S – They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.

Acts 15:39 CSB

O – Commentary:

The argument became such a sharp disagreement (paroxysmos, “provoking, stirring up, arousing,” the root of the Eng. “paroxysm”) that they parted company. The Lord overruled in this dissension for through it two missionary journeys instead of one were formed—one to Cyprus with Barnabas and Mark, and the other to Syria and Cilicia and ultimately Europe with Paul and Silas. Probably both Paul and Barnabas were right in their assessments of Mark. It may have been too soon for Mark to venture out with such a pro-Gentile apostle as Paul, but Barnabas certainly and correctly saw good raw material in his cousin Mark (cf. Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Phile. 24; 1 Peter 5:13). Paul later spoke of Barnabas in positive terms (1 Cor. 9:6; Col. 4:10). The Apostle Paul owed much to Barnabas and it appears they remained friends despite their contention over Mark.

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

A – There were two disagreements in this chapter.  The first settled in the Jewish Council and with great results.  This one between two leaders and also great results.  Even though they went separate ways, there was positive dialogue about the other later in the Bible.  Disagreements are going to happen.  In both, there was healthy communication, disagreement and here is the key – ongoing relationship. That is how you stay in unity when you are on opposite sides of a conflict.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Holy and just.  Empower us to have healthy conflict with others.  We can disagree and still remain in relationship with others.  Even if boundaries need to be established, we can honor and value others in our relationships.

S – When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

 Acts 14:11–12 CSB

O – Commentary:

Zeus was the patron god of Lystra, and the city had a temple in his honor. They associated Barnabas with Zeus, perhaps because he was the more impressive figure, and Hermes was identified with Paul … since he was the chief speaker. The native people of Lystra thought that they were being treated to a divine visitation similar to a past mythological appearance cited by the poet Ovid (in which the gods Zeus and Hermes came to visit the area but were unrecognized except by an old couple; see Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.616–724). So the people set out to honor these supposed gods.

14:13–18 The apostles 

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Is it easier to give glory to God or find something more “tangible” to praise?  This isn’t isolated to just this story – we do it to.  “It was luck” or “what a coincidence” are simple explanations of something working for our good instead of recognizing who is orchestrating the good things in our lives.  Also, recognizing God eventually will call us to relationship.  It is easier to focus on other things than something that requires a commitment.

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all other things. Please empower us to recognize your hand in our lives.  The good and the bad is allowed by you.  We choose to praise and honor you and not other “gods.”  

S – But the Jews incited the prominent God-fearing women and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district.

Acts 13:50 CSB

O – Commentary:

Ancient sources report that many prominent women were interested in Judaism (partly because their wealth gave them leisure to consider it, partly because they, unlike men, did not have to face circumcision if they became serious about it, and partly because it did not diminish their status the way it diminished that of men); these women in turn could influence their powerful husbands. (Women appear on only forty percent of tomb inscriptions, yet they comprise fifty percent of proselytes and eighty percent of God-fearers.) Local aristocracies made up a fraction of the population but held great wealth and most of the political power; from them came decurions for the local councils, and their opposition could drive someone out of town. In Pisidian Antioch, these leaders would have been Roman citizens, descendants of the Roman veteran colonists who founded the city, who took great pride in their status. The two leading families of Antioch known to us were the Caristanii and relatives of Sergius Paulus. But the leaders’ authority was only local, and by going to Iconium Paul and Barnabas move out of their jurisdiction.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – The gospel is being shared to Jews and Gentiles.  When the crowds got so large, the leaders became jealous and insecure. It is interesting to see how they tried to quiet the voices of Barnabas and Paul.  They chose the most influential people (male and female) to “move them along.”  We need to pray for our leadership to know and be led by the Spirit of God.  We don’t want them to move it along; we want them to invite him in.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the King of Kings.  We thank you for those you put in leadership over us.  Whether we agree with everything they do is our responsibility.  We pray for them to know you personally and be led by the Holy Spirit in leading us.  May they clearly hear from you in each decision.  

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.