Acts

Discerning God’s particular call is not the first thing in the Christian life. Responding to His general call is 1st. Receive Jesus as your Savior, etc. Then we learn more of God’s general call for us. 1. Make disciples 2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit We need to...

1:1-3 INTRODUCTION Author: Luke, writer of the Gospel of Luke, and also of Acts. Gentile physician and perhaps a slave. Former account: Gospel of Luke. Recipient: Theophilus, “lover of God.” Time written: approx. 63-70 A.D. 30-37 years after death and resurrection of...

2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Be strong- endunamoō- en-doo-nam-o'-o- to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong, to receive strength. Acts 14:26 26From there they sailed to Antioch, where...

1:1-3 INTRODUCTION Author: Luke, writer of the Gospel of Luke, and also of Acts. Gentile physician and perhaps a slave. Former account: Gospel of Luke. Recipient: Theophilus, “lover of God.” Time written: approx. 63-70 A.D. 30-37 years after death and resurrection of...

1:4-6 They seem to be thinking that the “Promise of the Father” was the coming Kingdom. They weren’t wrong in expecting the Kingdom of God, for Jesus had spoken much about it. Jesus didn’t rebuke them for asking about the coming Kingdom of God. The O.T. prophets had...

1:4-6 They seem to be thinking that the “Promise of the Father” was the coming Kingdom. They weren’t wrong in expecting the Kingdom of God, for Jesus had spoken much about it. Jesus didn’t rebuke them for asking about the coming Kingdom of God. The O.T. prophets had...

I. The Gentiles-Non Jews A. Polytheistic B. Generally Immoral C. Hated, Avoided By Jews II. Cornelius-Different A. Secular Life 10:1 1. Centurion- ruled over 100 men 2. Description- a. Legion- 6000 soldiers b. Regiment- 600 soldiers c. Centurions-Master sergeants:...

I. The Gentiles-Non Jews A. Polytheistic B. Generally Immoral C. Hated, Avoided By Jews II. Cornelius-Different A. Secular Life 10:1 1. Centurion- ruled over 100 men 2. Description a. Legion- 6000 soldiers b. Regiment- 600 soldiers c. Centurions-Master sergeants:...

I. No Partiality V. 34 A. Jesus’ View Of Humanity 1. No Partiality- KJV- “No respecter of persons” 2. Mankind’s tendency- accept or reject people based upon our cultural, physical, intellectual, or emotional standards. 3. Not how God sees humanity. 4. Luke 16:14,15...

I. No Partiality V. 34 A. Jesus’ View Of Humanity 1. No Partiality- KJV- “No respecter of persons” 2. Mankind’s tendency- accept or reject people based upon our cultural, physical, intellectual, or emotional standards. 3. Not how God sees humanity. 4. Luke 16:14,15...

I. The Work Of The H.S. In Cornelius’ Life A. Pre-Salvation 1. Cornelius- not the same circumstance for everyone a. Gentile, Roman, soldier. Respectable, powerful, influential. b. Lived and served under a powerful, but idolatrous nation c. Dissatisfied with idolatry...

I. The Work Of The H.S. In Cornelius’ Life A. Pre-Salvation 1. Cornelius- not the same circumstance for everyone a. Gentile, Roman, soldier. Respectable, powerful, influential. b. Lived and served under a powerful, but idolatrous nation c. Dissatisfied with idolatry...

I. Starts With The Normal (Retracing the steps of Peter…) A. The Mundane-Waiting 1. Acts 1:4, 5 Wait in Jerusalem for H.S. Not spectacular. Required faith. 2. Acts 2 Filled w/H.S., Peter preaches 1st sermon, 3000 saved. Unimaginable. B. The Routine 1. Acts 3:1 Peter &...

Contend- To separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to oppose, strive with dispute I. The Contention-Two Groups A. Jewish Christians 1. Jews-1st to receive the revelation and Law of God 2. 1st to learn of the holiness of God 3. Early Jews to live separate from...

I. They Were Converted Vs. 19-21 A. They Heard The Preaching 1. Preaching-a proclamation; an announcement 2. Jesus is the subject a. Mankind guilty before God b. Jesus- God’s substitutionary sacrifice for man’s sins 3. Not self-help or morality 4. Preaching Is God’s...

I. Opposition A. The Herods 1. Herod the Great a. Appointed King of Judea, 40 B.C. b. Killed his wife, sons, any family that opposed him c. Restored Jews’ Temple to gain favor d. But heavily taxed and alienated Jews e. At Jesus’ birth, Herod feared the one called...

Read 12:1-5, 18-25 I. Herod’s Position In Life Herod Agrippa I, king of Israel grandson of Herod the Great. Devoted to the Roman Empire. Also won the affection of the Jews. Difficult to do. Romans hated in Israel. Much fighting between Jews and Romans. Romans-...

What defines a missionary church? Background of the church in Antioch 1. Gentile church 2. Established by Barnabus and Paul 3. In Acts 13, the focus now shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch. Chapter 13 on… 4. Antioch takes the lead in reaching the world with the gospel....

I. Paul’s Message A. Reviews Their History Vs. 17-20 1. NOTE- repetitive references to God: “God”; “He” vs. 17-23 2. God was active and gracious to them a. Called out Abraham b. Brought them out of Egypt c. Provision in the wilderness d. Brought tem into the land of...

I. The Setting A. Antioch to Cyprus V.4 1. 16 miles from Antioch to Seleucia 2. 100 miles by sea; a direct course to Salamis, a city on Cyprus 3. Barnabus was a Levite, and he was from Cyprus. (4:36) 4. Supernaturally led in a natural fashion. Barnabus’ former...

Acts 13:1-5 Paul, Barnabus, and John Mark set apart by the Holy Spirit. 1st time God called missionaries out of a local church and directed them to other places. Acts 13:6-12 They encounter opposition form Bar-Jesus, a sorcerer on island of Paphos. They deal w/him,...

2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Be strong- endunamoō- en-doo-nam-o'-o- to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong, to receive strength. Acts 14:26 26From there they sailed to Antioch, where...

I. Worshipping Useless Things A. The People Of Lystra 1. In Lystra, no mention of a synagogue. 2. Basically an uneducated city. 3. Commerce run by some Greeks in the city. 4. Government run by retired Roman military. 5. Middle class/lower middle class population. 6....

I. The Setting A. Paul & Barnabus Back from 1st missionary journey. Been home perhaps a year. Back home in Antioch. Back with the church. B. God’s Work Among Gentiles Jews & Gentiles are getting saved. Fellowship between Jews and Gentiles in Antioch This is a...

I. The Issue Of Salvation- A Problem A. Jews & Gentiles Being Saved B. Judaizers Bring Different Doctrine To Antioch 15:1, 5 C. Paul & Barnabus Refute Them Galatians 2:5 “…to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might...

I. The Setting A. The Early Years 1. Paul saved in Acts 9. a. Former Pharisee, persecutor of Christians. b. Begins to Preach Christ 2. Paul’s Introduction to Church in Jerusalem a. Christians very suspicious of Paul b. Barnabas vouches for Paul’s authenticity c. Paul...

I. Obey No Matter What 16:1, 2 A. Obedience Can Be Difficult Lystra- Paul attacked by a mob, stoned, and left for dead. Fear, discouragement, heartbreak, attack @ Lystra. Scars probably still visible, memories real. Paul willing to return to place of difficulty....

Key verse- Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Proposition- Christian: Live for Jesus and you will influence others for Christ. I. Opposition Vs. 22-24 Objection #1- Every time I try to...

Read Acts 16:16-24, 35-40; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17 Every Christian has dual citizenship: heaven and earth. Believers have responsibility to both God’s Kingdom & the governments of man. I. Paul’s Experience A. What Happened To Paul & Silas 1. Paul casts...

I. Paul Presented The Truth About Jesus Vs. 1-3 A. The Setting 1. Paul always started in a local synagogue. People who had God’s word 2. The Jews had God’s word, therefore, Paul reasoned from the O.T. scriptures 3. Reasoned- (Hughes) “...is the root for our English...

Acts 17:16-34 Speaking To The Unchurched   Athens 17:18-21 500 years past its prime. Still the biggest city for the development of education, culture, and philosophy. Home of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates.   Idolatry- Athens was given over to idolatry ANCIENT...

I. The Setting-Corinth   A. Economic-Geographic See Map Nearing the end of 2nd missionary journey. Athens known for philosophy, but Corinth known for commerce. Location was a key-isthmus, between northern and southern Greece. Corinth was an overland east-west...

Vs. 18-23 Paul stays in Corinth 18 months, and eventually travels to Ephesus. Vs. 22 Paul arrives back in Israel. He then goes up to Jerusalem to visit that church, and then back to is home church in Antioch. Vs. 23 After a time in Antioch, Paul once again sets out....

I. Three Greek Prepositions-Three Dynamics Of Relationship A. With- para 1. The Holy Spirit is with someone prior to conversion-John 14:15-18 2. The Holy Spirit seeks to communicate to the Unbeliever- John 16:8-11 B. In- en 1. When a person believes in Jesus, the Holy...

I. The Setting A. Ephesus 1. A center for demonic activity & occult practices a. Many demon possessed people; many exorcists. b. Famous Ephesian book of incantations: “The Ephesian Spells” 2. The Center for the worship of Diana/Artemis: Goddess of sex/fertility a....

I. Paul In Ephesus, modern day Turkey; 3rd missionary journey. A. Paul’s Life With Jesus V. 11 1. By- through, with, by means of 2. Paul’s life was given over to Christ, surrendered to Christ 3. Paul’s life was lived in close communion with Jesus 4. Paul was an open...

2:14,15 There was confusion about what was happening with God’s people. There was confusion about what God was doing. There is often still confusion about what God is doing among people. Confusion among God’s people or about God is best clarified by God’s word. 2:16...

QUESTION: How does someone become great at what they do? ANSWER: By focusing on that one thing. Christian F. Hebbel- “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” The early church lived simply before God. They loved God and people sincerely....

I. The Event A. Foretold In The O.T. 1. Acts 2:16-18 quotes Joel 2:28-32 2. Ezekiel 36:26-28 26I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27I will put My Spirit within...

2:14,15 There was confusion about what was happening with God’s people. There was confusion about what God was doing. There is often still confusion about what God is doing among people. Confusion among God’s people or about God is best clarified by God’s word. 2:16...

I. Comes Via Baptism (Filling) Of Holy Spirit A. Spoken Of By John The Baptist 1. John 1:29-33 2. Jesus is the Baptizer 3. The element of the Holy Spirit B. Spoken Of By Jesus 1. John 7:37-39 Speaks of the overflowing experience 2. John 20:22 Speaks of conversion,...

QUESTION: How does someone become great at what they do? ANSWER: By focusing on that one thing. Christian F. Hebbel- “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” The early church lived simply before God. They loved God and people sincerely....

I. Continued Steadfastly V. 42 A. Continued Steadfastly- proskartereo - to adhere to one; to persevere and not to faint; to show one's self courageous: – to "hold on to" something. Here, it’s a "continuous" sense of "holding on". See also Acts 1:14; 2:46; 6:4 B. How...

Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. See verses 22, 23. He is being compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, though he knows that very difficult trials await him there. He is visiting with people that he loves. This will be his last visit with them. One of the...

The Apostle Paul said…”Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul’s life was lived after the manner of His Savior, Jesus Christ. I. Determined To Go To Jerusalem A. Paul                          V. 16 1. Bound in the Spirit                   ...

I. Paul’s View Of His Own Life A. A Bondslave Of Jesus 1. Paul considered himself tied to Jesus, and to the will of Jesus V. 22 2. Paul, a doulos…from the word deo-to tie or bind Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant (doulos)of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,...

I. Paul Willing To Separate From Loved Ones Vs. 25; 36-38 A. Why? Paul Concerned About Following God’s Will                                   Vs. 22-24 1. Paul’s friends were dear to him 2. The Bible speaks highly of friendship a. Proverbs 27:9,10 Ointment and perfume...

I. Was Paul In God’s Will? A. Some Say No; He Should Not Have Gone To Jerusalem 1. Some say he was blinded by his love for the Jews. See Romans 9:1-4a 2. Some say that he disregarded the prophetic warnings 3. He wanted desperately to reach the Jews w/ the gospel 4....

I. The Joy Of Serving God         Vs. 15-20a Paul returns to Jerusalem after three years. Reports on the salvation of the Gentiles. The church at Jerusalem rejoiced re. God’s grace to the Gentiles. The joy would be short-lived. A new challenge awaited Paul. II. The...

1 "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now." Defense- verbal defense, speech in defense, a reasoned statement or argument Reason and rational for believing what we believe. I. Speak In A Way That People Can Understand          V. 2 Though the Jews...

I. The Setting A. Paul And The Jews 1. Paul was at the Temple in Jerusalem 2. He was wrongly accused of bringing a Gentile to the Temple 3. He was taken and almost beaten to death by the Jewish populace 4. His rights were violated by the Jews at the Temple. Wrongly...

I. The Setting A. Paul’s Recent History 1. Paul had great love for his Jewish countrymen Romans 9:1-3 1I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3For...

I. Paul Presents The Gospel To Felix     V. 25a Paul speaks about three things… A. Righteousness 1. Righteousness-The condition which is acceptable to God (as opposed to man) 2. Jesus told us the degree of righteousness needed to enter Heaven 3. See Matthew 5:20 4....

I. Heal Spiritual Blindness… 18to open their eyes,… turn them from darkness to light, A. Unsaved Man Is Spiritually Blind 1. The unsaved man is spiritually blind to the eternal truths of God 2. Matthew 15:14 They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads...

I. Paul Preaches The Gospel           Vs. 19-22 A. Paul Obeyed Jesus’ Commission 1. “…I was not disobedient…”: The gospel starts w/God, not w/ man The Gospel is God’s initiative towards man. God is the Initiator. 2. “…declared…throughout”: Gospel for all people: Jews...

Romans 1:9, 10 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. Acts 23:11...

I. Paul’s Past A. Paul’s Recent Past 1. 27 months earlier: Wrongly accused in Jerusalem Temple area, beaten by mob, arrested by Romans & imprisoned in Caesarea for 2 ½ years 2. After appealing to Caesar, Paul transported by ship, but shipwrecked on the way 3....

I. Hope: General Thoughts A. What It Is 1. Hope- (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation or confidence:—faith, hope. 2. Sometimes translated faith. 3. Negative example: living w/o hope Ephesians 2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens...

I. The Lame Man A. Lifetime Of Lameness 2And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb 1. Never walked a day in his life 2. No reference point regarding walking, running, even standing. 3. Worse than previously walking and then losing that ability. B. Dependent Upon...

I. What People Ask For Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer the ninth hour. Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask...

Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who...

I. What People Ask For Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer the ninth hour. Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask...

I. God Wants To Do Great Things v.11 God wants to do things that will cause people to be greatly amazed. This involves Christians stepping out in faith as we perceive God leading us. It could be… 1. Miraculous healing 2. Bold witnessing 3. Step of faith- “ventures of...

I. The Truth About Jesus A. Glorified Via Resurrection vs. 13a,15b 1. Resurrection of Jesus from the dead proves who he was. 2. Jesus said His resurrection would be a sign of authenticity of who He was. 3. John 14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one...

I. Creation A. God’s Design & Desire 1. Order From Disorder Gen. 1:1-5 2. God’s Provision For Man Gen. 1:27-29 3. God & Man In Fellowship Gen. 2:8,9,15; 3:8 B. Man’s Disobedience 1. God’s One Law Gen. 2:16,17 2. Man’s Disobedience Gen. 3:1-7 C. Consequence Of...

I. Creation A. God’s Design & Desire 1. Order From Disorder Gen. 1:1-5 2. God’s Provision For Man Gen. 1:27-29 3. God & Man In Fellowship Gen. 2:8,9,15; 3:8 B. Man’s Disobedience 1. God’s One Law Gen. 2:16,17 2. Man’s Disobedience Gen. 3:1-7 C. Consequence Of...

1Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, This is the Temple police force. They kept order around the Temple area, and (probably) were in league and sympathetic with the Sadducees. 2being greatly...

1Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, This is the Temple police force. They kept order around the Temple area, and (probably) were in league and sympathetic with the Sadducees. 2being greatly...

I. The Believers A. Spoke The Word Of God Verses 1a, 20 1. Their message was from God, not man. 2. 1 Co. 2:1-5 3. They spoke about that which they had experienced. 4. Christians today experience the presence and indwelling of Jesus Christ. B. Salvation Came Through...

I. Companionship V.23, 24a A. Who Do You Run To? V. 23 1. “Companion”, (NKJV) “company”, (KJV) “back to their own people” (NIV) idios- pertaining to self, one's own; private or separate John 13:1 “…when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart,… having...

I. Unity V. 32a A. All Christians Are United In Christ 1. Similar to human body; diverse, yet unified 2. 1 Cor. 12:12,13a B. Keep The Unity 1. Recognize the truth of unity 2. Keep the spirit of unity 3. Motivated by truth, not emotion 4. Turn to Ephesians 4:1-3 a....

I. Unity II. Mutual Care III. Witness 32Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33And with great power the apostles gave witness...

I. Hypocrisy A. Definition 1. Hypocrisy- From G5271; acting under a feigned part; deceit. 2. Hypocrite- G5273; an actor under an assumed character (stage player). 3. Turn to Matthew 7:1-5 4. One who pretends to be something that he is not. a. Pretends to be holy, but...

I. Being Persuaded To Obey Man A. A Definition 1. G 3982. peitho, pi'-tho- to persuade to obey a. to convince by argument, whether true or false b. to pacify or conciliate, to gain by acts of kindness c. assure, make friend B. Examples 2. Mat 27:20 But the chief...

I. The Church A. An Organism, Not A Machine 1. Machines- a. No natural (upward) change b. No spontaneity (except when they break down) c. Operate routinely, as they are designed to do. 2. Human Body- Not A Machine a. Many changes throughout life b. We are more than...

I. Stephen A. Background 1. Hellenist Jew who had become a Christian 2. A Jewish Christian w/a Greek background Probably read from the Septuagint, a Greek Translation of the Old Testament. 3. Maybe recently moved to Israel, maybe 1st or 2nd generation in Israel. 4....

I. Accusations Against Stephen Read 6:8-15 A. Blasphemous Words 1. Against Moses 6:11 2. Against God 6:11 3. Against The Temple 6:13 4. Against The Law Of Moses 6:13 a. Sabbath keeping b. Circumcision c. Worship @ Temple B. Change Our Way Of Worship 1. Jesus To...

I. Persecution A. What Persecution Is 1. Strong’s- to make to run or flee, drive away; to trouble, molest, or harass. 2. 8:4: “made havoc” “…wild animal tearing meat.” Saul took pleasure in it. 3. Christian persecution- Dislike or hatred of a Christian b/c of faith in...

I. The Samaritans A. Before Conversion 1. Spiritually Deceived By Simon- a. Astonished and attracted to magical arts. b. Believed Simon the Sorcerer was from God. 2. Some Were Demon Possessed 3. Some Physically Infirm 4. People’s Condition Apart From Jesus- Acts 26:18...

I. God Reaches Out To The One A. God’s Call: Not Always Logical V. 26 1. Previously, Philip was ministering in a great revival in Samaria. 2. Peter & John arrived, people being healed, delivered, filled w/H.S. 3. Tendency would be to want to stay there, where the...

I. The Gospel 8:5-8 A. For All People 8:5 1. Jesus had visited Samaria in John 4. A woman there had received Jesus as her savior, and many people heard about Jesus in Samaria. 2. Philip’s travel to Samaria was uncharacteristic for a Jew, for Jews normally had nothing...

I. Saul’s Sinful Condition Prior To Conversion A. Saul Persecuted Christians Vs. 1, 2 1. Received letters from High Priest to arrest Christians. 2. “Breathing threats & murder…” Panting; “desperately and incessantly bent” 3. See also Acts 8:3-raged liked a wild...

I. God Knows About Our Past A. Saul’s Past Vs. 13, 14 1. V.13- “…heard from many…”. Saul’s wickedness-well known. 2. V.13- “…how much harm he has done. Literally- evil: troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive. 3. V.14- bind- to chain, imprison, to put under...

I. Vessel- Merriam Webster Dictionary A. “A Container For Holding Something” 1. Some vessels used for permanent storage, i.e. an urn. 2. Most vessels hold something that is intended to be poured out later. B. “A Person Into Whom Some Quality Is Infused” 1. A child of...

I. A Season Of Peace A. Saul’s Persecution Ends 1. Saul’s Recent History a. Acts 7:57-8:2 Agreeing w/and voting for the death of Stephen b. Acts 8:3; 9:1,2 Saul hunts for Christians 2. Saul’s Conversion To Christianity Acts 9 3. Saul Preaches Christ Acts 9:20-22 4....

I. Good Works-Blessing To Others A. Miraculous Works Thru Jesus & His Followers 1. Healings- lame, withered hands, blind, leprosy, fevers, hemorrhages. 2. Dead Raised 3. Demons cast out of people 4. People received tremendous blessings from these miraculous good...

1:12 Sabbath day’s journey- the distance determined by Jewish religious leaders to be allowable for traveling on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day of rest for the Jews, and so they determined what was or wasn’t an allowable distance to travel. They returned to...

1:12 Sabbath day’s journey- the distance determined by Jewish religious leaders to be allowable for traveling on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day of rest for the Jews, and so they determined what was or wasn’t an allowable distance to travel. They returned to...