This week we will read the entire last Gospel of John and begin our way into early church history with the book of Acts.
The Gospel of John, or John's Gospel, written by one of the disciples, is very different than the others and so is NOT included as a synoptic or similar Gospel. While it does mention some of the same stories of people and healings and miracles, the timeline of Jesus' ministry is different than the others and John also includes large chunks of teaching (chapters 6, 10, and 13-16) that explain who Jesus is that are not included in any other Gospels. John is clear though about his criteria for what is included within his Gospel, "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But THESE are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31)
Acts or Acts of the Apostles, is the second of Luke's major writing, showing how the disciples spread the goods news of the Gospel after Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension back to heaven. The key verse for this book is Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verses sets the tone for all of the action in the book. The first major segment is chapters 1-7 where the action centers around the Jews in Jerusalem and Peter is the main figure. The timeline here is about 2 years from Pentecost through the stoning of Stephen.
Here is the schedule
11, Sunday: John 1-4
12, Monday: John 5-8
13, Tuesday: John 9-12
14, Wednesday: John 13-16
15, Thursday: John 17-20
16, Friday: John 21 - Acts 3
17, Saturday: Acts 4-7
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing and most importantly, the living out of His Holy Word. Amen.
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