In today’s Bible reading*, we see that a majority of those voting said it would be best to sail, hoping to make it to Phoenix, a harbor on the island of Crete before Winter. (Acts 27:12) It seems obvious that the Roman commander and the ship’s owner were more interested in efficiency than safety. And…
In today’s Bible reading*, we learn of a plot to kill Paul. More than forty Jews have conspired to kill Paul when the Commander sends Paul to report to the Jewish leaders under the pretense of questioning him. These forty men have agreed to not eat or drink until Paul is dead. But Paul’s nephew…
In today’s Bible reading*, a prophet named Agabus walks up to Paul and binds his own hands and feet in Paul’s belt. He says, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” (Acts 21:11)…
In today’s Bible reading*, we see Paul doing a very foolish thing. He says that God has told him that if he returns to Jerusalem, he will face trouble. In fact, Paul says that everywhere he goes, the Holy Spirit confirms that if he goes to Jerusalem, he will face imprisonment and afflictions. (Acts 20:23)…
As I read today’s Bible reading*, I was reminded of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. One conversation leads to an entire village coming out to hear more. Paul is in Antioch of Pisidia on the Sabbath. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets (The Old Testament),…
Preachers are always concerned about how their sermons will be received. We agonize over the Biblical text, wanting so much to be true to what God says. We want our hearers to receive the Word as good soil. (Matthew 13:23) “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit….
