I’m excited to share that In Every Moment: Recounting God’s Goodness in Overseas Life is coming June 1, 2026 to Amazon. And I want you to see the cover! It's extra special because my son, John-Mark, painted the beautiful watercolor that instantly takes me back to my former island home—the setting for all the stories … Continue reading New Book Coming Soon: In Every Moment
Author: Eva Burkholder
Exploring Acts 27–28: Paul Journeys to Rome
In Acts 27–28, Paul journeyed to Rome for his upcoming trial in the custody of Roman centurion, Julius. The writer, Luke, and Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, accompanied Paul. Since they got started late in the year, they hit stormy waters which took them off course to a small town called Fair Havens. Not wanting to be stuck there, Julius and the captain decided to set sail with a shipload of 276 despite the risk. For 14 days they endured a terrible Northeaster until they finally ran aground on the island of Malta. There they were treated with kindness and Paul healed many people. He finally arrived in Rome and stayed under house arrest writing epistles and proclaiming the kingdom to all who visited.
Exploring Acts 24–26: Paul Testifies Before Kings
In Acts 24–26 Paul remained in prison in Caesarea even though the Roman rulers knew he was innocent because they wanted to gain favor with the Jewish leaders. Paul appeared before Governors Festus and Felix, as well as King Herod Agrippa II who all found no legal reason to charge him. Paul was left with the choice to return to Jerusalem where he would most certainly be killed by the Jews or appeal to Caesar. He appealed to Caesar. Paul took the opportunity to share his testimony and the gospel of Jesus before these prominent leaders.
Exploring Acts 21–23: Paul Arrested in Jerusalem
In Acts 21–23, Paul concluded his third missionary journey and made his way to Jerusalem despite the caution of his fellow believers and knowing the danger he would face. Once in the city, he underwent a ritual purification in an attempt to unify the believers. Jews from Asia stirred up the crowd and nearly beat him to death but he was saved by the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, and arrested. Paul gave his testimony to the Sanhedrin but they could not bear his talk of going to the Gentiles. He was almost flogged and a plot on his life was discovered. But God assured him he would testify in Rome. Paul was transferred to Governor Felix in Caesarea but the Roman ruler could find no legal charge against him.
Exploring Acts 18-20: Paul in Corinth and Ephesus
In Acts 18–20, Paul concluded his second missionary journey in Corinth where he met Priscilla and Aquila and stayed 1.5 years. Due to the ongoing opposition of the Jews, Paul pivoted and turned to preaching to Gentiles exclusively. "Some time" later, he set out on his third and final journey spending 2 years in Ephesus. There he did "extraordinary miracles" and confronted idol worship. Even though the townspeople rioted against "the Way," the number of believers increased. Paul then continued throughout Macedonia and Greece to encourage the believers there. This section ends with his farewell address to the Ephesian elders and a tearful goodbye.
Mourning with the Disciples on Holy Saturday
Years ago, after my closest Indonesian friend died, I pondered the disciples and how they must have felt from Friday to Sunday morning after Jesus died. And I put those thoughts in my journal. A version of this as a liturgy—a written prayer—will appear in my upcoming book, "In Every Moment: Recounting God's Goodness in Overseas Life."
Acts 16–17: The Second Missionary Journey
After the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15, Paul sets out again, taking Timothy with him on his second missionary journey (Acts 16–17). "As they traveled from town to town [in Macedonia and Greece], they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey" (16:4). They witnessed the daily growth of the church as they strengthened them in the faith (16:5).
Exploring Acts 13–15: The First Missionary Journey
In Acts 13–14, we journey with Paul and Barnabas (and Mark) on their first missionary journey. We travel to town after town witnessing the signs and wonders God did and the many who believed in the word of God. Opposition arose yet they persevered, strengthening and encouraging the new church. In Acts 15, the church overcame the first major threat to the good news of salvation and reiterated that Gentiles are accepted as believers and do no need to become Jews first.
