Key Verses
Ezekiel 18:30-32
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”Acts 9:31
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
Here are some tidbits to consider as you read :)
Ezekiel 17: This is a parable describing Zedekiah’s dealings – first with Nebuchadnezzar and then with Egypt. The chapter ends with a beautiful Messianic prophecy, Ezekiel 17:22-24, one of my favorites so far…
Ezekiel 18: The Israelites were so accustomed to their identities being defined by being a part of a family, tribe, clan or nation. The idea of individual accountability was a bit foreign. This chapter teaches that each person is responsible for his own actions and ends with an important plea for repentance (Ezekiel 18:30-32).
Ezekiel 19: Another parable of Judah (portrayed as the lioness and vine) and her kings (portrayed as cubs and branches).
Acts 9: We learn from Galatians 1:18-19 that Saul went to Jerusalem 3 years after his conversion. So there is a three-year gap from when Paul was in Damascus (vs. 23) and when he first went to Jerusalem (vs. 26). And finally, Acts 9:31 is a transition verse as the focus now turns to Peter and his acceptance of the Gentiles.
I hope these tidbits help clarify the text as you read today!
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