DAY 30: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9

DAY 30: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9 - Like a Mother

Interestingly, there are a handful of people who are called “apostles” in the New Testament apart from the original 12 (minus Judas, plus Matthias). Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Corinthians 9:1-6), James the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19), Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7) and now Paul seems to call Silas an apostle (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

How were Paul and the other apostles “like a mother caring for her little children”? (v8 NIV)

Why is motherhood a good image for the way Paul relates to the Thessalonians?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Thang Bwee - Myanmar

DAY 29: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

SECTION 2 - PAUL’S CONDUCT (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

DAY 29: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 - Pure Motives

What does Paul say his motives were as he preached the gospel to the Thessalonians?

Why is it important that Paul had these motives?

What motives will you need to preach the gospel when you friends/peers/workmates/family oppose you?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for J & R

DAY 28: 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10

DAY 28: 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 - Famous Imitation

This passage helps us see what idols are by comparing them to God. In contrast to the living and true God, idols are not living and they are themselves lies. Isaiah 44 shows that an idol is nothing, and yet it is also a dangerous spiritual evil because it steals glory from God (Isa 42:8) and spiritually blinds and degrades the worshipper (Isa 44:18-20, Rom 1:21-25).

Who are you imitating in your Christian life? Why do you imitate them?

The Thessalonians are copycats too. Who are they imitating?

What would it look like for you to imitate the Thessalonians?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley

DAY 27: Intro and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a

DAY 27: Introduction to 1 Thessalonians and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Our prayer for Ann Street Presbyterian Church is that God would use us to bring the gospel of Jesus to thousands of people in Brisbane, for his glory. We pray that our faith would be known throughout all of Brisbane, as an encouragement to believers and a witness to unbelievers.

The Thessalonians were the church we want to be. They might not have had any more people in their church than we do. They might have even had less! But their gospel footprint was huge. This is how Paul describes them

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8)

What characterised this church full of new Christians?

What made them stand out as an example to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia?

And most importantly – how can we imitate them here in Brisbane?

SECTION 1 - THANKSGIVING (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a - Thankfulness for Signs of Election

Don Carson comments about prayer: “The unvarnished truth is that what we most frequently give thanks for betrays what we most highly value.” (A Call to Spiritual Reformation, pg. 41)

What does Paul give thanks for? What do you give thanks for in your prayers?

How can Paul say that he knows God has chosen the Thessalonians?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students

DAY 26: Acts 28:11-31

DAY 26: Acts 28:11-31 The Gospel to Rome

Paul is encouraged and thanks God for the welcome he receives from the brothers there. The Forum of Appius was 43 miles from Rome and they probably walked there! Now that’s church welcoming.

Acts ends with the Jews sadly continuing to reject the gospel, but with Paul able to preach to the Gentiles “boldly and without hindrance.” Jesus has fulfilled his mission through Paul - the gospel has gone to the ends of the earth, even reaching Rome, the heart of the capital of the known world.

What have you learned about the spread of the gospel from the book of Acts?

Paul writes to the Colossians (probably during the time he is now spending there under house arrest):

“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth…This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” (Colossians 1:6, 23)

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for UQES

DAY 25: Acts 27:1-28:10

SECTION 7 - PAUL TRAVELS TO ROME (ACTS 27:1-28:31)

DAY 25: Acts 27:1- 28:10 - Ships, Storms, Snakes and Sickness

It’s a dramatic story! The men in the storm are completely at the mercy of the elements. And yet through it all, God is clearly in control, directing the events as shown by Paul’s words.

The story possibly reflects the trials Paul had been experiencing. In ancient mythology, there are tales of people who escape justice only for the gods of the sea (notably Poseidon) to find them and punish them. E.g. Acts 28:4, Jonah 1:7. It appeared that Paul escaped human justice only for the gods to strike him down. But in the end Paul comes through unharmed and following his advice saves the lives of the entire crew

What kind of impact would this story have had on Gentile readers? How would they view Paul? How would they view Paul’s God?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for the Frasers in Slovenia

DAY 24: Acts 25:23-26:32

DAY 24: Acts 25:23-26:32 - The Trial Before King Agrippa

Why does Paul keep highlighting his vision of Jesus in his defense?

How does Paul appeal to the Old Testament?

What does verse 26 show about the events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Dan & Rachel Djamaludin

DAY 23: Acts 25:1-22

DAY 23: Acts 25:1-22 - The Trial Before Governor Festus

It’s been two years but the Jews haven’t given up on trying to kill Paul.

How can you see Jesus’ plans advancing through Paul’s trial?

You may have experienced intense and prolonged persecution for your faith, or you may not have. 1 Peter 2:13-25 talks about how we should endure suffering for doing good, walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Linda McKerrell

DAY 22: Acts 24:1-27

DAY 22: Acts 24:1-27 - The Trial Before Governor Felix

You can imagine the pressure Paul would have been under. His people want him dead, he is facing a skilled lawyer, and he is on trial before a Governor who had brutally squashed several Jewish troublemakers who started riots in the past (see Tertullus’ accusation in verse 5).

Jesus though had prepared his apostle for this situation, just as he had prepared the 12 disciples earlier. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

There is a marked contrast between the speeches of Tertullus and Paul. Tertullus has exemplary style but little substance. Paul on the other hand could not compete rhetorically, but is obviously in the right.

How does Paul answer the anti-Jewish charges?

How does Paul get under Felix’s skin?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne

DAY 21: Acts 23:12-35

SECTION 6 - PAUL IN CAESAREA (ACTS 23:12-35)

DAY 21: Acts 23:12-35 - The Plot Thickens

The assassination attempt is foiled thanks to the son of Paul’s sister. Did you expect it would succeed? Why/why not?

The Roman commander has seen that the Jews are unable to settle the matter themselves after the Sanhedrin turned into a violent brawl. Now it’s Governor Felix’s turn to sort things out.

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for QUT Christians (AFES)

DAY 20: Acts 22:30-23:11

DAY 20: Acts 22:30-23:11 - Trial Before the Sanhedrin

What do you make of Paul’s insult to the High Priest? The idea behind calling someone a whitewashed wall is in Ezekiel 13:10-16.

What is the effect of Paul’s cunning and true statement, “I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead”?

Jesus appears to Paul again to strengthen him. This is the third recorded time that Jesus has appeared to Paul (Acts 9:3-5, 18:9-10 were the first two). How would this special guidance have helped Paul?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Thang Bwee - Myanmar

DAY 19: Acts 21:17-22:29

SECTION 5 - PAUL IN JERUSALEM (ACTS 21:17-23:11)

Day 19: Acts 21:17-22:29 - Arrest in Jerusalem

What does James warn Paul about?

The Roman garrison commander and his soldiers rescue Paul from being killed in a violent scene. Paul then has an opportunity to address his attackers.

As Paul tells the Jews about his experience, what does he teach about Jesus?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for J & R

DAY 18: Acts 21:1-16

Day 18: Acts 21:1-16 - Man on a Mission

What warnings does Paul receive as he travels to Jerusalem?

What is Paul’s attitude to the danger he faces (verse 13)?

Without spoiling the ending, Paul later writes to the Philippians, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” (Philippians 1:21-24)

What do you live for? What would you die for?

“Surely none are so crazy as those who are content to live unprepared to die.” - J.C. Ryle

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley

DAY 17: Acts 20:17-38

Day 17: Acts 20:17-38 - Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

What does Paul have to say in defense of this ministry?

What is his charge to the Ephesian elders? (verses 28-31)

Tears are brought up three times in this passage (verses 9, 31-37). What causes these tears?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students

DAY 16: Acts 20:1-16

Day 16: Acts 20:1-16 - Paul’s Encouraging Trip

Paul covers a lot of ground in this section, travelling from Asia to Macedonia to Greece, then back through Macedonia before sailing down the west coast of Asia on his way to Jerusalem.

What was Paul doing on his trip? (verses 2, 7-12)

What do you think Christian encouragement looks like?

The death and resurrection of the young man Eutychus made for a dramatic day at the church! This dramatic event reminds us of the ministry of Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37), but also of Jesus when he raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-43).

(Tricky question) What parallels are we supposed to draw between Paul, Jesus, Elijah and Elisha and each of their circumstances?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for UQES

DAY 15: Acts 19:23-41

Day 15: Acts 19:23-41 - Riot in Ephesus

Imagine the scene! Ephesus was the most important city in the Roman province of Asia. Situated at the mouth of the Cayster River, with a magnificent harbour, it was the greatest commercial city of the province. Its population was around a third of a million, and its amphitheater is estimated to have held 25,000 people. Ephesus held the famous temple of the Greek fertility god Artemis. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

What sparked the riot in Ephesus?

What was the size and scale of the riot? What do you imagine it would have been like to be there?

Syncretism is combining or blending separate beliefs and practices, something common in the Greco-Roman world. This passage shows how the early Christians rejected syncretism. They did not let God be represented by the Ephesian idols, and they did not accept that people could continue to worship Artemis or other man-made gods as we as the true God. This had huge ramifications in their city!

Where do you think we are tempted towards syncretism in Australia?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for the Frasers in Slovenia

DAY 14: Acts 19:8-20

Day 14: Acts 19:8-20 - Ministry in Ephesus

How is the power of Jesus shown in this passage?

Why do you think people were seized with fear in verse 17? What were they afraid of?

How are fear and repentance related?

Flip over to Luke 12:4-10. What does Jesus have to say about fear there? How should we respond to Jesus?

Note: A drachma was a silver coin worth about a day’s wages.

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Dan & Rachel Djamaluddin

DAY 13: Acts 18:23-19:7

SECTION 4 - PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY (ACTS 18:23-21:16)

Day 13: Acts 18:23-19:7 - Paul, Apollos, and John’s Baptism in Ephesus

We meet Apollos, a learned and gifted evangelist, in Ephesus. But his message, while accurate, is not quite complete. He only knows the baptism of John.

What do you think he was preaching? (see Acts 19:4, Mark 1:1-8)

Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside and teach him the way of God more completely. How does that change his message? (verse 28)

How does this help us understand the second baptism, receiving of the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues that occurs when Paul comes to Ephesus after Apollos has left? (Acts 19:1-7)

If someone said that you need to receive a second baptism in the Spirit and speak in tongues or you are missing out as a Christian (or aren’t a Christian), what would you say?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Linda McKerrell

DAY 12: Acts 18:1-22

Day 12: Acts 18:1-22 - In Corinth

This passage introduces us to Aquila and Priscilla who become great partners with Paul in his ministry. But the central theme of the passage is the rejection of the gospel by the Jews and the subsequent salvation of the Gentiles.

This should raise lots of questions for us!

Have God’s promises to the Jews failed? Did God reject his people? Can the Jews be saved? How should Gentile Christians think about and relate to non-Christian Jews?

Paul tackles these questions and more in Romans 9-11. So, take one to three days/studies to read through Romans 9-11. How does this help you understand what is going on in Corinth?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne

DAY 11: Acts 17:16-34

Day 11: Acts 17:16-34 - On the Attack in Athens

This passage is often used by people (rightly or wrongly) as an example of being “missional.” The term “missional” is quite trendy and is used to mean a whole bunch of different things, but generally carries the idea of engaging your culture with the gospel.

How does Paul “engage” with the culture here?

The Athenians regard Paul as a foolish babbler (verse 18). But what opinion do you form about them from the story?

What does Paul have to say about Jesus and the resurrection? How does this gospel cut through the Athenian culture?

What would it look like for you to be “missional” like Paul?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for QUT Christians