But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had…
Author: Kaye Dee Richards
Boldness Makes a Difference
Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and…
Are You Willing to Pray?
Now Saul was consenting to his [Stephen’s] death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he…
Carnal Christianity
There is nothing worse than a carnal religious person. When a believer succumbs to sinful thinking, she or he leaves themselves vulnerable to much worse things if confession and repentance do not follow.
Deacons, Boldness, & Meekness
This chapter has haunted me for a couple of weeks as I have attempted many times to write about it… Being a deacon is not a position of power, or of influence… It’s about ministering and being a godly example.
Count it Joy!
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke….
Vanity or Effective Ministry?
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and…
God’s Timing is Best
God has such an amazing sense of humor! This passage tells the “rest of the story,” and highlights the frustration of the religious leaders of that time. Take some time and outline the opinions and emotions of the characters: the high priest (possibly Caiaphas from John 11:49), the Angel of the Lord, the officers, the…
How is Your Faith?
Acts 5:12-16 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and…
The Danger of Lying
Acts 5:1-11 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to…
The Beautiful Spirit 