Bible
Text: Acts 7:58-8:1 & 9:1-30
Key
Verse: Acts 9:15-16
Acts 7:59-60 receive my spirit...do not hold this sin against them: the words of Stephen are very similar to Jesus' words from the cross (see Luke 22:34, 46).
Acts 8:1-3 Saul approved of the killing him: Saul is a Hebrew name that means "asked of God". This Saul is later called Paul and is a central character in the later chapters of Acts. Saul is introduced here as one opposed to Jews who were followers of Jesus Christ.
Acts 9:1-19 suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him: the dramatic "calling" of Saul (Paul) indicates the Holy Spirit's power to change hearts and lives.
Acts 9:2 the way: this is another name for the fellowship of believers, based in Jesus naming himself "the way" in John 14:6.
Acts 9:4 why do you persecute me: to persecute the church is to persecute Christ, for the church is his body.
Acts 9:17 Jesus, who appeared to you: the Damascus road experience was not merely a vision. The resurrected Christ actually appeared to Saul, and on this fact Saul based his qualification to be an apostle.
Acts 9:23 after many days: three years (Galatians 1:17-18). It is probable that the major part of this period was spent in Arabia, away from Damascus, though the borders of Arabia extended to the environs of Damascus.
Acts 9:26 he came to Jerusalem: from Galatians 1:19 we learn that all the apostles were away except Peter and James, the Lord's brother. James was not one of the Twelve, but he held a position in Jerusalem comparable to that of an apostle.
Acts 9:29 he talked and debated: formally Saul was arguing against Christ; not he forcefully presenting Jesus as the Messiah.
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Monday: Devotional Reading – Time for prayer &
adoration:
Read
through the scripture several times, just listening to the words.
Tuesday: Literary Reading – Listen for literary
content:
Focus
on the text, itself.
Wednesday: Lutheran Theological Reading – Read from
a Lutheran perspective:
Reflect
on the convictions, insights and expectations that rise particularly from our
Lutheran Heritage.
Thursday: Historical Reading – Read with an ear for
History:
Reflect
on the historical situation.
Friday: Catch up on missed reading
time
Saturday & Sunday: Day of
Rest
For
More Detailed Reflection Questions please check-out the link "Daily Reflection
Questions" link.
