Keep Going Reflection  We are once again encouraged that despite persecution, the early church persevered and didn’t give up. They remained true to the Lord with all their hearts. This meant that they did not give up in spreading the word and they saw great fruit.  There are times in our own lives where we can feel like giving up, … Read More

Let Faith Win Reflection  Today we read that Peter propelled the growth of the church into a new audience, through receiving a vision while praying. Up until this point in the book of Acts, the gospel had been predominantly proclaimed among the Jews. Here, we see a radical change that was essential for the proclamation of the gospel to all … Read More

Find the Unexpected in the Ordinary Reflection  It’s interesting that Paul had this experience on the road to Damascus, a rather inconsequential and insignificant road, it is on this road that Jesus revealed Himself to Paul. This didn’t happen through a preacher or someone else sharing their faith; this was a miraculous revelation of Jesus. We all know people who … Read More

Pray Strength for the Persecuted Reflection  We read that the church came under intense persecution and then scattered. We are distinctly aware today of our brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted for having faith in Jesus. We pray that they would be strengthened and know that God is with them as they seek to preach the word … Read More

Depend on the Spirit Reflection  Peter and John are released, and they go back to the church who have been praying. Together they all resolve to persevere and to keep going. At that moment, the room they are in is shaken and they are once again filled with the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s word boldly. Commentator Adam Clarke said … Read More

Reflect Jesus Reflection  This is one of the most beautiful lines in Acts: “they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” We are drawn to think of Moses coming down from the mountain or exiting the tabernacle of meeting; in these moments he had to cover his face because he reflected God’s glory. Here we see everyday men … Read More

Be Unstoppable in Love Reflection  The gospel continues to be proclaimed and people continue to be saved! They didn’t let fear run the show, there is an extraordinary boldness exhibited by Peter and John not just once but throughout the book of Acts. These ordinary men and women who went regularly to the place of prayer were never frightened to … Read More

Embrace Holy Interruptions Reflection  How interruptible are you? Peter and John were going somewhere they had been before, perhaps even twice already that day when God broke in and interrupted their lives. The God who met them at Pentecost is still meeting them afresh each day, leading, prompting, and interrupting their lives.  The Aramaic word for prayer is Slotha. It … Read More

Experience Grace in Action Reflection  Peter the disciple, who not too long before this moment had denied Jesus and would undoubtedly sin in the future, stood up and proclaimed the gospel. He went from denying Christ to proclaiming Christ in a matter of weeks–and he did so with such power that 3,000 people gave their lives to Jesus. This was … Read More

Proclaim in Every Language Reflection  The disciples had received the great commission, and now they gathered in one place to pray and to wait and we see an extraordinary thing take place. Amid their waiting, God sends His Spirit and the Church is born. One of the many things that excites us about this passage is that those gathered nearby … Read More