December’s memory verse:

“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'” — Acts 13:47

Acts Chapter 13:

Just when we thought the excitement had reached an all-time high in Chapter 12 with jailbreaks and man-eating worms, we meet a man named Bar-Jesus (Elymas) and learn of his devious ways. Pay attention to how the Holy Spirit intervenes and what happens to this man. Does it remind you of anyone? Seriously, I hope you are following along with this reading!

Paul's first missionary journey is off to a rousing start and his passion to share the gospel, and proclaim the word of God, is also growing. The second half of chapter thirteen demonstrates this passion as Paul speaks in the synagogues, you will have to read and find out if he is stoned and beaten or urged to continue.

Here are a few application questions from chapter 13 to ponder this week:

What tactics did Paul use to identify with the people in the synagogue and share the Gospel with them?
Some people were interested in Paul’s message and others were offended, rejected the Gospel, and drove Paul and Barnabas out of town. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to this rejection? Why?

Summary of chapter 12:

Peter is placed in prison, but through earnest prayer by the church, He was rescued by the Angel of the Lord.
In his freedom, Peter visits the house of Mary, the mother of John and shocks the servant Girl Rhoda as well as the rest of those gathered and then travels on to Cesarea.
There was a great disturbance among the soldiers over what had happened to Peter. Herod demands a search.
Herod, delivers a speech and the people declare that this is the voice of a god and not of man. Because Herod doesn't correct them to give God glory, he is struck down and eaten by worms.
Despite all that has happened, the GOSPEL still goes forward and the word of God increases and is multiplied.

This Year’s Memory Verse

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon 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