Acts is generally considered the birth story of the Church. Chapters one through fourteen begin at Jesus’ ascension up into heaven and go through the naming of a new disciple, arrival of the Holy Spirit, persecution, many signs and wonders being done while proclaiming Christ’s name and finishes off with Paul and Barnabas’s tour through Lysta, Iconium and Antioch.
The early church grew as a result of their generous and glad hearts, fellowship with each other over meals, attending temple and praying together. We seem to be lacking in our
While praying Peter received a vision from the Lord, telling him that if He determines it clean, it is to be accepted. Peter was confused during his vision, but God made sure to repeat it 2 more times. To be honest, having a vision of sheet lowered from heaven filled with reptiles, animals and birds is a bit of an odd vision. One that I probably would shake my head at too. Despite it being bad form, Peter agrees to go to Caesarea to meet with a non-Jewish man who is a believer. Once Peter was able to speak with Cornelius, he understood his vision. If God had sent Peter to this Gentile, then surely they were to accept him and all believers that trusted in God and were willing to follow Him.
Our world has turned into us versus them. We sit divided by race, political party lines, science versus creation, and many other arguments. When in reality we are called to share, love and render aid to all. God opened His redemption to everyone who trust in Him. If we are to be His followers then we need to do what is acceptable to Him: loving God, and loving others.
Passage:
Acts 1-14
Discovered:
- After His resurrection, Jesus told His followers not to leave Jerusalem, to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
- When asked when Israel would be restored, Jesus said it was not for us to know the time the Father selected.
- Jesus ascended into Heaven.
- Peter led a prayer and casting of lots to select Matthias to replace Judas as a disciple.
- Day of Pentecost- Holy Spirit filled them, sounded like a wind and they began to speak in other languages.
- At the sound of all the commotion; some were amazed at the different languages, some thought they were drunk.
- Peter gave a sermon:
- just as Joel prophesied, the Spirit has been arrived.
- Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and rose again, just as David said.
- repent and be baptized in the name of Christ and you will receive the Holy Spirit.
- As a result, many become believers listening to teachings, prayer and being generous.
- Peter and John healed a man who couldn’t walk on their way to temple. He praised God and many were in awe.
- Peter spoke in Solomon’s portico about how they had denied Christ just as prophesied.
- Peter and John were arrested by Sadducees and jailed, but many believed them.
- When questioned by rulers how the man was healed – they replied by Christ, the rejected cornerstone.
- They were threatened to not speak in His name.
- Upon their release, they prayed to be given boldness to speak His name and do good works.
- The believers shared everything they had with each other – everyone always had what they needed!
- Ananias and his wife Sapphire sold land and gave money to the apostles, but they lied about the donation – saying it was the whole price when it wasn’t.
- They were struck down and died for their lies.
- The apostles were arrested by Sadducees and during the night an angel opened the prison doors and led them out. They were told to go stand in the temple and speak His word.
- They were brought before the council, beaten and told not to continue teaching His names.
- They were honored to suffer and continued to teach in Christ’s name.
- 7 men were chosen to be in charge of serving the Church: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmesan and Nicolaus.
- Stephen was brought before the council and they brought false witnesses against him. Stephen recounted everything from Abraham to Solomon -> accused them of resisting the Holy Spirit and not keeping the Law.
- Stephen was stoned to death after seeing the heavens opened. His death was approved by Saul, Saul arrested many believers that day.
- Philip went to Samaria and taught Christ – many believed and were healed (including Simon the magician).
- An angel told Philip to go south to Gaza and he met up with an Ethiopian who was coming to Jerusalem to worship. The Ethiopian asked Philip to explain Isaiah. Philip told him the Good News and the Ethiopian was baptized.
- Saul went to Damascus to round up believers. He was blinded by Christ and sent to Ananias to be restored.
- Paul believed and was baptized. He began teaching of Jesus.
- Peter healed Aeneas and raised Dorcas to life after she died.
- Cornelius, a Centurian was told by an angel to fetch Simon Peter.
- God sent a Simon Peter a vision that they were to accept what God said they was clean.
- Those who believed were to be accepted – Gentiles received Holy Spirit.
- Barnabas went to Antioch with Paul – spent a year teaching.
- Herod had James killed and arrested Peter. Peter was rescued by an angel.
- Herod was struck dead by an angel for not giving God glory.
- Paul and Barnabas went to Cyprus and Antioch to teach.
- Jews became jealous and spoke against them – we will teach the Gentiles.
- Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium, but were driven out then went to Lystra.
- Paul was stoned but survived. They went to teach at Derbe – appointing elders and encouraging disciples in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch.
Help me to remember . . .
that anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to Him. God has offered His redemption to everyone.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I am given boldness to speak His name, share His love and do good works in His name.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
the ability and freedom to be bold for my love of Christ, being able to shout His love.
