This chapter in Acts highlights the evil ways of King Herod and the all-powerful hand of God over him. While many mysteries surface in this passage, the certainties of God’s sovereignty help us live with hope that in the end he will make all things...
This is the account of the first Gentiles to respond to the gospel with repentance and faith. Gentiles, like the believing Jews before them, received the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now they belong to Christ’s church. The inclusion of...
The mighty works of Jesus through his apostle Peter accomplished their intended results. Jesus is revealed as the Christ, many come to faith in him, and the faith of new believers is strengthened. This passage calls us to look and turn to Jesus, and to...
With the eyes of faith we see Jesus Christ keeping his promise, his people, and his plans even when the times are confusing and the opposition is real. We must not place our hopes on good circumstances, nor put our confidence in the acceptance of...
Conversion to Christ comes with the call to participate with the church as an instrument for his glory. In the conversion and commission of Saul our vision of Christ is elevated, our affection for Christ is deepened, and our resolve to live for Christ's glory...
Jesus’ identification with his disciples in their persecution is rooted in the doctrine of his union with his church. This great gospel reality comforts us in all our affliction and instructs us in how we relate to the church. Christ’s union with his church keeps...
It is clear that the young man Saul was not seeking Jesus while on the road to Damascus. Saul was committed to putting an end to the preaching about Jesus and the growth of his church. But Jesus met Saul on that road and revealed...
The account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ is one of great joy. Once again we see the saving heart of God reaching to an individual by grace. Once again we see Philip the evangelist sharing the good news of Christ across...
The promise of the gospel is that God forgives sins and gives the Holy Spirit to all who repent and call upon him to be saved. The forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit are now given to the Samaritans. But the Holy Spirit is...
Acts 8 is a pivotal moment in the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The first reality it reveals is the sovereignty of God to bring his kingdom and do his will on earth as it is in heaven. Today we draw great encouragement...
