DAY 336: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – ACTS 19-20

November 30, 2024

ACTS 19-20
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DAY 336: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today, our journey through the book of Acts continues with Paul’s ongoing missionary work. 

Ask the Lord for His understanding of Acts 19-20. Read Acts 19-20.  Let’s journey!

The book of Acts, sometimes called Acts of the Apostles, picks up immediately after the end of the Gospel of Luke, which makes sense as the same man, Luke, authored both.  Luke, a doctor who traveled with the Apostle Paul, focuses on the continuing work of Jesus Christ.  Luke follows the beginnings of the early church, from the receiving of the Holy Spirit, to the first use of the word Christian, to the first church, to the first missionary journeys, and to the first disagreements within the church.  Through it all, however, the focus remains on Jesus Christ and fulfilling the commission He gave: to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Acts 19-20:  Paul continues his travels and arrives in Ephesus, where he met with some disciples who had been baptized by John but had not heard of the Holy Spirit.  Through them, we see the power of the Holy Spirit and why it is an important part of a believer’s life.  Paul expresses his desire to visit Rome.  Economic problems arise in Ephesus with the worshipers of Artemis.  Paul leaves Ephesus and travels throughout Macedonia before arriving in Greece, preaching wherever he goes.  Paul raises a man from the dead before continuing his travels, bypassing Asia in the hopes of being in Jerusalem for Pentecost.  Paul gives his final farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church.  Paul did not know exactly what his future held, but he knew that he would not be returning to them. (Acts 19:1-20:38) 

After concluding today’s reading, consider the following:  What happened in today’s reading?  What examples were given of fulfilling Jesus’ commission?  How are you fulfilling Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel?  Do you look for opportunities in your everyday life?  Do you hide your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ?

Godspeace!