Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul and Barnabas Separate by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 15:35-41 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;" - Acts 15:39 KJV

After the great success of the Jerusalem Council, Paul and Barnabas prepare to begin another journey. Their intention is good: they want to return to the churches they previously visited and encourage the believers. But then a disagreement arises. Barnabas wants to take John Mark with them. Paul does not.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Jerusalem Council by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 15:1-11 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." - Acts 15:11 KJV

The early church had reached an important crossroads. The gospel was spreading rapidly among the Gentiles, but a disagreement arose over a fundamental question: Did Gentile believers have to follow the Law of Moses in order to be saved? Some believers insisted that circumcision and obedience to the Jewish law were necessary for salvation. The apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to consider the matter. This gathering became known as the Jerusalem Council.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 14:21-28 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." - Acts 14:22 KJV

Paul and Barnabas have just completed an extraordinary missionary journey. They have preached the gospel, witnessed people come to Christ, experienced miracles, endured fierce opposition, and faced persecution. Yet when the journey is nearly over, they do something remarkable.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Heals a Lame Man at Lystra by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 14:8-20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:" - Acts 14:15 KJV

Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra, where they encounter a man who had never walked. Paul sees that the man has faith and commands him: “Stand upright on thy feet.” Immediately, the man leaps up and walks. The people are astonished. But instead of recognizing the power of the true God, they assume that Paul and Barnabas are gods who have come down in human form. They begin preparing to worship them and even want to offer sacrifices to them.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul and Barnabas in Iconium by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 14:1-7 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands." - Acts 14:3 KJV

Paul and Barnabas arrive in Iconium and immediately begin doing what God called them to do: they preach the gospel. And God blesses their message. A great number of both Jews and Gentiles believe. But once again, opposition appears. Some reject the message and begin stirring up hostility against the believers. The city becomes divided, and eventually a plot develops to stone Paul and Barnabas.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul and Barnabas Face Opposition by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 13:45-52 KJV

Key Verse:  "And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost."
- Acts 13:52 KJV

The gospel is spreading rapidly. After Paul preaches in Antioch of Pisidia, almost the entire city gathers the following Sabbath to hear the Word of God. What an incredible opportunity! Yet instead of rejoicing over so many people hearing the truth, some become jealous. Opposition begins.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Preaches in Antioch of Pisidia by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 13:31-39 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:" - Acts 13:38 KJV

Paul and Barnabas arrive in Antioch of Pisidia, and on the Sabbath they enter the synagogue. Paul is invited to speak, and he takes the opportunity to tell the story of God's faithfulness. His message begins with Israel's history. He speaks of Abraham, the Exodus, the kings, and especially David. But Paul is not simply giving a history lesson. He is showing how God's promises were leading to Jesus Christ.