Acts 23:3God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! I love the Bible. It doesn’t cover over the humanity of some of our greatest heroes. Paul pens the beautiful words, “Love is patient, love is kind.” He lists one of the fruits of the Spirit as self-control. And, yet, what we see here is neither patient, kind, nor self-controlled. He was slapped in the mouth and he shot back with some bitte...  Read More

Acts 22:22Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he shall not be allowed to live.” What was the word that set them off? “Gentiles.” The Jews had no problem with Gentiles coming to God, for there was even a court of the Gentiles present at the temple. The Jews just had a problem with Gentiles coming to God without f...  Read More

Acts 21:13What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. What’s the worst thing that can happen to you? If you fear it, then it will be your master. But if you don’t, you get to be the boss. For much of my early life I had a fear of dying, until I finally had enough. I had to look fear in the ...  Read More

Acts 20:35It is more blessed to give than to receive. As a parent, you know that most, if not all disagreements your children have is basically trying to get something from the other. Sometimes, however, I like to flip the script. I’ll step in and say, “Hey guys, instead of arguing over what you can get from each other, I want you to argue for what you can give to each other. Go ahead and try it.”...  Read More

Acts 19:15Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you? Roasted! The seven sons of Sceva thought they could take the name of Jesus and spray it like a can of mace. Think again, fellas. Jesus is not an aerosol and spiritual authority doesn’t come from a can.This is not magic. This is not trickery. This is not gimmicks or games. It’s not a sticker you slap on your shirt. It’s a real and vital...  Read More

Acts 18:26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. We all need to be teachable. Here’s Apollos, an extraordinarily gifted and powerful communicator, being taken aside by a woman and her husband. And we have no hint that he resisted their gentle corrections. They saw his immense power...  Read More

Acts 17:11Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Do you take someone else’s word for it or do you verify it for yourself? I hope you do the latter, especially when it comes to the Word of God. I hope you don’t believe your pastor, just because he’s your pastor. Or your deno...  Read More

Acts 16:6They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. Asia was a province on the western end of modern-day Turkey. It had remained untouched during Paul’s first missionary journey, and now he had hopes of going there during his second. But the Holy Spirit said, “No.” Why? Why does God shut down perfectly good ideas? Why? Y...  Read More

Acts 15:37-38Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. Mark, the Deserter. Have you ever let someone down and it soured their opinion of you? That can be a devastating blow. You can imagine how John Mark must have felt. He quit, and many speculate he w...  Read More

Acts 14:11And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” People are wired for worship. But, beware: when it goes horizontal, it can easily backfire. People can praise you today and throw rocks at you tomorrow. And, in fact, it doesn’t even take that long for this to happen to Paul (see verse 19)....  Read More

Acts 13:51They shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. Sometimes you need to move on. You’ve been trying, and trying, and trying, and they’re just not getting it. It’s not like they can’t; it’s just that they won’t. There’s nothing you can do. You can talk until you’re blue in the face and, at this point in their life, they’re just not ready. But there are people who a...  Read More

Acts 12:14In her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate… Sometimes our answered prayers come standing at the gate. And we can hardly believe it. But should we be amazed? I don’t know if we should or not, but often times we are. But let this account be encouragement to you. God hears your prayers. And he can actually do the things we ask of him. So...  Read More