Author: Administrador

Paul and Silas crossed the border into Europe to get to Macedonia, a Roman colony (16:2) because of the invitation they received from a man (aner, biological male), who, in a night vision, pleaded for their help (16:9-10). In Acts men receive visions, but women do not. Cornelius and Peter both received visions resulting in … Continue reading “Acts 16:16-34 Commentary by Mitzi J. Smith”

In last Sunday’s lesson, Paul met Lydia while he was looking for a place of prayer. Now, again on his way to the place of prayer, Paul meets another woman. Whereas Lydia, while not necessarily wealthy, was at least a woman of some independence (as the head of her household), this second woman is doubly … Continue reading “Acts 16:16-34 Commentary by Brian Peterson”

In Acts, trouble follows Paul.1 Or perhaps Paul tends to help precipitate the various controversies which embroil him. Either way, Paul’s time in Philippi is no exception to the general rule. Despite the successes narrated in last week’s text from Acts, Paul and Silas will find themselves swept up in a crowd’s fervor but ultimately … Continue reading “Acts 16:16-34 Commentary by Eric Barreto”

Like much of Luke-Acts, this week’s text finds Christians on the road. Seemingly unable to stand still, Paul is on the move, proclaiming the good news in a part of the ancient world rife with historical significance as well as great diversity of people. The geographical expansion narrated in these verses is a result of … Continue reading “Acts 16:9-15 Commentary by Eric Barreto”

Just prior to the beginning of this text, Paul and his companions Silas and Timothy seem to be at a loss for where to go next with the gospel.  They stumble around the region, running into one barrier after another set up by God. Barred by the Spirit from going south and west into Asia … Continue reading “Acts 16:9-15 Commentary by Brian Peterson”

According to Acts, first the Holy Spirit and then “the Spirit of Jesus” prevented Paul and Silas from speaking in Asia and from entering Bithynia, respectively, resulting in their arrival in Troas (Acts 16:6-8; cf. 15:40). It is in Troas (situated in Asia at the shore edge of the Aegean Sea and facing Macedonia), on … Continue reading “Acts 16:9-15 Commentary by Mitzi J. Smith”

Commentary for these texts is forthcoming. PRAYER OF THE DAY Lord of all,In Jesus you have made us all sisters and brothers in Christ. There is no distinction between Gentile and Jew. There is no separation that can remove any from fellowship in Christ’s community. Blind us to our differences so that in unity we may proclaim your … Continue reading “Acts 15:1-18 Commentary by Working Preacher”

Our look at this passage will focus on three questions: What is the New Testament’s basic understanding of God’s purpose in relationship with the world? How do we find a clear path to right action when scripture makes competing proclamations? How often, with good intentions, do we place barriers in the path of those who … Continue reading “Acts 15:1-17 Commentary by Frank L. Crouch”

On this first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas have proclaimed the gospel in Cyprus (13:4-12), Pisidian Antioch (13:13-50), and Iconium (14:1-7). In each of these cities they have begun their preaching in synagogues, and have encountered both receptivity and resistance among Jews and “God-fearing” Gentiles (Gentiles who worship at the synagogue but have not become … Continue reading “Acts 14:8-18  Commentary by Elisabeth Johnson”

Tertullian’s observation that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” certainly rings true to the narrative of Acts. After the stoning of Stephen (chapter 7), the narrator relates that “a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and … Continue reading “Acts 11:19-27 and 13:1-3  Commentary by Elisabeth Johnson”