our plans and good intentions seem to bring only trouble.

But you know what – God is still in control!

He used Paul's trials to accomplish His purpose, so that His servant got to Rome.

He can do the same for His people today.

So we need to walk by faith.

February 26th, Thursday: Acts chap. 18 & 19

Acts 18

We'll find out about 4 different people.

First the tentmaker.

All Jewish rabbis had a trade because they did not charge their pupils for their lessons.

Paul worked hard to support himself and his associates in their ministry.

He also worked so that the unsaved could accuse him of preaching the gospel just to make money.

What sacrifices do we make today to further the gospel?

We'll read about the watchman.

The image is from the Book of Ezekiel.

As a faithful watchman, Paul warned the sinners of the wrath to come.

So his hands were free from their blood.

And we'll read about the evangelist.

Paul moved next door to the synagogue and kept witnessing.

He was not one to run away from either the battlefield or the harvest field.

The Lord promised, “I am with you.”

A promise He gave to many people and still gives us today.

And we'll read about the builder.

Paul did not just win souls.

He also built a local church by teaching the converts the Word of God.

In fact, he followed the Commission of Matthew.

After reporting to his home base in Antioch, Paul revisited some churches to build them up in their faith.

We'll read about Aquila and Priscilla, husband and wife.

They appeared several times in apostolic history.

And they were very important workers in the early church.

They were always mentioned together because they were a team.

Being Jews, they were expelled from Rome.

As a result, they met Paul in Corinth and opened their home to him.

Paul left them in Ephesus where they helped Apollos better understand the gospel.

They returned to Rome where they had a church in their home.

Now we don't know how they risked their lives for Paul, but their actions shows how much they loved him.

They were with Paul in Ephesus when he wrote 1 Corinthians, so perhaps it had something to do with the riot described in Acts chapter 19.

You know, in his last epistle, Paul sent loving greetings to them.

So he held them, Aquila and Priscilla, in very high esteem.

Every pastor is grateful to God for couples like Priscilla and Aquila, whose hearts, hands and homes are given completely to the Lord.

Acts 19

The Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Now we may ask when does this happen?

It happens when we confirm our faith.

See, when you believe in Jesus Christ, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Many people think they are converted but do not have the Spirit's witness within.

Paul could not build a church on men without an adequate spiritual experience.

And you know what? - Neither can we today.

We must be honest with God.

It happens when we confess our sins.

That's what happens when the Word of the Lord grows mightily and prevails, when we confess our sins.

The devil is a great imitator, a great counterfeiter - but in this case his attempt was a humiliating failure.

The Lord used it for good because the believers became convicted of their secret sins and confessed them.

Then the Spirit could work in mighty power and the Word increased.

And when we confront the enemy, Paul did not openly attack their idolatry by picketing the Temple of Diana or petitioning the city government.

No, he simply shared the Word and lives were changed.

Of course the real issue was money, not religion.

Paul was wise not to go into the theater although we admired him for his courage.

But the riot only called attention to the gospel, and gave the believers more opportunities to witness.

Circumstances that looked like obstacles are really opportunities when you let God work.

February 25th, Wednesday: Acts chap. 16 & 17

Acts 16

Paul wrote, “But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God, in much patience.

See the patience of Paul in waiting for a helper.

Timothy replaced John Mark and became a true son in the faith to Paul.

God has the right person ready at the right time.

So be patient.

We'll see that patience of Paul in seeking God's will.

He was an apostle, yet he did not always know the direction God wanted him to take.

He took steps, God closed doors, so he waited.

And then God showed him the way.

We'll see the patience of Paul in ministering the Word.

'They waited some days,' it says, before seeking a place to witness.

And God had hearts all prepared.

And we'll see his patience in bearing annoyance.

Paul put up with the demoniac promotion as long as he could and then cast out the demon.

Paul knew that his actions will create problems for him and it did.

And we'll see Paul's patience in enduring suffering.

Paul did not use his Roman citizenship to protect himself from pain.

But later he used it to protect the new church.

When you hurt, ask God to give you songs in the night.

And we'll see his patience in winning a lost soul.

Paul had his eyes on the keeper of the prison and in kindness won him to Christ.

How much are we willing to suffer to win someone to the Lord?

Especially someone who has hurt us?

An old Chinese proverb says, 'Patience is power. With time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes silk.'

Acts 17

We'll look into rejecting the new.

The Jews in Thessalonica were not interested in the new faith or the new thing that Paul preached.

But the Gentile God-seekers accepted the gospel and were saved.

We'll read about investigating the new.

The next town was just the opposite.

The Jews In Berea took time to examine the evidence and to study the Scriptures.

There are fair minded people in every nation.

And God knows who they are.

And then we'll be looking for the new.

The people in Athens spent their time in nothing else, except to tell or to hear some new thing.

Why, how like our world today!

The quest for novelty overshadows the search for reality.

Paul's sermon was a masterpiece of tact and teaching.

And a few people were converted.

Paul offered them newness of life through the resurrection.

And most of the listeners rejected it.

February 24th, Tuesday: Acts chap. 14 & 15

Acts 14

Paul was a man on the move, but not a man easily moved because of difficulties.

“But none of these things moved me.” was his testimony of faith.

And he lived it.

When he and Barnabas were expelled from Antioch, well they just shook off the dust from their feet, and went to Iconium.

When the people there tried to stone them, they went to Lystra, where they were treated like gods.

That was a greater danger than the persecution, when you think about it!

The crowds are very fickle.

They change their minds and stone Paul.

But he just got up and went to another place, this time to Derbe.

That was not all, Paul and Barnabas had the courage to retrace their steps, so that they could help and encourage the new Christians.

And when they returned home, they told the church what the Lord had done, not what they had suffered

Paul and Barnabas put Christ first, others second and themselves last.

They had a job to do, and they were determined by God's grace to do it.

How much does it take to move you out of the will of God?

It was David Sarnoff that wrote, “The will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success.”

Acts 15

When God opens a door, the enemy had someone handy to try to close it.

In this case, the legalist from Judea visited the Antioch church and taught that Gentiles must become Jews before they can be Christians.

When sincere Christians disagree, they must get together and find out what the Word has to say about it.

Peter, Paul and Barnabas told what God was doing among the Gentiles, and James related it to the Word.

In the decision, there was no compromise doctrinally, but there was consideration practically.

February 23rd, Monday: Acts chap. 12 & 13

Acts 12

The will of the Lord – the fact that it is always wise and good, but it is not always predictable.

God spared Peter but allowed James be killed.

He did not deliver Peter from prison until the last minute.

He allowed Herod to slay James but He did not permit the king to act like a God.

Is that how you would have done it?

Some Christians are like Job's friends.

They think they always know exactly what God is doing, will do and wants done.

But they may be wrong.

Whenever you're tempted to play God in somebody's life – think again!

It's always right to pray, even when your faith is so weak – you'll be surprised when the answer comes!

Keep knocking – God opens doors.

Acts 13

Opportunities come to people busy serving the Lord.

God calls people who take time to worship and minister to the Lord.

Opportunities usually produce some opposition.

Here's another example of the parable of the tears.

God sowed the good seed, and Satan sowed the counterfeit.

Opportunities reveals character.

Paul and Barnabas kept going.

But John Mark returned home.

We do not know why, nor should we pass judgment.

Barnabas reclaimed John Mark later on, and Paul eventually accepted him.

And opportunities develop leadership.

The trip began with Barnabas and Saul.

But it became Paul and his party.

Barnabas rejoiced in seeing Paul being used so mightily of God.

It was a team effort and the vital thing? - it was for the glory of God.

February 22nd, Sunday: Acts chap. 10 & 11

Acts 10

Peter uses the keys for the third and last time, as he opens the door to the Gentiles.

How wonderful is the providence of God!

Paul the apostle to the Gentiles was being prepared for his life's work and Peter was about to break down the ancient barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Known to God from eternity are all His works.

But God had to prepare both Peter and Cornelius.

He spoke to Cornelius while he was praying and to Peter while he was relaxing.

The lesson here is to be alert to the voice of God.

You never know when, or where, or even how, He may have a word for you.

“Not so Lord, for I have never.”

That's the response that leads to defeat.

God was about to do a new thing, and Peter wanted to hold on to the old.

He calls Him Lord, but refuses to obey Him.

Yet God tenderly instructed Peter, and the apostle surrendered to His will.

Peter did not get to finish his sermon.

When he said, “Whosoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

They believed and were saved.

What a great way to stop a sermon!

Acts 11

Some people make things happen.

Peter was available to the Lord, and God used him to officially bring Gentile believers into the church.

And we'll see some people hear that things happen.

This category may include most of us.

But how do you respond when you hear that God has done something new?

We are to test all things, hold fast what is good.

And we'll see that some people oppose things happening.

The legalistic members of the Jerusalem assembly attacked Peter for eating with the Gentiles.

So he explained how God had led.

Some people help other people make things happen.

Barnabas enlisted Saul and put him to work in the Antioch church, which led them to their going together to the Gentiles with the message of salvation.

February 21st, Saturday: Acts chap. 8 & 9

Acts 8

The death of Stephen seem to be a defeat for the church, but it resulted in some great victories for the Lord.

Wherever the believers went, they shared the gospel and many trusted the Saviour.

Stephen's witness made a tremendous impression on Saul and was instrumental in his conversion.

Like Stephen, Philip was a deacon, who was also an evangelist.

And God led him to witness in Samaria to some people hostile to the Jews.

The way to turn enemies to friends, is to make them brothers and sisters in Christ.

In times of great blessing, wherever God sows true seed, the devil sows a counterfeit.

You can just count on it.

Like Peter we must be alert and exercise real discernment.

Philip left a great harvest to talk to one man.

But you see, that is a mark of a true servant of the Lord – we must go where God sends us, do what God tells us, and then leave the results with Him.

Acts 9

We'll see the conversion of Saul of Tarsus was a turning point in the church's entire history.

And God used several people to touch his life.

We remember Paul but are prone to forget the people who helped him get started.

No man is an island

The witness of Stephen was significant as were the testimonies and prayers of persons Saul persecuted.

Ananias baptised him and encouraged him, and the disciples at Damascus saved his life.

When the church in Jerusalem feared to welcome Saul into their fellowship, Barnabas (that means 'son of encouragement') built the bridge.

People who encourage are bridge-builders.

Barnabas later enlisted Saul in the Antioch church and traveled with him in evangelistic ministry among the Gentiles.

Now you may not be called to do prominent work as Saul was, but you can do the job that God has called you to do and be an encouragement to others.

We do not know the names of the brave men who smuggled Saul out of Damascus, but holding the ropes was indeed a very important job.

February 20th, Friday: Acts chap. 6&7

Acts 6

We'll learn that when we yield ourselves to do God's will, you never know what challenges you're going to face.

No ministry is unimportant for a Christ-like servant.

Jesus said in Luke 22:27, “I am among you as the one who serves.”

In serving tables, the men released the apostles for their ministry of prayer and the Word and the result was the increase in conversions.

People filled with the Spirit see no small jobs or big places, they see only their Master and the opportunity to glorify Him.

And we'll read about doing wonders.

From serving tables to doing miracles, Stephen reached out to the lost and sought to win them to Christ.

If you are faithful with a few things, the Lord may give you many things.

And we'll read about facing enemies.

The unbelievers treated Stephen the way the Sanhedrin treated Jesus.

They arrested him on trumped up charges and hired false witnesses to testify.

Stephen experienced the fellowship of His sufferings.

And so will you when your witness His home

They said Stephen was opposing Moses, but he had a shining face just like Moses.

It was DL Moody who said, “There are many of us who are willing to great things for the Lord. But few of us are willing to do the little things.”

Acts 7

The main thrust of Stephen's message is that Israel always resisted the truth and rejected the deliverers sent to them.

They opposed Moses and repeatedly wanted to return to Egypt.

They opposed Joseph and he later became their redeemer.

They rejected the many prophets God sent to warn them and call them back to His way.

Finally they rejected their own Messiah and crucified Him.

Israel's history reveals the patience of God and the hardness of man's heart.

But it also reveals a ray of hope.

Israel rejected their deliverers the first time, but accepted them the second time.

That was true of Moses and Joseph, and it will be true of Jesus also when He returns.

Stephen's death was the third murder in Israel's history and a turning point in God's dealings with the nation.

They have rejected the Father when they allowed John the Baptist to be slain.

They have rejected the Son when they asked for Him to be crucified.

And now they have rejected the Holy Spirit.

There could be no more forgiveness.

The line had been crossed.

And the Gospel moved out to Judea and Samaria.