Author Archives: julieannseeksharpe

Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them. – … Continue reading →

Paul has endurance and passion. He speaks all night and travels the next day with Jerusalem in his sites.He sums up his purpose–he has endured everything, he has proclaimed the message to everyone, he has maintained integrity. He warns them … Continue reading →

Today, the silversmithing business in Ephesus is threatened by Paul’s preaching. Demetrius expresses concern also that the chief divinity of Ephesus will be “deprived of her majesty”— the mixed motives are interesting to me. There’s the real reason, his own … Continue reading →

They arrive in Beroea and like normally, begin preaching in the synagogue. The Bereans searched the scriptures to see if Paul’s word was true. Troublemakers follow from Thessalonica, so they send Paul off to Athens where he’s deeply distressed to … Continue reading →

Paul sends a letter to the gentile churches to clarify that circumcision isn’t necessary. The “essentials” Paul lists are: There must be a context because I can think of other essentials that seem like they would also be right, or … Continue reading →

Paul and Barnabas head to Iconium where people are split in how they receive the word. When they are nearly killed for their message, they move on to Lystra. There’s a man there who Paul heals. That did it. No … Continue reading →

Herod is looking to kill Peter who had escaped prison. The people want to appease Herod so he will share food during the famine. They praise him as a god and he dies suddenly. Another suddenly stricken story, in chapter … Continue reading →

You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” Acts 12:15. Persecution of the church resulted in spreading the Gospel. Peter is imprisoned, but with the help … Continue reading →

So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection” (Acts 10:29). Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house where he’s gathered a lot of people. Despite the law, Peter understands from his vision that this Gentile/Jew association is right. … Continue reading →

Peter is staying with a tanner. I’ve heard that uncleanliness might be foreshadowing this next event with Cornelius; Cornelius is a Gentile so is also unclean. God shakes up expectations and sends Peter to chat with Cornelius. God clarifies the … Continue reading →