Acts 6: Will You Obey God’s Word?
Verse of the Day: (V7) “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
1. Widows (V1-4)
V1 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”
As a result of the murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, that their widows were neglected, the 12 apostles appointed 7 men or deacons to take care of the widows’ needs. They knew that they must continue in prayers and preaching of God’s word, while the deacons took care of the widows. Today, we have pastors who will continue in prayers and preaching of God’s word, while the deacons take care of the church administration.
V4 “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
2. Word (V5-8)
V5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:”
When the apostles appointed 7 deacons to take care of the widows’ needs, they had time to pray and preach God’s word, and many people in Jerusalem believed and received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, and the church grew in spirituality and number.
V7 “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
3. Witnesses (V9-15)
V9 “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
Though Stephen, one of the 7 deacons, obeyed God and His word, yet the false religious leaders purposely disputed with him, and even framed him. They were never for God and His word, but only for themselves. Hence when they realised that their so-called spiritual power and influence with the people had greatly declined, they plotted Stephen’s death.
V13 “And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always obey Your Word now and forever.
Verse of the Day: (V12) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
1. Saved (V1-12)
V10 “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.”
Peter boldly declared to the false religious leaders that only Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified, and whom God raised Him from the dead, could heal the impotent man. Jesus Christ not only healed the impotent man, but would one day save his soul from fiery hell to pearly heaven, because he believed that Jesus is truly the Son of God.
V12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
2. Servants (V13-33)
V29 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,”
Peter and John and the rest of Jesus’ servants or disciples became wise and bold, as they prayed and were filled with the Holy Ghost. They no longer feared the threats of the false religious leaders, and were determined to keep preaching God’s holy word to the people.
V31 “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.”
3. Sold (V34-37)
V34 “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,”
Jesus’ disciples were committed to loving one another, and those with properties sold them, and gave the proceeds to the apostles who distributed them to those in great need. Today, we may not sell our properties to give to the church, but we can give part of our income to those in great need, be they in our church or community, so as to be an effective witness of Jesus’ love that they may one day come to the saving grace of Jesus.
V35 “And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that only You can save me from fiery hell to pearly heaven.
Acts 5: Will You Obey God?
Verse of the Day: (V29) “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
1. The Price (V1-11)
V2 “And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Ananias and Sapphira his wife kept back part of the price of the land that they had promised to give to the church to help the poor and needy. They lied to God, and God spoke to apostle Peter who rebuked them for their lies and deceit, and both died before the church. Let us be honest and truthful, even though God may not take our lives, like the case of Ananias and Sapphira, but He shall surely discipline us for our lies and deceit.
V10 “Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.”
2. The Prison (V12-32)
V19 “But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,”
After the angel of God had miraculously opened the prison doors by night, and let Peter and the apostles out, they realised that God was indeed with them, and therefore, they must choose to obey God than man, and continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
V29 “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
3. The Pharisee (V33-42)
V34 “Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;”
God used a Pharisee named Gamaliel to refrain the people from arresting and casting Peter and the apostles into prison. Gamaliel explained to the people to let Peter and the apostles do their work in preaching God’s word, and if it was not God’s work, it would surely fail. However if it was indeed God’s work, it would be wise to leave them alone, because if they opposed their work, they were actually opposing and fighting against God.
V39 “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always be obedient to You and Your Word.
Acts 3: Who Kill The Prince Of Life?
Verse of the Day: (V15) “And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
1. Peter (V1-11)
V6 “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.”
Though Peter and John could not give financial help to the lame beggar, yet they healed him in the name of Jesus, and led him to believe in Jesus, and to receive the greatest and best gift of God’s salvation. This was why the lame beggar walked, leapt and praised God.
V8 “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”
2. Prince (V12-18)
V13 “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.”
Peter told the Jews that Jesus, whom they killed, had miraculously healed the lame beggar. Even though Pilate, the Roman governor, found Jesus innocent, yet the Jews, Jesus’ own race, wanted Him dead. In fact Jesus was crucified by every one of us because we have sinned against God, and Jesus was willing to die and pay the penalty of our sins. On the third day of Jesus’ death, He rose again, and His resurrection was witnessed by Peter and many of His disciples. This was why Jesus Christ was called the Prince of Life.
V15 “And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
3. Prophet (V19-26)
V22 “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.”
Peter revealed to the Jews that Jesus Christ, was not only the Prince of life, but He was also the Prophet of God. Whosoever shall hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Prophet, and repent his sins, and believe in Him, shall have everlasting life with Jesus in heaven. However the souls who reject Jesus’ words shall be condemned and destroyed forever.
V23 “And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for sending Your Son, the Prince of Life, to die for my sins.
Acts 2: Will You Call Upon The Lord?
Verse of the Day: (V21) “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
1. Call (V1-21)
V14 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:”
At the day of Pentecost many people from all over the world gathered at Jerusalem to worship the true and living God, Peter inspired by the Holy Ghost boldly preached to them that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved.
V21 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
2. Christ (V22-40)
V36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Peter preached to the people that Jesus whom the Jews crucified was both the Lord and Christ. He taught them that God shall forgive their sins, save their souls and bless them with the Holy Ghost, when they shall call upon Him, repent their sins, and be baptized in His name. Indeed, baptism is the first step of obedience of a Christian. Baptism is an act of identification with Jesus’ death and burial as the Christian immerses in water, and of Jesus’ resurrection as he is being raised from the water to become a new person in Christ.
V38 “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.”
3. Church (V41-47)
V42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
The first church started by Jesus with His apostles and disciples grew in numbers and holiness. God grew His church daily as the people steadfastly and faithfully studied and obeyed His Word, encouraged one another, observed the breaking of bread to remember Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and His return, and prayed for the salvation of souls.
V47 “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for saving my wretched soul as I call upon Your name.
Acts 1: Do You Have God’s Power?
Verse of the Day: (V8) “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.”
1. Power (V1-14)
V7 “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”
After His death and resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, and told them that they would never know the exact date and time of His return on earth. However, Jesus promised them that He shall send the Holy Ghost to indwell in their hearts so that they shall have His power to be witnesses for Him to preach His Gospel of love, death, burial, resurrection and return, in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and the regions beyond.
V8 “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.”
2. Peter (V15-23)
V15 “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
God convicted Peter, the apostle who denied Jesus three times, to be the leader of Jesus’ disciples as Peter led them in choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Though both Peter and Judas failed Jesus, yet only Peter truly repented of his sins, while Judas did not repent of his sins but instead he hanged himself out of guilt.
V16 “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.”
3. Prayed (V24-26)
V24 “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,”
Jesus’ disciples appointed Matthias to succeed Judas Iscariot after much prayer. They knew that only God could show them the replacement for Judas. Indeed, let us pray to God and wait upon His answer, as only He knows the heart of man and the issue of life.
V26 “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I have Your power to preach and share Your Word.
John 18: Who Did Jesus Die For?
Verse of the Day: (V14) “Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.”
1. Die (V1-14)
V11 “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”
Jesus said to His disciple, Peter, to put away his sword. Jesus was ready to drink of the cup of crucifixion, and hence fulfilled His Father’s mission that He must die for the sins of the whole world. Even Caiaphas, the high priest, and the rest of the religious leaders, were plotting for Jesus’ death as they feared Jesus’ great influence over the people.
V14 “Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.”
2. Denied (V15-27)
V17 “Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.”
Though Peter declared that he would give his life for Jesus, yet when Jesus was betrayed and arrested, Peter denied Him three times before the people. However, this was the fulfilment of Jesus’ prophecy that the cock immediately crew upon Peter’s third denial.
V27 “Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.”
3. Delivered (V28-40)
V35 “Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?”
The chief priests and the religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus because their influence over the people had declined while that of Jesus had increased. However, they knew that they could not kill Jesus as He was well respected by the Jews. Hence they delivered Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor who had great military power over Israel at that time, to destroy Jesus. However, Pilate could not find any fault in Jesus, and hence he decided to deliver Jesus back to the Jews themselves. The Jews led by the religious leaders chose to crucify Jesus, instead of Barabbas, a robber. Jesus knew that His kingdom was not this world, but the kingdom of heaven, and that He must die for the sins of the whole world.
V36 “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Jesus died for my sins so that I may live for Him.
John 21: Do You Have Everything?
Verse of the Day: (V3) “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”
1. Fishing (V1-14)
V3 “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”
The disciples went fishing to support themselves. However, they caught nothing as they had forsaken Jesus. Only when Jesus commanded them to cast their net, did they catch a multitude of fishes. Indeed, Jesus is our Everything, and without Him we have nothing.
V6 “And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”
2. Feed (V15-17)
V15 “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.”
After Jesus’ resurrection, His command to Peter was to feed the people with His Word in order for them to strengthen their faith in God. Indeed we need God’s Word to strengthen our faith, and to grow in grace and in knowledge in the midst of trouble and temptation.
V17 “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
3. Follow (V18-25)
V18 “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkest whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.”
Jesus commanded Peter to follow Him and preach His Word, even in the face of great opposition, suffering and death, because only He could give him life eternal in heaven.
V19 “This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I have everything as You are my Everything.
John 20: Do You Know The Risen Saviour?
Verse of the Day: (V9) “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”
1. Sepulchre (V1-18)
V9 “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”
The first person whom Jesus met upon His resurrection from the sepulchre was Mary Magdalene. Mary had strong faith in Jesus because He had cast out seven demons from her body. Though Mary wept as she could not find Jesus’ body, yet when she saw Jesus, she remembered what He had taught her concerning His death, burial and resurrection.
V11 “But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,”
2. Sins (V19-25)
V22 “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:”
After Jesus’ resurrection, He told His disciples that the Holy Ghost shall dwell in their hearts. The Holy Ghost shall dwell in the believers’ hearts and teach us to forgive others who have sinned against us, because Jesus has also forgiven our sins. However, Jesus will not forgive our sins, if we refuse to forgive others. Let us submit to the Holy Ghost who shall teach us God’s Word, and show us how to live a holy life before a holy God.
V23 “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
3. Seen (V26-31)
V27 “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”
Jesus told doubting Thomas to feel a hole in His side so as to prove to him that He was Jesus, his Master, who had risen from the dead. The Roman soldiers had pierced Jesus’ side with a spear leaving a hole that finally convinced Thomas that He was Jesus. Jesus then told Thomas how blessed are those who believed in Him, even though they did not see or touch Him. Jesus was referring to you and me who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, even though we have not seen or touch Him. Indeed, let us love and serve our living Saviour, who died for our sins and on the third day He rose again conquering death.
V29 “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, I believe that Jesus is my living Saviour who died and rose again.
John 19: Will You Finish Your Race?
Verse of the Day: (V30) “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
1. Fault (V1-18)
V6 “When the chief priests therefore and others saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.”
Though Jesus came to this earth to love and forgive, the chief priests hated him and wanted him dead. They went to Pilate, the Roman governor, and expected him to charge and crucify Jesus. Pilate left the decision to them, as he found no fault in Jesus. They then chose to crucify Jesus, and acknowledged Caesar, the Roman emperor as their King.
V15 “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.”
2. Finished (V19-30)
V19 “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Though Pilate was not a Jew, yet by God’s grace, he wrote a title, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS, which truly described Jesus. Jesus was not only their King, but the King of kings and the Lord of lords, yet He was willing to die for the sins of the world. Therefore when Jesus said, It is finished, He had indeed sacrificed His life for the world, and finished the race that His Father, had commanded Him to run.
V30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
3. Fulfilled (V31-42)
V33 “But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:”
It was the duty of the Roman soldiers to break the legs of those whom they crucified to ensure that they were dead before taking their bodies from the cross and cast them away. However, when they went to Jesus, He was already dead. Hence the soldiers did not break Jesus’ bones, and thus fulfilled the prophecy that not a bone of Jesus was broken.
V36 “For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to finish my Christian race with joy and victory.
