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.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Saul’s Conversion From Persecutor to Proclaimer by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 9:1-19 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"
- Acts 9:4 KJV

Saul of Tarsus was a man driven by zeal. Convinced that followers of Jesus were a threat, he actively sought to silence them. With authority from the high priest, he traveled toward Damascus, intent on arresting believers and bringing them to Jerusalem. But on that journey, everything changed.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Stephen’s Courage and Faith by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 6:8-15 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." - Acts 6:8 KJV

Stephen, one of the first deacons chosen to serve the early church, was described as “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” He did great wonders and signs among the people, boldly proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ. Yet his faithfulness stirred opposition. False witnesses accused him, and he was brought before the council.

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.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Promise of the Holy Spirit 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

As the book of Acts begins, we find the disciples in a season of waiting. Jesus has risen. He has appeared to them. He has given them their mission. But before they go out into the world, He gives them one crucial instruction: Wait. “Wait for the promise of the Father.”

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Ascension of Jesus by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 1:4-11 KJV

Key Verse:  "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." - Acts 1:11 KJV

After His resurrection and final teachings, Jesus leads His disciples to the Mount of Olives. There, He lifts His hands and blesses them as a final act of love and assurance. Then, before their eyes, He ascends into heaven. A cloud receives Him, and He is taken out of their sight.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Great Commission by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
- Matthew 28:19 KJV

After His resurrection, Jesus gathers His disciples one final time on a mountain in Galilee. These are the same men who had once doubted, feared, and even fled—but now they stand before their risen Savior. Jesus begins with a powerful declaration:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This is the foundation of the mission. The authority behind the command is absolute.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Appears to His Disciples by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: John 20:18-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
- John 20:19 KJV

After the resurrection, the disciples are hiding behind closed doors, gripped by fear and uncertainty. Everything they thought they understood had been shaken. Then suddenly, Jesus appears. No barrier can keep Him out. No fear can keep Him away. His first words are simple yet powerful: “Peace be unto you.”