Day 315, 11 November 2025 - Lest we forget
1) Acts 7, Acts 8, Acts 9
Acts 7
Stephen's Speech
1 Then the high priest said, "Are these things so?"
2 (Ge 11:31; Ps 29:3) He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen! The God of glory
appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia,
before he lived in Harran,
3 (Ge 12:1) and said to him, 'Leave your country and your relatives,
and come to the land which I will show you.' (Ge 12:1.)
4 (Ge 12:4-5; 11:31-32) "Then he departed from the land of the Chaldeans
and lived in Harran. When his father died, He removed him from there
to this land in which you now live.
5 (Ge 12:7; 17:8) He gave him no inheritance in it, nor a foothold,
and promised to give it to him as a possession and to his descendants
after him while he had no child.
6 (Ge 15:13) God spoke in this way, 'Your descendants shall be sojourners
in a land belonging to others, who will enslave them and mistreat them
four hundred years. (Ge 15:13.)
7 (Ex 3:12) And I will judge the nation to whom they will be enslaved,'
(Ge 15:14.) said God. 'After that they shall come out and worship Me
in this place.' (Ex 3:12.)
8 (Ge 17:9-14; 35:23-26) Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision.
And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day.
And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
9 (Ge 39:2; 45:4) "The patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt.
But God was with him,
10 (Ge 42:6) and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour
and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt,
who appointed him governor over Egypt
and all his house.
11 (Ps 105:16) "Then a famine came over all Egypt
and Canaan with great affliction,
and our fathers found no sustenance.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers
the first time.
13 During the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers,
and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.
14 (Dt 10:22; Ge 46:26-27) Then Joseph sent and called for his father Jacob
and all his kindred, seventy-five souls.
15 (Ge 49:33; Ex 1:6) Then Jacob went down into Egypt.
And he and our fathers died,
16 (Jos 24:32; Ge 23:16; Ex 13:19) and were carried to Shechem
and put in the tomb that Abraham had bought
for a price of silver from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
17 (Ac 7:6; 13:17) "When the time of the promise drew near,
which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt
18 (Ex 1:8) until another king rose up who did not know Joseph.(Ex 1:8.)
19 (Ex 1:9-22; Ps 105:25) He dealt deceitfully with our people and mistreated
our fathers, forcing them to put out their young children,
that they might not live.
20 (Heb 11:23) "At that time Moses was born,
and was fair in the sight of God. And he was reared for three months
in his father's house.
21 When he was put out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up
and reared him as her own son.
22 (Isa 19:11; Da 1:4) Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians
and was powerful in words and in deeds.
23 (Ex 2:11-12; Heb 11:24-26) "When he was forty years old, it came
to his heart to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel.
24 But seeing one being wronged, he defended him, and avenged him
who was oppressed, and struck the Egyptian.
25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God would deliver
them by his hand, but they did not understand.
26 On the next day he appeared to them as they fought and tried to reconcile
them in peace, saying, 'Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?'
(Ex 2:13.)
27 (Ac 7:35; Lk 12:14) "But the one wronging his neighbor pushed him away,
saying, 'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us?
28 Will you kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'
(Gk. 15 orguias, about 27 meters.)
29 Moses fled at this word and became a sojourner in the land of Midian,
(Ex 2:11-15.) where he became the father of two sons.
30 (Ac 7:35; Ex 3:1-2) "When fourty years had passed, an angel of the Lord
appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai,
in a flame of fire in a bush. (Ex 3:1-4. )
31 (Ex 3:3-4) When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight.
As he drew near to look at it, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying,
32 (Ex 3:6; Mt 22:32) 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham
and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.'Ex 3:6.
Moses trembled and dared not look.
33 (Ex 3:5; Jos 5:15) "Then the Lord said to him,
'Take off the shoes from your feet, for the place where you are standing
is holy ground.(Ex 3:5.)
34 (Ex 3:7-10) I have indeed seen the oppression of My people who are
in Egypt. I have heard their groaning,
and I have come down to deliver them. Now come,
I will send you to Egypt.'(Ex 3:7, 10.)
35 (Ex 14:19; Nu 20:16) "This Moses, whom they rejected, saying,
'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?' (Ex 2:14.) God sent as both ruler
and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
36 (Ex 12:41; 14:21; 33:1) He led them out after he had shown wonders
and signs in the land of Egypt, and at the Red Sea,
and for forty years in the wilderness.
37 "This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, The Lord your God will
raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.
Him you shall hear.'(Dt 18:15.)
38 (Ro 3:2; Ac 7:53; Heb 5:12) This is he who was in the congregation
in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai,
and with our fathers, who received living oracles to give to us,
39 (Nu 14:3–4; Ex 16:3) whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust away.
And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt,
40 (Ex 32:1; 32:23) saying to Aaron, 'Make for us gods to go before us.
For we do not know what has become of this Moses,
who led us out of the land of Egypt.('Ex 32:1,) 23.
41 So they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol,
and rejoiced in the works of their hands.
42 (Jer 19:13; Eze 20:39 ) But God turned and gave them up to worship
the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:
'O House of Israel, have you offered to Me slain animals and sacrifices
for forty years in the wilderness?
43 Yes, you even raised the shrine of Moloch,
and the star of your god Remphan,
idols which you made to worship;
therefore I will exile you beyond Babylon.'
44 (Ex 25:40; 38:21) "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness
in the wilderness, telling Moses to make it as He had commanded,
according to the pattern that he had seen,
45 (Ps 44:2; Jos 18:1) which our fathers, having received it,
brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles,
whom God drove out in front of our fathers until the days of David,
46 (Ps 132:1-5; Ac 13:22) who found favor in the presence of God
and asked to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
47 (1Ki 8:20; 2Sa 7:13) But Solomon built Him a house.
48 (1Ki 8:27) "However, the Most High does not dwell
in houses made with hands. As the prophet says:
49 (Mt 5:34-35; Ps 11:4) 'Heaven is My throne,
and the earth is My footstool.
What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,
or what is the place of My rest?
50 Has not My hand made all these things?'
51 (Ex 32:9; Lev 26:41) "You stiff-necked people,
uncircumcised in heart and ears!
You always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.
52 (Mt 5:12; 2Ch 36:16) Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted?
They have even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One,
of whom you have now become the betrayers and murderers,
53 (Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2; Dt 33:2) who have received the law by the disposition
of angels, but have not kept it."
[1] Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
[2] And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory
appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he
dwelt in Charran,
[3] And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred,
and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
[4] Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran:
and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land,
wherein ye now dwell.
[5] And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his
foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and
to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
[6] And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange
land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil
four hundred years.
[7] And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God:
and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
[8] And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat
Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob
begat the twelve patriarchs.
[9] And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was
with him,
[10] And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and
wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over
Egypt and all his house.
[11] Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and
great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
[12] But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our
fathers first.
[13] And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and
Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
[14] Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his
kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
[15] So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
[16] And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that
Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.
[17] But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to
Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
[18] Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
[19] The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our
fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might
not live.
[20] In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up
in his father's house three months:
[21] And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished
him for her own son.
[22] And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was
mighty in words and in deeds.
[23] And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit
his brethren the children of Israel.
[24] And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him
that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
[25] For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his
hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
[26] And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would
have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong
one to another?
[27] But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made
thee a ruler and a judge over us?
[28] Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
[29] Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of
Madian, where he begat two sons.
[30] And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the
wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
[31] When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to
behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
[32] Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abrham, and the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
[33] Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the
place where thou standest is holy ground.
[34] I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt,
and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now
come, I will send thee into Egypt.
[35] This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a
judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of
the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
[36] He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the
land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
[37] This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet
shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me;
him shall ye hear.
[38] This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel
which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the
lively oracles to give unto us:
[39] To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in
their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
[40] Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses,
which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
[41] And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the
idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
[42] Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it
is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye
offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the
wilderness?
[43] Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god
Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away
beyond Babylon.
[44] Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had
appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the
fashion that he had seen.
[45] Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the
possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our
fathers, unto the days of David;
[46] Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the
God of Jacob.
[47] But Solomon built him an house.
[48] Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith
the prophet,
[49] Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye
build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
[50] Hath not my hand made all these things?
[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist
the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
[52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have
slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye
have been now the betrayers and murderers:
[53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not
kept it.
The Stoning of Stephen
54 (Ac 5:33; Job 16:9) When they heard these things,
they were cut to the heart,
and they gnashed their teeth at him.
55 (Mk 16:19; Jn 12:41) But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed into
heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
56 (Mt 3:16) and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God."
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, closed their ears,
and rushed at him in unison.
58 (Ac 22:20; Lk 4:29; Ac 8:1) And they threw him out of the city
and stoned him. The witnesses laid down their garments at the feet
of a young man named Saul.
59 (Ps 31:5; Lk 23:46) They stoned Stephen as he was calling on God,
praying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
60 (Mt 5:44; Lk 22:41) Then he knelt down and cried with a loud voice,
"Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
Having said this, he fell asleep.
[54] When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they
gnashed on him with their teeth.
[55] But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven,
and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
[56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing
on the right hand of God.
[57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran
upon him with one accord,
[58] And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid
down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
[59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit.
[60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this
sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8
1 (Ac 7:58; 5:33)And Saul was consenting to his death.
Saul Persecutes the Church
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.
And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria,
except the apostles.
2 Devout men carried Stephen to his burial
and made great lamentation over him.
3 (1Co 15:9; Gal 1:13) But Saul ravaged the church, entering house by house
and dragging out both men and women and committing them to prison.
[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a
great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were
all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except
the apostles.
[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation
over him.
[3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house,
and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The Gospel Preached in Samaria
4 (Ac 8:1) Therefore those who were scattered
went everywhere preaching the word.
5 (Ac 6:5) Philip went down to the city of Samaria
and preached Christ to them.
6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miracles which he did,
they listened in unity to what he said.
7 (Mk 16:17-18) For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice,
came out of many who were possessed. And many who were paralyzed
or lame were healed.
8 So there was much joy in that city.
[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the
word.
[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them.
[6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip
spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
[7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were
possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were
healed.
[8] And there was great joy in that city.
Simon the Sorcerer Believes
9 (Ac 5:36; 13:6) Now a man named Simon was previously in the city practicing
sorcery and astonishing the nation of Samaria, saying he was someone great,
10 (Ac 14:11; 28:6) to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest,
saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11 (Gal 3:1) They listened to him, because for a long time he had astonished
them by his sorceries.
12 (Ac 1:3; 2:38) But when they believed Philip preaching about the kingdom
of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
13 (Ac 8:6-7; 19:11) Even Simon himself believed. And when he was baptized,
he continued with Philip and was amazed as he watched the miracles
and signs which were done.
[9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same
city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that
himself was some great one:
[10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,
This man is the great power of God.
[11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched
them with sorceries.
[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the
kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men
and women.
[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he
continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which
were done.
Samaritans Receive the Holy Spirit
14 (Ac 8:1) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria
had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15 (Ac 2:38) When they came down, they prayed for them
that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
16 (Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38; 19:2) for still He had come on none of them.
They were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 (Ac 6:6; 9:17) Then they laid their hands on them,
and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands
the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, "Give me also this power, that whomever I lay hands on may
receive the Holy Spirit."
20 (Da 5:17; Ac 2:38) Peter said to him, "May your money perish with you,
because you thought you could purchase the gift of God with money!
21 You have neither part nor share in this matter, for your heart
is not right before God.
22 (Da 4:27) Therefore repent of your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps
the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 (Heb 12:15) For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness
and in the bond of iniquity."
24Ex 8:8; Nu 21:7Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me that nothing
you have spoken may come upon me."
25 When they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
they returned to Jerusalem and preached the gospel in many villages
of the Samaritans.
[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive
the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the
Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
[19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may
receive the Holy Ghost.
[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
[21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not
right in the sight of God.
[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the
thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
[23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond
of iniquity.
[24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of
these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
[25] And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the
Samaritans.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 (Ac 5:19; 27:23; 12:23) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,
"Rise up and go toward the south on the way that goes down from Jerusalem
to Gaza." This is desert.
27 (Ps 68:31; 87:4) So he rose up and went. And there was a man of Ethiopia,
a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,
who was in command of her entire treasury.
He had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28 He was returning, sitting in his chariot
and reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.
29 (Ac 10:19; 11:12) The Spirit said to Philip,
"Go to this chariot and stay with it."
30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
31 (Ro 10:14) He said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"
So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 (Isa 53:7-8) The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:
"He was led as a sheep to slaughter;
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so He opened not His mouth.
33 (Isa 53:8; 53:12) In His humiliation justice was denied Him;
who will speak of His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch said to Philip, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet speak,
of himself or of someone else?"
35 (Lk 24:27; Ac 18:28) Then Philip spoke, beginning with the same Scripture,
and preached Jesus to him.
36 (Ac 10:47) As they went on their way, they came to some water.
And the eunuch said, "Look, here is water.
What hinders me from being baptised?"
37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He answered,
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 And he commanded the chariot to halt. Then both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
39 (1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16) When they came up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. And the eunuch saw him no more,
and he went his way rejoicing.
40 (Ac 10:1; 21:8) But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through,
he preached the gospel in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go
toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,
which is desert.
[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of
great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of
all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this
chariot.
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a
sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth:
[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh
the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus.
[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all
the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 9
The Conversion of Saul
Ac 22:6-16; 26:12-18
1 (Ac 8:3; Ps 27:12) Saul, still breathing out threats and murder
against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
2 (Ac 19:9; 19:23) and requested letters from him to the synagogues
of Damascus, so that if he found any there of the Way, either men or women,
he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 (1Co 15:8; Ac 22:6) As he went he drew near Damascus, and suddenly a light
from heaven shone around him.
4 (Isa 63:9; Zec 2:8) He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him,
"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?"
5 He said, "Who are You, Lord?"
The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you
to kick against the goads."
6 Trembling and astonished, he said, "Lord, what will You have me do?"
The Lord said to him, "Rise up and go into the city,
and you will be told what you must do."
7 (Ac 22:9; Da 10:7; Jn 12:29) The men traveling with him stood speechless,
hearing the voice, but seeing no one.
8 (Ac 22:11; 9:18) Saul rose up from the ground.
And when his eyes were opened,
he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9 (Est 4:16) For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 (Ac 10:3; 22:12) A disciple named Ananias was in Damascus.
The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias."
He said, "Here I am, Lord."
11 (Ac 21:39; 22:3) The Lord said to him, "Rise and go to Straight Street,
and inquire at Judas' house for someone named Saul of Tarsus,
for he is praying,
12 (Mk 5:23) and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in
and putting his hand on him, so that he may see again."
13 (Ac 8:3; 9:1) Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about
this man, how many evil things he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem.
14 (Ac 9:21; 7:59) And here he has authority from the chief priests
to bind all who call on Your name."
15 (Ac 13:2; Eph 3:7-8) But the Lord said to him, "Go your way.
For this man is a chosen vessel of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles
and their kings, and before the sons of Israel.
16 (Ac 21:11; 2Co 11:23-27) For I will show him how much he must suffer
for My name's sake."
17 (Ac 2:4; 6:6) Then Ananias went his way and entered the house.
Putting his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,
who appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me so that
you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18 (Ac 22:16) Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes,
and he could see again. And he rose up and was baptized.
19 (Ac 26:20) When he had eaten, he was strengthened.
[1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he
found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them
bound unto Jerusalem.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined
round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me?
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to
do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do.
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice,
but seeing no man.
[8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no
man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
[10] And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him
said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
[11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is
called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of
Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
[12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting
his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call
on thy name.
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto
me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of
Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his
hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto
thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy
sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he
received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
[19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.
Saul Preaches in Damascus
For several days Saul was with the disciples in Damascus.
20 Immediately he preached in the synagogues
that the Christ is the Son of God.
21 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) All who heard him were amazed and said,
"Is not this he who killed those who called on this name in Jerusalem,
and came here with that intent, to bring them bound to the chief priests?"
22 (Ac 18:5) Yet Saul increased all the more with power
and confounded the Jews living in Damascus,
proving that this One is the Christ.
Then was Saul
certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
[20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the
Son of God.
[21] But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that
destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for
that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
[22] But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which
dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Saul Escapes from the Jews
23 After many days had passed, the Jews arranged to kill him.
24 (Ac 25:3; 2Co 11:32) But their scheme was known by Saul.
They watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25 (2Co 11:33; Jos 2:15) But the disciples took him by night,
and lowered him in a basket through the wall.
[23] And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill
him:
[24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates
day and night to kill him.
[25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a
basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
26 (Ac 26:20) When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples.
But they all feared him, not believing he was a disciple.
27 (Ac 4:36; 4:29) But Barnabas took him, and led him to the apostles,
and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord,
and that He had spoken to him, and how he had boldly preached
in Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 (Ac 1:21) So he stayed with them while coming in
and going out of Jerusalem.
29 (Ac 6:1; 2Co 11:26) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus
and disputed against the Hellenists. But they tried to kill him.
30 (Ac 8:40; 9:11) When the brothers learned this, they brought him down
to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 (Ac 8:1; Ne 5:9) Then the churches throughout all Judea and Galilee
and Samaria had peace and were built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord
and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
[26] And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple.
[27] But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared
unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to
him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
[28] And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
[29] And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against
the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
[30] Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and
sent him forth to Tarsus.
[31] Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and
Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
The Healing of Aeneas
32 (Ac 9:13; 8:25) As Peter passed through every region,
he came down also to the saints who lived in Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years
and was paralyzed.
34 (Ac 3:6; 3:16) Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.
Rise up and make your bed." And immediately he rose up.
35 (1Ch 5:16; Ac 11:21) All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him
and turned to the Lord.
[32] And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came
down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
[33] And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed
eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
[34] And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise,
and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
[35] And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Dorcas Restored to Life
36 (2Ch 2:16; Ezr 3:7) In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha,
which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and almsgiving.
37 (Ac 1:13; 20:8) In those days she became ill and died. And when they had
washed her, they placed her in an upper room.
38 (Ac 9:36) Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter
was there, sent two men to him, pleading, "Do not delay to come to us."
39 Peter rose up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him into
the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping,
and showing the tunics and garments
which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 (Mt 9:25; Ac 7:60) Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed.
And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." She opened her eyes,
and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 (Ac 6:1) He gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called
the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 (Jn 11:45; 12:11) It became known throughout all Joppa,
and many believed in the Lord.
43 (Ac 10:6; 10:32) He remained in Joppa for many days with Simon, a tanner.
[36] Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by
interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and
almsdeeds which she did.
[37] And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom
when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
[38] And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard
that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would
not delay to come to them.
[39] Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him
into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing
the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
[40] But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning
him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she
saw Peter, she sat up.
[41] And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the
saints and widows, presented her alive.
[42] And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
[43] And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon
a tanner.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 November 2025 titled
A God-Fearing Woman by Arthur Jackson
Proverbs 31:24-31
24 She makes fine linen and sells it,
and delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 (1Ti 2:10) Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she will rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and in her tongue is the teaching of kindness.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many daughters have done virtuously,
but you excel them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her own works praise her in the gates.
[24] She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the
merchant.
[25] Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to
come.
[26] She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of
kindness.
[27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread
of idleness.
[28] Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he
praiseth her.
[29] Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
[30] Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the
LORD, she shall be praised.
[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in
the gates.
Rosie's birthday celebration was unforgettable. The food was tasty, the table
banter was fun, and the presence of her first grandson was icing on the cake!
These good things, however, paled in view of her two sons' tributes to her.
Though Rosie's marriage didn't last, her exceptional skills as a single mom
marked her sons. Their accolades reflected how she did everything possible to
provide for their needs. The younger son's comment best
captured Rosie's posture before them: "She is a God-fearing woman."
In Proverbs 31:10-31 readers get to see what fear-informed wisdom looks like
in the home. The fear of the Lord (v. 30), which is a humble reverence for
God, compels one to be trustworthy (vv. 11-12) and hardworking and thrifty
(vv. 13-19). And, while the wise woman possesses a "home first" attitude
(vv. 21-28), that doesn't mean "home only."
Meeting the needs of outsiders also gets attention (v. 20).
As with Rosie, the lifestyles of God-fearing women don't go
unnoticed - especially among those who live with them (v. 28).
It's not surprising when those closest to them sing their praises. Want to be
a God-fearing follower of Jesus? Why not ask God for His help? And don't be
surprised when those prayers are answered - even in challenging circumstances.
Reflect & Pray
How do others inspire you to live in humble awe of God,
even in less-than-ideal circumstances? How can you reverently
seek Him and His wisdom?
Wise Father, please give me courage to follow in the
footsteps of Jesus in the way I love, honour, and respect You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 3 - Let the Word Dwell in You
Col 3:16
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our minds are
bombarded by 20th Century values: "Dress for success!" "Get ahead!"
"You deserve a break today ...." Television, radio, and the incessant
voices that surround us distract our attention and keep us from
focusing on what is really important in our lives.
Paul's instruction to the Colossian Church brings us back to God's
value system: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."
When we give attention to the Word of God, we put ourselves in a position
to hear a higher truth the clamour of immediate demands
and the expectations of the world around us. We can experience peace
in the midst of struggle and rest in a restless environment.
God's Word is a powerful force for good in our lives - not merely
an attractive philosophy, but true power to overcome the pressures
of daily life.
Dwelling on the Word of God, and letting it indwell us, takes many forms.
Scripture memory, music, meditation, talking with others about the
goodness of God all help us keep our attention focused on Christ rather
than on the values of the world around us.
We can choose to listen to Christian radio or tapes. We can take time
daily for quiet meditation on his Word. We can commit the Word to memory
and draw on its power during the day. And as we listen to the voice
of the Spirit rather than the noise around us, we can enter into
his peace and live in communion with him.
Application
a) What pressures do I face that tend to distract me from the reality
of Christ's presence?
b) How can I "let the word of Christ dwell richly" in me, so that I
an regain my focus on him?
c) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on Jesus and his word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to like Stephen and Phillip to reach out
to souls while feeling the burden of persecution for you never know who the
convert in Christ is.
Pray to the Lord: "Wise Father, please give me courage to follow in the
footsteps of Jesus in the way I love, honour, and respect You."
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Word of the Lord to dwell in you richly.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the purity of the Word of the Lord.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Pray for Renee and Rebecca in Benin, two sisters who
have been persecuted by their family for following Christ.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.