Not-So-Quiet-Time: Acts 24
At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 3/15
Day 1: Verses 1-4
Here we see the Jewish high priest and his spokesman being more open to changes in Jewish culture from Rome than from Jesus. This is sad. Christianity is the historic continuation of the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus is the snake-crusher promised to Adam, the Suffering Servant spoken of by Isaiah, and the Messiah that the people had waited to see. However, the gospel is foolishness to those who are perished (1 Cor 1:18), and it takes a work of God to give new life (Eph 2). Though the faith is reasonable, we cannot be reasoned into new life. Pray that God would give new life to the lost in your life.
Day 2: Verses 5-9
Paul’s crime was being a ringleader of Christians: he followed the Way. Jesus Himself had said this would happen: “Be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations” (Mark 13:9-10). Ask God to help you to be on your guard so that you are able to stand for his name and his kingdom.
Day 3: Verses 10-16
Paul is unashamed of the gospel (Rom 1:16). He declares that he worships God “according to the Way” (24:14). He was clearly associating himself with those who were saying Jesus is Lord. This offended the Jewish leaders because Paul was clear that Jesus is the God of the Bible. And it ran the risk of offending the Romans because they referred to Caesar as Lord. However, Paul was bold because he feared God more than man. Pray that God would help you unashamedly trust Him too.
Day 4: Verses 17-21
Paul’s defense was simple: he told the truth. Those who live righteously are as bold as a lion (Prov 28:1), and Paul had the truth on his side. He had not incited riots. He had not tried to cause problems for the Jewish people. Instead, he had been standing up for the resurrection of Christ and the hope of the gospel. There is great power in having nothing to hide. Pray that God would make you a person of integrity so that you can stand for Him in all circumstances.
Day 5: Verses 22-27
Paul continued his missionary mission for two years in prison. He was able to share with Felix and Drusilla. However, they didn’t respond at that time with faith. In fact, Felix heard the truth and was alarmed. To many this might seem like a disheartening failure. Paul was stuck in prison and no one we know of was coming to Christ. However, God’s plan was never in jeopardy. We don’t know how God will lead. And He might take us in a direction that we wouldn’t choose on our own. But his plans are good. They are good for us and for the world.
Catechism Connection: 23-26
We can’t save ourselves or others, but Christ can. And He does this as prophet, priest, and king (WSC 23). As prophet, He reveals to us “by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation” (WSC 24). As priest, he satisfied “divine justice and [reconciled] us to God” (WSC 25). And He rules as our king by “subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies” (WSC 26).
Monthly Memory: Romans 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Day 1: Verses 1-4
Here we see the Jewish high priest and his spokesman being more open to changes in Jewish culture from Rome than from Jesus. This is sad. Christianity is the historic continuation of the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus is the snake-crusher promised to Adam, the Suffering Servant spoken of by Isaiah, and the Messiah that the people had waited to see. However, the gospel is foolishness to those who are perished (1 Cor 1:18), and it takes a work of God to give new life (Eph 2). Though the faith is reasonable, we cannot be reasoned into new life. Pray that God would give new life to the lost in your life.
Day 2: Verses 5-9
Paul’s crime was being a ringleader of Christians: he followed the Way. Jesus Himself had said this would happen: “Be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations” (Mark 13:9-10). Ask God to help you to be on your guard so that you are able to stand for his name and his kingdom.
Day 3: Verses 10-16
Paul is unashamed of the gospel (Rom 1:16). He declares that he worships God “according to the Way” (24:14). He was clearly associating himself with those who were saying Jesus is Lord. This offended the Jewish leaders because Paul was clear that Jesus is the God of the Bible. And it ran the risk of offending the Romans because they referred to Caesar as Lord. However, Paul was bold because he feared God more than man. Pray that God would help you unashamedly trust Him too.
Day 4: Verses 17-21
Paul’s defense was simple: he told the truth. Those who live righteously are as bold as a lion (Prov 28:1), and Paul had the truth on his side. He had not incited riots. He had not tried to cause problems for the Jewish people. Instead, he had been standing up for the resurrection of Christ and the hope of the gospel. There is great power in having nothing to hide. Pray that God would make you a person of integrity so that you can stand for Him in all circumstances.
Day 5: Verses 22-27
Paul continued his missionary mission for two years in prison. He was able to share with Felix and Drusilla. However, they didn’t respond at that time with faith. In fact, Felix heard the truth and was alarmed. To many this might seem like a disheartening failure. Paul was stuck in prison and no one we know of was coming to Christ. However, God’s plan was never in jeopardy. We don’t know how God will lead. And He might take us in a direction that we wouldn’t choose on our own. But his plans are good. They are good for us and for the world.
Catechism Connection: 23-26
We can’t save ourselves or others, but Christ can. And He does this as prophet, priest, and king (WSC 23). As prophet, He reveals to us “by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation” (WSC 24). As priest, he satisfied “divine justice and [reconciled] us to God” (WSC 25). And He rules as our king by “subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies” (WSC 26).
Monthly Memory: Romans 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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