Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Barnabas and Saul Sent Off by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 13:1-12 KJV 

Key Verse:  "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." - Acts 13:2 KJV

The church at Antioch was growing and thriving, but God had something more in store. As the believers “ministered to the Lord, and fasted,” the Holy Ghost gave them a specific calling: Barnabas and Saul were to be set apart for a special work. Notice how this missionary journey began. It began with worship, prayer, fasting, and listening.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Delivered by God, Peter’s Miraculous Escape by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 12:1–19 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands."
- Acts 12:7 KJV

As the church continued to grow, opposition intensified. King Herod began to persecute believers, even executing James, the brother of John. Seeing that this pleased certain groups, he arrested Peter as well, intending to put him on trial after the Passover. Peter was heavily guarded in prison, bound with chains and watched by soldiers, his situation seemed hopeless.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - A Thriving Church in Antioch by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 11:19–30 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." - Acts 11:26 KJV

As persecution scattered the believers after Stephen’s death, what seemed like a setback became a powerful step forward. Those who were dispersed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, sharing the message of Jesus. At first, they spoke only to Jews, but soon some began preaching to Greeks also, spreading the good news beyond traditional boundaries.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Trusting God’s Work Beyond Our Expectations

Bible Reading: Acts 11:1–18 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." - Acts 11:3 KJV

When Peter returned to Jerusalem after visiting Cornelius, news had already spread: Gentiles had received the word of God. While this was a remarkable development, it also stirred concern among some believers. They questioned Peter, saying, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - No Partiality Peter and Cornelius by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 10:1–8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,"
- Acts 10:1 KJV

In Caesarea lived a Roman centurion named Cornelius, a Gentile, yet a devout man who feared God, gave generously, and prayed continually. One day, he received a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter, who was staying in Joppa.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Compassion in Action Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Tabitha by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 9:32–42 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda." - Acts 9:42 KJV

As the church continued to grow, the apostles traveled to strengthen and encourage believers. Peter, moving from place to place, came to Lydda where he met a man named Aeneas. Aeneas had been bedridden for eight years, paralyzed and unable to help himself. Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” Immediately, Aeneas rose. The miracle was undeniable, and many in Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Saul Begins to Preach A Transformed Voice by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 9:20–31 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."
- Acts 9:20 KJV

After his dramatic encounter with Jesus and the restoration of his sight, Saul did not waste time. Almost immediately, he began to proclaim in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. The very man who once tried to destroy the church was now boldly defending the truth he had once opposed.