Acts 8:8 So there was great joy in that city.
Taking today’s verse at face value does you no good, so let’s look at the context so that we know just what we are talking about.
In the beginning of Acts 8 we see that the church was being heavily persecuted by Saul and the Christians were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip went down to the city of Samaria, which is “that city” we see mentioned in our verse. While he was there, he was able to share the gospel. Let’s look at what happened to bring the city such joy.
Acts 8:6-8 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.
Why was this verse selected for inclusion in this month’s devotions? This verse was not just a word study randomly pulled from a search for the word joy. It was selected to help take us back to basics, to show that joy in Christ is not complex or overly complicated. Joy in Christ is as simple as doing His will. If we return to the basics of His commands, we will see a joyful response.
If you have ever led someone to Christ or watched them get baptized, you know how much joy they have over their decisions. And that joy is contagious. You can’t help but share in that joy because it is simple, yet absolutely amazing.
Let’s make every effort to spread Christian joy wherever we may go. Show love to others. Bless them with whatever you can. Teach them. Encourage them and inspire them. Return to the basic commands of Jesus to love God first and foremost (Matthew 22:37) and then to love others (Matthew 22:39), making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). And let joy be your reward.
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