▶ Listen to Today's Reading
Today's reading, then a short explanation, then a closing prayer — all one recording.
💭 What This Means
Today's reading opens with the Jerusalem Council's letter, clarifying that Gentile believers don't need to be circumcised or keep the whole Mosaic law. This freedom, however, is immediately followed by a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, leading to them going their separate ways. Paul, now with Silas, begins his second missionary journey, picking up young Timothy. The Holy Spirit actively guides their path, preventing them from going to certain regions and instead giving Paul a vision known as the Macedonian Call, directing them to Europe. In Philippi, Lydia becomes the first convert, and later, after Paul casts out a spirit of divination, he and Silas are beaten and imprisoned. Yet, at midnight, they pray and sing praises, leading to an earthquake and the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household. They then move to Thessalonica, where some believe, but others accuse them of 'turning the world upside down.' In Berea, the people are praised for eagerly receiving the word and searching the Scriptures daily to verify what they heard.
🙏 Let's Pray
Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives, even when our plans change. Help me to trust You, like Paul and Silas, even when facing hardship or imprisonment. Give me a heart that praises You in all circumstances, and like the Bereans, a hunger to search Your Scriptures daily. In Jesus' name, Amen.