How to use this Guide

The book of Acts tells the story of what happened when ordinary people were filled with the Holy Spirit and surrendered to the mission of Jesus. Over these 58 days, read slowly, notice what the passage reveals about God and His people, and respond with honest prayer and practical obedience.

Begin with the assigned passage. Read it once for the story, then again for what the Holy Spirit may be emphasizing.
Use the three devotional questions to move from observation to personal application.
Pray the provided prayer in your own words, adding anything the passage brings to mind.
Complete the daily challenge. Small acts of obedience help truth become part of the way we live.

Week 1 - October 4-10

Promise, Pentecost, and the Birth of the Church

This week, we watch the Church come to life. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, His followers wait together in prayer, and at Pentecost ordinary people are empowered to become bold witnesses for Jesus. As the first believers devote themselves to God and one another, we see a picture of a Spirit-filled community marked by prayer, generosity, worship, and obedience. This week challenges us to depend on the Holy Spirit and live as devoted followers of Jesus.

Empowered to Be Witnesses
READ: Acts 1:1-11
Jesus tells His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit, then sends them to carry His message from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
KEY VERSE: Acts 1:8
BIG IDEA: God does not merely give us an assignment; He gives us His Spirit to accomplish it.
REFLECT:
1. What do Jesus’ final instructions reveal about His priorities for the Church?
2. Where are you tempted to rely on your ability instead of the Holy Spirit’s power?
3. Who is one person or place God may be calling you to reach as His witness?
PRAY: Jesus, fill me with Your Spirit and make my life a clear witness to Your grace and truth.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Pray by name for one person who needs to encounter Jesus.
Faithful in the Waiting
READ: Acts 1:12-26
The disciples obey Jesus by returning to Jerusalem, praying together, and preparing for what God will do next.
KEY VERSE: Acts 1:14
BIG IDEA: Waiting on God is not passive; it is a season of prayer, unity, and obedient preparation.
REFLECT:
1. What did the disciples do while they waited for God’s promise?
2. How do you usually respond when God’s timing feels slow?
3. What faithful step can you take while you wait for an answer?
PRAY: Lord, teach me to wait with faith, prayer, and obedience instead of frustration or fear.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Set aside ten uninterrupted minutes to pray about something you are waiting on.
The Spirit Is Poured Out
READ: Acts 2:1-13
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fills the believers and enables them to proclaim God’s works across language and cultural barriers.
KEY VERSE: Acts 2:4
BIG IDEA: The Holy Spirit equips ordinary people to communicate the extraordinary works of God.
REFLECT:
1. What details show that Pentecost was God’s work rather than human effort?
2. What barriers does the Holy Spirit help the gospel cross in this passage?
3. Where do you need fresh dependence on the Spirit today?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, fill me and use my words to point people toward the wonderful works of God.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Before each important conversation today, pause and ask the Holy Spirit for help.
A Gospel That Demands a Response
READ: Acts 2:14-41
Peter explains the meaning of Pentecost, proclaims Jesus as Lord and Messiah, and calls the crowd to repent and be baptized.
KEY VERSE: Acts 2:38
BIG IDEA: The gospel is good news to receive and a call to turn our lives toward Jesus.
REFLECT:
1. What truths about Jesus are central to Peter’s message?
2. Why do you think the crowd was “cut to the heart”?
3. Is there any area where the Holy Spirit is calling you to repent and respond?
PRAY: Jesus, let the truth of who You are reach my heart and change the direction of my life.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Respond immediately to one conviction the Holy Spirit has been bringing to you.
Devoted, Not Casual
READ: Acts 2:42-47
The first believers devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, communion, prayer, generosity, and life together.
KEY VERSE: Acts 2:42
BIG IDEA: A healthy church is formed by believers who continually devote themselves to Jesus and one another.
REFLECT:
1. Which practices shaped the daily life of the early church?
2. Which area of devotion is strongest in your life? Which is weakest?
3. What would deeper commitment to biblical community look like this week?
PRAY: God, make me a devoted disciple who strengthens Your Church through faithfulness and love.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Encourage, serve, or share a meal with someone from your church community.
What We Have, We Give
READ: Acts 3:1-16
Peter and John meet a man who cannot walk and offer him something greater than money: healing through the name of Jesus.
KEY VERSE: Acts 3:6
BIG IDEA: We may not have every resource, but we carry the name and presence of Jesus.
REFLECT:
1. What did the man ask for, and what did God give him instead?
2. What does Peter’s response teach you about spiritual confidence and humility?
3. What has God placed in you that you can offer someone today?
PRAY: Jesus, help me notice people, trust Your power, and freely give what You have placed in me.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Look for one practical opportunity to stop, notice, and help someone today.
Times of Refreshing
READ: Acts 3:17-26
Peter calls the people to repent and turn to God so their sins may be wiped away and refreshing may come from the Lord.
KEY VERSE: Acts 3:19
BIG IDEA: Repentance is not merely turning from sin; it is turning toward the restoring presence of God.
REFLECT:
1. What promises are connected to repentance in this passage?
2. Why can repentance feel threatening even though it leads to refreshing?
3. What do you need to turn from and turn toward today?
PRAY: Father, lead me into honest repentance and the freedom and refreshing found in Your presence.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Write one sentence of confession, then one sentence declaring God’s grace.

Week 2 - October 11-17

Boldness, Integrity, and Faith Under Pressure

As the Church grows, so does the opposition against it. This week shows believers choosing boldness over fear, integrity over appearances, and obedience to God over the approval of people. Through the apostles and the story of Stephen, we discover that faithfulness is not dependent on easy circumstances. God can strengthen us to remain courageous, honest, and grounded in His presence even when following Him comes at a cost.

Courage That Cannot Stay Silent
READ: Acts 4:1-22
Peter and John are arrested for preaching Jesus, yet they boldly testify that salvation is found in no one else.
KEY VERSE: Acts 4:12
BIG IDEA: When we have truly encountered Jesus, fear loses its authority over our witness.
REFLECT:
1. What made Peter and John’s courage so surprising to the religious leaders?
2. What pressures tempt believers to remain silent today?
3. Where do you need courage to speak truth with grace?
PRAY: Lord, give me courage that comes from being with Jesus, not from confidence in myself.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Share one honest sentence about what Jesus has done in your life.
Praying for Boldness
READ: Acts 4:23-37
The believers respond to threats by praying for boldness, and God fills them again with the Holy Spirit.
KEY VERSE: Acts 4:29
BIG IDEA: The early church did not primarily pray for easier circumstances; they prayed for greater boldness.
REFLECT:
1. What does the believers’ prayer reveal about their view of God?
2. How is their prayer different from the prayers you naturally pray under pressure?
3. What would it look like to ask for courage rather than escape?
PRAY: Sovereign Lord, strengthen me to obey You faithfully even when obedience is costly.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Turn one fear-based prayer into a prayer for boldness and faithfulness.
Integrity in God’s Presence
READ: Acts 5:1-16
Ananias and Sapphira pretend to be more generous than they are, revealing the seriousness of hypocrisy within the Church.
KEY VERSE: Acts 5:4
BIG IDEA: God desires honest surrender, not an impressive spiritual image.
REFLECT:
1. What was the deeper sin behind Ananias and Sapphira’s actions?
2. Where are you most tempted to manage how others perceive you?
3. What would greater honesty before God and others look like?
PRAY: God, search my heart and form integrity in me when no one else is watching
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Be completely honest with God about one area you have been minimizing or hiding.
Obeying God Over People
READ: Acts 5:17-42
The apostles are arrested, miraculously released, and commanded to stop teaching about Jesus, but they continue with joy.
KEY VERSE: Acts 5:29
BIG IDEA: Faithful disciples obey God even when human approval, comfort, or safety is at stake.
REFLECT:
1. What enabled the apostles to continue after threats and suffering?
2. Whose approval has the strongest influence over your decisions?
3. Where might obedience to God require you to disappoint people?
PRAY: Jesus, make my desire to please You greater than my fear of people.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Choose one act of obedience today that you have delayed because of others’ opinions.
Growth Requires Wise Leadership
READ: Acts 6:1-7
As the church grows, leaders address a neglected need by appointing Spirit-filled servants and clarifying responsibilities.
KEY VERSE: Acts 6:3
BIG IDEA: Spiritual maturity includes noticing practical needs and organizing wisely to meet them.
REFLECT:
1. How did the apostles respond to conflict and legitimate concern?
2. Why were spiritual character and practical wisdom both important?
3. Where can you help bring clarity, service, or solutions instead of complaint?
PRAY: God, give me wisdom, humility, and a servant’s heart as I help care for Your people.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Solve one practical problem you have noticed rather than waiting for someone else.
Faithful Under Accusation
READ: Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-8
Stephen is falsely accused, yet his face reflects God’s presence as he begins recounting Israel’s story.
KEY VERSE: Acts 6:15
BIG IDEA: A life anchored in God can reflect peace even while facing unfair treatment.
REFLECT:
1. What stands out about Stephen’s response to opposition?
2. How do you usually react when you are misunderstood or falsely accused?
3. What would it look like to remain grounded in God’s presence today?
PRAY: Lord, steady my heart when I am misunderstood and let my response reflect Your character.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Refuse to retaliate in one situation; pause and pray before responding.
God Is Present in the Process
READ: Acts 7:9-29
Stephen shows how God remained with Joseph and Moses through rejection, delay, and hardship.
KEY VERSE: Acts 7:9-10
BIG IDEA: Rejection and delay cannot cancel the purposes or presence of God.
REFLECT:
1. Where do you see God working through painful or confusing circumstances?
2. How did rejection shape Joseph and Moses without defining their final story?
3. What part of your story do you need to entrust to God’s larger purpose?
PRAY: Faithful God, help me recognize Your presence in seasons that do not make sense yet.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Thank God for one difficult season and ask Him to reveal how He is using it.

Week 3 - October 18-24

The Gospel Crosses Boundaries

The gospel begins moving beyond familiar places and people as persecution scatters believers into new territory. Through Stephen, Philip, Saul, Ananias, and Peter, we see God working through suffering, unexpected encounters, radical transformation, and courageous obedience. Again and again, the Holy Spirit challenges assumptions and sends believers toward people they might otherwise overlook. This week reminds us that no person is beyond the reach of Jesus and no boundary can contain His gospel.

Do Not Resist the Holy Spirit
READ: Acts 7:30-53
Stephen recounts Israel’s repeated resistance to God’s messengers and confronts the leaders for doing the same.
KEY VERSE: Acts 7:51
BIG IDEA: Religious familiarity does not guarantee a responsive heart.
REFLECT:
1. What patterns of resistance does Stephen identify in Israel’s history?
2. How can people honor religious traditions while resisting God’s present work?
3. Where might the Holy Spirit be challenging your preferences or assumptions?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, soften my heart and make me quick to recognize and obey Your voice.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Obey one clear prompting you have been repeatedly postponing.
Faithful to the End
READ: Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-4
Stephen sees Jesus, forgives his killers, and dies in faith; persecution then scatters believers who continue preaching the word.
KEY VERSE: Acts 7:60
BIG IDEA: Even suffering cannot stop the gospel when believers respond like Jesus.
REFLECT:
1. How does Stephen reflect the character of Jesus in his final moments?
2. What does this passage show about God’s ability to work through tragedy?
3. Who do you need grace to forgive or release?
PRAY: Jesus, help me remain faithful, forgiving, and full of Your Spirit in every circumstance.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Pray blessing over someone who has hurt or opposed you.
The Gospel Cannot Be Bought
READ: Acts 8:5-25
Philip’s ministry brings joy to Samaria, while Simon the sorcerer tries to purchase spiritual power for personal influence.
KEY VERSE: Acts 8:20
BIG IDEA: The gifts of God are received through surrender, not controlled for selfish ambition.
REFLECT:
1. What contrasts do you see between Philip’s ministry and Simon’s motives?
2. How can spiritual influence become mixed with personal ambition?
3. What motive do you need God to purify in your service or leadership?
PRAY: God, purify my motives so that I desire Your glory more than influence, recognition, or control.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Serve someone today in a way that cannot benefit your reputation.
Available for the One
READ: Acts 8:26-40
The Spirit directs Philip away from a successful ministry moment to help one Ethiopian understand Scripture and meet Jesus.
KEY VERSE: Acts 8:29
BIG IDEA: God often changes lives through believers who are willing to notice and approach one person.
REFLECT:
1. What steps of obedience did Philip take before he saw the full outcome?
2. What does this encounter teach about listening and asking good questions?
3. Who might God be placing near you for a meaningful conversation?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, make me interruptible and attentive to the people You place in my path.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Start a spiritual conversation by asking someone a sincere, thoughtful question.
Interrupted by Grace
READ: Acts 9:1-19
Jesus confronts Saul on the road to Damascus and sends Ananias to welcome the former persecutor as a brother.
KEY VERSE: Acts 9:15
BIG IDEA: No one is beyond the reach of Jesus, and no past is too powerful for His grace.
REFLECT:
1. What does Saul’s conversion reveal about the initiative of Jesus?
2. What fears might Ananias have needed to overcome?
3. Who have you assumed is unlikely to change or receive God’s grace?
PRAY: Jesus, interrupt every false direction in me and help me believe Your grace can transform anyone.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Pray specifically for someone whose transformation feels impossible.
A Transformed Life
READ: Acts 9:20-31
Saul immediately begins proclaiming Jesus, faces opposition, receives help from Barnabas, and becomes part of the church.
KEY VERSE: Acts 9:27
BIG IDEA: Transformation becomes visible through new direction, courageous witness, and healthy community.
REFLECT:
1. What evidence showed that Saul’s encounter with Jesus was genuine?
2. How did Barnabas help Saul move forward in his calling?
3. Who needs you to advocate for, encourage, or welcome them?
PRAY: God, let the change You are producing in me become visible and help me strengthen others.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Encourage someone who is growing, changing, or beginning again.
Jesus Brings Life
READ: Acts 9:32-43
Through Peter, Jesus heals Aeneas and raises Tabitha, causing many people to turn to the Lord.
KEY VERSE: Acts 9:34
BIG IDEA: Miracles are not about elevating a person; they reveal the compassion and authority of Jesus.
REFLECT:
1. How does Peter direct attention away from himself and toward Jesus?
2. What do the descriptions of Tabitha reveal about the impact of faithful service?
3. Where do you need to trust Jesus to bring restoration or new life?
PRAY: Jesus, reveal Your compassion and power through my prayers, service, and dependence on You.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Do one practical act of kindness that continues Tabitha’s example of serving others.

Week 4 - October 25-31

Grace Expands the Church

God continues expanding the Church by challenging old assumptions about who belongs in His family. Peter discovers that God shows no favoritism, the church in Antioch becomes a place of encouragement and generosity, and believers learn to trust God through both miraculous answers and painful circumstances. By the end of the week, worship, prayer, and fasting lead to Barnabas and Saul being set apart and sent. Grace does not simply welcome us in—it sends us out.

God Prepares Both Sides
READ: Acts 10:1-23
God speaks to Cornelius and Peter separately, preparing both men for a boundary-crossing encounter.
KEY VERSE : Acts 10:15
BIG IDEA: God may challenge our categories before He expands our influence.
REFLECT:
1. How did God prepare both Cornelius and Peter before they met?
2. What assumptions or boundaries was God confronting in Peter?
3. Whom might God be preparing you to understand, welcome, or serve?
PRAY: Father, expose every prejudice and limitation that keeps me from loving the people You love.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Have a meaningful conversation with someone whose background differs from yours.
No Favoritism
READ: Acts 10:24-48
Peter enters Cornelius’s home, preaches Jesus, and watches the Holy Spirit fall on Gentile believers.
KEY VERSE: Acts 10:34-35
BIG IDEA: The gospel is for every nation, every family, and every person who turns toward God.
REFLECT:
1. What realization changes Peter’s understanding of God and people?
2. Where can favoritism quietly influence the way Christians relate to others?
3. How can your life communicate that the invitation of Jesus is open to all?
PRAY: God, enlarge my heart and help me welcome people with the same grace You have shown me.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Intentionally include or honor someone who might normally be overlooked.
When God Changes Our Mind
READ: Acts 11:1-18
Peter explains God’s work among the Gentiles, and the believers move from criticism to worship.
KEY VERSE: Acts 11:17
BIG IDEA: Mature faith allows God’s activity to correct our assumptions.
REFLECT:
1. Why were some believers initially critical of Peter?
2. What evidence helped them recognize that God was at work?
3. Where might you need to listen before judging something unfamiliar?
PRAY: Lord, make me humble enough to change my mind when Your work exceeds my expectations.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Ask a clarifying question before forming an opinion about someone’s decision.
A Church That Strengthens Others
READ: Acts 11:19-30
The church in Antioch grows as believers share Jesus, Barnabas encourages them, and disciples prepare to help others during famine.
KEY VERSE: Acts 11:23
BIG IDEA: Healthy spiritual leadership recognizes grace, encourages faithfulness, and equips people to grow.
REFLECT:
1. What qualities made Barnabas’s leadership effective?
2. How did the Antioch believers move from receiving ministry to serving others?
3. Who can you strengthen through encouragement or practical generosity?
PRAY: God, make me an encourager who recognizes Your grace in people and helps them remain faithful.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Send a specific message telling someone where you see God’s grace at work in them.
The Church Prays Earnestly
READ: Acts 12:1-19
Herod kills James and imprisons Peter, but the church prays and God sends an angel to deliver him.
KEY VERSE: Acts 12:5
BIG IDEA: Prayer is the Church’s active response when circumstances appear impossible.
REFLECT:
1. What tension do you see between James’s death and Peter’s deliverance?
2. What does the church’s reaction reveal about imperfect yet persistent faith?
3. What impossible situation needs your earnest prayer today?
PRAY: God, I trust You even when outcomes differ from what I expect. Teach me to pray earnestly.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Gather one or two people to pray specifically for an urgent need.
God Will Not Share His Glory
READ: Acts 12:20-25
Herod receives praise as a god and is judged, while the word of God continues to increase and spread.
KEY VERSE: Acts 12:24
BIG IDEA: Human power is temporary, but God’s word cannot be stopped.
REFLECT:
1. What contrast does Luke create between Herod and the word of God?
2. Where are you tempted to receive credit that belongs to God?
3. How can you intentionally return glory to God today?
PRAY: Lord, keep me humble and let every success in my life point back to You.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Publicly thank God or acknowledge another person’s contribution instead of taking the credit.
Set Apart and Sent
READ: Acts 13:1-12
While the Antioch church worships and fasts, the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul and sends them into mission.
KEY VERSE: Acts 13:2
BIG IDEA: Calling is often clarified in an atmosphere of worship, surrender, and community.
REFLECT:
1. What was the church doing when the Holy Spirit gave direction?
2. Why is communal confirmation important in calling?
3. What distraction may be keeping you from hearing God clearly?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, speak as I worship, fast, pray, and surrender my plans to You.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Remove one distraction for a set period today and use that time to seek God.

Week 5 - November 1-7

Sent, Strengthened, and Led by the Spirit

Paul and his companions carry the gospel into new places, encountering both incredible fruit and intense opposition. Along the way, they learn to keep moving through rejection, strengthen new believers, protect the message of grace, navigate disagreement, and follow the Spirit's direction. This week reminds us that God's guidance does not always look like an easy or straight path. Faithfulness means continuing to trust, obey, and move wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

The Story Points to Jesus
READ: Acts 13:13-43
Paul traces Israel’s history and shows that God’s promises find fulfillment in Jesus.
KEY VERSE: Acts 13:38-39
BIG IDEA: Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom that human effort and religious law could never achieve.
REFLECT:
1. How does Paul connect the Old Testament story to Jesus?
2. What does this passage say Jesus provides that the law could not?
3. Where are you still trying to earn what Jesus freely gives?
PRAY: Jesus, help me rest in the forgiveness and freedom You have already provided.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Replace one performance-driven thought with a spoken declaration of God’s grace.
Joy in the Face of Rejection
READ: Acts 13:44-52
When some reject the gospel and stir up opposition, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles and continue filled with joy.
KEY VERSE: Acts 13:52
BIG IDEA: Rejection does not have to drain our joy or stop our obedience.
REFLECT:
1. How did Paul and Barnabas respond when their message was rejected?
2. What is the difference between personal rejection and faithful redirection?
3. Where do you need to release rejection and keep moving?
PRAY: Lord, protect my joy and help me stay obedient when people do not respond as I hoped.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Name one rejection you are releasing, then take the next faithful step.
Faithful Through Opposition
READ: Acts 14:1-20
Paul and Barnabas experience both powerful ministry and violent opposition, yet they continue proclaiming the gospel.
KEY VERSE: Acts 14:3
BIG IDEA: Opposition does not always mean we are outside God’s will; sometimes it accompanies faithful obedience.
REFLECT:
1. What different responses did the gospel produce in each city?
2. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to praise, misunderstanding, and persecution?
3. What helps you remain grounded when people either celebrate or criticize you?
PRAY: God, keep me faithful and humble through both approval and opposition.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Do the next right thing without measuring your obedience by people’s reactions.
Strengthened for the Journey
READ: Acts 14:21-28
The missionaries revisit new believers, strengthen them, appoint leaders, and report all God has done.
KEY VERSE: Acts 14:22
BIG IDEA: Disciples need encouragement, endurance, and spiritual community to remain faithful.
REFLECT:
1. Why did Paul and Barnabas return to places where they had faced danger?
2. What does this passage teach about strengthening new believers?
3. Who could benefit from your follow-up rather than a one-time interaction?
PRAY: Lord, make me committed not only to reaching people but also to strengthening them.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Follow up with someone you have previously encouraged, mentored, or invited.
Grace Is Enough
READ: Acts 15:1-21
Church leaders gather to resolve whether Gentile believers must follow the law of Moses to be saved.
KEY VERSE: Acts 15:11
BIG IDEA: We are saved through the grace of Jesus, not through religious performance.
REFLECT:
1. What was at stake in the debate at the Jerusalem Council?
2. How can people add unnecessary burdens to the grace of God?
3. What burden are you carrying that Jesus never asked you to carry?
PRAY: Jesus, keep me rooted in grace and prevent me from placing unnecessary burdens on others.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Identify one man-made expectation you have confused with spiritual maturity.
Truth, Unity, and Disagreement
READ: Acts 15:22-41
The church communicates its decision with care, while Paul and Barnabas later disagree sharply about John Mark.
KEY VERSE: Acts 15:28
BIG IDEA: Spirit-led unity does not require avoiding difficult conversations, but it does require truth, wisdom, and grace.
REFLECT:
1. What made the church’s communication helpful and unifying?
2. What can you learn from the unresolved disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?
3. How can you handle disagreement without dishonoring another person?
PRAY: God, give me wisdom to speak truth, protect unity, and respond graciously in disagreement.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Address one tension directly and respectfully rather than talking around it.
Directed by the Spirit
READ: Acts 16:1-15
Paul adds Timothy to the team, follows the Spirit’s redirection, and meets Lydia in Macedonia.
KEY VERSE: Acts 16:9-10
BIG IDEA: God’s guidance often unfolds through closed doors, open opportunities, and obedient movement.
REFLECT:
1. How did Paul respond when the Spirit prevented certain plans?
2. What clues helped the team discern their next assignment?
3. Where might a closed door be redirecting rather than rejecting you?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, guide my plans and give me peace when Your direction differs from mine.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Thank God for one closed door and ask what direction it may be revealing.

Week 6 - November 8-14

Witness in Every Culture

Worship in the Midnight Hour
READ: Acts 16:16-40
Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned, yet they pray and sing; God opens the prison and saves the jailer’s household.
KEY VERSE: Acts 16:25
BIG IDEA: Worship declares who God is before circumstances change.
REFLECT:
1. What is remarkable about Paul and Silas’s response to suffering?
2. Who was affected by their worship and integrity?
3. What truth about God can you praise Him for before your situation changes?
PRAY: God, put a song of faith in me that circumstances cannot silence.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Play or sing a worship song in the middle of a stressful moment today.
Examine the Scriptures
READ: Acts 17:1-15
In Thessalonica some resist the gospel, while the Bereans receive the message eagerly and examine Scripture daily.
KEY VERSE: Acts 17:11
BIG IDEA: Healthy faith is both receptive and discerning.
REFLECT:
1. What made the Bereans’ response noble?
2. How can you remain teachable without accepting every idea uncritically?
3. What teaching, assumption, or habit should you examine through Scripture?
PRAY: Lord, give me a hungry, humble, and discerning love for Your Word.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Study one verse carefully today instead of reading it quickly.
Connecting Without Compromise
READ: Acts 17:16-34
Paul speaks in Athens by understanding the culture, identifying common ground, and clearly proclaiming the risen Jesus.
KEY VERSE: Acts 17:27
BIG IDEA: God is near, and wise witness helps people recognize the One they have been searching for.
REFLECT:
1. What did Paul observe before he began speaking?
2. How did he connect with his audience without watering down the truth?
3. How can you communicate the gospel in language someone can understand?
PRAY: God, give me wisdom to understand people and courage to speak clearly about Jesus.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Listen carefully to someone’s story and look for a natural bridge to spiritual truth.
Keep Speaking
READ: Acts 18:1-17
God strengthens Paul in Corinth through work, friendship, fruit, and a promise that He is present.
KEY VERSE: Acts 18:9-10
BIG IDEA: God’s presence gives us courage to continue when ministry feels exhausting or uncertain.
REFLECT:
1. How did God provide practical and relational support for Paul?
2. What fear may have tempted Paul to stop speaking?
3. Where is God telling you, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking”?
PRAY: Jesus, strengthen me with the assurance that You are with me and still at work.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Continue one assignment today that discouragement has tempted you to abandon.
Teachable and Useful
READ: Acts 18:18-28
Apollos is gifted and passionate, yet Priscilla and Aquila help him understand the way of God more accurately.
KEY VERSE: Acts 18:26
BIG IDEA: Giftedness becomes more effective when it remains teachable.
REFLECT:
1. What strengths did Apollos already possess?
2. How did Priscilla and Aquila correct him with wisdom and dignity?
3. How do you respond when someone helps refine your understanding?
PRAY: God, keep me passionate and humble enough to receive correction and keep growing.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Ask a trusted person where you could grow in knowledge, character, or effectiveness.
No Rival Allegiance
READ: Acts 19:1-20
In Ephesus, people receive the Holy Spirit, witness God’s power, confess hidden practices, and destroy objects tied to their former lives.
KEY VERSE: Acts 19:18-20
BIG IDEA: Real transformation removes the practices and allegiances that compete with Jesus.
REFLECT:
1. What signs showed that the Ephesian believers were taking repentance seriously?
2. Why is confession often connected to freedom?
3. What object, habit, or access point needs to be removed from your life?
PRAY: Jesus, expose every rival allegiance and give me courage to remove what keeps me bound.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Delete, discard, or disconnect from one thing that repeatedly pulls you away from God.
When the Gospel Disrupts Idols
READ: Acts 19:21-41
The gospel threatens a profitable idol-making industry, revealing how spiritual change affects culture and economics.
KEY VERSE: Acts 19:26
BIG IDEA: The gospel does not merely comfort us; it confronts whatever we worship, trust, or profit from instead of God.
REFLECT:
1. Why did Demetrius oppose Paul’s ministry?
2. What does the crowd’s confusion reveal about collective emotion and idolatry?
3. What comfort, status, habit, or financial interest could compete with obedience to Jesus?
PRAY: God, reveal anything I protect more fiercely than I follow You.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Notice where money and spiritual values intersect in one decision you make today.

From a prison cell to Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus, the gospel reaches people in dramatically different circumstances and cultures. Paul and his companions demonstrate what it looks like to worship through hardship, examine Scripture carefully, communicate truth wisely, remain teachable, and confront anything that competes with Jesus. The gospel can meet people anywhere, but it also transforms everything it touches. This week challenges us to be faithful witnesses without compromising the truth of Jesus.

Week 7 - November 15-21

Faithfulness, Leadership, and Costly Obedience

Paul's journey toward Jerusalem gives us a powerful picture of long-term faithfulness. He encourages believers, invests in leaders, continues toward his calling despite warnings of suffering, and remains steady when misunderstood and opposed. Even in conflict and danger, God reminds Paul that his story and assignment are not finished. This week invites us to measure our lives not by comfort or approval, but by whether we are faithfully completing what Jesus has entrusted to us.

Encouragement Along the Way
READ: Acts 20:1-16
Paul continues traveling, strengthening believers, sharing life with his team, and making the most of every opportunity.
KEY VERSE: Acts 20:2
BIG IDEA: Faithful ministry includes repeatedly strengthening people, not merely gathering crowds.
REFLECT:
1. What repeated priorities do you notice in Paul’s travels?
2. Why are encouragement and presence essential to discipleship?
3. Who needs steady support from you during a long season?
PRAY: Lord, help me become consistent in encouraging people, not only present in dramatic moments.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Call or meet with someone who needs steady encouragement.
Finish the Race Faithfully
READ: Acts 20:17-38
Paul gives the Ephesian elders a deeply personal farewell, reminding them of his example and urging them to guard the church.
KEY VERSE: Acts 20:24
BIG IDEA: A meaningful life is measured by faithfulness to the assignment Jesus has given.
REFLECT:
1. What qualities marked Paul’s ministry among the Ephesians?
2. What dangers did he warn the leaders to watch for?
3. What would finishing your current assignment faithfully require?
PRAY: Jesus, help me value faithfulness above comfort and finish the work You have entrusted to me.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Write down your primary assignment in this season and one step toward finishing well.
Obedience Despite the Cost
READ: Acts 21:1-16
Paul continues toward Jerusalem even after repeated warnings that suffering awaits him.
KEY VERSE: Acts 21:13
BIG IDEA: Obedience is not always the safest path, but it is always the faithful one.
REFLECT:
1. How did Paul distinguish between loving concern and God’s direction?
2. What does his response reveal about surrender?
3. Where has the desire for safety become stronger than the call to obey?
PRAY: Lord Jesus, give me courage to obey You even when I cannot control the outcome.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Take one step of costly obedience you know God has asked of you.
Misunderstood and Opposed
READ: Acts 21:17-36
Paul seeks peace and cultural sensitivity, yet false accusations still lead to violence and arrest.
KEY VERSE: Acts 21:26
BIG IDEA: Doing everything wisely does not guarantee that others will understand or approve.
REFLECT:
1. What efforts did Paul make to avoid unnecessary offense?
2. Why is it dangerous to assume that opposition always proves wrongdoing?
3. How can you remain peaceful when your motives are misrepresented?
PRAY: God, help me act wisely and remain secure in You when others misunderstand me.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Clarify your motives where appropriate, then release the need to control every opinion.
Tell Your Story
READ: Acts 21:37-22:21
Paul addresses the hostile crowd by sharing who he was, how he met Jesus, and what Jesus called him to do.
KEY VERSE: Acts 22:15
BIG IDEA: Your testimony is the story of what you have seen, heard, and experienced through Jesus.
REFLECT:
1. What simple movements shape Paul’s testimony?
2. Why can a personal story communicate truth in a unique way?
3. How would you describe your life before, encounter with, and response to Jesus?
PRAY: Jesus, help me tell my story honestly and use it to direct attention toward You.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Write your testimony in three short parts: before Jesus, meeting Jesus, and life now.
Courage in Conflict
READ: Acts 22:22-30; 23:1-11
Paul uses wisdom, legal rights, and discernment while Jesus personally assures him that his witness is not finished.
KEY VERSE: Acts 23:11
BIG IDEA: God can strengthen us in the night and remind us that our present conflict is not the end of our calling.
REFLECT:
1. What practical wisdom does Paul use in this difficult situation?
2. Why might Jesus’s words have been especially meaningful that night?
3. What promise or truth do you need to hold onto in a season of conflict?
PRAY: Lord, stand near me in difficult moments and remind me that You are still directing my story.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Write one Scripture or truth where you can see it during a difficult week.
Protected by Providence
READ: Acts 23:12-35
A violent plot against Paul is exposed through his nephew, and Roman authorities move him safely to Caesarea.
KEY VERSE: Acts 23:16
BIG IDEA: God’s protection often arrives through ordinary people, practical action, and unseen coordination.
REFLECT:
1. What people and circumstances did God use to protect Paul?
2. Why do we sometimes overlook ordinary forms of divine provision?
3. Where can you recognize God’s quiet protection in your own story?
PRAY: Faithful God, thank You for working through details I may never fully see.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Thank someone who has been part of God’s protection or provision in your life.

Week 8 - November 22-28

Testimony, Trials, and Courage in the Storm

A Clear Conscience
READ: Acts 24:1-27
Paul defends himself before Felix, speaks about righteousness and judgment, and remains imprisoned because of political compromise.
KEY VERSE: Acts 24:16
BIG IDEA: A clear conscience before God and people is more valuable than manipulating an outcome.
REFLECT:
1. What priorities guide Paul’s defense?
2. Why did Felix delay responding to the truth?
3. Is there a truth you understand but keep postponing because it is uncomfortable?
PRAY: God, give me courage to respond to truth today and to live with a clear conscience.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Make one delayed decision that aligns your actions with what you already know is right.
Appealing to a Higher Authority
READ: Acts 25:1-22
Paul refuses an unsafe transfer, appeals to Caesar, and continues moving toward the mission Jesus foretold.
KEY VERSE: Acts 25:11
BIG IDEA: Faith and wisdom work together; trusting God does not prevent us from using appropriate rights and processes.
REFLECT:
1. How did Paul combine trust in God with practical wisdom?
2. What motives influenced the leaders handling his case?
3. Where do you need to advocate wisely rather than remain passive?
PRAY: Lord, give me wisdom to use every lawful opportunity while trusting You with the result.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Take one respectful, practical step to advocate for what is right.
A Witness Before Kings
READ: Acts 25:23-26:18
Paul stands before rulers and explains his hope, his encounter with Jesus, and his commission to open people’s eyes.
KEY VERSE: Acts 26:16
BIG IDEA: Jesus meets us not only to rescue us, but also to give us purpose and send us to others.
REFLECT:
1. What does Paul emphasize about his calling from Jesus?
2. How did his past become part of his present witness?
3. What purpose has Jesus given you beyond your personal salvation?
PRAY: Jesus, open my eyes again to the purpose You have given me and the people You are sending me to serve.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Write one sentence that describes whom you feel called to help and how.
Obedient to the Vision
READ: Acts 26:19-32
Paul tells Agrippa that he has not been disobedient to the heavenly vision and directly invites him to believe.
KEY VERSE: Acts 26:19
BIG IDEA: A calling becomes fruitful through continued obedience, not a single emotional moment.
REFLECT:
1. How did Paul demonstrate long-term obedience to his calling?
2. What makes his invitation to Agrippa both bold and personal?
3. What part of God’s vision for your life needs renewed obedience?
PRAY: Lord, renew my commitment to obey what You have shown me, one faithful step at a time.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Return to one God-given commitment you have neglected.
Faith in the Storm
READ: Acts 27:1-20
Paul’s warning is ignored, and the ship enters a violent storm until everyone loses hope of survival.
KEY VERSE: Acts 27:20
BIG IDEA: Storms reveal the limits of human control and the depth of our need for God.
REFLECT:
1. What decisions contributed to the crisis?
2. How does prolonged difficulty affect people’s hope and judgment?
3. Where do you need to admit that control is no longer possible?
PRAY: God, meet me in the storm and teach me to trust You when every visible source of hope disappears.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Name what you cannot control and surrender it to God in prayer.
Courage for Everyone on Board
READ: Acts 27:21-44
Paul receives a promise from God, encourages the passengers, gives practical instructions, and helps everyone reach land safely.
KEY VERSE: Acts 27:25
BIG IDEA: Faith takes God at His word and becomes a source of courage for others.
REFLECT:
1. What did Paul believe, and how did that belief shape his leadership?
2. Why were both spiritual assurance and practical action necessary?
3. How can your faith steady other people in a difficult moment?
PRAY: Lord, help me believe what You have spoken and become a calm, courageous presence for others.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Speak one specific word of hope to someone facing uncertainty.
Serving After the Shipwreck
READ: Acts 28:1-10
After surviving the storm, Paul serves the people of Malta, survives a snakebite, and ministers healing throughout the island.
KEY VERSE: Acts 28:2
BIG IDEA: A shipwreck does not disqualify us from serving; God can use us even while we recover.
REFLECT:
1. What happens to Paul after surviving one storm?
2. How did others misinterpret both the snakebite and Paul’s survival?
3. How can you serve faithfully even while rebuilding after difficulty?
PRAY: God, do not let hardship make me self-focused; continue to use my life to bring help and healing.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Serve someone today from where you are, not from where you wish you were.

Paul's circumstances become increasingly difficult, but every trial becomes another opportunity to witness. Before governors and kings, in prison, and eventually aboard a ship caught in a violent storm, Paul continues trusting God and speaking about Jesus. His faith becomes a source of courage for the people around him, and even after shipwreck, he continues serving others. This week reminds us that our circumstances do not have to determine our usefulness—God can use our testimony, courage, and obedience even in the middle of the storm.

Week 9 - November 29-30

The Gospel Unhindered

Acts ends in an unexpected way: Paul is confined, but the gospel is not. Even with limitations surrounding him, Paul continues welcoming people, proclaiming God's Kingdom, and teaching about Jesus with boldness. The unfinished ending reminds us that the mission did not stop with Paul or the early Church—the story continues through us. The same Holy Spirit still empowers God's people to carry the good news of Jesus wherever He sends us.

Encouraged by Community
READ: Acts 28:11-22
Paul finally approaches Rome and takes courage when believers travel out to meet him.
KEY VERSE: Acts 28:15
BIG IDEA: Even strong leaders need the encouragement and presence of other believers.
REFLECT:
1. Why do you think seeing the believers gave Paul courage?
2. What does this passage reveal about the ministry of simply showing up?
3. Who may need your presence more than your advice?
PRAY: Father, thank You for the courage that comes through spiritual family. Help me show up for others.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Visit, call, or sit with someone who could use encouragement.
Unhindered
READ: Acts 28:23-31
Paul spends two years welcoming people, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and teaching about Jesus with boldness and without hindrance.
KEY VERSE: Acts 28:31
BIG IDEA: The book ends with Paul confined, but the gospel completely unhindered.
REFLECT:
1. What does the final scene of Acts reveal about the advance of God’s Kingdom?
2. What limitations in your life have you assumed must stop your usefulness?
3. What would it look like to live and speak with greater boldness from where you are?
PRAY: King Jesus, use my life, my home, my limitations, and my opportunities to proclaim Your unhindered Kingdom.
TODAY’S PRACTICE: Choose one way to continue the story of Acts through your own faithful witness.

The story is still being written.

The same Holy Spirit who empowered the early Church lives in God’s people today. Go forward prayerful, courageous, devoted, and ready to carry the good news of Jesus wherever He sends you.