Bible Chapter: Acts 28
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This is the last chapter in the book of Acts. It ends very abruptly, a strange way to stop the story. Luke does not say anything like “and now we are ending this history of the church”. Bible scholars have commented that the ending shows that he wrote up to a certain point telling the story of the church and the missionary travels of Paul and then simply stopped. It has also been suggested that we are living in the 29th chapter of Acts. This implies that since Jesus never changes, the church should continue to walk in and minister in the power of God. We must continue to see people saved and God’s power shown to all. That is an essential challenge.
This chapter starts with the results of the shipwreck we just read about. They all survived and landed on the Island of Malta off the coast of Italy. They were greeted warmly by the local people. We see Paul’s heart and connection with God. He was helping to collect firewood and was bitten by a poisonous snake. He simply shook it off and kept on working. This was a powerful testimony of his trust in God’s protective power. The Lord had given him the assurance that he would survive so he didn’t worry about the snake. Paul ministered to the people there. They had to stay three months to wait out the winter. Eventually they got on another ship and made it to Rome.
In Rome Paul ministered out of his house arrest for two years. He had spent two years in confinement in Caesarea and then, following a harrowing trip, spend another two years confined in Rome. Luke doesn’t cover the rest of the story but secular history says that Paul was eventually released and he continued traveling and preaching.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Paul had heard from God. He sense God’s calling to spread the good news of Jesus. He suffered in ways that few can fully understand. And yet, he kept his focus and did what God called him to do. When one door closed, he kept looking till God opened the right one. When the world seemed to be falling apart he kept going. There is evidence that he got tired and impatient from time to time, but he never let that interfere with doing what God called him to do. This is a good lesson. As I write this I am almost to the point of forty years of full time ministry. It has been exciting, and yet at times, very tiring. People like Paul are a good example and encouragement to keep on keeping on. Someone has said:
The most important things is to keep the most important thing the most important thing.
This speaks to keeping priorities in focus and seeing life and ministry through the perspective of eternity without getting sidetracked. I can’t believe that anyone ever entered heaven and was disappointed. The opposite side is also true. No one every enjoyed hell. I heard a testimony one time of a person who had a vision of hell. He said it was so horrible that if you were offered escape from it by being brutally tortured and murdered a million times you would immediately say, “Let’s go, let’s get started”. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
3. How can I help someone?
I am thinking of those who are serving Jesus and are discouraged. I can help them see that when we keep the right focus we will make it. This is not simply ignoring the reality of the battles, it is looking at life and ministry from God’s perspective. That is always the best way to see life.
Bible Chapter: Acts 27
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
One thing I know I can say about Paul’s life, it was not dull or boring. It was filled with amazing challenges and adventure. Because of his appeal to Caesar he was given into the custody of a Roman centurion named Julius. They began to sail across the Mediterranean Sea towards Rome. There were many stops and challenges along the way. It is important to remember that the only propulsion the ships had was wind. They were at the mercy of the whims of nature.
Their trip was very slow because of the unfavorable winds they encountered. They were way behind schedule and it was coming to the dangerous season for ocean travel. Paul warned them that they should stay where they were for the winter even though it wasn’t the best place. At least it would be safe. Unfortunately, no one listened. When it appeared that they had some favorable weather, they headed out. It wasn’t long till a very bad storm came and they were in great danger.
In the midst of this storm the Lord sent an angel to Paul to tell them that, even though the ship would be lost, all on board would be spared. Paul was finally able to encourage all on the ship to trust God that they would survive. They spent a few weeks fighting this storm as it pushed them across the Mediterranean Sea. This chapter ends with the ship breaking up as they approached the Island of Malta.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Life will never be dull if you are working for the Lord. Christian service (and this does not mean only those in vocational Christian service) brings both challenges and victories. At times it can be very hard. I have seen a long list of challenges and spiritual battles. They can bring discouragement and a desire to find something else to do. But I know that God knows what He is doing and I must stay the course. Paul was in the middle of a long adventure he never would have chosen. Two years of R&R at Caesarea would sound great if it didn’t include being held a prisoner, probably in a dungeon somewhere. Traveling across the Mediterranean is a beautiful trip. It is a great body of water. Except Paul was traveling as a prisoner and the weather was horrible. Paul kept the faith and trusted God to take him through it all.
This is a good lesson to follow. Stay close to Jesus and listen to God’s leading. The battle is a challenge but we will make it. Paul kept eternity in mind. We all need to follow that path.
3. How can I help someone?
I’m reminded of an old chorus we used to sing -
With eternity’s values in view, Lord,
With eternity’s values in view.
May I do each day’s work for Jesus,
With eternity’s values in view.
Paul kept eternity’s values in focus and he had a powerful impact on the lives of many people. That truth still works. I can help people by not compromising Biblical truth and keep eternity in focus and view. The short-term promises of fun and excitement fail to provide what we need. Responding to the call of sinful pleasure always leaves a person in anguish. Faithfulness to God’s way leads to an awesome eternity with the Lord.
Bible Chapter: Acts 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The series of events questioning Paul about the charges brought against him continued in Caesarea. This time he was brought before King Agrippa and Bernice who had entered the room with much pomp. Paul was given permission to speak his case. He told his story, the history of his life. He pointed out that he had previously actively persecuted anyone who followed Jesus. Then, as he was heading to Damascus to arrest more believers, God knocked him down and talked to him. It had to be a shocking revelation when he heard the voice speaking to him say “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting”.
Paul went on to tell of his calling to proclaim the message of Jesus to all. This was evident to all in the room. Even Agrippa asked Paul if he was trying to convert him. Yes, he was. It was obvious in Paul’s life that he wanted all to believe. Paul told the king that he wished he would be exactly like him, except for the chains.
At the end of the chapter King Agrippa said that Paul had done nothing wrong, and, if he had not appealed to Caesar, he could have been set free. This then began Paul’s journey that would take him to Rome.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Something Paul said in quoting Jesus jumps out to me. It was Paul’s calling to ministry that was to go out and help people’s eyes to be opened. People need to be turned from the darkness of sin and have their spiritual eyes opened to see who Jesus is and what He will do for them. People are blinded to their real spiritual condition and they need to see and turn from following sin. People need to receive forgiveness of sins. The current world is working hard to blind people and also make them deaf to hearing the voice of God calling them. I must not get caught up in that deception and not be afraid to speak the truth of Jesus so people will receive Him. The world today makes it seem like the worst thing you could possibly to is to convert, to proselytize someone to bring them to belief in Jesus. That is a deception from the pit of hell since Jesus IS the one way to God.
Paul also talked about the fact that believers in Jesus need to live out their life publicly. Their actions must show they are the real article. The actions of Christians need to speak “Jesus” to the world.
3. How can I help someone?
I can learn from Paul’s attitude through this whole ordeal of two years. He was kept in confinement in Caesarea on trumped up charges. Yet, whenever he was given the opportunity, he didn’t express anger. He spoke with respect and told his story. That is a good way to treat people.
Bible Chapter: Acts 25
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Another trial before another leader. This time is was Festus, who succeeded Felix as governor. Paul had been held a prisoner for two years at Caesarea. This was a beautiful location right on the Mediterranean Sea and would have been an enjoyable time for Paul if he was not being held prisoner.
Festus convened a court hearing and brought Paul in to answer the charges by the Jewish leaders. He response was that he had done nothing wrong against either the Jewish laws or Caesar. We see the political pandering by Festus, the same as was done by Felix. Instead of seeing Paul’s innocense, Festus was looking to gain political points. Finally, Paul, a Roman citizen and probably frustrated after two years of playing games, appealed to Caesar.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The spiritual battle has been strong from the beginning of the church. It remains strong today. I am reminded of a passage from the Old Testament. It is the young boy, David, as he was about to fight with Goliath. It seemed impossible, but David had an amazing confidence in God.
Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands."
1 Samuel 17:47 NKJV
Yes, the battle is the Lord’s. I need to remember that and continue to trust Him. I am also reminded that the battle is fought in prayer. Paul had a long and drawn out battle that was far from over. He was a political pawn in the hands of unscrupulous leaders. He didn’t give up but continued to make a strong spiritual impact. Good lessons to keep in mind.
3. How can I help someone?
I know many people who are going through difficult battles. They live with many frustrations and often the question is “when is this going to be over?” The answer is that we don’t know when it will be over. The temptation is to just give up the battle when things get really hard. It is important to keep focus on God’s power and presence and remember that this life is not the end.
Bible Chapter: Acts 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Paul was brought before the governor, Felix. Charges were brought against him alleging he had done things against the Jews. In his response, Paul acknowledged he was a follower of The Way. This is a term used by the early church. It shows that they didn’t think that following Jesus simply meant making some kind of prayer of confession and that was it. They saw the Christian life as a new life, a change, a path to walk as they grew in faith and fellowship with Jesus. That is a good description of what each person’s life should be as they make a claim of being a Christian. Our culture is saturated with countless people who claim to be a Christian. Churches are filled with people who live like the devil during the week and then go to church to do their religious obligation. Their lifestyles don’t reflect anything Christ-like. They are walking on the road of life, but it is not the one that shows Jesus through how they live.
Another part of this chapter is the response of Felix as Paul was talking with him. Felix kept Paul in prison for two years playing games with his incarceration. He was hoping Paul would offer him a bribe to let him out. One day in their conversation, as Paul reasoned with him about righteousness, self-control and judgement, Felix cut him off by saying, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” That is a telling statement. It shows the heart in Felix. He didn’t want to make any commitment to Jesus or account for his life. Paul was speaking to Felix about the judgement that all will face when they stand before God. The Holy Spirit was speaking to him about his personal accountability in that judgement and Felix was under conviction. He changed the subject. He refused to deal with it.
Many people have been convicted by the Spirit about their need to receive Jesus as their personal Savior and they push it away. Some day they will regret that decision.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Paul knew he faced potential punishment for his faith in Jesus. He didn’t back down. He also didn’t show disrespect. Some would face a time like this and, in claiming innocence, become belligerent in their response. Paul knew that would not help him in his primary goal, to lead Felix to Jesus. Paul spoke with Felix many times, always pointing him to the One who could make his life new. That is a good example to follow.
It is amazing to read at the end of the chapter that Paul was in prison for two years on these trumped-up charges. He was there for all that time, but there is no indication that he was bitter or angry. He continued to minister to anyone who came along. A good attitude, another good example.
3. How can I help someone?
I can strive to have a good attitude about life. This will make the lives of other people much better. Those who complain and make life miserable are not good examples of what God wants us to be. If I have a good attitude, people will more likely want to hear what I have to say.
Bible Chapter: Acts 23
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
It may seem like a small thing, but this chapter starts out with Paul talking about his fulfilling his duty to God in all good conscience. Unfortunately, the topic of a good conscience is not a common one any more. It used to be something discussed in society and even a story line in a TV program. A child on a program would do something they knew they shouldn’t and then confess because their conscience bothered them. They would end up discussing their conscience with a parent. A conscience is inside a person and guides about actions whether they are right or wrong. Paul said his conscience was right before God. Our world would be a better place if people would develop a good conscience. One of the problems is that people have ignored the concept of right or wrong so much that there is nothing inside to make them feel bad about doing things.
Another interesting part of this chapter is disturb fact that Paul used the animosity of the Sadducees and the Pharisees as his defense for the charges brought against him. These two religious groups couldn’t get along and it brought many problems. Spiritual unity among believers is so important. We must get our priorities straight so that we can get along, even when we have disagreements. We need to sort out the issues of life and, without compromising truth, be able to work together and get along.
Because of the charges brought against Paul, and because of a plot to kill him, he was transferred under heavy guard to Caesarea to the jurisdiction of Felix. And the story continues.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Paul understood the bad blood between the Sadducees and the Pharisees and used it to his advantage. This is a sad description among a people that said they were following God. Believers must learn how to get along and work for the eternal kingdom, not a kingdom of this earth. We all must work towards that. I must work hard to keep peace among followers of Jesus. I believe this is part of the nasty spiritual battle that is raging, to get Christians fussing with each other. As someone said, we will have peace around here, even if we have to fight to keep it. I like that.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people understand peace among believers and help them to have it. I can help people understand what it worth getting upset about. Most the things that cause disturbance and disruption are not worth it.
Bible Chapter: Acts 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter continues Paul’s saga of those who came against him after he arrived in Jerusalem. The crowd had been aroused in a frenzy against Paul. As he was being taken away by the civil authorities he stopped to speak to the crowd. Everyone quieted down so he could speak.
Paul told his story of being born a Jew and studying under Gamaliel. He encountered Jesus along the road as he traveled to arrest Christians. Ananias came to pray for him to receive the sight he lost on the road. Paul was baptized and began his service to Jesus. The crowd listened till he said he was called to preach to the Gentiles. This immediately caused the crowd to get wild again, calling for his death.
The military commander had Paul taken into custody and ordered that he would be flogged and questioned. Paul asked the soldier about to whip him if it was legal to flog a Roman citizen who has not been found guilty. This made the man stop and tell the commander. He then ordered the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council) to come and identify the charges against Paul. The story continues in the next chapter.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When things happened against Paul, as we see in this chapter, he didn’t go into survival mode. He didn’t try to appease the accusers or find a way to make things easy on himself. He use these events as opportunities to tell about Jesus and what He had done in his life. He was always ready to give the reason for the hope that was in him. That is a good example to follow. Each believer must be able to tell, “This is my story . . .”.
3. How can I help someone?
I am reminded of the words of an old song written by A. Katherine Hankey, 1866
I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me; And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.
I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, ’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
