The Bible by David Alley

When Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, the Lord said he must speak to "governors and kings." Paul is doing that repeatedly during his incarceration in Caesarea, now speaking with Herod and his wife Berenice. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 26 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Because Felix was wanting to pander to the Jews, or hoping for a Bribe, Paul was left in jail for two years in Caesarea. When a new governor comes to town, Festus, another trial happens. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 25 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Jesus was on trial before Governor Pilate, and Paul is tried before Governor Felix, but there is not resolution and it drags out leaving him incarcerated for two years. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 24 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

A plan is made to kill Paul. Forty men take a vow not to eat or drink until the deed is done, and wheels are set in motion. But the Lord rescues Paul because He has a plan for him to go to Rome. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 23 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Having been arrested and accused of causing a riot, Paul is on trial, and defends himself before the Sanhedrin. This is the same group that previously accused Jesus and prompted his crucifixion. They now desire Paul's execution too. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 22 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Paul has gifts for the poor in Jerusalem, but also knows trouble awaits him. Heading there to do good, evil is done to him in return. The Jews attempt to kill him in that moment but he is resecued by the Romans who after learning he is a Roman citizen keep him safe. This is the beginning of about 5 straight years in prison and a period when much scripture is written. Luke is not arrested, and uses this time to conduct interviews for his Gospel of Luke. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 21 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Paul is on his way to Jerusalem where he knows trouble awaits him. Speaking all night in Troas enroute, Eutychas falls asleep and falls out a third-story window to his death. Paul's prayer for him marks the 8th and last resurrection in the Bible (not including the general resurrection). Join David Alley as he reads Acts 20 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

As Paul starts heading back to Jerusalem winding up the second missionary journey, he travels through Ephesus, and notices a great opportunity awaits him. The result is that the third missionary journey largely contains several years of work at Ephesus. Speaking at the Hall of Tyrannus he manages to shared the gospel with everyone in the province of Asia. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 19 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Paul arrives in Corinth on his second missionary journey where he meets Aquilla and Priscilla who were kicked out of Rome by Emperor Claudius. They work together as tentmakers and a church starts, becoming on the most famous churches in the ancient world. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 18 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In the second missionary journey, Paul preaches in Thessalonica and Berea where he was persecuted, and finally in Athens where he speaks to the leading Philosophers of the city. In Athens he discovers and altar to an unknown God, which was an ancient witness to the Lord as this video explains. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 17 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

After the Jerusalem Council had reached a decision about Gentiles, Paul sets off again, this time without Barnabus, taking Silas instead and they start visiting the places they went before sharing the news of the council. However due to illness Paul heads north into Galatia and all of history is changed. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 16 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

With so many Gentiles being saved, and so many Jewish Christians preceding them, it was inevitable there woudl be questions about how to be saved, and then how to live as Christians. The Jerusalem Council was a gathering of Apostles and Elders - a key moment that sorted out this question. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 15 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

After miraculously healing a lame man in Lystra things go wrong and he is stoned to what the Lystrians believed was death. Then he is either miraculously healed, or raised from the dead and able to leave town to continue his missionary work. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 14 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

It is the church at Antioch, the Gentile Church, that first sends out missionaries deliberately for the sake of converting Gentiles. The first missionaries were Paul and Barnabas. You may have a map of their travels in the back of your Bible. And first stop was the island of Cyprus. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 13 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

One of the most miraculous prison breaks in history is recorded in Acts 12 when Peter escapes while chained to guards in an inner cell. Later in the chapter, Herod who had tried to kill Peter is himself eaten by worms. Coincidence? Join David Alley as he reads Acts 12 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

It was in Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. This was because they were in fact not Jewish and the distinction was clearer, that they were followers of Christ. So in Antioch we have the first church to be non-Jewish. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 11 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Meet Cornelius the first Gentile Christian, from the city of Caesarea on the coast of modern day Israel. The Lord and the Holy Spirit pulled a number of miracles to make it possible for this first non-jew to become saved, and he continues to work miracles in saving many people today. This chapter is a huge turning point in the New Testament and indeed the entire Bible. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 10 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In this chapter Saul is converted in miraculous circumstances, and the Lord saves the most prolific of the apostles, and also saves the church from his determined persecution. A genuine turning point not just for Saul, but for history itself. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 9 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

After Stephen dies as the first Christian martyr, persecution ramps up, and believers start leaving the city of Jerusalem for their safety. The result is the spread of hte gospel. Philip converts a eunuch on the road south and then starts preaching in Caesarea. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 8 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Jesus said if they persecuted the master, they will persecute the servants. It wasn't long before this began and Stephen, one of the seven deacons, is the first person to die for his faith as a Christian. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 7 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In the Bible we have the 12 apostles and the 7 deacons. This chapter describes the choosing of the seven. But what exactly is a deacon, and what did they do? Why were they needed? Do we still have deacons today? Join David Alley as he reads Acts 6 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Great fear was on the early believers is how the book of Acts describes the feeling after Ananias and his wife Sapphira died after lying to the Lord. This is a chapter easily misunderstood. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 5 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Just a few chapters ago in the Bible back in the book of John it was Jesus on trial, but now it is the turn of the apostles. The Pharisees are a bit confused as the problem they had solved with Jesus and his miracles seems to be coming back bigger than before. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 4 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Peter and John heal a lame man in miraculous circumstances one day, while on their way to pray at the temple. The healing of that beggar, who initially just wanted money, prompts another sermon by Peter, this time in the temple courts. The apostles are preaching more and more, just as Jesus did. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 3 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Acts Chapter 2 is considered by many to be the birthday of the Church, even though faith in God traces itself back to Abraham and all the way back to Adam. On the day the H0ly Spirit fell, remarkable things happened in Jerusalem including people speaking in other languages, and most remarkable, that their hearts were changed to love one another. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 2 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Luke begins his second book which is a history of the things the Lord did through the early believers, the Acts of the Apostles. Chapter one commences with the decision to replace Judas who died, with Matthias, so that there would remain 12 apostles of the lamb. Join David Alley as he reads Acts 1 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

The third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples was after they had been fishing in Galilee and had caught nothing. It was a dramatic encounter which fills the entire last chapter of John, and contains not just the miracle of the fish, but his words to Peter about both Peter and John. Join David Alley as he reads John 21 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

One of my favourite parts of the Bible is where Jesus appears to the twelve a second time, and this occasion Thomas is there. Thomas doubts, but then believes and cries out "My Lord and My God." Having visited the tomb of St Thomas, this whole chapter is alive for me. Join David Alley as he reads John 20 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

The last six chapters ofJesus were detailed, covering the many words Christ spoke to his disciples the night before he died. Now the action kicks in aplenty with in the space of one chapter Jesus is sentenced, flogged, crucified, dies and is buried. Join David Alley as he reads John 19 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In John 18, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane when Judas comes with a mob to take him. He is then taken before the Sanhedrin and then Pilate on trial. The things he says surprise us to this day. Join David Alley as he reads John 18 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In John 17 we have a whole chapter which is a recorded prayer of Jesus. In that prayer he prays for himself, for the disciples and for those who will believe - in other words, you and I. Very few of Jesus' prayers are recorded, so what was it exactly that he prayed? Join David Alley as he reads John 17 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

The Largest part of the Gospel of John is last supper, which covers a period of five entire chapters. In chapter 16, Jesus promises to send another comforter, the Holy Spirit who will be with them forever. These things are as relevant to us now as they were to the disciples then. Join David Alley as he reads John 16 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Jesus teaches us that He is the TRUE Vine... a remarkable thing to say given all the Old Testament already said about Israel as the Vine. He then goes on to explain how by abiding in Him, a number of remarkable things will happen. Join David Alley as he reads John 15 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In my Father's house are many mansions, right? That is certainly what the King James Version says, but there is another way of understanding what Jesus said to his disciples. Join David Alley as he reads John 14 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

The most surprising thing happens, Jesus does the thing for his followers, that his followers should have been doing for him. He demonstrates that instead of our focus being about what should be done for us, we should focus on how we can serve others. Join David Alley as he reads John 13 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

About six days before Jesus dies, he is at dinner with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, when Mary pours a pint of spikenard oil on Jesus' feet and anoints him for his burial. She knows what she is doing, but nobody else has a clue, least of all Judas. How did she know? Join David Alley as he reads John 12 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In John 11 one of Jesus dearest friends dies. The shortest verse in the Bible records that 'Jesus wept.' After waiting four days, and the body had begun to decompose, Jesus returns saying "I am the resurrection and the life." He then raises Lazarus back up causing many to believe. Join David Alley as he reads John 11 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

In John 10 Jesus talks about how he is the Good Shepherd, and the door for the sheep pen. He also talks about "other sheep" but who are these other sheep? Some suggested they might be aliens, but the answer is much more down to earth than that. Join David Alley as he reads John 10 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Jesus heals a man who is blind, and was born that way. But we are all born blind and all of us need to see. This chapter is both about the miracle that Jesus performs and also the miracle of spiritual sight. Join David Alley as he reads John 9 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

A woman caught in the act of adultery is brought before Jesus. (Where was the man?) He is reminded that she must be stoned for her sin, and they ask Jesus what to do? He wants to extend mercy, but cannot ignore justice for sin. He is trapped between law and grace? How would you respond? Join David Alley as he reads John 8 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Jesus attended all the major festivals, and some of the minor feasts in Jerusalem. In John 7 he is attending Tabernacles, the festival at which you live in a tent for a week. During that time, there is division in Jerusalem about Jesus because he does Messiah-like things such as miracles, but says the most (in their opinion) un-Messiah-like words. Join David Alley as he reads John 7 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

John's gospel not only has seven signs (miracles) but also seven 'I AM' statements of Jesus. The first of the 'I AM' statements occurs here when Jesus says "I am the bread of life." This entire chapter talks about bread, and the bread of heaven, and there are some interesting things to observe about communion out of this chapter. Join David Alley as he reads John 6 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

A man lame for 38 years is healed by Jesus in the most remarkable place - a five-sided pool at Bethesda. Details of the pool are themselves a bit controversial, as was the healing of this man at the time that it happened. Join David Alley as he reads John 5 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

On his walk back to Nazareth Jesus goes through Samaria - a region not overly hospitable to Jews. Jesus meets a woman at the well and has (for her) a most surprising encounter, which results in the entire city of Sychar coming to faith in Christ. Along the way we learn about double speak, and about the Samaritan religion and about true worship. Join David Alley as he reads John 4 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Nicodemus wanted to follow Jesus, but was a Pharisee. In this chapter Nicodemus has a nightime meeting with Jesus, possibly in secret, to discuss what it means to be his follower. In their conversation we learn about what it means to be born again, something about how to enter the kingdom of heaven, and find the most famous bible verse of all, John 3:16 Join David Alley as he reads John 3 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

There are seven signs or miracles in John, and this is the first, a remarkable creative miracle at a wedding. The wine had run out, but Jesus creates more from six amphora vessels filled with water. CS Lewis said this was not a remarkable miracle because.... Join David Alley as he reads John 2 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

John the last of the four evangelists opens his gospel up with an astounding set of verses, and commences to reveal Jesus to the world in a completely different way to the previous three Gospels. Join David Alley as he reads John 1 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Jesus is alive!!! And he appears multiple times to his disciples in surprising ways revealing himself again. In this chapter he walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, a town 11 kilometres away, but they don't realise it is him until a few hours later. Join David Alley as he reads Luke 24 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Jesus is tried, declared innocent, and then sentenced to death. A more unjust scenario could not be described. Luke 23 describes Luke's account of the passion of Christ. Join David Alley as he reads Luke 23 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.

Luke recounts the last supper and the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is in such agony that blood comes out in his sweat, a condition known as hematohidrosis. Join David Alley as he reads Luke 22 and then discusses the chapter and these issues.