In Acts 1 we have an unusual situation. The apostles have met and are deciding who should replace Judas, the betrayer of Jesus. Clearly, Jesus was the One who had chosen the 12. How should they choose a successor? They do two things: they pray and they cast lots. Hmm. In Proverbs 16:11 we read, … More Dice, prayer and missions
In Acts 1, Luke tells us that, ” In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” What commands did Jesus give right … More Commands, Power and Missions
Bob Deffinbaugh comments on the ending of the book of Acts: One final word about the supposedly “sudden and abrupt” ending of the Book of Acts. Many have noted the unusual ending of Acts. Some have explained this ending by suggesting that Luke intended to write yet another volume. I think that the ending of … More The Gospel-centeredness of Paul
Over the past year and a half, BASE Institute has been involved in painstaking research into Luke’s amazingly detailed account of Paul’s voyage and shipwreck off the coast of Malta, as recorded in Acts 27-28 From the very beginning, I have felt that with enough research, Biblical investigation, and on-site observation, we would stand a good … More Paul’s Miracle at Malta-Archeological Evidence
Bob Deffinbaugh (Bible.org) comments on Paul and the shipwreck of Acts 27: Two full weeks had passed, and the storm showed no sign of weakening. No one had seen the sun, the moon, or the stars for many days (verse 20). Since ancient sailors navigated by the heavens, this meant they had no idea … More God Loves Impossible Situations!
“For there stood by me this night the angel of God.” C.H. Spurgeon, from Morning and Evening: TEMPEST and long darkness, coupled with imminent risk of shipwreck, had brought the crew of the vessel into a sad case; one man alone among them remained perfectly calm, and by his word the rest were reassured. Paul … More Be of Good Cheer!
Bob Deffinbaugh describes it like this: Paul did not describe his conversion as some kind of evolution, but rather as a radical transformation, a change from darkness to light, from death to life, a change from persecuting Christianity to practicing and promoting it. He was actively opposing the church when Jesus stopped him dead in … More Paul’s Testimony Before Agrippa
In a message, “Christ’s Purpose in Evangelism,” Dr. John Piper said: When Jesus looked into the future and predicted what would happen to his disciples, he said something very sobering, but also very encouraging. He said (in Luke 21:12–13), They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues … More God’s Evangelistic Strategy
What stopped Agrippa short? Why did he only almost become a Christian? David Guzik of Calvary Bible Chapel in Siegen, Germany has a few thoughts: 1-. Why was Agrippa only almost persuaded? One answer is the person sitting next to him – Bernice. She was a sinful, immoral companion, and he may have rightly realized that becoming a Christian would mean … More Almost persuaded….
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 