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Reading Plan · Day 314

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Acts 7-9

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Previously · Day 313 · Acts 4-6

The previous day's reading covered Peter's and John's interaction with the religious leaders over their first healing, their second healing, being imprisoned, and their release. Also, the identification of seven ministers to take care of the physical needs of the people. One of these seven, Stephen, was falsely accused and brought to the religious leaders.

Day 314 Read

Where You Stopped

Acts 7

Commentary · verses 1-60

This chapter covered Stephen's defense against the false accusations by the religious leaders.

1And the high priest said, Are these things so?

2And he said, Brethren and fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

1Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

2And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Commentary · verses 1-2

Stephen began by speaking about Abraham.

3and said unto him, Get thee out of thy land, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee.

3And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

Commentary · verse 3

God's call to Abraham from Genesis 12.

4Then came he out of the land of the Chaldæans, and dwelt in Haran: and from thence, when his father was dead, God removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell: 5and he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: and he promised that he would give it to him in possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

4Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

5And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

Commentary · verses 4-5

The inheritance promised.

6And God spake on this wise, that his seed should sojourn in a strange land, and that they should bring them into bondage, and treat them ill, four hundred years.

6And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.

Commentary · verse 6

Four hundred years of bondage.

7And the nation to which they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.

7And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Commentary · verses 7-8

The Abrahamic Covenant from Genesis 17.

Commentary · verses 9-16

Verses 9-16: Joseph saving his family in Egypt beginning in Genesis 37.

9And the patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt: and God was with him, 10and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.

13And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s race became manifest unto Pharaoh.

14And Joseph sent, and called to him Jacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

15And Jacob went down into Egypt; and he died, himself and our fathers; 16and they were carried over unto Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in silver of the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

9And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

12But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

13And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

14Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

15So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

16And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

Commentary · verses 17-29

Verses 17-29: the history of Moses beginning with the Book of Exodus.

17But as the time of the promise drew nigh which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18till there arose another king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph.

19The same dealt craftily with our race, and ill-treated our fathers, that they should cast out their babes to the end they might not live.

20At which season Moses was born, and was exceeding fair; and he was nourished three months in his father’s house: 21and when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and he was mighty in his words and works.

23But when he was well-nigh forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

24And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, smiting the Egyptian: 25and he supposed that his brethren understood that God by his hand was giving them deliverance; but they understood not.

26And the day following he appeared unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

27But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

28Wouldest thou kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian yesterday?

29And Moses fled at this saying, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons.

17But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

18Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

19The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

20In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:

21And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

23And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

24And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

25For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

26And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

27But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

28Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

29Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

Commentary · verses 30-40

Verses 30-40: Moses leading the people out of Egypt - beginning in Exodus 13.

30And when forty years were fulfilled, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.

31And when Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold, there came a voice of the Lord, 32I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

33And the Lord said unto him, Loose the shoes from thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

34I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I am come down to deliver them: and now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

35This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? him hath God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush.

36This man led them forth, having wrought wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37This is that Moses, who said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me.

38This is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel that spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received living oracles to give unto us: 39to whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and turned back in their hearts unto Egypt, 40saying unto Aaron, Make us gods that shall go before us: for as for this Moses, who led us forth out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.

30And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

31When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,

32Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

33Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.

34I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

35This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

36He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

39To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

40Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Commentary · verses 41-50

Verses 41-50: the later history of Israel such as the Israelites' idolatry, the building of the temple, their captivity, etc.

41And they made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands.

42But God turned, and gave them up to serve the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, Did ye offer unto me slain beasts and sacrifices Forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?

43And ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of the god Rephan, The figures which ye made to worship them: And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

44Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, even as he appointed who spake unto Moses, that he should make it according to the figure that he had seen.

45Which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered on the possession of the nations, that God thrust out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 46who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob.

47But Solomon built him a house.

48Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in houses made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49The heaven is my throne, And the earth the footstool of my feet: What manner of house will ye build me? saith the Lord: Or what is the place of my rest?

50Did not my hand make all these things?

51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.

41And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

42Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

43Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

44Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

45Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

46Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

47But Solomon built him an house.

48Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

49Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

50Hath not my hand made all these things?

51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Commentary · verse 51

Stephen told them they resisted the Holy Spirit as their fathers did as a continuation of the history of God's people.

52Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? and they killed them that showed before of the coming of the Righteous One; of whom ye have now become betrayers and murderers; 53ye who received the law as it was ordained by angels, and kept it not.

52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

53Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Commentary · verses 52-53

Stephen called them the betrayers and murderers of Jesus. Stephen was very bold with his words.

54Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Commentary · verse 54

These comments that challenged the religious leaders' beliefs cut to their hearts so they gnashed at Stephen with their teeth.

55But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Commentary · verse 55

Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up and saw God's Glory and Jesus standing on God's right Hand.

56and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

57But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord;

56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Commentary · verses 56-57

They rushed upon Stephen "with one accord"...they were of one mind and one passion against Stephen.

58and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

Commentary · verse 58

Stephen was cast out of the city and stoned to death. Saul (Paul) was described as a young man and it seemed he watched after the stoners' coats. Saul (Paul) was present at the stoning of Stephen.

59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Commentary · verses 59-60

Stephen sounded very much like Christ by forgiving the very people who murdered him.

Where You Stopped

Acts 8

1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles.

1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Commentary · verse 1

Saul/Paul approved of Stephen's death. The religious leaders encouraged judgment on the Apostles. There was great persecution against the church in Jerusalem so that they were all scattered abroad, except for the Apostles.

2And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.

2And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

Commentary · verse 2

Great lamentation was made over Stephen. There was extreme mourning.

3But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison.

3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Commentary · verse 3

Saul/Paul "laid waste" the church. This has also been translated into the word "havock" which meant "to affix a stigma to, to dishonor, spot, defile, to treat shamefully or with injury, to ravage, devastate, ruin." He went to every house dragging men and women and putting them in prison.

4They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word.

4Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Commentary · verse 4

The persecution of the church actually helped spread the word abroad.

5And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ.

6And the multitudes gave heed with one accord unto the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which he did.

7For from many of those that had unclean spirits, they came out, crying with a loud voice: and many that were palsied, and that were lame, were healed.

8And there was much joy in that city.

5Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8And there was great joy in that city.

Commentary · verses 5-8

Philip in Samaria preached Christ and did miracles which caused great joy there.

9But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who beforetime in the city used sorcery, and amazed the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that power of God which is called Great.

11And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.

12But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13And Simon also himself believed: and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed.

9But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

10To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Commentary · verses 9-13

Simon, a sorcerer, believed also and continued with Philip.

14Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Commentary · verse 14

Peter and John were sent to Samaria. Notice, these two continued to minister together.

15who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: 16for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Commentary · verses 15-17

Doctrine: These men received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Remember, since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is upon all flesh. The Holy Spirit is in every believer. The baptism of the Holy Spirit comes by laying on of hands. The Samaritans were already believers because they had been baptized in the name of Jesus. However, by the laying on of hands they received the Holy Spirit. Remember, the Jews considered the Samaritans their enemies.

18Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.

18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Commentary · verses 18-19

Simon offered Peter and John money for the gift of the Holy Spirit. This was more than becoming a believer. These people produced miraculous evidence they had been baptized in the Holy Spirit, to the point Simon wanted to be able to do this.

20But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.

21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God.

22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee.

20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Commentary · verses 20-22

Peter told Simon his heart was not right with God and to repent. Every miracle in the Bible was done through a person who did not have a lot of money. Jesus even made it a prerequisite for the Disciples before they were sent out in Matthew 10:9-10.

23For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.

24And Simon answered and said, Pray ye for me to the Lord, that none of the things which ye have spoken come upon me.

25They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

26But an angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza: the same is desert.

23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Commentary · verses 23-26

Philip received guidance from the Spirit.

27And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship; 28and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Commentary · verses 27-28

Philip ran into an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the Book of Isaiah.

29And the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Commentary · verses 29-30

The Holy Spirit continued to give direction to Philip and Philip was obedient.

31And he said, How can I, except some one shall guide me? And he besought Philip to come up and sit with him.

31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Commentary · verse 31

The eunuch wanted guidance from Philip so that he could understand what he was reading.

32Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth: 33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: His generation who shall declare? For his life is taken from the earth.

32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

Commentary · verses 32-33

The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53:7.

34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other?

34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Commentary · verse 34

The eunuch wanted to know who this passage was about. He wanted the interpretation/understanding.

35And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Commentary · verse 35

Philip told the eunuch that the person he was reading about was Jesus Christ.

36And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Commentary · verses 36-38

The eunuch was converted and then baptized.

39And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing.

40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.

39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cesarea.

Commentary · verses 39-40

As they came out of the water, the Holy Spirit "caught away Philip." Philip was physically translated to a different place (Azotus). This was definitely a supernatural event.

Where You Stopped

Acts 9

1But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Commentary · verses 1-2

Saul went to the high priest and desired letters that would give him permission to bring any people of "the Way" (believers) in Damascus bound to Jerusalem.

3And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven:

3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

Commentary · verse 3

On his way to Damascus a light from heaven shone around him.

4and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Commentary · verse 4

Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice ask "why are you persecuting me?" The voice said "Saul" twice.

Doctrines on this passage

5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:

5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Commentary · verse 5

Saul said "Who art thou, Lord?" By saying Lord, it showed that Saul immediately recognized that this voice was coming from someone greater than him. The voice came from Jesus! Jesus answered, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:" The KJV included the statement: "it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." A "prick" was a stick that shepherds used to direct their sheep. Jesus had been directing Saul a certain way but Saul was "kicking against the pricks" or said another way "ignoring the direction that Jesus was giving him."

6but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Commentary · verse 6

Saul was trembling and asked what Jesus would have him do. Jesus told him to go to the city (Damascus) and it would be told to him what to do.

7And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man.

8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink.

7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Commentary · verses 7-9

Saul was blind for three days in which he neither ate nor drank.

10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth; 12and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.

10And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Commentary · verses 10-12

Ananias had a vision where Jesus told him to enquire of Saul who was also seeing a vision of Ananias who would put his hands on Saul so he would receive his sight. Try imagining what this must have been like for Ananias, this would be similar to Jesus telling a Jew in Nazi occupied Austria to go find Hitler and put your hands on him.

13But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.

13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Commentary · verses 13-14

Ananias told Jesus about Saul and how much evil he had done.

15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: 16for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Commentary · verses 15-16

Jesus said to go because Saul "is a chosen vessel" of Jesus'. Saul would proclaim Jesus' Name to the Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel. Saul would be shown the great things he must suffer for Christ's sake. Was Saul being shown these "things" while he was blind for three days? Regardless, do not lose sight of this statement from God: Saul was shown up front the things he would have to suffer. There was nothing pleasant about this experience for Saul. He was being broken mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically so that God would be able to work through him.

17And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Commentary · verse 17

Ananias was obedient and found Saul. Ananias called him "Brother" and told Saul that Jesus sent him so that Saul would receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

18And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;

18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Commentary · verse 18

Immediately scales fell from Saul's eyes and he received his sight and was baptized.

19and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.

20And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.

19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Commentary · verses 19-20

Immediately Saul went and preached Christ in the synagogue. Saul was a Pharisee. He would have been a Torah teacher and would have had the entire Torah memorized. Knowing Jesus was the Messiah would have enabled Saul to preach Jesus immediately because the Messiah was written about in the Torah.

21And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.

21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Commentary · verse 21

All those who saw him were amazed because they recognized that he was the great persecutor of the church.

22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

23And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him: 24but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night that they might kill him:

22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Commentary · verses 22-24

The Jews sought to kill Saul.

25but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.

25Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Commentary · verse 25

Saul already had disciples that took Saul and let him down the wall in a basket.

26And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

Commentary · verse 26

All the Disciples were still afraid of Saul.

27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Commentary · verse 27

Barnabas vouched for Saul.

28And he was with them going in and going out at Jerusalem, 29preaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him.

30And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Cæsarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

30Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Commentary · verses 28-30

The Grecian Jews also wanted to kill Saul because he challenged their beliefs. Tarsus was Saul's hometown.

31So the church throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

32And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda.

33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied.

34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.

35And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

32And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Commentary · verses 31-35

Peter healed a man with palsy. All those who saw this turned to the Lord. This miraculous healing led to people being converted.

36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, entreating him, Delay not to come on unto us.

39And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Commentary · verses 36-40

Tabitha was a woman who gave so much, the people wanted her raised from the dead. Notice, during this healing Peter did not say "in the name of Jesus Christ." He only said "Tabitha, arise." Like Jesus, Peter spoke a statement where the object of the healing was the subject of the statement.

41And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

42And it became known throughout all Joppa: and many believed on the Lord.

43And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Commentary · verses 41-43

Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead and many believed on the Lord. Again, the signs and wonders that happened through the Apostles caused people to be converted.

Commentary · verse 43

This day's reading covered Stephen's stoning and Saul's/Paul's conversion.

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