TWENTY – EIGHT THRILLING CHAPTERS LIE BEFORE US.
Today, we will begin an inspiring study of the Book of Acts. It marks one of the greatest turning- points in history.
It is the sequel to the mighty events of the Gospels and a gateway to the glorious doctrines of the Epistles.
AUTHOR AND DATE.
The author was Luke, the writer of the Gospel of Luke.
Luke dedicated this book to “Theophilus” Luke 1:3. Acts 1:1. There is a similarity in style, phrases, and arrangement between the two books 📚.
DATE OF WRITING.
It was completed around the year A.D. 63 in Rome, near the end of Paul’s two years of imprisonment there. Luke was with Paul throughout the entirety of his ministry. See 2 Timothy 4:6 and 11.
SCOPE AND TITLE.
What is the subject and aim of the. Book of Acts? Some would prefer to call it the “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Others would name it, The “Acts of the Ascended Christ.” I like its original name,
“THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.”
Because, in it, we behold the Christ-commissioned Spirit-Filled men, the Apostles, bringing the good news of the Gospel to all men.
They teach of the Ascended Christ and are moved and controlled by the Holy Spirit.
KEY AND PLAN.
The key thought in the book of Acts is that of the …
“WITNESS OF CHRIST.”
The key verse is undoubtedly found in Acts chapter 1:8.
“YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST COMES UPON YOU, AND YOU SHALL WITNESS ABOUT ME. BOTH IN JERUSALEM AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND UNTO THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH.”
(This baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire is still available today!)
Here in this verse is the, Divine Appointment, the Spiritual equipment, and the Geology of Christ’s witnesses…
(All over the Earth.) 🌎
THE PLAN.
The book is in two parts: 1st Part. Chapters 1-12.
1. Jerusalem is the center.
2. Peter is a prominent figure.
3. The outreach from Jerusalem, through JUDEA to SAMARIA.
4. In this first part, we are restricted to Palestine, the Gospel is first witnessed by the Jews of the homeland and then by the Jews and Gentiles alike.
5. The first part is 😢 sad as many of the Jews rejected the witness and the Words of Life.
6. At The end of this section, we read of Peter’s imprisonment.
The second Part. Chapter 13-to the end.
1. ANTIOCH is the centre.
2. Paul is the prominent figure.
3. There is a reaching-out movement from Antioch, through the empire, to Rome.
4. The Gospel is preached to the Jews of the Dispersion, then to the Gentiles alike.
5. Here the Jews of the Dispersion rejected the Word of God.
6. This second part ends with the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul.
WHAT WAS THE APOSTOLIC WITNESS?
The first chapter of the book covers the 50 days from our Lord’s Resurrection to the day of Pentecost. These days are divided into forty and ten.- the forty days of our Lord’s resurrection ministry, and the ten days of “tarrying” (waiting) between the ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The forty days cannot be exaggerated as Jesus not only encouraged the disciples but spoke of:
THINGS PERTAINING TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Here is where they asked Jesus,
“WILL YOU RESTORE AGAIN THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL?”
Jesus had addressed this question a few days before. See Matthew chapter 24. I believe they asked the question again out of a desire to know if this restoration would take place in their time, but Jesus said that it was not the time for them to know, that the Father would reveal it in His own time.
Jesus was waiting to see a genuine repentance and national return of the Jews to accept Jesus as their Messiah and Lord. See verse 21.
The “time of restoration” to which Peter here referred are the,
Times of Refreshing” that will happen at the time of Jesus’ return. If Israel had repented and been converted, the time would have come sooner.
Today, that time is sooner than we think, for many Jews are turning to Christ and the Coming Kingdom is at hand. What must we do as we wait for that time?
OCCUPY TILL HE COMES.
That is … Win as many souls as you can to Christ. Soul winning is a “responsibility” not a “gift. It’s not just ” up to your Pastor!
Ask God for a “broken heart” for the perishing. Weep as Jesus wept over Jerusalem.
And you can’t help but witness!!
THEN, GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERYONE YOU MEET. DO IT OUT OF LOVE AND BY YOUR LIFE!
Amen.
To help me to spread the Gospel across the world 🌎 I need financial support. Pray, and see if God wants to use you to extend this mnistry
I know the prices have skyrocketed and times are hard. It is a faith step, but l promise you will be greatly blessed.
Jesus said, “GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU” etc….
Email me for details.
heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com
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SMS HEATHER DALZELL 0417546814.
Thankyou and blessings upon you.
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