But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. N ow when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported back, saying, “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.” Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this. But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross.
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5 Days
In 50 carefully selected passages from the Bible, you will discover the essential question Paul asked the Lord while he was traveling to Damascus: "What shall I do, Lord?" Have you ever asked yourself, What difference am I making with my life? On some level, we all struggle to find our own answer to that fundamental question. The search for significance is the underlying motivation for virtually all human activity.
Acts has an implied question: To whom are you loyal? King Jesus or the powers that be? This 5-day plan continues a journey through the book of Acts, the Bible’s gripping sequel of Jesus at work in the life of his followers as he expands his kingdom to the ends of the earth. It’s a journey on what it means to be a Christian. It’s a story in which you have a role to play.
6 Days
A.D. The Bible Continues is the epic 12-episode series now airing on NBC. The apostles are jailed, miraculously freed, then arrested again. Gamaliel offers wise counsel, and they are freed. The young Christian, Stephen, is stoned to death for his testimony against the Temple. Disgusted by Pilate’s brutal crackdown, Claudia teams up with Leah to find the rebel assassin.
Explore the Book of Acts in a 6-day plan and gain a fresh perspective on persecution in the New Testament. Understand how early Christians viewed challenges, not as hindrances, but as opportunities to advance the gospel. Learn from their response of prayer, perseverance, and bold witnessing transforming trials into triumphs for God's kingdom. This devotional plan redefines the concept of persecution, encouraging a proactive and empowered approach to faith.
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