Daily Reading Week 36
Sunday
Acts 9 (Scripture Focus 1–19)
Discover:
In first-century Judaism, zealotry showed up in two main ways: political and religious.
Political zealots, like the group known simply as the Zealots, were passionate about freeing Israel from Roman rule—by any means necessary. Simon the Zealot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, likely came from this movement before following Christ.
Religious zealotry was seen in groups like the Pharisees, who were deeply committed to strict obedience to the Mosaic law. Some Pharisees kept this devotion personal, while others, like Saul of Tarsus, actively pursued and punished Jews who didn’t follow their standards. Saul was so zealous that he fiercely persecuted early Christians, believing they were betraying Jewish tradition.
But Saul’s story took a dramatic turn. On his way to Damascus, Jesus confronted him directly, temporarily blinded him, and called him to stop persecuting His followers. This moment revealed how closely Jesus identifies with His people—hurting them is like hurting Him.
That encounter led to one of the most powerful conversions in history. Saul became Paul, a passionate advocate for the gospel and a key figure in spreading Christianity to the Gentiles. His writings make up about half of the New Testament, and his legacy continues to shape the church today.
Paul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Even the fiercest opponent of the faith can become a devoted servant of Christ.
Respond:
1. Have you had a moment where you accepted Jesus’ love and lordship?
2. What led you to that point—and what changed after?
3. Have you been baptized as a response of faith?
4. Are you resisting or “kicking against” anything God is doing right now?
Monday
Acts 9 (Scripture Focus 26–28)
Discover:
After his dramatic conversion, Paul arrived in Jerusalem ready to join the disciples—but they weren’t ready for him. His past was too fresh, too painful. The man who once hunted Christians now claimed to be one. Understandably, the disciples were afraid.
But then came Barnabas.
Barnabas didn’t just believe in Paul—he stood with him. He introduced him to the apostles, shared Paul’s story, and vouched for the change Jesus had made in his life. Because of Barnabas, Paul found a place in the community of believers. This was more than acceptance—it was belonging.
This moment reminds us that following Jesus is personal, but never private. We’re not meant to walk alone. We grow best in circles of trust, encouragement, and accountability. Everyone needs a Barnabas—someone who says, “You belong here.” And each of us is called to be a Barnabas for someone else.
Maybe today you feel like Paul—unsure if you’ll ever be fully accepted because of your past. Or maybe you’re in a position to be a Barnabas—to speak up for someone who’s on the outside looking in.
Whichever role you’re in, remember this: in Christ, no one is too far gone, and no one should walk alone.
Respond:
1. Do you feel like you belong in the body of Christ?
2. Who was your “Barnabas”—the person who welcomed or believed in you?
3. How can you help someone else feel seen and invited in?
tuesday
Romans 12 (Scripture Focus 4–8)
Discover:
As Christians, our journey begins with a transformation—when the Holy Spirit frees us from sin and brings us into God’s light, as described in 1 Peter 2:9–10. But that’s just the beginning. The Spirit continues to shape us, renewing our minds through God’s Word and helping us grow to reflect Christ more and more.
This ongoing process is called sanctification. Unlike regeneration and justification—which are entirely God’s work—sanctification involves our cooperation. We actively fight sin and pursue godly character, but even here, it’s God who empowers us. As Philippians 2:12–13 reminds us, we “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling,” because God is already at work in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to live for Him.
One way the Spirit fuels our growth is through the preaching of the Word. That’s why the apostles often urge us to grow in faith and service. Paul, for example, teaches that every believer is part of the body of Christ and has a unique role to play. His list of spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6–8 isn’t exhaustive, but it shows that every Christian is gifted in some way. This marks a shift from the old covenant, where ministry roles were limited to a few. Under the new covenant, everyone has a part to play.
Paul’s main point is clear: whatever gift you’ve been given, use it with passion and purpose. We may have different gifts, but we’ve all received the same grace. So instead of comparing ourselves to others, let’s focus on using what God has given us to serve and bless those around us.
Respond:
1. Are you currently contributing to the mission of God in any way?
2. What spiritual gift(s) has God given you to serve the Church?
3. How has someone else’s contribution shaped your life?
4. What’s one next step you can take to live on mission?
Wednesday
2 Timothy 4 (Scripture Focus 6–8)
Discover:
In 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Paul reflects on his life with a deep sense of peace and fulfillment. He knows his time is short—he describes himself as being “poured out like a drink offering,” a reference to the final act in Old Testament sacrifices. For Paul, this means his ministry is complete. His faithful service, even in prison, is the final offering of a life lived for Christ.
Just before this, in verses 1–5, Paul urges Timothy to stay faithful in his ministry. The connection is clear: Paul has done just that—he’s “fought the good fight,” “finished the race,” and “kept the faith.” He’s showing Timothy, and all of us, what it looks like to finish well. If we want to look back on our lives with the same confidence, we must also stay faithful to the work God has given us—sharing the gospel and making disciples wherever we are.
Paul isn’t afraid of death. In fact, he looks forward to what’s next: a “crown of righteousness” that the Lord will give him. He’s not claiming to earn salvation through good works—he knows that only Christ’s righteousness justifies him. But he also knows that God graciously rewards the faithful efforts of those who love Jesus’ return, even though those efforts are imperfect.
Paul’s words are both a comfort and a challenge. They remind us that the Christian life is a race worth running and that God sees and honors our faithfulness. Like Paul, we can live—and die—with hope, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Respond:
1. If your faith were a race, what stage are you in right now?
2. What does it mean to you to “finish well”?
3. How can you be more intentional about living with purpose now?
4. What’s one legacy you want to leave behind?
THursday
2 Timothy 2 (Scripture Focus verse 2)
Discover:
While 2 Timothy speaks to all believers, it holds special relevance for pastors, elders, and church leaders. Paul’s words are a reminder that faithfulness to Jesus often comes with suffering—and the specific temptations we face can vary depending on our calling. For those who teach and lead, the pressure to soften the gospel for broader appeal can be strong, especially in churches that measure success by attendance rather than faithfulness.
Paul understands this, which is why he urges Timothy to pass on his teaching to “faithful men” who will continue the work. Paul’s message isn’t just his own—it’s the very Word of God. Timothy is to guard it carefully and entrust it to others who will do the same. This isn’t about apostolic succession in terms of church hierarchy, but about preserving the purity of the gospel. The true church is found where God’s Word is preached faithfully and where leaders are committed to sound doctrine.
As Paul reminds Timothy, it’s only by God’s grace that leaders can remain faithful. Grace isn’t just the starting point of salvation—it’s the foundation for the entire Christian life. Whether we’re leading from the pulpit or serving behind the scenes, we all need grace to stay true to the gospel and to pass it on without compromise.
Respond:
1. Who has discipled you?
2. Who are you discipling or investing in right now?
3. What’s stopping you from passing on what God has given you?
4. Who is your “One More”?
Friday
Acts 20 (Scripture Focus 22–24)
Discover:
Paul’s words in Acts 20 are striking: “I am compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
This is purpose. This is conviction.
Paul didn’t live an easy life, but he lived a clear one. His mission—to testify to the grace of Jesus—shaped every decision, every step, every sacrifice. He didn’t need to know all the details of what lay ahead. He just needed to know that Jesus was worth it.
That kind of clarity is rare, but it’s available to us too. When we anchor our lives in the gospel, we find direction. When we live for something bigger than comfort or applause, we find courage. Paul’s journey wasn’t just about reaching Jerusalem—it was about becoming more like Jesus and helping others do the same.
Respond:
1. What is your aim or “task” right now in life and faith?
2. Are you willing to follow Jesus, even when the road gets hard?
3. How can you live more purposefully this week?
4. What mission has God clearly given you?
Saturday
Philippians 3:12–14
Discover:
When Paul wrote Philippians, he didn’t know how he’d reach his final resurrection—whether through martyrdom, natural death, or being alive when Christ returns, but he was ready for any path. His confidence came from knowing he belonged to Jesus. He had stopped relying on his own efforts and trusted fully in Christ’s righteousness.
Some people misunderstand Paul’s teaching on justification by faith alone, thinking it means we can just coast after coming to faith. But Paul’s life shows the opposite. He knew that true faith perseveres—and that perseverance takes effort. As Romans 8:38–39 assures us, nothing can separate us from God’s love, but Philippians 2:12–13 reminds us we still need to “work out our salvation,” knowing it’s God who empowers us.
In Philippians 3:12–14, Paul makes it clear: he hadn’t arrived yet, but he was pressing on. He was running his race with purpose, trusting that God would finish the work He started. That assurance didn’t make Paul passive—it made him eager to grow, to repent, and to stay alert to the Spirit’s leading.
When we truly grasp what it means to be declared righteous in Christ, we don’t sit back—we lean in. We listen to the Spirit, stay in the Word, and keep running the race of faith.
Respond:
1. Are you moving forward in your walk with Jesus—or coasting?
2. What past success or failure do you need to stop clinging to?
3. What does the “next step” look like in your journey?
4. Who can you encourage to keep pressing on?