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.

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

Bible Reading: Acts 17:1-10 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ." - Acts 17:3 KJV

After leaving Philippi, Paul and Silas arrive in Thessalonica. As was his custom, Paul goes to the synagogue and begins reasoning with the people from the Scriptures. His message centers on Jesus. Paul explains that the Messiah had to suffer, die, and rise again, and then makes the conclusion unmistakable: “This Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”

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

Bible Reading: Acts 16:25-34 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." - Acts 16:25 KJV

Paul and Silas had followed God's direction into Macedonia. Yet their obedience did not lead immediately to comfort or success. Instead, it led them to prison. After Paul cast a spirit out of a servant girl, her owners became angry because their source of profit was gone. They stirred up the crowd, and Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into the inner prison. Their feet were fastened in stocks.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul’s Macedonian Call by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 16:5-12 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us." - Acts 16:9 KJV

Paul and his companions are ready to preach the gospel, but something unexpected happens. The Holy Ghost forbids them from preaching in certain places. Then they try another direction, but again, the Spirit does not permit them to go. At first glance, this might seem confusing. They are trying to do something good so why would God close the doors?