BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

In this next section, Luke shows that Stephen’s tragic murder cannot stop the Jesus movement. In fact, the persecution has the effect of scattering many of the disciples outside of Jerusalem into the non-Jewish surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. As the disciples move out, they bring the message of God’s Kingdom with them, just like Jesus commissioned them to do. The disciples proclaim Jesus’ story, and people are miraculously freed and healed. A famous magician sees that God’s power is far greater than his own, and a court official of the queen of Ethiopia is baptized. The Kingdom is spreading and nothing can overthrow God’s plan, not even a man named Saul, a religious leader who drags Jesus’ followers out of their own homes to have them imprisoned. 

As Saul travels to Damascus looking for more disciples to lock up, he is stopped by a blinding light and a voice from heaven. It’s the risen Jesus himself asking Saul why he is fighting against him. This encounter and the amazing signs that follow radically change Saul’s mind about who Jesus really is. Saul’s plans are turned upside-down. Instead of persecuting Jesus’ followers in Damascus, Saul becomes one of them and immediately begins to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Review Peter’s dialogue with Simon the magician (see 8:18-24). What do you notice? Why do you think Simon wanted the Holy Spirit? What is the difference between a gift and a purchase? How is the belief that you can earn or purchase God similar to bondage (8:23)?
• Review Philip’s dialogue with the court official (see 8:30-37). The court official had questions about the scroll of Isaiah, and Philip answered by proclaiming the news about Jesus. Read the scroll for yourself and make observations (see Isaiah 53). How does Isaiah 53 describe Jesus?
• Compare Luke’s description of Saul’s travel intentions (see 9:1-2) with Saul’s actual travel experience (see 9:20-24). Can you relate? How has God transformed you and your plans in life? 
• Turn your reading and reflections into a prayer. Talk to God about what inspired amazement. Commit your plans to him and ask him to renew your vision of who he really is.