In Acts 2, and chapters 3 through 4:4 we read the early church growing through Christ doctrine that is the Great Commission. On the day of Pentecost, in chapter 2, it started with 120 in the church, and by the end of that day they added 3,000. They were adding daily using all 4 elements of the Great Commission that are evangelizing, baptizing, promising of the Holy Spirit, and making disciples. They were all doing that on the same day, and we what effect Christ doctrine had on the first church in Jerusalem that was surrounded by wolves.
In Acts 3 we read of the first apostolic miracle that was healing a lame man at the temple gate by Peter, and John. Their healing of the lame man drew a crowd, and again Peter was led by the Spirit to witness. Peter gave his 2nd sermon, and that led to their first persecution. In Acts 4:1 we read that the priests, captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them to put them into holds until the next day. Through that people believed that Jesus was God's son who died, and was raised from the dead on the third day. From Peter's 2nd sermon the church in Jerusalem saw another 5,000 added to it.
Acts 4:5-12, Peter's address to the Sanhedrin
In Acts 4:5 we read that Peter, and John were released from the hold, and they were brought before the Sandhedrin. Peter gave his third sermon in front of high ranking Jewish officials, and they could not charge them with any crime. Peter pointed that them being led the hold started when he they healed, and lame man. He could not see how John, and him can be charged. Than in verse 10 Peter address Sandhedrin in making the same mistake with Jesus that they accused falsely for Him claiming to be God's Son that He was, and God raising Him from the dead prove that. Peter state it was by Him that they healed the blind man, and verse 11 Peter quoted Psalms 118:22 that David states Christ is the headstone that builders reject. Than in verse 12 Peter tells them that Christ is the only way to receive Salvation.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
"Acts 3-4:4 "
In Acts 1 Christ promise His disciples the Holy Spirit to guide them while He was up in heaven, and He gives them the Great Commission while He ascended into heaven. But they had to wait for the Holy Spirit before they start the Great Commission, and in Acts 2 they received the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. In that chapter we read the Great Commission operating on all 4 cylinders throughout Peter's first sermon that saw the church adding 3,000 souls.
In Acts 3 and 4 we read about Peter and John at the temple, doing the first apostolic miracle, Peter's 2nd sermon that led to 5,000 more souls being saved, and also being persecuted by the Sandherin that could not charge them with anything. So from Acts 2 through 4 the Great Commission goes from the public setting to outside the temple, than to the Sandhedrin Counsel for them to be persecuted. That fulfills Christ's prophecy to when He claimed they will be persecuted, and that the Spirit will speak for them.
Acts 3
verses 1-11, First Apostolic Miracle
We read in verse 1 that even though apostle are saved they still keep their Jewish tradition, cause at the 9th hour of the day they went up to the temple to pray. That temple became the setting for their first Apostolic Miracle, and it brought more people to them for Peter to preach his second sermon.
The first Apostolic miracle had to do with a man that lame since birth, and it was 40 years before he can walk. That lame man was carried to temple gates called Beautiful, and he would lay there asking for alms. He asked Peter and John who were about to go into the temple for alms.
Peter told him gold, and silver I do not have, but Peter called on the name of Jesus to heal him. That lame man leaped for joy to praise God, and that brought people to Peter and John. This set up Peter's 2nd sermon.
verses 12-26, Peter's 2nd sermon
In Peter's 2nd sermon He preached on the connection between Abraham and Jesus. This crowd that ran to them was predominately Jewish, because they were at, or near the temple. Peter told the crowd that Jesus was the promise one that God promised Abraham, and he was the one Moses prophecy about when said there will be a prophet like him. Like in his first sermon Peter mentions two predominant historical figures of Israel, and he used them to show the connection they had with Christ. Christ was the promise Messiah that they delivered to Pilate that was about to let Him go, but they denied the Holy one by having Him take place of a murder. That led to Christ's crucifixion, and God raised Him from the dead to where Peter claimed they were witnesses to.
Peter tells the crowd that it was in Christ's name that this man was healed, and Christ's suffering at the cross was to fulfill God's prophecy to the prophets. Peter's message preached on Christ being the messiah, cause he was telling the crowd this was meant by God to reveal His promise to them. Again the prophet Joel states in the last days His Spirit will dwell among His people to show wonders, and people saw that with lame man being , and that set Peter's message to set up the Great Commission.
In verse 19 Peter tells them to repent of their sins to be converted to receive the promise that God promised Abraham, so they can have the covenant in a resurrected savior Jesus. He's one that could bless them in turning away from their iniquities.
Acts 4:1-4, The First Persecution
As Peter and John spoke they grabbed them to put them in hold until the next day. They that grabbed them are the priest, captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them. They were grieved that they preached Christ's resurrections, because Peter's message of Christ convicted them to. They reacted differently, because their pride would not allow them to repent. This ends up them trying to accuse Peter, and John for doing something that is not illegal. People that day who heard the word got saved, and it was about 5,000.
Recap of Acts 3 and Acts 4:1-4
We read the Holy Spirit healing a lame man that could not walk since birth, preaching through Peter on the resurrected Savior that led 5,000 people to repentance, and also we see the wolves attacking the church. Yet with the church surrounded by wolves it still grew, cause it was running on all 4 cylinders of the Great Commission. They were doing Jesus' method.
In Acts 3 and 4 we read about Peter and John at the temple, doing the first apostolic miracle, Peter's 2nd sermon that led to 5,000 more souls being saved, and also being persecuted by the Sandherin that could not charge them with anything. So from Acts 2 through 4 the Great Commission goes from the public setting to outside the temple, than to the Sandhedrin Counsel for them to be persecuted. That fulfills Christ's prophecy to when He claimed they will be persecuted, and that the Spirit will speak for them.
Acts 3
verses 1-11, First Apostolic Miracle
We read in verse 1 that even though apostle are saved they still keep their Jewish tradition, cause at the 9th hour of the day they went up to the temple to pray. That temple became the setting for their first Apostolic Miracle, and it brought more people to them for Peter to preach his second sermon.
The first Apostolic miracle had to do with a man that lame since birth, and it was 40 years before he can walk. That lame man was carried to temple gates called Beautiful, and he would lay there asking for alms. He asked Peter and John who were about to go into the temple for alms.
Peter told him gold, and silver I do not have, but Peter called on the name of Jesus to heal him. That lame man leaped for joy to praise God, and that brought people to Peter and John. This set up Peter's 2nd sermon.
verses 12-26, Peter's 2nd sermon
In Peter's 2nd sermon He preached on the connection between Abraham and Jesus. This crowd that ran to them was predominately Jewish, because they were at, or near the temple. Peter told the crowd that Jesus was the promise one that God promised Abraham, and he was the one Moses prophecy about when said there will be a prophet like him. Like in his first sermon Peter mentions two predominant historical figures of Israel, and he used them to show the connection they had with Christ. Christ was the promise Messiah that they delivered to Pilate that was about to let Him go, but they denied the Holy one by having Him take place of a murder. That led to Christ's crucifixion, and God raised Him from the dead to where Peter claimed they were witnesses to.
Peter tells the crowd that it was in Christ's name that this man was healed, and Christ's suffering at the cross was to fulfill God's prophecy to the prophets. Peter's message preached on Christ being the messiah, cause he was telling the crowd this was meant by God to reveal His promise to them. Again the prophet Joel states in the last days His Spirit will dwell among His people to show wonders, and people saw that with lame man being , and that set Peter's message to set up the Great Commission.
In verse 19 Peter tells them to repent of their sins to be converted to receive the promise that God promised Abraham, so they can have the covenant in a resurrected savior Jesus. He's one that could bless them in turning away from their iniquities.
Acts 4:1-4, The First Persecution
As Peter and John spoke they grabbed them to put them in hold until the next day. They that grabbed them are the priest, captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them. They were grieved that they preached Christ's resurrections, because Peter's message of Christ convicted them to. They reacted differently, because their pride would not allow them to repent. This ends up them trying to accuse Peter, and John for doing something that is not illegal. People that day who heard the word got saved, and it was about 5,000.
Recap of Acts 3 and Acts 4:1-4
We read the Holy Spirit healing a lame man that could not walk since birth, preaching through Peter on the resurrected Savior that led 5,000 people to repentance, and also we see the wolves attacking the church. Yet with the church surrounded by wolves it still grew, cause it was running on all 4 cylinders of the Great Commission. They were doing Jesus' method.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
"Acts 2"
Acts 2 continues where Acts 1 left off, and in this chapter Luke records day of Pentecost, Peter's first sermon, and fellowship of the believers. This chapter put Jesus' plan to build the church into action, and it fulfills Jesus' promise to Peter in that he will be the one that Jesus builds the church on him. The way the church was launched in this chapter was the way Christ instructed them to build the church, and somewhere along the way it got lost.
Prior to the day of pentecost Christ instructed his disciples to wait into Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit that He told them the Holy Spirit will be the comforter that will testify through them about Christ. It will also do other things like remain with them, reprove the world of sin and righteousness, and it will reveal new truth that they could not understand until day of Pentecost when they receive power of the Holy Ghost that Christ promise they will receive when He gave them the command of the Great Commission( John 15:26-27, John 16:7-15, Acts 1:8)
Pentecost ( being filled with the Holy Spirit, verse 1-3)
Luke records in verse 1 of Acts that they ( 120-Acts 1:15) were in 1 accord like they were in Acts 1:14, and in 1 place. At that place they were waiting for the Holy Spirit that Christ promised them they will receive when He gave them the Great Commission while ascending into heaven.
In verses 2 through 4 a 120 of them received the power of the Holy Ghost, and Luke describes it throughout those verses. In that room with 120 of them there suddenly was a sound from heaven like a mighty wind that filled the house ( verse 2), and in verse 3 it described a visual that was seen to where everyone of them had a cloven tongues like a fire that appeared above them. In verse 4 is where we read that the Holy Ghost began to speak with other tongues like, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Every Nation under Heaven Heard Them In there own tongues ) verses 5-13
Luke records in verse 5 through eye witnesses that in Jerusalem it had along with Jews every devout men out of every nation under heaven was there, and every man there heard men of Galilee speaking to them in there own language. They were impressed to hear that, and in verse 12 Luke states they all were amazed, and in doubt to what they were saying meant. Also they were mocking them for being drunk in verse 13, but before that in verses 9 through 11 Luke lists all the nations that were there.
They were the: Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians.
Peter's first sermon ( verses 14 through 41)
After the nations under the earth accuse the 120 for being drunk, than Peter standing up with the eleven lifted up his voice to begin preaching, and he told them that it is impossible to be drunk in third hour of the day. Peter's first sermon is broke down into 5 parts. They are the introduction that refers to Joel's prophecy, works of Jesus that proves He is Lord, David foretold the Messiah's kingdom, Christ's resurrection that proves He is Lord, and what Israel must do. Peter's message composed the 4 elements from the Great Commission that became the 4 cylinder engine that grew the 1 church in Jerusalem that was surrounded by wolves. Those 4 elements are salvation, baptism, promise of the Holy Spirit, and discipleship.
Peter's introduction ( verses 15-21)
After Peter told the crowd they were not drunk he quoted scripture from book of Joel, so this part along with quoting David's prophecy of the Messiah showed that Peter was speaking directly to the Jews. Peter told them that this day was to come when Joel states that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, and it will give them the power to preach the Gospel, so others can call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. The prophet Joel states that it is through the Spirit that God's people will receive Salvation, and that prophecy gave relevance in what Peter was saying to them. So this gets the Jews attention, and also others through speaking of tongues.
Jesus works prove that He was the messiah ( verses 22-24)
After Peter tells them that who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved he than talks about the source of that in Jesus by telling them He was an innocent man approved by God who lived among them that did miracles, signs, and wonders that God did through Him. Yet still it was the Sandhedrin counsel that arrested Jesus to be handed over by the Gentiles to be put to death. After that Jesus rose from the grave three days later to defeat death that could not hold Him down.
Peter tells them that Christ was the source of Salvation, and Him defeating death proved that He was God in the flesh. This message not only reach across to the Jews, but to other nations. They all desired eternal life, and to prove that Jesus was the one Peter told them about what God did through His Son on earth, and how He was able to defeat death. Other nations desired immortality that they heard through false teachings, and the Jews knew that they were promise the Messiah.
David foretold the Messiah ( verses 25 through 31)
The Spirit transition's Peter's sermon from telling who Christ was, and did to talking about David foretelling Christ' kingship after His resurrection. King David was a prominent figure in Jewish history, and him having a descendent to establish Israel as a world power was a promise that all Jews know. Peter talking about David foretelling the Messianic resurrection, and His kingdom after that was showing the Spirit reaching out to the Jews to fulfill the promise that Salvation was first for the Jews.
Resurrection proving that Christ is Lord ( verses 32 through 36)
Peter tells them that Jesus resurrected from the dead, and they were all witnesses. All 120 of them witness Jesus resurrection, and having eyewitnesses is important to determine rather something happen or not. Peter tells them that Jesus is alive, and sits at the right hand of the Father. Peter tells the house of Israel that it was the same Jesus that they crucified. When Peter stated this it gave them a guilt, and now they are ready to receive salvation.
Peter's first three sections of his sermon was to give the Jews, and others a reason to want Salvation. They must realize that it was there sins that put Christ to death, and He took their place as the sacrificial lamb to die for the sins.
What Israel must do? (verses 37 through 41)
After the Holy Spirit through Peter convicted them of their sin they were ready to receive Salvation. Conviction of sin brings people to receive salvation. In verse 37 Luke states they were convicted in their hearts when they heard Jesus died for the sins. They asked Peter, and rest of the apostles in what shall they do?
IN VERSE 38 Peter tells them what they must do to receive salvation, but it is more than that. It shows all the elements of the Great Commission together, and here is how it does that. Peter tells them to REPENT and BE BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus. In the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19a Christ states "go ye therefore, and teach all nations." In Mark 16:15b, also the Great Commission, states "go PREACH the Gospel"( which what Peter did when he told what Christ did), and in Luke 25:46, also the Great Commission, Christ says, "And that the REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF sins should be preached. Peter did that when the Spirit through him convicted the crowd of their sins, and repentance of Sins is the first step towards Salvation. After that they were BAPTIZED,also part of the Great Commission recorded into Matthew 28:19-20. At end of verse 38 Peters tells them after they repented of their sins, and baptized, than they can receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. In Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, John 20:21-23, Acts 1:8 all tell about receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Once they repent of their sins to receive salvation, baptized, received the Holy Ghost, than they were the disciple of Christ. Peter incorporated all 4 elements, and that was the 4 cylinders that grew the one church in Jerusalem that was surrounded by wolves.
In verse 41 it stated they believed, were baptized, and after they did that they received power of the Holy Spirit like the Great Commission promised. That church in Jerusalem went from 120 to 3,000, because Peter made sure the Great Commission included all 4 elements of salvation, baptism, the holy spirit being received, and making disciples.
The first church ( verses 42-47)
In these last verses of chapter 2 we read about how the early church was discipled being in 1 accord, and in prayer in one doctrine. They fellowship with one another through sharing their possessions, breaking bread, praising God, worshiping at the temple in 1 accord, being singleness in heart, and praising God. God continue to add to their church daily through Salvation that starts with conviction of sin that leads to repentance that leads to receiving salvation that leads to baptism that leads to receiving the Holy Spirit, that makes of disciple of Christ with everything from receive forgiveness of sins to receiving the Holy Spirit.
Recap of Acts 2
In verse 1 it starts with 120 disciples in 1 accord at 1 place, and verse 47 ends chapter 2 with the first church having 3,000 plus added. Between verse 1 to verse 47 we read 120 of Jesus' disciple receiving the Holy Sprit, Peter turning the keys to launch his sermon that the Holy spirit spoke through him, Jesus disciples using all 4 elements in the Great Commission in a single day, and saw results of it with Jesus disciples starting at 120 to end up having 3,000 get saved to be disciples of Christ.
Prior to the day of pentecost Christ instructed his disciples to wait into Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit that He told them the Holy Spirit will be the comforter that will testify through them about Christ. It will also do other things like remain with them, reprove the world of sin and righteousness, and it will reveal new truth that they could not understand until day of Pentecost when they receive power of the Holy Ghost that Christ promise they will receive when He gave them the command of the Great Commission( John 15:26-27, John 16:7-15, Acts 1:8)
Pentecost ( being filled with the Holy Spirit, verse 1-3)
Luke records in verse 1 of Acts that they ( 120-Acts 1:15) were in 1 accord like they were in Acts 1:14, and in 1 place. At that place they were waiting for the Holy Spirit that Christ promised them they will receive when He gave them the Great Commission while ascending into heaven.
In verses 2 through 4 a 120 of them received the power of the Holy Ghost, and Luke describes it throughout those verses. In that room with 120 of them there suddenly was a sound from heaven like a mighty wind that filled the house ( verse 2), and in verse 3 it described a visual that was seen to where everyone of them had a cloven tongues like a fire that appeared above them. In verse 4 is where we read that the Holy Ghost began to speak with other tongues like, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Every Nation under Heaven Heard Them In there own tongues ) verses 5-13
Luke records in verse 5 through eye witnesses that in Jerusalem it had along with Jews every devout men out of every nation under heaven was there, and every man there heard men of Galilee speaking to them in there own language. They were impressed to hear that, and in verse 12 Luke states they all were amazed, and in doubt to what they were saying meant. Also they were mocking them for being drunk in verse 13, but before that in verses 9 through 11 Luke lists all the nations that were there.
They were the: Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians.
Peter's first sermon ( verses 14 through 41)
After the nations under the earth accuse the 120 for being drunk, than Peter standing up with the eleven lifted up his voice to begin preaching, and he told them that it is impossible to be drunk in third hour of the day. Peter's first sermon is broke down into 5 parts. They are the introduction that refers to Joel's prophecy, works of Jesus that proves He is Lord, David foretold the Messiah's kingdom, Christ's resurrection that proves He is Lord, and what Israel must do. Peter's message composed the 4 elements from the Great Commission that became the 4 cylinder engine that grew the 1 church in Jerusalem that was surrounded by wolves. Those 4 elements are salvation, baptism, promise of the Holy Spirit, and discipleship.
Peter's introduction ( verses 15-21)
After Peter told the crowd they were not drunk he quoted scripture from book of Joel, so this part along with quoting David's prophecy of the Messiah showed that Peter was speaking directly to the Jews. Peter told them that this day was to come when Joel states that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, and it will give them the power to preach the Gospel, so others can call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. The prophet Joel states that it is through the Spirit that God's people will receive Salvation, and that prophecy gave relevance in what Peter was saying to them. So this gets the Jews attention, and also others through speaking of tongues.
Jesus works prove that He was the messiah ( verses 22-24)
After Peter tells them that who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved he than talks about the source of that in Jesus by telling them He was an innocent man approved by God who lived among them that did miracles, signs, and wonders that God did through Him. Yet still it was the Sandhedrin counsel that arrested Jesus to be handed over by the Gentiles to be put to death. After that Jesus rose from the grave three days later to defeat death that could not hold Him down.
Peter tells them that Christ was the source of Salvation, and Him defeating death proved that He was God in the flesh. This message not only reach across to the Jews, but to other nations. They all desired eternal life, and to prove that Jesus was the one Peter told them about what God did through His Son on earth, and how He was able to defeat death. Other nations desired immortality that they heard through false teachings, and the Jews knew that they were promise the Messiah.
David foretold the Messiah ( verses 25 through 31)
The Spirit transition's Peter's sermon from telling who Christ was, and did to talking about David foretelling Christ' kingship after His resurrection. King David was a prominent figure in Jewish history, and him having a descendent to establish Israel as a world power was a promise that all Jews know. Peter talking about David foretelling the Messianic resurrection, and His kingdom after that was showing the Spirit reaching out to the Jews to fulfill the promise that Salvation was first for the Jews.
Resurrection proving that Christ is Lord ( verses 32 through 36)
Peter tells them that Jesus resurrected from the dead, and they were all witnesses. All 120 of them witness Jesus resurrection, and having eyewitnesses is important to determine rather something happen or not. Peter tells them that Jesus is alive, and sits at the right hand of the Father. Peter tells the house of Israel that it was the same Jesus that they crucified. When Peter stated this it gave them a guilt, and now they are ready to receive salvation.
Peter's first three sections of his sermon was to give the Jews, and others a reason to want Salvation. They must realize that it was there sins that put Christ to death, and He took their place as the sacrificial lamb to die for the sins.
What Israel must do? (verses 37 through 41)
After the Holy Spirit through Peter convicted them of their sin they were ready to receive Salvation. Conviction of sin brings people to receive salvation. In verse 37 Luke states they were convicted in their hearts when they heard Jesus died for the sins. They asked Peter, and rest of the apostles in what shall they do?
IN VERSE 38 Peter tells them what they must do to receive salvation, but it is more than that. It shows all the elements of the Great Commission together, and here is how it does that. Peter tells them to REPENT and BE BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus. In the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19a Christ states "go ye therefore, and teach all nations." In Mark 16:15b, also the Great Commission, states "go PREACH the Gospel"( which what Peter did when he told what Christ did), and in Luke 25:46, also the Great Commission, Christ says, "And that the REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF sins should be preached. Peter did that when the Spirit through him convicted the crowd of their sins, and repentance of Sins is the first step towards Salvation. After that they were BAPTIZED,also part of the Great Commission recorded into Matthew 28:19-20. At end of verse 38 Peters tells them after they repented of their sins, and baptized, than they can receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. In Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, John 20:21-23, Acts 1:8 all tell about receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Once they repent of their sins to receive salvation, baptized, received the Holy Ghost, than they were the disciple of Christ. Peter incorporated all 4 elements, and that was the 4 cylinders that grew the one church in Jerusalem that was surrounded by wolves.
In verse 41 it stated they believed, were baptized, and after they did that they received power of the Holy Spirit like the Great Commission promised. That church in Jerusalem went from 120 to 3,000, because Peter made sure the Great Commission included all 4 elements of salvation, baptism, the holy spirit being received, and making disciples.
The first church ( verses 42-47)
In these last verses of chapter 2 we read about how the early church was discipled being in 1 accord, and in prayer in one doctrine. They fellowship with one another through sharing their possessions, breaking bread, praising God, worshiping at the temple in 1 accord, being singleness in heart, and praising God. God continue to add to their church daily through Salvation that starts with conviction of sin that leads to repentance that leads to receiving salvation that leads to baptism that leads to receiving the Holy Spirit, that makes of disciple of Christ with everything from receive forgiveness of sins to receiving the Holy Spirit.
Recap of Acts 2
In verse 1 it starts with 120 disciples in 1 accord at 1 place, and verse 47 ends chapter 2 with the first church having 3,000 plus added. Between verse 1 to verse 47 we read 120 of Jesus' disciple receiving the Holy Sprit, Peter turning the keys to launch his sermon that the Holy spirit spoke through him, Jesus disciples using all 4 elements in the Great Commission in a single day, and saw results of it with Jesus disciples starting at 120 to end up having 3,000 get saved to be disciples of Christ.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Acts 1"
The book of Acts picks up where the Gospel of Luke left off, and is written by the same person Luke to same person he wrote of Luke to Theophilus.
Acts chapter 1 is composed of an introduction, resurrection-ministry of Christ, the apostolic commission that's also in the Gospels, promise of Christ's second coming, the instructions of waiting for the spirit in 10 days, and choice of Matthias.
Christ's disciples are making a transition from being with Christ on earth to ministering to others without Christ on earth. That is seen in beginning of Acts 1, and Luke gives a brief introduction to Theophilus.
Introduction ( verses 1 and 2)
In verse 1 Luke addresses his friend Theophilus, and verse 2 Luke explains why he wrote the book of Acts to him. Until that day in which He was taken up-this statement refers to Christ's resurrection, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:- this statement of Christ is about day of pentecost, and Great commission that's written in all 4 gospels.
One of the things the book of Acts is about is the early Christian church, and it was written around the same time that Luke was around 65 AD. So that time was over 30 years after Christ ascended into heaven, and book of Acts is how the early church grew.
The Resurrection-ministry of Christ ( verses 3 through 7)
These verses are about Christ's time with his disciples after the resurrection, and in verse 3 it states that Christ was with them for 40 days. He was speaking to them things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and He also instructed them not to depart from Jerusalem until the Holy Ghost came upon them.
His disciples asked him when will the time be for the kingdom to be restore to Israel, and in verse 7 he answered them that it was not for them to know. Only His Father knows.
The Apostolic Commission and promise of Christ's return to earth ( verses 8 through 11)
After Christ told his disciples only the Father knows when His kingdom will be restore to Israel he gave them the Great Commission ( Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24: 47,48, and John 20:21-23), and after they receive power of the Holy Ghost they will be witnesses to Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. And in verse 9 it states Christ was telling them these things while ascending into heaven.
While he was no longer seen in the sky His disciples were still looking up toward heaven for Him, and two men in white apparel first asked them why ye men of Galilee are still looking up into heaven, than they told them that same Christ they saw ascend into heaven shall also return to earth. This refers to Christ second coming.
This took place around Mount Olivet, because in verse 12 it states men of Galilee were returning to Jerusalem that was a Sabbath's day journey.
The 10 days' waiting for the Spirit, and the choice of Matthias ( verses 12 through 26)
After men of Galilee returned from Mount Olivet to Jerusalem they came into the upper room that included the 11 apostles, the women that witness Jesus' resurrection, and Jesus' mother Mary with His brethren. They were all in one accord in prayer, and supplication.
In verse 15 we read that there were 120 of them in that upper room, and Peter stood up in the midst of them to begin the process of replacing Judas. Starting to prophecy David that refers to Judas Peter decides that the replacement must have been with Jesus from time of baptism until His resurrection, and it came down to 2 men. It came down to Justus, and Matthias. They casted lots, and it fell on Matthias for him to be Judas replacement.
Recapping Acts 1
Acts 1 verses 3 through 9 continues with Luke 24:46-53, and Acts 1 verse 13 in where they are in the upper room picks up where Luke 24:52 left off in where they return to Jerusalem with great joy. Acts 1 was pretty much a continuation of Luke to where that Gospel goes from the birth of John the Baptist to Christ's ascension to heaven, and Acts 1 explains what, and where the disciples went to after Christ's ascension.
Before they return to Jerusalem they were given instructions from Christ to wait for the Holy Ghost, than put the Great Commission to affect into first Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, than rest of the world. Between Christ's ascension to heaven to the promise of the Holy Ghost 120 of His disciples that included his 11 apostles were all in 1 accord in prayer, and supplication in the Upper Room. With Peter leading them they also replaced Judas with Matthias.
After Christ's resurrection He was with them for forty days talking about His Kingdom, promising them the Holy Ghost, and giving them the Great Commission while ascending into heaven.
Acts chapter 1 is composed of an introduction, resurrection-ministry of Christ, the apostolic commission that's also in the Gospels, promise of Christ's second coming, the instructions of waiting for the spirit in 10 days, and choice of Matthias.
Christ's disciples are making a transition from being with Christ on earth to ministering to others without Christ on earth. That is seen in beginning of Acts 1, and Luke gives a brief introduction to Theophilus.
Introduction ( verses 1 and 2)
In verse 1 Luke addresses his friend Theophilus, and verse 2 Luke explains why he wrote the book of Acts to him. Until that day in which He was taken up-this statement refers to Christ's resurrection, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:- this statement of Christ is about day of pentecost, and Great commission that's written in all 4 gospels.
One of the things the book of Acts is about is the early Christian church, and it was written around the same time that Luke was around 65 AD. So that time was over 30 years after Christ ascended into heaven, and book of Acts is how the early church grew.
The Resurrection-ministry of Christ ( verses 3 through 7)
These verses are about Christ's time with his disciples after the resurrection, and in verse 3 it states that Christ was with them for 40 days. He was speaking to them things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and He also instructed them not to depart from Jerusalem until the Holy Ghost came upon them.
His disciples asked him when will the time be for the kingdom to be restore to Israel, and in verse 7 he answered them that it was not for them to know. Only His Father knows.
The Apostolic Commission and promise of Christ's return to earth ( verses 8 through 11)
After Christ told his disciples only the Father knows when His kingdom will be restore to Israel he gave them the Great Commission ( Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24: 47,48, and John 20:21-23), and after they receive power of the Holy Ghost they will be witnesses to Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. And in verse 9 it states Christ was telling them these things while ascending into heaven.
While he was no longer seen in the sky His disciples were still looking up toward heaven for Him, and two men in white apparel first asked them why ye men of Galilee are still looking up into heaven, than they told them that same Christ they saw ascend into heaven shall also return to earth. This refers to Christ second coming.
This took place around Mount Olivet, because in verse 12 it states men of Galilee were returning to Jerusalem that was a Sabbath's day journey.
The 10 days' waiting for the Spirit, and the choice of Matthias ( verses 12 through 26)
After men of Galilee returned from Mount Olivet to Jerusalem they came into the upper room that included the 11 apostles, the women that witness Jesus' resurrection, and Jesus' mother Mary with His brethren. They were all in one accord in prayer, and supplication.
In verse 15 we read that there were 120 of them in that upper room, and Peter stood up in the midst of them to begin the process of replacing Judas. Starting to prophecy David that refers to Judas Peter decides that the replacement must have been with Jesus from time of baptism until His resurrection, and it came down to 2 men. It came down to Justus, and Matthias. They casted lots, and it fell on Matthias for him to be Judas replacement.
Recapping Acts 1
Acts 1 verses 3 through 9 continues with Luke 24:46-53, and Acts 1 verse 13 in where they are in the upper room picks up where Luke 24:52 left off in where they return to Jerusalem with great joy. Acts 1 was pretty much a continuation of Luke to where that Gospel goes from the birth of John the Baptist to Christ's ascension to heaven, and Acts 1 explains what, and where the disciples went to after Christ's ascension.
Before they return to Jerusalem they were given instructions from Christ to wait for the Holy Ghost, than put the Great Commission to affect into first Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, than rest of the world. Between Christ's ascension to heaven to the promise of the Holy Ghost 120 of His disciples that included his 11 apostles were all in 1 accord in prayer, and supplication in the Upper Room. With Peter leading them they also replaced Judas with Matthias.
After Christ's resurrection He was with them for forty days talking about His Kingdom, promising them the Holy Ghost, and giving them the Great Commission while ascending into heaven.
Monday, November 14, 2011
"About Acts"
Acts was written by Luke, who wrote it to his friend Theophilus. It covered 32 years of the early church that began at 33 A.D., and concluded around 65 A.D.
The book of Acts is in two chief parts. Acts 1-9 is the first one, and Acts 10-31 is the second one. First one covers early church in Jerusalem that exploded in it, and outside of it through the power of the Holy Spirit that Christ promise they will receive on day of Pentecost. That day the believers went from 120 to 3,000. When Peter first time preached the Gospel after Christ ascended into heaven, every nation under heaven was in Jerusalem, and they heard Peter preach the gospel in their own language. On that day those thousands of believers got saved, baptized, received gift of the holy spirit, and became disciples of Christ. That was the four cylinder engine that made one church in Jerusalem explode, while it was surrounded by wolves.
In the second part of Acts it is about Paul who spread the gospel throughout the Gentile world, and in book of Acts there are a lot of good concepts that was the original plan from Christ to spread what He did for us, but somehow got forgotten, or lost throughout the churches transition.
Salvation, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and discipleship was never meant to be seperated. Yet somehow they were to where churches today do one cyclinder, and not all 4 together. We read what the 4 cylinder engine did for the one church in Jerusalem that was surrounded by wolves.
In Acts it is good to break it down to see what they did to apply the Master's original plan along with today's technology to spread the Gospel faster than it has ever been. The churches mission has never changed, and it is to find that one last lost sheep. This world is massive, and not all of it has not been discovered yet.
The book of Acts is in two chief parts. Acts 1-9 is the first one, and Acts 10-31 is the second one. First one covers early church in Jerusalem that exploded in it, and outside of it through the power of the Holy Spirit that Christ promise they will receive on day of Pentecost. That day the believers went from 120 to 3,000. When Peter first time preached the Gospel after Christ ascended into heaven, every nation under heaven was in Jerusalem, and they heard Peter preach the gospel in their own language. On that day those thousands of believers got saved, baptized, received gift of the holy spirit, and became disciples of Christ. That was the four cylinder engine that made one church in Jerusalem explode, while it was surrounded by wolves.
In the second part of Acts it is about Paul who spread the gospel throughout the Gentile world, and in book of Acts there are a lot of good concepts that was the original plan from Christ to spread what He did for us, but somehow got forgotten, or lost throughout the churches transition.
Salvation, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and discipleship was never meant to be seperated. Yet somehow they were to where churches today do one cyclinder, and not all 4 together. We read what the 4 cylinder engine did for the one church in Jerusalem that was surrounded by wolves.
In Acts it is good to break it down to see what they did to apply the Master's original plan along with today's technology to spread the Gospel faster than it has ever been. The churches mission has never changed, and it is to find that one last lost sheep. This world is massive, and not all of it has not been discovered yet.
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