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The Book of Acts
by Scott Denham

Why study the book of Acts?

It is a book of the Acts of the Holy Spirit

Referred to 59 times

Acts 2; 4:8, 5:32, 6:10

It is a book of the Miraculous & Prophetic

Healing - Acts 3:6 (name of Jesus)

Acts 4:31 He manifests in their prayer meetings.

Word of knowledge - Acts 5:3 Ananius

Where did Philip go? Acts 8:39

Trance - Acts 10:10

Guidance - Acts 13:2

Prophecy - Acts 21:11

It is a book of the Name of Jesus

mentioned 21 times

For salvation - Acts 2:21, 4:12

For Healing - Acts 3:6

For miracles - Acts 4:30

Forbidden to speak in His name - Acts 5:40

Baptized in - Acts 10:48

For deliverance - Acts 16:18

Worth dying for - Acts 21:13

It is a book of Evangelism, Mission & Exponential Church Growth

Acts 1:8 What this power caused the early church to do

Many saved: Acts 2:41, 2:47, 4:4, 5:14, 6:1,7, 9;31, 9:42, 11:21,24, 12:24, 13:43, 14:1,21, 16:5, 17:4,12,34 18:8

Evangelizing & Preaching - Acts 8:25, 8:40, 16:6, 17:13, 17:18, 18:5, 20:25

 

6-9-99

v1 Theophilus

Former book" is the gospel of Luke. Theophilus is mentioned in Luke 1:3 - a high official in the service of Rome; books intended for circulation, as the gospel spread thru the Roman empire

v2 "giving instructions through the Holy Spirit"

The co-work of Christ & the Spirit in Christ's appearances & teachings (Isa 61 "The Spirit is upon me for He has anointed me to preach...")

v3 "gave many convincing proofs that he was alive"

What are they? a) Prophecy in scripture- Psa 16:10 b) what Jesus said himself John 2:18-22 c) History - The post-resurrection appearances to over 500 people

The Resurrection Scene - a) Jesus was dead - extreme blood loss, dehydrated on the cross, blood & water from the heart. How could Joseph have induce Emperor Titus to take down a live man? b) The tomb - The tomb must exist for why would the Jews want a guard at the tomb? c) The burial d) The stone - large to keep men and beast out - p208 an ancient manuscript e) The seal - Roman law forbid tampering with sever penalties f) The guard - allegiance to the seal far outweighed any sympathy for a cause. According to Roman law the punishment for leaving your post was death. Has there ever been a squadron guard a crucified man? g) The disciples went their own way - is it reasonable to assume that a band of discourage followers, who disserted Jesus, returned to their homes and vocations, would have risked their lives to steal a dead man?

v3 "spoke about the kingdom of God."

referred to 66x in the NT

"Embraces all created intelligences both in heaven and on earth who willingly subject to God and thus in fellowship with Him... any type of rulership God may assert on the earth." --Unger's Bible Dictionary

That God has come to exert His Kingly rule upon the earth and through the church. His government, and spiritual society, that is being prepared for the next world. A kingdom, beginning on earth...

Mark 4:26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scattered seed on the ground..." a parable upon the rule of God upon the free agency of man

v4 "the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about."

Romans 4:13-16, Gal. 3:14 29, Eph. 3:6, Acts 2:39

v5 "baptized with the Holy Spirit."

907. baptizo, bap-tid'-zo; to make fully wet; used only (in the N.T.) of ceremonial cleansing

It would appear by the book of acts that "baptized" "filled" "come upon" "came on" & "received" the Spirit, are synonymous terms

initial Acts 10:43-44 & subsequent : Acts 8:14-17

NOTE: by the book of Acts, tongues is "a" sign of the baptism, not "the" sign"

v8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you"

Dunimis = power. What is this power for?

v11 "will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

1 Thes 4:17 "in the clouds"... Rev 19:11

Comment on the rest of the chapter & close

6-16-99

Acts 2:3 "separated" from the One sources... a shared anointing

Acts 2:4 "TONGUES": 1100. glossa, the tongue; a language. Translated in the NT as (1) the physical organ, (2) a foreign language (3) a native language (4) a 'tongue' of fire I.E. like the 'licking' of the flames (5) a spiritual gift

NOTE: "tongues used here were of specific languages understood by foreigners to communicate the gospel. This is very different from 1 Cor 14:2 ; "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit." (and) 1 Cor 14:15 "So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."

Acts 2:13 Eph 5:18 suggests the intoxication of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:14 "Let me explain" - instructing to minimize confusion

Acts 2:17 The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is clearly identified with the release of gifts to His people.

a) on "all people" - not just prophets or Levites. v18 says "men and women". v17 says on young and old. v39 for children too!

Acts 2:19 Miracles following this outpouring.

Acts 2:20 The gifts are for last days ministry with the emphasis in v21 of reaching people for Christ.

Acts 2:22 The Spirit always brings attention to Jesus and away from the gifts. (V36)

Acts 2:39 The outpouring is even for children, and "for all"; it is God's will that all His people are filled with His Spirit.

Acts 2:42-47 The results of this outpouring (1) discipleship (2) fellowship v46 (3) communion (4) prayer

Acts 2:43: Results cont. from v42: miracles

Acts 2:44: Results: equality of needs

Acts 2:45: Results: generosity

Acts 2:47: Results: a growing church

6-30-99

 

Acts 3:6 "NAME": "In biblical cultures, a name did more than identify; it communicated something of the essence, the character , or the reputation of the person or thing... When Jesus encouraged the apostles to pray in His name, he was not referring to an expression tacked on to the end of a prayer. To pray "in Jesus' name" means (1) to identify the content and the motivations of prayers with all that Jesus is and (2) to pray with full confidence in Him as He has revealed Himself. Jesus promised that prayer in His name would be answered." --Richards

Acts 3:10: "They recognized him..." the testimony of a changed life. Miracles should produce in the lost "wonder & amazement"

Acts 3:12: Crowd not surprised because they had seen the miracles of Jesus & the apostles?

2 Cor 4:6&7 explains why it's not our power; James 1:5 why it's not our godliness (piety)

Acts 3:15: The witness to the resurrection provided the motivation... as to our own witness of the resurrection

Acts 3:19:

Repentance is turning "from" sin and "to" God

"REFRESHING": a recovery of breath, i.e. (fig.) revival:--revival.

Acts 3:21

"RESTORE": What "restoration" did speak of? In context, to restore the promise of Abraham (see Acts 3:25-26) in its ultimate prophetic fulfillment of the "blessing" of eternity with God

7-21-99

 

Acts 4:7: The power of the name of Jesus. Phil 2:10 (NIV) "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,"

Acts 2:38; Acts 3:6, 16; Acts 4:10; Acts 4:18; Acts 5:40; Acts 8:12; Acts 9:27; Acts 10:48; Acts 16:18; Acts 19:13; Acts 26:9

Acts 4:10: Just as in Acts 3:13-15, the preaching of the gospel should be pointed and bring the realization of man's guilt before God

Acts 4:11 "BUILDERS": builders - the religious leaders

Acts 4:12: No other way to heaven. What about those who've never heard the name of Jesus? Rom 1:18-20, 28, 32; 2:11, 14-16

"The Guilt of Sin" by Chas. Finney p16-20

Acts 4:13: "courage" - out-spoken bluntness. You education doesn't matter, and your ordinary-ness is not a limitation, when we are "with" Jesus

Acts 4:19: To obey God, will bring you into situations where you must disobey man

Acts 4:20: The power of a testimony

Acts 4:29: They didn't pray for wisdom, but for boldness (out-spoken bluntness)

Acts 4:30: Pray, that in the bold preaching of the gospel, that God will confirm His word thru the miraculous.

Acts 4:31: "Filled" again; fullness caused them to preach, and it should us.

7-29-99

Acts 5:3 (NIV)

1 "FILLED": Satan "fills" hearts - same word for filling of the Spirit; happened to Peter Matt 16:23; notice, in both instances, neither needed deliverance, and both were responsible for their actions

2 "LIED": to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood

Acts 5:9 (NIV)

1 "TEST": Translated: "tempted by the devil"; [God] tested the world [in Revelation's judgments]; on trial; the idea of piercing

to test, to scrutinize: basically, she was testing God's grace and wondering how far it extended.

Acts 5:11: Why so severe? Same with Achan (Josh 7:24-26), both are first offenses of disobedience & righteousness is necessary, early in offense, to establish the moral law

Acts 5:13: The "ante" has been upped... better think twice

Acts 5:14: Had the opposite effect; rather than scaring people away, they were drawn to God

Acts 5:15 (NIV)

1 "SHADOW": God can use anything... don't get distracted by the method

Acts 5:16: Notice that healing went to the "sick" and the "tormented": all sickness is not demonic... and THEY HEALED ALL OF THEM!!!

Acts 5:28: Gospel preaching, brings man's guilt to bare

Acts 5:32 (NIV)

1 "OBEY": From 2 words: To those who are "convinced" He is "first";

to be persuaded by a ruler, to submit to authority; to conform, to hearken to (magistrates)

Acts 5:34 (NIV)

1 "GAMALIEL": Acts 22:3 Paul's teacher (who sowed the seed of grace in him)

Acts 5:38: If you don't understand the "manifestation" of the Spirit, don't attack it, let it stand the test of time

Acts 5:39: O, how often we have spoken against the very thing that was of God

 

9-1-99

Acts 6:1: The growth of the early church

1 "COMPLAINED": Possible favoritism for the Jewish Christian Widows over the Greek Christian widows.

NOTE: That all "complaints" are not wrong, but can call attention to a genuine need.

NOTE: Hellenist - one who spoke Greek but was not racially of the Greek nation. Usually used of Jews who adopted the language, and to some extent, their customs.

Acts 6:2: God has not called to every need, but only to those needs where He has gifted and enabled you (of course, always be willing to serve anywhere, but ministry changes of direction need to be entered into cautiously. The Apostles had compassion, but they knew their calling and limitations.)

Acts 6:3

1 "AMONG": The only democratic reference in the bible. Leadership is Theocratic, serving democratic.

2 "FULL": What do you think they were looking for in terms of "full of the Spirit?"

3 "WISDOM": sophia, sof-ee'-ah; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual): from the root: phronimos, fron'-ee-mos; thoughtful, discreet (implying a cautious character; while having practical skills, and intelligence

Acts 6:4: Their narrowed calling. There is no "ministry of the word" without "prayer"

Acts 6:6: We see delegated leadership here like that of a nominating committee.

1 "HANDS": 5 purposes in the bible for the "laying on of hands": (1) Commissioning (2) Bestowing A Blessing (3) Transference of guilt (4) Healing (5) Filling Of the Holy Spirit; all summed up in one function: to transfer or to impart. Here we see "Commissioning" - Num 8:10-11, Num 27:18-23, Acts 6:6, Acts 13:2-3

Acts 6:7: The growth of the early church

1 "PRIESTS": The priest were more like "laity" compared to the governing body of the Pharisees, Chiefs Priests & Elders. The more subservient, pastoral, in touch with the people, and therefore, not separated by their office.

Acts 6:8

1 "STEPHEN": His name comes from the root: 4735. stephanos, stef'-an-os; from an appar. prim. stepho, (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor gen.; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet; a crown. (all deacons had Greek names: Hellenist)

2 "POWER": Now that's the type of "Minister of helps" we're looking for!

Acts 6:9: Opposition from the local Jewish Synagogue.

Acts 6:10: Wisdom is only enough when shared in the Spirit's power

Acts 6:11: So low... when you can't win, discredit and slander

Acts 6:15: Manifestation of the glory upon His "witnesses": Isa 60:1,2, 62:2, Matt. 5:14, 2 Cor 3:18

9-8-99

Acts 7:2: "At first sight a long extract from Israel's history seems a strange means of 'defense' against the charges note in 6:11,14, but (a) it assured a hearing for the message, as the judges couldn't not cut short a summary of their sacred history: (b) it appealed to the valid Hebrew concept that God reveals Himself by what He does in history and not only by what Her proclaims through the prophets. Stephen's hearers were to understand the diversity o God's self-revelation as 'the Glory of God' and to see their own crime prefigured in the behavior of national leaders who repeatedly rejected both divine revelation and the men God had raised up to further His purposes." --The International Bible Commentary

(1) The Glory of God v2, 30, 36 (2) Promised Messiah v37 (3) the Rulers miss it v9, 35, 39, 51-53 Acts 7:17: The growth of the early church

Acts 7:30: Exo 3:2 "There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush..."

"the angel of the LORD" (55x in bible) Most references are a "Christophony" - stopped Abraham's knife; spoke a promise to Hagar; appeared before Balaam & his donkey; speaks authoritatively as God; spoke to Gideon; spoke to Elijah; killed the Assyrians; David has vision of with sword drawn; gave Joseph peace about marrying Mary, and gave the name "Immanuel to him

Acts 7:51-53

1 "STIFF": Unable to turn and see a different direction

2 "UNCIRCUMCISED": hearts () ears (

3 "HEARTS": kardia, kar-dee'-ah; the heart, the mind, with thoughts or feelings; "The heart of man is his very person: his psychological core. The conscious awareness each of us has that makes us persons and the spiritual dimension of responsiveness or unresponsiveness to God..." --Richards

4 "EARS": choices: refuse to hear

5 "RESIST": oppose

Acts 7:52: Who did the "fathers" persecute? Jeremiah, thrown in a well, Isaiah sawn in two,

6 "PERSECUTE": Heb 11:35-37 (NIV) "Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. (36) Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. (37) They were stoned ; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated--"

Acts 7:53: "The gospel was offered now, not by angels, but from the Holy Ghost; yet they did not embrace it, for they were resolved not to comply with God, either in his law or in his gospel. Their guilt stung them to the heart, and they sought relief in murdering their reprover, instead of sorrow and supplication for mercy." --Matthew Henry

Acts 7:55: Jesus revealed in our darkest moments, is a source of great encouragement

1 "STANDING": Psa 109:5-7 (NIV) "They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship. (6) Appoint an evil man to oppose him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. (7) When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him." John 8:16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. / Another possibility, that Jesus was standing to receive Stephen, and encouraging him as a father at a football game.

2 "RIGHT": Always representing goodness and justice

Acts 7:58

1 "STONE": Deut 13 The law called for "stoning" for heresy

2 "CLOTHES": Clothes were laid on a set & Jehu sat upon them, assuming the kingship. Clothes were laid before Jesus on the donkey as people gave him authority over them. And here before Paul, giving approval (8:1) to the stoning.

9-15-99

Acts 8:1: People closest to conversion, fight against it. Apostles stayed: either fearless or not yet embracing the great commission

Acts 8:3: destroy - from the root, to "loosen" :--break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-) loose, melt

Acts 8:4: God uses persecution to "get us out there" - the top & bottom line blessing, now being fulfilled.

Acts 8:5: Probably Philip the deacon (6:5) rather than Philip the Apostles (1:13)

Acts 8:6: Miracles or miraculous signs - an indication (like a gauge w/pointer that indicates what's inside), or supernatural miracle, sign, token, wonder (something that causes astonishment, admiration or marvel... strange... unexpected... surprise)

"close attention" - miracles gain a listening (see Acts 2:22 & John 6:14)

Acts 8:7: "evil" (or "unclean" --KJV) - (gr) unpurged, unpruned - like a vine, that could have been removed when small, yet, unchecked, overtime, entangles

Acts 8:9: No wonder many needed deliverance - they had opened a door

Acts 8:10: Apparently, revered as a god

Acts 8:11: Even evil miracles, whether demonic or trickery, get a following.

Acts 8:12: "believed" - to have faith in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), from the root word meaning; persuasion, conviction of the truthfulness of God.

* it is not mental assent, feelings, or blind, but a deliberate choice to put one's full weight of conviction upon it (wheelbarrow illus..)

"Baptized" - to fully emerse; much like the ceremonial priestly washings, to consecrate to

Acts 8:15: "receive" - to take, to get hold of - (like a rope offered to a man down a cliff)

Acts 8:16: "come upon" - embrace (with affection) or seize with violence; press upon.

"baptized into the name" - context of water baptism

Acts 8:17: Why didn't Philip pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit? (a gifting to impart?)

Acts 8:18: saved, but not yet renewed in his thinking, reverting to old ways

Acts 8:19: Why did he want this gift? (Pride? to regain the old following, but now with Jesus)

Acts 8:22: Didn't make it too easy

Acts 8:23: A word of knowledge

"bitterness" - poisoned

9-29-99

Acts 9:1: Literally, threatening to kill the disciples

Acts 9:2 "WAY": Same as John 14:6 a journey, or highway; "The Way" Acts 19:9, 23; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14, 22 Acts 9:3 "LIGHT": The shekinah glory indicative of the divine presence

Acts 9:5: KJV adds "it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (mention the 'textus receptus' and the 'alexandrian' or majority text) "pricks" - a sting of poison; to goad, to prick.

Judges 3:81 mentions a "goad" that Shamgar slew 600 men with: "This must have been a formidable weapon if, as is doubtless the case, the goad of that day was similar to the one now used in Palestine. It is a strong pole about eight feet long and two inches in diameter. At one end is a sharp point for pricking the oxen when their movements become intolerably slow, [God pricked his conscience with Stephen's death] and at the other end is a broad chisel-like blade, which is used to clear the plowshare [and knock future apostles off their high horse] of the roots and thorns which impede it or of the stiff clay which adheres to it. The pointed end of the instrument is alluded to in Acts 9:5; 26:14 --Manners And Customs of the Bible

"LORD": Kurios - not a courtesy title, but the Greek word for the Lord God. Paul knew it could be no other

"PERSECUTING": To pursue to cause suffering. Note: all persecution of God's people, IS persecution of God. (or kindness: "when you did it for the least... you did it for me)

Acts 9:8: Why blindness? Perhaps God wanted...

To remind Paul of His power over him - Exo 4:11

To show Paul that he could easily remove him from ministry - Lev 21:18

To remind him of the consequences of disobedience - Deu 28:29

To expose the true fruitlessness of his endeavors - Mat 15:14

Acts 9:9: Some serious seeking! God had just turned his paradigm upside down. Are we as tenacious after the truth?

Acts 9:10: His name means "the name of 3" (Paul fasting 3 days?). Remember, God hasn't changed and still speaks today, this way

Acts 9:13: He wrestles with the leading of God (like us). He had heard of Saul and needed convincing

Acts 9:15: "Go" (just Do as I say) Often, you will have to obey without full understanding.

You are also God's "chosen instrument"

Acts 9:16: In his call, is also the call of suffering

Acts 9:17: a) Tho questioning, obedient

The laying on of hands

Prophetic, he has come up with more specific information concerning Paul

"Filled with the Spirit" - to "fill" (lit. or fig. to imbue with moisture & to saturate (John 19:29 translated "soaked) --this word used, almost exclusively by Luke in his gospel & in Acts

Acts 9:18: No prescribed order to baptism of Spirit and of water, and which one you experience first

Acts 9:20: New Christians 'should' witness from the beginning

Acts 9:31: The growth of the early church

Acts 9:40: Just being obedient and doing what Jesus taught; Matt 10:8

Acts 9:42: The growth of the early church

10-6-99

Acts 10:2: This is a man who loved God, yet had not accepted Christ (not because of rebellion, but because he hadn't fully heard yet). We see God's honoring of this Jew, and affirm again the principle, that people are judged according to the 'light' they have. It is fully evident, that Cornelius was living up to the light that he had, and God treats this a 'acceptable'. God, seeing the humility and devotion of Cornelius, set out to make sure he had an opportunity to hear of Christ. Shall not God respond to the searching hungry heart?

Acts 10:3: In the tradition of the book of Acts, and the many occurrences of the supernatural, Cornelius sees and angel. Peter falls in to a trance, sees a vision, hears God speak.

Acts 10:4: "memorial" from the root, memorandum - the idea that God had "noted" his heart & deeds.

NOTE: he address the "Lord" and the angel answers // "Gifts" - (Gr.) compassionateness

Acts 10:5: We can be in a place where God can speak very specific details

Acts 10:10: "Trance" - 1611. ekstasis, ek'-stas-is; from G1839; a displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, "ecstasy" be amazed, amazement, astonishment, trance // Extrabiblical - No biblical precedent for "trances" prior, then mentioned once after by Paul in Acts 22:17

Acts 10:15: We will see that by v28, that Peter clearly gets Gods message, that the gospel is to be freely shared with the Gentiles, and that God does not show favoritism v34.

Acts 10:16: "three times" - used to emphasis the importance of a thing; 3x Paul asked for healing, 3x Paul beaten with rods, 3x Peter's denial, Daniel prayed 3x daily, 3x a year festival, angels cry "holy, holy, holy, the trinity, etc.

Acts 10:17: "Wondering" = perplexed. Note that OT prophetic was direct, whereas, often the NT prophetic is in parable form that needs interpretation (3 stages of the prophetic: Revelation, Interpretation, Application)

Acts 10:19: "still thinking" = pondering

"The Spirit" - not an angel, but the inward Voice // NOTE: "3 men" (3x principle?)

Acts 10:26: Never take credit for the calling or anointing

Acts 10:33: Cornelius in his zeal of faith, moves as though the angel had spoken correctly (that there was a man in Joppa, by the name of Peter, staying at Simon the Tanner's, and that he will come as share the Word of God with them-amazing!) He has moved in faith, inviting many to join him for this time. Quite the evangelist!

Acts 10:35: Peter's stunning revelation - you'd think he would have got it with Jesus' story of the good Samaritian, and many other situations. But Christ had prepared him for such a moment as this; and opening of the gospel to the Gentiles through the Jerusalem believers (Paul was already hard at work).

Acts 10:36: "message" - "[Logos] appealing to their understanding of the scriptures

Acts 10:37: "You know..." - large historical events that they knew of, but didn't experience personally

Acts 10:42: The people know of Jesus, but Peter here presents His deity, upon which saving faith is essential.

Acts 10:43: Having preached to the house of Cornelius, Peter now comes to the part on the utmost essential part for salvation to be imputed; FAITH! Now, enough had been presented for the house of Cornelius to accept or reject the message of salvation.

Acts 10:44: Hardly is the words out of Peter's mouth, that the Holy Spirit falls upon these Gentiles, as they reach out the Christ in faith. Here is a clear example of 'sanctification' happening 'at' conversion!

Acts 10:45: 'Astonished' - freaked out is more like it! That the Holy Spirit is poured out apart from the keeping of the law? Amazing!!!

Acts 10:46: 'An' evidence of the release of the Holy Spirit. Note that Peter didn't even explain what would happen when they believed.

Acts 10:48: The new believers are baptized, and it would appear that Peter stayed on a few days to help them get grounded in the truth.

10-13-99

1 "CRITICIZED": to withdraw, to oppose, to judge

Acts 11:9: See Acts 10:28

Acts 11:17: Divine reasoning; God left them no option, confirming this truth through (1) a vision (2) the Spirit's prompting (3) circumstance (4) manifestation of the Spirit

Acts 11:18: 10-16 years after the ressurrection, they're finally starting to get it; "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." -- Rom 3:28 ; "know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." --Gal 2:16

1 "REPENTANCE": "In Acts the words repentance & faith are interchangable, but not synonymous, as is made clear in 20:21. Repentance is "toward God" and involves an acknowledgment and repudiation of one's rebellion against God. Faith takes over at that point and permits God to begin the lifelong process of bringing forth fruit of repentance (Luke 3:8)." --ECB

Acts 11:19: v19-22 Only after the work had been started by Lay Ministers, did they get a Pastor. (could this be God's pattern for church planting?)

NOTE: Stephen's death becme the catalyst for evangelism.

Acts 11:20

1 "ANTIOCH": 3rd largest city in the Roman Empire. Pop. 500,000, blending both western & eastern culters with a significant number of jews

Acts 11:21: The growth of the early church

1 "BELIEVED": A persuation & conviction. "To believe simply means to count of God's promise... we are not to attempt to live in fellowship with God by trying to keep the law." --Richards

Acts 11:24: The growth of the early church

Acts 11:26: As the work grows, hire the staff you need to be effective in ministry. Paul comes on as an associate Pastor in his first ministry position. It would appear, we see 'equallity' in their leadership.

1 "NUMBERS": The growth of the early church

2 "CHRISTIANS": A follower of Christ:--Christian.

Appears only 3x in the NT; Acts 11:26, 26:28, 1 Pet 4:16. "The NT emphasizes the family character of the church." --Richards

 

10-20-99

Acts 12:2: "James" - one of the 3 Matt 17:1 (not "James the lesser")

Acts 12:5: "earnestly" - (Gr.) without ceasing, fervent.

Acts 12:12: It is no coincidence that Peter was freed at the exact time they were praying.

Acts 12 notes in verse 5, the direct correlation of prayer to Peter's release.

Does it take the martyrdom of a brother to get us praying? Let's get on the offensive with 'preventative' prayer!

Acts 12:15: Can't believe what they are believing for.

(Mark 11:24 NIV) "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Acts 12:17: "Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet" --don't temp fate. Once delivered, don't strut as though you are now indestructible. Acknowledge the sovereign grace of that incidence, and don't take for granted future deliverances

"Tell James" - James the lesser, the son of Alpheus, brother to Matthew

Acts 12:23: It's not good to rob God of glory, nor "touch God's anointed" - (Psa 105:13 NIV) they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. (14) He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: (15) "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm."

Herod was normally, outwardly, a pious Jew, but here his true nature is exposed.

Doubtful this "death by worms" was prolonged because (1) it say "immediately" (2) it is executed by an angel who "struck him down" They may not have eaten through to the outside, but these, up to 16 inch intestinal worms, can cause extreme pain and death

Acts 12:24: The growth of the early church. Persecution is not a deterrent to growth; quite the contrary.

10-27-99

Acts 13:1: "PROPHETS": From 2 words "in front of" and "to make known" - my summary, prophets are those who go ahead of, out in front of the body to make know certain insights to the church

Acts 13:2: "worship & fasting" and normal part of meeting together in the early church

"the Holy Spirit said" - a prophetically revealed word

Acts 13:3: They tested the word, seeking the Lord thru prayer & fasting.

Laying on of hands to commission

Acts 13:4: "on their way by the Holy Spirit" - had a sense of His guidance

Acts 13:5: The modern equivalent of going to a public forum and sharing your testimony

"HELPER": "underoarsman" - servant

Acts 13:6:

"Bar-Jesus" (son of Joshua)

"PROCONSUL": Governor of the Provence - responsible for examining the message of any itinerant preacher as part of his responsibility to keep peace among all religious groups

"ELYMAS": Wizard

"PAUL": Paul means "to stop" (a reference to God stopping him in his tracks on the way to Damascus?)

"FILLED": Literally "soaked" - so endue & empowered by the Spirit, that the gift "the working of miracles" is activated

Acts 13:16: Paul begins a long discourse, laying the biblical foundation of the Messiah as revealed in the scriptures

Acts 13:22: The essence of "a heart after God" is total & quick obedience

Acts 13:30: preach the resurrection

Acts 13:32: "the good news" - from 2 words; (1) good or well, and (2) message, from the root word for angel or messengers.

Why it's so "good news" is mentioned in v 38&39

Acts 13:39: Christ is the sacrifice that "once and for all" will bring forgiveness.

See Heb 10:1-5

Acts 13:46: They see the hardness (v45) of the Jews and turn to the Gentiles who are open

Acts 13:48: Joy that salvation would come to them

1 "APPOINTED": "To set in place... to bring into order"

Not a reference to "election" but a general statement that they were restored to God

Acts 13:49: Likely thru the converts because Barnabas & Paul are exiled

Acts 13:51: To scorn the Jews at Jesus' command: Matt 10:14, mark 6:11, Luke 9:5

Acts 13:52: Literal Greek translation: "The pupils were plentifully supplied, crammed full with cheerfulness, gladness, delight, and with the Holy Spirit"

11-3-99

Acts 14:1: The growth of the early church

Acts 14:3: "Confirmed" - to make valid, to prove or verify

Acts 14:6: Sometimes, God calls you to stand in the face of persecution, and other times, He calls you to flee

Acts 14:9: "Paul 'looked' directly at him"- Luke, the writer, seems to associated these discernments with the perceptive gaze; Acts 3:4, 13:9

"FAITH": Faith in Jesus

Acts 14:10: He responded immediately and did not waver, such was his faith

Acts 14:12: Zeus - the chief of the Olympian gods

Hermes - the son of Zeus (Paul the younger of the two) and the spokesman for the gods

Acts 14:14: NEVER take the glory and praise of men! (remember Herod's demise Acts 12:23) Rev 19:10, 22:9

The Power is not our own - 2 Cor 3:4-5

Acts 14:17: See article: "The Inca Revival" or visit http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/inca.htm

Acts 14:19: Mentioned in 2 Cor. 11:25. Amazing! One moment, they want to worship you, the next, kill you. Man is fickle!

Acts 14:21: The growth of the early church

1 "HARDSHIPS": Greek - pressure, affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

Acts 14:23: Theocratic government

Acts 14:26: Their home church

Acts 14:27: Debriefing

11-10-99

Acts 15:1 Appeared to have some level of authority, for it is this incident that sends them to the council in Jerusalem to settle the matter. later, it comes out that they were "without authorization" (v24).

(Rom 3:21 NIV) "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify."...{28} "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law."

Acts 15:4 though in sharp dispute, they are "welcomed" (to take fully, accept, receive gladly)

Acts 15:5 "some" - the vocal few

Circumcision is the tip of the iceberg... they are called for full obedience to The Law

Acts 15:6: First mention of "elders" in the leadership hierarchy

Acts 15:7: "God made a choice" - Peter's reasoning goes like this: "All I did, was go preach where God led me... I had nothing to do with what happened at Cornelieus' house. I didn't even mention the baptism of the Spirit, and yet, He fell upon them anyway. And you know that no man can do this! It was the work of God! And if God choose to seal for salvation and fill with His Spirit, those who didn't know the law and were uncircumcised, then God must be doing something that doesn't fit our paradigm. And since God's not going to change, well, that only leaves us one option."

Acts 15:8: God's acceptance was manifested, so we must accept the word of God

Acts 15:9: "no distinction" - then, if Christians who are 'law-bound' and those that are not, are equal before God, then it is time to throw off the shackles."

You might say: God has led them out to a place from which they cannot return.

Acts 15:11: (2 Tim 1:9 KJV) "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

(Rom 4:16 NIV) "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring--not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all."

(Eph 2:8-9 NIV) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast."

(Gal 2:16 NIV) "know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified."

(Gal 3:11 NIV) "Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith.""

Acts 15:13: James the brother of Jesus

Acts 15:15: All revealed truth (Peter's experience at Cornelieus' house) needs scriptural confirmation

Acts 15:17: "gentiles" - ethnos, tribe, nation, people groups

(Isa 42:6 NIV) ""I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,"

(Isa 49:6 NIV) "he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.""

(Isa 49:22 NIV) "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders."

Acts 15:20: "All these matters were part of the ceremonial law.. no longer [a binding law] since [Christ's] sacrifice. but it was important for Gentiles to observe, to maintain harmony and lack of offense between Gentile and Jew. Jews were present in every city, and thus they were present in every church." --Evan. Comm. on the Bible

NOTE: What about Sexual immorality? May have referred to incestuous marriages. Certainly in the old and new covenant, fornication is prohibited.

Acts 15:22: A corporate decision.

Acts 15:28: Certainly and acceptable means of guidance. They all shared the inner witness of God's desire.

Acts 15:31: The desired response to godly leadership

Acts 15:39: It is amazing that it is possible for two godly people to come to strong disagreement.

2 Tim 2:4-11 Paul is later reconciled with Mark

12-1-99

Acts 16:3: Not for the laws sake, but for witness' sake. I sought to be ordained in 1987, not because God required it, but because man honors it, and it opens doors of opportunity. Not an issue of essentials or of salvation, but of custom & culture.

Acts 16:5: The growth of the early church.

Also, the fruit of the message of grace (the gospel - good news)

Acts 16:6: Through whatever circumstance, impression, etc., they did not sense God's leading into those regions...

THE NEED IS NOT THE CALL! We need His plan, His leading

Acts 16:7: Deity of Jesus verse as His work is directly tied into v6, the same source of their leading

Acts 16:10: Didn't go on the vision alone, but in accountability to each other; "Concluded" - (Greek) to be knit together, to be in union, and to be in step with each other.

THE MACEDONIA CALL are those times when you are headed one direction and God reroutes you... He can guide us more easily when we are moving; it is also when someone appears to us to minister in a certain capacity, and the Spirit says "do it"

NOTE: When you are hindered, God may have a better plan. All opposition & hindrances are not Satan, and in fact, may be God... pray through to discernment

Acts 16:12: "A leading city" - strategic for the gospel; at the crossroads, on the way to Rome

Acts 16:13: No synagogue in Phillipi, so they went to seek the Lord together (Saturday, not Sunday!)

Their agenda: seek God... God's agenda; to witness... the most spiritual thing you can do is the will of God for that moment

Acts 16:14: Lydia, possibly a Jewess or convert to Judaism

"The Lord opened her heart to respond"- the mystery of the interaction of prayer for the lost, the preaching of the gospel, and the sovereign move of god

Acts 16:16: Satan only know the future based upon his own experience and what He knows God will do. Beware the Nostradamasses of the world.

Acts 16:18: Didn't confront immediately. Note, it would appear he had great patience in confronting darkness, allowing it to continuing, confronting only when necessary.

A PARADIGM SHIFT: Jesus never went on the offensive (I.E.: pulling down the Prince of Persia) against the devil, but only confronted him when necessary for ministry.

OK for you to personally command the spirit ("I" as opposed to "the Lord rebuke you"**) provided it is not done in your name, but in Jesus'

**Jude 9 is spoken of in a different context.

Acts 16:19: People aren't happy when friends get saved or delivered when it affects them personally

Acts 16:25: My verse of revelation concerning Zaid Ali in Trinidad

Acts 16:30: The power of god manifest, should produce this question

Acts 16:31: "Believe" - the only essential to salvation

This verse "may" promise salvation of the believers family. (Luke 19:9 NIV) "Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham."

Acts 16:33: Baptized - not included in the essential of salvation but important to seal & publicize your faith

Acts 16:37: (Heb 11:35 NIV) "Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection."

Acts 17

12-8-99

Acts 17:3: v2 "reasoning"; v3 "explaining & proving" - suggesting patience, interacting, listening.

"...he who wins souls is wise." [Prov 11:30]

Acts 17:4: The growth of the early church

Acts 17:6: "all over the world" -- wow! what an honor!

Acts 17:10: Not more spiritual to stay. Sometimes, God leads us to avoid opposition and trouble

Acts 17:11: Three Characteristics to admire:

1. "of more noble character"

2. "they received the message with great eagerness" - didn't come to spiritual truth as skeptics, but open

3. "examined the Scriptures" - (examine) to scrutinize, investigate, interrogate, determine:--ask, question, discern, examine, judge, search.

Acts 17:12: The growth of the early church

Acts 17:16: Athens - the city of Socrates and the intellectuals.

The word "atheist" comes from it's root, Athens. Atheism too, is "full of idol". What are they?

Acts 17:17: "reasoned" - same word as v2

Acts 17:18: "the Stoics taught that one should accept his lot in life and bravely make the most of it--individual self sufficiency. They were pantheistic (God is everything) and viewed God as the World-soul. They were very moral and had a sense of duty, but they were very proud. The Epicureans taught that pleasure was the chief goal of life and that one should seek to avoid pain and superstitious fears. they believed in the gods but viewed them as remote from man's concerns." (man hasn't changed, so the approach is still the same) --Evan. Comm. on the Bible

"Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection" - the effective message is the same today

Acts 17:19 "AREOPAGUS": "A prestigious judicial body which had jurisdiction over religion and education" --E.C.B.

Acts 17:21: "always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." (2 Tim 3:7)

Acts 17:23: He sought the cultural key to open their hearts

Acts 17:25: God has no needs

Acts 17:27: God's heart 'is' the good news!

Acts 17:28: another cultural key

Acts 17:30: Men accountable to moral "light"

""That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows." (Luke 12:47)

"But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

Acts 17:34: The growth of the early church

Acts 18

12-15-99

Acts 18:1: Corinth - The temple of Aphrodite was there, therefore, sexually immoral, 4th largest city of Rome with 400,000. Huge trading & commerce city.

Acts 18:3: "Tentmaking" - tents made of leather

Acts 18:4: "reasoned" (dialoge: question & answer & listening)

"persuade" - to convince

Acts 18:8: NOTE: baptism emphasized more among the Jews (with their mosaic background), than the Greeks?

Acts 18:9: Where they had fled before, now Paul is encouraged to stay

Acts 18:10: A specific word, for a specific place, for a specific time

Acts 18:17: Paul still protected, but obviously, not Sosthenes

Acts 18:18: "hair cut... vow" It appears to be a previous Nazarite vow (Num 6); "the vow is completed when the cut hair is then presented at the temple in Jerusalem" --Evangelical Commentary

"Priscilla and Aquila" - names are switched suggesting her greater spiritual maturity or leadership

Acts 18:23: "strengthening" - to 'set fast' as in concrete; to establish, to support further, to confirm

Acts 18:25: Suggesting he knew Jesus, and of John's Baptism, but not of "Pentecost" and the spirit's baptism

Acts 18:26: The reason Apollos was so learned, is that he could also be taught

Acts 18:28: "Apologetics" - the defense of Christianity

"he vigorously refuted" - (1) (to stretch); in a well-strung manner, i.e. (fig.) intensely, and (2) to prove downright

"public debate" - a fine Christian tradition (Josh McDowell)

Acts 19:1-22

12-22-99

Acts 19:1: "Disciples" therefore believers and followers of Jesus (v4), who, like Apollos, knew not about Pentecost

Acts 19:2: The Holy Spirit is to be "received" - "Reaching out to take hold of." --L.O. Richards Gal 3:2

NOTE: Though baptism in the Spirit can be after conversion, the norm implied here, is that we should receive Him "when" we believe" as did the household of Cornelius in Acts 10:44

The KJV word "since you believed," suggesting a subsequent baptism, does not appear in the Greek text

Acts 19:4: The superseding and replacement of water baptism (Mat 3:11) ""I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

Acts 19:5: Acts 8:16 equates baptism into the Name of Jesus, with saving faith. These people, at the least, believed in and followed Jesus, through John's preaching. If Paul was 'witnessing', he would not have begun with an inquiry as to them receiving the Holy Spirit, nor would have Luke, the writer, have called them disciples. Therefore, these disciples are "baptized into the name of Jesus" in terms of entering the New Covenant, and settling the matter. "They were disciples of Jesus but with an incomplete knowledge of the gospel." --Wycliff bible Commentary (my other commentaries agree)

Acts 19:6: The laying on of hands (identification & impartation); the Spirit "came on them"; Tongues & prophecy, evidences of infilling.

Acts 19:9: Lecture hall & gymnasium. Work would be suspended between 11am-4pm during the heat of the day, so this would be a great public place for daily discipleship

1-5-00

Acts 19:11: Who did the miracles? GOD

Acts 19:12: "handkerchiefs and aprons" - from Paul's employment; sweat band & waist apron, or belt

An "Extraordinary" season of "dunamis" as with Peter's shadow in Acts 5:15; or Jesus' garment in Matt 9:21

Acts 19:13: Jesus name is not a magical incantation, but employed out of or relationship with Him

Acts 19:15: Does the devil know you?

Acts 19:16: "overpowered" - to exercise dominion

Acts 19:17: This is not a game! As with Ananias & Sephirah, the realty of God is manifest

Acts 19:18: Many either came to faith through this incident and/or existing believers... when they saw the power of the devil over the sinful, they got right with God!

Acts 19:19: Some of the people may have been Christians who had still continued in the black arts

Acts 19:20: The emphasis, not one the miracle, but upon the spreading of the word

(Acts 19:24) "A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen."

Acts 19:24: "Artemis" (as know among the Greeks) is "Diana" (as know among the Romans) in the KJV - more near eastern then Greek; goddess of fertility, ugly 4 breasted woman, holding a torch to light the night (goddess of moon and night) armed with bow and arrows to fight off the giants and monsters; "this image was believed to have fallen from heaven (v35), in al likelihood a meteorite that may have resembled such a creature." -Evangelical Commentary. In times prior to this, human sacrifice was offered to her

Acts 19:26: The growth of the early church... "large number..." "practically the whole Provence of Asia

Acts 19:27: As in politics, if you want to know the truth of a thin, "follow the money"

Acts 19:34: What zeal... for a lie!

Acts 19:35: A man of peace

1-12-00

Acts 20:1 "ENCOURAGING": enfold in the arms, i.e. (by impl.) to salute, (fig.) to welcome:--embrace, greet, salute, take leave.

Acts 20:2 "ENCOURAGEMENT": 3870. parakaleo, par-ak-al-eh'-o; from G3844 and G2564; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):--beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray. Zodhaites: "to call to one's side, to call for or beseech with a strong force, as an advocate to counsel for defense..." (like a lawyer pleading for the innocence of his client --SD)

Acts 20:9 "SEATED": Reminiscent of Elisha and the widow's son in 2 Kings 4:32-35 "EUTYCHUS": 2161. Eutuchos, yoo'-too-khos; from G2095 and a der. of G5177; well-fated, i.e. fortunate; Eutychus, a young man:--Eutychus.

Acts 20:17 "ELDERS": 4245. presbuteros, pres-boo'-ter-os; compar. of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; spec. an Isr. Sanhedrist (also fig. member of the celestial council) or Chr. "presbyter":--elder (-est), old.

Acts 20:21 "repentance and faith" are a combined concept. If you believe, you will repent of sin

Acts 20:22 "bound in the spirit" (KJV) - Greek- "in bonds, knit, wind

Acts 20:23 "Warned" most likely through prophetic word

Acts 20:24 Paul is dead to his own will... a living sacrifice.

Acts 20:26: Paul referring to the principle of Eze 3:17-21. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE for this generation!

Acts 20:28: Leadership responsibility is 2 fold; the leaders personal spiritual life & secondly, the flock's

"Overseers" - episkopos, an officer in charge of a church --bishop, oversee

1 "OVERSEERS": "Overseers" - episkopos, an officer in charge of a church --bishop, oversee

2 "SHEPHERDS": To tend as a shepherd, from the root word (poimen, poy-mane') for pastor or shepherd

3 "BOUGHT": purchased or acquired

Acts 20:29 "WOLVES": (Mat 7:15) ""Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Mat 10:16) "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."

Characteristics of wolves: wild, flesh eating, ravenous, wanderers.

The challenge for the church today in confronting the "wolves" among us, is that they look like sheep.. wolves run in packs, and so, these wolves have deceived followers who believe in their sincerity

Acts 20:30: "Distort" - misinterpret, pervert so as to cause people to "turn away" from the truth (not necessarily to full-blown deception, but just enough 'off-center' to pollute the pure truth)

Acts 20:31: "on your guard ("watch" in KJV) Not fearful, but watchful

Acts 20:32 "SANCTIFIED": "To withdraw from fellowship with the world and from selfishness by first gaining fellowship with God..." --Zodhiates

1-19-00

 

Acts 21:8: No longer Philip the Deacon, but the Evangelist

Acts 21:9: To "prophecy" doesn't necessarily mean they are prophets, but it does mean they were used in ministry. 1 Cor 14:34 & 1 Tim 2:12 are mistakenly used to keep women from ministering. The first has to do with a chaotic situation at Corinth; the second, of overthrowing the man's authority. NOTE: no religious significance for them being unmarried, other than the strong possibility of their youthfulness ("Your sons & daughters shall prophecy")

Acts 21:10: Acts 11:28 he prophesied of a famine and it was so. He comes now as a seasoned, proved prophet.

Acts 21:12: Agabus' credibility is obvious by the response of the people

Acts 21:13: "I am ready..." His mind made up, his will fixed, like Jesus, walking on before the disciples on the way to Jerusalem. Are you ready to die for Jesus?

Acts 21:14: There is no support for the idea that Paul was in violation of God's will; the prophetic warnings were not of "prohibition" but of "preparation"

Acts 21:18: James the brother of Jesus, now head of the Jerusalem church. Peter (last mentioned chap. 15) & John (last mentioned chap. 18) are visibly absent. Tradition says that Peter went to Rome became bishop there, and was also crucified by Nero. Of John, he also appears to have ministered in Rome, was banished to Patmos, and finished in Ephesus, discipling & mentoring the early church father; Polycarp, Papias & Ignatius

Acts 21:20: Warning him in the same breath as rejoicing with him. In spite of the "Mega-Church" in Jerusalem, and the leadership of James, they were still very legalistic, and obviously, not fully discipled in grace.

Acts 21:25: A double standard when viewed in light of Eph 3:6 & 1 Cor. 12:13

Acts 21:27: The Jews from Ephesus & surrounding regions

Acts 21:38: The irony, Paul was mistaken and wrongly arrested, and yet, it put into motion, that which would end his life.

1-26-00

Acts 22:13: The word "receive" means to 'look up.. to look upon, with focus or intensity'

It does not mean, as some interpret, that he would not have been healed if he had not 'received' his healing.

Acts 22:17: 2nd time a "trance" has occurred in the scriptures

Acts 22:21: Paul's explanation to this point, is to explain his unique encounter with Jesus and his heavenly calling to "witness to all men" (v15), further explaining here, "to the gentiles"

Acts 22:22: Didn't react to his testimony of Jesus, which may have suggested, that the Jerusalem Church of "many thousand" (v21:20) had been effective in 'sensitizing' the population to Jesus, but of going "to the gentiles" was just too much for them

Acts 22:25: this man who was "ready, not only to be bound, but also to die.. for Jesus" (v21:13), now, when confronted with a beating (Paul, being human) now seeks a way out

Acts 23:5: Note Paul's respect for authority. You may be very unhappy with, say, your president's moral life or liberal positions, but we must respect the office

Acts 23:6: A wise "trump card" for Paul to play to expose their folly and to end this unjust meeting

Acts 23:11: God brings encouragement; most of us couldn't handle knowing our future (Peter knew crucifixion awaited him)

Acts 23:29: Just like our Lord. Even this statement will not change the outcome. Note: Paul was initially arrested under a false assumption (21:38), could have gotten away with a beating if he hadn't appealed to his citizenship (22:25) and now if spoken of as innocent, yet on to Rome he goes, where he will fulfill God's call there, write most of the New Testament, and then, die.

2-2-00

Summary: Paul is held in custody in Caesarea before Governor Felix. (24:22-27) Paul before Felix; Felix is superseded by Festus, appeals to Caesar (25:11-12). What is most pointed in these passages, is this obvious fact; Paul is more interested in presenting the gospel, than of speaking toward his own release. Bear in mind, that Felix left him in prison for 2 years, which did not quench Paul's fire.

Acts 25:23: King Agrippa & Bernice, with Festus and many ranking offices & leading men are present and hear Paul's testimony.

Acts 26:3: Agrippa is well acquainted with Judaism - He had received his throne from Rome and was Pro-Roman, he also had a reputation for promoting Jewish interest

Acts 26:6: Paul's Appeal (not for his release, but for their salvation)

Acts 26:17: His mission; what must happen for each of us to be saved.

Open eyes - 2 Cor. 4:4

Turn from darkness to light, From Satan To God - 2 Tim 2:19

Receive Forgiveness - Acts 10:43

Sanctified - 2 Thess 2:13 (salvation is sanctification)

Acts 26:19: have you proved "obedient" to God's vision for you? this is what sets Paul apart from most.

Acts 26:20: James 2:18 If real faith is present, then deeds must also

Acts 26:23: "that the Christ would suffer" - Isa 53

"the first to rise from the dead" - Psa 16:10

"would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles" - Isa 60:1-3, 61:11, 66:12, 20

Acts 26:24: "Great Learning" and sincere faith are not mutually exclusive

Acts 26:25: Christianity, above all religions, is "reasonable & true." It is reasonable, that if there is a God, then making a dead man live, is not problem

Acts 26:29: His calling, to evangelism, far exceeded his desire for freedom... Paul was not intimidated into a silent witness, but rose to the challenge, fulfilling the words: (Acts 9:15-16) But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. (16) I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

2-9-00

Themes of this chapter: a journey taken under great opposition of nature; an apostle with guiding prophetic words amidst the difficulty

Acts 27:1: "We" suggests Luke and others are traveling with Paul

Acts 27:3: Even in hard situations, God provides grace. Yes, he was still a prisoner, and yes, your own difficulty has not yet passed, but God is present... acknowledge His helping hand

Acts 27:4: This whole journey is full of opposition... "winds were against us;" v7 "slow headway... wind didn't allow us"... later in the chapter, a hurricane and 14 days in the storm. what are the potential sources of opposition?

a) Nature - patterns set in motion since "the fall," caused by man's sin

b) Satan - desiring to keeps Paul's testimony from Caesar, which could literally touch the whole world!

c) God - who would use the difficulty to raise up Paul before 276 men and point them to God;

Might these same possibilities apply when we encounter difficulty... sickness...?

Acts 27:10: "see" - perceive, discern; god reveals this to Paul... and they haven't even experienced the Hurricane... this will bring credibility to Paul, when these words are fulfilled. Accuracy in the prophetic increases the likelihood you will be heard later

Acts 27:12: Following "the majority" has always been the way of ruin. What guides us? The professionals? (the pilot in v11) The status quo?

Acts 27:20: You need a word from God before the storm, so that when you are in "the valley of the shadow of death," you will find hope to see it through.

Acts 27:21: Na na na na na... I told you so... rather than gloating over being 'right,' Paul is reminding them that God had spoken and they need to listen.

Acts 27:22: God reveals more to the prophetic puzzle

Don't stop with the first prophetic word, keep seeking, and the prophetic door "will be continually opening"

Acts 27:23: Angelic visitation - angels are messengers (and warriors, and strengtheners)

Acts 27:24: Divine purpose is keeping him

Acts 27:25: The prophetic word will test you... it requires our response

Acts 27:26: A word to confirm the truthfulness of what Paul spoke

Acts 27:27: Two weeks, driven along a Hurricane gale, is the equivalent of the long difficulties you and I endure

Acts 27:29: Difficulty gets everyone seeking God!

Acts 27:33: If you stand strong in difficulty, God will use you in a leadership capacity to speak to others

Acts 27:34: Again, God reveals another dimension to the prophetic word

Acts 27:43: Like Paul, when we have weathered difficulty, sought the Lord and overcome, you will find favor

Acts 27:44: "Everyone reached land in safety" - the word spoken, came to pass, and paves the way for Paul to be used and blessed during the rest of their ordeal

2-16-00

Acts 28:3: "viper" - of uncertain origin.; an adder or other poisonous snake; Russell's viper, Vipera russelli, is the most common Asian species. This snake may be 5 feet (1.7 meters) long. The body is brown, with rows of black rings bordered with white or yellow that enclose a darker brown or red. This large-fanged viper is very poisonous; a large amount of venom is expelled with one bite.

Acts 28:4: Superstition - "Any belief that is inconsistent with the know laws of science or with what is considered true and rational" --Webster's / Christian superstition - the Job complex

Acts 28:5: (Mark 16:17-18) "And these signs will accompany those who believe...

Acts 28:8: "after prayer" - see the mind and will of God... see what the Father's doing, then do it...

Acts 28:9: Power evangelism

Acts 28:10: Being " honored" suggests possible conversion

Acts 28:12-13: Now in Sicily

Acts 28:13: Puteoli is on the Roman mainland

Acts 28:14: See v22-24; They appear to be Jews rather than Christians (coming 25-50 miles distance)

Acts 28:16: Obviously, how God had used him on the journey, now provided some degree of favor

Acts 28:20: appears to refer to the Messiah: Jer 14:8, Jer 17:13, Psa 65:5

Acts 28:22: "sect" - heresy [which is the Gr. word itself], a sect. ("a religious belief opposed to orthodox doctrine... that is denounced by the church and likely to cause schism"--Websters)

Acts 28:23: "and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets" - the heart of Apologetics is reasoning from the scriptures to reveal the truth

Acts 28:24: The first conversions in Rome (and God used imprisonment to bring it there!) God uses many things to get the gospel to people; (Gal 4:13) "As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you."

Acts 28:25: It appears, they were more offended that Paul would go to the Gentiles v29, than that he accused them of hard hearts

Acts 28:26: Quoting Isaiah 6:9-10, Jesus quotes it again in Mark 4:10-23; This is the principle: people will have no depth if truth is on the surface and easy to get at. It only becomes valuable when one must "dig" and seek after it

Acts 28:30: Chronology of events from "The Evangelical Commentary"

1. Paul ministers in Rom and writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

2. The case against Paul is dismissed by default on the part of his accusers who see little to be gained by pleading a weak case in the roman supreme Court

3. Paul is released about 63 AD and ministers further in Asia, Crete, and possibly even Spain (Rom 15:24). at this time he writes 1 Timothy and Titus. [tradition suggests he also traveled to England]

4. Paul is imprisoned again about AD 67, writes 2 Timothy, and suffers martyrdom under Nero.

[as a Roman citizen, he would not have been crucified, but beheaded; Lockyer puts Paul's age at death to be 63]

Acts 28:31: "Preaching" (heralding) "The Kingdom Of God" - the governmental rule of God, in the earth in our lives. How God works. His ways.... "teaching" explaining & expounding on Jesus

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