Acts 9 - CEVUS06 & NBA93

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

Saul Becomes a Follower of the Lord

(Acts 22.6-16Acts 26.12-18)

1 Saul kept on threatening to kill the Lord's followers. He even went to the high priest 2 and asked for letters to the leaders of the synagogues in Damascus. He did this because he wanted to arrest and take to Jerusalem any man or woman who had accepted the Lord's Way. 3 When Saul had almost reached Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul! Saul! Why are you so cruel to me?”

5 “Who are you?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus,” the Lord answered. “I am the one you are so cruel to. 6 Now get up and go into the city, where you will be told what to do.”

7 The men with Saul stood there speechless. They had heard the voice, but they had not seen anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and when he opened his eyes, he could not see a thing. Someone then led him by the hand to Damascus, 9 and for three days he was blind and did not eat or drink.

10 A follower named Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. Ananias answered, “Lord, here I am.”

11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street. When you get there, you will find a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. Saul is praying, 12 and he has seen a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and putting his hands on him, so he could see again.”

13 Ananias replied, “Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. 14 Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name.”

15 The Lord said to Ananias, “Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for worshiping in my name.”

17 Ananias left and went into the house where Saul was staying. Ananias placed his hands on him and said, “Saul, the Lord Jesus has sent me. He is the same one who appeared to you along the road. He wants you to be able to see and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

18 Suddenly something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see. He got up and was baptized. 19 Then he ate and felt much better.

Saul Preaches in Damascus

For several days Saul stayed with the Lord's followers in Damascus. 20 Soon he went to the synagogues and started telling people that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 Everyone who heard Saul was amazed and said, “Isn't this the man who caused so much trouble for those people in Jerusalem who worship in the name of Jesus? Didn't he come here to arrest them and take them to the chief priests?”

22 Saul preached with such power that he completely confused the Jewish people in Damascus, as he tried to show them that Jesus is the Messiah.

23 Later some of them made plans to kill Saul, 24 but he found out about it. He learned that they were guarding the gates of the city day and night in order to kill him. 25 Then one night his followers let him down over the city wall in a large basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the followers. But they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe he was a true follower. 27 Then Barnabas helped him by taking him to the apostles. He explained how Saul had seen the Lord and how the Lord had spoken to him. Barnabas also said when Saul was in Damascus, he had spoken bravely in the name of Jesus.

28 Saul moved about freely with the followers in Jerusalem and told everyone about the Lord. 29 He was always arguing with the Jews who spoke Greek, and so they tried to kill him. 30 But the followers found out about this and took Saul to Caesarea. From there they sent him to the city of Tarsus.

31 The church in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria now had a time of peace and kept on worshiping the Lord. The church became stronger, as the Holy Spirit encouraged it and helped it grow.

Peter Heals Aeneas

32 While Peter was traveling from place to place, he visited the Lord's followers who lived in the town of Lydda. 33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who for eight years had been sick in bed and could not move. 34 Peter said to Aeneas, “Jesus Christ has healed you! Get up and make up your bed.” At once he stood up.

35 Many people in the towns of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas and became followers of the Lord.

Peter Brings Dorcas Back to Life

36 In Joppa there was a follower named Tabitha. Her Greek name was Dorcas, which means “deer.” She was always doing good things for people and had given much to the poor. 37 But she got sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Joppa wasn't far from Lydda, and the followers heard that Peter was there. They sent two men to say to him, “Please come with us as quickly as you can!” 39 At once, Peter went with them.

The men took Peter upstairs into the room. Many widows were there crying. They showed him the coats and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was still alive.

40 After Peter had sent everyone out of the room, he knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the body of Dorcas and said, “Tabitha, get up!” The woman opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet.

Peter called in the widows and the other followers and showed them that Dorcas had been raised from death. 42 Everyone in Joppa heard what had happened, and many of them put their faith in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed on for a while in Joppa in the house of a man named Simon, who made leather.

Shaawul mɔŋgwɔ urlǝ ṯɔgwor-lɔ.

(A@maal 22:6-16A@maal 26:12-18)

1 Ǝṯitǝ Shaawul aari isṯimir ethi ṯiŋacicci ṯalaamiiza wǝŋ-lɔ kitha ṯǝthi Kweeleny, ethisi endinye. Mindaŋ nɔŋweele naanɔ-gwɔ Rǝ-iis Rɔppa rǝthi kahana, 2 nɔŋw uṯicǝlɔ juwaab-gi ethi-gi ele ethi inḏǝthǝ limajma@ lǝthi Ḏimashga-ŋw, mindaŋ ethisi kaṯṯisa leere kila lǝmminicǝ Ṯaay ṯǝthi Kweeleny, mindaŋ ǝŋgwɔŋwɔ ǝthi ŋɔma ethisi ɔmɔmma lir lɔr-ŋa laaw-li, mindaŋ aŋgwɔŋw-li aaɽitha Urshaliim-na.

3 Nǝ mǝ Shaawul iilici mǝḏiinǝ kwǝthi Ḏimashga-ŋwɔ keṯṯɔk, biḏaan nǝ fɔɔri irṯacalɔ tɔc ki-leere-na kiɽǝr. 4 Nɔŋw iidi kwurǝyu-lu, mindaŋ nɔŋw neŋne ṯogɽo ṯette ṯǝccǝ ŋunduŋw-ŋwɔ, “Shaawul, Shaawul, a kwɔthɔ kwǝwɽǝ-nyii yǝy-lɔ?”

5 Nɔŋw uṯicǝlɔ nɔŋwɔccǝŋw, “A kwɔrɔ kwǝni ǝyǝ Kweeleny?” Nǝ ṯɔgɽɔ ǝccǝŋw, “Nyii kwɔrɔ kwǝni Yǝcu kwǝwɽǝ-ŋǝ yǝy-lɔ. 6 Laakin diiɽu kǝniny ǝnḏi ki-mǝḏiinǝ-nǝ, mindaŋ mǝrŋǝsi andaci ŋa ŋinḏi-ŋǝsi laazim ethisi ǝrri.”

7 Nǝ lɔr rilli kila linḏir Shaawul-ŋǝli, mindaŋ nǝr naani dec, nǝr neŋne ṯɔgɽɔ rac, laakin nǝreere ese kwizi kweere mac. 8 Nǝ Shaawul diiɽǝlɔ kwurǝyu-lu mindaŋ nɔŋw alla yǝy-nǝ, laakin nɔŋweere ǝthi ŋɔma mac etheese kwomne kweere. E-ta nǝr mithǝ ṯii nǝr mɔlottɔ nǝr-geele nǝr-gi ǝnḏi Ḏimashga. 9 Nɔŋw naani ŋwaamin ṯoɽol kwiti kwiisa ǝzir mac, nǝ ki-lɔɔmɔr-la-ṯǝ kila nɔŋweere yee wala ethi ii kwomne kweere mac.

10 Nɔŋw naani kwette kwir ṯilmiiz Ḏimashga-na kwǝni Hanaaniiyya, nǝ Kweeleny andaci rɔ-ɔya-ri nɔŋwɔccǝŋw, “Yaa Hanaaniiyya!” Nɔŋw ǝŋnici nɔŋwɔccǝŋw, “A Kweeleny nyii kwir-pa ŋgwɔ.”

11 Nǝ Kweeleny ǝccǝŋw, “Aami naanalɔŋw mindaŋ ele shaar-gi kwǝṯir ǝccǝ Shaare@ Kwirllalɔ, mindaŋ meele ki-dɔɔnɔ kwǝthi Yahuuthǝ-tǝ, a ɔṯalɔ kwɔr-ŋi kwette kwǝthi Ṯarsuus-ŋwɔ kwǝni Shaawul. Nǝ ŋgwana kwaari kiyiiriny, 12 mindaŋ nɔŋweese kwɔɔrɔ kwette ki-rɔ-ɔya-na kwǝni Hanaaniiyya kwǝnḏǝthi kiininy, mindaŋ nɔŋw kette rii ruuŋwun duŋgwun-lǝ, mindaŋ ŋwɔthi ŋɔma ethi iisithi kwokwony.”

13 Nǝ Hanaaniiyya ǝŋnici nɔŋwɔccǝŋw, “Kweeleny, naa lizi landica-nyii-pa littǝzir, ŋiɽaŋali ŋǝthi kwɔr-ŋgwɔ ŋǝṯɔŋwsi ǝrrici lizi lirllinǝlɔ ter ŋigii Urshaliim-na 14 Nǝ kwǝni-pǝ kwɔmǝ iila Ḏimashga sɔlṯa-gi kwǝthi rɔ-asa rǝthi kahana, ethi ɔmɔmmi lizi tatap kila lǝṯi kwogwɔcce yiriny-lɔ yɔɔŋwa.”

15 Nǝ Kweeleny ǝccǝŋw, “Nḏi kǝniny nǝ kwɔmǝ-nyii ethi ǝkkici nyuŋwɔ ŋothɽoɽ ethi ilŋithini Umama yiriny yiinyi nǝ muluuk-gǝ mindaŋ, nǝ lizi lǝthi Israa-iil tok. 16 E-ta nyii ŋunduŋw kwomne tatap ŋgwa kwinḏiŋw-ŋgi laazim ethi bee ṯurvǝ sǝbǝb-gi kwǝni nyii.” 17 E-ta nǝ Hanaaniiyya ele nɔŋw ǝnḏi ki-dɔɔnɔ kwunaanɔ-gwɔ Shaawul-na, mindaŋ nɔŋw-ŋgwɔ kette rii-la ruuŋwun, nɔŋwɔccǝŋw, “Ǝŋgǝri kwǝni Shaawul, Kweeleny kwɔmǝ-nyii ɔɔsa rɔgɽo-ri ruuŋwun wɔɽeny kwǝni Yǝcu, ŋgwa kwurwǝnnicǝ-ŋǝlɔ ki-thaay-la kinaŋw ninḏiŋǝ ethiila kɔnɔŋw. Kwɔɔsa-nyii mindaŋ mǝthi ŋɔma ethi iisithi kwokwony, nǝ ethi urǝnni Ṯigɽimǝ-nǝ deddep Tirllinǝlɔ ter.” 18 Ŋwɔṯaŋw tɔc, nǝ kwomne kwette kwir kaka kamnya iidǝ ki-yǝy-nǝ yuuŋwun, mindaŋ nɔŋwɔthi ŋɔma ethi iisithi kwokwony. E-ta nɔŋw diiɽi nɔŋwaari @ammlḏa; 19 nǝ mɔŋw ethne tǝ, nǝ ŋɔma ŋuuŋun aaɽathi kwokwony.

Shaawul mɔŋgwɔ aari bǝshirǝ Ḏimashga-na.

Nǝ Shaawul naani ŋwaamin ŋwokwo Ḏimashga-na lizi-li kila lǝthi ṯǝmminǝ. 20 Nɔŋweele tɔc ki-limajma@-na nɔŋwaari ibṯǝḏi ethaari bǝshirǝ Yǝcu-ŋw nɔŋwaarɔŋw, “Kwir Tɔr tǝthi Allah”.

21 Nǝ kila tatap limǝ niŋnaci ŋunduŋw, nǝr liŋɽi nǝr ɔṯalɔ nǝraarɔŋw, “Kwiti kwundǝr-ṯǝ-ŋgwɔ kwɔnaanɔ Urshaliim kwǝṯisi endinye kila lǝṯi kwogwɔcce yiriny-lɔ kiyɔ mac-a? Nǝ ŋiti ŋindǝr-ṯǝ ŋɔ ŋilaathɔ-ŋgwɔ kɔnɔŋw ethi ɔmɔmmi lizi kila, mindaŋ ethi-li aaɽi ethisi inḏǝthǝ rɔ-asa rǝthi kahana mac-a?”

22 Laakin nǝ ṯǝbshiir ṯǝthi Shaawul ǝthi ŋɔma ŋɔppa, nǝ ṯa@liim ṯuuŋwun ilŋithini lizi dedder ethaarɔŋw Yǝcu kwir Kwɔrɔstɔ, mindaŋ nǝ Yahuuḏ kiya yinaanɔ Ḏimashga ere ǝthi ŋɔma ethi ǝŋnici ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋeere mac.

23 Mǝ ŋwaamin ŋwuuru ṯamthɔ tǝ, nǝ Yahuuḏ aaɽathi dɔŋw nǝr kette arraaya ethi ɽeenye Shaawul-ŋwɔ, 24 laakin nǝr ilŋithini ŋunduŋw ŋiɽaŋali ŋǝthi arraay weeŋen. Nǝr karni ŋwɔbaaba ŋwɔthi mǝḏiinǝ yaaŋwɔnɔ yulŋǝ tok, mindaŋ aŋgir ɽeenye. 25 Laakin laamin lette kilkǝlu nǝ ṯalaamiiz ṯǝthi Shaawul dimmǝ ŋunduŋw nǝr ɔɽasi ki-sǝbǝṯ-nǝ, mindaŋ nǝr up lɔvɽɔ-li lǝthi heyṯa.

Shaawul mɔŋgwɔ naani Urshaliim.

26 Mǝ Shaawul ele Urshaliim, nɔŋw ṯǝcci ethi ɔɽɔmaṯṯi ṯalaamiiz-thi. Laakin nǝreere ǝmmini mac ethaarɔŋw kwɔmoro ŋundu tok ṯilmiiz, taŋw nǝr ṯeenye ŋunduŋw tatap. 27 E-ta nǝ Barnaaba iila ethi mǝcci ŋunduŋw, mindaŋ nɔŋw mɔlo nɔŋgeele naanɔ-gwɔ yaavɔr. Nɔŋwsi ilŋithini ŋiɽaŋali ŋǝthi Shaawul kwiisa Kweelenyi aŋgwɔrɔ ki-thaay-la, mindaŋ mǝ Kweeleny andica ŋunduŋw. Nǝ nɔŋwsi andaci tok ŋiɽaŋali ŋǝthi ŋuugul ŋǝthi Shaawul ŋaarɔŋw-ŋi bǝshirǝ yiriny-yi yǝthi Yǝcu naanɔŋw Ḏimashga. 28 E-ta nǝ Shaawul naani ŋunduŋǝ-li, mindaŋ nɔŋw irǝri Urshaliim-ŋwɔ naana tatap, kwaari bǝshirǝ ŋuugul-ŋi, yiriny-yi yǝthi Kweeleny. 29 Nǝ nɔŋw andaci Yahuuḏǝ yǝṯi andasi kandisa kǝthi Yuunaan, nǝr-li ɔppathalɔ, laakin nǝr nǝŋnicǝlɔ ethi ɽeenye. 30 Mǝ lizi kila lǝthi ṯǝmminǝ elŋe ŋiɽaŋali ŋɔ, nǝr mɔlo Shaawul-ŋwɔ nǝr-geele Gaysariiyya mindaŋ nǝr ṯiŋatha etheele Ṯarsuus.

31 Nǝ yǝniisǝ tatap biɽǝlɔ pǝt, yǝthi Yahuuḏiiyyǝ-ŋw mindaŋ, yǝthi Jǝliil-ŋwɔ mindaŋ nǝ yǝthi Saamira-ŋw tok. Nǝr ferlle tetter ṯimǝccǝ-thi ṯǝthi Ṯigɽim Ṯirllinǝlɔ ter, nǝr kikindǝthi mindaŋ nǝr aami naanɔŋw liiɽǝ Kweelenyi-na.

Bɔṯrɔs a-naanɔ-ŋgwɔ Luḏḏǝ nǝ Yaafa tok.

32 Ǝṯi Bɔṯrɔs iirǝri ǝzir naana tatap, mindaŋ laamin lette nɔŋweele ethi raaŋitha lizi lirllinǝlɔ ter linaanɔ Luḏḏǝ. 33 Nɔŋw kaṯṯasi kwɔɔrɔ kwette kinanaŋw kwǝni Iyniyaas kwir kiborkon kwinḏinḏiralɔ ŋwɔmbany-la mindaŋ nɔŋw aagɔ yithlǝyu dɔvokwɔppa. 34 Nǝ Bɔṯrɔs ǝccǝŋw, “lyniyaas, Yǝcu Kwɔrɔstɔ kwɔmǝ-ŋǝ sǝwi, diiɽu a daɽimatha ŋwɔmbanyɔ ŋɔma-ŋi ŋɔɔŋa.” Ṯaŋw nǝ Iyniyaas diiɽǝnni tɔc puruṯ. 35 Nǝ lizi tatap linaanɔ Luḏḏǝ nǝ linaanɔ Shaaruun ese ŋunduŋw; mindaŋ nǝr ɔrllatha Kweelenyi naana.

36 Nǝ kwaaw naani kwette Yaafa kwir ṯilmiiza kwǝni Ṯabiitha, kwǝthi ṯǝmminǝ. Nǝ yiriny yuuŋwun ǝni Ḏurukaas, kandisa-gi kǝthi Yuunaan, yǝniŋw “Wuruṯ”. Nɔŋworo kwǝti ǝrri ŋothɽor ŋisaaw ŋwɔɔmɔri ŋwuuŋwun tatap ethisi mǝcci kila lir lɔwaay. 37 Nǝ ki-lɔɔmɔr-la ṯǝ kila nɔŋw umi mindaŋ nɔŋw ai. Nǝr ɔyi naana mindaŋ nǝr nḏirǝlɔ ki-lootho-na linaanɔ kindala. 38 Nǝ Yaafa tǝ nɔŋwɔni kwɔnanyja Luḏḏǝ-ŋwlɔ keṯṯok, mǝ ṯalaamiiz neŋne ethaarɔŋw Bɔṯrɔs ŋgwana kinanaŋw, nǝr ṯiŋacci ŋiɽaŋali lizi-li ndǝn nǝrǝccǝŋw, “Min fǝḏlǝk fiɽigatha iila kɔnɔŋw naaniny-gwɔ.” 39 E-ta nǝ Bɔṯrɔs diiɽi nǝr-li ele. Mɔŋw ɔppathi nǝr mɔlo nǝr-gi alla ki-lootho-na linaanɔ kindala, kǝzir wɔnaanɔ-gwɔ laaw tatap lir leethel lirikathalɔ rikkak, laarɔ kwɔɔla, nǝr baaŋaci yǝmiisǝ tatap lɔɔvan-li kila lǝṯisi Ḏurukaas ɔkwɔkwɔɽi kinaŋw a-naanɔŋw-tǝ kinnǝni kwɔmiithɔ. 40 E-ta nǝsi Bɔṯrɔs ruwǝ tatap kithaay ki-lootho-na, mindaŋ nɔŋw kwee ŋwɔrgwɔ-lɔ nɔŋwaari kiyiiriny; mindaŋ nɔŋw ɔrllatha aŋna naana nɔŋwaarɔŋw, “Ṯabiitha diiɽu!” Nɔŋw alla yǝy-nǝ per tɔc, mindaŋ mɔŋw ese Bɔṯrɔs-ŋwɔ, nɔŋw diiɽi nɔŋw naanalɔ. 41 Nǝ Bɔṯrɔs ṯiŋacci ṯii, nɔŋw mǝcci eṯhi diiɽǝthǝlǝ. E-ta nɔŋwsi ɔrnɔṯa kila tatap lirllinǝlɔ ter, nǝ leethel mindaŋ nɔŋwsi ṯiŋaccalɔ kwɔmiithɔ. 42 Nǝ ŋiɽaŋal ŋɔ faathitha ǝzir naana tatap wǝthi Yaafa-ŋwɔ, mindaŋ nǝ lizi littǝzir ǝmminici Kweelenyi. 43 Nǝ Bɔṯrɔs naani ŋwaamin ŋwuuru Yaafa-na kwɔr-gi kwǝni Sim@aan kwǝṯi ǝnyji yirna.