Today we read Acts 1. A main point in this chapter is that God is preparing Peter for the unexpected news (from Peter’s point of view) that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for the whole world–not just for the Israelites /Jews. In other words, Jesus died for the sins of the whole world (John 3:16!) and wants everyone on the planet to believe in Him! Praise God that you are receiving this message today, wherever you might be!

Today we read Acts 9. This is a most interesting chapter because Jesus meets Saul, the evil persecutor of Christians about whom we read yesterday. As punishment for his evil deeds, Jesus blinds Saul for three days. In the meantime, Saul is sent to Damascus, where he is baptized. Saul now has the Holy Spirit in him, and he proclaims Jesus in the same synagogues in which he had once railed against them. Saul will later receive a new name–Paul–and will go on to write most of the New Testament. This conversion gives us hope that some of the greatest enemies of Christ today might yet be converted. Nothing is impossible for Jesus Christ!

Today we read Acts 8. This is a very important chapter: we learn of a violent Pharisee named Saul who persecutes the Christians (much like leaders in some Muslim countries persecute Christians today!). And we learn that the Holy Spirit sends the apostle Philip to meet a man from Ethiopia who needs to hear about Jesus and be baptized. God still sends His Holy Spirit (today sometimes using the Internet!) to reach out to His people whom He has chosen before the beginning of time to become His followers. How amazing!

Today we read Acts 7. Stephen is the first follower of Jesus to be martyred. But notice how Jesus comforts him (verse 56). Thank you, Jesus, that you comfort us too in the trials of life!