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| THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES The book of Acts provides the basic history of the spread of Christianity during the three decades immediately following, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whereas there are four Gospels of the life of Christ, there is only one book in the New Testament that traces the expansion of the early church. Acts has been identified as the pivotal book of the New Testament. The book of Acts is part two of a two-volume work addressed to Theophilus. The first volume, the book of Luke, informed this reader about the life and work of Christ. This second part concerns itself with the ministry of the followers of Christ. The purpose of the author was to offer a coordinated account of Christian origins indicating how God had revealed Himself in the work and person of Jesus Christ and through the church. There is little reason to question the consensus of scholarship that Luke was the author of both books...Luke and Acts. The "we" sections in Acts 16:11-17, 20:5-21:18 and chapters 27 and 28 are recognized as identifying Luke as Paul's companion. The rest of the information for this book Luke could easily have gained from first hand reports in his association with the leaders of the early church. Luke reflects a keen consiousness of the Roman empire into which early Christianity spread. His historical accuracy in using the proper terminology for the various Roman officials throughout his book is recognized as a mark of scholarly research or firsthand knowledge. Consequently the author is regarded as an accurate historian. Wherever archaeological and literary data is available, the book of Acts has been vindicated as a reliable record. In accounting for the expansion of Christianity, much emphasis is given to the Holy Spirit throughout this book. Although the disciples of Jesus are mentioned in the opening chapter, most of the Twelve are not noted later. Peter is the central figure in the establishment of the church in Jerusalem, and he remains quite prominent until the council at Jerusalem. As the center of Christianity shifted to Antioch, Paul emerged as the foremost leader, so that the major part of the book of Acts is devoted to Paul and his mission. The message of the early church is given rather extensive consideration in the book of Acts. The numerous references to messages given by Peter and Paul, as well as other leaders, indicate that the resurrection of Christ was a doctrine of primary importance for Christianity. The movement from Jewish supporters to a Gentile church is also apparent in the account in Acts. The crucial point in Acts is the conference held in Jerusalem (Acts 15). Hastened by pressure from the Judaizers (those Jewish Christians who believed that a number of the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were still binding on the New Testament church), the church leaders met and concluded that circumcision was not necessary. The decision, which "seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" (15:28), was that believers abstain from idolatry, from tasting blood, from eating the meat of animals that have been strangled, and from sexual impurity. The book ends abruptly with Paul as a prisoner preaching the good news (Gospel) in Rome. Since nothing more is reported concerning Paul, it seems quite certain that this book was completed while Paul was in this ministry. This has led to the suggestion that Luke intended to write a third volume. The book of Acts provides the background for the Epistles, which constitute the major part of the rest of the New Testament. Many of these are directly related to the events recorded in Acts. The Hebrew Messiah, long foretold by the Prophets, at last had come. And in this book of Acts the Great and Wonderful Work among the Nations Begins. The Household of God, in this book, passes from being a National setup, and becomes an International World Institution. Chapter 1:1-15 The forty days In the forty days between His Resurrection and Ascension, Jesus made 10 or 11 recorded appearances to the disciples to banish forever from their minds any doubt as to His Continued Existence as a Living Person. What a wonderful experience, in those 40 days, to have seen, talked with, eaten with, and felt with their hands, Jesus in His actual Crucified and Glorified Body, as He appeared and disappeared, through closed doors, out of the nowhere, and back into the nowhere, all climaxed, as, with the blessing of His uplifted hands, He rose, gradually, up and up, and disappeared in the Clouds. MIRACLES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS Miracles form a very obvious part of the Book of Acts. The book starts with Visible Appearances of Jesus, after His death, to His disciples. Then, before their eyes, His Ascension to Heaven- Then, on Pentecost, a Miraculous Visible Manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Tongues as of Fire. Wonders and Signs were done by the Apostles (2:43). The healing of the lame man at the temple gate, (3: 7-11) made a deep impression on the whole City. (4:16, 17) God answered Prayer by an Earthquake (4:31) Ananias and Sapphira died by a Stroke from the Lord (5:5-10) Signs and Wonders, by the apostles continued (5:12) Multitudes from surrounding cities were Healed by Peter's Shadow (5:15, 16) It reads like the days of Jesus in Galilee. Prison Doors were opened by an Angel (5:19) Stephen wrought great Wonders and Signs (6:8). In Samaria, Philip did great Miracles and Signs (8:6,7,13); and Multitudes Believed. Saul was converted by a Direct Voice from Heaven (9: 3-9). At the word of Ananias scales fell from Saul's eyes (9: 17, 18). In Lydda, Peter Healed Aeneas, and the whole region was converted to Christ (9:32-35). In Joppa, Peter raised Dorcas from the Dead, and many Believed on the Lord (9:40-42). Cornelius was converted by the Apperance of an Angel, and the Speaking in Tongues (10:3, 46). A Voice from God sent Peter to Cornelius (10: 9-22).; and convinced the Jews that Peter was right (11:15, 18). A Prison Gate Opened of its own accord (12:10). The Blinding of A Sorcerer led the Proconsul (governing official) of Cyprus to Believe (13:11, 12). Paul did Signs and Wonders in Iconium, and a multitude Believed (14:3,4). At Lystra, the Healing of a Cripple made the mulitudes think that Paul was a god (14: 8-18 Narration of Signs and Wonders convinced Jewish Christians that Paul's work among Gentiles was of God (15: 12, 19) In Philippi, Paul Healed a Soothsayer, and an Earthquake Converted the Jailer (16: 16-34). In Ephesus, 12 men Spoke in Tongues (19:6), and Special Miracles done by Paul (19:11,12), made the Word of the Lord to prevail mightily (19:20). In Troas, Paul Raised a young man from the Dead (20:8-12). In Melita, the Healing of Paul's Hand from the vipers bite (28:3-6), made the natives think Paul was a god; and Paul Healed all in the island that had Diseases (28: 8,9). Take Miracles out of the book of Acts, and there is little left. However much critics may deny the evidence or value of Miracles, the fact remains that God made abundant use of Miracles in giving Christianity a start in the world. ***************************************************** |
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| MUSIC: "BALLAD OF THE CROSS" COMPOSED AND SEQUENCED BY LARRY HOLDER |
| Do You Believe It seems as the story goes, There were still those with doubts. Luke continued to preach to those And tell what Jesus is about. As now and even then Luke told the message everywhere, Miracles were performed through Him And unbelievers were always there. But thanks to his dedication, Even the leaders came to believe The mighty works that Jesus demonstrated That caused the sinners to receive. All those that Jesus chose Went forth in His Name, And spoke the truth to all who listened And Jesus was honored without shame. Compiled and written by Shirley Barr September 26, 2005 References used: KJV Bible Halley's Bible Handbook All Copyrights Reserved |
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