Daily Bible Devotionals

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 17. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The jailer reported these words to Paul: ‘The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released.  So come out now and go in peace.’  But Paul said to them, ‘They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail.  And now are they going to smuggle us out secretly?  Certainly not!  On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out!  Then the police reported these words to the magistrates.  And they were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.”  Acts 16:36-38 (HCSB)

In the Bible, believers in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) are called upon to be servants to others for the sake of the Gospel.  Often, it feels like we are called to be “doormats,” letting others trample over us.  We are not to sue each other (1 Cor 6:1-8), and we are to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile (Matthew 5:39-42).

Before we start feeling too sorry for ourselves, let’s be reminded of Jesus’ humility and sacrifice.  He left the glory of Heaven to be born in a stable.   He was brought up in the obscure town of Nazareth, hung around the poor and lowly, insulted and beaten by the proud pseudo-spiritual religious leaders, and willingly suffered a criminal’s death, all on our behalf.

But there is one situation in which we are expected to stand, adamantly refusing to give ground, and this is where the Gospel itself is at stake.  In the words of Bible commentator David Stern, “If the Gospel can be served better by fighting back, we should fight back – the fighting, of course, to be conducted ethically and by spiritual means (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18).”

In today’s chapter, we see Paul using several legitimate means: he mentions his Roman citizenship, points out the officials’ illegal behavior, and demands public redemption for public insults.

Paul does all this to ensure proper treatment, but not because of personal pride.  His concern is not just for the Gospel only; he wanted to ensure that no one in Philippi would come away from the incident with the misimpression given by Paul’s accusers (Acts 16:20-22), that the message of Messiah is not for the Romans.

Bottom line: we are not called to be “doormats” for Messiah, letting people always trample on us.  We are called to know God through a saving relationship with Messiah Jesus and to spread the “Good News.”  There are times to be a suffering servant, and there are times to stand up and fight!  In both instances, the goal is the furtherance of the Gospel.

“Then the apostles and the elders assembled to consider this matter.  After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: ‘Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth of the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe.  And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving the Holy Spirit as He did to us.  He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.  Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciple’s necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?  On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.’” Acts 15:6-11 (HCSB)

In the Mishna (Jewish oral law), the term “yoke” is twofold.  The first yoke, or requirement, is believing in God and His Kingdom.  The second yoke is the requirement to fulfill the Torah.  The second must follow the first.  One does not believe in God because they pursue the Torah; they pursue the Torah because they believe in God.  

From the Mishna: “For what reason does the Sh’ma precede the Va’hayah im shemoa?  So that one should first accept upon oneself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, and only after that accept upon oneself the yoke of the commandments."  B’rakhot 2:2

When Peter spoke about the “yoke” of our forefathers and how they were all unable to bear it, he was directing his comments to the second yoke.  Because the “Oral Torah” is “man’s opinion,” it cannot be esteemed at the level of God’s Torah, well-intended as many of the rabbis’ rules may have been.  Simultaneously, Peter stressed the absolute necessity for both Jews and Gentiles to take up the first “yoke.” Salvation depends on believing in God and His Kingdom through faith in Messiah.

Almost hidden in today’s passage is an (often uncomfortable) reality among the body of believers.  From the very beginning of the Church, both Jews and Gentiles were equal in the eyes of God, as it pertains to salvation, while at the same time retaining separateness concerning worshipping cultures.  Notice there is absolutely no debate about whether the Jewish believers (apostles included) should drop their Jewish identity and become like the new Gentile believers.  The Jews continued worshipping as Jews, and the Gentiles remained unburdened by most of the culturally religious requirements of Judaism…both were equal in the eyes of God with respect to salvation.

As unspeakable as the Jewish demands on Gentiles to become “fully converted” Jews before salvation is the modern church’s assumption that Jews who receive salvation (through Jesus) must abandon their (now-redeemed) Torah pursuance.

The undeniable (and fully witnessed) event of Cornelius’ household conversion is unarticulated in Peter’s argument.  They were saved and filled with the Spirit without being circumcised in the flesh, outwardly baptized, or having converted to Judaism.  (Acts 10:44-48)  Salvation is by grace, through faith, alone!  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they had won over the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.  After the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the town.  The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.  After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, ‘It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way to the kingdom of God.’  When they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”  Acts 14:19-23 (HCSB)

Theologians are unsure whether Paul was actually stoned to death and resurrected by the Lord or if he was only thought to be dead.  In either case, it was a miracle that Paul got back up, not to mention that he walked back to town!

It was a testimony of great faith that Paul returned to the town where he had been stoned just moments before!  Why would he do this instead of shaking the dust off his feet and moving on?  Here’s why: Paul knew his calling.

I have made it clear on several occasions that I believe the Bible teaches “calling” and not just for “super-apostles.”  God calls each of us.  I believe God calls us specifically, to specific places, to minister in specific ways, delivering specific messages for specific seasons of time.  If there is no calling, we have no incentive to endure hardship.  In light of his calling, Paul was impelled (drawn from within) by God’s Spirit to go back to Lystra.

What was Paul communicating with his re-arrival?  He was testifying that God was greater than the evil schemes of men.  Also, Paul would not be intimidated.  The next day, Paul left town, but on his own terms.  This was undoubtedly a warning to those who sought to persecute the young Church, and it would have been a noticeable morale boost for the fledgling congregation there.

Paul was a master leader.  In returning, he 1) strengthened the new disciples spiritually; 2) urged them to use their strength to hold fast to the faith; 3) gave fair warning as to what to expect: Troubles, as well as victory for the kingdom of God; and 4) he appointed elders (leaders) to run the new young congregations.

If Paul is an excellent example of a disciple, and I believe that he is, then by following his example, we can expect many troubles.  But those troubles in no way compare to the joy that comes from following the Lord, watching Him accomplish His purposes through our submission to His leading, as we focus on our great reward of entering His kingdom, having run the race well!

“Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, and everyone who believes in Him is justified from everything, which you could not be justified from through the Torah of Moses.  So beware that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you: ‘Look, you scoffers, marvel and vanish away, because I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe, even if someone were to explain it to you.’ As they were leaving, the people [the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles] begged that these matters be presented to them the following Sabbath.  After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout Gentile proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God.” Acts 13:38-43 (HCSB)

Today’s chapter marks a distinct change in Paul’s ministry.  He (along with Barnabas) begins fulfilling his calling as “the Apostle to the Gentiles.” Henceforth, in Scripture, Paul ceases to be referred to as “Saul.”

In Acts 10, we were presented with the first recorded Gentile, who converted to follow Messiah Jesus after His resurrection: the Roman Centurion Cornelius.  Cornelius was described as a “devout man.” This terminology describes a Gentile who had not converted to Judaism but devoutly followed the Jewish religion’s forms.

There is an assumption among most “Christians” that Jews were not allowed to associate with Gentiles on any level.  While close affiliations and friendships with Gentiles raised suspicions among the Jewish community, Gentiles “seeking God” were welcome in synagogues.  The Temple in Jerusalem had a “Court of the Gentiles.”  

David H. Stern, in his “Complete Jewish New Testament Commentary,” describes Paul’s method of reaching Gentiles: “Besides Sha’ul’s [Paul’s] conviction that it was right to present the Gospel first to Jews, he knew that it was in the synagogues where he would find the Gentiles most likely to be responsive, since ‘proselytes of the gate’ were already interested in the One true God.  One aspect of communicating the gospel consists of determining which people are likely to respond favorably to it.”

Some Christians believe that the Church is only “preaching to the choir.” They would suggest we take a more radical strategy, abandon the traditional congregation, and go deeper into the world with more extreme ministry endeavors.  While noble at the outset, I believe this strategy neglects an obvious truth: non-believers attend churches!  And they are seeking to believe!  In the church where I presently serve, hundreds of people come to faith each year in our various weekly services.

That is a challenge to ANY church seeking to share the gospel of Jesus.  They are using Paul’s method, which works in today’s world.  He went first to the places where people were already asking the right questions: the places of devout worship.

“So on the appointed day, dressed in royal robes and seated on the throne, Herod delivered a public address to them.  The populace began to shout, ‘It’s the voice of a god and not of a man!’ At once, an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he became infected with worms and died.  Then, God’s message flourished and multiplied.” Acts 12:21-24 (HCSB)

Reading today’s chapter reminds me of an instance involving a flight attendant and boxing champion Mohammed Ali.  Known as much for his pride as his boxing skill, Ali was never at a loss for words!  Moments before take-off, a flight attendant noticed the champ hadn’t fastened his seat belt.  When she told Ali to comply with the seat belt rule, he snapped, “Superman don’t need no seat belt!” She replied, “Superman don’t need no plane either!”

Herod Agrippa 1st was the grandson of Herod the Great.  As was the case with the other Herods, Agrippa 1st was devilishly keen and overtly proud of his wicked accomplishments.  A year earlier, a Galilean insurgent named Jesus of Nazareth had been executed during Passover.  (Acts 12:1-3)  Jesus’ death seemed to please the Romans and the Jewish leaders.  The Apostle James’ death seemed to appeal to the populace of Jerusalem, who were most affected by the preaching of the Apostles.  Happy people mean smooth sailing for a king, so on the anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion, Herod Agrippa 1st planned to kill the Apostle Peter.

God turns Herod Agrippa’s plans around.  In the end, Agrippa perished for his blasphemies while Peter continued spreading the gospel.  Here is Jewish historian Josephus’ account of that day:  

“Agrippa came to Caesarea, for there was a festival for him.  On the 2nd day, he put on a garment made entirely of silver and came into the theater early in the morning, at which time the silver of his garment reflecting the sun’s rays shone so resplendently as to spread a horror on those gazing at him.  Presently, his flatterers exclaimed that he was a god, adding, ‘Be merciful to us; for although till now we have referenced you only as a man, henceforth we will regard you as superior to mortal nature.’ But the king neither rebuked them, nor rejected their impious flattery.  However, as he looked up, he saw an owl and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill tidings.  Suddenly and violently a severe pain arose in his stomach.  Therefore, he looked at his friends and said, ‘I, whom you call a god, am commanded now to leave this life; while providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me.’ After five days, exhausted by the stomach pain, he died, aged fifty-three.” Adapted from “Antiquities of the Jews” 19:8:2

We may achieve great things and be revered as great men and women, but one day we all must bow to the Lord.  There is no one greater than our God.

“In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.  Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world.  This took place during the time of Claudius.  So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.  This they did, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:27-30 (HCSB)

When I was almost 21yrs old, I vowed my heart to Jesus.  A year later, against the counsel of nearly everyone I knew, I left college to pursue what I believed was God’s call on my life.  I moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to pursue a career in the “Christian” music business.

I hoped God would honor my step of faith by giving me success.  To my dismay, two years passed, and I was still making minimum wage, brewing coffee, and taking out the trash at a recording studio.  All my college friends had good jobs, nice cars, and bought houses.

I decided to drive to Nashville to see if I could jump-start my career with some record company meetings.  I didn’t have a credit card at the time, so I pulled all my cash out of the bank…just in case.

It was a horrible trip.  Nobody wanted to record my music.  On the way out of Nashville, my car broke down with a flat tire.  I opened the trunk, and the spare tire was flat.  Cell phones were rare and expensive back then, and I didn’t own one.  So I hiked two miles to find a tow truck.  With the flat fixed, I paid the tow truck driver, only to discover my car wouldn’t start.  I opened the hood and immediately found the problem.  While I had been looking for a tow truck, someone had stolen my battery!

After flagging down (and paying) another tow truck, I got a tow to an Auto Zone.  It was closed for the night, so I had to spend the night in a hotel…more money.  The following day, once my car was squared away, I had $1 (and some change) left, which I spent on two bean burritos at Taco Bell.

All the way to Memphis, I let God know how I felt about my “step of faith”!  My rent was due, and I didn’t have any money.  Then, I opened my mailbox.  Inside was a letter and a money order from some folks in Alabama who had seen me in concert.  The letter simply stated: God put you on our hearts.  The check enclosed was written for more money than I needed to get through the month.  The lesson? Where God guides, He provides!

Today’s chapter is a beautiful example of God providing for our needs before we know we have needs!  Is the Lord calling you to step out in faith?  Do it!  Is He prompting you to help those in need?  Do it!  Whether you are being “called” to those in need or “sent” to be a benefactor, listen and obey the Lord’s leading.  God can be trusted! And if He has chosen to send you, He will also equip you to accomplish His purposes.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 10. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days.  Immediately, he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: ‘He is the Son of God.’  But all who heard him were astounded and said, ‘Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name, and then came here for the purpose of taking them prisoners to the chief priests?’  But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is Messiah.  When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.  Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.”  Acts 9:19b-22, 26-27 (HCSB)

The apostle Paul epitomizes the term “radically saved.”  In a complete 180-degree turn, Saul, a persecutor of the Church for saturating Judaism with Gentiles and apostates, became “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

In Luke’s telling of the Acts of the Apostles, there is what writers call a “condensation of time.”  That is, Luke often lumps together events to prove a greater point; he condenses time.  The downside of this literary approach is that readers can be led to believe events and occurrences happened faster than normal.  A more reliable real-time account of Paul’s conversion and ministry comes from Paul’s own words:

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.  But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.  (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)”  Galatians 1:15-20 (NKJV)

I mention this because verse 22 of today’s passage says, “But Saul grew more capable.”  His growth was not attributed to his Pharisee education or the Apostles’ teaching.  It was directly from the Lord as He revealed the Scriptures to Paul.  

Our understanding of the Gospel, ability to articulate, and discernment of how and when to share is a process.  Don’t be discouraged if you’re not the most eloquent evangelist today.  Be encouraged to know that even great leaders like Paul had to grow into greatness.  Simple prayer and Bible study diligence, matched by the revelation of God’s Word by the power of His Spirit, is the leadership catalyst for all believers.  Perhaps, that is why Paul said,

“Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy [sharing God’s Word as revealed to you].” 1 Corinthians 14:1 (HCSB)

Ask God to reveal something from His Word to you today and give you someone to share it with!