Thoughts on Acts

We are almost finished our reading plan through the book of Acts and the new plan starts on Wednesday (John’s gospel and letters).  I just wanted to leave some thoughts on the book of Acts that I had when reading through it, and open it up to you to leave comments sharing with everyone something that impressed you in Acts.

Here are a few thoughts in Acts:

• The passion of the followers of Jesus to tell others about Jesus no matter what the cost. If you missed this theme throughout Acts, you weren’t reading it!  It’s amazing how Peter, Paul, and others continued telling others about Jesus even through beatings and other persecution.  The Scripture says they shook the dust off their feet, continued on, and even encouraged others in the faith right after persecution (16:40).
• The criticism the early followers of Jesus faced by the “religious” people. Chapter 11 showed a case of what happens still today in churches, where Peter went back to the Jewish people after preaching to the Gentiles and faces opposition from the Jewish people.  Some people will criticize efforts even without knowing the facts.  In Acts 11:4, Peter had to put it “in order” for them.  Christians- we will face opposition and criticism when following the will of God, sometimes even from other Believers. We must press on though.
• Nothing will stop the Word of God from accomplishing its purpose! Look at 12:23-24.  Even when others try to overshadow the Lord, His Word will prevail!  What hope and comfort we find here!
• The emphasis on mission work.  It’s powerful in this book.  The journeys taken, the risks taken–these guys were about doing the work of the Lord.  We should be too, in the ways that God has called us.
• The end of Acts is great! Regarding Paul, it tells us: He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. What a great reminder to leave us with- that no matter where we live, we should be open to sharing the gospel of Jesus with boldness to all who will hear!

Anything that stuck out to you?  Leave a comment and share it with everyone so we can all learn together.

New Reading Plan starts March 3

The new reading plan starts on Wednesday, March 3 and is 30 days in the Gospel and letters of John.  The plan can be accessed by clicking on the current plan page above.  Get the plan, and get into Scripture!

If you have comments on the Scripture you read, feel free to leave them in response to this post or any others that appear during the time of this plan.