Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Ananias and Sapphira by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 5:1-11 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?" - Acts 5:3 KJV

In the midst of the early church’s unity and generosity, a sobering moment unfolds. Ananias and Sapphira sell a piece of property, but secretly keep back part of the money while pretending to give it all. Their sin is not in withholding a portion, it was theirs to give, but in deception. They want the appearance of full devotion without the reality of it.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Believers Share Their Possessions by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 4:31-37 KJV

Key Verse:  "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common."
- Acts 4:32 KJV

As the early church continues to grow, something beautiful begins to take shape, not just in their message, but in their lifestyle. They are described as being of “one heart and one soul.” This unity goes beyond words, it is reflected in how they treat one another. They no longer see their possessions as their own, but as resources to be used for the good of the entire community. Needs are met. No one is lacking.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Believers Pray for Boldness by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 4:30-37 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31 KJV

After being threatened and warned not to speak in the name of Jesus, Peter and John return to the other believers. Instead of responding with fear or discouragement, the early church does something powerful: They pray. Not quietly or individually, but together, in unity. They lift their voices “with one accord,” recognizing God’s sovereignty over everything that has happened. Even the opposition they face is not outside of God’s control.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 4:9-16 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
- Acts 4:12 KJV

As the message of Jesus spreads, opposition quickly follows. Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, the same council that had condemned Jesus. The question they are asked is direct: “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” This moment could have been intimidating. These were powerful leaders, and the consequences could be severe. But something is different now.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Peter Preaches in Solomon’s Porch by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 3:17-24 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." - Acts 3:19 KJV

The miraculous healing at the temple draws a crowd—and Peter immediately recognizes an opportunity. But instead of drawing attention to himself, he points everything back to Jesus. “Why look ye so earnestly on us?” Peter makes it clear: this miracle was not by human power, but through faith in the name of Jesus Christ.

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

Bible Reading: Acts 3:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
- Acts 3:6 KJV

After Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit begins to move through the apostles in remarkable ways. One day, as Peter and John go to the temple to pray, they encounter a man who has never walked. Day after day, he has sat at the gate, asking for money hoping only for temporary help. But that day, he receives something far greater.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Day of Pentecost by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 2:36-43 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
- Acts 2:38 KJV

The waiting is over. On the Day of Pentecost, everything changes. Suddenly, the sound of a rushing mighty wind fills the house. Tongues of fire appear, resting on each of the disciples. And just as Jesus promised, they are filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not a quiet moment, instead it is powerful, visible, and undeniable.