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?

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.