The Book of Acts not only contains the account of Paul’s conversion (in three accounts), but it is an account of the way in which God appointed him as an apostle, in spite of the actions and early resistance of the other apostles. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Lesson 4 - Luke 4:1-44 Topic: Jesus Begins His Ministry. Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. Or at least, I would have to associate with him! The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, What real difference does it make whether the apostles were “right” or “wrong”? The former account is the Gospel of Luke. The Book of Acts is remarkable in many ways. This verse-by-verse Bible study and commentary of The Acts of the Apostles ("the Book of Acts" or simply "Acts") is in-depth but uses plain language that everyone can understand, as well as a format that will engage you. Fifth, the Book of Acts (in conjunction with Luke) gives us the history of the origin and nature of the opposition against the gospel by the Jews. At Home Study Guide For the week of December 30, 2018 Acts 1-2 As we wrap up one year and move on into a new calendar, it is often time of reflection and assessment. One of the things about which Jesus must not have spoken was the timing of the coming of the kingdom. 26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 "I think myself () happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer () for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am () accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to . Poetical Books Why did Jesus say it's hard for Saul to "kick against e. I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains: Paul declares his continued trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Acts 26:12 "Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests," On the other hand, there are other factors which seem to question the wisdom of what was done. In the first chapter of Acts we read of the selection of Matthias as the twelfth apostle, the replacement of Judas. "While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. If I were forced to make a choice as to whether the apostles were guided by God to select Matthias as the twelfth apostle, I would have to answer in the negative. No idle standing around waiting for the return of the Lord was sanctioned then. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 26:12) had Paul received? Compare Acts 1:3-8 to Mark 9:1 (note the "power" and the kingdom). Read Acts chapter 1, verses 12 - 26. Numbered & Obtained Acts 1:17. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.". I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason, King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? This, as I understand it, is what the sovereignty of God means in practical terms. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! There is at least some evidence to challenge the action taken by the apostles due to this emphasis on Paul’s apostleship. What a surprise they were in for. Men may rightly or wrongly make decisions and take action, and God, in His sovereignty, is free either to use or to set aside their actions. Wisdom Literature Seventh, the Book of Acts supplies us with some excellent examples of the apostolic preaching of the gospel. The New Testament How you deserve to perish who have not enough soul to call your souls your own, but cower down before the sneers of fools!" It wasn't because he was a political revolutionary or because he offended the sanctity of the temple. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 17. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? Are all teachers? 8. This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains: Agrippa also sees there is no evidence offered to support the accusations against Paul, and he respects Paul's great integrity, even while rejecting Paul's gospel. Ch 2 The pouring out of the Holy Spirit. . 19. The book of Acts is the sequel to Luke. And they do it. Luke-Acts Invite the class to imagine that they had been among the people at the temple who witnessed the healing of the lame man. It was not because Jonah, a prophet of God, was eager for it to happen. f. Except for these chains: With a dramatic gesture, Paul shows that even though he is in chains, he has more freedom in Jesus than any of the royalty listening have. 1. Second, the Book of Acts provides us with a vivid account of the radical change which took place in the attitudes and actions of the disciples, who were passive and almost invisible after our Lord’s death, as described in the Gospels. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God and found it necessary to continually correct the misconceptions of Israelites and even of His own disciples. (1 Corinthians 9:1-5). By reading from four separate places in theScriptures every day, you will get a better grasp of the unity ofthe Scriptures. And you can begin at any point of the year. Includes 25 days worth of readings per month and several "freedays." Verses 12-26 are the only inspired account of that ten-day period of time (approximately)1 between Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, some fifty days after the time of Jesus’ resurrection. i. The beginnings of the “age of the Spirit” are found in Acts, and only in Acts. It is an account of the sovereignty and power of God, using even men’s sin to accomplish His purposes. The Inclusive Exclusivity: Acts 4:1-21. This study looks at the first twelve chapters of Acts, so as to follow the actions of the Apostles whom Jesus chose. Acts Chapter 1 - questions for discussion. 14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. ii. 15 And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16 “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' Acts 3:12-26. He will bring revival in His own good time and in His own good way. First, we shall see the sovereignty of God in the spreading of the gospel to the Gentiles and not just to the Jews alone. Verse 3 tells us something very clearly which is of great importance: Jesus set aside once and for all the doubts of the disciples concerning the fact of His resurrection. The angels had to spur the group on, rather than to stand on the mount, looking into the sky. Not because of their faith and obedience, mind you, but ultimately because of their stubborn unbelief. They all continued in one accord in Prayer and Supplication. Sometimes confirming but often challenging common interpretations of texts, this is the first systematic study of the rhetorical composition of the New Testament. The Book of Acts is not the account of men so transformed that the growth of the church was inevitable. James 5:16-18 - Pray expecting results like Elijah. The Miracles and the Message: Acts 3:1-10. For what "hope of the promise made by God" (Acts 26:6) is For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. A. Salutation, 1:1-5 1:1-5, 1: "Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, You cowards! The Promise of the Holy Spirit and Jesus' Return (Acts 1:1-11) 3 This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Johannine Writings We cannot, therefore, take pride in our plans, our program, our obedience. Johannine Writings God is not waiting for us to be faithful or obedient enough. The commission of the Christian is not to make the message or his testimony serve him; he is called to serve the message. Acts 15:40 - 16:10 A larger missionary program. Look at the principle of proportion in action in Acts, particularly in chapter 1. Acts provides valuable background information for the churches that are addressed in the Epistles. Road to Damascus)? 1 Study of Acts - Discussion Notes Chapter 3 Introduction We previously discussed the fact that the Holy Spirit is in fact Christ dwelling in us and among us. In verses 1 and 2 Luke referred to his previous volume, the Gospel of Luke, in which he covered a time span of approximately thirty-three years. Paul put it this way: the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). The Word of the Apostles as the Foundation of Movement: Acts 1:12-26. The casting of lots allowed for a decision to be reached totally apart from divine intervention. What proof is there that Jesus rose "from the dead" (Acts Acts Chapter 1. I believe our nation desperately needs revival. (Acts 26:27)? Pentateuch This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Lesson 1 - Introduction to the Book of Acts. (a) the kingdom, (b) the Pope, (c) Jesus' second coming, (d) all the preceding. Chapter 1 The ascension of the Lord. We call it the Book of Acts. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. The Gospels end in Jerusalem with no church, a few Jewish believers in Jesus, and a group of disciples who are still living, as it were, in the past. Since as a Christian, he was single (1 Corinthians 7:7-9), it may mean that Paul's wife either died or deserted him when he became a Christian. There is no wonder some say his preaching was the perfect mixture of the science of exegeting biblical texts and preaching them. In this book readers will find the collection of his famous sermons. (Spurgeon), iii. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. 21. Based on a work at www.studythebook.org. Prophets I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive Ch 6 The seven . Study Guide On Acts by Dr. Manford G. Gutzke This study guide is designed to lead into a better grasp and a deeper understanding of the Acts of the Apostles. Chapters 1-7 The beginning of the church in Jerusalem. It is not just a matter of the very distant future, however, but a matter of the present as well. Paul gets angry and calls the high priest a "whitewashed wall." Acts 1:11 13. Contrast this with what happened when God first gave the law to Moses in Exodus . Minor Prophets (5) The context surrounding this incident does not suggest that it was a decision prompted by a command of the Lord, a biblical imperative, or the guidance of the Spirit. In the title article of this collection, Dan Rogers explored the biblical evidence for people of color mentioned in the Bible. In additional articles, other writers discuss Black History Month, Reconciliation issues, and related topics. Ch 5 Ananias and Sapphira: The apostles are taken prisoner. b. b. I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason: Yet, Paul knows that not only is his gospel true, it is also reasonable. 4 Week 1—Acts 1:1-8 Begin each day of your study by asking the LORD to speak to you through His Word. Each volume explains the biblical book in its original historical context and explores its significance for faithful living today. These books are ideal for individual study and for Bible study classes and groups. 3. -------------------- May God grant that our study of this great Book of Acts would prove to be a life-changing one, and that each of us may, in the power of His Spirit, be His instruments for the carrying out of the Great Commission in our day. If Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin, it also means that at that time he was married, because it was required for all members of the Sanhedrin. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; 11 and they also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? What Jesus began to do and to teach, the Holy Spirit would continue to do, through the church. (1) TITLE: The book is known as ' The Acts of the Apostles' . Study 1 GOING THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS. The New Testament Instead, they're wait. General Epistles Audio Edition Acts 17:1-4, 10-12,22-25, 28 NIV Commentary. IN SHORT, THE SPACE DEVOTED TO ANY TOPIC OR DOCTRINE IS INDICATIVE OF ITS RELATIVE IMPORTANCE TO OTHER TRUTHS. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. the sun" (Acts 26:13) that Paul saw (see Revelation 1)? Answers: What were the disciples doing when the Holy Spirit came? 6. Galatians 1:1-5. What has been the focus of Paul's "witnessing both to small Pauline Epistles 7. For many years I have hosted William Barclay's commentary on StudyLight.org. -------------------- GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Giving them up to debased minds and all unrighteousness (28-32) WORDS TO PONDER. The Book of Acts has much more to say about men getting in step with God’s plan than about God getting in step with ours. All of the above are reasons some would hold that the action taken by the group was appropriate. It isn’t impossible. Johannine Writings The actions taken by the disciples occur during that point in time much like the four-hundred-year period just prior to Messiah’s coming to the earth. All of this is irrelevant. Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come; that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.". Gospel preaching is modeled in Acts. 17. Starting at $16.99. (Spurgeon). Read through the passages - Acts 1:12-26 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. Prayer should leave the matter in God’s hands and not presume He has put the matter entirely in ours. 2. I also believe that the sovereignty of God means that only God can bring revival, in His time, in His way, and using His divinely ordained means. fruit" (Matt. 6. Much of what the Spirit of God accomplished in the Book of Acts was in spite of men. 1. Sadly it has been removed. He was unwilling to make that sacrifice! God can just as easily use the “wrath of man” to accomplish His will as He can the obedience of man. The rest of the Book of Acts, and the Epistles as well, virtually ignore Matthias. How could the "twelve tribes" (Acts 26:7) of Israel hope to And because he wanted the praise of men, he rejected Jesus. Amazing things can happen. As I approach the study of the first chapter of Acts, one question overshadows all others, and it is this: Just whose name would be on the foundation in place of Judas? The New Testament 1 It is a little difficult to be exact here. The commission was clear: For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness. have to do with the Jews" (Acts 26:3)? Amen (Romans 11:30). Peter Acts 1:15. Jerusalem church’s reticence throughout--Acts 11, Acts 21:17ff.). Aceldama Acts 1:19. 21 Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. Minor Prophets And no wonder Jesus reiterated the Great Commission in response. So, was Paul's appeal to Caesar a good thing or a bad thing? What had Agrippa almost become? Pentateuch 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. d. What stopped Agrippa short? them even to foreign cities.". If one were to read the Epistles of Paul apart from the Book of Acts, one would wonder who he was and what right he had to speak with such authority. 3 f He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs . These verses tell of how Judas the betrayer, who had committed suicide, was replaced by Matthias as the 12th apostle.. Matthias Replaces Judas as One of the Twelve. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope (1 Timothy 1:1). If there is any importance by association—as there surely must be—then what comes in the immediate context of Pentecost must be important. Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.". It did not always happen consciously or voluntarily—even willingly—but it did happen. What "authority and commission from the chief priests" (Acts 26:12) had Paul received? (1-11) His conversion and preaching to the Gentiles. As Paul will clearly teach in Romans 9-11, and as Luke will clearly demonstrate in the Book of Acts, it was the rejection of Messiah by Israel that made the preaching of Christ to the Gentiles possible. The Epistles, on the other hand, depict a growing number of churches made up of mainly Gentile believers and a group of disciples who are boldly proclaiming Christ as Israel’s Messiah, and as the Savior of the Gentiles as well. This manual was written as the course curriculum for home-study seminary students. It was not through the obedience of Israel that the Gentiles received the gospel but actually through their disobedience. At the beginning of one of the most action-packed books of the Bible we find a time of waiting. <<< *11* What would come with power in their lifetime? 26:1) imply? She was a sinful, immoral companion, and he may have rightly realized that becoming a Christian would mean losing her and his other immoral friends. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed However, we should see the fulfillment of God's plan through all these events. Do we believe the plans and purposes of God collapse when men fail to do the “right” thing? In my opinion, the answer is simply that it did not really matter, because it was not the real issue. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher (2 Timothy 1:1,11). -------------------- He also spoke of himself as an equal with the rest of the apostles.3 And remember, Paul was also a witness of the resurrection of Christ, for he was stopped short by a vision of the Lord Himself, risen from the dead. I believe we shall see this in two areas in particular. The Gospels If we are to understand the events in Acts 1, it is important for us to gain a sense of chronological sequence. A. Paul on trial before King Agrippa (continued). The Book of Acts is unique because it is the only book of church history in the New Testament. Paul said to him, "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? He experienced a heavenly vision and changed his life because of it ( Acts 26:14-19 ). Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. God often sets aside the plans and purposes of men because they seldom, if ever, come up to the wisdom of God. So, Agrippa and the others pronounced a "not guilty" verdict. These men, who had not believed in Jesus during His life, had now come to faith. Work on the New Testament, begun in 1978 and completed in 1986, was the work of thirteen revisers and five editors. 1. Acts 13:13-52 The preaching of the first foreign missionaries. Christian living is intended to be more supernatural than many non-charismatics say, and it is not as continually miraculous as some charismatics maintain (Acts itself is not riddled with the spectacularly miraculous). f 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing . You will recall from the Gospel accounts that the disciples were eager for the kingdom to come, but from a motivation of self-interest, from a desire for position, power, and prestige. Bible Study Book by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this in-depth women's Bible study on the. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? Related Topics: Introductions, Arguments, Outlines, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. They say that Paul might have been set free by Agrippa if he had not appealed to Caesar. One of the greatest and most frequent problems the New Testament church had to deal with was the opposition of the Jews, who resisted the gospel, and the Judaizers, who sought to pervert it. Paul knew the significance of telling others what Jesus had done in his life. The saints in Jerusalem were forced out of this city by persecution. In the Gospel of Luke, the disciples are doubtful as to our Lord’s resurrection to the very end. Third, Acts is a crucial book because it is the only book in the New Testament which fills in the gap between the Gospels and the Epistles. This promise was a “baptism,” not one like that of John, but distinct from it. Special Assignment: Read Col. 1:13; Rev. The first citation was from Psalm 69:25; the second was from Psalm 109:8. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Are all prophets? This evidence was irrefutable. Found inside – Page 1406... of David concerning Judas, "who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. ... 12:17, 14:2; 1:16 AJohn 13:18; 17:12; Acts 1:20 BMatt 26:47, Mark 14:43; ... That Gospel began a little before the birth of Jesus and of John, His predecessor. Was Agrippa an "expert in all customs and questions which And so, when we come to the second statement, “HIS OFFICE LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE,” should we assume that there is anything called for here on the part of the apostles? Why did they fall "to the ground" (Acts 26:14) in the first Email / username or password was incorrect! Acts 2:1-21 To listen as you read click the version, ESV or NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 sec. While the promises of the kingdom of God have not been fulfilled in 2,000 years since the days of our Lord, there were some present aspects of that kingdom of which our Lord must have been speaking. Acts 1:18, 20. Audio Edition with New International Version. But we can learn from how the early believers faced the problem. B. Peter's Second Sermon (3:12-26) 1. Our God may sometimes act above reason, but never contrary to reason. These orders were given, Luke includes, “by the Holy Spirit.” Those orders were given in Luke and will be reiterated here shortly. What could have happened if Paul hadn't appealed to Caesar? And because it was God’s purpose to save Nineveh, God did so, in spite of the spiritual condition of Israel and in spite of Jonah’s resistance and rebellion. Indeed, it was a contrast which John himself taught. I believe the account of the selection of Matthias is a key to the message of the entire work, the message that God was sovereignly at work, through His Spirit, to accomplish His will in ways in which men would never have conceived and which they would not believe even if they were told. A Church's Sin and God's Amazing Grace: Acts 4:34-5:14. The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance (2 Corinthians 12:12). New Revised Standard Version and Student Study Handout for Acts 17:1-4, 10-12,22-25, 28. Surely Jesus was not talking only of the distant future with His disciples, but He was teaching them the things which they needed to know pertaining to the near future and to their ministries in particular. Peter had to be virtually “booted out” to evangelize Gentiles, and he would eventually backslide (cf. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. Major Prophets Thus, the “kingdom of God” must have included the ministry and message of the apostles, which would commence with the coming of the Spirit. Lesson 2 - Main Divisions and Events in Acts. How did the people react to what had happened? Surely such idleness is not of profit today either. What event does Paul mention in verses 12-14 (printed below?) Cookie Notice: May you believe in Him today for the forgiveness of your sins and eternal life. The field of blood Acts . At one time the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts were joined together as one book with two "volumes." i. (1 Corinthians 12:28-29). a. And a Christian has an inheritance among those set apart to God. Acts 1:1-14 Study Notes and Questions Key Theme Jesus prepares his Apostles for world-wide witness by: Proving he is alive - Resurrection vindicated his claim to be Messiah Teaching them Giving them the vision and strategy to accomplish his purpose for them Outline 1:1-5 Prologue: Instructions to Apostles 1:6-8 Power for witness 1:9-11 Ascension Is this not precisely what Paul concluded in Romans 11, after spending three chapters explaining the relationship of the Jews and the Gentiles to the gospel: For just as you once were disobedient to God but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, in order that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. But the angel who spoke to the shepherds said, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people (Luke 2:10). They're not waiting for bureaucratic paperwork to be approved before they can go out to start the church. So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. The acid test of true religion is doing the truth, not just hearing it or speaking it. "Alas, how many are influenced by fear of men! This covers the church in Jerusalem (Acts 1-7) and the church in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8-12). . The method employed by the group seems to put God in a box and to limit Him to the options men have placed before Him. 12-14) Acts 1:15-26 11. Acts 1: 12 14. When we read the Epistles of Paul to the church at Thessalonica, or Ephesus, or Philippi, we know much about the church and how it started from the account which Luke has provided for us in the Book of Acts. It is often not difficult to understand the problems these churches are facing in the light of their birth and early years.

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