Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Says Farewell to the Ephesian Elders by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 20:18-28 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." - Acts 20:24 KJV

Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, and he knows that difficult days are ahead. Rather than returning to Ephesus, he sends for the elders of the church and meets with them at Miletus. This is an emotional farewell. Paul reminds them of the way he served among them, with humility, tears, perseverance, and faithfulness. He had not kept back anything that would benefit them. He had taught them publicly and privately, proclaiming repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Riot in Ephesus by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 19:20-35 KJV

Key Verse:  "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." - Acts 19:20 KJV

The gospel had made a tremendous impact in Ephesus. People were abandoning idolatry, turning to Christ, and changing the way they lived. As a result, the business surrounding the worship of the goddess Diana began to suffer. A silversmith named Demetrius recognized the threat, not primarily to his religion, but to his income. He gathered the craftsmen together and warned them that Paul's preaching was causing people to turn away from idols.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 19:10-20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." - Acts 19:20 KJV

Paul's ministry in Ephesus became one of the most significant periods of his missionary work. For three months he boldly taught in the synagogue. When some became hardened and refused to believe, Paul moved his teaching to the school of Tyrannus. There he continued teaching for two years, and the influence of God's Word spread throughout the region. Luke summarizes the result with a powerful statement: “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Begins His Third Missionary Journey by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 18:21-28 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples." - Acts 18:23 KJV

Paul's missionary journeys were not simply about reaching new people. They were also about strengthening people who had already believed. After returning to Antioch, Paul begins another journey. He travels through Galatia and Phrygia with a specific purpose: “Strengthening all the disciples.” This is an important reminder that Christian ministry involves both evangelism and discipleship.

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

Bible Reading: Acts 18:1-11 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:" - Acts 18:9 KJV

After leaving Athens, Paul travels to Corinth, a large and influential city known for its commerce, wealth, and moral corruption. Paul begins his ministry there by working with Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers. He supports himself through his trade while continuing to preach the gospel. As usual, Paul faces opposition. Some reject his message, but others believe. Among them is Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, who believes in the Lord with his entire household.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul in Athens, The Unknown God by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 17:22-31 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." - Acts 17:23 KJV

Paul arrives in Athens and finds a city filled with idols. As he walks through the city, he sees evidence everywhere of people searching for something beyond themselves. Among the many altars, he discovers one bearing the inscription: “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” Paul sees an opportunity.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Bereans Search the Scriptures by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 17:7-14 KJV

Key Verse:  "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." - Acts 17:11 KJV

After the opposition in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas travel to Berea. Once again, Paul enters the synagogue and begins preaching the gospel. But the response in Berea is different. The Bereans listen carefully to what Paul says. They are receptive to the message, but they don't simply accept it because Paul is an apostle or because he speaks with confidence. Instead, they search the Scriptures.