Joseph is betrayed by his own family. Immaturity and jealousy play a role...maybe even God is involved.

Acts begins with Jesus preaching the Kingdom of God and ends with Paul doing it.

Those who serve God's purposes shall expect opposition - from people and nature!

The Roman who arrested Paul actually protects him on his journey to Caesarea.

Acts 20:17-27

Paul teaches us how to engage non-believers. He uses a positive approach and does not condemn them.

Paul chooses an unlikely candidate to be his disciple; Timothy was an outcast and young. He became pastor of the largest Christian community, Ephesus.

The early church handles its greatest challenge -- the inclusion of Gentiles -- by a wise compromise. The Gentiles do not have to become Jews, but they are not to follow the ways of pagan worship.

The Spirit calls Paul and Barnabas to risk their lives and calls on the community to part with two of their leaders.

Michael Crocker preaching