Acts - Week 28

Week 28 Acts 8, 9 

Day 1 

READ 

Acts 8:35 

35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. 

This verse reveals a principle for witnessing. The eunuch was reading a portion of Isaiah and asked Philip if the writer was talking about himself or someone else. Notice what Philip did. He began at the point the eunuch asked about. This allowed Philip to tell how this passage in Isaiah would be fulfilled in the Messiah. Even though the eunuch had been to Jerusalem to worship apparently he did not know about the Messiah who was rejected by the nation, crucified, buried and rose from the dead. 

REFLECT 

The next time you are given opportunity to explain something from the Scripture be sure to begin at the point of the questioner’s interest.  

RESPOND 

With your disciple, talk about the need to be ready to give a witness about Jesus. Read 1 Peter 3:15 for the guidelines it suggests. 

Day 2 

READ 

Acts 8:36-38 

36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 

After believing in Jesus the eunuch asked about baptism. This act would show others he was identifying with Jesus and His followers. You will observe that verse 37 is missing. This is because it was not found in the early manuscripts but added later in some others. The disputed verse says, “You can,” Philip answered, “if you believe with all your heart.” And the eunuch replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” This is not contrary to the rest of the Scriptures. 

REFLECT 

Trusting in Jesus for salvation is an inward act. Baptism is an outward act to show others you are a believer in Jesus and identify with Him and His followers. Have you been baptized? 

RESPOND 

Baptism is part of the Great Commission. Read Matthew 28:18-20 that gives Jesus’ instructions about what Christ-followers are to do. 

Day 3 

READ 

Acts 8:39-40 

39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea. 

After he came up out of the water after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip was supernaturally taken away. The eunuch never saw him again but went away rejoicing. The new believer was left for the Holy Spirit to work in his life. Philip preached the gospel everywhere he could as he worked his way to Caesarea on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean. This is an example of proclaiming the gospel wherever the believer goes. 

REFLECT 

Do you see changing locations as another opportunity to proclaim the gospel? People need the gospel wherever you are. 

RESPOND 

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-2 to see what Paul said about the need to be ready to proclaim the gospel at all times.  

Day 4 

READ 

Acts 9:1-2 

9 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 

The book of Acts now shifts from Peter being the main character to Saul who will become the apostle Paul. Saul was a devout Jewish Pharisee and wanted to persecute—and even kill—Christ-followers. Saul wanted to persecute those representing “the Way,” an expression found only in Acts. This reveals Christ-followers were telling about Jesus the Messiah being “the Way” to become right with God.  

REFLECT 

Is it prominent in your mind that Jesus is the only true “Way” to God? 

RESPOND 

Read John 14:1-6 to see how Jesus explained the only way to God. 

Day 5 

READ 

Acts 9:3-4 

3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 

As Saul was nearing Damascus a bright light from heaven disabled him for he fell to the ground. He heard a voice speaking to him and calling his name. Although Saul was persecuting those who believe in Jesus as “the Way” of salvation, he was now being told he was really persecuting Jesus. This reveals Jesus knows the name of each unbeliever and considers anything unbelievers do to harm Christ-followers is really directed against Him.  

REFLECT 

Is it comforting to you to realize that Jesus considers any spiritual abuse you are receiving is really directed at Him? 

RESPOND 

See what Saul/Paul later wrote the Philippian believers in Philippians 1:28-30. As a believer, he considered it a privilege to suffer for Jesus.