VII.As you return to this passage today, pay attention to how some people countered Stephen’s speaking to them. VIII.Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue) The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great … Continue reading
V.Did you notice, “… they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.” Hold that thought in mind as your return to this passage and read it once again. V.Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue) The word of God … Continue reading
I.We turn our attention this week to Stephen (both his actions and words) and the reactions some had to him. First, let’s see what we know about Stephen. You may want to review the Acts 6:1-6 where we learn a … Continue reading
VII.“After much debate Peter stood up and said to them …” As you read this passage today, think of what those who wanted the Gentile believers “to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses” wanted to hear … Continue reading
IV.From where we stand in the history of the spread of the Christian religion, I think we know which side “won” this argument? Right? What if it wasn’t resolved in the way it was? V.Acts 15:1-11 (NRSVue) Then certain individuals … Continue reading
I.We find some tension here – “… certain individuals came down from Judea … others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem …” But it is not merely a tension in geography – “… were teaching … unless you are … Continue reading
VII.Today, let’s pay attention to the encounter of these two men. What strikes you about them before their encounter with one another, then how they engage with one another, and then where they are after their encounter. VIII.Acts 9:1-19 (NRSVue) … Continue reading
IV.In the last post I asked you to pay attention to Saul and today I’d like us to focus our attention on Ananias. What do you learn about him in this section of Scripture? V.Acts 9:1-19 (NRSVue) Meanwhile Saul, still … Continue reading
I.This week we spend time paying attention to how Saul’s journey to Damascus was cut short. Prior to this incident, we read in Acts that Saul was present at the stoning of Stephen, and consented to his stoning (Acts 7:58, … Continue reading
VII.What questions does the Ethiopian official ask of Philip? VIII.Acts 8:26-39 (NRSVue) Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south[a] to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is … Continue reading