Acts 27&28

Acts 27 is one big sea adventure. The thing that stuck out the most to me in this chapter is God's provision for Paul. He saved Paul's life, and comforted him with A visiting angel. Even though it must have been a terrible time of storms and hardship, God did not leave Paul alone to fend for himself, no, God provided every step of the way.

Acts 28:1-6 God provided once again with the snake. Paul had so many things he could testify about concerning God teaching him and providing for him!

Acts 28:7-10 a eucatastrophe! They were stuck on the island and many people were healed! god brought Paul this way for a purpose. 

Acts 28:11-16 once again notice God's provision for Paul!

Acts 28:17-30 once again Paul has an opportunity to share about what God has done for him and can testify. Notice that this time his testimony is different. Why do you think this is? 

Because this sums up the main thing God has been teaching me through reading acts I want to emphasize the last verse: "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:31

Acts 25&26

Acts 25:3 man these people really want this whol ambush idea to work out. Didn't they learn the first time that that technique is not gonna work. 

25:1-5 why do you think the Bible gives us a very specific time frame here? What do we learn from these details?

25:6-12 Gods plan for having Paul testify in Rome unfolds.

25:13-22 isn't it interesting to hear the story from Festus's point of view! 

25:23-26:31 So many times Paul is given the opportunity to share his testimony. It is repeated Many times within the book of Acts which marks its importance. 

26:32 If Paul had not appealed to Caesar he could have been set free. I wonder if he knew that. It was God's will for him to testify in Rome, and this line shows just how much of a sacrifice that was. 

Acts 23&24

Acts 23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin. This took great boldness and confidence. When you are caught, do you act so boldly? Paul was able to do so, because he was caught being submissive to God's plan for his life. Would you rather be caught because of following your own path, or because of following God's path for you?

23:2 once again notice Paul's boldness. 

23:6-8 there seems to always be great debates which tear the church apart. 

23:11 It is God's plan for paul to share his testimony. All our testimonies bring honor and Glory to God when they are told. 

23:12 Man the Jews back then were really violent. I suppose it is human nature, but still. 

23:16 God provided so that the plot to kill Paul would not succeed. There are no coincidences. It was not Paul's time to die so God led his sister's son to hear about the plot. 

23:17-35 the law seems to be really protective of Paul. The centurions do a lot to protect him and make sure his trial and treatment is fair, especially after they know he is a roman citizen. 

Acts 24 Throughout Paul's imprisonment he is given many opportunities to share his testimony and his beliefs. Isn't is so awesome how God turns catastrophes into eucatastrophes!

Acts 21&22

Acts 21:1-3 why do you think that an account of their path of travel of given in the Bible? What is important that we can glean from this information?

Acts 21:4 hold on, so Paul was compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, yet the disciples are through the spirit telling Paul not to go? What am I missing here? This seems like a contradiction but surly not. Does anyone else see what I am missing?

Acts 21:10-11 A prophecy. 

Acts 21: 1-16 no matter how many people tried to discourage Paul from going to Jerusalem. No matter how much he knew about what would become of him there, he still obeyed the spirit and continued onward. This must have taken great courage. How many people would it take to get you to turn back? Are you willing to go wherever God wants you to go, even if it is not going to be pleasant? 

Acts 21:17-20 when the brothers heard about what God had done among the Gentiles they Praised God! What is our reaction when we hear of God working? How deeply do we feel the awe at what He has done?

Acts 21:27 notice that many of the scenes in acts when someone is arrested it is because a few men have stirred up a crowd, and used mob mentality to their advantage. 

Acts 21:30-36 God helped get Paul away from the mob. He sent the commander to pluck him out of the mobs hands. Even it it was just to put him in chains, it saved his life for that day. 

Acts 21:37- Acts 22:21 Paul is able to share his testimony with the crowd. Think about what makes up his testimony. He tells of what his life before Christ was like, what brought about the change, and what his new mission is as a follower of the way. What would your testimony look like if it followed the same format. Didn't it take a lot of bravery for Paul to stand up and give his testimony to the same people who wanted him dead. This shows Paul's selflessness. He cares more about the message of Jesus getting out into the world than he cares about his own reputation or safety. 

Acts 22:22 the people were willing to listen to Paul until his testimony included something that they were uncomfortable with, and didn't like. They did not want the Gentiles to be included in the story, so they refused to allow that Paul could be telling the truth. Notice that they were perfectly willing to accept Paul's testimony until this last part. 

Acts 22:25-29 why does being a roman citizen get Paul out of being beaten? Does anyone know more about the laws of Rome concerning this during that time?

Acts 22:28 The note in my study bible was interesting, it explained what it meant by the commander having paid a big price for his roman citizenship. It says "There were three ways to obtain Roman citizenship: 1. Receive it as a reword for some outstanding service to Rome 2. Buy it at a considerable price 3. Be born into a family of roman citizens." 

Acts 22:29 was there some sort of punishment for those who put a roman citizen in chains without being first found guilty?

Update

This week I have been teaching at CYT's Summer Camp, "More than Meets the Eye" which was themed off "The Hobbit". Unfortunately, I did not continue my study in Acts while I was at camp. I was going to try to catch up, but instead I decided that I would just start back into it today, and finish the study this week so that I don't overwhelm myself doing it all at once. With this plan I feel like I will get more out of the study since I will be taking my time rather than rushing through it in one day. So, today I will be starting back into Acts with Acts 19&20!

Acts 19&20 Notes:

IActs 19:1-7 this talks about a second baptism after that of John's which was a baptism of repentance through water. This other baptism is a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Remember that speaking in tongues and prophesy are not the only things the spirit can allow a person to do. Think of the fruit of the spirit. When we are baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus, the spirit must plant the seeds of these fruits in us and they grow as we walk closer to Christ! 

Acts 19:8 Paul spoke BOLDLY and argued PERSUASIVELY! 

Acts 19:11 Notice, God did extraordinary miracles Through Paul. This sentence gives all the glory to God without giving any honor to Paul! 

Acts 19:13-16 You can't do things without the authority of God on your side. 

Acts 19:17 this makes the last note seem like a Eucatastrophe! It was a catastrophe to the man attacked by the possessed man, but there was a good twist because it caused the name of the Lord to be held in high honor in the land. 

Acts 19:23-29 notice Demetrius's motivation. Does our own success matter to us so much that we would do something like this? 

Acts 20:1&2 notice that Paul encourages others quite a lot. This seems to be one of the roles of the new testament believers. To encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ! 

Acts 20:7-12 wow, that sounds like one dramatic evening. The guy dies and is brought back to life. 

Acts 20:16 was there a specific reason that Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost? 

Acts 20:19-38 This passage gives us insight into Paul's motivations, and wished. In answer to why he wanted to go to Jerusalem, he was compelled by the spirit. 

Acts 17&18 Notes:

Acts 17:1-9 Paul reasoned with the people in the synagogue, trying to get them to see that Jesus was the Christ. Notice his methods, verses the methods the Jews used in rebuttal. What can we learn about how to handle conflict through this clear difference in methods?

Acts 17:10-15 Notice that the contrast is made once again, only this time many more Jews are on Paul's side. Notice what the bible says about those Jews, that they received the news with great eagerness, and examined the scriptures every day to see if Paul was speaking the truth! Isn't there so much we can learn from these Jew's example? They not only let their society dictate what they believed, and therefore limit God, but they decided to put all their hope on the word of God. Instead of just rejecting what Paul had to say because it did not measure up to the preconceived idea of what the savior would look like, they measured what Paul had to say using the Bible, the great book of direction.   

Acts 17:16-34 Paul was distressed when he saw all the idols. Do we become distressed when we see idols today? They are all around us, yet do we do anything as radical as Paul did and go preach against them? Do we try to help others learn about Christ? Look in these verses, only a few of the men that Paul preached to came to become followers. This is a realistic image, but it cannot discourage us. A lot of times, people may like what we say but have no motivation for action. This is like many of the people in Athens, they invited Paul to come back and speak again, but only a few of them actually wanted to do the work involved with following The Way. Don't let a lack of response from others discourage you from sharing the message of Christ; it sure didn't stop Paul. 

Acts 18:9-10 This reminds me of "Did you Hear" from "Around the World in 80 Days" at CYT. 

Acts 18:11-17 God is faithful in his promise of safety for Paul here, he is protected from being charged guilty in court. 

Acts 15&16 Notes:

Acts 15:1-21Paul and Barnabas heard news of the false teaching and instead of just complaining about it or ignoring it, they took action and confronted it so that it would not cause others to stumble. They didn't do it in a mean way either, they simply and calmly explained what God had taught them. 

Acts 15:5-11 This reminds me of the spiritual twist of Les Miserables. It shows the clear battle of the law verses grace. 

Acts 15:36-41 There were still sharp disagreements in the church even then. 

Acts 16:6-10 The spirit very clearly gave direction to Paul, making him unable to go places, and then he was instructed through a vision. 

Acts 16:16-24 Paul and Silas are put in prison because of a lie which the owners of the slave girl told because they were upset that because of Paul, the servant would not make them money fortune telling anymore. 

Acts 16:25-40 Look at how Paul and Silas react to being in prison. They sing hymns. That certainly is not the reaction you think of first when you hear about people in prison. Look how God uses their presence there for good! Isn't it amazing how God uses even things that would appear to be terrible, to work good!

Acts 13&14 Notes:

Acts 13:6 Man they sure end up meeting lots of sorcerers don't they. 

Acts 13:4 The Holy Spirit leads us today as well. He will tell us where to go based off of the talents He has given us! He is the planner, all we must do is listen and feel honored for being allowed to be a part of carrying out the plan!

Acts 13:6-12 The sorcerer had to suffer from blindness which is very similar to what Paul suffered through. It is not a coincidence that God uses Paul to administer this punishment. Paul had been through it, so he was probably very understanding of the situation. 

Acts 13:13-25 As I read this passage it struck me that Paul's style of speaking is very interesting. It is very focused on God, giving God the glory for everything in his speech. What if our everyday speech sounded like this? When I was at Liberty University yesterday, this same style of speech was used, it is often used at CYT as well. How would it change our lives if this became the normal way of speaking for us as individuals? 

Acts 13:38-39 Isn't it wonderful what He has done for us? No longer do we have to match up perfectly with the law, we have received His grace! (Sounds like the spiritual twist to Les Miserables to me!) 

Acts 14:1 In case you were wondering, like I was, Iconium is modern day Konya; it was an important crossroads and agricultural center in the central plain of the province of Galatia. 

Acts 14:1-7 No matter how many close calls with death these men experience, they still boldly proclaim the name of Christ! How would you react if you were almost killed because of something you said? Would you immedietly turn around and say it again, or would you shrink back into your shell?

Acts 14:8-20 Paul and Barnabas are greatly grieved when attention is turned to themselves for the miracle preformed. They wanted all the glory to go to God. Do we want the same thing? Even bette questions, do our lives show that we want the same thing? Also, Paul was stoned. That is by no means a pleasant experience, yet instead of running to hide, or trying to preach somewhere else, he goes back in to the same place where he was stoned. That was very brave. Would you be willing to go back to talk to people that left you on death's doorstep?

Acts 11&12 Notes

Acts 11:1-18 Peter has to explain his actions to the others. This shows that disagreement occurred even in the New Testament church. However, Peter kept cool, and did not get mad over it, he simply explained it just as God had explained it to him. So often we make arguments, and disagreements such a big deal. Maybe we should handle them a bit more like Peter did.
Acts 12:1-19 Another display of the great power of prayer in the New Testament church. Isn't it amazing how God provided for Peter in his time of need.
Acts 12:22-23 The punishment for not accepting Christ is very severe.

Acts 9&10

Acts 9:1-19 Saul's conversion is always amazing to read about! God was able to turn this man around from persecutor of The Way, to a follower of The Way! This section of verses reminds me of Genesius, and his story as well. Isn't it amazing how God uses the most unlikely of people to do His will?! Imagine the courage it took for Ananias to go to Saul.
Acts 9:20-31 Saul was very passionate after his conversion. He immediately risked his own life preaching in the name of Jesus. He did not lay back and be quiet about his faith, but was loud and insistent. He proclaimed the truth of Christ wherever he went. The disciples didn't believe Saul at first. Wouldn't it be really hard. But again this seems to be because the world teaches us fear. With God we are not given a spirit of fear. In His name we can go forth boldly and claim Christ as the savior of the world!
Acts 9:32-43 This first miracle Peter works he very clearly says that it is Jesus who does the healing. He does not even hint that any of the healing power comes from himself, but gives all the glory to God. The second miracle displays the power of prayer! Our God is quite amazing is he not!?!
Acts 10 I believe this chapter is hard to split up into smaller sections. It is an overall picture of God's love for each and every one of us, even those who appear to be lesser (the gentiles). We are all chosen by God and receive His spirit when we make our decision for Him. Isn't it so wonderful that He wants even us!!!

Acts 7&8 Notes

Acts 7:1-53 what is the significance of all the references which Stephen used in his answer to the high priest. Isn't it interesting that instead of trying to defend himself he makes a stand for Christ. He talks about what God has done throughout history, and never mentions himself even though we are told in the last chapter that the charges against him were made off of false witnesses. If someone said something untrue about you which would be your first reaction, to defend yourself and your innocence, or to tell the history of God?

Acts 7:54-60 Stephan's prayer as he is stones to death is very intense. He did not think I'll of those who wronged him, and even begged God to not hold that sin against them. Even under the influence of intense pain, this man is very spirit filled. 

Acts 8:1-3 This is our first glimpse into the life of Saul. This is the before picture in the befo and after sequence. 

Acts 8:4-8 Even as the church is being persecuted they teach the word. They do not shrink back and hide because of uncomfortable circumstances, but instead trust God completely, and are so in love with Him that they can't help but tell others about Him, even when it means endangering their own lives. 

Acts 8:9-25 What can we learn from Simon the sorcerer? His first attraction to faith was because of the miraculous signs the disciples were doing. Then he thought that money could buy Spirit. Do we ever make mistakes like Simon? If so let us repent and guard against such things. 

Acts 8:26-40 This passage show how God can work in the unexpected, and that His timing is perfect. Phillip trusted God to lead him to the eunuch, and God timed it perfectly to give Phillip the opportunity to share the good news with the man. Isn't God's timing so fantastic?!? In what ways could we trust God more because of what we have seen of His faithfulness and His perfect timing?

Acts 5&6 Notes

Acts 5:1-11 Ananias did not give everything to the cause of the church. He kept for himself and was selfish. It was this flaw in him that caused his death. If so severe a punishment played out today for this crime against God, how many of us would be alive? What are we holding back from giving to God?
Acts 5:12-16 The people around the early believers saw the power of God through these men. They even brought their sick to Peter, much like they did to Christ. It was not a secret that these men followed Christ. How many of your friends can say this for certain about you? Do those around you know that you are a Christian?
Acts 5:17-42 Look how God provided for the Apostles even when they were being persecuted. Also observe the attitude of these men. They were glad to be counted among those who suffer for Christ. Do we more often see that rejoicing in suffering spirit in our own lives, or do we simply resort to complaining about our situation.
Acts 6:1-7 The disciples once again are shown using much prayer to make a decision. They were devoted to spreading the message of Christ and made great effort to advance the case for Christ!
Acts 6:8-15 Nobody could stand up against Stephen because of his wisdom and the Holy Spirit by whom he spoke. Those who were against him had to resort to false witnesses to get him in trouble. Do we trust in the Spirit that dwells in us that much, do we daily seek the wisdom that only God can give?

Acts 3&4 Notes

Here are my notes from simply reading through Acts chapters three and four:
 3:1 They had a special time set aside for prayer (3 in the afternoon). What if we set aside a specific time each day to pray.
3:6-10 Peter did not have money to give to the crippled man which is what the crippled man was asking for, but he gave the man something so much more valuable. He gave him something that the man would not have even thought to ask for. How many times do we ask for something less that what God can grant us. We have such low expectations, but look here at Peter, he had very high expectations and trusted that in the name of Christ Jesus such a miracle could be achieved! What faith this man had! I think that much of this faith is missing in today's society.
3:12 Wow! Once again you can see Peter's faith and humility. And of course God's awesome power!
4:2 The Sadducees were disturbed by what Peter and the disciples were teaching. Whenever we take a stand for Christ then there will be people disturbed. The message of Christ is not comfortable, but challenging to the hearts of men. Taking a stand for Him is not going to be an easy task.
4:4 Despite the challenges Peter and John faced, and how they may have felt like failures for having been thrown in prison, they were far from it. The message which they preached was sown by the Spirit and the numbers of the church grew.
4:8-12 Peter was filled by the Holy Spirit. He did not have to worry about what to say in his time of need, for the Spirit provided him with words to defend his case for Christ. The defining part of these verses is that Peter was not relying upon his own strength to defend himself, but instead upon the strength of the Holy Spirit.
4:13-17 The men were amazed at Peter and John. They were unschooled men, and what they had done was beyond what anyone like them could ever have dreamed of doing. They were called to do what they alone could not do, but that through Christ, in His power, could be achieved. We are often called to things that we do not feel ready for, talented enough for, or simply are convinced that we will fail. It is in these situations that we must hand over the reigns to Christ, and let Him do His work in us. It is in these moments that we meet with real success because in our own power we are limited and frail, but in Him ALL things are possible. The people were not able to deny that what Peter and John had done was a miracle so in order to stop them they had to forbid them from doing things in the name of Jesus Christ.
4:18-22 Peter and John refuse to stay silent about their faith. It is so important to them that they do not care what trouble comes to them in their short lives on the earth, they only care that Christ's message is proclaimed to all the earth. How often to we think of preserving our own reputation above sharing our beliefs with others. Our hesitation to share Christ is another big difference between the church today and the church then.
4:23-31 Instead of simply disobeying their orders Peter and John went to their fellow believers and they prayed together. They prayed for strength, courage, and boldness to proclaim Christ to those around them. Instead of acting hastily their decision for Christ was made with great prayer, and they prayed with each other and for each other. The power of prayer in the early church is beginning to be a theme in this book. How can we include more prayer in our lives?
4:32 Once again the theme of unity is presented. Nothing belongs to one person, but as a family in Christ they are one.
4:33-36 The early church gave generously of all they had. Today we are so attached to our belongings. We would like to think that we would leave them behind if asked to, but we continue to cling to what is worldly and don't give generously to those more needy than ourselves around us. How can we be helping those around us who are in need?

Acts 1&2 Notes

Here are some of my thoughts from just reading through the passage:
1. In Acts 1:3 I wanted to point out the theme of the number 40. This number is used throughout the Bible, so I thought that its presence even here was very interesting. Does anyone have any idea to the importance behind the number forty and why it is repeated so often in the text?
2. Acts 1:7-8 brings up the idea that there are some things that mankind is not supposed to know about God's plan. We will never know the time, but should trust in the Holy Spirit and act as witnesses to to world so that we may share what He has done.
3. Acts 2:2 marks a turning point. The Holy Spirit comes upon them and works a change in them.
4. Acts 2:6 This shows the power of the Spirit. He brings many men together and unites them under one banner. Even to the point that men of different tongues can understand one another.
5. Acts 1:26 Matthias is chosen through very careful prayer, and seeking of God's will. (Ditto what Ashley said).
6. Acts 1:10-11 Are the two white robed men angels? Prophecy of the second coming? Jesus coming back the way He left?
7. Acts 2:11 This made me think of how we use our gifts. Without questions, without hesitation these men were using their gifts to glorify Christ. I think often today we hesitate and do not have that immediate reaction of wanting to share about God's greatness and His mighty works.
8. Acts 2:28 (And proceeding verses) Notice the giant change there has been in Peter now that the Holy Spirit is upon him. He used to deny Christ and get upset over Jesus questioning his love (John 21), and things like that but here he is quoting scriptures. He has grown up a lot spiritually.
9. Acts 1:14 The New Testament church sure had a devotion to prayer. This appears to be the first real big difference between the church today and the church then. They gathered together and DEVOTED themselves to prayer.
10. Acts 2:12-13 Contrasting views are present in these verses. There are always going to be two different views of boldness in Christ's name. There will be those that the Spirit moves to believe you and support your view, but there will also be those who think ill of you. (Amazed/Perplexed, vs. thinking you are a drunkard).
11. Acts 2:22 Defines this early church as witnesses of Jesus raised from the tomb. We too are witnesses of a sort. We witness God's power every day in our lives. His strength sustains us in hard times. We too could identify ourselves as witnesses to the wonderful and mighty power of God, our Creator.
12. What exactly is meant by chapter 2 verse 36?
13. Acts 2:38-19 These verses present a promise. We are promised the Holy Spirit. All who are called children of God are promised the Spirit, so that includes us. This is a promise that relates to our own lives. How have we received the Spirit. How have we seen the Spirit working in our lives?
14. 2:41 3,000 souls added. What rapid growth for the church then. How fast is the church spreading the news today? Are we as bold at proclaiming truth that numbers this large come to know Him in such a short time?
15. 2:42 Once again it is repeated that these people devoted themselves to prayer. The repetition surely emphasizes the idea of devotion to prayer, and therefore highlights its importance.
16. 2:43 "Awe came upon every soul" when was the last time you just stood in awe of Christ. I think often the fast pace of the society around us discourages us from thinking about how wonderful the God we serve is. If we simply took time each day to stank in awe of Him, and just empty ourselves of ourselves, and fill our minds with thoughts only of Him. When I read this phrase it struck me how little time we spend simply with out souls in awe of God. This I think is another big difference between the church today and the church then.
17. 2:44 "They had all things in common" when they gathered together as a people in awe of Christ they were united. This is unity at its finest. They had ALL things in common. When the members of the Church are completely focused on Christ our desires become more in line with Christ's desires. So therefore when those "senses are well atuned" then we become alike in what we wish for. UNITY!!
18. 2:45 They were selfless and sharing. No longer tied to the world, but storing up their treasure in heaven rather than on Earth.
19. 2:46 "Glad and generous hearts" This gladness can only mean Joy. Joy and contentment which can only be found in Christ. Their hearts were generous. How great of an example is this?!?
20. 2:47 The key here is that they were praising God. True praise. No focus on self, only Him, the one who truly matters!

Sorry that the first bit of this is out of order, but I was doing in the car. I just got home recently, and I found that my Ipad had mixed them up. It is so late/early that I decided it would be more valuable to simply finish them and type them up than try to sort through them. I'll have to do my devotional on these chapters later, but here are the notes from my read through of the chapter at least. Love you guys. Man Acts is convicting. :) These were too long to post in the comments so here you are.

A Study in Acts Intro

     The Christ Following Sisters group was created so that members could encourage each other towards Christ, and grow in their relationship with our savior. Recently, I have been drawn to one question: What does it really look like for a group of people to truly follow Christ? As Christians we are not left without an answer to this question. We are given a great book of direction, The Bible, and through it we can observe the new testament church and how it functioned. What drove it? What is different today? What is missing in today's church that was present then? We want to become like the new testament, with passion and zeal for following Christ. Our goal should be to become a microcosm of the early church. Together, let's find out what the early church was like through a study of the book of Acts. What do we need to do to become more like them? The plan is to read two chapters a day starting on June 15th. As you read, keep the questions above in mind. Anything you wish to discuss, comment on, share, or ask questions about as you read, post in the comments below.