Acts
Picking up where Luke's Gospel ends, and again addressed to Theophilus, Acts opens with Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, then traces the message moving outward: from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and toward the ends of the earth. Peter leads at first; then Saul, once a persecutor, meets Jesus on the Damascus road and, known also as Paul, travels across the Mediterranean world. Watch for prayer before many turning points, the debate over welcoming non-Jews, and the passages told as “we.” The book ends with Paul in Rome, teaching openly. Read it slowly.
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Acts meditation prompts by chapter
- Acts 1: When Jesus was taken up, the disciples stood staring skyward until they were sent back to wait and pray together. What waiting is God asking of you now?
- Acts 2: At Pentecost the Spirit is poured out, and visitors from many lands hear God's deeds in their own languages. Ask the Spirit to fill you and speak to your heart.
- Acts 3: Hoping for a few coins, the lame man at the temple gate was given strong feet instead. Could God have more in mind than what you are asking?
- Acts 4: Threatened and released, the believers did not pray for safety but for courage to keep speaking. What would it mean to ask for boldness rather than an easier road?
- Acts 5: Ananias and Sapphira's story is hard to read; their wrong was pretending to give everything. Where do you want to seem more devoted than you are? Tell God the truth.
- Acts 6: When Greek-speaking widows were overlooked in the daily distribution, the apostles listened and chose seven to serve. Who around you is quietly being overlooked, and what could you do?
- Acts 7: As stones fell, Stephen saw heaven opened and prayed for those killing him. Whom do you find hardest to forgive? Ask for even a little of his spirit.
- Acts 8: On a desert road an Ethiopian official puzzling over Isaiah welcomed Philip into his chariot. Whom might God send to sit beside you with your questions?
- Acts 9: Ananias knew Saul's reputation, yet he went, laid hands on him, and called him brother. Is there someone God may be asking you to approach with that kindness?
- Acts 10: Peter's rooftop vision brought him to a Roman officer's home, where God was already at work. Whose door have you hesitated to enter? God may be there first.
- Acts 11: In Antioch Barnabas saw God's grace among newcomers and was glad, then went searching for Saul. Whom could you encourage or seek out today, when others have forgotten?
- Acts 12: While the church prayed for Peter, he stood knocking at their gate, and Rhoda in her joy forgot to open it. What are you praying for that you hardly expect?
- Acts 13: While the Antioch church worshiped and fasted, the Spirit set Barnabas and Saul apart for new work. In today's stillness, listen: is God setting anything apart in you?
- Acts 14: At Lystra Paul pointed the crowd to a God who gives rain, harvests, and gladness of heart. Look around you. Where has he left quiet witness of his kindness?
- Acts 15: Even Paul and Barnabas disagreed so sharply over John Mark that they parted ways. Bring God a relationship strained by disagreement, and ask for grace for both sides.
- Acts 16: Beaten and locked in stocks, Paul and Silas spent midnight in prayer and song. What song could you offer God from inside your own confinement?
- Acts 17: In Athens Paul told philosophers of a God not far from any of us, in whom we live and move. Breathe slowly, and notice that nearness where you are.
- Acts 18: Priscilla and Aquila heard the gifted Apollos and, rather than correcting him publicly, took him aside and explained the way more fully. Who needs your gentle, private help?
- Acts 19: In Ephesus new believers burned their costly books of magic in public. What do you still keep close that quietly competes with your trust in God? Consider letting it go.
- Acts 20: At Miletus Paul knelt and prayed with the elders, and they wept, knowing they would not see him again. Whose farewell still lives in you? Bring them to God.
- Acts 21: Paul's friends begged him not to go to Jerusalem, then fell silent and entrusted him to the Lord's will. Whom do you need to release into God's hands?
- Acts 22: Before an angry crowd Paul told his story: who he had been and how Jesus stopped him. How would you tell, in a few honest sentences, how God found you?
- Acts 23: The night after a bruising day before the council, the Lord stood beside Paul and told him to take courage. Picture him beside you now, whatever this day has held.
- Acts 24: When Paul spoke of justice, self-control, and judgment, Felix grew afraid and postponed the conversation for a more convenient time. What conversation with God have you been putting off?
- Acts 25: To Festus the whole case came down to one Jesus, who had died, whom Paul said was alive. Pause there. What difference does that claim make to your day?
- Acts 26: Chained before a king, Paul prayed that every listener might share his faith, though not his chains. Whom do you long to see find what you have found?
- Acts 27: After many days without sun or stars, Paul gave thanks for bread on the storm-tossed ship and urged everyone to eat. What small act of trust could steady you today?
- Acts 28: Acts ends mid-story, with Paul under guard in Rome yet welcoming all who came. The story continues in you. Whom might you welcome into it this week?