ACTS of the Apostles

Tuesday, May 17

ACTS of the Apostles

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 9:23-31

Focus Verse: Acts 9:31

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”

The lessons on being bold, daring and dynamic just keep going! As we’ve been learning over the past few weeks, God used BOLDNESS for Christ in amazing ways. Today we are going to continue learning from Saul (Paul), as his conversion is one of the most thrilling accounts in history. As a refresher, in Acts 9:1 he was a man “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples”. Then we find him preaching “in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (9:20). He was converted and made an apostle by Christ Himself.

Although Saul had been rejected and hated by the Jews and the Gentiles, don’t think that stopped him. Jesus, who commissioned him to be the apostle to the gentiles. gave him first hand revelations of truth and Saul was committed to spread the Good News, no matter what people said or thought about him! At first the disciples and people of the church were afraid of him (maybe because they were afraid that his new attitude and friendliness was a way to get into the church fellowship so he could have them arrested). These people did not believe he was a disciple. Saul was preaching boldly, and now he was the one being persecuted. We learned (in 9:27) that it was Barnabas who was able to come along and help the church accept him and embrace him as a true Christ follower. God sent him to as a helper at just the right time!

Because of all the boldness we see amazing things, just like what was happening with the church. It was actually being built up and multiplied, fulfilling Acts 1:8. Jesus prepared Saul with the power of the Holy Spirit and sent him out into the world. Like Saul, let’s not get discouraged with all that others say or do, but trust God for the “bigger picture.” God will bring it all together in His perfect timing.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for equipping us with your Holy Spirit….May we have the boldness, wisdom, desire and eyes to recognize the opportunities for sharing you and your goodness with others. Let us never miss out on the time we can tell others what you have done for us and what you can do for them. Please use us…all for your glory. Amen