DAY 25: Galatians 1:6-10

An Astounding Problem! - Galatians 1:6-10

What is the problem that astonishes Paul?

Paul’s language is very strong, but it’s clear he is trying to please God, not men. How seriously do you take the gospel of Grace?

Would you break a friendship (i.e. lose the ‘approval of men’) for the sake of the gospel?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Fraser Family (Slovenia): Pray for gospel fruit from Summer Kids Camps — that children would meet Jesus and Slovenian Christians be spurred on in faith.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 24: Galatians 1:1-5

Introduction

Galatians is a good book to read after Acts 1-12. Paul’s autobiographical note in 1:11-24 will remind us of the events in Acts 9. The letter was written in about AD 55, although scholars debate over whether it was written before or after the ‘Jerusalem Council’ of Acts 15. Galatia was a Roman province in modern day Turkey and contained the cities of Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (see Acts 14:1-23).

From…, to…, grace to peace! - Galatians 1:1-5

What does Paul say about himself?

What does he say about God the Father?

What does he say about Jesus?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for children in churches and schools still needing safeguarding reforms — that progress would be made with grace and care.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 23: Acts 12:1-25

Peter Escapes Growing Jewish Persecution - Acts 12:1-25

King Herod was Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great (who ruled when Jesus was born). The Romans allowed him to be ‘king’ over various territories in Israel. The James of verse 2 was the son of Zebedee, one of the 12 disciples. Here we see Mark 10:39 fulfilled when Jesus said that he would ‘drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with’.

What do you notice about the practice and power of prayer in this passage?

How does this event show God’s control over persecution and persecutors?

Read verse 24. Reflect and pray about some of the big themes of Acts. The next Ann Street Daily will pick things up in Acts 13.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Linda McKerrell: Pray for the planning of the Ann Street Mission Exposure Trip (Jan 2026). Ask for wisdom and a growing vision for global mission.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 22: Acts 11:19-29

The Church in Antioch Established - Acts 11:19-29

Here we have more evidence for the positive effects of the initial persecution from 8:2-4. Antioch was 500km north of Jerusalem and was the capital of the Roman province of Syria. It would be home base for Paul’s missionary journeys. Barnabas was introduced first in 4:36-37. What is he like?

Saul was sent to Tarsus after Grecian Jews planned to kill him for preaching the gospel (9:29-30). Tarsus was a bit further north in the Province of Cilicia. What does 11:25-30 teach us about the importance of teachers and teaching?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for Anne as she adjusts to a reduced workload. Ask God to bring comfort amid grief and renewed joy in gospel work.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 21: Acts 11:1-18

More Jewish Believers are Persuaded - Acts 11:1-18

Verse 11 explains how newsworthy chapter 10 was! Sometimes it’s hard for us to realise how deep the separation was between Jews and Gentiles. Have a look at Ezra 6:19-22 (and chapters 9-11 if you’re keen), Matthew 18:17 (literally ‘Gentile or tax collector’) and Matthew 15:21-28 to get a feel for the culture of that day. Can you see why it was such a large barrier to overcome?

God has given us everything, not only the Spirit but even repentance itself (11:18)! Pray that God would grant repentance to even more people here in Brisbane.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. QUT Christians: Pray that God would raise up new staff and returning apprentices to reach QUT students with the gospel long-term.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 20: Acts 10:34-48

The Spirit Comes, Even on Gentiles - Acts 10:34-48

God does not show favouritism (see Romans 2:11). How is God’s lack of favouritism demonstrated here?

What features of the gospel message (36-43) strike you here?

Jesus’ plan has been for his witnesses to testify in Jerusalem, Judea and the ends of the earth (1:8) and also for the Gentiles to hear (9:15). The dramatic outpouring of the Spirit now shows how Jesus’ plans are coming true. Give thanks that we, like Cornelius and his friends and family, have now received the Spirit and forgiveness of sins.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Thang Bwee: Pray for restored infrastructure in Myanmar so churches and colleges can function — with education, power, and communication.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 19: Acts 10:1-33

Peter Arrives at Cornelius’s House - Acts 10:1-33

The previous passage explained how Peter came to be at the house of Simon in Joppa (a tanner would not usually be a good place to stay at for a Jew due to all the dead animals about and potential ritual pollution. They also smell pretty bad!). The scene now moves to Caesarea, a government city on the coast further north. How is Cornelius’s relationship with God described (2-4, 22)?

What wrong ideas did Peter have? How were they changed?

Although a Gentile has previously been converted (the Ethiopian eunuch), here we have the number one leader of the Christians encountering a very prominent Gentile in an important city. The scene is set for a change to the ‘Christian culture’. Do you have any prejudices against particular groups or cultures?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. J & R: Pray for upcoming training of trainers in expository preaching — that it would multiply faithful Bible teachers in their nation.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 18: Acts 9:32-43

Healings and Conversions in Judea - Acts 9:32-43

Lydda was a town northwest of Jerusalem. Joppa was a seaport a further 12 miles away. That there were already believers there might have been due to the persecution and scattering of Christians in 8:1.

These are the first healings described in detail since 3:1-10 (compare to 5:12-16). Why do you think they are brought to our attention here?

What qualities does Tabitha show us about discipleship?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Jared & Verena Bradley: Pray for Jared’s language learning and future ministry direction. Ask God to lead clearly and provide what’s needed.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 17: Acts 9:19b-31

Saul Begins to Preach Jesus - Acts 9:19b-31

How does Saul’s time in Damascus compare with his original plans (9:2)?

Saul baffled the Jews by proving (almost certainly from Scripture) that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah. How would you go about proving this from the Old Testament?

According to 2 Corinthians 11:30-33, Paul’s escape from Damascus was a sign of weakness rather than adventure. If Jesus can use a (formerly) hostile and weak person like Saul for his purposes, what hope does that give us?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Griffith Christian Students: Pray that the momentum from Mid-Year Camp would shape the rest of the year and deepen friendships and gospel convictions.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 16: Acts 9:1-19a

Jesus Confronts Saul - Acts 9:1-19a

Saul seems to be emboldened in his efforts ‘to destroy the church’ (8:3). Damascus was a significant town with many synagogues. Why do you think Jesus described the persecution as against him rather than his followers?

What are the ways Jesus displays his power in this passage?

How do verses 15 and 16 fit with Jesus’ plan to expand his kingdom?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. UQ Evangelical Students: Ask God to raise up students with a heart for the lost — to pursue vocational ministry and be equipped to serve the harvest.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 15: Acts 8:26-40

An Ethiopian Believes the Gospel - Acts 8:26-40

The theme of the gospel going beyond Israel continues. The official was from a very distant Gentile (non-Jewish) country and would have been excluded from the community of Israel because he was a eunuch (Deuteronomy 23:1). We can imagine him perhaps resonating with the verse from Isaiah about a lack of descendants (8:33).

Read the passage from Isaiah (52:13-53:12). Why would this be a good passage to launch into speaking about Jesus?

Why do you think the eunuch went on his way rejoicing?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Fraser Family (Slovenia): Pray for the young people in their church to grow in faith and love for Jesus, and to persevere in their walk with him.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 14: Acts 8:1b-25

Persecution Leading to Proclamation - Acts 8:1b-25

Here we see Jesus working to bring the kingdom to Judea and Samaria according to his plan in 1:8. The key is in verse 4 - they ‘preached the word wherever they went’. Saul managed to spread a fire rather than put it out!

Samaria was a region between Jerusalem and Galilee and Jews normally had nothing to do with Samaritans (John 4:9) due to racial and religious prejudices. What does their acceptance of the gospel and the outpouring of the Spirit upon them demonstrate to the Christian Jews?

How can we preach the word like Philip?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for the church’s response to sudden global cuts in refugee support. Ask for wisdom, compassion, and generosity.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 13: Acts 7:20-8:1a

Stephen Tells it Like it is - Acts 7:20 - 8:1a

Stephen continues to answer the charges made at him concerning Moses, the temple and the law. How did the Jews’ fathers treat Moses (7:27, 35, 39)?

How does this compare with their treatment of Jesus?

How does Stephen’s speech challenge the idea that God could be bound by a single ‘holy place’ (6:13, 7:33, 44-50)?

What should true obedience to the law look like for the Jews now (7:37-38, 52-53)?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Linda McKerrell: Give thanks for recent opportunities to challenge people toward cross-cultural mission. Pray that seeds sown would bear fruit.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 12: Acts 6:8-7:19

Stephen Begins to Answer His Accusers - Acts 6:8 - 7:19

Look at 1:8 again. Jesus’ plan for gospel growth was that it begin in Jerusalem and go forth to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Now Jerusalem is filled with the apostles teaching (5:28) and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly (6:7). It’s time for the gospel to move on and the death of Stephen will get that started. Look ahead to 8:1 to see where the disciples were scattered.

What were the charges against Stephen?

The beginning of Stephen’s speech seems at first glance to be a long way from the point but he is setting the scene for his arguments about Moses. At the very least we can see that God is not attached to any particular place - he can be in Mesopotamia or Egypt, and the promise came before law. Why is this such good news to us Gentiles?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Give thanks that the end is in sight for the full New Testament translation. Pray for energy and perseverance in this final stage.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 11: Acts 6:1-7

The Priority of the Prayer and the Ministry of the Word - Acts 6:1-7

In these verses we return to themes of practical care among the believers that have been expressed in 3:44 and 4:32-5:10. Yet again there is some conflict among the believers. What are the priorities of the apostles (compare Samuel’s priorities in 1 Sam 12:23)?

Why were these priorities so important for the early church’s leaders? How do we prioritise them today at HBC?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. QUT Christians: Pray for Mid-Year Conference — that students (especially first-timers) would grow in faith, connect deeply, and respond to Jesus.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 10: Acts 5:12-42

Signs, Wonders, and Growing Persecution - Acts 5:12-42

This section picks up on the themes from 4:1-31 and even prayers from that earlier passage are answered here. Why do you think miraculous signs and wonders were important in God’s plan? What place do they have today (compare 1 Cor 1:22-25 and Hebrews 2:1-4)?

Look at the ‘gospel summaries’ of 5:20, 30-32 and 42. What do these tell us about ‘what the gospel is’?

Gamaliel speaks better than he knows! The gospel proclamation of the apostles is indeed a purpose or activity from God. In this case it will succeed despite imprisonment, floggings and commands not to preach.

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Thang Bwee: Pray for the church in Myanmar — that even amid civil war, Christians would stand firm, meet together, and love one another.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 9: Acts 5:1-11

First Conflict Among Believers - Acts 5:1-11

Until this point there has been perfect harmony among the believers (see 2:44-45, 4:32-37). What did Ananias and Sapphira do wrong? How did Peter interpret their actions?

In this passage hypocrisy is utterly condemned. Ananias is compared to Judas who also had Satan enter him (Luke 22:3). This passage also shows the divinity and personhood of the Spirit. The comparison between verse 3: ‘lied to the Holy Spirit’ and verse 4: ‘lied to…God’ shows how the Spirit is truly God. The way that the Spirit can be lied to or tested also shows that he is not an impersonal force but a Person.

Fear is a right response to God. Are there areas of hypocrisy in your life you need to repent of?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. J & R: Pray for a smooth transition as they relocate for ministry. Ask for affordable housing and good schooling options.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 8: Acts 4:23-37

Prayer Answered for the Work to Continue - Acts 4:23-37

The disciples respond to the initial persecution with prayer. How do they see Psalm 2 (quoted in 4:25-26) being fulfilled now?

What do they ask God for in prayer? How do we see this prayer answered (4:31, 33, 5:12, 21, 42)?

Read Ephesians 6:19-20 and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2. Clearly prayer is still needed! What can you do to increase the scope and persistence of your prayers for gospel growth?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Jared & Verena Bradley: Praise God for baby Samuel’s safe arrival. Pray for God’s provision and grace in this season of adjustment.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 7: Acts 4:1-21

Peter Testifies to the Authorities - Acts 4:1-21

Do you remember how Acts is about what Jesus continued to do after his ascension (1:1-2)? How have you seen Jesus at work so far in Acts? How is his work continuing in 4:1-22?

This is the first instance of conflict in Acts. read Like 12:4-10 and 21:12-19. How has Jesus prepared the disciples for conflict?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Griffith Christian Students: Pray for first-years feeling nervous about Mid-Year Camp. Ask for courage, connection, and conviction through the time away.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 6: Acts 3:1-26

Peter Testifies Again About Jesus - Acts 3:1-26

This passage provides an example of the ‘many wonders and miraculous signs’ of 2:43. How does Peter continue to testify about Jesus and the resurrection during and after the healing?

What are the various titles that are applied to Jesus? What do they tell us about him?

What must people do?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. UQ Evangelical Students: Pray for Meet Jesus Week in August — for bold evangelism and that many would hear and respond to the gospel.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!