How do most people respond to trials, difficulties and crisis? In this passage, we’ll see the different responses to trials by believers and unbelievers. Whilst Paul & Silas sing & pray during their crisis, the jailer wants to commit self harm during his trial. Thankfully, this crisis will lead to his conversion and his household.…
Ever wondered whether missionaries should bring the gospel to foreign communities? In this passage, we see the clash between the worldviews of Roman slaveowners and the Apostle Paul. For some, the gospel brings new life, for others it brings trouble. Either way, those who preach the gospel need to expect that it will be an…
Have you ever made plans to share the gospel with others which haven’t worked out? In this passage, we see Paul’s plans to evangelise the regions of Asia and Bithynia frustrated by the Holy Spirit as God has more pressing priorities for the Apostle. Paul is to go to Macedonia to meet with Lydia, whose…
Paul’s second missionary journey records the conversion of Lydia, the Philippian jailer, the Mars Hill address, and churches planted in Corinth, Thessalonica and Ephesus. It is a fruitful mission but it has a very rocky start. In this message, we see division and conflict, a new missionary team formed and also the individual sacrifice needed…
In Acts 15, we see two churches interacting with each other over doctrinal and practical matters. What does this teach us about how churches interact? Should each local church stick to their own lanes and mind their own business, or can one church tell another what to do? Do some churches have greater authority over…
Questions arise regarding what a Gentile must believe or do to be welcome in God’s family. In the past, Gentiles who became Jews needed to be circumcised. Is this a reasonable expectation for those who now want to become Christians? This passage challenges us regarding our understanding of the gospel and what is helpful in…
In the final verses of chapter 14 we have Paul and Barnabas returning home to Antioch after two years on the road. They will report back what they have experienced and remind the sending church that missionary work requires (1) sacrifice, (2) sustained effort, (3) preaching a message of salvation, and (4) strengthening and sustaining…
Paul and Barnabas move to Iconium and Lystra with the good news of Jesus Christ, and perform an amazing miracle of healing on a lame man. The crowd are amazed and begin to worship the Apostles, but they respond in despair and encourage the crowd to turn from worshipping vain idols to worship the true…
The gospel of Jesus Christ has a polarizing effect on its hearers in Antioch Pisidia. From one group, it provokes love for Christ and a desire to hear more about Him. For another group, the gospel is a stench of death and there is active opposition to the message and the messenger. There is no…
Paul and his companions travel to Antioch Pisidia and are invited to speak in the synagogue. Paul’s message highlights key themes that the Jews need to understand from the Scriptures. Although the Apostle’s words are initially directed to Jews, they also have much relevance to those who have spent much time in Christian circles.