Read Acts 11

In President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1910 speech, “Citizenship in a Republic,” he gave this quote regarding the man in the arena. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

In Acts 11, the apostle Peter found himself having to defend his actions. “So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them’” (vv. 2–3). Fortunately, after Peter explained the vision he had received from the Lord granting to Gentiles the gift of the Holy Spirit “they had no further objections.” They said, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life” (v. 18).

As the gospel spread through Peter’s witnessing, the Holy Spirit was using others who had fled Jerusalem due to persecution. Believers traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch telling the message of Jesus. Yet some were only sharing the message with fellow Jews (v. 19).

However, believers from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began sharing the good news with Greeks. Verse 21 states, “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.” Barnabas, a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, recruited Paul. Together they met with the church at Antioch and taught a great number of people (Jews and Gentiles). Interestingly enough, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (v. 26).

Go Deeper

Are you in the arena or in the stands? Are you a participant or a spectator? How is God calling you to spread the good news?

Pray with Us

Lord, there is no greater honor than to serve You. Whether we are in a season of calm or a season of chaos, please give us the strength to persevere for You.

Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?Acts 11:17

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Read Acts 10:1–48

Last winter while changing my car’s wiper blades, I made the mistake of accidentally releasing the wiper arm that had tension on it from the mechanical spring. The wiper arm snapped back, hitting my windshield and causing a tiny crack. Unfortunately, that small crack expanded over time, eventually spanning the entire windshield.

Early in the book of Acts, we meet two Gentile converts, Nicolas and the Ethiopian eunuch. These men were a bit like that small crack on my windshield, only in a good way. And in chapter 10, we see the gospel expand, beginning to spread to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, is referred to as “devout and God-fearing,” generous and prayerful (v. 2). In a vision, an angel confirms that God had honored his generosity and prayers. Cornelius was to send for Simon (called Peter) to come visit him. Shortly before, God had spoken to Peter through a vision as well. He was told, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v. 15). This vision referred to more than animals. It referred to all people.

After the vision, Peter was summoned to Caesarea to meet with Cornelius. After entering his home, Peter listened to his testimony. In response, Peter began sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. While he was still speaking, “the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished to see the gift of the Holy Spirit pouring out on Gentiles. They heard them speaking in tongues and praising God (vv. 44–46). This story assures us that God doesn’t work in a vacuum. If He is working in your heart to do something for Him, He is probably working in another’s heart to help, direct, support, guide, or respond.

Go Deeper

What is God prompting you to do? Who is God directing you to help or support? What are you waiting for?

Pray with Us

King Jesus, please convict us of where we have been unwilling to follow Your prompting. Give us a courageous heart for reaching the lost. Remind us that we are all precious in Your sight.

God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.Acts 10:34–35

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Read Acts 9:32–43

From time to time, I am asked to do a funeral for a person I did not know. Depending on who made the request, I will decide whether or not I should officiate. My role is always difficult when there is not much information regarding the person’s life, so in those instances, I tend to mention one or two good things I have heard about the deceased. But mainly, I try to comfort the family and share the gospel.

Peter was making his rounds to a number of churches in the region. After healing a gentleman in Lydda, he was summoned to Joppa. In that city, there was a woman named Tabitha (v. 36). Her reputation was outstanding. First, she is referred to as a disciple. This implies that she was a sincere follower of Jesus Christ. Second, Tabitha was “always” doing good. What a wonderful testimony to her character. Assuming that the “always” refers to helping the poor as well, she cared deeply for the less fortunate (v. 36).

Tabitha had become sick and died (v. 37). When Peter arrived, he was taken to an upstairs room where her body had been laid. Several widows stood crying and showed him the robes and other clothing that she had made while she was alive. Peter didn’t have to guess as to what type of person Tabitha was.

Peter sent all of them out of the room, got down on his knees, and prayed. Then he did something surprising. He told the dead woman, “Tabitha, get up” (v. 40). Then she opened her eyes and sat up! Peter presented her to the believers and widows. The Bible says that “this became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord” (v. 42). Tabitha’s death and life had a profound impact on others.

Go Deeper

What impact do you hope your death will have on others? What would you like people to say about you once you’re gone?

Pray with Us

May we be the type of people who make an impact for You, God! We want to give to others as You have given to us. You are a God of love.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.Proverbs 31:20

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Read Acts 9:1–31

Saul was a religious young man determined to destroy the movement of Christ followers known as the Way. Saul had not only watched the stoning of Stephen, he had given his approval. In Acts chapter 9, Saul requested letters from the high priest giving permission to track down Christians in the synagogues in Damascus and imprison them in Jerusalem. Saul was willing to travel approximately 135 miles (one way!) to destroy this movement.

As Saul approached Damascus, he saw a bright light that caused him to fall to the ground. A voice said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4). After Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” (v. 5), the Lord stated, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (v. 5). When Saul rose from the ground, he was blind (v. 8).

Saul’s blindness was symbolic of his life before encountering Jesus. Despite Saul’s religious fervor, he was blind to the truth of the gospel. As Paul writes elsewhere, “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge” (Rom. 10:1–2).

In Damascus, a disciple of the Way named Ananias had a vision from the Lord. He was to meet Saul and lay hands on him to restore his sight. Ananias was concerned because of all he had heard about Saul. However, he obeyed God and after laying hands on Saul, the scale-like material fell off Saul’s eyes.

The first man Saul saw after his conversion was a faithful believer who referred to Saul as his brother (Acts 9:17–18). God can change the hardest hearts and may use you to open the spiritual ears and eyes of those you least expect to come to Christ.

Go Deeper

Do you know someone who seems hardened to the gospel? How does Saul’s story encourage you in your prayers for this person?

Pray with Us

We know there is no heart too far gone for You to rescue, Jesus. Please remind us of this when we feel someone is beyond saving. Thank You for letting us be part of Your redemptive plan.

This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.Acts 9:15

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Read Acts 8:26–40

In August 2025, my son and I traveled to Japan for almost two weeks. Our Japanese was limited. Fortunately, we both had a translation app on our phones. As long as the person spoke into our phone, it would translate what they said into English. The key was to get the person to speak loudly and directly into our phone. Only then could we understand.

While Philip was doing ministry in a city in Samaria, an angel of the Lord directed him to travel a desert road to Gaza. While traveling, he encountered a man from Ethiopia who was reading the book of Isaiah. Because reading silently was not practiced regularly until the fourth century, the Ethiopian was reading out loud, which allowed Philip to hear and possibly translate what he was saying.

After approaching the chariot, Philip asked the man if he knew what he was reading. The man did not, so he invited Philip into his chariot to explain. The man, a eunuch, was reading Isaiah 53:7b-8a. “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth” (vv. 32–33).

The man was curious. He wanted to know if the prophet was speaking about himself or someone else. Philip took the opportunity to tell him the good news about Jesus Christ. The man was baptized by Philip, and the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away to Azotus while the man went on his way rejoicing! This was the second Gentile highlighted in Acts. The “ends of the earth” were being reached.

Go Deeper

What an encouragement this is to us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Has the Lord directed you to speak to someone about Jesus? Have you thought about how to begin a spiritual conversation?

Pray with Us

Who are you putting in our paths to witness to, Lord? Please give us opportunities to be a light for You and to share Your truth with boldness. We don’t want to keep the gospel to ourselves!

Do you understand what you are reading?Acts 8:30

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Read Acts 8:1–25

Jesus had told the apostles that “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” (Acts 1:8). Since that time, the church had remained in Jerusalem. It wasn’t until the church experienced “great persecution” (8:1) that it began to move into the regions of Judea and Samaria. The apostles remained in Jerusalem for the time to oversee the affairs of the mother church.

Philip, one of the seven, made his way to a city in Samaria and began preaching there. The Lord accompanied his preaching with miraculous signs of healing and casting out of demons (vv. 4–8). His preaching and healing ministry was so powerful that a magician named Simon became a follower of Jesus Christ. However, when Peter and John came down from Jerusalem to see what the Lord was doing among the Samaritans, Simon observed the Holy Spirit’s power.

As Peter laid hands on the new believers, they received the Holy Spirit. Simon wanted this power. He offered to purchase it with money. Peter rebuked him! Peter said, “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin” (vv. 22–23).

Simon responded to Peter by asking, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me” (v. 24). It is not clear if Simon genuinely repented or if he just wanted mercy from God so he would not perish. What is clear is that not everyone’s motives are pure when they encounter Jesus.

Go Deeper

We have no control over others’ motives. But we should continually examine ours. What is your motive for following Jesus? Is it for what you can get out of Him?

Pray with Us

Heavenly Father, we praise You for loving us no matter the condition of our hearts. Please help us have the right motives for following You. Show us where we have strayed from genuine faith.

A great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.Acts 8:1

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Read Acts 6:8–7:60

Usually, we think of an apology as saying we are sorry, admitting we have done something wrong. However, there is another definition. The word “apology,” or apologetic, can also mean a reasoned defense of what you believe. This is exactly what Stephen gave before the Sanhedrin.

After naming him as one of the seven to oversee the distribution of food to the Hellenistic Jewish widows, Luke focuses on Stephen as a man of the Spirit and wisdom. In fact, the Scripture tells us, “Stephen, a man of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people” (6:8). Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin because he was persistently sharing his faith. The men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen made up false charges against him. They claimed he spoke blasphemy against Moses and God. “They produced false witnesses, who testified, ‘This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us’” (6:13–14).

In turn, Stephen gave a defense (an apology) before the Sanhedrin, reciting a history of the Jewish nation beginning with Abraham through the building of the temple. He began his conclusion asserting, “the Most High does not live in houses made by men” (7:48). By the time Stephen finished, the religious leaders were furious (7:54). They responded by stoning him. Stephen saw the Lord standing in heaven to receive him and prayed, “‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.‘” He fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” (7:59–60). “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Ps. 116:15).

Go Deeper

Why did the religious leaders attack Stephen? What was remarkable about Stephen’s speech? About his death?

Pray with Us

Give us faith like Stephen, God. When others question us because of You, help us stand strong. When others persecute us because we believe in You, help us forgive them.

I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.Acts 7:56

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Read Acts 6:1–7

The church of Jesus Christ was growing. People were being saved. The gospel was spreading. People were sharing. The Spirit of God was moving. But in Acts 6, we read that the Hellenistic Jews were complaining.

The early church was experiencing growth pains (v. 1). While this was no doubt an exciting time to be a part of the community of faith, it was not without its problems. Acts 6 gives an example of one problem facing that group of believers. During the daily distribution of food one group had been overlooked. The widows of the Greek-speaking Jews were being neglected. This issue had the potential to disturb the unity of the newly formed church. Fortunately, the apostles were wise enough to address the controversy head-on.

First, they established their role in the church. As apostles they were to minister the word of God and spend time in prayer. Second, they challenged the Hellenistic Jews to find seven men full of the Spirit and wisdom to oversee the distribution of food to the widows. The wisdom in this decision was that Hellenistic Jews chose Hellenistic (i.e., not Hebraic) Jewish men to oversee the distribution of food to the Hellenistic Jewish widows. All seven men in the list have Greek names. In fact, one of the men, Nicolas, is described as “from Antioch, a convert to Judaism” (v. 6:5b).

Wisely resolving this issue opened the door for more outreach and ministry (v. 7). The trouble was eradicated and unity was restored. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Go Deeper

What problems can threaten to derail the purpose of the church? Have you seen your church body address problems directly? Why is that approach important to the growth and health of the community?

Pray with Us

Lord, sometimes we let our own opinions and desires get in the way of unity with other believers. Please help us remember what is truly important: seeking You with those around us.

The word of God spread.Acts 6:7

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Read Acts 4:32—5:11

When I was growing up, my favorite sport to play was American football. I still enjoy watching it. Recently ESPN added an additional channel to cover Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli Manning as commentators. I will often switch to this channel during the game to hear what the Manning brothers are discussing.

Today’s reading at the end of Acts 4 appears to switch channels, revealing two different viewpoints on the early church. First, we see a beautiful picture of harmony. Due to new Jewish believers moving into Jerusalem, the believers were working together in unity. Everyone was helping one another financially. From time to time, people were selling their property so there wasn’t any need among members. They would bring the proceeds to the apostles to distribute as necessary. They were genuinely living in community with one another.

An example of this generosity was Barnabas. “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (vv. 36–37). Then the text switches channels and we get a different perspective. Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife, also owned a piece of property. They too decided to sell their property and they brought a portion of the sales to the apostles (5:2). But both Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead. Why?

Because of their deception. Peter asked Sapphira as he had earlier questioned her husband, “Is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said. Peter said, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?” (vv. 8–9). Both Ananias and his wife had falsely claimed they had brought all the proceeds of the sale to the apostles. Their deception was met with punishment from God.

Go Deeper

This story prompts us to examine ourselves. Have you been completely honest before the Lord? We are only fooling ourselves when we aren’t.

Pray with Us

Show us where we haven’t been completely honest with You, God. We don’t want our selfishness to interfere with our testimony about You. Give us clean hands and pure hearts.

All the believers were one in heart and mind.Acts 4:32

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Read Acts 4:1–31

A number of years ago I visited a church member who was serving time in the county jail. I had never been to this facility before, so I was not sure what to expect. I identified myself to the guard at the front desk. As I waited in the holding room, I heard a familiar voice yelling from inside the jail, “That’s my pastor! That’s my pastor! My pastor is here to see me!” He wasn’t ashamed of me or his faith.

Peter and John were not ashamed of being associated with Jesus Christ. In Acts 4, the religious leaders were upset with the preaching of Peter and John regarding Jesus. They threw them into jail and the following day brought them before the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of the Jewish people. They asked the apostles, “By what power or what name did you do this?” (v. 7). Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, explains that it is “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed” (v. 10).

The Sanhedrin dismissed the apostles while they discussed the case. Then they called them back and commanded them to no longer speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Both Peter and John responded, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (vv. 19–20). Finally, they let them go.

It can be so easy to keep quiet or acquiesce to the pressure to keep our faith to ourselves. God has not called us to be obnoxious, but He does prompt us to share our faith at inconvenient times. Don’t mistake one for the other.

Go Deeper

When was the last time you missed an opportunity to share your faith? What can you do to make sure you are ready?

Pray with Us

God, please forgive us for the times we fail to speak as Your witness. Give us the courage and boldness to share our faith unashamedly with anyone who asks.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.Acts 4:12

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Read Acts 3:1–26

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to engage with street beggars. Sometimes I have walked right by them. Other times, I have stopped and engaged them in a conversation about Christ. I’ve given them money, taken them to get something to eat, and even invited them to church. Once I brought a guy to Bible study and, unbeknownst to me, he had a beautiful voice and blessed us by singing a Christian song a cappella. However, nothing remotely compares to what Peter and John experienced in Acts 3.

Peter and John were on their way to afternoon prayer at the temple. At the same time, a beggar was placed at the temple gate called Beautiful. This seemed to have been his customary spot. All we know is that he was handicapped and begged. So he asked Peter and John for money.

One interesting observation of this passage is the visual interaction between the beggar and the apostles. First, the beggar “saw” Peter and John (v. 3). Then Peter and John “looked straight” at him (v. 4). Then Peter said, “Look at us!” (v. 4). So the man “gave them his attention.” The interaction moved from the beggar viewing the apostles as objects from which to gain money to individuals who truly wanted to interact with him.

God healed the beggar instantaneously through Peter. The man “jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (v. 8). As a result of this miracle, Peter was able to share the good news concerning Jesus Christ with those who knew that the man had been healed. Yes, the beggar was healed, but the healing wasn’t just for him. It was for the proclamation of the gospel to others.

Go Deeper

How do you respond to those in need? What can we learn from Peter and John’s example?

Pray with Us

God, what opportunities are You giving us to be a light for You? Make us accustomed to looking for them. Let us always be ready to share our faith.

Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”Acts 3:6

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Read Acts 2:14–47

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared in a spectacular way. As a result, the disciples were able to speak in the different languages of the God-fearing Jews who had come to visit Jerusalem. The disciples were not only speaking in the language, but they were “declaring the wonders of God” (2:11). This intrigued the Jews who inquired, “What does this mean?”

“Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine’” (2:13). How could any of the onlookers conclude that the disciples’ ability to speak in foreign languages was because they were drunk? The very thought is baffling. They literally attributed the power of the Holy Spirit to alcoholic spirits. But it shows how an unregenerate mind rationalizes a supernatural event.

Peter demonstrated how the ability to speak in different languages was a fulfillment of prophecy. He quotes the prophet Joel. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy” (vv. 17–18).

Peter used this opportunity to proclaim the centrality of the person of Jesus Christ. “For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (vv. 34–36). Peter begged his hearers to repent: “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation” (v. 40).

How to Know Christ

Go Deeper

Why did onlookers misinterpret what was happening at Pentecost? How did Peter respond to their accusations? What key arguments did he use?

Pray with Us

Precious Jesus, we know the gift of Your salvation is for “whoever believes” (John 3:16). Help us, like Peter, proclaim the gospel with boldness to those You bring into our lives.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.Acts 2:21

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Read Acts 2:1–13

When Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles were left behind. They obeyed Jesus’ instruction to remain in Jerusalem until He sent to them what His Father had promised (Luke 24:49). In fact, Jesus had also promised to send the Advocate, or Counselor, to them in John 16:7. In addition to the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, other women, and Jesus’ brothers, approximately 120 disciples of Jesus regularly met for prayer. They were waiting for the promise to be fulfilled, and it was, on the Day of Pentecost.

When that Day of Pentecost came, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (vv. 2–4).

Although the disciples of Jesus believed Him for the promise of the Holy Spirit, I dare to suggest that what occurred was not what they expected. “Suddenly” (v. 2) suggests it was startling. “A sound like the blowing of a violent wind” (v. 2) indicates it was loud and frightening. “Saw what seemed to be tongues of fire” (v. 3) implies it was mesmerizing. The entire experience captivated them.

There was also an individualized aspect of the miracle. The tongues of fire came to “rest on each of them” (v. 3). They were each “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 4). They each spoke in different languages that they previously had not known. The Holy Spirit did not just come into the world in a general sense. He also came into the world to fill and empower each believer.

Go Deeper

As a believer in Jesus Christ, do you believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in you? In what ways does the Spirit empower you? Watch this interview as our author Dr. Eric Moore talks about the day of Pentecost.

Pray with Us

Lord, thank You for sending Your Spirit to dwell within us. Please make us sensitive to listen when He is prompting us, and give us courage to obey even when it seems hard.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.Acts 2:1

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Read Acts 1:1–11

One of the television programs my wife and I enjoy is Finding Your Roots. During the show Henry Louis Gates Jr. unfolds each guest’s family tree and tells them something of interest regarding their ancestors’ lives. Some guests have said, “I feel so much more connected to my roots” or “Now I know how I got here.”

In a sense, this is the purpose of the book of Acts. We learn how our family (the church of Jesus Christ) got started. The church began with the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Luke, Paul’s companion, is writing to a man named Theophilus. The book of Acts can be viewed as volume two of Luke’s historical record, beginning where his gospel left off, with the ascension of Jesus.

The book of Acts follows a simple outline found in Acts 1:8: “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” (v. 8). After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and disciples, and the gospel spread locally, regionally, and worldwide.

This is important to the proper understanding of the book of Acts. Some view the book as “prescriptive.” By that I mean we should be doing exactly what is recorded in this book. If by that they mean that we should be reaching the world with the gospel, then I agree. However, I believe the proper way to view this book is “descriptive.” Luke is describing how the church of Jesus Christ began. We are to learn from all of it, but not necessarily try to duplicate all of it. Some events were unique to the founding era of the church.

Go Deeper

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the opening of the book of Acts? How is the Spirit at work in this present day?

Pray with Us

Dear Father, please meet us in our study of Acts. As we look back at the beginning of the church, give us wisdom to use what we learn in our own settings. Your way is the best way.

He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.Acts 1:9

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Read Isaiah 61:8–11

I have often been encouraged to think of biblical prophecy in terms of seeing mountain ranges from a distance. There are one or more mountains in the foreground, and others in the background. They may have similar features. We can’t really see how far apart they are or what lies between them. At our location in history, we look back and see prophecies fulfilled. We also look forward and see prophecies yet to be fulfilled. How long until we reach the next “mountain”? Only God knows!

Isaiah 61 begins with God telling us who He is (vv. 8–9). He loves justice and hates evil. He’s faithful, makes and keeps covenants, and gives blessings. The people He has chosen will be known among the nations, to His glory. Our fitting response is to delight and rejoice in the Lord (v. 10). Our wedding day is coming (see Rev. 19:9)! God is the groom, we His people are the bride. Our groom is also our high priest (see Heb. 2:17). He’s dressing us for the big day with “garments of salvation” and “a robe of his righteousness.” As Paul wrote: “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Rom. 13:14).

Verse 11 reimagines all this in agricultural terms: Just as seeds grow and plants sprout, God will “make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations” (cf. Isa. 45:8). God will bring His kingdom plans to fruition, as surely as in the growing seed parable and as perfectly as in Isaiah’s threshing parable. It’s inevitable. Sovereignty is the divine attribute stressed here. In the short “mountain view,” the prophet had in view Israel’s return from exile. In the long “mountain view,” he also saw the eschatological implication of the Millennial Kingdom.

Dear Reader

As you reflect on the key lessons you’ve learned from this month’s study, will you consider a gift to Today in the Word? The seeds you sow will produce eternal reward!  Give Today!

Pray with Us

Father, thank You for all we’ve learned about You through our study of seeds and farming. We eagerly await the day when we will see Your face and spend eternity with You. Come, Lord Jesus!

The Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.Isaiah 61:11

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Read Revelation 14:14–20

In cartoons and even serious paintings and movies, death is often personified as a tall brooding figure in a dark robe. This deathly figure carries a scythe, which is a staff with a curved blade used for harvesting wheat and other crops. Thus, the term “grim reaper” refers to this foreboding figure who threatens to steal away life by sheer force.

In Revelation 14, though, it is Christ Himself who holds the power of life and death and is pictured with a sickle for harvesting (vv. 14–16). “One like a son of man” is a messianic reference (Dan. 7:13). He wears a crown of gold, showing His kingship. His sharp sickle indicates His power and authority to judge. A sickle is similar to a scythe but generally shorter in the staff and blade. It can be used more precisely. An angel announces God’s decree, and Christ harvests the earth of His followers. A second judgment follows, this time of the wicked (vv. 17–20). For this one, an angel holds the sickle. Another angel announces a decree of judgment. Grapes are harvested and thrown into the “great winepress of God’s wrath” (cf. Rev. 19:15). Their trampling yields not wine but blood.

The first harvest pictures Christ gathering His believers. There are no negative images. The second harvest is the judgment of the wicked. This imagery is only negative. This is the two-part harvest described in the parable of the wheat and the weeds yesterday. John the Baptist had similarly prophesied that the Messiah would gather His wheat into the barn and burn up the chaff with “unquenchable fire” (Matt. 3:12).

This vision is not time-specific, so we don’t know when these “harvests” will take place. What we do know is that they will perfectly carry out God’s love and justice.

Go Deeper

What images come to your mind when you think of death and dying? Why does it matter that now Christ is the Conqueror of death?

Pray with Us

Jesus, thank You for conquering death. When we are tempted to be afraid of it, give us courage. We praise You that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

The time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.Revelation 14:15

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Read Matthew 13:24–43

In August 2012, 40 goats were released into a park in Regina, a city in Saskatchewan, Canada. Why? To help control unwanted vegetation. Goats will eat almost anything, including weeds, and naturalists decided to put their habits to good use. Said one: “It’s environmentally friendly, chemical-free, great for the community.”

Too bad that wasn’t possible in today’s parable, in which Jesus gave another agricultural picture of the kingdom of heaven (vv. 24–30). In Matthew 13, we read that a farmer sowed good seeds to grow wheat, but an enemy came and sowed bad seeds to grow weeds in the same field. When the wheat sprouted, the truth was revealed. What to do? Pull up the weeds? No, because that might harm the genuine wheat. Separating one from the other would have to wait until harvest time. Then the wheat would go into the barn and the weeds into a fire.

Later, Jesus explained this parable to His puzzled disciples (vv. 36–43). The farmer is the Son of Man, Himself. The field is the world. The enemy is Satan. The good seeds are the “people of the kingdom,” or genuine believers. The bad seeds are the “people of the evil one,” including counterfeit believers. They are growing side-by-side in this present age. The harvest is the “end of the age.” The harvesters are angels, servants of God.

There are two eternal destinies here. The weeds, “everything that causes sin and all who do evil,” will be pulled up and thrown into a “blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The wheat are the “righteous [who] will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (see Dan. 12:3). For us now, one lesson is discernment. Not all who say “Lord, Lord” will enter His kingdom (Matt. 7:21–23).

Go Deeper

How can we tell genuine from counterfeit believers? What warning should we take from this parable?

Pray with Us

Holy God, as we try to live well in community, please give us discernment. Guide us to love those who need love, and gently correct those who need correction. Make us more like You.

While everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat.Matthew 13:25

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Read James 5:7–11

What I once wrote in On Waiting Well, I feel now more than ever: “To follow Christ means we yearn at all times in all ways for His return.” The champions of faith in Hebrews 11 “waited in faith, hope, and expectancy, sure of God’s faithful love and of the superior city God has prepared [Heb. 11:16]. They are models for us on our own journeys. When Christ returns, they and we will finally be home.”

Waiting for Christ’s return can be compared to farming, according to today’s passage. As we have seen in this study, the growth of the kingdom of God is like a crop growing toward harvest. It might seem slow, the progress almost imperceptible. But it’s definitely happening and is under God’s sovereign timing and control.

One lesson for us from this is patience (vv. 7–8). We can be eager and patient at the same time. Just as a farmer waits patiently for the rains to come and crops to ripen, so we should be waiting patiently for our Lord’s return. It is “near” or imminent, meaning that it could happen at any time. Patience here includes standing firm or holding on to faith, especially in the face of suffering and persecution (v. 10). Another lesson for us is not grumbling against one another (v. 9). In other words, while we’re waiting, we should live in brotherly love. This honors Christ and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23).

James draws our attention to two examples to help us obey these two lessons (vv. 10–11). First, the prophets were examples of faithfulness despite suffering. They patiently continued speaking God’s words despite their mostly hardhearted audiences. Second, Job also persevered in faith through suffering. Both Job and the prophets trusted that “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

Go Deeper

What are you currently waiting for? How does today’s passage shape this season for you?

Pray with Us

When we focus on Your compassion and mercy, it can change how we wait, God. May we be faithful to follow You, even when it is hard. Help us wait in patience and keep Your commands.

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.James 5:8

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Read Isaiah 28:23–29

George Washington, America’s first president, said of farming: “Agriculture is the most healthy, the most useful, and the most noble employment of man.” Today’s reading is an Old Testament poetic parable about the kingdom of God and the accomplishment of His plans. In Isaiah 28, God is pictured as a farmer. When farmers do their tasks, they don’t do them mindlessly or repeat them continually for no reason (vv. 24–25). For example, a farmer finishes plowing, then moves on to sowing seeds. Similarly, farmers deal with different types of seeds in the right ways (vv. 27–28). Cumin and caraway seeds are small and delicate and must be threshed differently than other kinds.

The spiritual lesson here is that God knows and does everything in the right way at the right time (v. 29). His plans and actions are “wonderful” and “magnificent.” If farmers know the right way to do their work—by paying attention to God’s created order, we infer from verse 26—then surely we can trust God to know the right way to do His work. Furthermore, if farmers know to vary their processes according to the type of seed and crop, understanding that one size doesn’t fit all, then surely we can trust God to know and do the right thing in the right way at the right time. This includes His warnings earlier in this chapter to the leaders of Ephraim and Judah.

The picture of cumin and caraway seeds being threshed instead of crushed implies that God might judge or punish His people, but He won’t destroy them (v. 27). His faithful covenant love can be trusted, even when His people are doing wrong. The title “LORD Almighty” is a bit generic (v. 29). Other translations render this “Lord of hosts” or “Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” The focus is on His sovereign and mighty power.

Go Deeper

Where have you seen God “threshing the seeds” in your life? In what ways do you need to strengthen your faith that He is the wise Farmer cultivating your life?

Pray with Us

Lord of hosts, we praise You, for we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). Thank You for creating each one of us as a unique individual.

All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.Isaiah 28:29

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Read Mark 4:26–29

The people who owned our house before us planted tulips, a perennial flower. They appear every year, no matter how little we do, and bloom on all sides of our house in a variety of colors. Though we spoke a few days ago of all the work involved in gardening, these tulips take no work at all.

The growing seed mentioned in Jesus’ parable in Mark 4 sounds like that. In yet another agricultural image, Jesus described the entire process of farming, from planting to harvesting. The process is inevitable. These pictures would have been very familiar and ordinary to His audience. What was Jesus saying about the kingdom of God (v. 26)? Just as seeds grow to harvest without human agency, so also does the kingdom of God. The farmer “does not know how” the harvest arrives (v. 27). It’s not that the farmer doesn’t matter, but he cannot cause the growth process to occur. Similarly, the growth of God’s kingdom depends on Him; it does not depend on human beings. It will surely happen, no matter what we do or don’t do, not unlike the tulips above.

We can say with confidence that one of the results of this month’s study is understanding that the death-to-life process seen in seeds is a natural object lesson revealing supernatural truths. This transformation is not the result of human knowledge or effort, but of God’s wisdom and power. The gospel “is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). The harvest is the consummation of the kingdom. This parable, unique to Mark, shows again that the kingdom won’t come all at once. As we know, the harvest is a time of judgment as well (Joel 3:13). Some sorting will need to be done when that day comes (see Day 29)!

Go Deeper

Where are we in the kingdom process (see Matt. 24)? How close do you think we are to the “harvest”? No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, but how do we read the “seasons”?

Pray with Us

Holy Father, we don’t know the time of Your coming, but we do know it will be worth the wait! Thank You for perfectly orchestrating Your plan. We can’t wait to spend eternity with You.

Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.Mark 4:27

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