36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
1He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
Questions to consider:
• What causes sharp tension between Paul and Barnabas? What happens? How does God
overrule this argument for good?
• Why, do you think, do Paul and Barnabas choose to work with someone else rather than
alone?
• Do you have a friend with whom you work, pray, and share God’s workings?
• How can you reconcile God’s action regarding Timothy with the decision of the apostles
and elders from Chapter 15?
Possibilities for prayer:
One of the really exciting things about life in relationship with Christ is that we are allowed and even encouraged to be in community. Of course, sometimes being in community with others can be challenging (as Paul and Barnabas experienced first hand), but I’ve personally found it to be incredibly rewarding as well. Let’s thank God for the people, community, that we’ve been given. And if you don’t feel like you have someone to share work, prayer, and Jesus-seeking life with, try taking some time to pray that God would provide a friendship like that.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Acts 15:22-35
22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers. 23With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. 24We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
30The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. 33After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. 35But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
Questions to consider:
• How do the apostles and elders carry out their solution to the problem facing Gentile
believers?
• What kind of men are chosen to take the letter to Antioch?
• Does Jesus Christ mean more to you than your life? How do you know?
• How is the news received in Antioch?
• What are some “burdens” that you lay on yourself and other Christians? Are there ways in
which you have drifted into a type of legalism that demands things that God has not
actually demanded?
Possibilities for prayer:
Have you ever had a really bad day, or been really discouraged about something, but then a friend seemed to know just what to say or do to make you feel better? Just a few encouraging words can go a long way.
Let’s ask God to give us the gift of encouragement, that we might find the words to say and things to do to nurture and strengthen those around us. You’ll probably be surprised by how good it makes you feel to offer such encouragement--not to mention the recipients!
30The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. 33After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. 35But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
Questions to consider:
• How do the apostles and elders carry out their solution to the problem facing Gentile
believers?
• What kind of men are chosen to take the letter to Antioch?
• Does Jesus Christ mean more to you than your life? How do you know?
• How is the news received in Antioch?
• What are some “burdens” that you lay on yourself and other Christians? Are there ways in
which you have drifted into a type of legalism that demands things that God has not
actually demanded?
Possibilities for prayer:
Have you ever had a really bad day, or been really discouraged about something, but then a friend seemed to know just what to say or do to make you feel better? Just a few encouraging words can go a long way.
Let’s ask God to give us the gift of encouragement, that we might find the words to say and things to do to nurture and strengthen those around us. You’ll probably be surprised by how good it makes you feel to offer such encouragement--not to mention the recipients!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Acts 15:1-21
1Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. 4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
5Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."
6The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
12The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. 14Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 16" 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' 18that have been known for ages.
19"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
Questions to consider:
• What is the issue that occasions this conference? Why is this such an important and
controversial matter?
• Have you ever had a disagreement over what men must do to be saved?
• How do the apostles and elders arrive at their conclusion? Can we learn something from
this about how to handle controversies within the church community?
• When someone from a background very different from your own becomes a Christian, what
do you expect of her?
• What do you consider essential to Christian life and spiritual growth?
Possibilities for prayer:
The grace that we have been offered by Christ is a generous and beautiful thing. And it is definitely encouraging for us, as modern-day Gentiles, to know that Christ’s sacrifice is enough to grant us salvation. And much in the way that Christ granted us abundant grace, we should not withhold it from others. Today, let’s not only thank God for the grace that we have been shown, but ask that we may be able to show that same grace to those in our lives.
5Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."
6The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
12The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. 14Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 16" 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' 18that have been known for ages.
19"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
Questions to consider:
• What is the issue that occasions this conference? Why is this such an important and
controversial matter?
• Have you ever had a disagreement over what men must do to be saved?
• How do the apostles and elders arrive at their conclusion? Can we learn something from
this about how to handle controversies within the church community?
• When someone from a background very different from your own becomes a Christian, what
do you expect of her?
• What do you consider essential to Christian life and spiritual growth?
Possibilities for prayer:
The grace that we have been offered by Christ is a generous and beautiful thing. And it is definitely encouraging for us, as modern-day Gentiles, to know that Christ’s sacrifice is enough to grant us salvation. And much in the way that Christ granted us abundant grace, we should not withhold it from others. Today, let’s not only thank God for the grace that we have been shown, but ask that we may be able to show that same grace to those in our lives.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Acts 14: 8-28
8In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Questions to consider:
• How does Paul’s approach at Lystra differ from his approach at Antioch or Iconium?
• How would you describe the religion of the people of Lystra? What do they learn about
God on this day?
• What ideas about God are held by those around you?
• How important is follow-up to Paul? How does he counsel new Christians?
• How do Paul and Barnabas provide for the future needs of the people of Lystra, Iconium,
and Antioch? (hint: check out verse 23!)
• What is Paul’s relation to the Antioch church which has sent them out? Can you derive any
principles from this about you and your faith-related work should be tied to a local church?
Possibilities for prayer:
Paul and Barnabas continue to encounter difficult situations on their journeys. First the crowd wants to offer sacrifices to them as gods, and then they want to stone Paul to death! It seems like these two can’t win, even though the power of God is enabling them to perform miracles like healing people who cannot walk. Paul seems to manage humility on a consistent basis, which is something for which we can all be striving. Today, let’s ask God to give us the words to give Him the glory, and acknowledge Him as reigning supreme.
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Questions to consider:
• How does Paul’s approach at Lystra differ from his approach at Antioch or Iconium?
• How would you describe the religion of the people of Lystra? What do they learn about
God on this day?
• What ideas about God are held by those around you?
• How important is follow-up to Paul? How does he counsel new Christians?
• How do Paul and Barnabas provide for the future needs of the people of Lystra, Iconium,
and Antioch? (hint: check out verse 23!)
• What is Paul’s relation to the Antioch church which has sent them out? Can you derive any
principles from this about you and your faith-related work should be tied to a local church?
Possibilities for prayer:
Paul and Barnabas continue to encounter difficult situations on their journeys. First the crowd wants to offer sacrifices to them as gods, and then they want to stone Paul to death! It seems like these two can’t win, even though the power of God is enabling them to perform miracles like healing people who cannot walk. Paul seems to manage humility on a consistent basis, which is something for which we can all be striving. Today, let’s ask God to give us the words to give Him the glory, and acknowledge Him as reigning supreme.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Acts 14:1-7
1At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. 2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. 4The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7where they continued to preach the good news.
Questions to consider:
• What circumstances lead Paul to decide to remain a long time at Iconium?
• What is the source of the opposition?
• What specific help does God give Paul and Barnabas at Iconium?
• How do the people of the city respond to the miraculous?
Possibilities for prayer:
Even when we’re doing the right things, saying the right things...things don’t always go as we’d like them to. Let’s ask God to give us the perseverance to keep pushing into good things, even when the response from those around us is not always the most encouraging.
Questions to consider:
• What circumstances lead Paul to decide to remain a long time at Iconium?
• What is the source of the opposition?
• What specific help does God give Paul and Barnabas at Iconium?
• How do the people of the city respond to the miraculous?
Possibilities for prayer:
Even when we’re doing the right things, saying the right things...things don’t always go as we’d like them to. Let’s ask God to give us the perseverance to keep pushing into good things, even when the response from those around us is not always the most encouraging.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Acts 13:42-52
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' "
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Questions to consider:
• What are the initial results of Paul’s message at the synagogue at Antioch? What is the reaction a week later? Why?
• How do Paul and Barnabas answer those who are opposing them?
• What different emotions does the Gospel stir up in Antioch? In what ways are you prepared for these varying responses?
Possibilities for prayer:
Paul’s boldness led many into the following of Jesus. Let’s pray that we would have boldness in sharing our stories so that we can be proclaimers of the good news ourselves, leading others toward Jesus and following Him too.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' "
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Questions to consider:
• What are the initial results of Paul’s message at the synagogue at Antioch? What is the reaction a week later? Why?
• How do Paul and Barnabas answer those who are opposing them?
• What different emotions does the Gospel stir up in Antioch? In what ways are you prepared for these varying responses?
Possibilities for prayer:
Paul’s boldness led many into the following of Jesus. Let’s pray that we would have boldness in sharing our stories so that we can be proclaimers of the good news ourselves, leading others toward Jesus and following Him too.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Acts 13:13-41
13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak."
16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "People of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years.
"After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
23 "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is someone coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'
26 "Brothers and sisters from the children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
32 "We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my son; today I have become your father.'
34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'
35 So it is also stated elsewhere:
" 'You will not let your holy one see decay.'
36 "Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
38 "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41 " 'Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.' "
Questions to consider:
• How does Paul’s audience shape what he says and how he says it?
• Do you keep in mind your listeners’ background when sharing the Good News?
• What is the main point of Paul’s sermon?
• What place does God’s word have in Paul’s message? What place does it have in yours?
Possibilities for prayer:
Paul boldly proclaims that forgiveness for our sins is available through Jesus. If you haven’t taken advantage of that forgiveness, a simple prayer can get you on your way, and there are of tons of people at Elm City Vineyard who would love to talk with you and pray with you about that. If you have taken advantage of that forgiveness, take some time today to thank God for that opportunity and for the grace that is so generously extended to us.
16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "People of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years.
"After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
23 "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is someone coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'
26 "Brothers and sisters from the children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
32 "We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my son; today I have become your father.'
34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'
35 So it is also stated elsewhere:
" 'You will not let your holy one see decay.'
36 "Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
38 "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41 " 'Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.' "
Questions to consider:
• How does Paul’s audience shape what he says and how he says it?
• Do you keep in mind your listeners’ background when sharing the Good News?
• What is the main point of Paul’s sermon?
• What place does God’s word have in Paul’s message? What place does it have in yours?
Possibilities for prayer:
Paul boldly proclaims that forgiveness for our sins is available through Jesus. If you haven’t taken advantage of that forgiveness, a simple prayer can get you on your way, and there are of tons of people at Elm City Vineyard who would love to talk with you and pray with you about that. If you have taken advantage of that forgiveness, take some time today to thank God for that opportunity and for the grace that is so generously extended to us.
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