Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 6:8-15] Stephen Seized

St Stephen before the Council

Stephen Seized Acts 6:8-15 8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 6:1-7] Seven Chosen to Serve

Fresco of the Women, Catacombs of Priscilla

Seven Chosen to Serve Acts 6:1-7 6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 5:33-42] The Apostles Arrested and Freed Continued

Gamaliel the Elder, Jewish Encyclopedia

The Apostles Arrested and Freed Continued Acts 5:33-42 33 When they [the council] heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them [the apostles]. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.35  And … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 5:17-31] The Apostles Arrested and Freed

St. Peter Freed, by Matthias Preti, 1650

The Apostles Arrested and Freed Acts 5:17-31 17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 5:1-11] Ananias and Sapphira

The Death of Ananias, by Raphael

Ananias and Sapphira But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 5:12-16] Apostles Do Many Signs and Wonders

Apostles Do Many Signs and Wonders 12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,15 so … Read more