Problems In Paradise
June 25, 2023
Joash John emphasizes that the church’s primary mission is evangelism, drawing from Acts 5:12–42 to show how the early believers remained faithful despite opposition. He identifies four keys to effective witness in the early church: purity in confronting sin, divine power at work through the apostles, perseverance through persecution, and persistence in obeying God rather than men.
Stephen Tells the Story
July 9, 2023
Dave Brereton highlights the life and martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7:1–8:3, presenting him as a model of humble service, deep scriptural knowledge, Spirit-filled boldness, and Christlike forgiveness. He shows how Stephen’s sweeping retelling of Israel’s history confronts misplaced confidence in land and temple, exposes a pattern of rejecting God’s messengers, and ultimately points to Jesus as the Righteous One.
The True King Rules
August 27, 2023
Andrew Dawson walks through Acts 12:1–25 as a dramatic clash between Herod and the true King, showing that even in persecution, imprisonment, and death, Jesus remains sovereign. Through James’s martyrdom, Peter’s miraculous rescue, and Herod’s sudden downfall, Andrew emphasizes that believers can trust Christ’s authority and goodness in every circumstance, grounding their confidence in Jesus’ suffering and resurrection.
Showdown in Jerusalem
January 14, 2024
Stephen McHarg examines Acts 21:16–40 to show how Paul responded to persecution with humility, unity, and unwavering trust in God, even amid slander, violence, and arrest. Tracing themes of communion, concern, compromise, and consequence, he highlights Paul’s Christlike restraint and willingness to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
On to Caesar and Rome
March 3, 2024
Christian Morasse reflects on the seemingly abrupt ending of Acts and shows that Paul’s arrival in Rome is not the end of the story but the continuation of God’s mission, as the gospel advances despite shipwrecks, imprisonment, and opposition. He concludes by urging the church to see itself as part of the ongoing story, faithfully and effectively advancing the gospel in dependence on the Holy Spirit.