Jean Ann Williams | Author

“On the next day we [Paul & Luke] departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven [one of the seven deacons of the church of Jerusalem], and stayed with him.  He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied” (Acts 21:8, 9 ESV).  Father, we understand that […]

“When our [Paul & Luke’s] days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned […]

“When we [Paul & Luke, his physician] had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not […]

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the […]

“‘I [Paul] coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself […]

“‘And now I [Paul] commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified’” (Acts 20:32 ESV).  Holy Father, we understand that our spiritual lives will continue on. We inherit eternal life with You forever. In Jesus’ […]

“‘. . . and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I [Paul] did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears’” (Acts 20:30, 31 ESV).  Father, emotion like Paul experienced is more than okay. […]

“‘Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock’” (Acts 20:28, 29 ESV);  Father, so early […]

“‘And now, behold, I [Paul] know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God’” (Acts 20:25-27 ESV).  Yes, […]

“But I [Paul] do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God’” (Acts 20:24 ESV). Father, Paul understood his purpose as given to him by […]