Jean Ann Williams | Author

“But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there […]

“Now at Iconium they [disciples] entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they [disciples] remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore […]

“But they [Paul and Barnabas) shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:51, 52 ESV).  Father, we long for more joy in our lives. Help us to count our blessings more each day even though we may be […]

“And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district” (Acts 13:49, 50 ESV). Father, this shows us that faithful Believers will be persecuted. […]

“‘And he [God] said to me [Apostle John], ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.  The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he […]

“‘For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed’” (Acts 13:47, […]

“And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you [Jews]. ‘Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles [anyone else not a Jew]’” (Acts 13:46 ESV).  Father, we are so grateful that the […]

“The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him” (Acts 13:44, 45 ESV).  Father, they hated Jesus. They will hate those who preach, teach, and live by Your […]

“‘Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you’” (Acts 13:40, 41 ESV).  Father, does this prophecy apply today? Help us to understand each […]

“‘Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses’” (Acts 13:38, 39 ESV).  Father, we understand that once we believe in Jesus and are […]