Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 5:26-32
26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
Commentary:
5:30 hanging him on a tree. The cross is referred to as a tree, making a clear connection with the use of the same word (Gk. xylon) in the Septuagint translation of Deut. 21:23, “cursed by God is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” Jesus was put in a position that the OT says is “cursed by God,” thus taking on himself the penalty for sin. See Gal. 3:13.
5:33 On the Jews’ pattern of resistance (cf. 7:51; 12:1–3; 13:45; 25:7; 28:24), see note on Amos 4:6.
5:33 On the Jews’ pattern of resistance (cf. 7:51; 12:1–3; 13:45; 25:7; 28:24), see note on Amos 4:6.
Questions:
- Again, the apostles are arrested, and again, they tell the religious leaders that they "MUST obey God rather than any human authority." William Barclay said, "They had principles. And their ruling principle was that in all circumstances obedience to God must come first. They never asked: ‘Is this course of action safe?’ They asked: ‘Is this what God wants me to do?’" What about YOUR life? Do you first consider the safest option? Or are you about obedience first?
- God has a plan for you, just like the first century church, just like the apostles. He has a plan to work in you and through you for his glory. But to walk in his will, you must choose HIM every day, to go HIS way and to walk in HIS best for you. Where might God be leading you to trust and obey? Does he really have all of you?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would choose obedience to God every day.
- That God would have your whole heart.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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