-
Acts 23:1, NIV
Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brother, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” Acts 23:1, NIV Paul faced the Sanhedrin because people persecuted his faith. He tried to explain his story to them, but they won’t accept Paul’s message. So he was brought to the high priests for an interrogation. And even though people are trying to accuse Him, Paul remained faithful to God. In fact, He shared with them that he had fulfilled his duty to God in all good conscience. He didn’t have any guilt or hidden selfish motives. Paul sincerely served and loved Jesus. He continued…
-
Acts 22:14, NIV
“Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. Acts 22:14, NIV God chose Paul to know His will. Jesus selected Him among many people. And this is not because of the things that Paul did to God. In fact, he is one of those who persecuted Him, but despite His cruel acts, Jesus appointed Him to spread the gospel. You never really know whom God will use for the expansion of His Kingdom. He can choose anyone regardless of their past and sins. He is powerful enough to influence someone…
-
Acts 22:10, NIV
“‘What shall I do, Lord? I asked. ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ Acts 22: 10, NIV When Paul supernaturally encountered Jesus, he realized who he truly was. And that’s when he learned to submit to our Savior. He humbly asked Him about the things that He needed to do, and that’s when He was instructed to go to Damascus. There, he will know the purpose that Jesus had already orchestrated for him. You see, Paul used to persecute the followers of Jesus, but that doesn’t stop our Savior from using him for the…
-
Acts 22:7, NIV
I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ Acts 22:7, NIV This is what Jesus said to Saul (also known as Paul) when he supernaturally encountered Him in a place near Damascus. Before he was saved, Saul used to persecute the Christians in his days. He is one of those who arrested the men and women who were Jesus’ followers. This is the reason why Jesus asked Him this question, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ It was an overwhelming encounter for Paul because that’s when he realized who Jesus was. And the amazing part is even though…
-
Acts 21: 35-36, NIV
When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” Acts 21: 35-36, NIV This is what happened to Paul when He reached Jerusalem. The people persecuted Him and treated Him as if He was a sinner who did things against God’s will. He received harsh words. The crowd followed and kept shouting at him. Soldiers are carrying Him, and He has already experienced violence. Paul’s suffering is not easy. And the amazing thing about this is He knew all about these things. The Holy Spirit already informed Him…
-
Acts 21:13, NIV
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13, NIV People were weeping when they heard that Paul would go back to Jerusalem. But even if they don’t want Paul to go, he is so decided to proceed to His plans. In fact, He is willing to die in the name of our Lord Jesus. He is willing to sacrifice His life just to glorify our Savior. Paul already knew that following Him was not easy, but He took the risk and let go of…
-
Acts 20:35, NIV
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35, NIV The apostle Paul chose to work and supply his own needs while he was serving in a ministry. He stopped relying on people’s money. He showed them that it is more blessed to give than to receive. May this verse also remind us that we are not just blessed by what God gave us, but we feel more satisfied and fulfilled the moment we learn to release the blessings that…
-
Acts 20:28, NIV
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with His own blood. Acts 20:28, NIV This is what Paul said to the Ephesians leaders as he leaves them and go to another place to preach the gospel. He carefully reminded them to keep watch over themselves. He knows that things won’t be easy. Following Jesus will require sacrifices that will test and help your faith grow. That’s why, He is telling them to take good care of the flock that the Holy Spirit entrusted to them. Let this also be a…
-
Acts 20: 23-24, NIV
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20: 23-24, NIV Paul knew the hardships he would experience in every city he visited. But even if he was aware of the dangers that were waiting for him, Paul didn’t give up. He considered his life worth nothing to him. He focused on the purpose of God. He set His…
-
Acts 19:11, NIV
God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Acts 19:11, NIV Paul didn’t physically see Jesus. He experienced a supernatural encounter with Him, but unlike Peter, Paul wasn’t able to physically observe Jesus while He was here on earth. But even if that’s the case, God did extraordinary miracles through Him. Imagine, even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Him can already cure illnesses and cast away evil spirits. The Holy Spirit moved in His life. God was with Him, and He was working through His…
