James 1:1-18, part 1 (AD 48) I recently had an exquisitely painful experience with far too much scalpel and far too little (actually zero) anaesthetic. There was no joy for me in that tribulation. And yet. As much pain as I was in, I knew that the cuts being made would save me from much … More Day 170: Joy in Trials
Acts 5:12-28 (AD 30) Already, in the early days of the early church, the patterns that led to the murder of Jesus threatened to lead to the killing of his followers. There were the miraculous healings – loads of them – and great popularity, followed inevitably by the “high priest and all his associates” being … More Day 150: The unstoppable gospel
Acts 4:1-22 (AD 30) Kept promises are a wonderful thing. Compare these two sections – the first is Jesus warning and encouraging his disciples about what would happen under persecution. The second is from the incident recorded in today’s reading. Luke 12:11-12 – “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry … More Day 147: Promise Under Persecution
John 21:1-25 (spring AD 30: during the 40 days after resurrection) Peter denied – three times – that he was a friend of Jesus. The third time he was asked, Peter got agitated and swore angrily. Jesus asked Peter – three times – whether Peter loved him. The third time he was asked, Peter got … More Day 140: Like a dog greeting its owner
Paul T Reynolds 