Commentary. Acts Spring 2016 > Vance H. Pitman, General Editor LifeWay

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Commentary. Acts Spring 2016 > Vance H. Pitman, General Editor LifeWay"

Transcription

1 Commentary Spring 2016 > Vance H. Pitman, General Editor Acts 1 12

2 LIFE BY DESIGN We live in a broken world. This brokenness is seen in suffering, violence, poverty, pain, and death around us. Brokenness leads us to search for a way to make LIFE work. The Bible tells us that God originally planned a world that worked perfectly where everything and everyone fit together in harmony. God made each of us with a purpose to worship Him and walk with Him. (See Genesis 1:31 and Psalm 19:1.) God s Design Sin Brokenness Life doesn t work when we ignore God and His original design for our lives. We selfishly insist on doing things our own way. The Bible calls this sin. Sin leads to a place of brokenness. The consequence of our sin is separation from God in this life and for all of eternity. (See Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.) At this point we need a remedy some good news. Because of His love, God did not leave us in our brokenness. Jesus, God in human flesh, came to us and lived perfectly according to God s Design. Jesus came to rescue us to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. He took our sin and shame to the cross, paying the penalty of our sin by His death. Jesus was then raised from the dead to provide the only way for us to be rescued and restored to a relationship with God. (See John 3:16, Colossians 2:14, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.) We don t have the power to escape this brokenness on our own. We need to be rescued. We must ask God to forgive us turning from sin to trust in Jesus. This is what it means to repent and believe. Believing, we receive new life through Jesus. God turns our lives in a new direction. (See Mark 1:15, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Romans 10:9.) Recover& Pursue Gospel Repent & Believe When God restores our relationship to Him, we begin to discover meaning and purpose in a broken world. Now we can pursue God s Design in all areas of our lives. God s Spirit empowers us to recover His Design and assures us of His presence in this life and for all of eternity. (See Philippians 2:13 and Ephesians 2:10.) Now that you have heard this Good News, God wants you to respond to Him. You can talk to Him using words like these: My life is broken I recognize it s because of my sin. I believe Christ came to live, die, and was raised from the dead to rescue me from my sin. Forgive me. I turn from my selfish ways and put my trust in You. I know that Jesus is Lord of all, and I will follow Him. Excerpted from Life on Mission: A Simple Way to Share the Gospel.

3 CONTENTS SESSIONS SUGGESTED FOR Title Page THE WEEK OF Mar. 6 Session 1: Entrusted (Acts 1:1-11) Mar. 13 Session 2: Empowered (Acts 2:1-15) Mar. 20 Session 3: Unified (Acts 2:41-47) Mar. 27 Session 4: Resurrected!* (Luke 24:1-12) Apr. 3 Session 5: Courageous (Acts 4:1-13) Apr. 10 Session 6: Integrity (Acts 4:36-37; 5:1-11) Apr. 17 Session 7: Faithful (Acts 5:25-35,38-42) Apr. 24 Session 8: Selfless (Acts 6:1-10) May 1 Session 9: Obedient (Acts 8:26-31,35,38-39) May 8 Session 10: Converted (Acts 9:3-9,15-20) May 15 Session 11: Bold (Acts 9:36-43) May 22 Session 12: Accepting (Acts 10:9-15,43-48) May 29 Session 13: Extraordinary (Acts 12:7-12,16-19) *Easter Evangelistic Emphasis Explore the Bible 3

4 MEET THE WRITERS MICHAEL MARTIN wrote the commentary for the sessions based on passages in Acts 1 5. Dr. Martin is a vice president and New Testament professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in California. He is the author of 1, 2 Thessalonians in The New American Commentary series and previously has written articles and Bible study curriculum for LifeWay. CHARLES RAY wrote the commentary for the sessions based on passages in Acts 6 12 as well as the introduction to Acts. Dr. Ray is an associate dean and professor of New Testament and Greek at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written articles in theological journals, Bible dictionaries, and Biblical Illustrator, a LifeWay publication. Explore the Bible: Adult Commentary (ISSN ; Item ) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. 2015, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries visit lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN For subscriptions or subscription address changes subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) , or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. Read LifeWay s full doctrinal guideline online at lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations indicated by KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations indicated by ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations indicated by NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The suggestions in this resource for pronouncing Bible names are from That s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance, Copyright 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. ADULT COMMENTARY SPRING 2016 VOLUME 2 NUMBER 3 ERIC GEIGER VICE PRESIDENT, LIFEWAY RESOURCES VANCE H. PITMAN GENERAL EDITOR DAVID BRISCOE CONTENT EDITOR DWAYNE MCCRARY TEAM LEADER KEN BRADDY MANAGER, ADULT ONGOING BIBLE STUDIES MICHAEL KELLEY DIRECTOR, GROUPS MINISTRY SEND QUESTIONS/COMMENTS TO: CONTENT EDITOR EXPLORE THE BIBLE: ADULT COMMENTARY ONE LIFEWAY PLAZA NASHVILLE, TN PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA COVER PHOTO: Shutterstock.com 4 Explore the Bible

5 A WORD FROM THE GENERAL EDITOR For much of my Christian journey, if you had asked me what the Book of Acts is about, I would have answered that it s about the birth and growth of the early church. In reality, the Book of Acts is about that and so much more. The story opens with the resurrected Lord Jesus spending His last 40 days on earth with His disciples, speaking about the kingdom of God (1:3). It closes with the apostle Paul spending two years in Rome under house arrest and telling all who came to visit him about Jesus and the kingdom of God (28:30-31). Between these two bookends is the account of the birth and growth of the church. The implication is significant: God established His church as His primary tool for the expansion of His kingdom to the ends of the earth! What you will read in the Book of Acts is the story of believers ordinary people being empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God s eternal mission of establishing a kingdom representing every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. It s an action-packed story filled with arrests, miracles, persecution, martyrdom, radical conversions, and missionary movements. Most amazing of all is that the story is still being written today. You and I as believers in the twenty-first century are now a part of this amazing story. God is still at work, expanding His kingdom to the ends of the earth through His church. Co-laboring in Christ, Vance H. Pitman Vance H. Pitman is senior pastor of Hope Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also serves with the North American Mission Board as a national mobilizer engaging and mobilizing pastors to plant more churches. Follow Vance on Twitter Explore the Bible 5

6 INTRODUCTION TO ACTS The Book of Acts forms a historical bridge between the Four Gospels the accounts of what Jesus did and said and the rest of the New Testament, much of which consists of Spirit-inspired letters, or epistles, that reveal the struggles and victories of local groups of believers. Acts provides an account of how the Holy Spirit indwelled, guided, and empowered Christ s early followers to turn their world upside down. Persecution, a miraculous escape from prison, a blinding light at midday, an earthquake, a shipwreck, and various other adventures punctuated the early church s history as believers set about their mission of proclaiming the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As we study the Book of Acts, may we too be stirred by the Holy Spirit to boldly take up the banner of the Great Commission. WRITER Strictly speaking, the Book of Acts is anonymous. That is, its human author is not identified in the text. However, we can safely assume the book s original audience knew the writer s identity. Moreover, we as Bible students can arrive at some reasonable conclusions about the writer s identity from clues within the Book of Acts and also from the Gospel of Luke. Let s look first at the introductory verses in Luke and Acts. In Luke 1:1-4, the writer of that Gospel addressed it to someone called Theophilus [thee AHF ih luhs], a name meaning lover or friend of God. This name may have referred to an individual perhaps the writer s patron or collectively to the readers as a group who loved God. The Gospel was introduced as a carefully researched account of events surrounding Jesus Christ that was learned from original eyewitnesses and servants of the word (Luke 1:2). The Book of Acts was likewise addressed to Theophilus and referred to the writer s first narrative... about all that Jesus began to do and teach (Acts 1:1). This direct connection between the introductions of Luke and Acts, along with the two works similar vocabulary, writing style, and emphases all strongly indicate the same writer penned both books. Second, although the writer did not identify himself as one of the original eyewitnesses of Jesus life and teachings, we find four places in Acts where the writer included himself among those traveling with the apostle Paul (see Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; and 27:1 28:16). Therefore, the writer of Acts was not one of the original disciples but was a companion of Paul and an eyewitness of key events in Paul s ministry. Third, the Greek vocabulary and style found in both Luke and Acts suggest that the writer was an educated person who was proficient in the use of the 6 Explore the Bible

7 Greek language. He also had the skills of a historian. The writer knew how to research, compile data, and write an orderly chronology of events. The consensus among Christians from the early Christian centuries forward has been that Luke, a physician and missionary companion of Paul, wrote both the Third Gospel and the Book of Acts. Luke is mentioned by name three times in Paul s Letters (see Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Possibly, he was a God-fearer that is, a Gentile with a close association to Judaism before he was converted and became a follower of Christ. DATE To suggest a date of writing for the Book of Acts depends on how one understands the book s ending. Luke ended the book by noting that the apostle Paul spent two whole years in his own rented house (Acts 28:30). Paul had arrived in the imperial city of Rome as a prisoner who had appealed to stand in judgment before Caesar (25:10-12). Evidently, Paul was permitted to live under a form of house arrest (see 28:16,30). A Roman soldier was assigned to guard him at all times, yet he was also able to receive visitors in the home. Luke was one of those who at times visited Paul in Rome (2 Tim. 4:11). That Luke ended the Book of Acts without mentioning the outcome of Paul s trial before Caesar may indicate the verdict had not yet been rendered. In other words, Acts may have been written prior to Paul s death but during his imprisonment in Rome. This view posits that Luke completed Acts sometime around A.D. 62. A second option is that Luke ended Acts as he did because he had reached the conclusion of his narrative and had therefore accomplished his purpose in writing. The Gospel of Luke had described all that Jesus began to do and teach (see Acts 1:1). Acts recounted all the things that the early church continued to do and teach as the Holy Spirit empowered believers to carry the gospel to the ends of the world (Acts 1:8). Thus, Acts ends with Paul having arrived in Rome, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance (28:31). Bible scholars who accept the second option propose a date of writing for Acts sometime between A.D Still other conservative scholars favor a date sometime around A.D. 70 (when the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army). OVERVIEW The Book of Acts overlaps slightly with the Gospel of Luke, with each book describing Jesus marching orders to His followers, His ascension into heaven, Explore the Bible 7

8 and the disciples return to Jerusalem to wait for the promised Holy Spirit (Luke 24:46-53; Acts 1:4-12). The Book of Acts as a whole can be divided into two parts: Acts 1 12 and Acts The events in the first part of the book primarily feature leaders of the church in Jerusalem (Peter, John, Stephen, Philip), while the second half of the book focuses primarily on the apostle Paul. Each of these two larger divisions can be further organized into at least two parts. The first half of Acts focuses on the Jerusalem church in chapters 1 5 and then on the mission of the church in Judea and Samaria in chapters The second half of the book deals first with Paul s three missionary journeys in chapters and then with Paul s arrest, defense, and journey to Rome in chapters However, these divisions need not be viewed as rigid. The church had already spread as far as Damascus by chapter 9; moreover, Paul s missionary journeys were interrupted by a return trip to Jerusalem (chap. 15). The two major divisions of Acts end with events that can be dated with some certainty. Herod Agrippa I died in A.D. 44 (12:21-23), and Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, was replaced by Festus in approximately A.D. 60 (24:27). Festus was the governor who sent Paul to Rome to appear before the emperor (25:12). Thus Paul s two years in Rome probably should be dated between A.D The events recorded in Acts thus took place over approximately three decades following Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension. PURPOSE Luke dedicated both Acts and the Gospel of Luke to Theophilus [thee AHF ih luhs (th as in thin)] (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Whether the designation Theophilus, meaning friend of God, was a specific individual or a way of referring to all Christians, Luke obviously intended his two volumes to be read widely. He wanted Christians to be grounded in the certainty of their faith. Luke achieved that goal by giving an account of what Jesus had done and taught prior to His ascension (Gospel of Luke) and what He continued to do through His Spirit in the early church (Book of Acts). THEMES In Acts, Luke demonstrated how God guided the early church in sharing the gospel first with the Jews and then with the Gentiles. The inclusive nature of the gospel freely offered to everyone crops up repeatedly throughout Acts until finally Paul, in Rome, preached Jesus without hindrance (Acts 28:30-31). Other major themes include the role and power of the Holy Spirit, the importance of evangelizing, and the role of prayer. These themes blend to create a portrait of a church experiencing unity and welcoming all who responded in faith to the good news of Jesus. 8 Explore the Bible

9 OUTLINE OF ACTS I. Empowerment for the Church (1:1 2:47) A. Waiting for power (1:1-26) B. The source of power (2:1-13) C. Pentecostal witness to the dispersion (2:14-47) II. Early Days of the Church (3:1 12:25) A. In Jerusalem (3:1 7:60) B. In Samaria: the Samaritan Pentecost (8:1-25) C. To the ends of the earth: Philip s witness (8:26-40) D. Conversion and preparation of Paul (9:1-31) E. In Judea: Peter in Caesarea (9:32 11:18) F. To the ends of the earth (11:19 12:25) III. Paul s First Missionary Journey (13:1 14:28) A. Cyprus (13:1-12) B. Pisidian Antioch (13:13-52) C. Iconium (14:1-7) D. Lystra, Derbe; return to Antioch (14:8-28) IV. The Jerusalem Council (15:1-35) V. Paul s Second Missionary Journey (15:36 18:22) A. Antioch to Troas (15:36 16:10) B. Troas to Athens (16:11 17:34) C. Corinth (18:1-22) VI. Paul s Third Missionary Journey (18:23 21:16) A. The Ephesian Pentecost (18:23 19:41) B. Macedonia to Troas, Athens, Corinth, and return (20:1 21:16) VII. Paul en Route to and in Rome (21:17 28:31) A. In Jerusalem (21:17 23:35) B. In Caesarea (24:1 26:32) C. Voyage to Rome (27:1 28:15) D. Ministry at Rome (28:16-31) Outline of Acts is taken from the HCSB Study Bible 2010 B&H Publishing Group, page Used by permission. Explore the Bible 9

10 Session 1 > Acts 1:1-11 Entrusted Jesus assigned His followers the task of telling everyone about Him and His message. I work at a theological seminary. In recent days my job has become harder and more complex. As the vice president for academic affairs, I oversee all the seminary s degree programs, supervise the faculty, and manage the school s relationship with two accrediting agencies. These responsibilities have characterized my job for several years. So, what has complicated my work? Recently the seminary decided to sell its main campus near San Francisco, California. As I write this lesson, we are in the process of moving to a new main campus near Los Angeles, approximately four hundred miles away. At the same time, we will open a new campus in the San Francisco area. This decision is already having an enormous impact. Questions abound. Who will move to the Los Angeles area? Who will stay in the San Francisco area? What degrees and programs will be offered at each site? How will students be impacted? The list of questions seems endless. Few of them are easy to answer, much less to implement. Many people have asked why we would want to take on such a major, complicated relocation. Briefly stated, the answer is that we are moving for the sake of our mission. The seminary s mission is to prepare people of faith to become leaders of communities of faith. We decided we could best fulfill this mission by living and working in the most densely populated region of California. Thus the seminary recognized the need to move, even though moving will be a challenging and exhausting task. Can you imagine what the early followers of Christ must have thought when they reflected on the enormity of their mission? Jesus commanded them, You will be My witnesses (Acts 1:8). He told them the Spirit would empower them to serve as His witnesses. The church s mission wasn t an idea the disciples concocted; it was the Risen Lord s commission to them. Acts is the account of the unfolding witness of the early church. Serving as His witnesses was believers primary task, their mission. The mission of the church is still to serve as Jesus witnesses. This truth should inspire and shape what we do as His followers. 10 Explore the Bible

11 UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT ACTS 1:1-26 Acts is the second book in a two-volume work written by Luke, a physician as well as a coworker and traveling companion of the apostle Paul. The first chapter begins by linking Acts to the Gospel of Luke. Verses 1-3 of Acts 1 provide an introduction that mentions the first work, acknowledges the patron supporting the production of both volumes (see Luke 1:1-4), gives a brief summary of the content of the first volume, and ends with a transition statement into the content of Acts. The transition statement (1:3) mentions the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus and leads to an account of the last meeting between Jesus and the disciples. At that time Jesus instructed them and then was taken up from their presence (1:4-11). This session focuses on this first section of Acts 1. The remainder of Acts 1 records two developments in the church as believers awaited the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. First, Luke reported the disciples return from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem (1:12) and the nature of their fellowship (1:14). The Mount of Olives sits on a ridge of land separated from Jerusalem by the Kidron Valley. Persons standing on the Mount of Olives can see Jerusalem across from them, and the trip across the valley to Jerusalem is about the distance that the rabbis would allow as an acceptable Sabbath Day s journey 2,000 cubits, or a little over a half a mile. Luke also listed the eleven disciples in the Jerusalem fellowship by name, omitting Judas Iscariot, and affirmed that the disciples who were scattered by Jesus arrest and crucifixion were reunited and were devoting themselves to prayer as they waited in Jerusalem. Not only were the eleven disciples present, plus His mother and other women who had followed Jesus, but also Jesus brothers were there, who up to this point had not been mentioned as among His followers. Mark recorded the names of Jesus four brothers: James, Joses, Judas, and Simon (Mark 6:3). James later became a leader of the Jerusalem church and the inspired writer of the Letter of James (Acts 15:13; Gal. 1:19; 2:9,12; Jas. 1:1). The inspired writer of the Epistle of Jude (or Judas) identifies himself as the brother of James (Jude 1) and is traditionally considered to be the brother of James and Jesus. The New Testament contains no other mention of Joses or Simon. The final section of Acts 1 recounts the selection of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot (1:15-26). Here we also learn that the Jerusalem fellowship at this point in time included about 120 believers. Peter initiated the conversation with the rest of the church, citing the scriptural basis for his proposal that the fellowship should select a replacement for Judas (1:15-22). Session 1: Entrusted 11

12 Peter then listed two criteria for selection the church should use, in light of the ministry the selected disciple would fulfill. The individual needed to be a witness to the earthly ministry and teaching of Jesus and also needed to be a witness to the resurrection (1:21-22). The church agreed and selected two men, both of whom met the criteria. They then left the final decision between these two to the Lord, praying and casting lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. Thus Acts 1 provides a transition from the Gospel accounts of Jesus to the account of the early church. The approximately 120 believers were united in their commitment to the resurrected Christ. The full number of the apostles was restored, and the believers gathered in fellowship and prayer as a community obedient to Christ. They awaited the promised coming of the Holy Spirit and the launch of their grand mission of serving as Jesus witnesses not only in their own area but also throughout the world. EXPLORE THE TEXT THE REMEMBERED PROMISE (Acts 1:1-5) VERSE 1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus [thee AHF ih luhs], about all that Jesus began to do and teach Luke began the Book of Acts by pointing Theophilus to the reality of the life, ministry, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Luke also reminded him of the promise that believers would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. The name Theophilus only occurs in the New Testament in this verse and in Luke 1:3, the introduction to the Gospel of Luke. The name means lover or friend of God. Because of the meaning of the name, and because the New Testament does not mention this individual elsewhere, some Bible scholars suggest Luke used this name to refer to all readers of Luke and Acts who love God, not to a single individual. If this interpretation is correct, Luke would in effect be dedicating the book to faithful readers everywhere. While this view is possible, ancient writers also commonly acknowledged their patrons in the prologues or introductions of their written works. The church has long recognized Luke s Gospel and Acts as Scripture. We affirm that the Spirit inspired Luke as he wrote. Luke, who was not an eyewitness to many of the events he recounted, explained the way he approached the writing of his Gospel. In his prologue Luke stated that he drew on material from eyewitnesses and servants of the word, investigated events and accounts carefully, and wrote an orderly sequence (Luke 1:1-4). 12 Explore the Bible

13 His careful research was intended to assure Theophilus of the accuracy of the apostles teaching about the life and work of Jesus, and it can provide the same assurance to readers today. The prologue in Acts and the second mention of Theophilus intentionally link the two works and imply that the same careful attention to eyewitness accounts, careful research, and orderly presentation characterized the writing of Acts. The Book of Acts is a Spirit-inspired, carefully researched and written history of the early church. Researching, organizing, and writing a careful, two-volume history was both an expensive and a time-consuming task. A historian engaged in such an effort would most likely have a wealthy supporter or patron, and the simplest interpretation of Luke s own words would identify Theophilus as Luke s patron. Luke reminded Theophilus that the first narrative (the Gospel of Luke) recounted what Jesus began to do and to teach. The description seems to anticipate a second volume that would cover what Jesus continued to do and teach. In a sense Acts accomplishes this very purpose. The resurrected Jesus gave the commission that would shape the ministry of the church (1:8). Jesus promised that after His departure the Father would send another Counselor (John 14:16) who would teach them and remind them of everything that Jesus had told them (John 14:26). The church served as the body of Christ, continuing the ministry and teachings of Jesus. The Book of Acts has been called The Acts of the Apostles, but in a real sense it might well be named The Continuing Acts of Jesus. VERSE 2 until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. The first narrative covered Jesus life and ministry until the day He was taken up. The Gospel of Luke ends with appearances of Jesus after His resurrection, followed by His ascension (Luke 24:50-53). Acts begins with a last post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, followed by His ascension (Acts 1:9). The two records of the events surrounding Jesus ascension provide a bridge between the two books, both mentioning the mission of the church, the beginning at Jerusalem, and the empowering of the disciples for ministry (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8). In his Gospel, Luke provided a short summary regarding the orders Jesus gave the disciples. Jesus told His followers that the message of repentance for forgiveness of sins was to be proclaimed to all nations (Luke 24:46-47). He announced that they were witnesses of these things but that they were to remain in Jerusalem until empowered from on high (24:49). Session 1: Entrusted 13

14 VERSE 3 After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. After summarizing the first narrative (Acts 1:1-2), Luke assured Theophilus of the reality of Jesus resurrection. After His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus presented Himself alive to His followers. He stood before them, and they saw Him alive. Could this presentation have been a trick or a hallucination? Definitely not, because many convincing proofs were provided. In addition to seeing Him, the disciples were invited to touch Him. He spoke to them, He taught them, and He ate with them (Luke 24:13-43). Jesus resurrection was no rumor, no hallucination, no invention, and no fabrication. It was a real event witnessed by many different people on various occasions over a lengthy period of time. Philosophers and teachers of the time commonly used the Greek word translated convincing proofs to describe a fact that had been demonstrated in a decisive manner. Luke pointed out that decisive proof had been provided not just once, but repeatedly. Luke the historian wanted his readers to be quite clear on this point the assertion Jesus is risen was not a religious slogan, but a proven, historical fact. Only here is the 40-day duration of Jesus post-resurrection appearances made specific. Since Jesus was crucified at Passover time, and Pentecost occurred 50 days later, the reader should understand that Jesus continued to appear to the disciples, encouraging and teaching them, until just shortly before the coming of the Spirit described in Acts 2. Luke summarized the subject of Jesus teaching as the kingdom of God. In the Gospels, Jesus teaching centered on the kingdom of God understood as the active rule, or reign, of God. By responding to the gospel, believers became part of the kingdom. As Jesus followers, believers were to live according to the values and virtues of the kingdom and await the full revelation of that kingdom with Jesus return. The working of God s Spirit among His people was an essential expression of the presence of God s kingdom even in this fallen world. While Luke did not use the phrase abundantly in Acts, he began and ended the book with references to it (see Acts 28:31). The kingdom of God has been identified as one theme of Luke s work. The Book of Acts celebrates the presence and reality of the kingdom of God with frequent references to the working of the Spirit. God was at work among His people and in their first-century world. Jesus taught His followers this truth. Today, Acts can help us as well to recognize, depend on, and celebrate God s presence and work in our world. 14 Explore the Bible

15 VERSE 4 While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father s promise. This, He said, is what you heard from Me; The timing of some events in Acts is stated only in a general way. Jesus instructed the disciples not to leave Jerusalem. When did He give them these instructions? Apparently, over the span of time leading up to Pentecost, the disciples had departed from Jerusalem on some occasions. For example, Jesus appeared to some in Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and also to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias or Galilee (John 21:1). Thus, it must have been just before His ascension that Jesus commanded His disciples to remain in Jerusalem. In fact, the term Luke used for the command implies they were to stop going out of Jerusalem. Why did Jesus want His followers to stay together in the city? Because there was something He did not want any of them to miss the coming of the Father s promise. Jesus had told the disciples about this promise previously (see John 14). Here in Acts, Jesus went on to tell them more about what would soon come to pass. Apparently all of the disciples obeyed and were present on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1). I can think of no better example of the blessing that comes from obedience. Had any follower chosen to disobey, what a great loss that individual would have suffered! Obedience brings blessing. VERSE 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. John s baptism was with water and was a baptism of repentance (Luke 3:16). By it John s hearers were called to turn away from their sins and prepare for the coming of the Lord. Jesus informed the disciples that in the near future they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. We read of the fulfillment of the promise in Acts 2. The reception of the Spirit by individual believers and the subsequent transformation of their behavior mark genuine conversion. Those persons who possess the Spirit are children of God and properly part of the people of God, the church. Even when the early church struggled with the idea of non-jews becoming Christians without first becoming Jews, the observation that these too had received the Spirit proved to be the decisive argument (Acts 11:1-18). The presence and work of the Holy Spirit is so frequently emphasized in Acts that a reader who did not know the title of the book could easily think it might be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Session 1: Entrusted 15

16 The receiving of the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion defines what it means to be a Christian and to be a part of the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit provides guidance to the church, the body of believers. He empowers the church. The church is not merely a social club. It isn t a philosophy. The church is the body of Christ, individuals bound together by their common commitment and by their common possession of the Spirit of God. The Spirit comforts, teaches, guides, inspires, and makes us one. EXPLORE FURTHER Read the article titled Baptism with/in the Holy Spirit on pages in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. How would you expect the Spirit s indwelling to be reflected in the values and behavior of the believer? Be specific. THE RESURRECTION PROCLAIMED (Acts 1:6-8) VERSE 6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? After all the disciples had experienced, and after the 40 days of instruction by the Lord, we might think they would finally understand everything about the kingdom of God. However, old patterns are difficult to break. Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom. So even in the aftermath of the crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples asked Jesus again about restoring an earthly kingdom to Israel. Possibly the mention of the promised Holy Spirit spurred the question. Prophecies like the one recorded in Joel 2:28-32 were typically interpreted as messianic, predicting the glorious days when the Messiah would expel Israel s conquerors and create a new Israel even more magnificent than that of David and Solomon. Jesus resurrection had clearly demonstrated He was the Messiah. So surely, the disciples thought, the next step in His ministry must be to restore the earthly kingdom of Israel if not immediately, then soon. VERSE 7 He said to them, It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. 16 Explore the Bible

17 Jesus did not tell the disciples all they wanted to know. Instead, He told them what they needed to know. Too often believers ask God to satisfy their curiosities rather than give direction to their lives. Jesus responded by informing the disciples, It is not for you to know times or periods. He went on to assure them that such future events rested firmly in God s hands. The terms times and periods translate two Greek words that together refer to the sequence of events and to the events themselves. Both are firmly in the Father s hands. During His earthly ministry, Jesus had already told the disciples that no one except the Father knows when the end time will arrive (Mark 13:32). Reminding them of the same fact here, He also affirmed that the day of God s fully realized reign, the dawning of His kingdom on earth, would come. God Himself would bring it to pass in His own time. The disciples were not responsible for bringing that event to pass. They did, however, have a responsibility as believers in God s kingdom. VERSE 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jesus announced that His followers would receive power and would serve as His witnesses. This task is their God-given responsibility. This information was what they needed to know and what they were responsible to accomplish. The phrase you will receive expressed God s certain promise, not merely a possibility. The timing was not stated in this verse, but Jesus had already told the disciples they would receive the Spirit not many days from now (1:5). The Spirit would enable the disciples to serve as Jesus witnesses. The word rendered power can carry the meaning of the ability to accomplish something. The same word is sometimes used in the Gospels for Jesus power to perform miracles. Later in Acts, the disciples did perform miracles similar to those Jesus performed. However, the focus of Acts 1:8 is on the disciples receiving the ability or power to serve as witnesses to the truth of the gospel. Witnesses testify to a fact they know to be true. Some of Jesus followers had walked with Him on earth, had heard His teachings, and had seen the resurrected Lord. They could serve as eyewitnesses of their experiences with Christ. All believers, however, can witness to the transforming reality of the Spirit in their lives. All genuine believers today have received the Spirit at the moment of their conversions. They, too, have the power of the Spirit and have been given the responsibility of witnessing. The Spirit confirms the truth of the gospel in the believer s life. Believers testify to God s power working in them. Serving as a witness can be difficult. Session 1: Entrusted 17

18 The Book of Acts is full of accounts of skeptics and opponents of the gospel. Some individuals do not receive the witness of the church gladly. Others actively, sometimes violently, seek to stop it. The word translated witnesses can also be translated martyrs, individuals who give witness at the cost of their lives. The early church learned about the challenge and price of bearing witness. Ridiculed, persecuted, and sometimes killed, believers experienced the need of spiritual power to serve as Jesus witnesses. The work of Spirit-enabled witnesses would begin in Jerusalem and extend to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost ends of the earth. Some interpreters understand each location to describe an ever-widening circle of witness. Others emphasize Jerusalem and Judea as a focus on Jewish territory, and Samaria and the ends of the earth as extending to non-jewish territories. Either view envisions the church s witness beginning where believers were at the time and then extending as far as they could take it. The Acts account reflects a geographical progression, from Jerusalem (chaps. 1 7), to Samaria (chap. 8), to the missionary journeys of Paul concluding in Rome, the capital of the Roman world (chaps ). However, Acts also records the progression of the gospel from a message taken to Jews (chaps. 1 7) to a witness intended for all the people of the world (chaps ). The account of witness in Jerusalem (chaps. 1 7) leads to the sharing of the gospel with Samaritans (chap. 8) and with Gentiles (chaps ). The work of Philip, Peter, Barnabas, and Paul led church leaders to convene a meeting in Jerusalem where the church as a whole recognized that the good news of the gospel is intended for all people to receive by the same means by grace through faith (chap. 15). The remainder of Acts recounts the carrying of the gospel to all, Jews and Gentiles, and ultimately even to Rome itself (chaps ). EXPLORE FURTHER Read the article titled Kingdom of God on pages of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. How should a Christian deal with a situation where the values and demands of God s kingdom conflict with the values and demands of one s earthly citizenship? THE RETURN PORTRAYED (Acts 1:9-11) VERSE 9 After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. 18 Explore the Bible

19 The ascension marks a clear ending to Jesus earthly ministry. The disciples would subsequently serve as witnesses to Jesus ascension, assuring others that although Jesus was absent bodily, He was not dead but exalted at the right hand of the Father (Phil. 2:9-11). The Spirit would guide believers in the way of Jesus even though the Risen Lord was not present physically. VERSE 10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. The disciples reaction to the ascension was certainly understandable. They remained gazing into heaven, no doubt mesmerized by what they had seen, and perhaps wondering what would happen next. The sudden appearance of two men and their distinctive attire marked them as heavenly messengers. The message they brought provided divine direction. VERSE 11 They said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven. The messengers turned the disciples attention away from Jesus departure and toward His eventual return. By questioning why the disciples were looking up into heaven, the messengers implied the disciples need to turn their attention to the task Jesus had assigned them. The promise of Jesus return helped to assure the disciples His departure was not a desertion. Jesus had commanded them to remain in Jerusalem, waiting for the Spirit s empowering to serve as His witnesses. Jesus post-resurrection appearances, the commission He gave, and the promise of His return launched the church in its God-given mission. In the power of the Spirit, believers must still follow Christ and point others to Him. In obedience and out of love, we are to share Jesus with every person. Acts does not just record the history of the early church. It should tell our story as well a story that is still unfolding in the Father s hands and moving toward the Father s ultimate and glorious goal. EXPLORE FURTHER In Acts 1, Jesus stressed the importance of being His witnesses. In what ways is this priority reflected in the activities and budget of your church? In your personal life? Session 1: Entrusted 19

20 Session 2 > Acts 2:1-15 Empowered Jesus empowers His followers to be witnesses through the Holy Spirit. As I write this lesson, I have recently visited various churches. Some were small congregations; others were large. Two of them, however, stand out in my mind as I reflect on this session s Bible passage. Both churches were established many years ago, and neither has any debt remaining on its buildings. Both churches have leaders who believe and teach sound biblical doctrine. Both congregations also are located in communities that have changed significantly through the years that is, the ethnic makeup of the communities today is different from the ethnic composition of the congregations in the past. However, an unmistakable difference also exists between these two churches: one of them has buildings that remain empty and unused on the Lord s Day; the other one almost bursts at the seams with worshipers, scrambling to find places for Bible study groups to meet. If you asked the leaders of each congregation to explain its current situation, the leaders would give various reasons for each church s condition. One thing, however, stood out as I spoke to each of them. One church has withdrawn from its community, while the other has aggressively engaged its community. The latter acts on the truth that the gospel is for everyone and the family of God includes everyone who believes. This church has reached out to the community in which God planted them, even when that community has undergone change. In turn, this church has been embraced by its community. The Book of Acts records the account of a church sharing the good news of the gospel without regard for geographic or ethnic boundaries. It is the story of an ethnically Jewish church coming to grips with the fact that Jesus commissioned them to take the gospel to the ends of the world and to all the peoples of the world. This church learned to act on the truth that the power of the Spirit, the love of God, and the message of the gospel are not limited by boundaries that human beings might establish. 20 Explore the Bible

21 UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT ACTS 2:1-15 Acts begins with a prologue or introduction that links it clearly to the Gospel of Luke (Acts 1:1-3). Verses 4-8 describe the interaction between Jesus and His followers leading up to His ascension. Jesus used that time with His disciples to clearly state the mission of the church. He charged His followers to serve as His witnesses. He also instructed them not to begin this mission immediately, but to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit empowered them (1:6-8). In this way, chapter 1 of Acts sets the stage for the momentous events described later in the book the coming of the Spirit and the witness given by the believers. The focal passage for this session covers the first part of Acts 2, a text that describes the coming of the Spirit, the reaction of the crowd, and the beginning of Peter s response denying that the disciples were drunk (2:1-15). Following these events Peter continued to interpret for the crowd what was actually happening. In the sermon recorded in Acts 2:16-36 Peter cited Old Testament Scripture and gave eyewitness testimony. The apostle declared that Jesus is the Messiah, resurrected by God and exalted to the right hand of the Father. This resurrected Jesus sent the Spirit, whose presence was evidenced that day. Peter concluded by saying to his hearers, Let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah! (2:36). The listeners were convicted and asked what they should do. Peter called them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit (2:37-40). In the next sermon recorded in Acts, Peter told the crowd to repent and turn back, in order to experience the Lord s forgiveness (3:19). The rest of Acts describes the same basic message delivered by witnesses beginning in Jerusalem and ultimately reaching to Rome. The circumstances vary, but the message is consistent. Salvation comes by God s grace through faith in Jesus. EXPLORE THE TEXT THE SPIRIT GIVEN (Acts 2:1-4) VERSE 1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Session 2: Empowered 21

22 Jesus told the disciples to remain in Jerusalem, but He did not tell them exactly when the promised coming of the Spirit would occur. The Greek word translated had arrived also means to be fulfilled. The events make clear that Pentecost was the time of the fulfillment of the promise Jesus had made before His ascension (Acts 1:4). Pentecost, meaning fiftieth, was the Greek name for one of three major harvest festivals in the Jewish calendar. In the Old Testament the festival is referred to as the Feast of Weeks, since it occurred a week of weeks, or seven weeks, after Passover. The name comes from the prescribed manner for calculating the beginning of the festival, fifty days after the sheaf of barley was presented as a wave offering during Passover (Lev. 23:15-16). As a major festival, Pentecost attracted large numbers of pilgrims to Jerusalem. Who among Jesus followers was present for Pentecost? Luke simply stated they were all together without explaining specifically who they were. In previous verses, however, the they who selected Matthias to replace Judas were the whole company of about 120 believers (Acts 1:15). Also the prophecy of Joel, which Peter cited as having been fulfilled on that day, stated that sons, daughters, young men, and old men would prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams (2:17). Where were these followers gathered? Luke did not give an exact location but simply stated they were together in one place. Details in the broader narrative imply that the place would have accommodated a large number of people and would have provided easy access to the large crowds visiting the temple precincts for Passover. Yet the next verse describes the meeting place as a house (2:2). VERSE 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. The term Luke used for house refers to a private residence, but it could also be used of buildings in general, and on occasion the temple complex itself was called the house of God. While some scholars hold that the disciples met in a residence near the temple, the number of believers and the size of the crowd could indicate the disciples were meeting in a building in the temple complex itself. Consistent with this possibility, Luke recorded that on other occasions the disciples gathered at Solomon s colonnade or porch (Acts 3:11; 5:12). The temple complex in Jerusalem included not only the temple building itself, but also a large outer courtyard, accessible to both Jews and Gentiles. The temple building was roughly in the middle of this courtyard. Solomon s colonnade designated the raised outermost part of the temple complex. 22 Explore the Bible

23 Its columns extended along the eastern side of the court of the Gentiles. This porch would not only have accommodated a large group of disciples, but it also would have provided direct access to the large crowds filling the courtyard of the Gentiles during Pentecost. While the disciples were gathered, a series of amazing events took place. First, a roaring sound filled the place where they were meeting. The sound was like the sound of a violent rushing wind. The Greek word translated wind can also mean breath. The sound provided audible, objective evidence that something remarkable was happening. It also would have reminded those familiar with the Scriptures of earlier events when a great wind was associated with the presence or action of God (Ex. 14:21; Num. 11:31; Job 38:1). Such wind can even signify the breathing of new life into what had formerly been dead (Ezek. 37:9-10). VERSE 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. A second sign of God s working also appeared. While the first was heard, the second was seen, providing additional evidence of the reality of the event. Tongues, like flames of fire, appeared and rested on each of the disciples. The term tongues can refer to the body part, or to the spoken language it produces. In this context the word identifies the forked flame that is typically part of a larger fire. Those familiar with Scripture would recall the association of fire with God s presence (Ex. 3:2; 1 Kings 18:38-39; Ezek. 1:27). The fire reported in Acts 2:3 did not rest in a single location. Rather, it was divided. The fire signifying God s presence at Pentecost distributed itself into smaller tongues that rested on each individual believer. The sound like wind and the tongues like fire signify the mighty presence and working of God. Clearly God was doing something new as His transforming presence rested on each individual. God s presence previously hidden in the holiest place in the temple, shielded from His people, mediated by priests suddenly had appeared, working powerfully in the life of each individual believer. VERSE 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. The sound like a mighty wind and the tongues like flames of fire served as evidence of God s powerful presence and work. A third sign connected with the filling of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost is recorded in this verse. Session 2: Empowered 23

24 The disciples began to speak in different languages. The Greek word translated languages in this verse is the same one rendered tongues in verse 3. However, Acts 2:8 reveals that the crowd heard the disciples speaking in their own language, and the term used there is a different Greek word meaning a specific human dialect. Thus, the filling of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost led to the disciples proclaiming the magnificent acts of God (2:11) in languages the hearers could understand. From this point forward, becoming a Christian believer meant experiencing the Holy Spirit s presence in one s life. The terminology used in Scripture to describe the Holy Spirit s coming into a person s life at the moment of salvation varies. For example, in the account of Peter and Cornelius, the following terms appear: received the Holy Spirit (10:47); baptized with the Holy Spirit (11:16); the Holy Spirit came down on (10:44); and the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on (10:45). While the terminology varies, the reality the various terms describe is the same the entry and presence of the Spirit in the life of a believer as a result of hearing the gospel and responding in faith. The reference to being filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:4 needs to be distinguished from other references to being filled, where the Spirit comes on a person who is already a Christian believer to inspire and strengthen the believer (see 4:8,31; 7:55) Jesus had told the disciples they were to be His witnesses after the Holy Spirit came on them (1:8). This passage in Acts 2 records the first of many fulfillments of that promise as Peter shared the gospel and thousands were saved. The Spirit still enables and inspires believers to serve as witnesses, whether by addressing crowds from a pulpit or by sharing the gospel in conversation with a friend. The Book of Acts does not just record the past history of the church. Its message is meant to be applied in every generation. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus followers at Pentecost also empowers believers today. The great acts of the one true God still deserve praise. The world still needs to hear the story of Jesus and the good news of salvation. And we can still recognize Spirit-filled believers by the God-given ministry of witnessing they perform. EXPLORE FURTHER Read the article titled Festivals on pages of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, paying special attention to the discussion of the Feast of Weeks on page 568. Why do you think the Lord chose to send the Holy Spirit as He did on this particular day and in this place? 24 Explore the Bible

25 THE QUESTIONS ASKED (Acts 2:5-13) VERSE 5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. After describing the coming of the Spirit on the believers, Luke described the situation in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost. The Jews living in Jerusalem at this time were not all native residents of the city. Devout men from every nation were present. Gentile God-fearers may also have been present in the city, although Luke typically used the expression devout men to refer to pious Jews (see Acts 8:2; 22:12). The term nation could describe any group of people united by a particular culture, tradition, or language. The verses that follow group people roughly by language and by geographical region. Luke focused on the fact that devout Jews from all over the Roman Empire were present. The diversity of the crowd and the variety of languages required to communicate with those present stress the miraculous nature of what occurred. The event also reflects the mission Jesus gave to the church (Matt. 28:18-20). The gospel was good news for all people, and from the beginning the Spirit enabled believers to witness to people from all nations represented by those present in Jerusalem at Pentecost. VERSE 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. The sound of the Pentecost event attracted a crowd. Which sound the sound of the wind, the sound of the voices, or both? Luke did not clearly specify which sound in this verse. He did, however, use a different word for sound from the one used when he described the wind (Acts 2:2). The word for sound in this verse can be used to refer to voices. Most likely the crowd was attracted by the multitude of voices. How large a crowd was attracted? Following Peter s sermon, about three thousand people were saved (2:41), so the gathering was at least that large. Where could the disciples and the multitude of people have all gathered? Private homes, even most public buildings, could not accommodate such a large group of hearers. Even if the disciples had initially gathered in some private location, they must have moved to a large public plaza like the courtyard of the Gentiles. Because Luke did not describe the disciples going from a meeting place to the temple, some Bible scholars assume that they were already meeting in the temple precincts. Session 2: Empowered 25

26 The crowd reacted to the sound they heard. At this point, however, they did not react with faith. The crowd was confused. As magnificent as the signs were, the signs by themselves did not produce faith. Faith, and the salvation of thousands, would result from Peter proclaiming the gospel in plain language. The miraculous signs confirmed the apostle s words, but the signs alone were insufficient to lead people to respond to Jesus in faith. Was Luke describing a miracle of hearing or a miracle of speaking? Did God enable the believers to speak other languages, or did He enable the disciples to speak some sort of heavenly language so that the hearers miraculously heard the praises in their own languages? Since the text states the disciples spoke in different languages (plural, literally tongues ) (2:4) and the crowd heard them speaking in their own languages or dialects (2:6), a straightforward reading of the text leads us to understand the Spirit enabled the disciples to speak a variety of languages recognized by individuals from various lands. VERSE 7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying, Look, aren t all these who are speaking Galileans? The crowd was astounded and amazed. The two terms describe a crowd shocked by what they had witnessed and uncertain as to how it could happen and what it could mean. Part of the crowd s confusion sprang from the unexpected behavior of the disciples. Jews from Galilee might be expected to speak Aramaic and Hebrew. A variety of languages coming from these Galileans was unexpected and made little sense. Luke did not record how the crowd knew these followers of Jesus were Galileans. Their accent or clothing might have provided a hint. If the disciples had routinely met in their current location, the crowd might have been familiar with them and might have known their background. In any case, the listeners knew the disciples were Galileans and were shocked to hear them speaking languages Galileans typically would not have known. VERSE 8 How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language? The crowd sought explanations from each other. The term rendered language is the same word used in verse 6. These listeners from a variety of places and ethnic backgrounds were all hearing Galileans speak in the listeners own native language, the language group into which they had been born. While educated persons might speak another language or two in addition to their native tongue, individuals from all over the Roman Empire were startled to hear their own local languages or dialects being spoken by the disciples. 26 Explore the Bible

27 VERSE 9 Parthians [PAHR thih uhns], Medes [MEEDS], Elamites [EE luhm ights]; those who live in Mesopotamia [MESS uh puh TAY mih uh], in Judea and Cappadocia [KAP uh DOH shih uh], Pontus [PAHN tuhs] and Asia, To emphasize the diversity of pilgrims present for Pentecost, Luke provided a short list. Parthians were residents of a region southeast of the Caspian [KASS pih uhn] Sea. Medes occupied an area south and southwest of the Caspian Sea and were closely associated with the Persians. Elamites occupied a region east on the western edge of ancient Persia, in what is modern Iran. Mesopotamia generally designates the region between the Tigris [TIGH griss] and Euphrates [yoo FRAY teez] Rivers. The name itself means between the rivers, though the exact area intended is not entirely precise. Judea designates the region originally associated with the Jewish tribe of Judah. Considering how distant most of the other regions mentioned are, listing the area immediately around Jerusalem seems a little unusual. Including Judea, however, does make it clear that Jews from near and far were present at Pentecost. Cappadocia shifts the focus to Asia Minor in modern Turkey. It is included in the list of areas to which Peter addressed his first letter (1 Pet. 1:1). North and west of Cappadocia lay Pontus. Asia designated a Roman province on the western end of modern Turkey. Ephesus was capital of the province. Later in Acts, Luke recorded the expansion of the church in Ephesus (Acts 19). VERSE 10 Phrygia [FRIJ ih uh] and Pamphylia [pam FIL ih uh], Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene [sigh REE nee]; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Phrygia was also a region of Asia Minor. Pisidian Antioch, which Paul evangelized on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:13-52), was in the area of Phrygia. Pamphylia designates a small area of Asia Minor on the Mediterranean coast. From various regions of Asia Minor, Luke next turned his attention to visitors from various areas of North Africa. Egypt lay south and west of the promised land, and directly west of Egypt was Libya. All of the regions Luke listed had Jewish populations. Rome enforced peace and enabled travel and trade in its territories. Just as earlier Jewish dispersions had spread Jews across the ancient world, the relative peace and active trade characteristic of Rome also enabled the establishment of Jewish communities across the Empire as well as in the city of Rome itself. So it is no surprise that the pilgrims who journeyed to Jerusalem for Pentecost Session 2: Empowered 27

28 also included visitors from Rome. The phrase both Jews and proselytes, converts to Judaism, likely applies to the entire list of visitors. VERSE 11 Cretans [KREE tuhns] and Arabs we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages. Finally Luke listed Cretans and Arabs. Cretans were residents of the Mediterranean island of Crete, south of mainland Greece. Arabs most likely refers to residents of the Nabatean Kingdom, which at that time stretched from the Red Sea to the Euphrates. Various regions are not mentioned in Luke s list. Luke s list, however, was not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, he listed a sampling of sites to stress the wide range of people present and the amazing miracle that allowed them to hear the magnificent acts of God in their native dialects. The list also reflects the huge number of witnesses to the Pentecost event, as well as the divine intent that this message should be communicated to all people. VERSE 12 They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, What could this be? After listing a sampling of sites from which visitors had come, Luke repeated their reaction to the Pentecost events. They were astounded and perplexed. Astounded repeats the same term used in verse 7. Perplexed implies being at a loss. They simply did not know how to explain what they had witnessed. The question they were asking implies their interest as well as their confusion. VERSE 13 But some sneered and said, They re full of new wine! While some of the observers were looking for an explanation, others ridiculed the believers. Some of the Jews heard the multitude of languages and laughed at what seemed to them nonsense. The mockers accused the disciples of being drunk and babbling as a result. Peter heard the mixed response, and rather than be discouraged by the ridicule, he saw the opportunity for witness and addressed the crowd. Do you think the crowd who gathered expected to see God at work? If not, what do you think they were expecting? Do you think God s people today expect to see God do amazing things? Why or why not? 28 Explore the Bible

29 THE OPPORTUNITY SEIZED (Acts 2:14-15) VERSE 14 But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: Men of Judah and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you and pay attention to my words. Peter stood and served as the spokesman for the apostles. He raised the volume of his voice to be heard by the crowd. The phrase proclaimed to them uses a term often associated with a prophet speaking boldly or urgently to convey an important message. Peter addressed his comments to the men of Judah and to the residents of Jerusalem. All of the hearers were previously described as Jews or Jewish proselytes. Some of them lived in Judea, but others had traveled long distances to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost and had to take up temporary residences in the city, though it was not their permanent home. The two forms of address were designed to encompass everyone in the crowd. Various voices in the crowd had observed Galileans speaking dialects foreign to them and asked how this could be (Acts 2:7-8). Others had wondered what these odd events could mean (2:12). Peter, offering to explain, urged them to pay attention to him. VERSE 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it s only nine in the morning. First, Peter corrected the grossly inaccurate statement that the disciples were drunk by pointing out the hour. The time nine in the morning, literally the third hour of the day, marked the morning hour frequently devoted to prayer and prior to the customary mealtime of the day when wine might be served. Peter may have been using a little humor to gain the attention of the crowd and to defeat the critics by pointing out it was much too early in the day for people to be drunk. He then used the opportunity to share the gospel (2:16-36). Luke recorded the experience of the believers at Pentecost as an important event in the history of the early church but also as encouragement and guidance for other believers. We still serve the same God and witness to the same Savior. Believers still are enabled by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their God-given mission. Today, as was true at Pentecost, God s demonstration of His power through believers can cause amazement and curiosity. Mockers and critics may arise, but they must not be allowed to hinder the witness of the church. When experiencing situations where unbelievers are asking questions, believers must seize the opportunity to share Jesus. Session 2: Empowered 29

30 Session 3 > Acts 2:41-47 Unified The impact of the gospel is seen in the unity found among Jesus followers. We have a good, little church here, the deacon said, but we are new and just need some help getting started. The church had just moved into its new facilities and had only been meeting for a few months. The deacon, however, stated with confidence that the church would grow rapidly because he felt there was not another good church in the area. The members of the new church had just split from the only other church of that particular denomination in the town. Such unhappy and unplanned church plants do happen on occasion. A church split, however, is never the best way to start a new congregation. For one thing, the split earns both churches a negative reputation in the larger community. Unfortunately, things did not go well for this new church. When church members are harboring anger and hurt, they do not make good impressions on prospective members. A congregation that seems more interested in protecting itself than in welcoming new members does not feel very inviting. Over time the church went through a series of interim pastors and a couple of full-time pastors. The gospel was preached and taught. In spite of the deacon s confidence, however, the church did not grow. He was mystified. Hearing the account of this church, are you mystified that the church did not grow? I know you do not have all the details, but even with the meager information recorded in the preceding paragraphs, might you have expected the church to struggle? Doubtless you also know stories of churches that have thrived. How would you summarize the account of their beginnings? What would you point to as the secret of their successes? As you read Luke s account of the first church of Jerusalem, look for characteristics that explain this church s success. Luke only gave us a brief summary of the church. However, even from the few facts he provided, I think you will be able to spot some of the characteristics of this body of believers that resulted in people being added daily to the Jerusalem church s fellowship. 30 Explore the Bible

31 UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT ACTS 2:41-47 The events of Pentecost had a powerful effect both on the disciples and on the crowd. The coming of the Holy Spirit on each believer confirmed the promise of God and launched the ministry of witness Jesus had identified as the primary task of the church (1:6-8). If the approximately 120 followers of Jesus had questioned how they could possibly fulfill their mission of impacting the entire world, the power displayed at Pentecost should have given them assurance. The sound like a mighty wind, tongues like flame, and speech in multiple dialects attracted a crowd, but these phenomena left them wondering what was happening and why (2:1-13). Empowered by the Spirit, Peter responded to the mixture of mockery and curiosity by explaining in plain language the meaning of the events the crowd had just witnessed. He cited Scripture from the Old Testament prophet Joel as evidence these happenings were a fulfillment of prophecy, and he identified Jesus, whom they had crucified, as the resurrected Lord and Messiah who had poured out the Spirit upon His followers (2:14-36). Hearing these words, the crowd fell under deep conviction, and the people asked what response they needed to make to Peter s message. The apostle instructed these individuals to repent in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of... sins, and... receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38). Peter then continued for some time to urge those in the huge gathering to be saved from this corrupt generation (2:40). Peter s sermon, the first of several recorded in Acts, summarizes the message that would be repeated time and time again. The evident power of the Spirit, both in the signs given on the Day of Pentecost and in Peter s message, launched the ministry of the Spirit recorded in Acts as He guided and empowered the church in its task of witnessing. The Pentecost event also marked the creation of a new Spirit-filled fellowship of believers. In the passage that follows (2:41-47), Luke gave his readers a summary of the beginnings of this first fellowship. The summary sets the pattern for the many fellowships established later in the Acts account. It is also instructive for the church today. EXPLORE FURTHER Read Acts 2: Based on this passage, what qualities characterize a healthy church? Session 3: Unified 31

32 EXPLORE THE TEXT DEVOTED (Acts 2:41-42) VERSE 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. After about 3,000 people responded positively to Peter s sermon, they were baptized and became part of the community of believers. The message they accepted was the good news about Jesus the Messiah and His provision for the forgiveness of people s sins by His death and resurrection. While Luke made clear that Peter said many things that day, and Luke only recorded part of the apostle s preaching (2:40), what Luke did record is very instructive. Peter s message proclaimed Jesus as both Lord and Messiah (2:36) and was given to a corrupt generation as both a warning of judgment and an offer of deliverance (2:38-40). The offense against God that Peter highlighted in his sermon was the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus resurrection both demonstrated His identity as Lord and Messiah, and at the same time showed the sinful nature of the people who rejected Him. The Scriptures Peter cited, as well as the miraculous acts of Jesus to which Peter called attention, compounded the people s guilt. They should have known better. They should have been more open to the Word of God and the works of God through Jesus. Their rejection of Him proved they were part of a corrupt generation (2:40) deserving of judgment. Recognizing their sin and guilt was the first step toward experiencing forgiveness, therefore the people cried out, What must we do? (2:37). Only those who admit that they are in need will seek a solution. The message that is good news is only embraced by those who have owned up to the bad news of their own sin and guilt. Sin and guilt are not popular concepts today, but sin is real. And genuine guilt is to the soul what pain is to the body. It warns us that something is wrong and needs to be corrected. The good news is that sin and guilt do not need to have the last word in a life indeed, they should not. When the crowd asked what they should do, Peter commanded them to repent (2:38). The word can mean to feel remorse, and feeling remorse over past behavior offensive to God is appropriate. However, remorse over past actions and attitudes needs to be a first step toward changing one s mind or behavior. Repentance in the biblical sense involves a change of both principle and practice. Peter was calling for people who had previously rejected Jesus to 32 Explore the Bible

33 change their direction and commit themselves to Jesus as Lord and Messiah. So the challenge to repent involved turning from their previous commitments, attitudes, and behaviors and taking a different path. The rest of Peter s response stresses the same commitments. The hearers who repented were directed to be baptized... in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of... sins (2:38). Baptism symbolized the washing away of the old or impure and the beginning of a clean, fresh start. It demonstrated the intent of repentance. The one who repents and is baptized signifies his or her decision to turn from the old, sinful ways and allegiances and to commit oneself to Jesus as Lord and Messiah. The person turns from a life of sin, receiving forgiveness and making a fresh, new beginning as a follower of Jesus. Peter s message also included the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38). The crowd had witnessed the effects of the Spirit s descent at Pentecost. In his sermon Peter quoted Joel s prophecy and explained that what had occurred was part of a great working of God among His people. The promise of the gift of the Spirit, in effect, invited the hearers to join this fresh movement of God. The message was not just a call to repent, but also an invitation to new life and to hope an invitation to become part of the new thing that God was doing in the world. The crowd responded. About three thousand embraced the message and became followers of Jesus and recipients of the Spirit. Suddenly a small, familiar group of followers became a massive fellowship of believers. Now what were they to do? VERSE 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. The next verses (2:42-47) provide a summary description of the early church. They also set the stage for the events described in the next few chapters. As a transition statement between the description of Pentecost and the description of the church s ministry in Jerusalem, verse 42 also summarizes how the new believers were integrated into the already existing fellowship of disciples. The new believers devoted themselves to their new faith. The terminology implies a persistent, faithful engagement with someone or something. These believers did not casually associate with the church. They did not voice a commitment and then fail to follow up. The genuineness of their repentance and decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Messiah was evident in the behavior that followed their decision. Session 3: Unified 33

34 Luke highlighted four elements of the believers devotion. First, they were devoted to the apostles teaching. The term rendered teaching can refer to both the content of the instruction and to the activity of teaching. The new disciples apparently were eager to learn and consistently participated in learning opportunities. They took the time to learn and eagerly grasped the content of the instruction. Luke s comment also reminds us that the apostles suddenly had a new and time-consuming ministry on their hands. They needed to give the new believers the gift of time as well as the gift of doctrine. Luke did not record here what the apostles taught. We do know, however, that in the Great Commission Jesus gave His disciples, He instructed them to make disciples and to teach those disciples to observe everything He had commanded (Matt. 28:18-20). Assuming they were faithful to the Commission Jesus issued, the apostles taught the new believers the same truths and gave them the same instructions Jesus had given them. In this way, Jesus teachings continued to define the church. Second, the believers also devoted themselves to the fellowship. The Greek word translated fellowship refers to a close, positive bond, typically reflecting common commitments and common efforts. The simple social act of association is important. However, the reason for the association and the shared participation in meaningful tasks reveals the true nature and power of fellowship. A person s associations reveal his or her priorities and commitments. By asking ourselves what fellowship(s) we devote ourselves to, we can get a glimpse of our true priorities and our true selves. Third, the believers devoted themselves to the breaking of bread. Meals played a major role in many ancient religions. The early church met in the temple complex and in private homes (2:46). Eating together expressed the bond between believers. Later the church even referred to fellowship meals as love feasts (Jude 12). Most likely, at least some of these meals included a celebration of the Lord s Supper as Jesus had commanded (Luke 22:14-20). Lastly, Luke wrote that the early church devoted itself to the prayers. The phrasing may imply observing the scheduled times for prayer each day as prescribed in Judaism. Believers in Jerusalem may have observed the temple prayer times, as Luke recorded that Peter and John did on one occasion (Acts 3:1). In addition to common Jewish prayers, and prayers expressing personal faith and need, the new believers must also have been taught what Jesus said about prayer and would have been schooled to observe His teaching (Luke 11:1-4). While the times and manner of prayer are meaningful, the attitude of devotion to God, both individually and as a body, means much more. The church also would have benefited from the bond produced by shared prayer as they focused together on seeking God s will. 34 Explore the Bible

35 TOGETHER (Acts 2:43-47a) VERSE 43 Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Luke continued to summarize life in the early church in Jerusalem in terms of living with awe, witnessing miracles, meeting others needs, gathering in the temple complex and in homes, worshiping God out of gratitude, and being respected in the larger community. The believers lived in fear or awe of what God was doing in their midst. The term Luke used can mean fright as the result of intimidation, but the context here dictates a meaning of reverence or respect. Believers certainly would have experienced awe in light of God s work in their midst. However, when Luke observed that awe came over everyone, he may have had observant unbelievers in mind also. Just as the works of God amazed the crowd at Pentecost, the continued display of many signs and wonders must have amazed and attracted a host of non-christian Jews seeking the source of such power and godliness. The terms wonders and signs are used in the New Testament to refer to the miracles Jesus performed (see Acts 2:22). Luke used the same words for miracles the Lord performed through the apostles (Acts 4:30; 5:12), Stephen (6:8), and Paul and Barnabas (15:12). The repetition of these terms in Acts stresses the fact that Jesus ministry continued in the early church by the power of the Spirit and through the instrumentality of the church, especially through its leaders. As the body of Christ today, our actions need to be guided by an awareness of how Jesus would shape our lives and how He would address our community of believers if He were among us now, because through His Spirit, He is. We must also understand that God is our only Source of true wisdom and power. Prayer and dependence on Him are to characterize His people. Confidence and assurance are also ours in Him. Awe should still fill all who come in contact with God s church. EXPLORE FURTHER Read the article titled Miracles, Signs, Wonders on pages in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. How would you describe the relationship between miracles and the natural order? What amazing events point to God s presence in His world today? Session 3: Unified 35

36 VERSE 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. The phrase used to state the togetherness of the church can refer to meeting in a common place, but the way Luke used the expression seems to emphasize unity, not simply common location. Unity, however, is difficult to maintain without spending time together. Believers today need to understand they are not solo followers of Jesus. He crafted His church as a body and as a family. He gifts members of His church with abilities to care for one another, instruct one another, and encourage one another. Many aspects of a healthy Christian life can only be exercised in the midst of the fellowship of believers. Believers must meet together so they can be the church together, united in service to one another and to the kingdom of God. One expression of the unity of the early church was the care they demonstrated for one another. The Greek word translated in common is related to the term fellowship (Acts 2:42). The word can describe something held in the service of mutual interests, or something that is actually owned communally. Some groups in the ancient world required members to surrender ownership of all private property upon joining the group. Such groups often lived together and sometimes isolated themselves from the outside world. However, the remainder of Acts makes plain the early church did not follow this pattern. According to the Book of Acts, the early church did not create Christian compounds with its members isolating themselves from the world. Rather, their mission was to engage the world with the gospel. While various individuals did give of their means generously and did host church meetings in their homes, nothing indicates the early church required members to surrender all their personal property and live as part of a Christian commune (5:4). Rather, the concept of the family of God and the importance of their shared mission as believers seem to have inspired a remarkable generosity in the church. A heightened sense of stewardship led believers to consider their possessions as blessings from God held in trust for the purpose of serving God s people and His kingdom s purposes. This sense of stewardship is clearly evident not only in the Book of Acts but also in Paul s Letters (see Acts 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8 9). VERSE 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. The manner in which the believers held all things in common (Acts 2:44) becomes clearer in verse 45. Luke did not state that the believers pooled their 36 Explore the Bible

37 resources and bought a compound. Neither did he record that the church required all members to surrender their personal property and live on a distribution from the church. Later in Acts, Luke did mention the selling of personal property for the benefit of the fellowship, but he also made clear that doing so was a voluntary matter (5:1-4). Acts also mentions the regular distribution of food, but the description does not depict a distribution to everyone in the church, only to needy widows of the congregation (6:1). Clearly, the early church in Jerusalem included a number of poorer individuals who needed assistance. And those in the church who possessed more of this world s goods exhibited compassion and generosity toward needy persons within the fellowship. Those who had resources to spare did not hoard them and ignore the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Rather, as a loving family, they cared for their own by selling their possessions and property so the proceeds could be distributed to those in need. Possessions and property translate two words whose meanings overlap. Both can refer to possessions in general, although one of the words was often used of land. Later in Acts, Luke recorded that Barnabas sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles to use as the church had need (4:36-37). Barnabas s action seems to be a specific example of the kind of generous giving mentioned in Acts 2:45. Luke observed that Barnabas means Son of Encouragement (4:36), thus indicating that the generous and helpful spirit demonstrated in his giving of land was consistent with the man s nature. Acts 2:45 suggests Barnabas was not the only person of means moved by the Spirit and by love for fellow believers to the point of giving his possessions to meet the needs of others within the fellowship. The term need in this context implies a genuine lack of essentials for living. It does not imply that the church was in the business of providing whatever its members wanted, or of generally raising their standard of living. Providing for widows (6:1) assumed these were women who had no other way of acquiring life s basic necessities (1 Tim. 5:3-16). The concern for orphans operated on the same assumption (Jas. 1:27), as did providing support for the poor in a time of famine (Acts 11:28-29). VERSE 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, The unity and love evident in the church s care for needy individuals also expressed itself in other activities within the fellowship. Just as the believers devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles (2:42), Session 3: Unified 37

38 they also devoted themselves to meeting and worshiping together. The believers considered fellowship a priority, spending time together in mutual support, mutual ministry, and mutual worship. They met daily in the temple complex. These daily meetings likely reminded the believers of the events of Pentecost and allowed them to continue sharing the good news with those who visited the complex. The believers also spent time together in their own homes. The temple complex was large enough to accommodate large group gatherings. Meetings in homes would have allowed for smaller and more personal gatherings. Apparently the early church saw the value of both from the outset. The smaller meetings also allowed for fellowship meals an important activity in helping believers become a unified family of God. Luke described the gatherings in homes by observing that the believers ate together with a joyful and humble attitude. The term rendered humble is a rare word that implies simplicity or sincerity. Here it may indicate a sincere acceptance of one another or an honesty and openness in dealing with one another. Meeting daily, sharing meals, and interacting joyfully and sincerely with one another paint a picture of a healthy, spiritual family. Others observing such behavior would surely find it remarkable and attractive. VERSE 47a praising God and having favor with all the people. Whether gathering in the temple complex or meeting in homes, the assembly of the faithful was marked by praising God. The larger passage hints at numerous causes for praise. These reasons include: God s sending of Jesus, the gift of salvation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of the apostles, the loving fellowship with other believers, the sharing of resources and meeting of needs, the signs and wonders performed, and the good news believers had the honor of sharing with others. These blessings and many more only existed as a result of God s grace and goodness. No wonder they were motivated to praise God! Luke also noted the positive relationship the early church had with the larger Jewish community. The Greek word rendered favor also means grace. The expression having favor with all the people indicates that even non- Christians saw the benefits of having the new religious community in their midst. Judaism consisted of many different sects at this time. Individuals who did not belong to a particular sect might view members of that group as dangerous (the Zealots), as elitist (the Sadducees), or as pious but legalistic (the Pharisees). As the fellowship of Christians grew, some Jews would eventually view Christianity as a threat to Judaism. At this early stage, however, even unbelievers were attracted by the fellowship they saw among believers. 38 Explore the Bible

39 GROWING (Acts 2:47b) VERSE 47b And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. Finally, Luke characterized the early church in Jerusalem as a growing church, being added to daily. About three thousand believers joined the church after Peter s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Merging so many newcomers into a united fellowship must have been a challenging task. The brief description of the first church highlights that the church did what they knew to do and depended on God for the rest. They knew they were followers of Jesus and proceeded to learn from His chosen apostles. They knew the Spirit of God was working in their midst, and they responded with awe that led to obedience and confidence. They knew they were all sinners saved by God s grace through His Son and that humility and joy were the appropriate responses. They knew they were a new people of God and so lived in a caring, sharing fellowship with one another. Others saw the impact the gospel had on believers. The evidences of genuine devotion and of a loving fellowship earned this early church the respect of outsiders. As a result, many unbelievers became believers. Daily the Lord added to the number of believers. Luke did not claim the apostles added more converts. He did not claim that careful argument persuaded more Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. Luke did not say simply that the new organization grew. The truth is that only God s grace and power can add a believer to God s family. No individual can claim credit for growing God s church. We can only stand in awe of the fact that He chooses to use us in some small way in the process of accomplishing His work. What church today would not want to share the experience of the first church in Jerusalem? Why doesn t every church experience such blessings? God s power is still at work. The Spirit is still able to transform our lives. Yet many times we sound as if we are more interested in God enlarging our fellowship than we are in God transforming our fellowship. Let us be the transformed church, the witnessing church, the loving church, and watch with devotion, joy, and humility as God adds those who are being saved! EXPLORE FURTHER How would you describe a healthy church? What would it look like to outsiders? What can you do to help your church become one that God can use in a mighty way in your community? Session 3: Unified 39

40 Session 4 > Luke 24:1-12 Resurrected! Salvation through faith in the Resurrected Son is the message of the church. My grandson, Isaac, is four years old. He loves hearing Bible stories read to him when he goes to bed. He enjoys the stories so much that he often insists on hearing them again when he wakes up. This year, reading through the stories appropriate to the season in Isaac s new children s Bible, his parents came to the story of the crucifixion. Upon hearing the story read to him, Isaac wept. Why did they do that? he cried through his tears. As they tried to explain and comfort him, his parents told him the story was not over. Quickly reading the rest of the account, they told of the resurrection. Isaac cheered! The pain of the passion did not go away, but the joy of the resurrection cast the whole story in a new and hopeful light. Isaac s mother, Michelle, shared her experience with me and reflected that seeing the story through her young son s eyes raised a troubling question. It made her wonder when both the horror and the jubilation of the Easter story faded from her consciousness. Michelle s (and my) experience is common. We hear the account so often and leap so quickly to its conclusion that some of the impact of the event is lost. The reaction of the first disciples has more in common with Isaac s response than it does with that of most adult believers today. The tragedy was heartwrenching, and Jesus followers lived with that anguish for days. Even the first hints that something remarkable had happened could not completely banish their gloom or their pessimism. However, the post-resurrection appearances and the reality of the resurrection must have felt like rescue to a drowning man. And the meaning of resurrection transformed a tragic ending into a thrilling beginning. Jesus is alive! In Him we can live! And in Him the world has hope! My prayer for us all this Easter is that we, like Isaac, can experience again both the anguish and the jubilation of this world-changing story. 40 Explore the Bible

41 UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT ACTS 2:14-46; LUKE 23:1 24:51 Peter s sermon at Pentecost concludes with the assertion that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah! (Acts 2:36). The apostle stated that his hearers should know this with certainty (2:36). Why should they know? First, they should know because God affirmed Jesus through the miracles, wonders, and signs that God did... through Him (2:22). In spite of this evidence, they used lawless people to crucify Jesus. Yet God raised Him up (2:24). In fact, the resurrection provided even more convincing assurance that Jesus is the Messiah, since that event fulfilled the prophecy that God s Holy One would not see decay (2:27). Finally, the signs of the coming of the Holy Spirit confirmed that Jesus continues His work seated at the right hand of God as the Giver of the Spirit to the people of God (2:33). Peter s sermon reveals in brief the story of the Gospels. God sent Jesus. His words and deeds revealed Him to be the Messiah sent to bring salvation to fallen humanity. The climax to the gospel story is the death and resurrection of Jesus. The passion narrative in Luke records the account in much greater detail than we find in Peter s sermon. In Luke 22:39-53, Luke recorded Jesus anguished prayer on the Mount of Olives leading to the betrayal by Judas. Peter s denial and the abuse and questioning before the Sanhedrin conclude chapter 22. The Gospel of Luke then gives an account of hearings before Pilate and Herod Antipas. Pilate s assertion that Jesus had done nothing worthy of execution according to Roman law failed to satisfy His accusers, and ultimately Pilate handed Jesus over for crucifixion (Luke 23:1-25). The chapter concludes with a description of the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus (Luke 23:26-49). Luke and Peter left no doubt that Jesus, shown to be the Son of God and Messiah by a multitude of deeds and words, was rejected and killed by a corrupt generation (Acts 2:40). If the story ended here, we would have an inspirational but tragic tale. The last chapter of Luke, however, records the event that transforms the whole Gospel. It turns defeat into victory. It demonstrates that the power and the love of God can conquer sin and death. It transforms despair into hope for all who follow Jesus. The resurrection gave Peter s sermon its power, provided the hope of salvation, and gave meaning to the invitation to repent and follow Jesus (2:37-40). The same is true for the message of the church today. He is risen! And that reality makes all the difference. Session 4: Resurrected! 41

42 EXPLORE THE TEXT AN EMPTY TOMB (Luke 24:1-3) VERSE 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. The account of the resurrection begins on the first day of the week, literally one (day) from Sabbath. The Sabbath, Saturday on the modern calendar, marked the last day of the week and the Jewish day of rest and worship. Sunday, the first day of the week, provided the first proper opportunity for Jesus followers to attend to His body. The women who had traveled with Jesus had seen Joseph of Arimathea take Jesus body and lay it in the tomb. This detail in the Gospel assures readers that the women did not make a mistake. They saw Jesus buried. They knew the location of the tomb. While they rested on the Sabbath as required, the day after the Sabbath they returned to the same tomb to honor their Master with a proper anointing of His body for burial (Luke 23:50-56). The fact that the women came to the tomb very early in the morning implies a concern to attend to this important duty as soon as possible. It was so early it was still dark (John 20:1). After observing Jesus burial and returning home, the women had gathered the spices and perfumes (Luke 23:56) they would need. The women came to the tomb where they had seen Joseph place Jesus body, and they brought spices they had prepared. The term rendered spices is not specific and can refer to any aromatic substance. VERSE 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. The four Gospel writers each provided unique details as they recorded the account of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Luke simply noted that the women found the stone rolled away. Mark recorded that the women who approached the tomb had actually discussed the problem of removing the stone (Mark 16:3). By wondering who would roll it away for them, the women implied it was heavy and difficult to move. The opening of the tomb must have been large enough to admit people carrying a body for burial. The stone that covered such an opening would have been large enough to seal and secure the tomb from animals or other disturbances. No Gospel writer provided a detailed description of the stone itself. It might simply have been a large spherical bolder that was rolled into the 42 Explore the Bible

43 opening like a plug. Some tombs, however, included a large stone cut in the form of a wheel that rolled in a groove in front of the tomb opening. In both instances the stone itself would likely have been around 4 feet in diameter, and even if cut from the local limestone, it would have been very heavy. Matthew reported that guards had been placed by the tomb (Matt. 27:65-66; 28:4,11-15). If the women knew about the guards, they might have hoped the guards would help open the tomb, or they might have feared the guards would bar their entrance and insist the tomb remained sealed. The fact is the guards did not open the tomb, nor could they keep it closed. When the women arrived, they found the tomb open. Matthew added the details that a great earthquake occurred and an angel of the Lord rolled back the stone (Matt. 28:2). VERSE 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. None of the Gospel accounts imply the tomb was opened for the purpose of allowing Jesus to escape. Rather, the Gospel accounts focus on the opened tomb permitting the disciples to enter and see that Jesus body was not there. As the women entered the tomb, they were prepared to find the body they intended to anoint. The fact they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus made them the first witnesses to the empty tomb. However, they did not yet understand its meaning. As powerful an image as the empty tomb is, it only leaves us with a mystery what happened to the body? Mary Magdalene would assume it had been moved (John 20:2). The Jewish leaders would claim it had been stolen (Matt. 28:13). Even some disciples, when told that Jesus was not dead but was risen, had difficulty accepting the reality (Luke 24:11). They knew that a group of women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus body, only to find that His body was not in the tomb. Why was it not there, and what did its absence mean? EXPLORE FURTHER Read the articles titled Cross, Crucifixion and Tomb of Jesus on pages and respectively in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Jesus crucifixion and burial were traumatic happenings for His followers. Should part of our Easter season involve a reflection on the anguish of these events for a time before celebrating the resurrection? If so, how and why? Session 4: Resurrected! 43

44 FULL DISCLOSURE (Luke 24:4-8) VERSE 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. When the women saw that the tomb they expected to be closed was open and that the body they expected to be present was not there, they were perplexed. The term means to be in a confused state of mind, uncertain, or in doubt about something. In spite of what Jesus had told them, their first thought was not that He had risen from the dead. In a sense the confusion of the women supports the reality of the resurrection. These women could not be accused of fanatically attempting to see what they wanted to see. They were women in mourning, shocked and confused when they experienced something totally unexpected. As the women stood wondering what had happened, two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. The term suddenly translates a Greek word literally meaning behold. In this narrative it implies an unexpected appearance that is startling. The two men were clearly heavenly messengers. Their sudden appearance and their dazzling clothes, a term meaning shining or gleaming, mark them as angelic beings. When the experience is later recounted (24:23), the two are explicitly called angels. VERSE 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. Why are you looking for the living among the dead? asked the men. The women responded in an understandable way to the unexpected appearance of two men in gleaming garments at a disturbed grave site. The women were terrified. The term can imply both fear and reverential awe. The women were shaken and awestruck by the vision of angels. Luke recorded similar reactions on the part of Zechariah (1:11-13), Mary (1:28-30), and the shepherds (2:9-10) when encountering heavenly messengers. The women also bowed down to the ground. The phrase more literally refers to bending their faces to the ground, and the women s precise physical actions may have been anything from bowing in respect to falling prostrate in holy fear of this unexpected encounter with these heavenly messengers. Again, the women s reaction is understandable and not uncommon in Luke and Acts. People sometimes responded this way to Jesus as they sensed His holiness and power. For example, Peter fell at Jesus feet (Luke 5:8), as did leprous men (5:12), one of whom was a Samaritan (17:16). 44 Explore the Bible

45 The angels asked the women a revealing question, Why are you looking for the living among the dead? Grave sites are for the dead. The women should have visited the grave site only if they thought Jesus was dead, which is, of course, what the women thought. In one sense, the question was a reprimand. It implies the women should have known better than to return to the tomb. They should have known the grave could not hold Jesus. Yet the angels positive message must have overwhelmed any implied criticism. The women were looking for a dead body, and these heavenly messengers had just told them they should be looking for the resurrected Lord. Momentary confusion surely morphed to sudden realization Jesus is alive! VERSE 6 He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, A clear statement follows the question. Jesus was not there. The women would not find His body because He had been resurrected. The reality of Jesus resurrection was confirmed both by the empty tomb and by the divine messengers. Later Jesus would appear to the disciples, and His postresurrection appearances would provide final and absolute evidence for the confused and doubting disciples. A reading of the passages that deal with the resurrection in each of the four Gospels reveals that each divinely inspired writer was led to focus on different details surrounding the event. However, all the Gospel writers were totally consistent regarding the central reality Jesus is risen! The differences in details that each divinely inspired writer highlighted actually serve as evidence of independent testimony confirming the key event Jesus is risen. The resurrection s importance cannot be overstated. The Jews thought Jesus death would prove His claims were false. However, His resurrection confirmed the truth of who He is. The Romans thought His death would end the disturbance in Jerusalem. However, His resurrection confirmed the faith of His followers and birthed a church that infiltrated the Roman Empire and has endured far longer than any earthly kingdom. The resurrection confirmed Jesus identity as Messiah, Lord, and Savior. It demonstrated His victory over sin and death and assured His followers that through Him they could also experience victory. As Paul would later write to the Corinthians, without Jesus resurrection the Christian gospel and the faith of believers is without foundation (1 Cor. 15:14). The fact of the resurrection confirms the truth that through Christ the power of sin and death is overcome and like Paul, believers can shout, Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Cor. 15:57). Session 4: Resurrected! 45

46 The women who came to the empty tomb may not have understood the full importance of what they were witnessing, but they did know that Jesus had predicted the event. The angelic messengers instructed them to remember that He had spoken about His resurrection during His earthly ministry. Luke recorded such a prediction (9:22), and parallel passages in Matthew (16:21-23) and Mark (8:31-33) record Peter s shocked reaction to Jesus words. VERSE 7 saying, The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day? The angels reminded the women of Jesus predictions. He had told them He would be betrayed and crucified and would rise on the third day. Luke recorded such predictions in his Gospel account (Luke 9:22,31,44; 18:32-33). Other Gospel writers also recorded such predictions (Matt. 17:9,22-23; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34). Statements like He began to teach... (Mark 8:31) clarify that Jesus repeatedly informed the disciples of what would happen to Him. Yet the disciples seemed surprised when these predictions literally came to pass, and the angels found it necessary to remind the women of Jesus words. Perhaps other disciples, like Peter, found the prediction so unacceptable they simply lived in denial. Perhaps the Jewish expectations regarding the Messiah were so ingrained that Jesus followers could not envision the Messiah as doing anything other than establishing an earthly kingdom. Even after the resurrection and 40 days of instruction, the question at the forefront of the disciples minds was Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? (Acts 1:6). VERSE 8 And they remembered His words. The term rendered words implies not teachings in general, but the specific things spoken. Luke recorded a similar observation in the Gospel when after denying Jesus, Peter remembered the word of the Lord (Luke 22:61). At that moment prediction and event came together for Peter, and he knew the reality of the prediction. It would seem the same was true of the women. The shocking event and the recollection of Jesus words together convinced them that what they were seeing was nothing less than the fulfillment of Jesus prophetic announcements. Two angels had declared to the women that Jesus had been resurrected just as He had promised. They saw the evidence of the empty tomb. Appearances of the resurrected Jesus would follow (24:13-53). Jesus was alive! 46 Explore the Bible

47 COMPLETE AMAZEMENT (Luke 24:9-12) VERSE 9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. The women had seen astounding sights and received amazing news. They started their day thinking they had important but sad business at the tomb. The message they received at the tomb turned them from the empty grave and toward those who needed to hear this momentous news. Journeying from the tomb, the women went to the place where the disciples were gathered. There they reported all these things. The term translated reported is related to the noun rendered messenger or angel. Just as the heavenly messengers reported to the women, the women in turn reported to the disciples. Some who had seen such a remarkable sight might have been hesitant to say anything about it. Would anyone believe them? After all, what evidence did they have to show anyone? Would people think them delusional? Certainly, others could go see the empty tomb for themselves, but would angels appear to those who visited later? If not, would later visitors to the empty tomb think the women had imagined their encounter? If the women had any thoughts about remaining silent, they did not act on them. The disciples might not believe them. The Jewish rulers certainly would deny and oppose any rumor of resurrection. However, nothing changed the fact of what the women had seen and had heard. They had important information. It was urgent they share it. The reactions of others were not their responsibility. Proclaiming the truth was. The tomb was empty. Heavenly messengers confirmed the reason. Jesus had been raised from the dead! The women reported to the Eleven. Judas was no longer among the group. They also told the account of their experience at the tomb to all the rest. We do not know specifically who was included in this group. Just prior to Pentecost, the fellowship of disciples would number about 120 (Acts 1:15). However, the message was not just for the apostles. All the disciples needed to hear the message delivered by the angels and know of the reality of the resurrection. Jesus words were true. His death was not the end of their fellowship with Him. His followers may not have known what would happen next, but the fact of the resurrection assured them God was indeed at work and they should remain true to their commitment to Jesus. VERSE 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. Session 4: Resurrected! 47

48 Luke had introduced the women who marked the place of burial and who went to the tomb on the first day of the week to anoint Jesus body as the women who had come with Him from Galilee (Luke 23:55). Some women from Galilee had supported and traveled with Jesus and the disciples (8:1-3). Mary Magdalene was one of them. Magdala was likely a small fishing village located on the west coast of the Sea of Galilee, north of Tiberias. Luke had introduced Mary as a woman from whom seven demons were cast (8:2). Some have linked Mary Magdalene to the sinful woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears (7:36-50), although there is no such evidence in any of the references to her. Luke also mentioned Joanna by name. Joanna is also identified as one of the women who supported Jesus. She is noted as the wife of Chuza [KYOO zuh], one of Herod Antipas s estate managers (8:3). Joanna s prominence reveals that Jesus teachings impacted the upper levels of society as well as the lower levels. For Jesus to have the support of such leading persons would have alarmed the authorities. Such prominence also implies a status that would make Joanna a more credible witness in the minds of many. The last woman mentioned by name is Mary, the mother of James. Mark apparently referred to the same woman as the mother of James the younger and of Joses (Mark 15:40). The designation the younger seems intended to mark this James as different from the James who was one of Zebedee s sons, James and John. Matthew provided a similar list of women (Matt. 27:55-56) and appears to list Mary, the mother of James, and the mother of James and John as both present. The women reported their experience to the apostles. Luke did not identify who the other women were, but Mark mentioned Salome as one of the women who went to the tomb (Mark 16:1). By use of the verb rendered were telling, Luke indicated a repeated telling of the story. VERSE 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Perhaps the women repeatedly told the account of what they had seen and heard because the apostles were skeptical of their story. The apostles thought the report was nonsense. The term implies foolish or meaningless statements. The account was so incredible the apostles thought the women were spreading, or starting, a baseless rumor. Luke added the statement that the apostles did not believe the women. Faced with the account of the resurrection, the apostles initial reaction was unbelief. Thomas was not the only disciple who doubted. 48 Explore the Bible

49 The apostles unbelief reveals these men cared about the truth. They would not share the good news of His resurrection unless they were certain that Jesus was, in fact, alive. The account from the women might have given them hope, but it did not convince them. VERSE 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went home, amazed at what had happened. Peter apparently trusted the women enough that he personally ran to the tomb to confirm their story. His reaction reveals hope struggling with unbelief. He had heard Jesus announce His coming death and resurrection and had reprimanded Him (Matt. 16:22). Now, however, Peter must have found himself hoping that the resurrection Jesus had predicted had indeed come to pass. If the arrest and the execution had literally occurred, might the final element of the prophecy, resurrection, also be a reality? Peter stooped to look into the tomb. He saw no body, but only the linen cloths that would normally serve as the shroud for a body. After hearing the account of the women and seeing the empty tomb, Peter went home, amazed at what had happened. The term translated amazed can imply being extraordinarily impressed by what one sees or hears. Peter left the tomb in amazement, no doubt with hope, maybe with budding understanding. However, the best was yet to come. The remainder of the Gospel of Luke records post-resurrection appearances by Jesus. What the empty tomb implied and the angels had asserted, the appearances of the living Jesus demonstrated. His physical presence proved for His followers the truth of the resurrection and made them witnesses of both its reality and its meaning (see Acts 2:32). Believers today can also have confidence that Jesus is resurrected from the grave, securing our salvation. The inspired accounts of eyewitnesses, the history of the Risen Christ working in His church through the ages, and our personal transformation by the power of His resurrection all assure us of the gospel s reality and power. We need to respond to the resurrection today not only with awe and amazement, but also with confidence and witness. EXPLORE FURTHER Read the article titled Resurrection of Jesus the Christ on pages in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. What should we share with an unbeliever today about the empty tomb? Session 4: Resurrected! 49

50 Session 5 > Acts 4:1-13 Courageous The Spirit gives believers courage to proclaim the truth. Several years ago I spent a few weeks traveling in Turkey. I visited biblical archaeological sites and interacted with believers in the country. While there I was told of a church that had been raided by the police. Worshipers were arrested, and the building was padlocked. After several days, the case went to court, and the arrest was reversed. The believers were allowed to return home, and the church opened its doors again. The believers, however, knew they remained under suspicion and would face ongoing persecution. A few days later a friend and I were enjoying a meal in a restaurant. We prayed over our food, and afterward our server approached the table and began asking questions about Christianity. We spoke briefly, but soon my friend handed the server a business card and ended the conversation. He explained the server was risking his job and that a private conversation at a later time would allow for a more productive witness. My friend went on to describe the loss of jobs, the loss of family, and various other kinds of persecution experienced by several of his Muslim friends who had become followers of Jesus. Believers worldwide tell stories of persecution. Yet they continue to share the gospel. Why do they do so, and how do they find the courage? The Scripture passage for this week s study tells us why salvation is available only through Jesus. This passage also tells us how to find the courage. Believers not only have the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, but also they have the promise of resurrection as they face the threat of persecution. UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT ACTS 3:1 4:31 Luke provided a basic outline for the Book of Acts in Acts 1:6-8. Jesus promised the coming of the Spirit to enable the witness of the church in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. In Acts 2 Luke recorded the 50 Explore the Bible

51 coming of the Spirit and the witness that was a part of that event. Chapters 3 7 provide an account of witness in Jerusalem. During this time the church consisted of Jewish Christians coming to grips with the implications of their faith in Jesus. The positive relationship the church enjoyed with the Jewish community shortly after Pentecost (Acts 2:47) began to deteriorate as the message of the gospel, its difference from Jewish tradition, and its availability to all people (not just Jews) became increasingly evident. The section concludes with the ministry and stoning of Stephen (chaps. 6 7) that led to the dispersion of the church and its ministry to Samaria (chap. 8) and to the Gentile world outside biblical Palestine (Acts 9 28). In Acts 3 5 Luke recounted the apostles ministry in Jerusalem and the growing conflict with the Jewish authorities. The powerful works of God inspired faith in some who heard the gospel and stubborn opposition in others. The church discovered that great faith also required great courage as opponents surfaced and attempts to suppress the gospel escalated. The story begins with the public healing of a lame man at one of the gates of the temple (3:1-10). The man was evidently well-known, and the healing in the name of Jesus was indisputable (3:6). The evident similarity of this healing to the healing ministry of Jesus (see Luke 5:17-26) also showed that the work of the resurrected Jesus continued through the hands of His apostles. As at Pentecost, an amazed crowd assembled and Peter preached a powerful sermon, calling for unbelievers to repent and turn back in order to experience the Lord s forgiveness (Acts 3:19). Many believed (4:4), but some viewed the apostles message not as an invitation to faith but as an unwelcome criticism of their past behavior and a challenge to their authority. When the authorities commanded Peter and John to cease speaking in Jesus name, the apostles boldly refused (4:19-20). EXPLORE THE TEXT THE CHALLENGE (Acts 4:1-7) VERSE 1 Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them, Peter healed a lame man near the gate called Beautiful (3:2). The location of this particular gate is uncertain. It may have led from outside the temple complex into the courtyard of the Gentiles, or it may have been one of the Session 5: Courageous 51

52 doors that led into the temple building itself. In any case, many observed the healing that had taken place. The healed man created quite a spectacle of celebration as he was walking, leaping, and praising God (3:8-10). As had happened at Pentecost, the remarkable event attracted a crowd, and Peter used the opportunity to preach the gospel (3:12-26). However, the commotion and the sermon that followed also attracted the authorities responsible for maintaining order in the temple complex. Nothing in the narrative implies the crowd was disorderly or a threat to the public peace or to the peaceful operation of the temple. However, the authorities in charge of the temple included the same authorities that had condemned Jesus. Luke identified Peter as the apostle who preached the sermon. The use of the pronoun they in Acts 4:1 reveals that at least John, and perhaps additional believers, joined in proclaiming the gospel to the crowd. While the apostles were preaching, the priests, the commander of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them. The designation priests is a general term and probably refers to those who were serving in the temple that day. The term commander in a secular setting could be used for the highest official in a city. In the context of the temple, the term refers to the man directly responsible for the security of the temple in effect, the captain of the guard. The same individual may have served as the second in command to the high priest. As such, he assisted the high priest in many ways, commanded the force that maintained order in the temple, and had the authority to arrest any troublemakers. This person was normally selected from the families that controlled the high priesthood and would have been considered a candidate to serve as high priest himself at a later time. As a result, this individual was not a disinterested, neutral police officer, but the head of the enforcement arm of the priesthood with a personal investment in maintaining the power of the Sanhedrin. The Sadducees were one of the most prominent sects within Judaism in the first century. Though they were a small group, they had great influence. Religiously they considered themselves conservative in that they only accepted the Law, the first five books of the Old Testament, as authoritative and rejected the oral traditions of the Pharisees as binding. Limiting themselves to the Law or Torah, they also rejected a belief in demons, angels, and life after death, and so rejected a belief in resurrection. Rejecting the authority of the Prophets and Writings sections of the Jewish Scriptures also resulted in eliminating many of the predictions regarding the Messiah. The power of the Sadducees came largely from their wealth and their political alignment with Rome. For the most part, the Sadducees were wealthy landholders. Their families had a great investment in maintaining a peaceful relationship with Rome that would avoid the destruction or confiscation of 52 Explore the Bible

53 their property and businesses. The Romans apparently demonstrated their approval of the Sadducees by granting their party a majority of members in the Sanhedrin and repeatedly appointing a Sadducee as the high priest. When the Sadducees, the priests, and the commander of the temple police confronted Peter and John, the leaders did so out of a supposed concern for maintaining the peace. However, they were part of the same group that had engineered Jesus arrest and execution. The gospel threatened these men both religiously and politically. Peter s sermon had labeled them the wicked murderers of Jesus, God s Messiah (3:13-15). Even allowing that they had done so in ignorance (3:17) probably did not soften the criticism from the religious leaders perspective. Faced with this message proclaimed boldly in the temple complex, the authorities had two choices repent or resist. If they rejected the message, they faced the challenge of stopping this movement without at the same time outraging the people and starting a conflict that would result in Roman retribution. VERSE 2 because they were provoked that they were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead, using Jesus as the example. What provoked or disturbed the authorities was that the disciples were proclaiming the resurrection from the dead, using Jesus as the example. More literally the text reads that they were proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. The concept of a messiah who brings resurrection implied for many Jews the establishing of a messianic kingdom on earth. In their minds the arrival of such a kingdom meant the overthrowing of Rome. Messianic fervor could easily lead to revolt, and revolt would lead to retaliation by Rome. Rome had charged the Sanhedrin, especially the Sadducees, with keeping the peace. From their perspective, they simply could not allow Jesus followers to stir up the crowd with a revolutionary message. The apostles, in fact, did not promote political revolt. The church did not present a military threat to Rome. Anyone who listened carefully to the message would know this truth. However, the religious leaders were either blinded by their bias or were intentionally distorting the truth to justify suppressing a message critical of their past actions. VERSE 3 So they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening. Session 5: Courageous 53

54 Whatever official charge the authorities would bring against the apostles would have to wait until the next day. The healing and sermon that followed had begun at about three in the afternoon (3:1). Apparently the gathering of the crowd and the teachings of the apostles had continued throughout the afternoon, and dusk was approaching. The Sanhedrin met daily but did not normally meet in the evening. As a result, the temple police seized the apostles and put them in custody. The teaching at Solomon s Colonnade (3:11) must have included many people, but the authorities focused on the ringleaders of the disturbance. They physically restrained the two apostles. The term seized translates a Greek phrase that means to lay hands on someone. The religious leaders then jailed them until the next day. VERSE 4 But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000. In spite of the authorities actions, a large number who heard the message believed. The Sadducees must have hoped to discourage the crowd. After all, how many people would want to join a group so disreputable that they risked arrest? However, in spite of the religious leaders action, the message changed the mind and touched the heart of thousands. The rapid growth of the early church was astounding, expanding from approximately 120 followers to the addition of about three thousand after the Pentecost event. Then following the healing of the lame man, the church grew so that the number of the men came to about 5,000. Small wonder the Sadducees were concerned! VERSE 5 The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem The next morning the Sanhedrin met. Luke did not use the name of the council in this verse, but he did later in the account (4:15). The designation Sanhedrin could be used of lesser courts, but in this instance the term clearly refers to the highest court, the one that had jurisdiction over the temple. The exact location where the Sanhedrin met is unknown. Some sources indicate it met in the temple precincts proper, while others believe it met just outside the temple complex. The Romans authorized the Sanhedrin to rule on local, Jewish matters. The council seems to have consisted of 71 members, mirroring the 70 elected elders plus Moses as recorded in Numbers 11:16. The high priest presided over the Sanhedrin, which apparently included a majority of Sadducees and a minority of Pharisees. The Pharisees on the council would wield the 54 Explore the Bible

55 influence that came from their popularity with the people. The Sadducees on the council had Roman backing, wealth, and political influence on their side. As a result, debates within the council would have been characterized by a variety of political, economic, and religious views. Luke described those who assembled as rulers, elders, and scribes. None of these titles are precise. The rulers probably referred to the priestly representation on the council. The rulers were not specifically mentioned as part of the group that arrested Peter and John, but they may have been present since the arresting party included Sadducees (4:1). The term elders likely refers to influential council members who were not priests. The title scribes indicates scholars or specialists in the knowledge and interpretation of the law. VERSE 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas [KAY uh fuhs], John and Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family. While the makeup of the entire council remains unclear, Luke named several individuals who took part in the hearing. As the leader of the Sanhedrin, the high priest was present. Annas served as high priest from A.D His son-in-law, Caiaphas, served as high priest from A.D The high priesthood at this time was highly politicized and dominated by the highpriestly family led by Annas. Luke s Gospel also reflects this political situation when Luke recorded that the word of God came to John the Baptist in the wilderness during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). The wording sounds as if the two men ruled jointly. In reality, as the senior member of the high-priestly family, Annas would have continued to exercise control, regardless of who in his family held the official title of high priest. Five of Annas s sons, one of his grandsons, and his son-in-law all held the title of high priest at various times. Luke s reference to John may designate one of Annas s sons, Jonathan, who served as high priest. No record exists to indicate that a man named Alexander served as high priest in New Testament times. Alexander may have been a member of one of the families of the priestly aristocracy. Along with clear political and religious power, Annas and his family controlled considerable wealth. They had an earthly empire to protect, and its security depended in part on the goodwill of Rome and the political stability of Judea. This same priestly family had been instrumental in Jesus conviction and execution. Peter s sermon calling for repentance on the part of those who denied Jesus, handed Him over to Rome, and killed Him was undoubtedly viewed by Annas as a direct affront to him and his family (Acts 3:13-19). Session 5: Courageous 55

56 EXPLORE FURTHER Read the articles titled High Priest and Sanhedrin on pages and respectively in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. How might acquiring political authority influence the decisions and message of a religious movement? Is it possible to serve the concerns of both at the same time? Explain. VERSE 7 After they had Peter and John stand before them, they asked the question: By what power or in what name have you done this? The day following their arrest, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin. The apostles knew they were about to be judged by a council dominated by Annas and his family. The same group had manufactured a justification for executing Jesus and maneuvered Pilate into going along with the injustice. When these same powerful men had Peter and John brought before them, they began the questioning by asking, By what power or in what name have you done this? The this they were concerned about could be the healing of the lame man, or it could be the preaching of the resurrection of Jesus. However, since one event led to the other, perhaps the question was intentionally broad, encompassing the entire series of events in the temple complex the previous day. The leaders were also concerned about the political implications of the message. Would the crowd become a mob rioting against Rome? Perhaps the authorities hoped these unschooled fishermen would say something that could be used against them. The expression in what name assumes the authority to heal and preach came from some source outside the men themselves. If the authorities hoped for some easily refuted, grandiose claim to personal or political power, they were disappointed. THE ANSWER (Acts 4:8-12) VERSE 8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, Rulers of the people and elders: The response came from the mouth of Peter, but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be guided and 56 Explore the Bible

57 empowered by the Spirit of God. Jesus had predicted that the disciples would face opposition, and He assured them He would give them words and wisdom that none of their enemies would be able to resist or contradict (Luke 21:15). Peter s response reveals both the truth of Jesus teachings and the ongoing ministry of Jesus in the persons of His disciples through the Holy Spirit s empowerment. VERSE 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man by what means he was healed Peter began by clarifying the ambiguous question the authorities asked. The apostle assumed the question was about a good deed done to a disabled man. His response shows remarkable wisdom. Rather than argue about debatable sources of authority, Peter focused on an indisputable act, recognized by all as good. The lame man was healed. Not only did this act restore his health, it also likely restored him to the fellowship of God s people. Evidence suggests that Jews in the first century extended the requirements of Leviticus 21:16-20 to exclude handicapped individuals from entering the temple. Thus, this restoration to health and to fellowship could be nothing other than good. However, Peter did not intend to stop with the fact of the healing. His message concerned the source of the healing. By what means was this man healed? VERSE 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead by Him this man is standing here before you healthy. Peter had already answered the question for the crowd (Acts 3:16). And Peter was even brave enough to announce the answer plainly to the Sanhedrin. The words let it be known... to all the people of Israel expresses the conviction that all Jews needed to hear this good news. The healing was accomplished by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. An act done in the name of someone identifies the authority and the power by which that thing is done. Identifying Jesus as Christ before the Sanhedrin condemned them in one word. The title Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew title Messiah. These men had adamantly denied Jesus this title and had plotted His death. Peter pointed the finger of guilt directly at the council. Session 5: Courageous 57

58 The apostle knew he spoke to the group who had crucified Jesus. He knew the Sanhedrin could persuade Rome to do the same to him. However, he also knew that the Jesus they had crucified, God had raised from the dead. For Peter, the assurance of resurrection overcame the threat of death. The reality of Jesus resurrection condemned the Sanhedrin because it demonstrated that the One they had rejected was in fact the Son of God and Messiah. Their guilt was evident. The Jesus they had tried to get rid of was alive and was at work in their world. The healing of the lame man demonstrated that reality. VERSE 11 This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. Peter then stressed their error and the irony of it by citing Scripture. The stone the religious leaders rejected was Jesus. Builders exercised special caution in the selection of the cornerstone both as part of the foundation and as a stone that would affect the stability of the rest of the structure. Jesus had quoted this Old Testament Scripture in a dispute with the religious leaders (see Ps. 118:22). In response they schemed to get rid of Him (Luke 20:17-19). Peter s citation of Psalm 118:22 reminded them that they had in fact rejected Jesus. However, the resurrection revealed Him to be the cornerstone designated by God. Rejecting the cornerstone meant rejecting the work that God was doing and the salvation that God was offering through Jesus. VERSE 12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it. Peter concluded with an appeal to repent and be saved. Talking to the Sanhedrin, the appeal took the form of a warning: There is salvation in no one else. Sadly, the religious leaders in general repeatedly rejected the offer of salvation in Christ. Peter clearly stated the tragic results of such a decision. No alternative religion, no alternative devotion, no alternative accumulation of good works, no alternative of any kind can provide salvation. God has provided only one way of salvation His Son Jesus. With this pronouncement Peter stated the unique nature of Christianity. It was not just another Jewish sect. It was the only way of salvation. Those who place faith in Jesus receive forgiveness and grace and new life in Him. Any attempt to understand Christianity as one of several alternative paths to peace with God runs counter to this basic truth, clearly stated as part of the gospel the apostles preached salvation is available only through Jesus and not by any other means. 58 Explore the Bible

59 Thus Peter, prompted by the Holy Spirit, responded to the questioning of the Sanhedrin by declaring that Jesus, the One they crucified and God raised, to be the only Source of salvation. While this may have sounded in their ears like a rebuke, it was in fact a message of hope. It offered salvation to each of the members of the Sanhedrin, in spite of their past actions. The message was, and remains, good news available to all people. THE RECOGNITION (Acts 4:13) VERSE 13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. The members of the Sanhedrin were amazed. The verb may mean the group felt extremely impressed or extremely disturbed. Likely they experienced both emotions. Peter and John were uneducated and untrained men. These men had not benefited from training in the Jewish rabbinic schools. Because they lacked formal training, the apostles ability to enter an intimidating place like the Jewish high court and deliver a bold and clear message was startling. The Jewish religious leaders offered no other explanation for this boldness other than to observe that these men had been with Jesus. The Sanhedrin s observation was no doubt disturbing to its members. The religious leaders saw in Peter and John the same threat they had seen in Jesus. If these two apostles were typical of followers trained by Jesus, then the authorities faced a difficult task in suppressing Christianity. Believers today are called to demonstrate confidence and boldness in sharing the gospel. We also can expect to be challenged by others who do not accept the Lord Jesus and His teachings. However, we can also depend on the Holy Spirit to provide us with the courage and with the words we need to speak when facing challenging situations. The message we deliver remains the good news that salvation is available only through faith in Jesus. As we share that message, may the world continue to be amazed by the way that Jesus continues to speak and work through His faithful followers! EXPLORE FURTHER How would you present the exclusive nature of the gospel to people who have been taught that there are many ways to salvation? Session 5: Courageous 59

60 Session 6 > Acts 4:36-37; 5:1-11 Integrity Believers are to take sin within the church seriously. A pastor once accepted a call to a small church in a small town. He loved most aspects of his new ministry and found members of the congregation warm, committed, and eager to evangelize their community. However, as he invited people to visit the church, he repeatedly ran up against a barrier. To his dismay, he discovered the church was primarily known as the church where a certain unscrupulous businessman served as a church leader. This leader had earned a reputation for shady if not dishonest dealings. Some outsiders wanted nothing to do with a church that would honor such a man by making him a leader. Others did not blame the church, but they did not want to join a congregation that would put them in direct contact with an individual they did not respect. Outsiders often view our churches through the lens of the few church members they know. Our behavior as believers has an impact not only on what outsiders think of our church, but also on what they think of Christianity. God is concerned about how our behavior enhances or diminishes the reputation of His church and His gospel. The world judges the church by the actions of its members. God judges us by our adherence to His standards for His people, and His judgments are sure. UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT ACTS 4:32 5:16 Luke s record of the early church in Jerusalem weaves together accounts of major events such as what happened at Pentecost (2:1-40) and general summaries of life in the church (2:41-47). Following the report of the healing of the lame man and the Sanhedrin s failed attempt to suppress the gospel (3:1 4:31), Luke provided another summary (4:32-35). In spite of opposition, the apostles continued to preach the gospel, and the church continued to grow. Two remarkable features of the early church were the believers unity 60 Explore the Bible

61 and their ministry to one another. The believers were of one heart and mind (Acts 4:32). Their commitment to the Lord and to one another went beyond meetings and words. Those who possessed property sold lands or houses and brought the proceeds to the apostles to help meet each believer s basic needs (4:34-35). The early church was not a perfect fellowship, however. Following the summary statement in Acts 4:32-35, Luke recorded the actions of three individuals Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira. The writer clearly wanted his readers to learn from both the positive model of Barnabas and the shocking examples of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira [suh FIGH ruh]. The Holy Spirit s powerful presence in the early church was evident not only in the blessings it experienced but also in the accountability required of its members. EXPLORE THE TEXT EXHIBIT A: BARNABAS (Acts 4:36-37) VERSE 36 Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, One of those who contributed from his own wealth to help meet the basic needs (Acts 4:35) of his fellow Christians was named Joseph. Because Joseph was a common name and Luke wanted readers to know exactly who this man was, Luke identified him more precisely. Joseph was a Levite. The tribe of Levi was the priestly tribe. Joseph was also a Cypriot by birth. He was a native of the island of Cyprus. Various conflicts and conquests, as well as commerce in general, had resulted in Jews being dispersed throughout the Mediterranean world. Some feared that the Gentile majority with whom they lived and worked might too heavily influence Jews who lived at a distance from Jerusalem and the promised land. Yet devout Jews existed throughout the Mediterranean area. Luke did not record when Joseph came to Jerusalem or why he did so. Neither did Luke provide the details of Joseph s conversion. Had he immigrated to Judea some time ago? We don t know. What we do know is that he became a blessing to the church, for the apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which Luke noted means Son of Encouragement. The account of Barnabas as an encourager is clearly documented in Acts. Not only did Barnabas encourage the church with financial support, but also he spoke in favor of the persecutor Saul (Paul) after his conversion (9:27). Session 6: Integrity 61

62 The same Barnabas encouraged the church in Antioch in its early days (11:22-23), participated with Paul on the first missionary journey (chaps ), affirmed the mission to the Gentiles to those who criticized it (15:1-3,12), and insisted on giving John Mark a second chance at ministry following an earlier failure (15:37-39). No wonder that to those who knew his history of service, the name Barnabas became synonymous with encouragement. VERSE 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet. Barnabas s character revealed itself early in his dealings with the church. Seeing the need, he sold a field and donated the proceeds to the church. Luke gave us neither the location of the field nor the value of the land. Such details were less important than the fact that Barnabas saw the need, sold the land, and brought the proceeds to the apostles. Nothing in the text suggests Barnabas was required to perform this act of service. Apparently he did so of his own free will and as a voluntary expression of his concern for needy fellow believers. The description of the early church as a community of people of one heart and mind (4:32) and in which there was not a needy person (4:34) expressed an ideal realized in the church as a result of Spirit-led fellowship, not legalistic compulsion. Luke recounted the actions of Barnabas as an example of Spirit-led generosity. Barnabas did not give out of a sense of obligation. Nor does the text contain any hint that Barnabas gave to gain status or praise. Rather, Luke used the specific example of Barnabas to illustrate the result of his earlier statement that believers were of one heart and mind (4:32). Love for the Lord as well as for his brothers and sisters in Christ, along with genuine commitment to the mission they shared, motivated Barnabas to act unselfishly. Genuine commitment reveals itself in action. Barnabas s action encourages believers of every generation to view God s material blessings as divine opportunities to meet others needs. EXPLORE FURTHER Read the article titled Barnabas on pages in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. List various encouraging acts you have witnessed in your church, along with the positive results of those acts. What impact did others encouraging acts have on you? 62 Explore the Bible

63 EXHIBIT B: ANANIAS (Acts 5:1-6) VERSE 1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira [suh FIGH ruh], sold a piece of property. The account of Barnabas presents us with an example of behavior to emulate. In contrast, the account of Ananias and Sapphira presents an example of behavior to avoid. The two accounts begin in a parallel fashion. Like Barnabas, Ananias had resources that he was able to liquidate and to bring the proceeds to the apostles. The Greek term translated piece of property is not at all specific. The word could be used of a field, but also of a house or virtually any type of possession. Peter later referred to the possession Ananias sold as a plot of land (Acts 5:3). As in the account of Barnabas, the text nowhere implies that either the apostles or the church required Ananias to make this gift. In fact, Peter s questions indicate the opposite (5:4). VERSE 2 However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles feet. After Ananias sold the property, he only contributed a portion of the proceeds to the church. When describing the fact that Ananias and Sapphira kept back some of the money, Luke used a word that commonly implies the unethical skimming of funds. It can also be translated embezzled. The same word could describe secretly withholding for personal use part of a harvest that is community property. A major Greek version of the Old Testament uses the same term in association with Achan s taking for himself some of the items set apart by God for destruction at the conquest of Jericho (Josh. 7:1). In Acts 5:2, the word indicates Ananias kept something that was no longer his personal property. He stole it from its rightful owner. Reading verse 2 without reading the rest of the narrative might give the impression that Ananias s sin lay in giving only part of what he had received from the sale. However, as the account unfolds, Luke revealed the heart of the problem. Ananias and Sapphira had apparently announced they were giving the property, or the full value of the property when sold, to the Lord. At that point the property belonged to the Lord, and taking any of it for themselves was a theft equivalent to the sin of Achan. Lying to cover up the theft compounded the sin. Ananias acted with his wife s knowledge. The male head of the household typically managed the business affairs of the household in the first century. Session 6: Integrity 63

64 Regardless of how uninvolved Sapphira might have been in the couple s business matters, she was nevertheless aware of the situation and therefore was a party to the theft. Luke strengthened the contrast between the deceptive deed of Ananias and Sapphira and the praiseworthy act of Barnabas in the previous chapter by using the same words for the making of the contribution laid it at the apostles feet (see Acts 4:37). The phrase confirms a transfer of stewardship, not a transfer of ownership, to the apostles. The act makes the apostles responsible before the Lord to use the donated funds properly. VERSE 3 Then Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? Peter confronted Ananias. Luke did not record precisely when this confrontation occurred, but the tight sequence of events implies the confrontation occurred soon after Ananias made the contribution. Since Luke had stated that Ananias laid the gift at the apostles (plural) feet (5:2), we can assume several apostles were present and Peter served as their spokesman in this matter. We also are not informed how Peter knew about Ananias s sin. In any case the certainty in Peter s rebuke implies a sure knowledge, not a query based on a rumor. The emphasis in the passage on judgment by the Spirit seems to point to a Spirit-revealed knowledge of the situation and of what was in Ananias s heart. Peter s question to Ananias did not address the offense first, but rather the spiritual condition that led to the offense. The question Why has Satan filled your heart? echoes the condition of Judas when he betrayed Jesus (Luke 22:3). A heart yielding itself to Satan s control certainly represented a corrupting influence in a Christian community that previously was of one heart and mind (4:32). Just as the sin of Achan had an impact on the whole community (Josh. 7:1-26), tolerating deception and greed on the part of a wealthier member of the fellowship would threaten the health of the church and hurt the fellowship s witness to its community. The sin Peter exposed was Ananias s act of lying to the Holy Spirit. The specific content of the lie, committed in both words and action, was that Ananias kept back part of the proceeds from the field. The verb rendered keep back repeats the same Greek term used previously (5:2), thus indicating the taking or stealing of funds belonging to another. A surface reading of the text might lead us to view Ananias s sin as keeping back part of the proceeds from the sale. However, Peter s comments make clear that the sin was the lie, rather than the failure to give the entire proceeds from the sale of the land. 64 Explore the Bible

65 VERSE 4 Wasn t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God! A series of questions and a statement detail the willful nature of Ananias s sin and the seriousness of it. The first question points out that the property belonged to Ananias and implies he was not obligated to give it to the church. He possessed it and so was free to do whatever he wanted to do with it, including simply keeping it. Since Ananias had this option, clearly the early church did not require its members to pool their possessions as a condition of membership. The second question addresses the funds received from the sale. After the plot of land was sold, the proceeds remained at Ananias s disposal. Apparently even at that point he could have retained the money. These first two questions assume that both the land and then the proceeds from the sale remained in Ananias s power, and he had the right to do whatever he wished with both. With the final question, Peter asked Ananias why he had contrived this deed in his heart. Ananias s act was not an ill-advised impulse. This plan was contrived, or more literally, put in place by Ananias, and Peter asked him why he would think doing so was a good idea. What did he hope to gain, and how could he think he would get away with the deception? Peter s final statement brought home the severity of the offense. Ananias certainly knew he was deceiving the church. He likely was motivated by a desire to gain praise and esteem that he had not really earned. In lying about the proceeds of the sale of the land, Ananias had broken a sacred trust. He had attempted to deceive the church. The Spirit of God indwelled the church. The church was the family of God. Lying to the church was not only lying to men but also was lying to God. VERSE 5 When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. When Peter revealed that Ananias s deception had failed, and Ananias heard the true nature of his offense against God, he dropped dead. We are not told how Ananias died. He might have dropped dead from the shock and stress of the confrontation, especially when he recognized the true seriousness of his sin. However, the response of Peter and the church as a whole indicates they recognized the hand of God as active in the death. Session 6: Integrity 65

66 A great fear came on those who heard about the event. Nothing indicates the church feared the apostles. Rather, the church experienced a wholesome fear of the Lord. The event confirmed in believers minds the reality that God indwelt His people. God s presence brought them in contact with God s power, not only for blessing but also for judgment. VERSE 6 The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him. A death among the Jews normally led to a period of mourning, preparation of the body, and burial. Because of the warm climate and because embalming was not typically practiced, the body was usually buried as soon as possible. However, immediate burial without ceremony was rare. Burial also generally involved taking the body outside the city, normally to a region where caves were used as tombs. In the case of Ananias s burial, the young men who were assigned the duty wrapped the body, removed it, buried it outside the city, and returned, all in the space of about three hours (see Acts 5:7,9). The abrupt nature of the disposal of the body reveals that the church understood this death as something outside the ordinary. Such hasty burials were generally reserved for criminals, suicides, and individuals whose deaths were recognized as judgments from God. Apparently the church recognized that God s judgment had fallen on Ananias and that as a result it was inappropriate for the believers to mourn his death as they typically would mourn for someone who died. Even as they buried Ananias as one judged by God, surely other believers reflected on their own sins. Who could question but that God was indeed in their midst? Did the realization of His presence and of their own sins call them to repentance and make even more precious the gift of forgiveness and salvation available through the sacrifice of Christ? As believers today we also need reminders of God s presence, of the serious nature of sin, as well as of the gift of God s grace. EXPLORE FURTHER Read the articles titled Discipline and Divine Retribution on pages and respectively in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Why do you think God dealt so severely with Ananias? 66 Explore the Bible

67 EXHIBIT C: SAPPHIRA (Acts 5:7-11) VERSE 7 There was an interval of about three hours; then his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Sapphira had conspired in the deception that her husband planned. She knew what he was going to do (Acts 5:2) and apparently had done nothing to dissuade or repudiate his actions. However, Sapphira had not been present when Peter had confronted Ananias. About three hours after Ananias s death, Sapphira came in and was unaware of what had happened to her husband. Luke did not explain where she had been or what she was doing. He also did not record where the confrontation took place. Since the apostles, the young men, and other church members seem to have all been present, the confrontation might have happened in one of the church s regular meeting places. Also, if Ananias was seeking public acclaim for his generous gift, he likely would have brought it to the apostles in as public a setting as possible. Luke reported that the church regularly met in Solomon s Colonnade (5:12). Thus the events related to Ananias and Sapphira possibly occurred there. VERSE 8 Tell me, Peter asked her, did you sell the field for this price? Yes, she said, for that price. When Sapphira arrived, Peter did not immediately tell her what had happened to Ananias. Rather, he asked her a question in order to discern if she had been a party to the lie. The apostle asked Sapphira, Did you sell the field for this price? The pronoun you in Peter s question is plural, indicating that both Ananias and Sapphira were participants in the transaction. After all, Ananias might have deceived his wife also and brought less to the church than he had told her he would. Unfortunately, she confirmed that the amount of the donation was the same as the sale price, thus continuing the lie that her husband previously had told. VERSE 9 Then Peter said to her, Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out! Session 6: Integrity 67

68 Peter s question gave Sapphira the opportunity to repent and tell the truth. However, Sapphira s response confirmed that she and Ananias had planned the deception together, and she was determined to continue the lie. Peter s role was to confront rather than to judge. God would carry out the judgment. Peter s next question likely conveys more sadness than curiosity: Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Again the pronoun you is plural, indicating Peter s understanding that Ananias and Sapphira had hatched this plan together and had agreed in union to carry it out. Although Peter may have wondered what motivated the couple, he also may have been expressing astonishment that they thought they could successfully lie to the Spirit. Because of Sapphira s lie, the same would happen to her as had happened to Ananias. Again, the apostle did not pass sentence or cause her death. The judgment came from God. The shock of hearing Peter s words must have been an enormous blow to Sapphira. However, the passage clearly indicates that her death was a judgment from the Lord. VERSE 10 Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. The instant she heard Peter s words, Sapphira dropped dead at his feet. The Greek term rendered dropped dead literally means to expire or to breathe one s last. The young men who had just returned from burying Ananias came in and found Sapphira dead. They then took her body and buried her beside her husband. The cave-like tombs of the time often had several shelves on which corpses could be placed. A tomb often served an entire family and sometimes several generations, with the bones from previous burials being moved when a fresh burial place was needed. With Sapphira, as with Ananias, no mention is made of any mourning, ceremony, or delay in the burial process. Her body, too, was dealt with as one whose death was a shameful event. In death, the esteem the couple had sought turned to shame. The possessions they kept back passed to others. The secret they conspired to keep became public. The blessings the Lord had given them became a curse as they tried to serve two masters. And they have been remembered not as gracious benefactors, but as people who lacked integrity. VERSE 11 Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things. 68 Explore the Bible

69 Understandably, the account of Ananias and Sapphira inspired great fear the fear of the Lord. Nothing is hidden from Him. Our lives are in His hands, and we are dependent on His grace. His blessings abound, and His judgments are sure. Reverent awe is the appropriate response to His greatness. In the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, believers experienced the reality of the presence of the living God, and they responded in awe. Those outside the church also responded with fear. The phrase the whole church and... all who heard encompasses not only the church, but also unbelievers who heard about what happened. The community around the church became aware of not only the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, but also of many other signs and wonders being done through the apostles (5:12). As a result, unbelievers held the followers of Jesus in high regard (5:13). The evident, powerful working of God drew people from the city and from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, and believers were added in growing numbers (5:14-16). The reference to Peter s shadow in verse 15 reflects a belief in the ancient world that an individual s shadow represented his or her power and personality. The accounts of Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira illustrate the powerful working of God in the midst of His people. Some individuals, like Barnabas, are persons of integrity and provide positive examples of godly living. Others, like Ananias and Sapphira, remind us that God is not fooled or mocked. We need to examine our motives, because we are accountable to Him for our motives as well as for our actions. This Bible passage also reminds us that sin always has consequences, both in this life and in the next. Our awesome God is real, and He expects His people to be persons of integrity. EXPLORE FURTHER Both the generosity of Barnabas and the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira for their duplicity conveyed a sense of God s presence in the early community of believers. Does your church have a powerful awareness of the presence and working of God in your midst? What might generate a greater awareness of His presence? Session 6: Integrity 69

70 Expansion of the Early Church Expansion of the Early Church is taken from The Holman Bible Atlas 1998 B&H Publishing Group, page 242. Used by permission.

71 Acts 1 12 First there were 12. Then 120. Suddenly 3,000 were added. Then 5,000. Like the growth of a tiny seed into a giant tree, the church called into being by Christ, planted in the gospel, and nourished by the power of the Holy Spirit pursues to this day its mission of being witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. By digging deep into Acts 1 12, today s Christ-followers can reconnect with their dramatic early story, renew their passion to obey the Lord, and refocus their vision as His global witnesses. Let the Word dwell in you. LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible

The Book Of Acts. Introduction To Acts. Introduction To Acts. Introduction To The Book of Acts. Micky Galloway 1. Introduction

The Book Of Acts. Introduction To Acts. Introduction To Acts. Introduction To The Book of Acts. Micky Galloway 1. Introduction The Book Of Acts Introduction Acts is a book of history. This book tells of: the final instruction of Jesus to the apostles His ascension the descent of the promised Holy Spirit on the 12 apostles at Pentecost

More information

The Early Church in the Book of Acts. July 4, 2013 Intro Lecture Lakeside Institute of Theology Ross Arnold, Summer 2013

The Early Church in the Book of Acts. July 4, 2013 Intro Lecture Lakeside Institute of Theology Ross Arnold, Summer 2013 The Early Church in the Book of Acts July 4, 2013 Intro Lecture Lakeside Institute of Theology Ross Arnold, Summer 2013 Policies and Requirements 1. Classes are free, but all students seeking a certificate

More information

JOURNEYS THROUGH THE BIBLE

JOURNEYS THROUGH THE BIBLE JOURNEYS THROUGH THE BIBLE #7. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES is the name given to the second New Testament book written by Luke for Theophilus (Luke 1:3). Though some contend the

More information

Introduction. Book of Acts

Introduction. Book of Acts Introduction Book of Acts Commonly called The Acts Of The Apostles, it is simply titled Acts in some of the oldest manuscripts. The focus is clearly on some of the acts or deeds of mostly Peter (the key

More information

4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$

4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ For by grace you are saved through faith, and 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ this is not from yourselves; it is God s gift Adult Learner Guide large print spring 2011 not from

More information

Zach Benton, College and Young Adult Pastor

Zach Benton, College and Young Adult Pastor Zach Benton, College and Young Adult Pastor THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES The Church of Jesus on Mission Empowered by the Spirit Sarah Margaret (6) was in big church with us for the opening message on Acts.

More information

From Dust to Destiny

From Dust to Destiny From Dust to Destiny Luke-Acts (Acts of the Apostles?) Evidence for one work, two volumes Similar prologues ( theophilus"; "in my first work"; "all that Jesus began to do") Similar language (vocabulary

More information

The Book of ACTS. The Acts of the Apostles Acts of the Holy Spirit! Book of Acts - Jesus continued to do!

The Book of ACTS. The Acts of the Apostles Acts of the Holy Spirit! Book of Acts - Jesus continued to do! The Book of ACTS By Luke, probably a physician our dear friend the Doctor, Luke in Colossians 4.14 Luke is an accomplished writer, extremely well educated. Precise and detailed accounts. to Theophilus

More information

A LOOK AT A BOOK: The Acts of the Apostles February 12, 2012

A LOOK AT A BOOK: The Acts of the Apostles February 12, 2012 A LOOK AT A BOOK: The Acts of the Apostles February 12, 2012 Introduction Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus, the event which marked the end of the earthly ministry of Jesus (Luke 24:50-53) and which

More information

UNSTOPPABLE MISSION SESSION 1. The Point. The Passage

UNSTOPPABLE MISSION SESSION 1. The Point. The Passage SESSION 1 UNSTOPPABLE MISSION The Point The Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the gospel. The Passage Acts 1:4-8,12-14 The Bible Meets Life We don t like to wait. Chalk it up to impatience, or maybe it

More information

ACTS (Luke s 2 nd Volume)

ACTS (Luke s 2 nd Volume) ACTS (Luke s 2 nd Volume) Theme: The Birth and Expansion of the Church Author: Luke, the beloved physician (Acts 1:1; Luke 1:1-4) Date of Writing: c. A.D. 61 63 (see Acts 28:30-31) Purpose: Time Frame:

More information

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK contents Publisher s Note 7 1. Backgrounds 9 2. The Risen Lord 13 3. Pentecost Birthday of the Church 17 4. The Healing of a Lame Man 25 5. The Beginning of Persecution 29 6. Purity, Purging, and Persecution

More information

A n I n - D e p t h B o o k b y B o o k S t u d y o f t h e B i b l e. Romans BIBLE STUDIES FOR THE DEAF FALL 2011

A n I n - D e p t h B o o k b y B o o k S t u d y o f t h e B i b l e. Romans BIBLE STUDIES FOR THE DEAF FALL 2011 A n I n - D e p t h B o o k b y B o o k S t u d y o f t h e B i b l e Romans BIBLE STUDIES FOR THE DEAF FALL 2011 4EXPLORING)))THE)))BIBLE$ BIBLE STUDIES FOR THE DEAF FALL 2011 VOLUME 21 NUMBER 1 PRODUCTION

More information

As Peter continued to preach, the number of converts grew to over Persecution toward the church slowly started at this stage.

As Peter continued to preach, the number of converts grew to over Persecution toward the church slowly started at this stage. 43 1. Church Born [Acts 1 2] The church was born in Jerusalem on the Jewish feast day of Pentecost when the promised Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Christ. They spoke in many different languages

More information

CALLED TO MAKE DISCIPLES

CALLED TO MAKE DISCIPLES April 28 Lesson 9 (NIV) CALLED TO MAKE DISCIPLES DEVOTIONAL READING: Colossians 3:12 17 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:16 20; Acts 1:6 8 MATTHEW 28:16 20 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee,

More information

The Acts of the Apostles, or simply, Acts

The Acts of the Apostles, or simply, Acts I. Title: Acts of the Apostles The Acts of the Apostles, or simply, Acts The title, Acts of the Apostles, distorts the thrust of the book. Only two apostles are the focus of the book, Peter, then Paul.

More information

4, 2012 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA MINISTRY INVOCATION

4, 2012 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA MINISTRY INVOCATION November 4, 2012 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA MINISTRY INVOCATION Help us to know truth and be staunch in standing by that truth. In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

More information

WINTER PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE

WINTER PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE WINTER 2017-18 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE Contents Jesus Changes Everything SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF Introduction 10 December 3 Session 1 Jesus Calls 13 December

More information

4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$

4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ For by grace you are saved through faith, and 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ this is not from yourselves; DISCOVERY it is God s gift Adult STUDY Guide not from works, so Spring

More information

Sample file. Part 1: Peter Leads Christ s Church.

Sample file. Part 1: Peter Leads Christ s Church. An adventure in God s Word for your Family Scripture Adventures Acts of the Apostles KJV Version Part 1: Peter Leads Christ s Church www.scriptureadventures.com www.scriptureadventures.com Sample pages

More information

Workbook On The Book Of Acts

Workbook On The Book Of Acts Workbook On The Book Of Acts And He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon

More information

SESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER. 78 SeSSion LifeWay

SESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER. 78 SeSSion LifeWay SESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER 78 SeSSion 7 The Point Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us alone. The Passage Acts 1:3-11 The Bible Meets Life We come to faith in Jesus when we realize we cannot

More information

Survey of Acts and Romans. by Duane L. Anderson

Survey of Acts and Romans. by Duane L. Anderson Survey of Acts and Romans by Duane L. Anderson Survey of Acts and Romans A study of the books of Acts and Romans for Small Group or Personal Bible Study American Indian Bible Institute Box 511 Norwalk,

More information

Family Devotional. Year Year 1 Quarter 3. God s Word for ALL Generations

Family Devotional. Year Year 1 Quarter 3. God s Word for ALL Generations 3 Year Year 1 Quarter 3 Family Devotional Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. Psalm 119:89 90 God s

More information

Sample file. Part 3: Beyond the New Testament.

Sample file. Part 3: Beyond the New Testament. An adventure in God s Word for your Family Scripture Adventures Acts of the Apostles KJV Version Part 3: Beyond the New Testament www.scriptureadventures.com www.scriptureadventures.com Sample pages from

More information

SPRING 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE GOD IS... STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE

SPRING 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE GOD IS... STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE SPRING 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE GOD IS... STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE Contents God Is... SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF Introduction... 10. March 4 Session 1 Our Provider... 13 March 11 Session 2 Our

More information

Week 6 The Kingdom of God is Expanding The Book of Acts

Week 6 The Kingdom of God is Expanding The Book of Acts Week 6 The Kingdom of God is Expanding The Book of Acts The Holy Spirit empowers the church to carry the message of the Kingdom to all nations The book of Acts is an historical account of the spread of

More information

A 3 Lesson Bible Study on the New Testament Plan of Salvation Revealed and Fulfilled

A 3 Lesson Bible Study on the New Testament Plan of Salvation Revealed and Fulfilled A 3 Lesson Bible Study on the New Testament Plan of Salvation Revealed and Fulfilled The Holy Ghost in Acts 3 Lesson Study of the New Testament Plan of Salvation by Scott Lynn Last Revised February 2014,

More information

The universal testimony of the early church says Acts was written by Luke (see Authorship under Gospel of Luke for more information).

The universal testimony of the early church says Acts was written by Luke (see Authorship under Gospel of Luke for more information). 5. Acts A. Authorship of Acts The universal testimony of the early church says Acts was written by Luke (see Authorship under Gospel of Luke for more information). The title, Acts, points to the movement

More information

Copyright 2010 Jim Reese Ministries

Copyright 2010 Jim Reese Ministries Copyright 2010 Jim Reese Ministries. This file is the sole property of Jim Reese Ministries. It may be copied only in its entirety and all copies of this file must contain this copyright notice. This file

More information

SESSION WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? COMMUNITY FOR THE WIN THE SETTING LUKE 24:44-49

SESSION WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? COMMUNITY FOR THE WIN THE SETTING LUKE 24:44-49 SESSION 6 COMMUNITY FOR THE WIN THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE Businesses love viral marketing. They may initiate an ad, but through social networking individuals grab on to it and pass it along. When you like something,

More information

Introduction The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospe

Introduction The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospe Bishop Youssef Introduction The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection

More information

BIBLE STUDIES FOR THE

BIBLE STUDIES FOR THE For by grace you are saved through faith, and 4EXPLORE)))THE)))BIBLE$ this is not from yourselves; it is God s gift BIBLE STUDIES FOR THE not from works, so that no one can boast. SPRING 2011 DEAF Philippians,

More information

The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-21) Notes: Week Four

The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-21) Notes: Week Four The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-21) Notes: Week Four Acts 2:1-21 (NIV) 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound

More information

Disciplers Bible Studies

Disciplers Bible Studies Disciplers Bible Studies ACTS LESSON 1 Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles Introduction The Book of Acts is found in the New Testament between the four Gospels and the Epistles. Its major importance

More information

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 Unit 30, Session 1: Paul s Conversion and Baptism. Dear Parents,

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 Unit 30, Session 1: Paul s Conversion and Baptism. Dear Parents, SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 Unit 30, Session 1: Paul s Conversion and Baptism Saul was no stranger to religion. He grew up in a religious household. He was a devout Jew who was born in Tarsus (Phil. 3:5)

More information

The Promise of the Father. READ Acts 1:1-11

The Promise of the Father. READ Acts 1:1-11 The Promise of the Father Acts 1:1-11 INTRO: This will be a long but exciting series Not long and boring 28 thrilling chapters explaining the roots and foundation of the Christian Church. Our roots and

More information

Sermons in Acts: No Partiality

Sermons in Acts: No Partiality Sermons in Acts: No Partiality After Stephen was martyred by the Jewish Council, a persecution rose against the church in Jerusalem:! A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church

More information

Overview of Paul s Ministry

Overview of Paul s Ministry Overview of Paul s Ministry I.) First Missionary Journey (Acts 13 14:28) (Date: AD 47 49) a. Starts at Antioch in Syria i. Church commissioned Paul and Barnabas for missionary journey (John Mark joined

More information

The Gospel Message. Christ s death and resurrection are central to the gospel message.

The Gospel Message. Christ s death and resurrection are central to the gospel message. Session 1 The Gospel Message Christ s death and resurrection are central to the gospel message. ACTS 13:26-39 When we first meet new neighbors, we usually probe to find out a little about their history.

More information

KINDERGARTEN SPRING 2017 KIDS ACTIVITY PAGES JESUS TEACHES ME HOW TO LIVE JESUS IS ALIVE! LEARNING ABOUT CHURCH. Kids

KINDERGARTEN SPRING 2017 KIDS ACTIVITY PAGES JESUS TEACHES ME HOW TO LIVE JESUS IS ALIVE! LEARNING ABOUT CHURCH. Kids KINDERGARTEN SPRING 2017 KIDS ACTIVITY PAGES JESUS TEACHES ME HOW TO LIVE JESUS IS ALIVE! LEARNING ABOUT CHURCH Kids CONTENTS BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE KINDERGARTEN UNIT 1. JESUS TEACHES ME HOW TO LIVE Mar.

More information

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Lesson 1 Study Questions Acts 1:1-26

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Lesson 1 Study Questions Acts 1:1-26 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Lesson 1 Study Questions Acts 1:1-26 DAY ONE 1. Acts of the Apostles is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, in which Luke recorded Jesus' life and teachings on earth until He was

More information

PAUL'S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

PAUL'S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS PAUL'S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS LESSON 19 caring for PEOPLE for PEOPLE matter to God Romans 5:8 Probably no individual, save the son of God Himself, has more influenced the cause of Christ than the Apostle

More information

The Gospel Of Luke The Acts Of The Apostles. Prepared By Jeff Smith

The Gospel Of Luke The Acts Of The Apostles. Prepared By Jeff Smith The Gospel Of Luke The Acts Of The Apostles Prepared By Jeff Smith The Two Treatises Biblical Studies In Luke & Acts General Introduction Overview A great masterpiece has been written. You obtain a copy

More information

FALL 2016 LEADER GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR UNVARNISHED TRUTH: LIFE S GREATEST STORY UNSTOPPABLE GOSPEL

FALL 2016 LEADER GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR UNVARNISHED TRUTH: LIFE S GREATEST STORY UNSTOPPABLE GOSPEL FALL 2016 LEADER GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR UNVARNISHED TRUTH: LIFE S GREATEST STORY UNSTOPPABLE GOSPEL GET INTO THE STUDY GUIDE: Direct attention to the contents page in the PSG (p. 3). Review

More information

SPRING 2017 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR VICTORY IDENTITY: MY LIFE OF FAITH

SPRING 2017 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR VICTORY IDENTITY: MY LIFE OF FAITH SPRING 2017 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR VICTORY IDENTITY: MY LIFE OF FAITH Contents Victory SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF Introduction... 10. March 5 Session 1 Jesus, Our Victor... 13

More information

BACK TO THE BIBLE. 30 Days To Understanding The Bible

BACK TO THE BIBLE. 30 Days To Understanding The Bible BACK TO THE BIBLE 30 Days To Understanding The Bible PART FOUR There are 4 main divisions in the Gospel Era: 1. Early Life 2. Early Ministry 3. Later Life 4. Death and Resurrection 3 EARLY LIFE: Childhood

More information

82 SESSION LifeWay

82 SESSION LifeWay 82 SESSION 7 The Point Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us alone. The Passage Acts 1:3-11 The Bible Meets Life We come to faith in Jesus when we realize we cannot come to God on our own. We are

More information

UNSTOPPABLE MESSAGE SESSION 2. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns as Lord.

UNSTOPPABLE MESSAGE SESSION 2. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns as Lord. SESSION 2 UNSTOPPABLE MESSAGE The Point Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns as Lord. The Passage Acts 2:22-24,32-33,36-38 The Bible Meets Life Do you know the original mission statement of

More information

THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EVIDENCE

THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EVIDENCE THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EVIDENCE Christianity appeals to the intellect. The Bible repeatedly urges us to seek knowledge and wisdom from God, and to flee ignorance and superstition. Jesus told

More information

SESSION WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? UNSTOPPABLE MISSION THE SETTING ACTS 1:4-8 4 ACTS 1:

SESSION WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? UNSTOPPABLE MISSION THE SETTING ACTS 1:4-8 4 ACTS 1: SESSION UNSTOPPABLE MISSION THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE Living the Christian life on our own is not only difficult, it s impossible. Thankfully, when the Holy Spirit came, He empowered the disciples for a mission

More information

NewLife. The Church. Study 1. Unit A. My Church. READ: Matthew 16: 13-23

NewLife. The Church. Study 1. Unit A. My Church. READ: Matthew 16: 13-23 BIBLE STUDY COURSE This study sheet belongs to: Study 1. The Church Unit A My Church READ: Matthew 1: 1- KEY VERSE: Matthew 1: 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build

More information

Panorama Bible Study The Plan of the Ages, Study 10 THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE FROM PENTECOST TO THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

Panorama Bible Study The Plan of the Ages, Study 10 THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE FROM PENTECOST TO THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST 1 of 8 Panorama Bible Study The Plan of the Ages, Study 10 THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE FROM PENTECOST TO THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST The Following Scripture is The Most Important Scripture in the Bible that

More information

The Spirit Acts 2 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson, August 26, 2018

The Spirit Acts 2 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson, August 26, 2018 The Spirit Acts 2 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson, August 26, 2018 THE SPIRIT 2:1-21 Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for, to be overcome by Your presence, Lord. 1 Holy Spirit,

More information

LOOKING FOR JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

LOOKING FOR JOY IN YOUR LIFE? LOOKING FOR JOY IN YOUR LIFE? A healthy and robust bank account A nice house full of valued possessions A long list of family and friends These are the things we often strive for to give our lives the

More information

Acts 1:3 The events at the beginning of Acts take place forty days after Jesus crucifixion.

Acts 1:3 The events at the beginning of Acts take place forty days after Jesus crucifixion. Acts of the Apostles Youth Group Study Introduction to Acts Imagine that you are a follower of Jesus. A little over a month ago, Jesus has been killed by the Romans, crucified as a political revolutionary.

More information

Acts of the Apostles

Acts of the Apostles Acts of the Apostles Name: Date: Score: Acts of the Apostles tells how in 30 years Christianity spread from Jerusalem to Rome, from the Jews to the Gentiles. Acts was written by Luke, the same person who

More information

A Chronology of Events Affecting the Church of Christ from the First Century to the Restoration

A Chronology of Events Affecting the Church of Christ from the First Century to the Restoration A Chronology of Events Affecting the Church of Christ from the First Century to the Restoration 1. The Coming of the Christ and the Founding of His Church: BC 4 to AD 100 These notes rely heavily upon

More information

WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? Page 1 of 5 The Baptism and Filling of the Holy WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? The term "baptism of the " occurs in only 6 places in the Bible: Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts

More information

THE BOOK OF ACTS PAUL

THE BOOK OF ACTS PAUL THE BOOK OF ACTS PAUL LP11 The Bible gives us little information about the Apostle Paul in his early years. But Paul refers to himself in many places and we come to know something about him. He was born

More information

FALL 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE

FALL 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE FALL 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE WELCOME HOME HOW TO PRAY Contents Welcome Home: Connecting and Engaging People in Your Church SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF Introduction... 10.. September 2 Session 1 Reality

More information

The Church of the Servant King

The Church of the Servant King Survey of the Bible Series The Book of Acts (SB_Acts_Introduction_Part 2) Title and author the title of the book of Acts or Acts of the Apostles is a little misleading, even though we have references to

More information

Week 1: January 30, 2017 February 5, 2017

Week 1: January 30, 2017 February 5, 2017 Week 1: January 30, 2017 February 5, 2017 Scripture: DAY 1: Luke 1:1-4, Luke 24:37-53, The Prequel DAY 2: Acts 1:1-11, Jesus Ascension DAY 3: Acts 2:1-13, John 16:7-15, Pentecost DAY 4: Acts 2:14-21, Joel

More information

Why Are You Standing Here?

Why Are You Standing Here? Why Are You Standing Here? - 1 - Sunday, May 28, 2017 Why Are You Standing Here? (A Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of Eastertide Ascension Sunday) Text: Acts 1:1-11 [Psalm 104:24-35; Matthew 28:16-20; I

More information

Walking. Apostles. with the. Forty-Five Days in the. Book of Acts. Denzil R. Miller

Walking. Apostles. with the. Forty-Five Days in the. Book of Acts. Denzil R. Miller Walking Apostles with the Forty-Five Days in the Book of Acts Denzil R. Miller Walking with the Apostles: Forty-Five Days in the Book of Acts. 2016 Denzil R. Miller. All rights reserved. No part of this

More information

The Acts of the Apostles I To the Jew First In Jerusalem

The Acts of the Apostles I To the Jew First In Jerusalem The Acts of the Apostles I The Continuation of Christ s Ministry Acts 1:1-26 I. HIS FINAL INSTRUCTIONS (Acts 1:1-8) A. The Former Treatise (Acts 1:1) i. Refers to Luke (Luke 1:1-4) ii. Treatise: a systematic

More information

UNIT 1: PETER LEADS THE CHURCH

UNIT 1: PETER LEADS THE CHURCH INTRODUCTION 1. Welcome to Discover the Acts of the Apostles 2. Finding Your Way Through the New Testament 3. How Did We Get the New Testament? 4. What s in Discover the Acts of the Apostles? 5. Learn

More information

Devotional. Witnesses for Christ

Devotional. Witnesses for Christ Witnesses for Christ 14 Devotional William Carey, a poor English shoemaker, was born in 1761. After his conversion at age 18, he began preaching in some small Baptist chapels, supporting himself by his

More information

DISCUSSION GUIDE :: WEEK 3

DISCUSSION GUIDE :: WEEK 3 DISCUSSION GUIDE :: WEEK 3 THE UNDERDOG WHEN I'VE DONE IT TO MYSELF ACTS 9:1-31 11/14/2016 MAIN POINT Everyone who believes the gospel is forever changed, and God uses others to help us in our new way

More information

Course of Study School at Perkins School of Theology 2017 Lindsey M. Trozzo, Ph.D.

Course of Study School at Perkins School of Theology 2017 Lindsey M. Trozzo, Ph.D. Course of Study School at Perkins School of Theology 2017 Lindsey M. Trozzo, Ph.D. lindsey.trozzo@gmail.com Bible III: Gospels (321) This class invites us to be curious, interested, and imaginative readers

More information

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Session 7 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit This session covers: The purpose and evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit Whether it is a separate experience from salvation How to receive the baptism of

More information

The Gospel Message. Christ s death and resurrection are central to the gospel message.

The Gospel Message. Christ s death and resurrection are central to the gospel message. Session 1 The Gospel Message Christ s death and resurrection are central to the gospel message. ACTS 13:26-39 When we first meet new neighbors, we usually probe to find out a little about their history.

More information

PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE

PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE Contents Jesus Changes Everything Introduction Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Article: Jesus

More information

GALATIANS Experiencing True Freedom in Christ

GALATIANS Experiencing True Freedom in Christ GALATIANS Experiencing True Freedom in Christ LifeWay Press Nashville, Tennessee EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Galatians Experiencing True Freedom in Christ Let the Word dwell in you. 2018 LifeWay Press ISBN 978-1-5359-3337-7

More information

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE - LESSON 6

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE - LESSON 6 UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE - LESSON 6 In our last lesson we considered the various dispensations in Scripture. A dispensation, literally house law, is a system of management by which God governs His household.

More information

True Gospel Believers must faithfully hold to the only true gospel message Jesus crucified and resurrected.

True Gospel Believers must faithfully hold to the only true gospel message Jesus crucified and resurrected. Session 1 True Gospel Believers must faithfully hold to the only true gospel message Jesus crucified and resurrected. GALATIANS 1:1-10 Have you ever tried to open a door with the wrong key? Perhaps the

More information

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE LESSON 6

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE LESSON 6 UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE LESSON 6 Memory verse: Acts 4:12 The name referred to in the above verse is of course that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please memorize the above verse and be prepared to write it

More information

We invite you to pray the following prayer, or use your own words, as you begin your reading and reflections each week: Come Holy Spirit,

We invite you to pray the following prayer, or use your own words, as you begin your reading and reflections each week: Come Holy Spirit, Read Acts for Easter Let us spend this Easter season celebrating with and learning from the first disciples. Journey with us in community as we read about, explore, and share in the mission of the early

More information

The Church at Its Best

The Church at Its Best ACTS 2 The Church at Its Best Personal Prep Setting the Heart Jesus did some impressive things while He was here on earth: miracles, healings, demonic deliverances, and much more. Yet He told His apostles

More information

FOR GOD SO LOVED... A Bible study focused on Jesus and His Amazing Love John 13-21

FOR GOD SO LOVED... A Bible study focused on Jesus and His Amazing Love John 13-21 A Bible study focused on Jesus and His Amazing Love John 13-21 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:

More information

YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES

YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES Lesson 1 for July 7, 2018 The first chapter of Acts recounts the last days of Jesus on Earth and the first reactions of the disciples after His Ascension. The last words of Jesus

More information

New Testament Lesson 40: DAY OF PENTECOST. Text: Acts 1; 2

New Testament Lesson 40: DAY OF PENTECOST. Text: Acts 1; 2 NT-Lesson 40 Page 1 New Testament Lesson 40: DAY OF PENTECOST Text: Acts 1; 2 Memory Verses: Acts 2:37,38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest

More information

The Outpouring of the Spirit and the Salvation of Israel

The Outpouring of the Spirit and the Salvation of Israel The Outpouring of the Spirit and the Salvation of Israel I. INTRODUCTION 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty

More information

I. Observation: See the Big Picture

I. Observation: See the Big Picture The Soul Winner s Pulpit: Evangelism Strategies from Acts Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Text-Driven Preaching Conference 2019 Daniel C. Dickard, Ph.D. March 4, 2019 The necessity of gospel

More information

SPRING 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE

SPRING 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE SPRING 2018 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE GOD IS STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE A PROMISE THAT WILL NEVER BE BROKEN It hurts when people break a promise. Some people make promises they have no intention of honoring.

More information

11 The Next To the Greatest Story Ever Told

11 The Next To the Greatest Story Ever Told THE NEXT TO THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD 119 11 The Next To the Greatest Story Ever Told In 1965 a motion picture company released a cinema on the life of Christ which was called The Greatest Story Ever

More information

1, 2 Peter; Jude: Living Through Tough Times

1, 2 Peter; Jude: Living Through Tough Times An In-Depth Book-by-Book Study of the Bible 1, 2 Peter; Jude: Living Through Tough Times PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE LARGE PRINT FALL 2012 Meet the Writer PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE This periodical is designed for

More information

Course of Study School at Perkins School of Theology 2018 Lindsey M. Trozzo, Ph.D.

Course of Study School at Perkins School of Theology 2018 Lindsey M. Trozzo, Ph.D. Course of Study School at Perkins School of Theology 2018 Lindsey M. Trozzo, Ph.D. lindsey.trozzo@gmail.com Bible III: Gospels (321) This class invites us to be curious, interested, and imaginative readers

More information

WEEK ONE BAPTIZED: THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT

WEEK ONE BAPTIZED: THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT WEEK ONE BAPTIZED: THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the

More information

Structure of the New Testament

Structure of the New Testament Chapter 15 The Geography and Structure of the New Testament 228 Geography of the New Testament 2115 229 Geography of the Old Testament Mediterranean Sea of Galilee Jordan River Bodies of Water in the Gospel

More information

CONTENTS FOREWORD... 5

CONTENTS FOREWORD... 5 CONTENTS FOREWORD.......................................... 5 GETTING STARTED How to Use this Discussion Guide......................... 7 Q Place Guidelines...................................... 8 Tools

More information

The Book of Acts. Study Guide THE BACKGROUND OF ACTS LESSON ONE. The Book of Acts by Third Millennium Ministries

The Book of Acts. Study Guide THE BACKGROUND OF ACTS LESSON ONE. The Book of Acts by Third Millennium Ministries 1 Study Guide LESSON ONE THE BACKGROUND OF ACTS For videos, manuscripts, and other Lesson resources, 1: The Background visit Third Millennium of Acts Ministries at thirdmill.org. 2 CONTENTS HOW TO USE

More information

The Bible Meets Life

The Bible Meets Life The Point Jesus can transform even the most hostile opponent into a faithful believer. The Passage Acts 26:9-20 The Bible Meets Life Hatred can be an all-consuming passion. People can be so strong in their

More information

Acts Of the Apostles. Dr. Thomas Clark

Acts Of the Apostles. Dr. Thomas Clark Acts Of the Apostles by Dr. Thomas Clark Acts of the Apostles By Dr. Thomas Clark It is a violation of Christian ethics to reproduce any part of this manual without written permission from the publisher

More information

A Study of Special Conversions in the Acts of Apostles (#1)

A Study of Special Conversions in the Acts of Apostles (#1) HOME BIBLE STUDY SERIES A Study of Special Conversions in the Acts of Apostles (#1) 1 -- Conversion of 3,000 on Pentecost 2 -- Conversion of the Ethiopian Treasurer 3 -- Conversion of Saul of Tarsus HOME

More information

Answering Critics. The gospel demands a response of repentance and faith.

Answering Critics. The gospel demands a response of repentance and faith. Session 12 Answering Critics The gospel demands a response of repentance and faith. ACTS 26:19-29 Job offers and marriage proposals, among other things, can be tricky. Both usually require a quick response.

More information

Xenos Christian Fellowship Christian Ministry 2 Week 7 - Interpreting and Applying Acts. 1. Acts 1:8* serves as a rough outline for the entire book.

Xenos Christian Fellowship Christian Ministry 2 Week 7 - Interpreting and Applying Acts. 1. Acts 1:8* serves as a rough outline for the entire book. Xenos Christian Fellowship Christian Ministry 2 Week 7 - Interpreting and Applying Acts Introduction to Acts Main theme of Acts: 1. Acts 1:8* serves as a rough outline for the entire book. Acts 1:8 Chapter

More information

MAIN POINT Everyone who believes the gospel is forever changed, and God uses others to help us in our new way of life.

MAIN POINT Everyone who believes the gospel is forever changed, and God uses others to help us in our new way of life. LIFE GROUP GUIDE VENTURE CHURCH REACH GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION ACTS 9:1-31 10/29/2017 MAIN POINT Everyone who believes the gospel is forever changed, and God uses others to help us in our new way of life.

More information

On Easter Sunday, the story didn t end with Jesus resurrection and a quick announcement that people can now go to heaven when they die.

On Easter Sunday, the story didn t end with Jesus resurrection and a quick announcement that people can now go to heaven when they die. On Easter Sunday, the story didn t end with Jesus resurrection and a quick announcement that people can now go to heaven when they die. For starters, Jesus resurrection didn t establish a comforting deathbed

More information

You Will Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit - Part 1

You Will Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit - Part 1 Hope Christian Church D. Todd Cravens 15 May 2016 Sermon Series: Jesus Said What? You Will Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit - Part 1 Pentecost Sunday (Acts 1:4-5 ESV) 4 And while staying with them he ordered

More information