Title: Chapter 02
Course: Course PE500, Acts of the Apostles > Section: Unit 2

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II.       KEYS TO ACTS

From a theological standpoint, Acts was written to trace the development of the Body of Christ over the one-generation transition from a primarily Jewish membership to a predominantly Gentile membership.  This apologetic work presents Christianity distinct from Judaism but also as its fulfillment.  Luke’s historical method required him in the opening of his Second Book to give a full account of the first condition of the Church in Jerusalem, and then to concentrate attention on the critical steps and persons by whom the Universal Church was molded to the form it had in his time.

A.       The Christ of Acts

The resurrected Savior is the central theme of the sermons and defenses in Acts.  The Old Testament Scriptures, the historical resurrection, the apostolic testimony, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit all bear witness that Jesus is both Lord and Christ (see Peter's sermons in 2:22-36 and 10:34-43).  "To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins" (10:43).  "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (4:12).

B.       Mega-themes In Acts

1.         Church Beginnings

Acts is the history of how Christianity was founded and organized and solved the problems it faced. The community of believers began by faith in the risen Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enabled them to witness, to love and to serve.

New churches are continually being founded. By faith in Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church can be a vibrant agent for change. As we face new problems, Acts gives important remedies for solving them.

2.       The Holy Spirit

The Church did not start or grow by its own power of enthusiasm. The disciples were empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. He was the promised Counselor and Guide sent when Jesus went to heaven.

The Holy Spirit’s work demonstrated that Christianity was supernatural. Thus, the Church became more Holy Spirit conscious than problem conscious. By faith, any believer can claim the Holy Spirit’s power to do Christ’s work.

3.       Church Growth

Acts presents the history of a dynamic, growing community of believers from Jerusalem to Syria, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the first century, Christianity spread from believing Jews to non-Jews in 39 cities and 30 countries, islands, or provinces.

When the Holy Spirit works, there is movement, excitement, and growth. He gives us the motivation, energy, and ability to get the Gospel to the whole world. How are we fitting into God’s plan for spreading Christianity? What is our place in this movement?

4.       Witnessing

Peter, John, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, and thousands more witnessed to their new faith in Christ. By personal testimony, preaching, or defense before authorities, they told the story with boldness and courage to groups of all sizes.

We are God’s people, chosen to be part of His plan to reach the world. In love and by faith, we can have the Holy Spirit’s help as we witness or preach. Witnessing is also beneficial to us because it strengthens our faith as we confront those who challenge it.

5.       Opposition

Through imprisonment, beatings, plots, and riots, Christians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles. But the opposition became a catalyst for the spread of Christianity, Growth during times of oppression showed that Christianity was not the work of humans, but of God.

God can work through any opposition. When persecution from hostile unbelievers comes, realize that it has come because we have been a faithful witness and we have looked for the opportunity to present the Good News about Christ. Seize the opportunities that opposition brings.

C.       Key Words

"The growth of the church”— while there is four accounts of the life of Jesus; this is the only book that carries on the story from His ascension to the period of the New Testament Epistles.  Thus, Acts is the historical link between the Gospels and the Epistles.  Because of Luke's strong emphasis on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, this Book could be regarded as "the Acts of the Spirit of Christ working in and through the Apostles."  Being a missionary himself, Luke's interest in the progressive spread of the Gospel is obviously reflected in this apostolic history.  Luke was personally involved as a participant in this story, so it was not written from a detached point of view.

D.       Key Verses

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Ac.2:42-47)

E.       Key players

Luke shows true historical insight in fixing the reader’s attention on Pentecost.  Much depends on the successors of the first leader; and the issue is determined in the period following the leader’s removal.  Who are the key players?  And who will take the lead?  On the day of Pentecost, the test was fulfilled in the primitive Church; and the capacity of His disciples to carry on His work was shown.

Every Student should have a good working knowledge of every apostle.  Jesus’ disciples were chosen for various reasons and many of those reasons are reflective of believers today.

Why did Jesus select whom He did?  Why were many of these men uneducated?  As one follows the narrative one will discover that Jesus has a reason for every decision He makes and that decision has a continual affect on the Church.

We must remember how little we know concerning any of the apostles. It is natural that we should scan the evangelical narrative for indications of character with reference to those who were ordinary men; there is enough to show they were all pious men.

Study the chart following and completely familiarize self to these very important individuals in the early life of the Church.

F.       Key Chapter

Acts 2 is considered the key chapter.  It records the earth changing events of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came, fulfilling Christ's promise to wait until the Holy Spirit arrives to empower and direct the witness. The Spirit transformed a small group of fearful men into a thriving, worldwide Church that is ever moving forward and fulfilling the great commission.

In 2:1-42 the events of Pentecost (May 26, AD 30), and the effect produced on the character of the converts, are described; and the general state and conduct of this primitive Church is summed up in 2:43-47.  The second part of 2:47, “the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved,” is one of those phrases in which Luke often hits off a long, steady, uniform process. It is to be taken as a general description of subsequent progress in Jerusalem, during the course of which occurred the events next related.  The space devoted by Luke to Pentecost shows that he considered the events of that Day to be of the highest importance. On that day the Divine grace was given to the Apostles, qualifying them for the work which they were now required to perform since their Master had left them.

Name | Major Events in His Life | Selected References
Simon Peter

(son of John)

James (son of Zebedee)

John (son of Zebedee)

Andrew(Peter’s brother)

Philip

Bartholomew

(Nathaniel)

Matthew (Levi)

Thomas

(the Twin)

James (son of Alphaeus)

Judas (son of James) ) (Thaddeus)

Simon the Zealot

Matthias
One of three in the core group of disciples; recognized Jesus as Messiah; denied Christ and repented; preached Pentecost sermon a leader of Jerusalem church baptized Gentiles wrote First and Second Peter.

Also in core group; he and his brother, John, asked Jesus for places of honor in His Kingdom, wanted to call fire down to destroy a Samaritan village; first disciple to be martyred.

Third disciple in core group; asked Jesus for a place of honor in his Kingdom; wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village; a leader of the Jerusalem church; wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation.

Accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus; told Peter about Jesus; he and Philip told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see him.

Told Nathaniel about Jesus; wondered how Jesus could feed the 5,000; he and Andrew told Jesus that the Greeks wanted to see him; asked Jesus to show His followers God the Father.

Initially rejected Jesus because Jesus was from Nazareth but acknowledged him as the “Son of God” and “King of Israel” when they met.

Abandoned his corrupt (and financially profitable) way of life to follow Jesus; invited Jesus to a party with his notorious friends; wrote the Gospel of Matthew.

Suggested the disciples go with Jesus to Bethany- even if it meant death; asked Jesus about where He was going; refused to believe Jesus was risen until he could see Jesus alive and touch His wounds.

Became one of Jesus’ disciples

Asked Jesus why he would reveal himself to his followers and not to the world.

Became a disciple of Jesus;

Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (who had betrayed Jesus and then killed himself).
Matt. 4:18-20

Mark 8:29-33

Luke 22:31-34

Acts 2:14-41;1-:1-11:18

Mark 3:17;10:38-40

Luke 9:52-56

Acts 12:1-2

Mark 1:19;10:35-40

Luke 9:52-56

John19:26-27;21:20-24

Matt. 4:18-20

John 1:35-42;6:8-9; 12:20-22

Matt. 10:3

John 1:43-46;6:2-7; 12:20-22; 14:8-11

Mark 3:18

John 1:45-51; 21:1-13

Matt.9:9-13;

Mark 2:15-17

Luke 5:27-32

Matt; 10:3

John 14:5;20:24-29;

21:1-13

Matt. 10:3

Mark 3:18

Luke 6:15

Matt. 10:3

Mark 3:18

John 14:22

Matt. 10:4

Mark 3:16

Luke 6:15

Acts 1:15-26

G.        The Twelve Disciples/ Acts 1:12-13

H.       Key Places

The Apostle Paul, whose missionary journeys fill much of this Book, traveled tremendous distances as he tirelessly spread the Gospel across much of the Roman Empire. His combined trips, by land and sea, equal more than 13,000 air miles.

1.       Judea

Jesus ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives, outside Jerusalem, and His followers returned to the city to await the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which occurred at Pentecost. Peter gave a powerful sermon that was heard by Jews from across the empire. The Jerusalem church grew, but Stephen was martyred for his faith by Jewish leaders who did not believe in Jesus (1:1-7:60).

2.       Samaria

After Stephen's death, persecution of Christians intensified, but it caused the believers to leave Jerusalem and spread the Gospel to other cities in the empire. Philip took the Gospel into Samaria, and even to a man from Ethiopia (8:1-40).

3.       Syria

Paul (Saul) began his story as a persecutor of Christians, only to be met by Jesus on the road to Damascus. He became a believer, but his new faith caused opposition, so he returned to Tarsus, his home, for safety. Barnabas sought out Paul in Tarsus and brought him to the church in Antioch of Syria, where they worked together. Meanwhile, Peter had received a vision that led him to Caesarea, where he presented the Gospel to a Gentile family, who became believers (9:1-12:25).

4.       Cyprus and Galatia

Paul and Barnabas were dedicated by the church in Antioch of Syria for God's work of spreading the Gospel to other cities. They set off on their First Missionary Journey through Cyprus and Galatia (13:1- 14:28).

5.       Jerusalem

Controversy between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians over the matter of keeping the law led to a special council, with delegates from the churches in Antioch and Jerusalem meeting in Jerusalem. Together, they resolved the conflict and the news was taken back to Antioch (15:1-35).

6.       Macedonia

Barnabas traveled to Cyprus while Paul took a Second Missionary Journey. He revisited the churches in Galatia and headed toward Ephesus, but the Holy Spirit said no. So he turned north toward Bithynia and Pontus: but again was told not to go. He then received the "Macedonian call," and followed the Spirit's direction into the cities of Macedonia (15:36-17:14).

7.       Achaia

Paul traveled from Macedonia to Athens and Corinth in Achaia, then traveled by ship to Ephesus before returning to Caesarea, Jerusalem, and finally back to Antioch (17:15- 18:22).

8.       Ephesus

Paul's Third Missionary Journey took him back through Cilicia and Galatia, this time straight to Ephesus in Asia. He visited other cities in Asia before going back to Macedonia and Achaia. He returned to Jerusalem by ship, despite his knowledge that arrest awaited him there (18:23-23:30).

9.       Caesarea

Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Antipatris, then on to Caesarea under Roman guard. Paul always took advantage of any opportunity to share the Gospel, and he did so before many Gentile leaders. Because Paul appealed to Caesar, he began the long journey to Rome (23:31-26:32).

10.     Rome

After storms, layovers in Crete, and shipwreck on the island of Malta, Paul arrived in Sicily and finally in Italy, where he traveled by land, under guard, to his long-awaited destination: Rome, the capital of the Empire (27:1-28:31).

I.        Acts- a Transitional Book

Luke begins the Book of Acts where he left off in his Gospel.  Acts records the initial fulfillment of the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20 as it traces the beginning and growth of the New Testament Church.  This growth pattern can be seen plainly (1:15; 2:41, 47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 13:49; 16:5; 19:20).  Acts traces important events in the early history of Christianity from the ascension of Christ, to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and to the rapid progress of the Gospel, beginning in Jerusalem and spreading throughout the Roman Empire. This outpouring brought a transition in five ways:

1.       History:  from the Gospels to the Epistles

2.       Religion:  from Judaism to Christianity

3.       Divine healing:  from law to grace

4.       People of God:  from Jews alone to Jews and Gentiles

5.       Program of God:  from Kingdom to Church (program of God).

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