1 Kings 21:13 (HCSB)
[13] The two wicked men came in and sat opposite him. Then the wicked men testified against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed God and king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.
1Ki 21:13 Jezebel devised a scheme that appeared legal to get the land for her husband. Two witnesses were required to establish guilt, and the punishment for blasphemy was death by stoning. Those who twist the law and legal procedures to get what they want today may be more sophisticated in how they go about it, but they are still guilty of the same sin.
1 Kings 21:20 (HCSB)
[20] Ahab said to Elijah, “So, you have caught me, my enemy.”
He replied, “I have caught you because you devoted yourself to do what is evil in the LORD’s sight.
1Ki 21:20 Ahab still refused to admit his sin against God. Instead, he accused Elijah of being his enemy. When we are blinded by envy and hatred, it is almost impossible to see our own sin. Cross References: 1 Kings 21:20—1Ki 18:17; Ro 7:14
1 Kings 21:29 (HCSB)
[29] “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? I will not bring the disaster during his lifetime, because he has humbled himself before Me. I will bring the disaster on his house during his son’s lifetime.”
1Ki 21:29 Ahab was more wicked than any other king of Israel (16:30; 21:25), but when he repented in deep humility, God took notice and reduced his punishment. The same Lord who was merciful to Ahab wants to be merciful to you. No matter how evil you have been, it is never too late to humble yourself, turn to God, and ask for forgiveness. Cross References: 1 Kings 21:29—1Ki 22:38; 2Ki 9:25-37; 2Ch 12:7; 34:27
Acts 12:25 (HCSB)
[25] And Barnabas and Saul returned to *[ Other mss read from ] Jerusalem after they had completed their relief mission, on which they took John Mark. *[ Lit John who was called Mark ]
Ac 12:25 John Mark was Barnabas’s cousin (Col 4:10). His mother, Mary, often opened her home to the apostles (12:12), so John Mark would have been exposed to most of the great men and teachings of the early church. Later, John Mark joined Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but for unknown reasons, he left them in the middle of the trip. John Mark was criticized by Paul for abandoning the mission (15:37-39), but he wrote the Gospel of Mark and was later acclaimed by Paul as a vital help in the growth of the early church (2Ti 4:11). Cross References: Acts 12:25—Ac 11:29-30
Acts 13:1 (HCSB)
Preparing for the Mission Field
[13:1] In the local church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Ac 13:1 What variety there is in the church! The common thread among these five men was their deep faith in Christ. We must never exclude anyone whom Christ has called to follow him. Cross References: Acts 13:1—Ac 11:27; Ro 16:21
Acts 13:2,3 (HCSB)
[2] As they were ministering to *[ Or were worshiping ] the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to.” [3] Then, after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, *[ See note at Ac 6:6] they sent them off.
Ac 13:2,3 The church dedicated Barnabas and Saul to the work God had for them. To dedicate means "to set apart" for a special purpose. We, too, should dedicate our pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers for their tasks. We can also dedicate ourselves to use our time, money, and talents for God’s work. Ask God what he wants you to set apart for him. Cross References: Acts 13:2—Ac 9:15; Ga 1:15-16 Acts 13:3—Ac 6:6
Ac 13:2,3 This was the beginning of Saul’s (Paul, see 13:9) first missionary journey. The church was involved in sending Paul and Barnabas, but it was God’s plan. Why did Paul and Barnabas go where they did? (1) The Holy Spirit led them. (2) They followed the communication routes of the Roman Empire, making travel easier. (3) They visited key population and cultural centers to reach as many people as possible. (4) They went to cities with synagogues, speaking first to the Jews in hopes that they would see Jesus as the Messiah and help spread the Good News to everyone.
Acts 13:10 (HCSB)
[10] and said, “You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?
Ac 13:10 The Holy Spirit led Paul to confront Bar-Jesus with his sin. There is a time to be nice and a time to confront. Ask God to show you the difference and to give you the courage to do what is right. Cross References: Acts 13:10—Ho 14:9; Mt 13:38; Jn 8:44
Today’s Proverb – Proverbs 17:16 NLTse
[16] It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool,
since he has no heart for learning.
June 19th, 2009
Great passages of scripture. They are extremely relevant to me and my circumstances at the moment so I thankyou so much for posting. God bless!