Strengthened in the Faith: God’s Power in the Midst of Mission and Opposition
- Be God's Glory
- Nov 12
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 315 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these chapters, the book of Acts reveals the unshakable faith of Paul and his companions as they spread the Gospel across cities filled with both hunger for truth and fierce opposition. From Lystra to Philippi, the power of the Holy Spirit is evident through miraculous healings, bold preaching, and divine direction. These passages demonstrate how God confirms His Word despite persecution, how the early Church navigates issues of doctrine and unity, and how obedience to God’s voice leads to transformed lives. Through trials, disagreements, and divine encounters, the message of Jesus continues to advance, showing that God’s plans are unstoppable and His grace is available to all people.
Acts 14
Acts 14 follows Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, where they boldly preach the Gospel despite fierce resistance. In Iconium, their preaching divides the city—some believe, while others conspire to harm them. In Lystra, God performs a miracle through Paul when he heals a man crippled from birth, causing the crowd to mistake them for gods. However, opposition from Jewish leaders turns the people against them, and Paul is stoned and left for dead—but miraculously survives and continues his mission. Through perseverance and divine strength, Paul and Barnabas strengthen the believers, appoint elders, and remind them that “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). This chapter reveals God’s sustaining power and the unwavering commitment of His servants to advance the Gospel no matter the cost.
Acts 15
Acts 15 centers around the Jerusalem Council, where a major dispute arises over whether Gentile believers must follow the Mosaic law, particularly circumcision. Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders about this issue. After much debate, Peter stands up and declares that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by adherence to the law. James affirms this truth, and the council sends a letter to Gentile believers confirming their freedom in Christ while urging them to abstain from practices associated with idolatry and immorality. This chapter emphasizes unity in the Church through sound doctrine and reliance on the Holy Spirit for discernment. God’s character as a just and gracious Redeemer is highlighted, revealing that salvation is freely offered to all, Jew and Gentile alike.
Acts 16
Acts 16 showcases God’s divine guidance and miraculous intervention as Paul embarks on a new missionary journey with Silas, Timothy, and later, Luke. The Holy Spirit directs their route, leading them to Macedonia after a vision of a man pleading for help. In Philippi, they encounter Lydia, whose heart the Lord opens to receive the Gospel, marking the birth of the first European church. Opposition arises when Paul casts a spirit of divination out of a slave girl, leading to their imprisonment. Yet even in chains, Paul and Silas praise God, and an earthquake miraculously sets them free, resulting in the salvation of the jailer and his household. This chapter reveals God’s sovereign control, showing that even through suffering and confinement, His purposes prevail and His Word cannot be contained.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The Book of Acts, also known as the “Acts of the Apostles,” derives its name from the Greek word “praxeis,” meaning “deeds” or “actions.” The title reflects the works and ministries carried out by the apostles under the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts serves as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, recording the dynamic acts of the risen Christ through His followers as they spread the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It bridges the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry with the formation and growth of His Church, showing how the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary men and women to fulfill the Great Commission.
Purpose of the Book:
The purpose of the Book of Acts is to provide a historical and theological account of how the Christian faith spread beyond its Jewish roots into the Gentile world. It documents the fulfillment of Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8—“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts emphasizes the unity and power of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church’s mission, confirming the gospel message through miracles, conversions, and the bold witness of the apostles. It reveals how God’s plan of salvation unfolded across cultural, ethnic, and geographical barriers, establishing the foundation of Christianity as a Spirit-led movement.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of Acts is Luke, the beloved physician and companion of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11). Early Christian tradition consistently attributes both the Gospel of Luke and Acts to him. The opening verses of both books (Luke 1:1–4 and Acts 1:1–2) confirm that they were written by the same author to a man named Theophilus, indicating Acts as a sequel to Luke’s Gospel. Additional evidence comes from the “we passages” (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16), where the author shifts to first-person narration, implying he was an eyewitness and companion of Paul during his missionary journeys.
Outside the Bible, early church fathers such as Irenaeus (Against Heresies, 3.14.1), Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History, 3.4.2), and Jerome (De Viris Illustribus, 7) all affirm Luke as the author of Acts. These historical sources, alongside internal biblical evidence, strongly support Luke’s authorship.
Key People:
Peter, who plays a leading role in the early chapters as the spokesperson for the apostles and a key figure in bringing the gospel to the Jews
John, his close companion in ministry
Stephen, the first Christian martyr whose death sparked wider evangelism
Philip, who evangelizes in Samaria and leads the Ethiopian eunuch to faith
Paul (formerly Saul), the most prominent figure in the latter half of Acts, whose missionary journeys carry the gospel throughout the Roman Empire
Barnabas, a trusted encourager and missionary partner of Paul
James, the brother of Jesus, who leads the Jerusalem church.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Book of Acts reveals the unstoppable movement of the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. It chronicles the transformation of fearful disciples into bold apostles, the birth of the global Church, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan to reach all nations. Acts serves as both a historical record and a spiritual model for believers today—calling the Church to live courageously, united in the Spirit, and committed to spreading the message of Jesus Christ to every corner of the world.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Acts 14
In Acts 14, God reveals Himself as powerful, sustaining, and faithful. He performs miracles through Paul and Barnabas, demonstrating His authority over sickness, death, and human misunderstanding. God’s character is evident in His ability to protect and strengthen His servants even when they face severe opposition, showing that His purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes. The chapter teaches that God calls His people to perseverance, reminding believers that hardships are part of the journey but that His presence and power accompany them.
No Hebrew names of God are directly mentioned in this chapter, but His nature aligns with El Shaddai, “God Almighty,” who strengthens and sustains His servants. The lesson God teaches in Acts 14 is that faith in Him empowers believers to endure persecution and continue proclaiming His Word boldly, trusting that He is always in control.
Acts 15
In Acts 15, God’s character is revealed as just, gracious, and unifying. He guides the early Church through the Holy Spirit to settle doctrinal disputes, ensuring that truth and love prevail over division. God demonstrates His mercy by confirming that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by adherence to the law, showing His desire to include all people in His family. The chapter teaches that God values both obedience and unity, and He works through collective wisdom to direct His people in matters of faith.
No Hebrew names of God are explicitly mentioned, but His character reflects Jehovah Tsidkenu, “The Lord Our Righteousness,” who ensures that salvation is through righteousness granted by faith, not works. The lesson in Acts 15 is that God’s guidance through the Spirit provides clarity, protects His Church from error, and affirms that His grace is sufficient for all who believe.
Acts 16
In Acts 16, God reveals Himself as sovereign, guiding, and miracle-working. He directs Paul and his companions through visions and the Spirit, showing that He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. God’s power is also evident in the miraculous deliverance of Paul and Silas from prison, emphasizing His authority over circumstances and earthly powers. The chapter teaches that God’s plans are unstoppable, and His presence brings salvation, freedom, and transformation even in the midst of adversity.
There are no Hebrew names of God mentioned directly, but His nature reflects Jehovah Rohi, “The Lord My Shepherd,” who leads, protects, and provides for His people. The lesson in Acts 16 is that God guides His servants with precision, strengthens them in trials, and orchestrates events so that His Word spreads and lives are changed, demonstrating His care for both His followers and those they reach.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God’s sustaining power show itself through Paul and Barnabas despite opposition and persecution in Acts 14?
In Acts 14, what does God’s provision of miracles reveal about His authority over sickness, death, and human misunderstanding?
How does God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit in Acts 15 demonstrate His wisdom and care for unity in the Church?
What does Acts 15 teach about God’s righteousness and grace in ensuring salvation is by faith, not works?
How does God’s sovereign direction of Paul and his companions in Acts 16 reveal His intimate involvement in mission and ministry?
In Acts 16, how do the miraculous events demonstrate God’s power to protect and deliver His people?
How can we see God’s faithfulness, mercy, and authority working together across these chapters to accomplish His purposes?
Questions About Themes:
How does the inclusion of Gentiles in Acts 11 connect to the theme of the Gospel being for all nations?
What theme is emphasized through the believers’ obedience to God’s direction despite persecution and uncertainty?
How does Acts 12 portray the power of prayer and faith in times of impossible circumstances?
What do these chapters teach about the importance of unity and discernment within the early Church?
How does Acts 13 highlight the theme of mission and calling in the life of believers?
In what ways does opposition strengthen rather than hinder the spread of the Gospel throughout these chapters?
How does God’s Word continue to grow and multiply despite trials, showing the unstoppable nature of His kingdom?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can you demonstrate perseverance in your faith and ministry like Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14 when facing challenges?
What lessons from Acts 15 can help you approach disagreements in your church or community with grace and unity?
How do the miracles in Acts 14–16 inspire you to trust God’s power over your own limitations?
When God directs you to step into an unknown or challenging situation, how can you respond in obedience like Paul and his team in Acts 16?
How does the story of the Philippian jailer challenge you to see God’s work even in difficult or unlikely circumstances?
In what ways can you rely on God’s guidance to navigate decisions in your personal or professional life, as the Holy Spirit directed the missionaries?
How can you cultivate faith that trusts God’s sovereignty and providence while actively participating in His mission in your community?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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