Acts 16:1-5 Video Devotional

Posted on Jul 21, 2020 by admin in Video Devotional | Tags: , ,

“Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.” (Acts 16:1-5)

During Paul’s second missionary journey, he comes to the towns of Lystra and Derbe, thereby meeting a young man of a Jewish mother (who was a believer) and a Greek father. Meeting the dear, gentle-spirited Timothy, Paul was moved to bring him along and disciple Timothy into a young leader. We hear much about this young man in scripture and although he faces some intense trials and almost quits his post (some could argue he did leave his post) as the pastor in Ephesus. Yet, he led a fruitful, victorious life and (according to sources) died a martyr for Jesus.

One of the cool things to learn about Timothy is his maternal heritage. Both his mother and grandmother are named in the New Testament (2 Timothy 1:5) as his Christian legacy. They led by example and gave him a torch to pick up and run with. When Timothy was struggling, this legacy of women served as a reminder to him to fan the flame of the gift of God.

This serves as a reminder to us that however God calls us to lead and to whomever He calls us to lead, it makes no difference who we are: male/female, Jew/Greek, black/white, old/young, or anything else. God doesn’t look on the outside, He looks on the heart and places us in the situations He wants us. Paul told Timothy directly not to let anyone look down on him, but to lead by example (1 Timothy 4:12).

We are also reminded from the verses above of an interesting insertion in the text of Timothy’s late-in-life circumcision. This is interesting, because Paul notes in other places (specifically Galatians) that circumcising one’s self is not necessary for salvation. So why have Timothy circumcised? Why bend to the pressure of the Jews? By reading any other of Paul’s writings about the topic, it is clear that he does not bend to the pressure of the Judiazers, but focuses on salvation by Christ alone.

He has Timothy get circumcised because of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians – about being all things to all people so that by all means, he may save some. Timothy’s ministry included a lot of Jewish people, and Paul foresaw it being a hindrance to them if he was not cut. His circumcision would make it easier for some Jews to come to Jesus and learn the full truth.

That is a good note to us. As believers today, it is easy to push our rights on others – especially when we realize we do have it better. But pushing our rights (or perceived rights) on others usually tends to turn people away from us and Jesus, not towards. Maybe we could give up some of our freedoms for the benefit of others? Wouldn’t that be leading by example? I want to hear your thoughts! let me know in the comments.


Acts 9:36-43 Video Devotional

Posted on Jun 23, 2020 by admin in Video Devotional | Tags: , ,

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.” (Acts 9:36-43)

Again, the Spirit was working. Here again is Peter – the one who so many of us know as the ultimate screw-up – being the hero. Fresh off of healing a paralyzed man in a neighboring town, we find him in Joppa bringing a deal woman back to life. Let me ask you – is this Peter’s power? Of course not! Acts is about the power and plan of the Holy Spirit. That plan being taking the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth and it was on the move. With the Dispersion scattering everyone around and the apostles tending to the new believers around Jerusalem, here we see Peter living in faith and praying for this woman to come back to life.

There are two observations to make about this story. First, the person he healed was a woman. It is worth pointing out that in the male-dominated culture of the time, this woman was of such renown that the city sent for Peter to try and bring this woman back! Women (Tabitha, in this instance) hold immense value to God and His plan, so much so that she was given her earthly life back. We can infer through the story that her ministry was of serving and making garments, and she was of such worth that God brought her back from the dead. Women hold incredible value in ministry and should have the opportunity to use the gifts given them by God for the calling He calls them to. It is an honorable service to be called to be a witness for Jesus (whatever the specifics of the job entail), one that comes to any believer, regardless of gender.

Gender equality, however, is not the only statement God is making by raising Tabitha from the dead. This also puts Peter in touch with a man named Simon the Tanner, whose house Peter has while having a very vivid and important dream. God is setting Peter up to make a very important cultural statement as well. Tune in for the next devotional to find out about the dream.

Are there any women you know that have made a significant different in your walk with Christ? This would be a great place to be thankful for our ladies in ministry who have led us to a closer walk with God. Highlight them in the comments!


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