S – Motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Tell these things to James and the brothers,” he said, and he left and went to another place

Acts 12:17 CSB

O – Commentary:

James” (literally “Jacob,” as with every use of “James” in the *New Testament) was a common Jewish name; this is not the James of 12:2, but the James of 15:13; 1 Corinthians 15:7 and Galatians 2:9. Jewish sources tell us that this James, Jesus’ younger brother, was highly reputed for his devoutness in Judaism (cf. Acts 21:18–20), and when he was later martyred some leading Jerusalemites protested his death (Josephus, Jewish Antiquities 20.200–203). He would thus be more safe from Agrippa, who catered to the conservative Jewish masses (12:1–3).

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – It puts another level of humanity on Jesus when we recognize that he had brothers and sisters.  Hard to imagine what that would be like to grow up with Jesus.  Not hard to imagine the pain and anguish of seeing him villified and crucified for his ministry.  Even as James continues as a leader in the church, seeing God’s hand work miracles would be so encouraging when dealing with the loss of a brother.

R – Heavenly Father, you are exalted above all.  Thank you for working for our good when we don’t see it.  You can do miracles in healing and delivering us from things that try to distract us from you. We invite your Holy Spirit to move powerfully today.

S – When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, ²⁴ for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord

Acts 11:23–24 CSB

O – Commentary:

Three things were said about Barnabas: he was a good man, he was full of the Holy Spirit, and he was full of faith (Stephen too was full of faith and the Holy Spirit; 6:5). Luke wrote this description of Barnabas after the confrontation between Paul and Barnabas, recorded in 15:39. Since Luke was Paul’s traveling companion, this statement about Barnabas must have been Paul’s assessment as well.

 “Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Barnabas was described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.  He wasn’t described as talented, gifted, attractional, or dynamic.  It is easy to get caught up in one’s outside appearance instead of their inside.  Barnabas ministered from a solid “inside” and large numbers of people came to know Christ.  Let’s focus on our inside and expect God to draw people to him through us.

R – Heavenly Father, we praise your Holy Name.  Continue to refine our hearts and character in you.  Let our faith be strong and our desire for your Holy Spirit to grow us.  Thank you for your love for us.

S – While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles

Acts 10:44–45 CSB

O – Commentary:

We here enter on an entirely new phase of the Christian Church, the “opening of the door of faith to the Gentiles”; in other words, the recognition of Gentile, on terms of perfect equality with Jewish, discipleship without the necessity of circumcision. Some beginnings appear to have been already made in this direction (see on Ac 11:20, 21); and Saul probably acted on this principle from the first, both in Arabia and in Syria and Cilicia. But had he been the prime mover in the admission of uncircumcised Gentiles into the Church, the Jewish party, who were never friendly to him, would have acquired such strength as to bring the Church to the verge of a disastrous schism. But on Peter, “the apostle” specially “of the circumcision,” was conferred the honor of initiating this great movement, as before of the first admission of Jewish believers. (See on Mt 16:19). After this, however, one who had already come upon the stage was to eclipse this “chiefest of the apostles.”

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

A – This was God’s plan all along.  He wanted all people to have access to a relationship with him.  All people would be in his church. It was like turning a big ship from the Old Testament beliefs to the New Testament understanding of relationship with God.  Jesus was the the sacrifice for our sins and the bridge from the Jewish nation to all mankind.  Peter was the ice breaker and Paul took it to another level.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Thank you for loving each of us so that all of us can have a relationship with you.  Empower us with the Holy Spirit so we can demonstrate your love to others.

S – Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Acts 9:13–16 CSB

O – Commentary:

the believers: Literally God’s holy people;…

9:15 Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles: In God’s plan for spreading the Good News, the Gentiles were the next step (see 1:8; cp. chs 10–11). Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was God’s choice to spearhead this expansive missionary effort to bring the Christian message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. The rest of Acts illustrates Saul’s (Paul’s) faithfulness in carrying out this divine commission (e.g., 26:19–23)

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – God chose the most vehement enemy and allowed him to become the most fervent follower of Christ.  If he can do that, we can love our enemies.  They may not become our “buddies,” but we can show they love that God shows us.  Also note, the courage that Ananais shows is amazing.  God will ask us to do stuff that is challenging and will cause fear to rise up.  When we know it is God, we don’t have to walk in fear.  We can be confident that he has a plan.

R – Heavenly Father, you are all knowing, present and powerful.  You have no limitations or restrictions in any of these.  Empower us today to walk with you in confidence, humility and peace.

S – Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture. 

³⁶ As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” ³⁸ So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him

Acts 8:35–38 CSB

O – Commentary:

There are some wadis near Gaza (wadis are dry creek beds that fill with water during the rainy season); because Jewish *baptism presupposed full immersion, this is no doubt what Luke intends here. As a eunuch (a designation highlighted by Luke five times), the official could not be a full *proselyte, hence would have been denied circumcision (Deut 23:1). Now, however, he expresses readiness to embrace baptism. As a God-fearer, the Ethiopian undoubtedly understands the usual Jewish view that full conversion includes baptism; in Jesus, he is welcomed fully into God’s people (cf. Is 56:3–5).

 The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – When I have read this story in the past, I focused on Phillip’s obedience and being transported elsewhere.  Today, I see joy!  The eunuch realized that he could now be “included.”  He believed on Jesus, was baptized and was able to fully worship with the body of Christ.  To move from the outskirts of religion into full relationship with God is amazing.  We must never take for granted the invitation the Lord gives us to know him daily.

R – Heavenly Father, we praise and exalt your name.  Thank you for taking us from distance into your presence.  Lord, we invite your Holy Spirit to move in us and for us to obey your will.  We want to know you more.

S – You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit. As your ancestors did, you do also.

Acts 7:51 CSB

O – Commentary:

“Stiff-necked” and “uncircumcised heart” are standard prophetic insults in the Old Testament; they appear together in Deuteronomy 10:16. Moses emphasized circumcision (7:8), but those who were spiritually uncircumcised were especially cut off from the covenant (e.g., Deut 10:16; 30:6). Stephen could hardly choose harsher words. His point is that his hearers, like their ancestors, reject God’s messengers; the *Holy Spirit was especially seen as the Spirit who had inspired the prophets 

 The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – We do not want to resist the Holy Spirit; we want to invite Him.  The Israelites had a history of opposing God’s will and relationship through its leaders and prophets.  We can do this as well.  By inviting the Holy Spirit into our days, it expresses an openness to God’s presence and power in our lives.  This invitation allows for obedience and faith to grow.

R – Heavenly Father, you worthy of all honor and praise.  We invite your Holy Spirit to be a part of our day.  Lead us into all truth and your will.  Give us your compassion and grace as we interact with others today.  Help us to see ourselves as you see us.

S – So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith

Acts 6:7 CSB

O – Commentary:

The result of the apostles’ wise handling of the issue was growth and increase in the number of believers, including many of the Jewish priests. • This is the first of three places in Acts where Luke notes that God’s message continued to spread (see also 12:24; 19:20). When real difficulties arose, God’s message could overcome the challenges posed by internal strife, idolatry, and paganism, and the result was growth in the community. Acts is the story of the “unhindered” message of Good News 

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – It is important to note the growth of the church came after challenge.  In this chapter, it was about the need for some to serve the widow.  The Twelve recognized their calling to preach.  In others choosing to serve, it resulted in growth overall.  There isn’t a lesser role in the church – it is about everyone serving in their area.  Stephen chose serving and yet was still described in the chapter as “

full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people” in verse 8.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy and worthy of all praise.  Thank you for the way you created each of us.  Don’t let us get distracted by our titles or areas of serving.  Keep us from comparison because that is not your heart.  Show us your pleasure in serving you with all of hearts.

S – So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.

Acts 5:38–39 CSB

O – Commentary:

Here is the conclusion and main thrust of Gamaliel’s speech. Seeing what would come of this movement would tell them if it were of human origin or from God. Interestingly this speech was, in one sense, an apologetic for the church of Jesus Christ given by a representative of the church’s enemies: to try to stop God’s work would be like fighting against God!

“Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – There are many ways to share the gospel.  That is why there are so many churches.  Different theologies produce different denominations.  The foundation must be that Jesus is the son of God, came in the form of a man, was crucified, and resurrected to sit on the right hand of the father.  The Bible is the inherent Word of God. When we differ on other aspects of the gospel, we need to be careful.  

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all.  Thank you for your love for us that meets us where we are at today.  We are grateful for all that Jesus did for us.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead us in our thoughts, words and actions today.

S – And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness…When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly

Acts 4:29, 31 CSB

O – “Boldness, boldly”- parrhēsia,  all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by impl. assurance:— confidence, × freely, × openly, × plainly

 The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).

A – We need to ask God for boldness.  Not so we can get in other’s faces to challenge them.  The disciples wanted boldness to help others see God in miracles and tangible expressions of his love.  We need that type of boldness that takes us out of our comfort zone and calls others into relationship with God.

R – Heavenly Father, you are God of all things.  Please deepen our boldness to proclaim your love for others in our words and actions.  Do not let us be intimidated by people or circumstances.  Help us to speak and live your word boldly.

S – By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in front of all of you. 

Acts 3:16 CSB

O – Commentary:

The crippled man’s healing came because of his faith in the name of Jesus. Faith was also evident in many of those whom Jesus healed (e.g., Mark 5:34; 10:52; Luke 17:19). In Bible times a person’s name represented him and his characteristics. In Acts, Luke spoke of “the name” (of Jesus) at least 33 times

“Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – We can also have faith in the name and the characteristics of Jesus.  In doing so, it is having faith in God because Jesus is the personification of him.  Peter continues to shift the religous paradigm from priests being the only ones with access to “God’s presence” to His presence being available to all.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Thank you that each of us have the opportunity for a personal relationship and access to you.  Please help us to grow our faith as we get to know you more.  We trust and believe in you.