Daily Bible Devotionals

“There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch, and a high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury.  He had come to worship in Jerusalem and was sitting in his chariot on his way home reading, the prophet Isaiah aloud.  The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go and join that chariot.’  When Phillip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, ‘Do you understand what you’re reading?’  ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone guides me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”  Acts 8:27-31 (HCSB)

I have heard pastors teach that the Ethiopian eunuch was the first Gentile convert.  Because the man was from Ethiopia and had a powerful position in the kingdom, many believe he must have been a Gentile.  That way of thinking disregards the stories of Joseph, Daniel, Moses, Esther, and Nehemiah, all of whom were Jews who held influential positions in foreign governments.  I believe this Ethiopian was most likely a Jew.  

First, he had gone to Jerusalem to worship.  The fact that a Gentile would worship in Jerusalem was not uncommon.  There was even a Court of Gentiles in the temple complex.  But there are other factors to consider.

The Ethiopian had a copy of the book of Isaiah with him, and he was reading it.  There was no such thing as “Barnes & Noble” or “Amazon.com” in Jesus’ day.  Torah scrolls were very rare, and they weren’t given to just anyone.  Consider Isaiah’s prophecy:

“And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 2 Kings 20:18 (NKJV)

Most likely, this Ethiopian was a descendant of the dispersed Jews, and he had traveled to Jerusalem for Passover and stayed the additional 50 days for Shavuot (Pentecost).  He would have likely been present when Jesus was crucified and was probably nearby when the Holy Spirit fell.  Leaving Jerusalem, he had stopped and pondered the significance of Isaiah 53: The Suffering Servant.  (You should read that entire chapter.)

In addition to explaining that Isaiah was prophesying of Jesus in chapter 53, Philip most likely continued reading in Isaiah and shared God’s promises to foreigners and eunuchs.

“No foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord should say, ‘The Lord has excluded me from His people’; and the eunuch should not say, ‘Look, I am a dried up tree.’  For the Lord says this, ‘For the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths and choose what pleases Me, and hold firmly to My covenant, I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters.  I will give each of them an everlasting name that will never be cut off.’”  Isaiah 56:3-5 (CSB)

Whether this Ethiopian was a Jew or Gentile, he was saved by faith in Jesus.  Furthermore, he was immersed (baptized), and now his name is “remembered” in God’s Kingdom and His Word for all eternity!

“But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven.  He saw God’s glory with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Look!  I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’  Then they screamed at the top of their voices, stopped their ears, and rushed together against him.  They threw him out of the city and began to stone him.  And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  They were stoning Stephen as he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin!’  And saying this, he fell asleep.  Saul agreed with putting him to death.”  Acts 7:55-60, 8:1a (HCSB)

In that early era, following Jesus’ resurrection, followers of Jesus were considered by the more significant Jewish communities to be exclusively Jewish, much the way they view the Lubavitch sect of Orthodox Judaism today.  The Romans officially considered “Messianics” a sect of Judaism, and the first dispute within the early Church concerned Jewish believers influenced by Gentile culture.

In chapter 6, a dispute broke out between Hebrew and Greek-speaking Jews.  A prejudice that existed in mainstream Jewish culture had made its way into the young Christian community.  Greek-speaking widows were not getting a fair share of the community charity.  In Israel today, there are disputes between various ethnic Jewish communities.

Stephen was chosen (along with six others) to ensure things ran smoothly.  Important to note is how all seven of those chosen had Greek names.  The Apostles wanted to send a message that there should be no prejudice among Messiah’s followers, so they chose men of Greek Jewish background to distribute the charity.

By most scholars’ accounts, Stephen was a Samaritan.  It is evidenced by the Biblical references and interpretations he cites in his defense.  Samaritans were half-breeds:  half Jewish, half Gentile.  At home, with neither the Romans nor religious Jews of Jesus’ day, Samaritans were too Jewish to be Gentile and too Gentile for the Jewish community.  

Not being a Hebrew-speaking Jew and most likely known to be a Samaritan, Stephen’s words would have been particularly offensive to non-Messianic religious Jews.  Perhaps, they tolerated Peter because he was a Hebrew-speaking Jew, speaking boldly in the temple.  But they would not stand to be rebuked by a gospel-preaching Samaritan.  

This perspective helps us understand why Saul, a highly trained Pharisee, would be so zealous against Christians.  Perhaps, he felt half-breed “apostates” were corrupting Judaism.  Ironically, Paul became the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

According to Jewish custom, two lookouts were posted about a hundred yards away in opposite directions whenever someone was sentenced to stoning.  Each lookout was given a “cloak” to signal, in case someone was running from afar, with evidence that could acquit the condemned.  Saul’s job at the stoning of Stephen, “watching the cloaks,” was most likely to be one of those lookouts.

“In those days, as the number of disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic (Greek) Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.  Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, ‘It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters (or to serve tables).” Acts 6:1-2 (HSCB)

Hidden in today’s passage is a controversial little statement.  Most people just skip past it.  The statement is at the beginning of verse 2; “Then the Twelve summoned the whole company…”

The controversy in the statement concerns who is missing: The apostle Paul.  Today’s passage points to decisions that were made during the time after Judas had hung himself, yet before Paul’s “Damascus Road” faith-changing experience.  Most believers consider Paul to be the 12th apostle, replacing Judas.  I don’t believe Scripture strongly supports that idea.  It definitely never states it plainly.  

Matthias was the 12th apostle. “Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias.  So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.” Acts 1:26 (HCSB)  

It is commonly held by theologians that Matthias was chosen because of Peter’s lack of patience, yet God makes no negative comment about Matthias’ selection.  God chose not to comment at all.

So was Paul an apostle?  Of course, he was!  Paul describes himself as such.

“Now I am speaking to you Gentiles.  In view of the fact that I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them.”  Romans 11:13 (HCSB)

Theologians’ issue with the concept of 13 apostles lies partly in their ignorance of Jewish culture and symbols.  People assume that because there were 12 disciples, the same number as the 12 tribes of Israel, there can only be 12 apostles.

Jesus having twelve apostles works if He only came to redeem Israel.  Indeed, Jesus came initially to the Jewish people, but with the outpouring of His Spirit, the Gentiles were given access to His salvation and Spirit. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and now also to the Greek (Gentiles).  For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (HCSB)

In Jewish understanding, the number 13 is the number of completion.  “13” is not unlucky in the Jewish culture.  It is blessed.  Consider the Shema: “Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)  The Hebrew word for “One” is “Echad.”  In the Hebrew language, there is no separate number system; each letter has a numerical value.   In Hebrew, every letter is also a number; hence, every word has a numeric value.  Together, the numerical value of the word “Echad” is “Thirteen.”

The idea of 12 apostles leading Israel and a 13th bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles is thoroughly Biblical, for it brings “Echad” (oneness) to the World.  It completes the body of the Messiah, bringing unity to Jewish and Gentile believers.

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.  May they all be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.  May they also be ONE in Us, so the World may believe You sent Me.  I have given them the glory You have given Me.  May they be ONE as We are ONE.  I am in them and You are in Me.  May they be completely ONE, so the World may know that You sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23  (HCSB - emphasis mine)

“Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles.  By common consent they would all meet in Solomon’s Colonnade.  None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly.  Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers – crowds of both men and women.” Acts 5:12-14 (HCSB)

There is a growing movement in the Church called the “home church” movement.  People seeking a more intimate worship experience are meeting in homes.  One of the arguments of “home church” leaders to support their ministry model is that the early believers always met in homes.  Today’s passage addresses that assumption.

I don’t have a strong opinion of whether the “home church” movement is good or bad.   On the one hand, it seems odd and somewhat cultish whenever people depart from the norm and isolate themselves.  Who holds these groups accountable to the Word?  “How are we going to accommodate for growth and still feel small?” is always the looming question.  On the other hand, I developed a growing grassroots ministry that started in my home!  

My rule is:  I have nothing against “small” ministry, as long as it doesn’t intend to stay that way.  When God is working amid something, it grows to His glory.  What healthy Christian community growth should look like is a topic for another day.  In today’s chapter, two myths of the early Church are debunked.  

The first myth debunked concerns how the early Church had “all possessions in common.”  While that was true very early on, it wasn’t sustained for a significant amount of time.  As soon as everyone jumped on board with that idea, a couple named Ananias and Saphira sought to exploit it, then others.  The apostle Paul also rebuked some congregations for giving nothing while praising others who contributed to the ministry.

The second myth centers on how the early Church always met in homes.  While it is true that many believers met in homes in the beginning, the Apostles, along with the faithful and bolder believers, met daily at the Temple Complex.  Initially, those who met in homes were those whose fear overrode their boldness to testify and identify with Jesus and other believers.  Later, with intense persecution and the eventual destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, all believers had to meet in homes, eventually building their own synagogues, or “churches,” as they came to be known.

Still, the bold proclamation of the Gospel, accompanied by the Spirit’s powerful displays, was the growth engine of the early Church.  Let today’s passage challenge us to move beyond our holy huddles and unashamedly proclaim Jesus!  For the same reason that we cannot return to Eden, we cannot return to those days immediately following Pentecost.  Today is a NEW era, and it demands boldness.  Battles are not won by retreating.  They are won by boldly yet gracefully and faithfully advancing the Gospel!  The Lord goes BEFORE His people, so let’s get moving forward!!

“Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man – by what means he was healed – let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of (Messiah) Jesus, the Nazarene – whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead – by Him this man is standing before you healthy.  This Jesus is: The Stone despised by you builders, who has become the cornerstone.  There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people by which they must be saved.’”  Acts 4:8-12 (HCSB)

Every time I read the book of Acts, I am amazed at the transformation that occurred in Simon Peter.  The man who cowardly denied Jesus to servants in the darkness of the courtyard of Caiaphas’ home is now boldly proclaiming Him in broad daylight at the Temple Complex to the very men who condemned Jesus.

There is no way such a transformation could have taken place had Peter not wholeheartedly believed that Jesus had been resurrected.  It makes no sense otherwise.

I like to use moments like these to ask myself: Has there been such an evident transformation in my own life?  Can people, who knew me before I became a follower of Jesus, notice a distinguishing transformation?  

Not only was Peter convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, but he also put his faith into action.  He followed the Lord’s leading, even though he knew there was a strong possibility of physical harm or even death.  God confirmed His leading by displaying His Spirit in power.

Have you ever experienced the Lord moving and working through you in power?  You probably won’t until you start stepping out in faith.  God’s Spirit is given to all who believe.  But you may never experience the power of His presence unless you boldly move forth, proclaiming His Gospel.

And what would that Gospel be?  The same one Peter proclaimed:  Salvation is in Jesus, alone, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people through who they MUST be saved!  All mankind is in need of salvation, and that salvation comes exclusively through Jesus.  If you want to be saved, you MUST come through Him.  Acts 4:12    

That being said, while the grace of Messiah comes exclusively through Jesus, it is offered to anyone who would, by faith, believe.  John 3:16-21

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.  And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them.  Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.  There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.  When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.”  Acts 2:1-6 (HCSB)

What is known in the Christian world as “Pentecost” is actually a Jewish festival called Shavuot.  (Exodus 34:22, Deuteronomy 16:9-10)   The Lord commanded this harvest festival's “first fruits” to be 50 days after Passover.  (Leviticus 23:16) When the Bible was translated into Greek, the translators named the festival “pentekostes,” which means “fifty.”  

Shavuot was one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three times each Jewish man was to make a pilgrimage on foot to Jerusalem each year.  This is why Jews from every nation were gathered in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was given.  It is a command of God.

While it was initially a harvest festival, Shavuot has become synonymous with the giving of the Torah (Heb: Teaching/first five books of the Old Testament) in Moses’ day.  This is because the Torah was given 50 days after the Passover in Egypt.

The similarities/contrasts between the giving of the Torah and the giving of the Holy Spirit are definitely worth noting.

Here are a few:  Moses ascended Mt Sinai to meet with God, and Jesus ascended to the Father.  The children of Israel were commanded to wait until the Torah (Teaching) was given.  The disciples were commanded to wait until the Holy Spirit (the Teacher) was given.

On the day the Torah was given, 3000 men died.  (Exodus 32:28-29) On the day the Spirit was given, 3000 men were saved and baptized.  (Acts 2:41-42) The Torah was written on tablets of stone, whereas the Spirit writes God’s Word on our hearts of flesh.  (Jeremiah 31:33-34)

At the Tower of Babel, God sent languages to confuse evil mankind, keeping them from working together.  At Shavuot (Pentecost), God used languages to unite devout men for His purposes.    

Also worth mentioning: King David is said to have died on Shavuot, whereas Jesus, the “Son of David,” is alive!  (Acts 2:25-32)

It makes me wonder why the Church-at-large doesn’t acknowledge Shavuot every year.

“So when they had come together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?’  He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”  Acts 1:6-8 (HCSB)

Virtually every Jew expected that the Messiah would deliver Israel from Roman oppression.  The assumption was that Messiah would set up a sovereign, united nation, like those of Kings Saul, David, or Solomon, and again under the Maccabees and their Hasmonean descendants.  (164-63 BC) This is clearly seen in John 6:15 when after feeding the 5000, they were on the point of seizing Him to make Him a king.

No one grasped Jesus’ teaching (aka the true messages of the prophets) that He had not come this first time to rule but to die as a “ransom for many” and be resurrected on the third day.  (Mark 10:33-34, 45) Even Jesus’ disciples misunderstood and continued to do so after the predicted events had taken place.

It is important to note that the disciples’ question directly pertained to Israel’s national restoration.  Jesus did not rebuke them or indicate that God’s plan for Israel had been replaced by “the Church,” as some “Christians” would put forth.  He simply indicated it wasn’t time for Israel to reform as a nation.  Israel’s national restoration occurred in 1948.

But Israel’s national reformation was not the Lord’s main concern at that moment.  (nor would it be for about 1,950 years) Rather, He was focused on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the spreading of His Gospel to the ends of the earth.  Jesus was keeping the “main thing” the main thing.

As in the days before Jesus’ ascension to the Father, some people within the Church-at-large are preoccupied with signs and wonders leading up to Jesus’ 2nd coming.  Sadly, preoccupation with the “end times” often keeps believers from the “main thing,” which is the continued spreading of the Gospel.  

Believers should each receive the Gospel and, with it, the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Then, we should share the Gospel with a lost and dying world.  We should know God and make Him known.  As we read the Bible, we continue to understand God’s character and His requirements of us.  With that increasing knowledge and experience of following the Lord comes the responsibility and privilege of participating in the “Great Commission” so that the whole world can know that Jesus the Messiah has redeemed us!

“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea.  But since they were not far from land, (about 100 yards away), the other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish.  When they got on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread.  ‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.  So Simon Peter got up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish – 153 of them.  Even though there were so many of them, the net was not torn.” John 21:7b-11 (HCSB)

The theme of the last chapter of the Gospel of John seems to be restoration for Simon Peter and shoring up loose ends for six other disciples.  (John 21:2) Today, I want to focus on two less-obvious aspects of this chapter.

The Bible tells us they were fishing in the “Sea of Tiberius,” another term for the southern part of the Sea of Galilee.  Tiberius was a Roman town.  Since religious Jews would never choose to live around Romans, Tiberius would have been safe enough for the disciples to lay low and still fish in familiar waters.

While Pilate defended Jesus three times, then he recanted; Peter denied Jesus three times, and, in John 21, he repented.

We know Peter’s heart desired reconciliation with Jesus.  The moment he perceived Jesus was on the shore, Peter jumped into the water.  This scene is reminiscent of an earlier time when Peter’s lack of faith prohibited him from walking on water.

“‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter answered Him. “Command me to come to You on the water.  ‘Come!’ He said.  And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid.  And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:28-30 (HCSB)

We can assume Peter possibly believed he would walk on water because, not wearing proper swimming attire, he tied his garment around himself.  I think Peter was trying to communicate to Jesus that he was willing to be faithful and given another chance.

The second observation in Chapter 21, concerns the number of fish the disciples caught.  To this day, 153 known fish species have ever lived in the Sea of Galilee.  (about 30 species live there today) The miracle may not have simply been a great haul of fish.  Perhaps, they caught one of every type of fish.  Regardless, their catch of fish foreshadowed worldwide evangelism, which would spring forth from the disciples’ preaching.  It also foretold the end of the age when all mankind would be judged.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.  So it will be at the end of the age.” Matthew 13:47-49a (NKJV)