In today’s Bible reading in Acts 8, we are introduced to a Samaritan sorcerer named Simon. For a long time, Simon had amazed people with his magic. And then he heard the gospel. Simon and many other Samaritans responded to the gospel message and were saved. (Acts 8:13) Simon began to follow Philip, watching God…
In today’s Bible reading, we see a very wise, well-respected religious leader, Gamaliel who advises the other religious leaders to back off in persecuting the followers of Jesus. He says that if this is like the other times with other radical leaders, the movement will die off in time. However, he says, if this is…
In Today’s Bible reading from Acts 4, we see Peter and John responding to an accusatory question from a room full of Jewish leaders, “By what power or by what name have you done this? (Acts 4:7) The question reminds me of the same question posed to Jesus by perhaps the same people. Jesus responded…
I didn’t point this out in yesterday’s devotional, but Acts 1:8 is the key to seeing the entire book of Acts. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower believers to tell people about Him. In today’s Bible reading, we see the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. Jesus said that his followers would…
One thing that jumped out at me from today’s Bible reading in Mark 16 is “But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’” Mark 16:7 (CSB) After the disastrous events of Judas’ betrayal and Jesus’ Crucifixion, the Disciples…
I am amazed at how often a Bible teacher will come along, trying to convince God’s people that he knows the day or the hour when Jesus will return. I am also amazed how often these Bible teachers will “fleece the flock”, convincing them that he needs money to get the word out. As they…
