Daily Bible Reading Day 202

Psalms 31-33;  Acts 21:15-40.  Psalm 31 is another lament. Psalm 32 however is a confession of sin. He describes himself as wasting away while hiding his sin. He isn't describing what God is doing to him so much as describing what we go through inside ourselves while dealing with the guilt. Psalm 33 appears to be a thanksgiving psalm. Perhaps it expresses the joy of forgiveness.

Paul gets to Jerusalem. After sharing with the elders the conversions on this last trip the elders ask Paul to take a vow and go up to the temple. They want him to show the brethren that he still keeps the Law and thinks it's okay for any Jew who is a Christian to do so. While there some Jews see Paul and recognize him and take him outside and start beating him. They believe he has brought a Gentile into the temple. While beating him the Roman soldiers show up and they arrest Paul. After a brief interrogation the centurion allows Paul to address the crowd.

Daily Bible Reading Day 200

Psalms 25-27; Acts 20:17-38.  Psalm 25 is a classic teen devotional song, Unto Thee O Lord. The song and the psalm proclaim the loyalty that a child of God should have for our God who is faithful and mighty. Psalm 26 asks God to try to him and see his faithfulness. He still is in complaint mode somewhat. Psalm 27 David proclaims his trust in The Lord and says that no matter what he will maintain his faith.

Paul meets with the elders of the Ephesus church in Miletus. He wanted to see them on his trip back to Jerusalem. He encourages them and warns them about wolves in their midst. Does this mean wolves in the eldership or in the membership? They kneel down to pray and then he continues his journey to Jerusalem.

Daily Bible Reading Day 199

Psalms 22-24;  Acts 20:1-16.  Psalm 22 is the one quoted by Jesus on the cross and the one we probably misinterpret the most. Upon reading the Psalm one will learn that David felt forsaken because God had not answered his prayer in the way he wanted. Instead God allowed him to stay in his difficult situation and he felt abandoned. As you work your way through the Psalm you realize that David wasn't abandoned instead it was his perspective. Psalm 23 is a classic especially for funerals. Yet the Psalm is quite a contrast to Psalm 22. It is the picture of peace and prosperity. Psalm 24 again asks who can ascend to God's place. The psalm feels almost regal in setting.

Paul leaves Ephesus and travels to Macedonia and then to Greece. Then he heads back. He is on his way to Jerusalem. He hurries past Ephesus on the way back because he wants to make Jerusalem in time for Pentecost.  

Daily Bible Reading Day 198

Psalms 19-21; Acts 19:21-41.   Psalms 19 is a favorite. It begins by extolling creation and how this brings glory to God. Then David moves to the Law (torah) of The Lord. I wonder how far into Book I of Psalms this is. Psalm 20 has a distinctive ring of a community psalm since "we" is quite prominent. Psalms 21 has "we" as well but doesn't stand out as much.

A protest mob breaks out in Ephesus. The craftsmen are stirred up because they are afraid Paul's preaching will rob them economically. The disciples won't let Paul come into the assembly. Finally the town clerk gets them to calm down and then dismisses them. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 197

Psalm 17-18. Acts 19:1-20.  It is much easier doing these summaries when the text is narrative rather than the poetry of the Psalms. Psalms 17 is more of I need your help but not as intensely so. Psalm 18 has the title that says this is about when God delivers David from the hand of Saul. This psalm does seem more victorious than the others so far.

Paul enters the high country near Ephesus. He finds disciples but they no only the baptism of John. Does Luke hint that Apollos is the one who baptized them since he too knew only the baptism of John? If so why didn't he go and correct the situation when he discovered his error?  Paul teaches them briefly and they respond in baptism. The Holy Spirit comes upon them. Paul then goes to the synagogue and spends 3 months there proclaiming Jesus. Their resistance forces him elsewhere. He goes to the School of Tyrannus. He spends 2 years there. Of all Asia hears because of the work that he and his team does.

Daily Bible Reading Day 196

Psalms 13-16; Acts 18.  David continues with the theme - I've cried out to you but you aren't listening and responding. Two things of note. One is Psalm 15 where David asks who can dwell in God's tent. His answer is short and to the point. There is a focus on behavior and how he treats others. Second is Psalm 16 which is quoted by Peter in his opening sermon in Acts 2. Peter says that David was looking forward to the resurrection of Jesus in this verse.

Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth. They work together. They synagogue is resistant to Paul's message. Timothy and Silas arrive from Macedonia and Paul begins to devote himself to full time ministry. He stays there a year and six months. At the end the Jews try to bring him up on charges before the proconsul. But he won't hear of it. They beat one of the leaders of the synagogue in front of the proconsul but he is unconcerned. Paul leaves and ends up back in Antioch. Then he heads out on his third missionary tour. First stop is Ephesus. Apollo was there. He knew Jesus but only knew the baptism of John for a response to his preaching. Aquila and Priscilla are there now and they teach him privately and he heads out to Corinth. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 195

Psalms 10-12;  Acts 17:16-34.  Psalm 10 is the first psalm since #3 that doesn't have a title.  The psalms complains that God is being aloof when he is needed. The wicked prosper and do their thing In spite of complaining about God not responding the writer does take refuge in God. This is probably where the lyrics "Flee as a Bird" came from.  Psalm 12 again asks the Lord's help because the wicked are always trying to gain control. The wicked strut but aren't really in control. Still we need to know The Lord is helping.

Paul is provoked by the all the idols in Athens. His team isn't fully there but he goes to the synagogue and the marketplace. The marketplace seems the most intrigued by what he is saying. He is taken to the Areopagus in order for him to share his teaching.This is certainly a more known speech by Paul. He ends with his appeal to judgment of the whole world in the future based upon the resurrection of Jesus. Most sneer and are unconvinced, but some are.

Daily Bible Reading Day 194

Psalms 709;  Acts 17:1-15.  In Psalm 7 David pleads with The Lord to take care of the wicked. Psalms8 is perhaps one of the most well known. Here David ponders the beauty of creation which shouts the glory of The Lord. Then he wonders why it is that in this vast universe God care for man. Psalms 9 David thanks The Lord for his judgment and power. In the end he wants the nations to know that they are weak humans compared to God.

Paul and company travel to Thessalonica. They are in the synagogue for three Sabbaths. A number of Jews believe, as well as God fearers and leading women. The Jews create a mob scene and Paul is forced to move on. The move on to Berea. The Jews from Thessalonica follow Paul there and also create a mob scene that forces Paul to leave. Paul arrives in Athens. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 193

Psalms 4-6; Acts 16:16-40.  Psalm 4 requests that God answer by dealing with those who reproach the righteous Even though the psalm begins in some anguish it ends in peace.  Psalm 5 again requests that God give him refuge from those seeking his harm. Psalm 6 continues to show the author in distress and longing for God to deliver him.

Paul and company are being followed by a slave girl with a spirit who through fortune telling brings profit to her masters. She is telling the crowds who Paul and company is. Paul becomes annoyed and casts the spirit out. The masters seize them and bring charges against them. The magistrates have them beaten and then thrown in prison. During the night while they are singing an earthquake comes. The prison is opened and cuffs are off. The jailer is about to commit suicide when Paul stops him. He wants to know what to do to be saved. Paul explains to him and he is baptized. The magistrates try to release Paul but are afraid when they find out they are Roman citizens. They go to Lydia's house after their release.

Daily Bible Reading Day 192

Psalms 1-3; Acts 16:1-15.  Psalms 1 establishes that there are two ways to walk - follow sinners or follow the LORD. Psalms 2 establishes that the nations do not acknowledge the authority of the king (son) of Israel as the anointed of God. Psalms 3 has a title and is of David. It is about David running from Absalom. The psalm is considered a lament. Laments are found mostly in the first three books of Psalms and then gradually give way to praise psalms.

Paul after separating from Barnabas begins his second missionary tour. He find Timothy and he joins Paul. Paul has a dream and is called to Macedonia. The writer begins using "we" and so we can assume that Luke has joined Paul's missionary group, even though he doesn't tell us anything about their meeting. They travel to Philippi. After arriving they find a group meeting at the riverside Does that mean a synagogue located on river front property or meeting open air by the riverside? Lydia is there. She is described as a merchant of purple (rich people's clothing) and a worshiper of God. God opens her heart and she responds. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 191

Job 40-42;  Acts 15:22-41.  God comes to a spot where Job answers and admits he knows nothing compared to God. God then continues to remind Job of His power and might through the Behemoth and the Leviathan.  Job answers again and repents. God restores Job's family and fortune. God tells the three that if they want to remain on his good grace they should bring a burnt offering and ask Job to pray for them. They do. Job has twice what he had before. Someone reminded me a few days ago that even though Job's wife had advised him earlier to curse God and die, she is still here with him and has a new set of children with him. 

The meeting at Jerusalem concludes by writing a letter for the Gentile church with four recommendations for the Gentiles in order that they might get along better with their Jewish brothers and sisters. Paul and Barnabas decide to revisit some of the places they have been. Barnabas wants to take John Mark along but Paul refuses. The disagreement is so big they part ways and go separately. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 190

Job 38-39; Acts 15:1-21.   God now speaks to Job. I always find it interesting that here is Job in pain and misery having lost everything (well, he lost his children, his wealth, and his health but he still has his  wife) and his three friends are torturing him with words and when God speaks it is not a word of comfort for Job. Instead God asks Job a series of questions concerning creation. Where were you when I created the universe? He continues to question Job by bringing up all different kinds of animals and asking Job if he knows about how to deal with them or why they do what they do? What he does is say to Job, "Look at creation and tell me if you can explain it? If not then you cannot instruct me." He seems to imply that what Job has said so far isn't right.

Paul and Barnabas must deal with some Pharisees who become believers and then come to Antioch where they are located and begin teaching that the Gentiles must accept the covenant of Moses by being circumcised before they can be saved by Jesus. In other words they must become Jewish proselytes first before they can enter the kingdom. Paul and Barnabas are sent to Jerusalem to work this out. They share the conversion of the Gentiles with the churches as they travel to Jerusalem. Upon arriving they begin the discussion. Peter speaks first. He reminds them of the first Gentile converts which he privileged. I wonder if this is what Jesus meant by giving the keys of the kingdom to Peter - he speaks first to Jews and unlocks for them the kingdom and then he speaks to Gentiles and they come to the kingdom as well. Then James, the brother of Jesus, speaks and quotes from Amos 9. He agrees with Peter and then offers a suggestion as to what they can say to the Gentiles that will help this situation.

Daily Bible Reading DAy 189

Job 35-37; Acts 14.  Elihu continues his response to Job and his three friends. Elihu sure seems to know a lot about God. Again I have to wonder why Elihu is introduced as a character in Job. What he says sounds lofty and majestic. Why does God ignore Elihu when he speaks to Job?

Paul and Barnabas arrive at a synagogue and speak. Some follow. The rest stir up the Gentiles of the city against him. I wonder if those Jews knew anything about Paul? Persecution arises and they flee to another city. There Paul heals a man. The Gentiles are so impressed that they think Paul and Barnabas are gods of some kind. They try to offer a sacrifice to them. They get them to stop. Then Jews from Antioch arrive and stir the people against Paul. They take him out of the city and stone him so that they think he is dead. The disciples surround him and he gets up and walks away.  So they continue to visit churches strengthening them and appointing elders.

Daily Bible Reading Day 188

Job 33-34; Acts 13:2-52.  Elihu continues his diatribe against Job. He does capture Job's claim to innocence quite well. He claims that he is just a man. He claims that Job is wrong in his protest against God. I still think that in general there is nothing about what the friends, including Elihu, say that is particularly wrong. They are wrong for applying the generalities of what they say to a specific situation like Job. 

Paul concludes his lesson. I'm amazed that Paul's last quote seems to imply that he is calling his audience scoffers, yet they all beg him to come back next Sabbath. Unfortunately when he does the whole city does as well, including Gentiles. The Jews become jealous and instigate a persecution. They move on. But those who are converted grow.

Daily Bible Reading Day 187

Job 31-32; Acts 13:1-23.  Job now specifically asks that God show him what he has done wrong. Job lists a bunch of possibilities and asks which one. He maintains that he has trained himself to not look and lust, to not trust in wealth, to help the poor, so he maintains that there is nothing in his life that would cause the troubles he currently has.  His three friends are finished because they can no longer answer him. We are now introduced to Elihu, who is a younger man. He has been listening but now is angry because Job is righteous in his own eyes and justifies himself before God. So Elihu is now about to add his thoughts.

Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch. The Holy Spirit sets them apart and they are sent out. This is called Paul's first missionary tour. He will have two more. They go to Cyprus. They meet a magician whom they blind. This convinces the proconsul  to believe. As they travel on, John (also called Mark) leaves and goes back to Jerusalem. They arrive at Pisidian Antioch and go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. They are asked to bring a word to the synagogue. Paul begins by recounting Israel's entrance into the land and then on to David. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 186

Job 29-30; Acts 12.  Job reminisces about what life was like before his troubles took over. He laments that God was over his tent and things went well. Now the sons of those men he would not entrust with keeping his dogs act arrogant towards him. He cries out to God but God doesn't answer. Life has changed.

James is arrested by Herod. He has him put to death. The Jewish people like this and Herod arrests Peter. Puts him under a heavy guard. The church in Jerusalem must be having an impact. During the night an angel comes and releases Peter. Then Peter goes to the home of Mary (not the mother of Jesus). Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 185

Job 26-28; Acts 11.  Job continues his sarcastic response to his friends as they speak. He continues to maintain his basic innocence. He has done nothing really big to deserve what he is receiving. Then he talks about wisdom. His speech sounds very much like the teaching of wisdom in Proverbs. He also says that the fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 

When Peter gets back to Jerusalem he is confronted by Jewish Christians for his contact with uncircumcised Gentiles. He explains his vision to them. He explains his message and what the Holy Spirit did during his proclamation. So the disciples in Jerusalem accepted this expansion of the Gospel into Gentile territory. 

Daily Bible Reading Day 184

Job 23-25; Acts 10:24-48.  Job continues to believe that if he could just approach God's throne and plead his case God would take away his current punishment. It sure seems that Job sort of rattles on and on. Then Bildad speaks, but his speech is quite short.

Peter arrives at the Cornelius household. Cornelius tells Peter about his dream and what the angel told him to do. Peter then states that he now gets the vision he had = God is helping Peter to expand his preaching from the Jews to the Gentiles. As Peter is telling Cornelius about Jesus, the Holy Spirit "fell" on Cornelius and those who were listening to Peter. Then Peter baptized them.

Daily Bible Reading Day 183

John 20-21; Acts 10:1-23.   Job continues to complain about his friends. It sort of seems like in chapter 20 he waffles a bit on whether or not the wicked are dealt with by God decisively like he and his 3 friends believed. Then Eliphaz chimes in again. His dialogue seemed to actually accuse Job of specific sins. Like turning away the hungry and widows in need. 

Luke is about to record the conversion of the first full Gentile, uncircumcised. The Eunuch that Philip baptized was a Gentile but a proselyte so Cornelius will be the first. Cornelius is praying. He has a dream and an angel appears to him and tells him what to do. He sends servants and a trusted soldier to Joppa to get Peter. Just as the men are approaching the place where Peter is staying, Peter has a vision. He sees a sheet with all manner of animals, unclean and clean, on it. A voice tells him to kill and eat. He says no, because he has never broken the Law which says to not eat unclean food. The voice lets him know that food has no intrinsic value other than what God gives it. While Peter is pondering this vision the men from Cornelius arrive.