Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of April 23, 2023

WEEKLY READING: ACTS 14:1–15:41, 16:1–40, 17:1–34, 18:1–28, 19:1–4 1, 20:1–38 AND 21:1–40

“I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” | Acts 20:35

This week Elizabeth Augustine, who participates in WCC’s Growth Group, Hispanic and School Outreach ministries, shares her reflections on Acts 19 and 20. Check out the insights and encouragements she has drawn from studying Paul’s missionary journey and the growth of the early church.

“Missing the forest for the trees” has never been a problem for me. You could say I am allergic to details. When reading, I tend to skip ahead to the dialogue rather than wading through the description and background information. Who cares if it was a dreary night, and the purple house was set against a moonlit backdrop? Not me. All that to say I’m thankful God chose someone like Luke to write the Book of Acts. Luke the physician went to great lengths to include precise details about people and places, rich information that provides us a glimpse into the work of God in the early church. Had I written the book of Acts, it would have said “The disciples wandered around and preached the good news about Jesus. The End.”

The plethora of information in Acts, and specifically chapters 19 and 20, can make for tough reading. I get lost trying to comprehend all the times, places and people mentioned. Honestly, I read these chapters multiple times, slowly beginning to appreciate what I was reading. I saw how Paul spent a lot of time in each place he preached. He was intentional with his time encouraging (20:1–2) and sharing the life-giving message of Jesus. He was in Ephesus for two years (19:10) and spent considerable time preaching in each place he found the opportunity (19:8, 20:3). It takes time to spread the Good News, which reminds me of Jesus’ parable about the slow-working yeast in Matthew 13:33. The other detail that came to the forefront was how a riot or violent plot often came on the heels of Paul’s preaching and teaching. Many times, this led him to move on to a new area. Paul exemplified what it means to accept the risks involved with following the leading of the Holy Spirit (20:22). He spread the Gospel far and wide without letting personal insecurities hold him back. I am baffled by the number of places he went on his journeys.

As I began to digest all the details about Paul’s travels, I noticed some striking similarities to the ministry of Jesus. Paul too went about performing miracles (as the Spirit led him). His ministry got to the point where “even a handkerchief and aprons that had touched him, were taken to the sick … and the evil spirits left them” (19:11–12). He even raised a young man from the dead! Eutychus fell out of a third-story window after Paul’s preaching put him to sleep (20:9–10). Hilarious and amazing!

After doing the work of deeply digesting these chapters on Paul’s third missionary journey, I am inspired! Paul’s heart was so evidently filled with the Spirit. He faced many dangerous and scary situations (especially in later chapters with his arrest, shipwreck and imprisonment). But through it all, Paul remained steadfast in his mission. This encourages me to keep the focus on God’s calling in my life. As Jesus said, “In this world, you will have troubles” (John 16:33). I don’t expect my walk of faith to be without its challenges. But what wonderful encouragement, to know that Paul was just a normal guy, facing it all, giving it all and sharing that Jesus loves the world! The same Holy Spirit that compelled him dwells within believers like you and me. My prayer is that in our lives, we can be like Paul and confidently reflect Christ by demonstrating the truth that “It is more blessed to give than receive” (20:35).

Do you have questions about this week’s Bible reading? We’d love to help! Rather than relying on the first thing you find on the internet, email us at biblequestions@warsaw.cc. We are more than happy to answer that nagging question, provide you with some clarity or point you in the right direction for further study.