Judges 6

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.”  And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground. vv.39-40

Read chapter 6
How often do you try to be like Gideon?  I always feel like I'm pulling a Gideon asking for a sign or two to know the Lord's decision.  It's funny or more-so interesting that the first sign is more of a miracle than the second sign for fleeces lick up moisture so therefore it would be more of a miracle for the ground to be dry and the fleece wet than vice versa.  How often though the first sign or instinct we have in a decision is usually the deciding factor but we just want continued confirmation, second guessing ourselves or the Holy Spirit.  I'm not saying it's a bad thing to be sure of a decision your seeking God's wisdom on, for many people jump to quickly saying it's God's direction when they never took the time to pray and seek God's answer or let their own fear or desire answer instead.  Now this passage isn't teaching us to ask for signs to get God's answer, remember we today are believers by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), we ought to learn from doubting Thomas when he said of the resurrected Jesus that he wouldn't believe unless he saw (John 20).  Yes this is what Gideon did do but doesn't mean it's what he should have done.  God answered him, but that doesn't mean He will answer our test of a specific sign.
How can you seek God's answer on His terms and not on your own?

Judges 5

Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel,
Until I, Deborah, arose,
Arose a mother in Israel. v.7

Read chapter 5
Deborah, a well known woman leader in scripture.  Now this isn't a feminist movement back in that day, but a time when men didn't seem to be taking the lead as they were created to do.  As we look at the life of Deborah in chapters four and five of Judges we can learn a thing or two about women in leadership.  She did encourage and set up well Barak, a man who was the army commander.  She did speak God's word being a prophetess.  She fulfilled her helper role in going alongside Barak to battle.

Let's not just focus on what she did do but also what she didn't do:
She didn't demean Barak and try to take away his manhood.  She didn't speak of her own will and desires.  She didn't get frustrated with his lack of leading and take matters in her own hands.
If you're a woman, how can you step up to lead when men don't in a god honoring way?  How can you encourage, speak truth, respond graciously to the men in your life without cutting them down and exalting yourself?

Judges 4

Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.  v.21

Read chapter 4

Kind of gruesome right?  Very rarely do we see woman in the bible killing, in fact I think this is the only place we read of this act by a woman.  Barak, a commander Israel's army, is told to go up against their enemies, Sisera and his army, but he's too afraid to do it without Deborah, a woman, being there with him.  So Deborah agrees to go but tells him therefore that Sisera will be delivered into the hands of a woman who will receive the glory instead of him.  Well that woman is Jael.  Jael is not an Israelite.  She is married to a Kenite who was a in-law of Moses- so a tribe in good relationship with Israel.  Jael and her husband Heber seem to be playing the neutral card between the Israelites and Sisera and his army for we see Sisera trust Jael to go in to her tent, yet she ultimately kills him.  Shows when you want to play the neutral card with politics at some point you need to make a stand.  Her reason to kill Sisera is unknown specifically as she could have had hatred toward him in her heart and jumped at the opportunity, but she also could have had a word from God and responded.  She chose to side and stand with God and his enemies and God therefore used her, a non-Israelite, and she receives the glory of this deliverance as we see in the following chapter of a song written to her praise.  Now this isn't something we receive word to do today of killing God's enemies, this was specific to Jael at this time.  This may seem gruesome that God would command this, but we’re often "more offended at the justice of God than we ought to be, and we’re less enthralled with the mercy and the grace of God than we ought to be" (Nancy DeMoss Walgamuth).

How does Nancy's quote reign true to you?  If you play the neutral card in politics are you prepared to chose a side when it comes down to it?

Judges 3

Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man...Now Eglon was a very fat man. v.17

Read chapter 3
Random facts and verses that Ehud was left handed and that Eglon, the king of Moab, was a very fat man.  Very little in scripture do we read of physical characteristics of people and when we do there's always a reason behind this information recorded for us to know.  So why do you think this is here about this man being left-handed and another being fat?  Well if you read the whole chapter you'll see the correlation with his death. God had raised up Ehud to be judge over Israel but he had to get Israel out of the oppression of Moab first (and once he did they had peace for 80 years).  Ehud went to present tribute as a way in to the king and since he was left-handed his dagger was on his right thigh where most men being right-handed would place a dagger on their left thigh, so most likely his right thigh was overlooked by any security that the king would have had.  Eglon being called so fat was probably too slow to fight back or jump out of the way.  Thus the two physical traits of these two men led to their rise and destruction.  Can you think of physical traits mentioned in the bible of other people and it's purpose?  

Judges 2

And when the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and harassed them. v.18

Read chapter 2
The Lord had pity on the oppression of His people and would raise up judges to save them.  Yet this did not make the people turn to the Lord unfortunately, they would become worse and worse.  The Lord continued to deliver them because of the righteous judge He raised up, but once they died Israel would become defeated again.  How similar it seems to people that take for granted a leader or boss in their life that they don't realize how great they are till they're gone and things become harder than one ever realizes.  This groaning of oppression drove the to cry out to God although when He sent someone to save them, they refused.  Their hearts were what needed saving more than their actual physical distress.  Nancy DeMoss Walgomuth notes on Judges chapter two:
 "God sends these delivers to save His people. The Old Testament Hebrew word for “to save,” is the word yashah. It means "to be saved, to be delivered, liberated." Sometimes it refers to military victories, to be saved in battle. The word yashah is related to the Old Testament name, Joshua, which means “Jehovah saves.”We learned earlier in this series that “Jesus” is the Greek form of that Hebrew name, Joshua. Jesus, who saves His people from their sins—yashah—God saved His people. Salvation is the greatest need of the human heart. We think we have lots of needs, and we do, but the greatest need is for salvation."

Distress may be the very thing that makes you turn to Christ.  How will you respond to His answer of salvation?  

Judges 1

Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, “Who shall be first to go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?” And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up. Indeed I have delivered the land into his hand.”  So Judah said to Simeon his brother, “Come up with me to my allotted territory, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I will likewise go with you to your allotted territory.” vv.1-3

Read chapter 1

Does the word judge sound scary to you?  Like this is a book of rules and dictatorships?  Well let's change your mind to what the Bible's definition of who a judge is and what he or she does.  A judge in scripture is someone who is to set things right and then rules, as well as oversees military matters and administrative authority.  As you read of the thirteen judges, take note on their character and role and the aftermath because of their "judging."

Joshua has now died and they have no one main leader and that's where we see the book of Judges take place.  Without leaders people "do as they think good in their own eyes," a phrase we will see often throughout this book, but will follow a leader as they step up.  

In the first chapter things seem to appear to start off well as they continue to seek the Lord and hold to what Joshua commanded them to.  The tribe of Judah is chosen to go up first to fight against the Canaanites.  Judah, the strongest tribe, asks Simeon, the smallest tribe, to go with them that they may help one another out.  I love that picture of the stronger helping the weaker that both then become stronger.  Ought we to do likewise with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Are you a stronger believer, who can you seek to strengthen?  Are you a weaker believer, how can you not let yourself be intimidated by stronger believers?

Acts 28

“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” v.28

Read chapter 28
This verse marks a huge chang in history and God's ealing with men.  From this point on salvation is for the nations as well.  Before it was only for the Jews with the exception of a few non-Jews, but now freely available to all.  This verse seems pretty simple how it's translation in most Elgith Bibles but the Greek words carry so much more.  "Salvation," for example, is the Greek word soterion and is a noun which is more fully describes as "salvation-bringing."  Bringing what?  The message of salvation!  Christ already died for and and not it'll be known to all.  This may have started off happening by the spread of John's gospel.  Also the word "sent" is the Greek word apostle which is more than a simple send but a sending with authority and power and a commission.  God's word doesn't return to Him void.  So we see "has been sent" as a post declaration and "will hear it" as a future happening and this is how it should continue to be today.  This ends the Acts of the Apostles and beings a new dispensation of God's dealings with men.  
How have you seen the difference of the dispensation (God's dealings) in the period of the Acts verse to and in the letters in scripture that were written afterwards?  How did/can this verse change your understand of God's dealing with the nations today?

Acts 27

Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. v.20

Read chapter 27
Weather always seems to be such a great metaphor for life.  Here was Paul and the men are on a ship in a horrible strong (Luke seems to down play it by saying "no small tempest")they're want for the sun to blaze forth and some other ship to save them.  So in our lives when we feel like we're in a strong waiting for God to come blazing forth back to earth we lose hope in waiting.  When those times come where we can't even see a glimpse of light (star or sun) we're ready as Paul spoke up and told them of the promise of what God said to him through an angle that they'd all be save from death in the ship, so Jesus has come to us as the mediator of God to say He will return and take us to be with Him forever.  So don't throw in the towel when not a pinch of light is seen and you want to give up, but hold on to the assurance Christ has given us.

Acts 26

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” vv.28-29

Read chapter 26

King Agrippa is trying to make it seem ridiculous in this short amount of time that he'd become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ by this one time speech of Paul to him.  Even so many today feel like they can't or shouldn't just believe in Christ that "easy," skeptical that there's something wrong or more complicated.  Now we live in a different dispensations today than during the Acts person where they heard the gospel by God's choose men clearly and perfectly, so to deny it once was a once-for-all.  Where today we are given many changes to respond it seems.  But the best thing is that it is possible and happens often for someone to be sold out for Jesus after just seeing Him once.  And this is what Paul desires for all who hear.  Do we desire this for everyone around us or just certain "types" of people?

Acts 25

For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him. v.27

Read chapter 25
First Paul is brought before Festus and he can find nothing wrong of Paul so then he's brought before King Agrripa to see if he can find Paul at fault.  Both Festus and Agrippa are non-Jews, but even as they look at the Jewish law they see nothing wrong he's done.  So why don't they just let Paul go instead of digging so deep to find something/anythign?  All because they want to please the Jews (v.9).  Just as with Jesus and false accusations to get Him crucified so false accusations t kill Paul by the authority.  They need something to "justify" their actions so they can still seem rights to others and to themselves.
Where do you see this scheming today?  When do you try to justify your actions for doing something you know is wrong?

Acts 24

And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.  Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” vv.24-25

Read chapter 24
Here we see another relationship of a gentile ruler married to a Jewish woman and how God used that just like Esther and King Ahasuares of Persia.  I wonder what their marriage was like but no doubt on of respond of the God of Israel or at least respect of his wife heeding to her people.  Felix doesn't realize how lucky he was to have Paul personally react and teach him one-on-one of truth from God's direct man!  Of course Paul would preach a bit differently to a non-Jew about the Way as to not knowing the history, law, promises of the God of Israel.  Yet we see three important things that any believer should hear about and that being righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.  All this making one humble and fearing God will these result.  How do you think this "reasoning" of these three topics looked like?  What would you say about each one as a believer and to a non-believer?

Acts 23

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. v.27

Read chapter 23
So Claudius sends this letter to Governor Felix about Paul.  No doubt God was definitely using him to help Paul in Rom as well (v.11).  We see in Claudius' words that he's building himself up to be the big hero.  Yes what he says is mostly true but we know from chapter 21 that Claudius was going to scourge Paul after having arrested him and only stops once Paul speaks up as being a Roman citizen (21:33, 22:24).  How often that happens that when we've done something wrong we try to cover it up or not tell the whole story trying to make ourselves look good.  Even if it's not anything done wrong, we want to be seen as the hero or the perfect, good, righteous one when maybe in our heart we know we're not!  This especially happens when we're trying to impress someone.  When was a time you've made yourself to be the hero when you knew that wasn't exactly how everything played out?

Acts 22

And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” v.22

Read chapter 22
Paul here is talking to his Jewish brothers (v.1) that don't yet believe that Jeus is the Christ. Theyintently listen to him as he shares what Jesus of Nazareth has done after His death and resurrection to Paul, but that's not what makes them get all crazy and mad.  We see in verse 21 what gets under their skin in that the Lord sent Paul to the nations (gentiles).  They're mad because they don't want the nations to have part in their kingdom to come and shared of the Savior and promises.  In the Old Testament they wouldve know that the gentiles will be blessed in this way because of what the Lord said through prophets, so this wasn't new news, I guess when it aurally comes to pass they can't cope with it.  They're jealous, not out of a godly jealousy but an evil jealousy and try to kill Paul to "resolve" it.  We can't pick and choose what we won't out of the Bible, it's all truth!  So how do you prisoned in jealousy?  What truths in scripture do you have a hard time accepting?

Acts 21

Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. v.24

Read chapter 21
Paul and many believing Jews are still keeping the law.  The Law wasn't done away with just because Jesus came.  Remember He came to fulfill it.  The whole point of Paul preaching to the Jews among the Greeks was that the law was no longer a burden but of freedom in relational and passion.  That to do what they could continue to do but not feeling guilty of what they're not able to do.  Since Paul was able to keep the law way more than other Jews because of living near the temple and growing up in that way these belong Jews want to make sure that he doesn't cause men to justify by what he does/doesn't do but what the Lord has abled him to.  
What areas of your life do you justify by comparing with other believers rather than what God's put on your heart?

Acts 20

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight... And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. vv.7,9

Read chapter 20
Paul doesnt waste any time.  Knowing he's leaving the next day stays up past midnight to continue speaking and teaching these men.  You'd think he'd want to pack or get a good night's sleep before the long travel ahead, but these relationships and spreading the truth are of more importance.  Oh and how i can relate to Eutychus when I've been listening to sermon when I'm super tired and do the head bob, shocking myself awake.  AS much as I love scripture and as Eutychus desire to hear Paul, we still grow weary, so let's not sit in a window so we don't fall out of it, especially since we don't have Paul to resurrect us today.  
How do you use your time to the max for God?

Acts 19

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,  so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. vv.11-12

Read chapter 19
"Unusual miracles."  Miracles were so prevalent at this time during the Acts period that there were even miracles that were different or unusual from the rest.  No where else do we see healing by clothing articles just because they were touched by Paul.   Imagine how many more people could be healed this way than having to go lay hands on every evil spirit or sick person?  It makes me think of the old nursery story where everything the boy touched turn to gold.  We see shortly after this verse the seven sons of Sceva try to do this same power and are over powered by demons.  This shows how one can't just take the power given by God to a certain person for themselves, you must be authorized by God.  Gifts are dispersed by God, not ours to pick and choose.  What are some usual and unusual miracles you have seen in your life?

Acts 18

And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.  So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers...So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. vv.2-3,26

Read chapter 18
Work relationships are just as much a ministry and more because of the constant time together.  Paul, Aquila and Priscilla are tentmakers and no doubt that they talked about the scriptures while they worked and Paul sharing of who Jesus Christ is and his commission from Him.  This building of friendship with Christ at the center gave wisdom to Priscilla and Aquila to then discern and share truth with others, Apollos we see here in this chapter.  And so much more than sharing with Jesus Christ is as God but "accurately" with scripture that pointed and proved it and through what God was currently doing since Apollos only knew up to John's baptism.  
So what do your work relationship look like?  Do people in your work know you're a believer?  Do you talk about scripture together with those that believe or don't believe?  Do you desire to have the scruples more accurately known to you?  Do you understand how God is currently working today since the close of the Bible writings?

Acts 17

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. v.11

Read chapter 17
The Bereans.  A Jewish people who love scripture and know it's perfect completeness in finding truth.  We should all follow their example and search the scriptures to destermie what we believe and not just a fine-sounding message or something that appeals to our own idea of who/what we want God to be like.  How common it is today in churches where people will believe whatever the pastor or elders of the church say yet never seek if it's true for themselves.  Today the word of God is accessible to all (at least in the USA) and God gives wisdom of HIs word to those that ask- not just a pastor, priest, someone with a seminary degree.  Even here we see in Barea it's not just the leaders seeking the scripture alone but with Greeks, men and women.  It can be intimidating or overwhelming where to how to start, study, etc.  But don't let that hold you back.  Seek His word as you'd search for buried treasure!

Acts 16

Timothy...we [Paul, Silas, Luke]...Lydia...Philippian jailer. vv.1,10,14,27

Read chapter 16
We meet some amazing people in this chapter that fear God and work righteousness.  First there's Timothy.  He's this young stud raised by a Jewish mom and Greek dad. Paul sees his earned for Jesus and desire that he go with him sharing the world.  We see that Timothy is faithful to the end (1 & 2 Timothy) and like a son to Paul.  Than we see the first use of the pronoun "we"  in Acts indicating Luke has now joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy.  This is the same writer of the gospel of Luke.  Luke wasn't one of the 12 disciples of Jesus as many assume Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all were.  Luke we learn was a doctor, probably from Troas (v.8), possibly a convert of Paul.  Next we meet Lydia.  Despite Philipi not having a synagogue to meet in or no seemingly men leading in that area, Lydia is dedicated to prayer and meeting with the women to worship the Lord.  God opens her heart to hear the message of Jesus Christ accepting joyfully.  Lastly we meet the Philippians jailer.  Who after a pretty big scare of an earthquake and the prisoners all loosed, is ready to kill himself rather than be executed by Rome for not guarding the prisoners well.  Yet instead he is saved not only from execution from the Roman government since the prisoners all stay but also saved from his sins accepting with his household the message of Christ and the sings he couldn't deny were anything but God.
So which of these four do you relate to in your conversion to a follower of Jesus Christ?

Acts 15

But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.  Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; vv.38-39

Read chapter 15
Fights and arguments happen among believers too, some so strong it ruins friendships.  We've seen Paul and Barnabas inseparable for so many years being missionaries together and then don't see them together again in scripture.  It's unclear who's "at fault" or "wrong" and scripture doesnt seem to side with either Paul or Barnabas.  It seems based on Mark's immaturity of abandoning when the going got tough, that Paul wasnt ready to continue with him yet, but Barnabas seems quick to forgive, forget and desire to keep him with them.  The result is breaking up this team and going separate ways in ministry.  Did they ever reconcile?  Can one go out preaching the gospel and forgiveness of sins when they don't in their own lives?   It's encouraging to see Paul and Mark together again later in ministry (Col. 4:10, 1 Peter 5:13, 2 Tim. 4:11), this rekindled friendship resulting in awesome ministry for the Lord.  What friendships need rekindling in your life after an argument that may have never been resolved?

Acts 14

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” vv.21-22

Read chapter 14
They return!  It's not a one time preaching but a long time teaching.  We even see in this chapter that they (Paul and Barnabas) stayed a long time in these places teaching from the scriptures.  Also, we see the reason they leave those cities is because they were driven out by Jewish leaders and killed, yet they still go back.  They still return to strengthen the believers and encourage them.  How pleasant it is to my should when I get to meet up with my best friend in Christ whole lives on the opposite side of the country from me  It's also heard to return to places I've lived or friendships in past seasons of life, but also a challenge to pursue those friendships even if it's just a letter.  So important to see that ti's more than just preaching a message one time but creating friendships and guiding in truth through life and learning about God.  What do your relationship with other look like?  Have you told your friends about Jesus?  Is it a continued topic of conversation?  What past friendships need restoring or encouraging returns?

Acts 13

So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. v.42

Read chapter 13
Notice that Paul and Barnabas are preaching in the synagogue.  That's where they'd go first to peace every time they entered a city- first  to the Jew than to the gentile- was the order during this time of the Acts period. Even than it was first to the Jews how cool is it that the gentiles are crowding around outside the synagogue and listening in.  There were many gentiles that became Jews of whom we see called proselytes in scripture but still other non-Jews wanted in without becoming circumcised and proselyte-like.  They ask here that the words might be preached to them next Sabbath- not because they wanted to hear it all over again, but that it'd be preached to THEM as a truth and promise.  Just because they heard the promise doesn't mean it's for them until specifically given.  Like if a dad tells his daughter "if you get a 4.0, I'll buy you a car."  If her friend heard this she can't expect her friend's dad to buy her a car if she gets a 4.0.  We see many blessings, curses, promises in scripture that we have to be wise to ask and see who this is to than just "read your name in to scripture whenever you want" kind of attitude.  But lets be eager to listen to God's truth no matter who specifically it might be for and to ask God to share in the blessings or make known His promises to us.

Acts 12

And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. v.6

Read chapter 12
What maximum security!  Being chained to two guards and then another two guards guarding the cell.  Another obvious miracle  that Peter didn't just sneak out on his own witty plan but that God ordained it by sending an angle to free him.  The angle didn't get all whispery, tip-toe like but entered in a bright light, lighting up the prison.  Also having Peter take they time to tie his shoes nonetheless.  I'm guessing the guards got put under a deep sleep or something as the next morning they didn't seem to know what happened.  The other interesting thing I notice about this verse six is that Peter was sleeping.  How could you sleep being change to two guards and also knowing you're about to be killed?!  I lose sleep over anxiousness of a guy flirting with me, no way could I sleep knowing I would be dead the next day.  Yet Peter knew that peace of God and his willingness to die for Him and God's will be done.  What leaves you with restless nights and what peace of God do you need to hear and trust in?

Acts 11

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus...And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. vv.20-21,26

Read chapter 11
At this time the gospel message of Jesus as the Christ was primarily for the Jews.  We see through the book of Acts that the apostles first go to the snyagogs to preach once they enter a new city.  The Hellenists are Jews by birth but have taken on the Greek culture and way of life- not holding to the traditions of the Jews.  The two Jewish groups were once separated but now they become one again as they believe in Jesus their waited Messiah.  AS they accepted this message and continued to learn from Barnabas and Saul for a whole year that they became called Christians.  This was a derogatory name at first meaning "little christi" as making fun of what they were trying to be, but has now become a proud name.  Notice it's Jew's with a new name of a Christian, they're still Jews but believing in Jesus Jews.  Today when a non-Jew believes in Jesus and identifies as a Christian- they don't become a Jew trying to hold to commands given specifically for them and promises specifically for them.  Neither does a Jew who believes lose his Jewish promise.  Jews can become Christians, but Christians can't become Jews.  How do you let being called a Christian be a proud thing?  And how have you felt it be a mockery in your life?

Acts 10

And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. v.45

Read chapter 10
Cornelius and his household are the first non-Jews to receive the Holy Spirit.  Cornelius wasn't just any gentile but one who feared God and worked righteousness (v.35).  He knew as much as he could know about the God of Israel sent a whole lost as it wasn't just a religion  someone could "try out" or be converted to.  But with the little he saw and knew he believed and followed that in his actions seeing his whole being a centurion of the Italian Regiment probe had more than just his family living in his household.  He had a contagious influence probably on his servants and other workers too.  
We today aren't all Jews and there are some promises for Jews that aren't for gentiles and there are some that are blessings for both.  But no matter what we should fear God and let that shine on those who dwell among us that tit'll be contagious too.

Acts 9

Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”  Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.[a] It is hard for you to kick against the goads...Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”  And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” vv4-5,10

Read chapter 9

Check out the comparison of these tow calling and response of the Lord.  First there's Saul who doesn't believe in Jesus Christ that once he's knocked to the ground and hears a voice he knows it's God somehow talking to him.  Nice that the voice is Jesus just as the voice of God we see in other parts of scripture, they're on in the same.  Then there's Ananias and he gets a vision of the physical Jesus and uses the same respectful name calling Him Lord.  Can you imagine being Ananias and having to love someone everybody hates and be nice to him and give hime something he doesn't deserve?  Can you imagine how mean his friends might be not trusting or understanding why he did what he did for Saul?  What are ways you've been or haven't been like Ananias in your life?

Acts 8

 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word...Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,   who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.   For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. vv.4,14-16

Read chapter 8
The great scattering.  We just saw Stephen martyred and the result seems to be that every believer was encouraged and spread out preaching the Word of God.  Opposite of what Satan and the evil leaders thought would happen.  Many became believers because of this for as the word was preached to them and they believed it they became baptized in the Lord Jesus.  We notice from this passage that there's a difference in baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Not just anyone could baptize a person in the Holy Spirit but the apostles alone.  Just as we see here Simon the Sorcerer wanting that power to baptize others in the Holy Spirit so many believers today try to take that authority that isn't' for them.  And just as Simon couldn't figure out the "trick" neither does baptism of the Holy Spirit practiced today look anything like what we see baptism of the Holy Spirit in scripture.  Oh bring the day through when we will be baptized with signs following (Mark 16).

Acts 7

When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.  But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. vv.54-55

Read chapter 7
Stephen is one of the seven we saw chosen in chapter six.  He speaks before his people (v.2) reminding them of their history of their unfaithfulness and God's faithfulness.  He basically calls them out for being worse than their forefathers.  Yet instead of repenting, realizing they've been bad/wrong, they martyr Stephen.  Just like they did Jesus- killing Him because He caught them in their sin and wrong-doing, but not wanting to admit Christ or Stephen were right.  In this verse we see the phrase "gnashed at him with their teeth" this is to say their yelling and screaming at him.  So also when we read of a future time of gnashing of teeth it's not them getting their teeth beaten on knocked out but of them in their great regret of not choosing the Lord when they had the chance.  Also we see here Stephen seeing Jesus, who is the glory of God (John 1:14, Col. 1:15).  god doesn't have a different image.  Stephen only sees Jesus here.  The word "and" is the Greek word KAI and can be translated "and" or "even" as a transitional word to say the same thing in another way.  The phrase "right-hand" isn't like Jesus not at the center.  The word "hand" isn't there in the Greek but should just read at God's rights or in God's authority.
So how has truth been revealed to you when it's hard to hear and what's been your response?  How do you view Jesus and God as one in the same?

Acts 6

Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;   but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” vv.3-4

Read chapter 6
Whenever someone says "the 12" when talking about scripture it's easy to think of Jesus' 12 disciples, but what about when you hear of "the 7."  Just as we see in the gospels when the twelve were chosen and then follow them over the years of the wisdom, signs and wonders they did, so we see here the beginning of the seven being called and will see throughout the book of Acts the many signs, wonders, wisdom of these men.  We see this set up in other places of scripture of leaders making other leaders when the task at hand is too big or burdensome to other parts of ministry.  For example, Moses appointed the 100 who were given Divine wisdom to govern the Israelites.  So here, it's not just any men but ones filled with the Holy Spirit.  My job gest easier when I delegate and sometimes it's hard to delegate and let go, but oh when I do I'm able to really focus on other matters.

Acts 5

You have not lied to men but to God...but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” vv.4,39

Read chapter 5
It seems like a little, petty thing that Ananias and Sapphire said a little white lie about the price of the field.  It seemed like a small deal to tell the apostles to go somewhere else to preach about Jesus just not in one place- Jerusalem.  But the little things aren't always as little as they seem.  Big things can happen, both good and bad, from the small things.  God knows everything even down to the smallest white lie.  We're not just hurting ourselves we're hurting God.  When we lie or cheat in an area of life, we're lying and fighting against God.  Having this in the backs of our minds might make us think twice about how we choose to respond.  Like Gamillel in this chapter there's no use if we're fighting against Him.  What areas do you tend to lie or cheat in and how can you stop?

Acts 4

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus...But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.   For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” vv.13,19-20

Read chapter 4
I love this.  I love seeing how Peter and John had boldness and wisdom because they had been with Jesus.  It wasn't because they went to seminary school or because they were leaders of the people already but because they were with Jesus!  Today it seems like no one speaks up about Jesus because of intimidation around someone that went to seminary, thinking they know more or better about God and scripture.  That's so not true!  Spending time in scripture on our own we'll get more wisdom of who HE is than hearing through a third party of what He's like.  Reading scripture isn't just for the scholarly, but for everyone.  God will open your understanding of the scriptures.  Don't let Satan's lies tell you "it's not your gift" or "not important."  When we then spend time with Jesus we'll be able to say like John and Peter, "we cannot but speak the things which we've seen and hear."