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

Bible Reading: Acts 14:8-20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:" - Acts 14:15 KJV

Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra, where they encounter a man who had never walked. Paul sees that the man has faith and commands him: “Stand upright on thy feet.” Immediately, the man leaps up and walks. The people are astonished. But instead of recognizing the power of the true God, they assume that Paul and Barnabas are gods who have come down in human form. They begin preparing to worship them and even want to offer sacrifices to them.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul and Barnabas in Iconium by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 14:1-7 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands." - Acts 14:3 KJV

Paul and Barnabas arrive in Iconium and immediately begin doing what God called them to do: they preach the gospel. And God blesses their message. A great number of both Jews and Gentiles believe. But once again, opposition appears. Some reject the message and begin stirring up hostility against the believers. The city becomes divided, and eventually a plot develops to stone Paul and Barnabas.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul and Barnabas Face Opposition by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 13:45-52 KJV

Key Verse:  "And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost."
- Acts 13:52 KJV

The gospel is spreading rapidly. After Paul preaches in Antioch of Pisidia, almost the entire city gathers the following Sabbath to hear the Word of God. What an incredible opportunity! Yet instead of rejoicing over so many people hearing the truth, some become jealous. Opposition begins.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - Paul Preaches in Antioch of Pisidia by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 13:31-39 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:" - Acts 13:38 KJV

Paul and Barnabas arrive in Antioch of Pisidia, and on the Sabbath they enter the synagogue. Paul is invited to speak, and he takes the opportunity to tell the story of God's faithfulness. His message begins with Israel's history. He speaks of Abraham, the Exodus, the kings, and especially David. But Paul is not simply giving a history lesson. He is showing how God's promises were leading to Jesus Christ.

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.