Scripture

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women and the brothers of Jesus.

Observation
The disciples, along with some of the women including Mary and Jesus’ brothers, spend their time seeking God in prayer.

During this time, on one occasion when 120 believers were together, Peter said that Judas’ treachery had been foretold, but now it was time to replace him. The selected person would have to be someone who had followed Jesus throughout His ministry. They proposed Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias and then prayerfully used lots to select Matthias.

Application
The disciples had been told to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They used this time of waiting productively in prayer- not just any prayer but constant, united prayer.

They did not wait idly or disinterestedly. They waited prayerfully, seeking God and preparing their hearts for the day when the Holy Spirit would be given.

During this time Peter seems to have been listening to the Lord as he was reminded that they needed to fill the place of Judas. This was a big step, as previously it was Jesus who called the apostles.

When we spend time with the Lord in prayer, He will speak to us about the big and bold steps we need to take.

Prayer
Lord help me to pray more- more often, more passionately, more faithfully. Amen

Scripture

Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.

Observation
Peter is talking to the the people in Cornelius’ household.

As Peter shares the gospel with them, the Holy Spirit falls on all who are listening and they begin to speak in tongues and praise God. The Jewish believers with Peter are amazed at this.

Since these Gentile believers have been baptised in the Holy Spirit, Peter arranges for them to be baptised in water. He then stays with Cornelius for several days.

Application
God keeps breaking out of the box religion tries to keep Him restrained in.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on “all flesh.” In the Old Testament it had been just the prophets, priests and kings who received the Holy Spirit. In the church age, the Holy Spirit is for everyone, even those who are not Jews.

When somebody receives the Holy Spirit, we know they must be born again- even if they don’t fit our picture of what a christian should look like.

Prayer
Holy Spirit, come and fill me to overflowing. Amen.

Scripture

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

Observation
An angel of the Lord sends Philip along the desert road. Along the way, he sees an Ethiopian eunuch travelling in a chariot. The Holy Spirit tells Philip to go to the chariot.

The eunuch is reading from the scriptures, so Philip explains to him the way of salvation.

They come to some water and the eunuch asks to be baptised. As they come out of the water, the Holy Spirit transports Philip to the town of Azotus.

Application
Philip listens to divine guidance and, as a result, one man is saved and the gospel goes into Africa.

It is so important to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and to be obedient. We trust in our own human abilities and programmes far too much.

Sensitivity and obedience to the Holy Spirit accomplish far more than any human activity by itself.

Prayer
Lord, please teach me to listen to you. Help me to hear that still small voice and to obey you when you direct me. Amen.

Scripture

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Observation
Following the healing of the lame man, the priests and other leaders come to confront Peter and John. They are disturbed that they are preaching the resurrection of the dead through Jesus. They arrest them and put them in gaol overnight.

The council convenes and demands that Peter and John explain by what power they have done this deed.

Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly declares that the man was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ who was crucified and whom God raised from the dead.

Peter concludes, “There is salvation in no one else!”

Application
People look for salvation, healing, wholeness and fulfilment in all sorts of places.

But as Peter boldly declared, there is salvation only in the name of Jesus Christ.

The name of Jesus is powerful. We are saved in His name. We are healed in His name. Satan flees before His name.

There is no other name, no other way to be saved, but the name of Jesus.

Why would you want any other way?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, your name is the highest of names. Please remind me to call constantly on you in every circumstance. Amen.

Scripture

“Repent of your sins and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped away.”

Observation
Peter and John have healed a lame man near the temple gate. The people are in uproar as they recognise the man leaping and praising God.

Peter seizes the opportunity to address the crowd. He asks them why they are so astonished at God healing a man.

This is not done by the power of a man but by Jesus, the one the crowds had rejected, was crucified and is now alive.

Faith in the name of Jesus healed the man. Now they must put their faith in Jesus and repent in order to have their sins wiped away.

Application
Peter and John healed the man by the Name of Jesus. The Name that brings healing of the body also brings forgiveness of sins.

It is all about Jesus. My life must glorify the Name of Jesus.

Forgiveness of sins is in Jesus

Healing is in Jesus.

Grace is in Jesus.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to keep my eyes on you, allowing you to be glorified in me. Amen.

Scripture

“In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”

Observation
Peter is at the house of Cornelius, having been prepared by a vision to go to a Gentile’s house. He recounts the vision he received from the Lord, and Cornelius then tells of the angelic visitation he had which had prompted him to invite Peter.

Peter realises that God shows no favouritism, that He accepts people from every nation. The Good News that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ is for all people.

The apostles are the witnesses of all that Jesus did, of His death and resurrection.

Application
Jesus is Lord of all, and the peace of His Kingdom is open to all who put their faith in Him.

This is the wonderful message of Easter- Christ was crucified for our sins and He rose again to show He has conquered sin and death for ever.

The promise is to all people. Just put your trust in Him and confess that He is Lord, and you will be saved.

Prayer
Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of salvation. You bought it with your own death, but now you give freely to all who will receive you. Amen.