Read Acts 14
Highlights:
Paul's first mission trip ends (Acts 14:27-28). His second mission trip begins (15:36 — 16:40). A call from Macedonia (16:6-10). Christians can have peace, joy, and a song in their hearts (16:22-25). Miraculous victory in Jesus (16:26-40).
The Holy Spirit is mentioned about 60 times in the Book of Acts, which is sometimes referred to as the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Paul chose Timothy to go forth with him. . . . And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily (Acts 16:3,5). But Paul and Timothy were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia (16:6).
Paul, who had planned to preach at that time in the great cities of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), could have become discouraged. But he recognized that the Lord was instructing and guiding him. It was later that he had the opportunity to preach in Asia Minor (19:1-10).
When Paul turned toward Bithynia, once again the Holy Spirit led him to redirect his missionary journey. In a vision, Paul saw a man pleading: Come over into Macedonia, and help us (16:9). Paul recognized that the vision was from the Holy Spirit, who came to guide the development of the Church and the footsteps of its witnesses (8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2,4).
The worldly-minded have their hearts set on better material things. This is in striking contrast to the Church in Jerusalem where as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold . . . and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need (4:34-35).
No one should always be seeking his own personal welfare, but rather let each one seek the good of others (see I Cor. 10:24). To illustrate: If a Christian has a home well above average in the nation, Satan will tempt his selfish nature to desire a better one — to never be satisfied. This was the nature of the rich farmer who planned to build bigger barns (Luke 12:18). Jesus called him a fool (12:20). He might have had a neighbor who was a beggar and had nothing.
As the footsteps of Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and others were directed by the Holy Spirit, so are those of all believers who accept and submit to His guidance. Let the absolute and unceasing dependence upon His presence prove that His leadership is all we need (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16).
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth (well-being) (I Cor. 10:24).
Thought for Today:
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Gal. 5:16).
Cross Reference:
For Acts 15:16-17: See Amos 9:11-12.
Word Studies:
14:2 made their minds evil affected, influenced them to be hostile; 14:8 impotent, weak, helpless, crippled; 15:10 yoke a burden.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Gloria Schmidt • Staff: Pam Murton • Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Is. 26:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:13
