I’m still in the midst of my slow, purposefully reflective journey through the New Testament this year. I just finished the book of Acts. Here are my thoughts:

• Acts 1:21-26 -I’d love to see a church hire happen like this. It would be interesting to watch it unfold.
• Acts 2:29-36 -In the Message interpretation this passage starts off with, “Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you.” Acts 2:36 is about as bold a proclamation that a preacher can make to his audience.
• Acts 2:37 -The first altar call wasn’t even a call for salvation, the people were begging for an answer!
• Acts 2:39 -The Children’s pastor in me loves this passage.
• Acts 4:4 -The worlds first mega-church! 5,000 added in only a few days!
• Acts 4:1-22 -The persecution begins, but the gospel of Jesus Christ starts to spread.
• Acts 6:1 -The beginning of ‘hard feelings.’
• Acts 6:6 -I’d like the description of Stephen to be said of me someday.
• Acts 7 -Stephen was quite the preacher. He didn’t exactly get the results I’d like to have (death by stoning), however he could make a point.
• Acts 8:1 -The first mention of Saul/Paul is a dubious one.
• Acts 9:5 -I’ve always been curious how Paul knew this light and voice was his Master.
• Acts 9:21 -First appearance of suspicious Christians.
• Acts 10-13 -The news is picking up steam, it’s gaining momentum.
• Acts 14:14-15 -Humility in action!
• Acts 15:37-41 -Disagreeing without being disagreeable?
• Acts 16:9-10 -This is one great way to get travel directions.
• Acts 17-18, 20-21 -Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus; Macedonia and Greece, and on to Jerusalem, after getting through Tyre and Caesarea.
• Acts 21:27-36 -Jerusalem turns out to NOT be such a great destination. Earlier in the story Paul is repeatedly encouraged to stay away from Jerusalem. He continues to travel in the direction of Jerusalem. He is warned over and over again; but says emphatically in 20:24 that he must finish the job God started in him.
• Acts 22:1-21 -Paul tells his story. Would it have happened if he was not imprisoned?
• Acts 24 -Paul tells his side of the story. Would it have happened if he was not imprisoned?
• Acts 26 -Paul tells his story, again. This time to a King. Would it have happened if he was not imprisoned?
• Acts 28:30-31 -The last written actions of Paul in the book of Acts. “His door was always open.”