Week Fourteen
This section of Acts begins after a gripping account of contrasts. The Sanhedrin who “resist the Holy Spirit” and Stephen who was “full of the Holy Spirit”. The Sanhedrin were furious and gnashed their teeth. Stephen “looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” The Sanhedrin chose violence and to deal out death. Stephen willingly gave up his spirit and went to sleep. And the persecution against the church of Jesus began (Acts 7).
The disciples were scattered and Saul stepped into the picture as a leader against the Way. While the pressures of persecution caused great distress and loss of life, it also fueled the expansion of the Church. An angel of the Lord seemed to be on the loose speaking and pulling un-suspecting people together. God spoke to and helped people see their religious practices in a new way. They would see visions and hear His voice. New believers were baptized and the Holy Spirit was empowering God’s children.
People were drawn to those who were full of grace and the Holy Spirit. What is different today? Persecution continues on a scale you and I probably can’t grasp. Open Doors reported that in 2024, 365 million people were subject to high levels of persecution. That means more than badmouthing people but includes violent threats, denial of services, isolation, torture, and even death. Yet, the angel of the Lord is still speaking. Muslims and other not-yet-believers are having visions of Jesus and turning to Him for salvation. People are being baptized all over the world and the Holy Spirit knows no boundaries. Against what humans might think are impossible odds, God continues to be on the move today.
As you read this week, consider what you hear in the news or see in your own life and ask God to show you what He is doing. I believe in the backdrop of contrasts, God is doing “something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.” Acts 13:41.
I would love to know how you see or hear from God. What is He doing that you could never even imagine? You can write a comment or prayer need below, or reach me, Melissa, at mrightmire@crnaz.com . Thank you for traveling with me on this journey through the New Testament.
Below are the readings for week 14:
April 3, 2025 Acts 8:2–40 NIV, Ps 79 NIV
April 4, 2025 Acts 9 NIV, Ps 80:title–7 NIV
April 5, 2025 Acts 10 NIV, Ps 80:8–19 NIV
April 6, 2025 Acts 11:1–12:19 NIV, Ps 81 NIV
April 7, 2025 Acts 12:20–13:52 NIV, Ps 82 NIV
