Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Night Is Far Spent by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 13:11-14 KJV

Key Verse:  "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." - Romans 13:11 KJV

Paul has just told us that love fulfills the law. Now he takes us another step forward. He says: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep.” There is a spiritual urgency in those words. Paul isn't talking about physical sleep. He is warning believers against becoming spiritually drowsy, going through life without vigilance, without purpose, and without awareness that we belong to Christ.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Love Fulfils the Law by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 13:8-14 KJV

Key Verse:  "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." - Romans 13:8 KJV

Paul has just finished telling us to render to everyone what is due, tribute, custom, fear, and honor. Now he gives us a debt that can never be completely paid: “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another.” There are many obligations in life that eventually come to an end. A financial debt can be paid. A bill can be settled. A contract can expire. A responsibility can be completed. But love is different.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Christian and Government by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 13:1-7 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." - Romans 13:1 KJV

Romans 13 brings us into an area that can sometimes be difficult for Christians: our relationship to civil government and earthly authority. Paul begins with remarkably direct words: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.” The Christian is not called to live as a lawless person. God has established civil authority as part of the order of human society. Government has a legitimate responsibility to restrain wrongdoing, punish crime, protect order, and allow people to live peacefully.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Let Love Be Without Hypocrisy by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-21 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." - Romans 12:9 KJV

Paul has just explained that believers are members of one body and that God has given different gifts to His people. Now he shows us something that must characterize all of those gifts: Love.

• A person can be gifted and still fail to love.
• A person can be knowledgeable and still fail to love.
• A person can be active in Christian service and still fail to love.

Daily Devotion: Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Many Members, One Body by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:" - Romans 12:4 KJV

Paul has just told us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Now he shows us what that transformation looks like when believers live together. Christianity was never intended to be lived entirely by ourselves. We are individually saved, but we are also brought into a spiritual family. We are “one body in Christ.”

Daily Devotion: Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - A Living Sacrifice

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1 KJV

The word “therefore” is very important. Paul has spent eleven chapters explaining the wonderful mercy of God. We have seen our sin. We have seen God's righteousness.

• We have seen justification by faith.
• We have seen grace.
• We have seen the work of Christ.
• We have seen that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
• We have seen God's faithfulness and His mercy.

And now Paul says, essentially: Because of all that God has done for you, this is how you should live.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Mystery of Israel by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 11:25-36 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." - Romans 11:25 KJV

Paul now tells the Roman believers that there is something they need to understand. He calls it a “mystery.” In Scripture, a mystery is not necessarily something impossible to understand. It is something that God has revealed that was previously hidden or not fully understood. Paul does not want Gentile believers to become proud or assume they have replaced Israel in God's purposes. Instead, he wants them to understand God's larger plan.  

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Olive Tree by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 11:17-27 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:" - Romans 11:20 KJV

Paul has just explained that there is a remnant of Israel according to God's grace. Now he turns his attention particularly toward the Gentile believers and gives them a warning against spiritual pride. He uses the picture of an olive tree. Some of the natural branches were broken off because of unbelief, and wild olive branches, the Gentiles, were grafted in.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - God Has Not Cast Away His People by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 11:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying," - Romans 11:2 KJV

Paul now begins one of the most important sections of the book of Romans. He has spent much of chapters 9 and 10 explaining Israel's unbelief and their failure to receive Christ as the promised Messiah. That naturally raises an important question: Has God rejected Israel? Paul's answer is immediate and emphatic: “God forbid.”  Romans 11:1 In other words, absolutely not.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Faith Comes by Hearing by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 10:9-18 KJV 

 

Key Verse:  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17 KJV 

Paul has just declared: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 That is wonderful news. But Paul immediately asks a series of practical questions: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?” Romans 10:14

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Word of Faith by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 10:1-14 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." - Romans 10:4 KJV

Romans 9 ended by showing us that Israel stumbled because they sought righteousness through works rather than faith. Romans 10 begins with Paul's heart for them: “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Romans 10:1 Notice Paul's attitude. He is not merely making an argument about theology. He genuinely wants people to be saved.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Righteousness of Faith by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 9:26-33 KJV 

 

Key Verse: "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness." - Romans 9:31 KJV 

At first, that statement seems almost impossible. Israel had received God's law. They had been given God's promises. They had the Scriptures, the prophets, the covenants, and the worship of God. They pursued righteousness. Yet Paul says they “have not attained” it. Why? Because they pursued righteousness in the wrong way. 

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Potter and the Clay by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 9:20-30 KJV

Key Verse:  "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" - Romans 9:20 KJV

Romans 9 brings us face-to-face with one of the great truths of Scripture: God is the Creator, and we are His creation. Paul has been explaining God's sovereign purposes concerning Israel, and now he anticipates the questions that naturally arise. If God is sovereign, what right does a human being have to question Him?

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - God's Faithfulness and His Purpose by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 9:1-16 KJV 

Key Verse:  "(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)" - Romans 9:11 KJV

Paul's heart is heavy as Romans 9 begins. He has just finished declaring that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Now he turns his attention to his fellow Israelites, his own people, and expresses an extraordinary burden for them. Paul writes: “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,” Romans 9:1

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Nothing Can Separate Us by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 8:32-39 KJV

Key Verse:  "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come," - Romans 8:38 KJV

Paul began Romans 8 with one of the greatest declarations of freedom in Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 And now, at the end of the chapter, he gives us another great declaration: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come…” Romans 8:38

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - If God Be for Us by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 8:31-39 KJV 

Key Verse:  "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31 KJV

Paul has taken us through an extraordinary journey in Romans 8. We began with “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ. We learned that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. We saw that God works all things together for good. Now Paul brings these truths together and asks a powerful question: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” 

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - God Works All Things for Good by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 8:23-30 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

Few verses in the Bible have brought more comfort to God's people than Romans 8:28. But notice carefully what Paul actually says. He does not say that all things are good. He says that all things work together for good. There is a great difference.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Spirit Helps Our Weakness by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 8:19-26 KJV

Key Verse:  "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26 KJV

There are times in every believer's life when we simply do not know what to pray. Sometimes the circumstances are so difficult that words fail us. Sometimes there are competing needs, uncertain decisions, deep sorrow, or burdens that are difficult even to understand ourselves. Romans 8 gives us tremendous encouragement: our weakness does not prevent God from working. The Holy Spirit helps us precisely where we are weak.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - No Condemnation in Christ by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 8:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 KJV

There is a difference between conviction and condemnation. The Holy Spirit may convict us when we sin. He may show us something that needs to change. He may lead us to repentance and obedience. But condemnation tells us that we are hopeless, rejected, and beyond God's grace. Romans 8 tells us that for those who are in Christ Jesus and walk after the spirit, they will not be condemned by God.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Struggle With Sin and the Law by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 7:14-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:" - Romans 7:22 KJV

Romans 7 is one of those passages that makes us stop and say, “I understand exactly what Paul is talking about.” Paul describes an internal struggle. He knows God's law is good. He desires to do what is right.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Dead to Sin, Alive to God by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 6:1-14 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:11 KJV

Romans 5 ended with one of the most beautiful statements in Scripture: “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” But Paul knows that someone might misunderstand that truth. If God's grace is greater than our sin, does that mean we can simply continue living in sin? Paul's answer is immediate: “God forbid.”

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Adam and Christ: From Death to Life by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 5:12-20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" - Romans 5:17 KJV

Romans 5 introduces one of Scripture's most profound contrasts. Paul places Adam and Jesus Christ side by side. Through Adam came sin and death. Through Christ comes grace, righteousness, and life.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Peace, Grace, and Hope by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;" - Romans 5:3 KJV

Paul has just explained that we are “justified by faith.” Now he begins to describe what that justification produces in the life of a believer. The first result is peace: “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” What a wonderful place to begin.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Abraham, The Father of Faith

Bible Reading: Romans 4:16-24 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." - Romans 4:21 KJV

Paul continues explaining justification by faith by taking us back to Abraham. Abraham is one of the most important examples of faith in Scripture. God had promised that Abraham would become the father of many nations, yet the circumstances surrounding that promise seemed increasingly impossible.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Justified by Faith by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 3:24-31 KJV

Key Verse:  "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." - Romans 3:28 KJV

Romans 3 has brought us to a humbling truth: none of us is righteous on our own. We have all sinned. We have all fallen short. And the law cannot save us because none of us has kept it perfectly. So how can a sinful person ever stand righteous before a holy God?

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - None Righteous, No, Not One by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 3:10-23 KJV 

Key Verse:  "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" - Romans 3:10 KJV

Paul has spent the first two chapters of Romans showing that both Jew and Gentile have a serious problem. The Gentiles have sinned against the light they received. The Jews possess God's law, but possessing the law does not automatically make them righteous.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Law and the Heart by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 2:13-29 KJV

Key Verse:  "(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." - Romans 2:13 KJV

Paul now moves from the problem of judging others to a deeper problem: religious appearance without inward obedience. The Jewish people had been entrusted with the law of God. They had God's commandments. They had the Scriptures. They knew what God required.

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - Without Excuse by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 2:1-12 KJV

Key Verse:  "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." - Romans 2:1 KJV

Romans 1 gave us a sobering description of humanity's rebellion against God. But as Paul begins Romans 2, he turns his attention toward another kind of sinner—the person who looks at the sins of others and assumes that he is therefore righteous. Paul says: “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest.”

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Wrath of God Against Sin by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 1:18-28 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;" - Romans 1:18 KJV

After declaring the wonderful news that the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation,” Paul now explains why salvation is necessary. The answer is sin. Romans 1 presents a sobering picture of humanity's rejection of God. Paul says that God's wrath is revealed against “all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.”

Daily Devotion: The Book of Romans - The Gospel of Christ by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 1:1-17 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16 KJV

The book of Romans begins with a powerful declaration about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul introduces himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ” and immediately identifies the message he has been called to proclaim: “the gospel of God.” The word gospel means good news.

Daily Devotion: The The Early Church - Faithful Witnesseses by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

The book of Acts may have ended, but the mission Jesus gave His followers did not. The apostles had witnessed the resurrection of Christ. They had received the Holy Ghost. They had preached in Jerusalem, endured persecution, crossed cultural boundaries, and carried the gospel farther and farther into the world. And now the responsibility of being Christ's witnesses continues with every generation of believers.

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

Bible Reading: Acts 28:16-31KJV 

Key Verse:  "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." - Acts 28:31KJV

At last, Paul arrived in Rome. It had been a long and difficult journey. He had been beaten, imprisoned, falsely accused, threatened, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake. Yet through every circumstance, God had preserved him and brought him exactly where He had promised he would go. But Paul did not arrive in Rome as a free man. He arrived as a prisoner.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Survives the Shipwreck and Reaches Malta by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 28:1-9 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita." - Acts 28:1 KJV

Paul and everyone aboard the ship have survived the terrible storm and shipwreck, just as God promised. They discover that they have reached the island of Melita, commonly identified with Malta. The people of the island show remarkable kindness to the shipwreck survivors. They build a fire to warm them from the rain and cold. Paul, rather than simply standing by, gathers sticks for the fire. Then something unexpected happens.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Sails for Rome by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 27:14-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." - Acts 27:25 KJV

Paul is finally on his way to Rome. Jesus had promised him that he would bear witness in Rome, and now that promise is being fulfilled—but the journey is anything but easy. A violent storm strikes the ship. For many days, the passengers see neither sun nor stars. The storm becomes so severe that “all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Before King Agrippa by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 26:14-29 KJV  

 

Key Verse:  "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:18 KJV 

Paul's accusers bring numerous serious accusations against him, but they cannot prove any of them. Paul calmly answers: “Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.” He recounts his former life as a persecutor of Christians, his journey to Damascus, and his encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus had not merely rescued Paul from his past. He had given Paul a purpose.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Before Governor Festus by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 25:7-12 KJV

Key Verse:  "For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar." - Acts 25:11 KJV

Paul has now spent two years in prison under Governor Felix. Felix is replaced by Festus, and Paul's accusers immediately renew their efforts to have him condemned. They bring numerous serious accusations against him, but they cannot prove any of them. Paul calmly answers: “Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.”

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Before Governor Felix by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 24:15-27 KJV

Key Verse:  "And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." - Acts 24:25 KJV

Paul has been brought to Caesarea, where he now stands before Felix, the Roman governor. His accusers have made serious charges against him, but Paul calmly defends himself. He explains that his faith is not a rejection of the Scriptures. Instead, he believes “all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” Paul also declares his hope in the resurrection. But when Felix later summons Paul to speak privately about “the faith in Christ,” Paul does something remarkable.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Is Sent to Caesarea

Bible Reading: Acts 23:23-35 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;" - Acts 23:35 KJV

Paul's situation becomes increasingly dangerous. A group of more than forty men make a solemn vow that they will neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. They develop a plan to ambush Paul while he is being brought before the council. But God had already promised Paul that he would testify in Rome. And now we see God's providence at work.

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

Bible Reading: Acts 23:1-11 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." - Acts 23:11 KJV

Paul has been arrested in Jerusalem and now stands before the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin. He begins by declaring: “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” Paul is not claiming that he has never sinned. Rather, he is saying that he has sincerely sought to live faithfully before God according to what he understood to be true.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Is Arrested in the Temple

Bible Reading: Acts 21:30-40 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul." - Acts 21:32 KJV

Paul's arrival in Jerusalem has now taken a dramatic turn. He came to the city knowing that suffering awaited him. He had already been warned repeatedly, yet he remained determined to follow the Lord's leading. Now, while he is in the temple, some Jews from Asia recognize him and begin accusing him of teaching against the Jewish people, the Law, and the temple. They also falsely accuse him of bringing Gentiles into the temple.

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

Bible Reading: Acts 21:17-26 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry." - Acts 21:19 KJV

After a long journey, Paul finally arrives in Jerusalem. The believers receive him gladly, and Paul meets with James and the elders of the church. His first response is not to talk about himself or his hardships. Instead, he tells them “what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.” That phrase captures Paul's perspective beautifully.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Travels to Jerusalem by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 21:4-14 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 21:13 KJV

Paul is making his way toward Jerusalem, and the believers along the way are deeply concerned about what awaits him. At Tyre, the disciples warn him not to go. Later, the prophet Agabus gives an even more dramatic warning. He takes Paul's belt, binds his own hands and feet, and declares that Paul will be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles.

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.

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.”