Why Missions? Acts 16:1–10 Come over to Macedonia and help us. Acts 16:9 This call of God to Paul and his missionary team teaches some important lessons about missions. Why do we engage in world missions? There are a number of reasons. 1. Jesus Christ has told us to do it. We call this “The…

Continuing the Work Acts 14:21–28 They returned . . . strengthening the souls of the disciples. Acts 14:21–22 In the very last section of chapter 14, we find Paul and Barnabas retracing their steps, going back through the cities where they had been persecuted and from which they had been ejected. They went to strengthen those left…

Appointed for Eternal Life Acts 13:42–49 As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48 This verse expresses the doctrine of election: that those who believe are those who are appointed to eternal life by God. Isn’t it interesting that we should have this statement of the doctrine of election right in the…

Gospel Advancement Acts 12:1–25 But the word of God increased and multiplied. Acts 12:24 I think of those who have tried to oppose the gospel over the centuries. There were times when Christ’s enemies tried to oppose the expansion of the Word of God by the sword, just as Herod did when he executed James….

Accepted by God Acts 11:1–18 When they heard these things. . . . they glorified God. Acts 11:18 The results of Peter’s explanation and defense of his ministry to the Gentiles were all good. Verse 18 says, “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has…

Biblical Religion Acts 9:36–43 She was full of good works and acts of charity. Acts 9:36 Christianity has a gospel of salvation from sin, and flowing from that is a practical calling to help and serve other people. Yes, Christianity calls people to turn from sin and respond to Jesus Christ in saving faith. But…

Owning Repentance Acts 8:9–25 Pray for me to the Lord. Acts 8:24 It is possible, just possible, that Simon was a believer. Nevertheless, this seems rather to be a case of one who had been exposed to strong preaching, was impressed by the miracles, and wanted to tap into the evident blessings of the gospel,…

Stephen: The First Martyr Acts 7:54–60 [Stephen] . . . gazed into heaven and saw . . . Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55 Jesus is standing. Why? There have been two valid suggestions. One is that Jesus stood up to receive his martyr, Stephen. Sometimes we hear stories like that of the death of…

The First Deacons Acts 6:1–7 Pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. Acts 6:3 By electing deacons as the first administrative officers in the church other than the apostles, the church was electing people to do what above all else is most essential to true…

On Guard Acts 5:1–16 Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? Acts 5:3 In the early days of the church, Satan was outraged by what was happening in this Christian fellowship. Satan, the one who wants everything for himself—who makes people as selfish as he possibly can make them—must…