1. How did you experience the power, joy, or peace of the Lord this week?

I am so dependent on the Lord. Since I have been alone, I have had moments of fear and being overwhelmed. Last week it was a flat tire. This week it was another car issue…”engine light on: don’t drive car” message.  These crazy things that panic me a bit.  They seem to happen when my kids are out of town or super busy. Every time, I ask “Lord, are you teaching me something ?” I don’t know many people here, and though my neighbors are lovely, I don’t feel comfortable calling them over every little thing.
I prayed about the car issue ( I pray about Everything! I could not get through a day without the Lord!), and ended up calling the dealership. My car is 20 years old, but I bought it new, so it was registered nationally at the dealerships. ( I did not even know they did that). Praise God! AAA was so kind and prompt about getting it towed. The dealership was wonderful and the service person gave me her direct number. She and the man, who worked with the mechanics, called when they got the car, when they finished the car, and gave me a detailed update. It was something simple, but they checked everything to give me peace of mind. My son in law was able to drop me off at the dealership early the next morning and my bill was reasonable. I thought it was something huge, but it was not and everyone I worked with was so great. Thank you Lord! Only God! This may sound like a small thing, but to me it was huge! I was so grateful. I am learning to TRUST HIM more, with everything.

Monday: Acts 13:1-12
I was struck how the Lord spoke to the four men worshipping and fasting. My daughter Sally had this experience in high school when she and her friends fasted lunches and prayed — and it ended up bringing the Jesus Film to a secular high school.
2. Make observations and then write about the one that impacted you the most and why.
Among believers with Saul, are those of high political standing. I read that Manaen was a prophet and teacher in the early church and either a close companion or foster-brother of Herod-the Herod who beheaded John the Baptist. 

The men worship and fast and receive from the Holy Spirit, instructions to go to work which they have been called. 

The men proclaim the word of God on the island of Salamis, in the synagogues of the Jews. They come to a false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who is with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. 

I find it interesting that there is much archeological evidence that there was a Roman official by this name. The fact that there has been stone with this name inscribed found today is amazing to me. 

The magician tries to turn the proconsul away from the faith and Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit calls him out and makes him blind, showing the power of God. This act and teaching of the Lord by Saul, brings the proconsul to faith. 
3. Have you ever had the experience that the four men had in hearing from the Lord after worshiping and fasting together? (verses 1-3) If so, share. I don’t believe I have. There have been times where I felt sure of something I should do, but not in this dramatic way. 
 

 

2. Make observations and then write about the one that impacted you the most and why.

– the childhood friend of Herod (Antipas) was a prophet and a teacher

– Barnabas and Saul were sent “by the Holy Spirit on a mission

– on the mission they met a Jewish “sorcerer”

– the sorcerer worked with the Governor

– the Governor wanted to hear the Word of God, but the sorcerer tried to stop it

– Saul acknowledged to the sorcerer that he was evil and even called for the Lord to make the man blind, which He did

– the Governor became a believer due to the events he witnessed

I think the one that made the most impact is how the childhood friend of Herod was a believer. It’s interesting to think that the Romans might have been impacted by Jesus’ ministry. Especially since he probably would have been raised to believe in many gods.

3. Have you ever had the experience that the four men had in hearing from the Lord after worshiping and fasting together? (verses 1-3) If so, share.
 

I don’t recall anything like this in my life.

4. Make observations about Paul’s sermon in verses 13-39. What stood out to you the most and why?

– Paul and the others left and went to another town

– they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath

– they were asked to preach there

– Paul told the story of the Israelites in Egypt, the Exodus and the movement to the promised land

– he told them how God gave them judges to rule and then kings, especially David

– Jesus was from David’s line

– he told of John the Baptist, who spoke of repentance of sin and being born new again through baptism

– Paul encouraged them saying they could be saved too

– His own people rejected Him and had Him killed, but even though He was put on a cross and buried in a tomb, He lives because many people saw Him after His death

– His body didn’t decay

– Paul speaks of two Psalms that explain this

– He says there is forgiveness for their sins and no one, not even Moses could not accomplish what Jesus did

 
I guess the whole sermon stands out to me. Paul is reiterating the story of the Jewish history, so the Jews there would understand. The gentiles might not. It all would seem pretty fantastic if I were there.

Since I am reading the Bible in a year this year, I have noticed that this story is told over and over again throughout scripture. It’s like the people forget and need reminding why they are in the position they are in at the time. I find that interesting. We need to remind ourselves, when we get caught up in the world that there is purpose for us. We are Paul now. We are to spread the Word. I wonder if my witnessing should include this story. Maybe a shortened version.

4. Make observations about Paul’s sermon in verses 13-39. What stood out to you the most and why? *the ruler of the synagogue is prompted to appeal to Paul for a word of encouragement to the people. *Paul goes on repeating the history of Israel down to the resurrection of Jesus and finally to his own witness in verse 32, “And we bring you the good news…” through verse 39, “and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” ***What stands out to me is the use of the word “freed” which in my bible gives a foot note saying this in the Greek is “justified” and used twice in this verse. Paul is helping them see that the law which they hoped to justify them to God previously, could not and now belief in Jesus has come to free them for good. This must have been a real challenge to their thinking after generations of believing the law was the only way. Only the Holy Spirit could convince hearts of this argument given to Paul.    
Tuesday: Acts 13:40-52
5. How does Paul end his sermon in verses 40-41? Paul gives a strict warning from scripture. The shocking thing is not so much his warning, but that the people responded with faith. 
6. I wonder if preaching is different in third world countries, for I doubt many American preachers could do this. We tried a Paul Washer sermon at our church and while some liked it, others really were upset at how harsh he was. I wonder how Jonathan Edwards would fare today. Thoughts? I do not know Paul Washer, but do know of Jonathan Edwards. I believe young people today are eager to hear truth. The young adults in our small group want to hear the word and they want to know scripture to refute the crazy ways the world is headed. I think young people are looking for pastors who tell the truth and are not afraid to say it like it is. Our pastor has been very straight forward with the truth of scripture and taking on topics that our culture has twisted. I believe in part this is why our church is growing. Our church is holding to the truths of the reformation and confronting the culture with boldness. 
7. Make observations about the various responses of the people in 42-52.
*people begged to hear more * many Jews followed Paul *almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord *But the Jews became jealous and reviled Paul *Paul turns to the Gentiles *the Gentiles rejoiced and many believed *But the Jews stirred to persecution drove them out of their district *Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet and went on filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. 
8. What strikes you the most and why? Those who the gift was for, chose to trust in themselves instead and the Holy Spirit again is at work. 
9. What is your God shot for all of Acts 13? My biggest take away is the work of the Holy Spirit in all of this account, along with the word of God and the faithful witness of the disciples. These three things work together. 
 

onday: Acts 13:1-12
I was struck how the Lord spoke to the four men worshipping and fasting. My daughter Sally had this experience in high school when she and her friends fasted lunches and prayed — and it ended up bringing the Jesus Film to a secular high school.
2. Make observations and then write about the one that impacted you the most and why.                                                                                                                                         5 men in Antioch (prophets and teachers, Paul, Barnabas and three others) who served the Lord, were also fasting                                                                                               During this time the Holy Ghost told them to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work prepared for them                                                                                                             They fasted and prayed, and then the three laid hands on Saul and Barnabas and sent them away                                                                                                                             Led by the Spirit Paul and Barnabas ( Jonh Mark went with them) begin their travels and sail to Cyprus, preaching in synagogues                                                                      They go through the island reaching Phapos (at the western end) where they encounter a Jewish false prophet/sorceror named Barjesus at the residence of Sergius Paulu Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul of Cyprus and desired Saul and Barnabas to come speak with him  (desired to hear the Word of God)                                                  Barjesus opposes everything they say, seeking to turn SP away from true faith                                                                                                                                                     Saul/Paul (filled with the Spirit to discern) fixes his eyes on Barjesus and denounces him as a child of the devil (crafty and full of mischief), enemy of righteouseness, perverting the ways of the Lord                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Paul pronounces judgement of blindness (for a season), blinded BJ has to have someone to lead/guide him                                                                                                            After hearing Paul/Banabs speak and seeing what happened to BJ, SP becomes a believer
What stands out to me today is the direct and miraculous intervention of the Holy Spirit in the sending forth of Saul/Barnabas, and also in the encouter with SP/BJ.  Paul already knew he would be a witness to Jews/Gentiles, but now the HS was directly letting others know.  By serving the Lord and fasting/praying these men were ready to hear the dirction of the Spirit.  Then, too, as Paul/Barnabas witness to SP (a Roman) the Spirit gives Paul the discernment to confront and condemn BJ.  The miracle of his blindness authenticates thier message to SP.  A healing in reverse so to speak but none the less miraculous.
I have to wonder since the blindness was not permanent, did BJ ever see the truth and repent during that time?
3. Have you ever had the experience that the four men had in hearing from the Lord after worshiping and fasting together? (verses 1-3) If so, share.   No, I have not.
4. Make observations about Paul’s sermon in verses 13-39. What stood out to you the most and why?                                                                                                                  Paul gives a capsule summary of Israel’s history and relationship with God beginning with the exodus>40 yr. wandering>conquering in Canaan>judges(450 yr)>Samuel>      desire for king, God gives them Saul (40 yr)>God removes Saul as lifts up David to be king>God’s promise to raise a Savior (from David’s line)                                              Paul declares Jesus to be the promised Savior                                                                                                                                                                                                          Paul speaks of JTB’s ministry and how he said he was NOT the promised One                                                                                                                                                     Paul then appeals to them as brethren from the seed of Abraham, believing/fearing God, this message is for YOU                                                                                             capsule summary of trial>death>burial>resurrection of Jesus (fulfillment of all the scriptures/prophecy)                                                                                                           GLAD TIDINGS (good news!), God has fulfilled His promise!                                                                                                                                                                           Paul quotes scripture proving that Jesus is the Savior and through Him there is forgiveness of sin
What stands out to me is how Paul activates their prior knowlege of history/scripture and leads them to Jesus using fulfilled prophecy.  Here is also the clear message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and that through Him is salvation offered.

Monday: Acts 13:1-12
2. Make observations and then write about the one that impacted you the most and why. – Barnabas and Saul were called by the Holy Spirit to go to Cyprus and they listened and were obedient. Because of their obedience the enemy put in place Elymas, a sorcerer to try and block the work of the Holy Spirit. Saul directed by the Holy Spirit called Elymas out and made others aware of who he was.
3. Have you ever had the experience that the four men had in hearing from the Lord after worshiping and fasting together? (verses 1-3) If so, share. – At the campground, we’ve had some people leave that started causing strife. Four of us got together and walked the property and anointed the land with oil and rebuked the work of the enemy from the grounds. We prayed over the owners and all the lots and rigs there and the gate house and entrances. Peace was felt after we did that, we definitely felt the Holy Spirit as we walked around.
4. Make observations about Paul’s sermon in verses 13-39. What stood out to you the most and why? – Paul reminded the Israelites and the believing Gentiles all that had happened before them and what Jesus did for them. In simple terms Paul preached the Word of God to them from start to finish.

Wednesday: Acts 14:1-18
10. Make observations for Acts 14:1-7

—What happened in Iconium was a repeat of what had happened in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue and preached the Good News where it says a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Then some religious Jews  spurned God’s message and stirred up others against them. Those leaders were determined to kill Paul and Barnabas and kill their message but they just moved on to Lycaonia and did the same. Verse 7 “And there they preached the Good News.”

11. I am most interested in this: “They spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.” I want more details. How do you think they spoke? 

—I think they spoke with the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I would base that on verse 52 that just ended chapter 13.  “And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Paul and Barnabas were experiencing great persecution and threats to their very lives yet it says in 14:3 in the NASB “Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord,”. The NLT says “preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord”. In spite of division and opposition they were grace filled. And the rest of verse 3 says “…..And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.” NLT. 
So their zeal for the Lord was manifested by their grace filled message and affirmed by God’s power given to them to do miraculous signs and wonders. It all revealed the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  And it was a spirit of grace reflected in Paul and Barnabas.  

12. Make observations for Acts 14:8-18 What stands out the most and why?

—I am immediately taken in by this miracle of healing the man with crippled feet from birth. Because of my granddaughter who was born with spina bifida I personally know what crippled feet from birth look like. And even in today’s world with amazing medical advances no surgeries can correct those defects. The response of the crowd to want to diefy Paul and Barnabas doesn’t surprise me. If Aerilyn’s feet and lower legs were immediately made whole and normal it would be unbelievable. 
It was really important for Paul and Barnabas to make it known to these people that they were just human beings and not gods and to turn the focus back onto the one true living God who had done this miracle and for them to hear the message of the Good News they were bringing them. 

5. How does Paul end his sermon in verses 40-41? 

He tells the people to beware, that the things he tells them are true and they should listen.

6. I wonder if preaching is different in third world countries, for I doubt many American preachers could do this. We tried a Paul Washer sermon at our church and while some liked it, others really were upset at how harsh he was. I wonder how Jonathan Edwards would fare today. Thoughts?

I’m not familiar with those pastors, however I don’t think that people today want to be admonished for their behaviors so I’m guessing it wouldn’t go well 🤷🏻‍♀️.

 
7. Make observations about the various responses of the people in 42-52.

– some begged them to teach more

– some followed them

12. Make observations for Acts 14:8-18 What stands out the most and why?

– Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra.

– They happened upon a crippled man who had never walked. He listened to their preaching.

– The Holy Spirit must have come over Paul because he “knew” he had to heal him.

– He ordered the man to stand and walk, and he did.

– The people watching thought Paul and Barnabas were the gods Zeus and Hermes!

– They tried to offer sacrifices to the two, but Paul and Barnabas tore their clothing and shouted that they were just humans and God had done the healing.

– They explained how They were there to bring the Word to the people and that He is the one who brings the people good.

– The people did not want to hear this and the two had to force them to not sacrifice to them.

 

I think the part that stands out is how they knew they had to heal him. The Holy Spirit had to fill them at that time! I sometimes feel like I am not “in my own senses” when I sing for our worship team. I wonder if that’s how they felt?

 

Wednesday: Acts 14:1-18
10. Make observations for Acts 14:1-7
I’ve had a busy few days and just catching up on comments. Don’t think I can add to observations made thus far. 
11. I am most interested in this: “They spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.” I want more details. How do you think they spoke?
I do believe the Holy Spirit gave them power in their speech, but I also know how Tim Keller often speaks about the culture of his audience and surely, Paul knew his audience in a way to make his speech persuasive. 
12. Make observations for Acts 14:8-18 What stands out the most and why?
The crippled man is miraculously healed by God, through Paul and the towns people try to offer sacrifices to the apostles, until Paul rebukes them, only to later be stoned. Moving on they preach to more towns and make many disciples, and even returned to the previous towns helping establish their churches. 

The Lord calls who he will call and the strength of the testimony doesn’t always mean believers will follow. 

 

Thursday: Acts 14:19-28
13. Make observations for verses 19:23. What stands out and why?
Jews stoned Paul and supposed he was dead. He was dragged out of the city and left. He rose up when the disciples gathered around him, and entered back into the city until the next day when he went on to Derbe with Barnabas. Wow! Made many disciples in Derbe and went back to encourage the other 3 cities of new Christians, appointing elders through prayer and fasting. 

The sheer determination and courage to continue, despite persecution stands out to me.

 
14. Make observations for verses 24-28.
The amazing work done for the Lord continues in 4 more cities and then a respite in Antioch. It stands out to me that the disciples are in need of rest after their hard work and that they give God all the credit. 
15. What is your God shot for Acts 14.
The word of God must be preached despite persecution and those who are chosen will believe without argument. In addition, Christians are intended to support one another and especially the missionaries in their journeys, and give God credit for all He does. 

Friday: Tara Lee
16. What Tara and share what stands out and why.
I like how she brings out how the Jews are upset about the Gentiles and don’t get along as they don’t believe. I also like how she emphasizes the encouragement Paul gives believers and the doctrine of common grace. 

Saturday: Pray your Application
17. How might you apply this. Now pray for help here.
Lord, give me wisdom by your Holy Spirit as we witness to those around us and not rely on fine sounding arguments. Help me to be bold like Paul and always give you credit where it is due. Also, help me encourage other believers.