We studied the book of Acts for almost a year, and it is extremely hard to summarize…we shouldn’t have waited until the end….but here are a few of the highlights….
Introduction
A historical account of the early church, Acts is a clear continuation of the Gospel of Luke. Even though most of the chapters are written in the third person, sometimes the author (whom we assume is Luke) sometimes slips into the plural, indicating that he was present during some of these events.
The book of Acts starts with the great commission: Jesus charges the 11 apostles to spread the gospel in Jerusalem, then Samaria and Judea, and finally until the ends of the world.
With Peter leading the small congregation of the faithful (120 believers), they were gathered together for Pentecost, a religious holiday celebrating the grain harvest. It was then that the Holy Spirit descends upon them, and as a result they begin to speak in different tongues.
Jesus had instructed them not to leave Jerusalem until they had received POWER, aka the Holy Spirit. When the spirit came onto Peter he was able to stand before thousands and testify about Jesus: his life, his crucifixion, and resurrection. Peter gave scriptural proof that Jesus is the Messiah, the savior whom God promises in Old Testament, the one who would save the Jews from their adversity. In response 3000 people were added onto the Kingdom of God.
Key note: the Holy Spirit is power that has been given to us. With Him all things are possible! Peter was unable to stand up to a few people (he denied Jesus three times before sunrise), however, when the Spirit of the Lord was upon him he was able to testify before thousands, and be fruitful.
Chapter 3
Peter and John are going to the temple to pray, and heal a crippled beggar who had been so since birth.
Key notes: The word says that people put him out by the gates of Beautiful so that he can beg those going into the temple courts for money. When he came to the gates he never imagined that he would be healed. When he was though, he went into the temple courts walking and jumping, Praising God.
1. God’s healing of anything (including mistakes and regrets) may come when we least expect it. When it does those it completely changes the direction of our life, and there is no remnant. The beggar’s legs were fully restored! God’s healing is complete!!
2. Miracles are for His Glory…the only acceptable reaction is giving him Praise. Miracles should minister to people showing them the goodness of God.
3. God is in the business of complete restoration that transforms lives. The beggar will no longer beg, his whole life has changed because of that single encounter. ie. A personal encounter changes/shift our whole perspective…
Chapter 4 and 5
If there is anyone out there who doubts that there is only ONE way to Christ this is the chapter for you!
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
We know that one can go to the Father, except through him.
Also, in this chapter we see that: Peter and John are brought before the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law, because thousands believed because of the beggar’s healing. They warned not to preach in the name of Jesus Christ! Yet through the power that they continue to receive from the Holy Spirit, they continue to spread the word of God, helping many understand and believe the truth.
Key Note: The Holy Spirit helps Peter witness fearlessly. We need the Holy Spirit to not only live in peace (the opposite of fear is peace) but also be fruitful (When Peter spoke the Holy Spirit worked in peoples’ hearts helping them believe).
As the book progresses, we witness that Peter is freed from jail by an angel (5:8), he is warned again by the Sanhedrin to stop speaking in the name of Jesus Christ because many kept believing... The Jewish court were so worried about the spread of the Word that they decided to execute the Apostles (5:36)…but a Pharisee named Gamaliel intercedes on their behalf convincing the court to let them go…"Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will only find yourselves fighting against God." (5:38-40)so instead they were flogged:
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the messiah.” Acts 5:41
Key note:
- Would you consider it an honor if you were persecuted in the name of Jesus Christ? Would you even stand up for Him in all situations? Are you a witness in your school, work or home?
- Gamaliel's observations can be applicable to every area: sometimes, things come up and we are unsure of whether it is from God or not....it is good to be patient, because time will always help us discern what is from God and what isn't. Patience is very important!
Also in Chapter 5 we also see that the life of the early church which was centered around fellowship, brotherhood, common ownership and sharing. The sad story of Ananias and Sapphira who sold a piece of property was also highlighted in there. Of what they had sold, they kept back part of the money for themselves, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. In keeping part of the money they tired to deceive the Apostles but in actuality they were deceiving the Holy Spirit...
Key note:
1. Lying to the Holy Spirit: you can never cheat or out smart God, he is all knowing and sees everything
2. God looks at the heart: what they did was honorable (to sell their belonging and give it to God) however, their intentions weren’t so noble (5:3) Peter says to Ananias “how is it that Satan has so filled your heart?” God is after matters of the heart....Check your motive!
Chapter 6 and 7
In these chapters we see the first signs of church division, and two groups emerge. One group is the Greek Christians who were born Jewish but who have a Greek background. The other group is the Hebrews, the Christians who, like the apostles, were born into Jewish backgrounds. The Greeks felt discriminated against, so in response, the community of disciples elected seven leaders to account for the needs of the Greeks. Foremost among these leaders was Stephen. A controversy ensues between Stephen and some Jews, who accused him of heresy before the Sanhedrin. Stephen’s accusers testifyed that he never stops saying things against the holy place and the law (7:13). In front of the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivers a long speech detailing the history of Jewish leadership in the Bible, concluding with a damning accusation (7:48–51) The accusation enraged the Jews so much they gets him stoned him to death.
Key note: In our opinion Stephan’s death was unfair. The bible says that he was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also it says that he was full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people… in our minds, during that time, a man such as Stephan was key in advancing the kingdom of God, however God had a different idea. Stephan’s dramatic death was the door opener for the rise of another great Apostle, Paul.
We may not understand why some things happen: but, we know that all things come together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. Don’t try to understand every details of why things are the way they are, or why something happened the way it do/did. We can’t know everything! However, we rest assured that our God in heaven knows all, sees all, and there are no miscalculations or mistakes on his part. Trust God and always remember he NEVER makes a mistake!
Coming soon…..Chapters 8 - 28
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