Day 311 - Saturday following All Saints Sunday

Read | November 7
Mark 16: 19-20
Luke 24: 50-53
Acts 1: 1-5, 6-11, 12-26
Acts 2: 1-13, 14-41, 42-47 

Christi Himmelfahrt
by Gebhard Fugel, c. 1893

Background | Book of Acts | The Center of Biblical Studies |

The same author who wrote Luke also wrote Acts. It is “part two” of his account of Jesus and the earliest missionary journeys of Paul and the other apostles. Acts begins with Jesus’ ascension and ends twenty-eight chapters later with Paul under house arrest by Roman guard. All in all, Acts tells the story of how Christianity began with a crucified founder and a handful of followers. In the next thirty years, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and mainly under Paul’s leadership, Christians brought the Good News of the resurrection of Christ far beyond the land of Judea where it all began. By the time we reach the Acts, the early Christians had seen converts in Asia Minor, Greece, and were knocking on the doorstep of Rome itself. Paul was under house arrest by the Roman guard; a small inconsequential movement had gotten the attention of the empire.

Acts can be divided into two parts. Chapters 1-12 deal with the early years of the church’s expansion, beginning in Judea at Pentecost and moving outward into Galilee and Samaria. After Paul’s conversion (chapter 9), Peter sees a vision telling him to go the Gentiles, which drives him as far as Antioch. It is here that the followers of Christ were first called Christians.  More ... click here

Reading | Jesus jumps into heaven; we will receive the Holy Spirit; retelling of Ascension; Matthias called to serve by the 11 apostles; Holy Spirit shows up - Birthday of the Christian Church; the disciples speak in foreign languages -- its a miracle ... no they must be drunk; Peter preaches no we are not drunk but follow Jesus, we have fulfilled the prophet Joel by receiving the Spirit; the believers meet together and are in awe of the miracles and wonders of the apostles.

Tyndale (2012-03-19). The One Year Chronological Bible NIV (Kindle Locations 74319-74323). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Next | Day 314 | Sunday | November 8 
Acts 3: 1-10, 11-26 
Acts 4: 1-22, 23-31, 32-37 
Acts 5: 1-11, 12-16, 17-42

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For Joy in God's Creation

O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Good Use of Leisure

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you, Jesus! - Click here

Source | Book of Common Prayer | Mission St Clare | click here