Devotions from the Book of Acts

The “What” about the gospel is highlighted in the Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18. The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. The Lord knows that the world around us is hopeless, perverted, poor, full of bad/discouraging news, has many who are bound and others blinded by either the cares or the pleasures of this earth. That is why He is sending us with the gospel to the nations which is composed of:

Good news: This gives hope to a hopeless generation, encouragement to those discouraged, love to those who feel hated and comfort to those who feel low and abandoned. We are tasked to ensure the world around us is hopeful.

Healing: For the many who are sick and in pain both physically, emotionally psychologically and mentally, the gospel presents the assurance of healing. We are therefore to go out there and present Jesus the healer of all conditions that are ailing individuals, our families and the society at large. Acts 3:6, Acts 9:32-35; Acts 9:36 – 42.

Freedom: Many people in the world are in different kinds of prisons that need the power in the word of God to liberate them and make them see the freedom accorded us by Christ upon His death on the cross. Symbolic of the break outs by some of the apostles from physical prisons and the converts too. Acts 16:16-18; Acts 5:17-42, Acts 4:1-3. We have an opportunity to present this freedom to the world out there.

Vision: Many have been blinded and need the light in the truth of the gospel to be presented to them so that they may stop groping in darkness without direction. The gospel provides guidance on issues that would not be clear.

We witness the apostles throughout the chapters of the book of Acts carrying out the mandate of spreading this gospel to all nations as assigned. It is so clear that this is what they were set to do; spread the message of hope to all nations.

A challenge to us now is, What message are we spreading? What message are the people we speak to/interact with getting from us? Do we leave them better that when we met?

Prayer Point:

• Pray that God will help us to spread the true gospel and bring hope to everyone we encounter.
• Ask for wisdom to handle the assignment of evangelism as per the commission by Christ.

At the start of the ministry of the apostles, Jesus charged them to wait in Jerusalem for the power to be witnesses Acts 1:4-5 ……. “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with a water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”…… Acts 1:8 8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

A witness could be defined as a person who sees an event as it occurs, evidence /proof of something or having knowledge of something. In the context of this study, the apostles were supposed to give an account of who Jesus is and what He came for. This message in the gospel is designated for all and is available to anyone who believes and is ready to receive salvation. Jesus is relying on us to take this message out there.

How do we achieve this objective?

• Being models to the world around us.

Right from the beginning, Jesus modelled a lot for the disciples so that from what He did, the disciples would get their assignment and run with it. Examples of the places in which He modelled for them include His dependence on the Holy Spirit. Reason why he instructed them not to leave Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4. He modelled the centrality of Prayer in life and ministry hence he would pray always to show the disciple that if they had to succeed in ministry, then they had to be men of prayer. He also modelled the importance of obedience to the will of God for ministry, and the constant dependence on the word of God.

In the book of Acts, the world around the disciples saw what they were doing, and what was happening in their lives and got convicted to follow Jesus’ teachings.  Acts 2:37; Acts 17:4; Acts 13:13; Acts 17:12; Acts 17:34; Acts 3:13. Can our lives give a testimony of the Jesus in us? Do our family members, colleagues, employees know we are born again? Let us model Christ.

• Sharing the Word of God

The disciples took time to expound the scriptures/word of God to the crowds to convince them of the saving grace of Jesus. This was the basis of the growth of the early church as we witness many believing in Jesus out of what they are told. It calls for authority and boldness to stand and share the word even to places we are not popular. Acts 2:14-42; Acts 3:12-25; Acts 4:8-13; Acts 7:2. Romans 10:14- poses a challenge to us, ‘How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And

how can they hear without someone preaching to them?’ Will you share?

• Manifesting the Power of the Holy Spirit

The apostles were backed in a great way by the manifestation of signs, miracles and wonders. Right from the onset when the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in other tongues, which were actual languages that they had not learnt, but spoke under the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit. This was a great wonder that caused many who knew them before to believe that they were indeed witnessing for Christ. There were other miraculous signs like prison breaks, supernatural healings, unique boldness and articulation of the word of God which made many to believe and be added to the early church. Acts 9:36-43; Acts 3:1-10; Acts 14:18; Acts 19:12; Acts 20:10-12; Acts 5:15-16, Acts 16:25-26; Acts 13:8-11; Acts 4:31

• Explaining/handling some of the controversial concepts

There were some concepts about salvation that were not clear to those who may have wanted to believe, but were in doubt because of lack of clarity. Luke brings us to a point where the apostles would take time to clarify controversial matters to the masses so that all would be clear and none would be hindered in believing in Christ. Examples are: How the apostles handled matters to do with circumcision – Acts 15:7-33, issues around clean and unclean foods –Acts 10:12-15, complaints about distribution of food to the widows – Acts 6:1-7 etc. Wisdom was required in such instances to ensure that no one is lost because of such matters. We need to ask for this wisdom so that any time we are in our ‘Go Ye’ mission, no group would be left out. James 1:5

• Appealing to History

This is the use of past experiences to demonstrate the power of God to save, explaining to the masses about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ, reference to scriptures both from the old and new testament, were some of the instances we saw the apostles refer to past experiences in their bid to ensure they authenticate the message of salvation. Acts 1:15-22; Acts 2:15-41; Acts 3:12-26;  We can use this concept to show the world that he Christ who healed then still heals today, still delivers, still saves, still resurrects etc.

• Use of personal experiences

Paul’s experiences on the road to Damascus gave him a good platform to appeal to masses to believe in the power of Jesus Acts 9. Whatever God takes us through in this life friends is not for us. The experiences are best to help us witness to others who would be going through similar or same situations that there is a God who is able to deliver us. Just like the apostles, we can utilize what we have gone through to show forth God’s power. Has He healed you? Give that testimony. Has He come through for you in your difficult moment? Encourage another soul going through the same. Did he perform a miracle in your life…share that experience.

In conclusion, as believers in our time, we have a variety of ways in which we can witness for Christ. It is upon us to find the most appropriate method for the contexts in which we are in to talk about Jesus and His saving Grace.

Prayer:

• That God will empower us for ministry in the spaces that he places us.
• Pray that God will fill you with the Power of the Holy Spirit so that you can effectively go to all nations with the good news.

In the Great Commission, the apostles were charged to go and preach the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the world. At first they did not understand the magnitude of this assignment. They might have thought that they will only minister to their likes. No wonder we witness instances in the book of Acts where they were amazed when certain groups of people received salvation. Earlier on we see the disciples of Jesus amazed that He was interacting with ‘a woman’ and not just any other woman, but a Samaritan woman. Other groups of people included ‘sinners’, tax collectors……

As we interact with the book of Acts, we note that the apostles were commanded to preach the gospel to Samaritans, gentiles, and any other people of the world. All who believed were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 the Samaritans, who were known to have corrupted religious inclination, received Christ and were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:3ff – Crowds with mixed origins all accepted Christ. Acts 10:44-47 – Gentiles, who were believed to be outside God’s covenant, received Christ in large numbers and were baptized. Acts 19:1-6 – In Asia Minor, the disciples of John who repented were baptized and received the Holy Spirit. Acts 28:17-28 – Paul preached to the Jews and Gentiles.

This same call is extended to us to impartially reach out to everyone regardless of our prejudices, backgrounds, status in society (political, social, and economic), beliefs and thoughts towards them. We need to break ranks and reach out to Politicians, Corporates, CEOs and Managers of Companies, Security guards/officers, Muslims, Hindus, house-girls/servants, etc.

We should know that God does not show partiality in extending His mercy to human kind, but accepts all who believe on Him, confess and accept him as Lord and Saviour.

Go ye therefore to the whole world!!

Prayer:

• Ask God to help you overcome prejudices against people of different inclinations (religion, tribes, and political ties, less privileged) in the society and give you the Grace to reach out to them.
• Pray that God will give the church the boldness to witness.
• Pray for the restoration of the fire of evangelism in the Body of Christ.

In so many ways we constrain ourselves to certain settings where we feel we are more free and comfortable to share the word of God. We classify some places as no-go-zones when it comes to the spread of the gospel. This therefore hinders the penetration of the gospel to the ‘whole world’.

We learn from the apostles in the book of Acts that whichever place they found themselves in or were thrust by the prevailing powers, that was the right place for His word to be preached. Examples of the places the Apostles preached are:

In Synagogues – Whenever Christians were gathered there were unbelievers who came to witness the happenings in these places, which gave them an opportunity to witness for Christ. Acts 3:3-12;Acts 13:14-52; Acts 17:2; Acts 19:8; Acts 17:1-21. In our context, church gatherings would present us the best opportunity to ensure the unadulterated word of God is preached.

In Public places – crowds would gather in the cities hence presenting the apostles with opportunities to share the Good News. How many times have we found ourselves in large gatherings? When is the last time we organized for crusades? Have we been presented with opportunities to speak before masses? How did we utilize these chances?

Before Councils – the apostle faced so many arrests during their ministry, with which they appeared before councils to argue their case. We see them using all these opportunities to let the powers that be know about Jesus. Would we be bold enough to do the same? Before those interview panels, could we take few minutes to testify about Christ in our introductions? How about those board meetings? Staff meetings? Parties?

Through debates: Acts 28:16-28 – There were times the apostle had to initiate discussions with those who were of a contrary view of the Gospel and take time to speak about the Kingdom. Acts 19:9-20 Paul took his disciples and held daily discussions in the Hall of Tyrannus. About two million people (pagan unbelievers) heard the word of the Lord.

In Prisons – every time they were thrown into jail, the occupants would witness the supernatural power of God by their witness to them. We may or may not be thrown to physical prisons, may be our prison is a sick bed, a new country you have been posted for work, a family you are married to that are not so appreciative of you, a school etc….how do you utilize this opportunity to share the word of God?

In households: people gathered in houses where the apostle were invited received Christ and were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 20:20; Acts 10 -11:1 – 18; they invited people to their homes and preached to them – Acts 28:30-31; Acts 16:31-32; Acts 18:8 – Crispus the ruler of the Synagogue believed in the Lord together with his entire household; Acts 10:2, 44-48.

To Individuals : Person to person evangelism where we reach out to individuals that we interact with in our day-to-day lives. Does your house-girl know God? How about the guard you pass every day? And your boss? The employee you meet everyday? Your colleague? The apostles took time to preach to individuals including rulers and kings. Acts 26:1-32 – Paul and King Agrippa & his wife Bernice; Acts 16:25-40 – Paul and Silas to the Philippian jailer; Acts 24:1-26- Paul to Felix and his wife Drusilla.

We are called to use every opportunity we have, everywhere we go, to share about Christ to all.

Go ye!!

Prayer:

• Pray that God will give us boldness to approach everyone we meet and share the gospel.
• Pray for all those in your household that they will receive Christ
• Pray that the gospel of Christ will be available to our rulers and that God will break their hearts and make them receptive of the word of God, leading them to salvation.

The last bit of our focus in this study will be the ‘When’ of evangelism.  We are alive to the fact that at any time of the day, week, year, decade, millennium etc., there is a soul that needs to be reached with the gospel. II Timothy 4:1-2 says: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” The call to us therefore is to ensure that in all seasons of our lives, at all times, in all circumstances, we avail the gospel to those around is.

As we focus on the Book of Acts, we shall focus on some of the seasons that the apostles modelled for us to ensure we reach out.

• In Lack

Acts 3:6 Peter and John could not offer alms to the beggar at the Beautiful gate. This could not deter them from sharing hope to the beggar. They offered what could not be purchased using silver and gold, what had been given to them freely (Matthew 10:8), which in turn changed the life of this man completely, and by extension, many in this city received Christ. Freely have we been given, let us share freely.

• In Prison

We may be in spaces where we feel constrained to the point that we cannot freely witness. Ours may not necessarily be the physical Prisons/jails. The apostle teach us that we can proclaim by our mouths that Jesus is Lord even when we are bound. The gospel cannot be contained by chains/captivity. Acts 16:16-40; Acts 5:17-42; Acts 4:1-20; Acts 6:6-15; Acts 18:12-17; Acts 19:24-41; Acts 21:27; Acts 26:32. Are you working in an office where you are restricted to talk matters religion? Are you in a profession that has zero tolerance to discussions about Christ? Or maybe your business is fully secular and you are afraid of how your customers would behave if you introduced Christ to them. Jehovah give you the grace to freely share the message of hope.

• During Opposition

There is no better illustration of opposition to the spread of the gospel as that done by Luke in the book of Acts. Despite the good deeds done by the apostles, great opposition would arise leading to aggression against them. This however did not deter them from ensuring that the Great Commission was accomplished. Examples: Acts 3:6 – a lame was made to walk again, but it sparked opposition, Acts 4:9 – a sick man was healed, yet the apostles were roughed up; Acts 5:28-29 they were not allowed to speak in the name of Jesus- they were determined no matter what (“Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”). Stephen was stoned to death for preaching about this Christ; Acts 8:1-3 Saul before conversion persecuted anyone who was of the Way. Plus many other examples of Christians who were opposed. Has this stopped the gospel? Definitely not. What opposition are you currently facing in your resolve to preach the gospel? Press on until Christ receives the reward of His suffering – Redemption of mankind.

• When rejoicing

In those parties and celebrations, would you be bold enough to reach out to a reveler with the gospel? Would your wedding ceremony have people getting saved? How many preachings about salvation have you heard in funerals?

• During Harvest – in plenty

Pentecost is known to have been celebrated 50 days after Passover, a time of early harvest Leviticus 23. It was a celebration of God’s provision of sustenance in the land of the Promise. Israelites made offering from first fruits harvested in the promised. We find the apostles gathered on this day of celebration. It is on this day that they are filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit and on the same day Peter addressed the masses. Take that opportunity to celebrate Gods provision by using part of it in the spread of the gospel.

• When in Pain

The apostles were in many occasions flogged, stoned, painfully thrust into prisons… but in all these times, they talked about Jesus. What pain is making you be drawn back from this ministry? (Emotional, Physical, Psychological)? Would you trust the Grace of God to carry you through the evangelism journey in this painful space? This grace is available in enough measure II Corinthians 12:9

CONCLUSION

There is a lot that can be spoken about the book of Acts. But in these few days we have interrogated the aspects of evangelism that would charge us to “Go Ye” to the nations. We have to be deliberate about restoring the ministry of EVANGELISM back to the church of Christ in our time. For a very long time we have edified ourselves, encouraged ourselves, been taught to know more about the concepts of Christianity, prophesies have been given to us, but we have neglected the core mandate, The Great Commission. Will we be counted upon in this season? Could we be part of the midwives who will in these last days usher in a revival in terms of soul winning? “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The clarion call therefore is out and it is clear, “GO YE”

Prayer:

• That there will be a restoration of the ministry of evangelism in the body of Christ
• That God will give you the grace to preach the gospel in and out of season, when the circumstances are favorable, and when they are not.
• Pray for the out-pouring of the Spirit of God upon the Church so that in all places we are, we shall witness for Christ.