Book Of Acts

INTRODUCTION

I. THE WRITING OF THE BOOK OF ACTS.

A. The Author of the Book of Acts

God, The Holy Spirit (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21)

B. The Writer Of The Book Of Acts

Luke

This is ascertaining by comparing Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:1-4 and

Luke 24:49-52 with Acts 1:3-12

Considering also with the similarity in:

spirit,
style,
vocabulary,
technical medical language.

C. The Date Of The Writing Of the Book Of Acts.

61-63 A.D. (the date of Paul's martyrdom is 68 A.D. but the
narrative of the book of Acts concludes with his arrival in Rome -28:30,31)

D. The Coverage Of History Recorded In The Book of Acts.

It covers approximately 30 years

E. The Addressee of The Book of Acts.

Luke wrote to Theophilus.
Theophilus means "lover of God"
Theophilus was of a noble rank - possibly a high-ranking
government official (Luke1:3)

II. THE NATURE OF THE BOOK OF ACTS.

A. It Is An Historical Account.
B. It Is An Accurate Account.
C. It Is An Action Account.

*The Book is not the "thoughts, dreams, plans, or desires" of

the apostle, but the Acts of the apostle.

D. It Is A Useful Account.
 The Book of Acts gives us the greatest insight into the life and ministry of the early churches in the
apostolic age.
As Baptist, our desire should ever be to follow in the principles
of primitive Christianity taught in the New Testament like in this Book.

It is a Book of action, because we see Christians working in and through the churches as God
intended.

Their organization was simple and limited.

the early churches depended upon the POWER OF GOD'S WORD

and the PRESENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST.
not on man-made organizational structure, schemes, and gimmicks.

III. THE THEME OF THE BOOK OF ACTS

A. The Key Verse: Acts 1:8

B. The Key Word: "WITNESS"

The word 'witness' is found 21 times in this Book

(17 times in the context of Acts 1:8)
"Witness is someone who has first-hand knowledge of something and therefore is able to certify,
corroborate, or authenticate it to be so". We cannot witness for Jesus Christ until we first have
come to know Him through faith.

The Greek word translated 'witness' in the book of Acts is Martus From whence we get out of the English
word 'Martyr.'
A true witness for Christ is one who is willing to put his life on the line for Jesus.
(Acts 20:22-24; II Timothy 1:8; Revelation 1:9; 2:1

C. The Theme Of The Book Expressed:

1. "The Acts of the Holy Spirit"

the Holy Spirit of God is mentioned 51 times in the Book of Acts.
2. "The Acts of the Risen Christ."
3. “The Acts of the Early Churches."

D. The Importance Of The Book of Acts.

The Book of Acts is a vital link between the Gospel (one church, founded by Christ) and the
Epistles (many churches)
*The great doctrinal lesson of the Book is that Christian and every ministry was CHURCH
CENTERD, CHURCH SPONSORED, and CHURCH-GOVERNED.
IT IS God's plan for this age that the Lord's work (preaching, teaching
evangelism, benevolence, etc.) be done by the Lord's peoples
directed by the Holy Spirit through the Lord's churches.
 IV. The Outline Of The Book Of Acts.

A number of outlines have been suggested, e.g.-

I. THE ASCENDED LORD - ACTS 1
II. THE DESCENDED SPIRIT - ACTS 2
III.THE EXTENDED CHURCH - ACTS 3-28

The most logical outline is derived from the key verse (Acts 1:8) The lords plan for the evangelization of
the world is seen in operation in the Book of Acts:
Jerusalem------>Judea------->Samaria-------->The Uttermost

Romans 11:13
I. THE GOSPEL TO JERUSALEM - CHAPTERS 1-7
GALATIANS 2:8
II. THE GOSPEL TO JUDEA & SAMARIA - CHAPTER 8
III. THE GOSPEL TO THE GENTILES - CHAPTERS 9-12
IV. THE GOSPEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH - CHAPTERS 13-28
Romans 11:13, II Timothy 1:11

MINISTRY OF PETER - GALATIANS 2:8 MINISTRY OF PAUL ROMANS 11:13, Il timothy 1:11

I. THE GOSPEL TO JERUSALEM - CHAPTERS 1-7

II. THE GOSPEL TO JUDEA & SAMARIA - CHAPTER 8
III. THE GOSPEL TO THE GENTILES - CHAPTERS 9-12
IV. THE GOSPEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH - CHAPTERS 13-28

Special Note Regarding The Study Of The Book Of Act

A. The Universal, Invisible 'Church' Theory.

B. The Pentecost Birthday Theory.
C. The Holy Spirit Baptism Theory.

CHAPTER ONE

I. THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH - verses 1-7

A. The "Former Treatise." (v. 1)

this is the Gospel of Luke - Luke 1:3.

B. The Nature of Luke's Gospel. (v. 1)

 it is an account of "...all that Jesus began both to do and teach"

1. note: Doing comes before teaching. Action speak louder than words.
2. The Book of Acts tells of all that Jesus continued to do through the Holy Spirit and His churches.

C. The Post-Resurrection Ministry Of Christ. (v.v. 2,3)

Details of the post-resurrection ministry of Christ are found to a greater or lesser extent at the end
of the four Gospel--- Mathew 28:16-20; Mark 16:12-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 20: 19- 21:23.
Together with Acts 1:2-11. We learn that the period of Lord's ministry are:

1. Forty Days in Duration - (v. 3)

in the Bible, 40 is the number associated with "probation" or "testing"
(Acts 7:23-30; Exodus 24:18; Luke 4:1,2; Numbers 14:34;
Deuteronomy 8:2-5; Psalm 95:10; 1 Kings 19:8; Jonah 3:4)

2. Spend commanding And teaching The Apostle.

the so-called "Great Commission" is given in each of the 4 Gospel and the Book of Acts.
(Mathew 28:19,20; Mark 16:14-16; Luke 24:46-48; John 20: 19-23; Acts 1:8)
this are the marching order of the Lord's churches for about 200 yrs.

D. Many Infallible proofs. (v. 3)

The credibility of Bible Christianity rest upon the fact of an empty tomb-i.e. the resurrection of
Jesus Christ.
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was the great demonstration of the power of God ever -
Romans 1:4
It is by this power that a lost sinner is born again-Romans 1:16 and a believer is enabled to live.
Without the resurrection of Christ His cross would have been a meaningless and tragic defeat.
(I Corinthians 15:14)

*The evidence for the resurrection:

1. The Empty Tomb.

(Mathew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24;3; John 20;1-10)

2. The Numerous Post-Resurrection Appearance of Christ

a. to Mary - John 20:16
b. to the Women - Mathew 28:5-9
c. to Peter - Luke 24:24
d. to two Disciple on the way to Emmaus - Luke 24:13-35 e. to ten Apostle in the upper room -
John 20:19
f. to the eleven Apostle in the upper room - John 20:26-29 g. to seven Disciple - John 21:1-14
h. to the eleven - Mathew 28:16; Acts 1:4
i. to over 500 Believers - I Corinthians 15:6
j. James and the Apostles - Corinthians 15:7
k. To Saul - I Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:5
3. The Change Lives Of The Apostle.
e.g. Peter the "denier of Christ" became the great "preacher of Christ."

4. The Resurrection Preaching of the Apostle.

the resurrection of Jesus Christ was central to the gospel
preaching recorded in the Book of Acts. (Acts 2:23; 3:15; 4:2,10; 5:31; 10:40; 13:30, 37; 17:31,32)

5. The Institution Of The First Day Of The Week. Acts

6. The Witness Of Jesus Christ Himself. - Revelation 1:18

7. The Evidence Against Fraud Being Perpetuated.

a. it is impossible for the Disciple or Two Mary's to remove the stone.
(3 obstacles preventing them, the 'sentinels', seal, stone)
b. it was not possible that Joseph of Arimathea took it.
c. it was not possible that the Jews took it.
d. it was not possible that the Roman soldier took him.
The only conclusion - "HE IS RISEN-AS HE SAID”

8. The Kingdom Of God

a. it is Unlike any world kingdom - John 18:36
b. it is an Intangible kingdom - Luke 17:20,21
c. it is an Invisible kingdom - Luke 17: 20,21; Romans 14:17
d. it must Entered - Mathew 5:20; 7:21; 18:3; 19:23,24; 5:21 e. it must be Received - Mark 10:15;
Luke 18:17
f. it is At Hand - Mathew 3:2; 4:17; 10:7
g. it includes the Saints of all Ages - Luke 13:28,29
h. it has Mysteries - Mathew 13:10,11

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE RULE OF GOD

IN THE HEARTS OF WILLING SUBJECTS.

9. The Kingdom to Israel

-this is the prospective phase of the kingdom of God-the earthly millennial kingdom of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
a. it is the "kingdom come" stage of the Kingdom of God (Mathew 6:10)
b. it is the glorious Kingdom Peter, James, and John were
permitted to preview. (Mathew 16:28; 17:1-5; II Peter 1:16,17)
c. it is the Kingdom in which the Lord will once again eat and drink with His Church. (Mathew
26:29; Luke 22:16-18,30)
d. it is the Kingdom the Jews thought would be ushered in at the first advent. (Luke 19:11)
e. it is the Kingdom which will be ushered in at the 2nd advent. (II Timothy 4:1; Revelation 12:10)
f. it is an earthly, visible Kingdom. (Isaiah 9:6,7; 11:1-10, Jeremiah 23:5,6)
 10. The New Testament Church And The Kingdom Of God.
there are four implications inherent in an assembly
an assembly should be:

LOCAL, VISIBLE, ORGANIZED, CONSTITUTED

Much confusion has come about through men confusing the kingdom of God with the New Testament
Church.
The mystical (mythical), universal, invisible 'Church'/Body of Christ theory is the result of such
confusion.

11. The New Testament Church And The Kingdom Of God.

a. A Church And The Kingdom Are Different.

*The difference are as follows

THE NEW TESTAMENT THE KINGDOM OF GOD

CHURCH
Universal Local
Invisible Visible
One Many
No Officers Has Officer
No Ordinance Has Ordinances
No Discipline Has Discipline
No Meetings Has Meetings
Membership through New Birth Membership through Baptism

b. A Church And The Kingdom Are Vitally Related.

A New Testament Church is the visible, audible, tangible manifestation of the invisible, inaudible,
intangible kingdom of God.
Each church has been given a the "Keys of the kingdom of Heaven"- Mathew 16:19

A key symbolizes Authority and Appointment. The Lord's churches have given:
- authority over the conduct of kingdom subjects.
(Mathew 18:17,18)
an appointment to used the keys (the Gospel) to unloc the door of salvation - John 20:23

c. The Promise Of The Father. (vv. 4,5)

1. It Was Given Through The Son.
"...ye have heard of me..."
2. It Refers to The Sending Of The Comforter. John 7:37-39; 14:16-26; 15:26,27, 16:7-15. 3. It Is
Synonymous With The Prophecy Of John

II. THE COMMISSIONING OF THE CHURCH-verse 8

 A. The Attribute Of The Great Commission.
this answer the question: "What does the Great Commission involve?

1. Evangelize-"Make Them"-Evangeliom
this means to:

a. Teach-Mathew 28:19
b. Preach-Mark 15:15 Luke 24:47
c. Witness-Acts 18-witnessing is the declaration of our personal experience of Jesus Christ.

2. Baptize - "Mark them" - Enlistment

Four (4) important facts:
a. Baptism always follow salvation.
b. Baptism is a command to all Christians.
c. Baptism is administered in the name of the Triune God. d. The doctrine of the Trinity is
demonstrated in Mathew 28:19

The word "name" is singular. The Bible teaches there is ONE GOD (Eph. 4:6) who manifest Himself
in THREE separate and distinct, yet Co-Equal, Co-Eternal, Co-Existent and Co-Essential Persons -
John 5:7.

3. Stabilize - "Mature Them" - Edification

salvation and baptism are initial result in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, "teaching them
to observe all things (Mathew 28:20) is the long term part. The Lord gives clear instruction about
this as to: The Purpose (Ephesians 4:13-16) The Plan (Ephesians 4:11) The Place (Ephesians 4:16)

B. The Agent Of The Great Commission.

This answer the question: "To whom was the Great Commission given?"
This question is often overlooked. But it is of fundamental importance, for two reason:

1. Because of the numerous denominations, religious organizations, and so-called 'para-church

organizations existing today, each claiming the Commissions their mandate.

2. Because of the issue of authority in baptism. (Since the Commission includes the command to
baptize, then only those to whom the commission was given have the authority to baptize.)

-The Great Commission was given to the Lord's churches.

-It was not given individually, but institutionally.
-Only New Testament churches have the God-given authority (and responsibility) to 'evangelize,
baptize, and stabilize.

This was:

1. Proven By Scripture
a. Mathew 28:16-cf. I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 2:20
b. Mark 16:14 - as above
c. Luke 11:33-the eleven and others were "gathering
 together"
d. John 20:19 - disciples were "assembled
e. Acts 1:4-Jesus and the apostle were "assembled together.

2. Demonstrated By Logic.
a. If the commission was given to the apostle individually, then they failed miserably. They Did Not
Go into all the World.
b. If the Commission was given to Christian individually, it would be impossible to fulfill. Why?
i. No single Christian could Go into all the world and reach every creature.
ii. No single Christian could put and teach every believer all things.

C. The Area Of The Great Commission.

1. The Gospels Give The Parameters.

It is universal in scope.
a. All nation - Mathew and Luke
b. All the world - Mark

2. Acts 1:8 Gives The Plan.

It is to be done in a radiating fashion: a. Jerusalem - the hometown first
b. Judea - the home region next
c. Samaria - the adjoining regions
d. The uttermost - the world itself

Note: God loves the world (John 3:16) and Christ died for the world.
(John 1:29; 6:33, 1 John 2:2)

D. The Accomplishment Of The Great Commission.

1. Two Kinds Of Power

a. "Exousia' Power - Mathew 28:18

This refer to a delegated authority, a vested power. We go in Jesus' Name, not our own. His mighty
power stands behind us.

b. 'Dunamis Power - Acts 1:8

This refers to the almighty (miraculous) power of God. It is effective power of the Gospel. Romans
1:16
The Lord's almighty power works through us.

2. Holy Ghost Power

The power of the Spirit of God is sufficient to: a. Raise Jesus Christ - Romans 1:4; 8:11; 1 Peter
3:18 b. Quicken the Spiritual Dead - Ephesians 2:1; John 6:63 This power was the greatest feature
of the early churches Acts 4:33; 1 Corinthians 2:4,5. It is the power which is available to us today.
Without it we may get result but but not fruit - Zachariah 4:6.
 III. THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH-Verses 9-11

A. The Ascension of Jesus Christ. (v. 9)

1. The First Ascension

2. The Second Ascension
a. Its Manner.
the Lord was "taken up (v. 9)
Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51.

b. Its Purpose.
i. Evidence the completion of His work.
His death secured redemption. Ephesians 1:7
- His resurrection secured justification. Romans 4:25
- His ascension secured blessing. Ephesians 1: 3
ii. Opened the way for the sending of the comforter.
iii. Emptied the Paradise. Christ led "captivity captive"
Ephesians 4:8 this refers to the souls of Old Testament saints- the "spirit of just men", Hebrews
12:23
iv. Secured spiritual gifts for His churches.

B. The Present Ministry Of Jesus Christ.

1. The Place.
Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22
Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.

2. The Glory.
Revelation 1:13-16
The apostle John saw the Lord Jesus Christ in His full glory.

3. The Ministry
a. The Present Work Of Christ For His Churches (4-6)
i. Adds to the membership of a Church - Acts 2:47
ii. Bestows spiritual gifts upon church members
I Corinthians 12:1-11; Romans 12:4-8
iii. Bestows gifted men upon the church Ephesians 4:11-16
iv. Calls men into the ministry-1 Timothy 1:12
Timothy Bats
v. Supplies the needs of His churches – Philippians 4:1

C. The Return Of Jesus Christ. (v. 10) (7-11)

1. A Personal Return - "...this SAME Jesus..."

 Note: At the rapture, Jesus will also return personally I Thessalonians 4:16; John 14:3; Revelation
22:7a,12a.

2. A Visible Return - "...as ye have SEEN him..."

3. A Certain Return - "...SHALL so come..."
4. A Premillennial Return - "...in LIKE MANNER..."
5. A Motivating Return.

IV. THE MEETING OF THE CHURCH-verses 12-14

The Pentecost Birthday Theory of the Church teaches that 'The Church' did not come into
existence until the day of Pentecost Acts 2
this theory is basically founded upon two scripture;
Mathew 16:18-the "I will" is seen as future rather than de- terminative.

-1 Corinthians 12:13 - The Holy Spirit is seen to "form the church [Scofield] by baptizing all
believers into the body of Christ.

Evidence that shows the first church was in existence well before the day of Pentecost. (12-15)

-1 Corinthians 12:28 - indicates that the first church consisted of Christ and the apostle (who
were all baptized believers)
-This church had a pastor and a treasurer (John 10:11,14; 13:29)
-It did missionary work (Mathew 10:1-11:1)
-Baptized those who believed (John4:1,2)
-Instructed about discipline (Mathew 18:15-17)
-observed the Lord's supper (Mathew 26:26-28)
-the Lord sang in the church (Hebrews 2:12)

We find here in Acts 1 that the church assembled:

A. The Praise. (v. 12a)

Luke 24:52,53 the apostle were no longer afraid, but were in joyful anticipation of what God was
about to do.

B. The Place. (v. 13)

They assembled in an upper room.

C. The Pastors. (v. 13b)

The apostles initially served as pastors over the Church in Jerusalem is seen from the use of the
word "bishoprick" in verse 20.

The word 'pastor" (shepherd), "bishop" (overseer), and "elder" are used synonymously and
interchangeably in the New Testament. By Acts 15, however, the apostles were distinguished from
the pastors (Acts 15:4,6,23; 16:4)
1. What is An Apostle?

a. In The General Term:

the word "Apostle" ('Apostolos') means a sent one. thus missionary could be considered an
apostle because he is "sent by the Church”.
An example of this general usage is Barnabas (Acts 9:27 with Acts 14:14a)
The Lord Jesus Christ is also called an apostle (Heb. 3:1)

b. In the Specific sense.:

Certain qualifications and duties of the office of the apostle.

i. An apostle was an eye-witness of the resurrected Christ – I Corinthians 9:1 15:8

Acts 1:22.
ii. An apostle was one who had been audibly called Jesus Christ - Matthew 10:5
Romans 1:1.
iii. The apostolic ministry was accompanied by the use of "sign gifts" –
II Corinthians 2:12; Acts 2:43; 5:12
iv. The apostle were used as writer of the New Testament - Ephesians 3:2-5; II Peter
3:2; Jude 17
v. There are only 12 apostle in the specific sense. Revelation 21:14
Because of these qualifications, there is NO apostolic office existent today! And NO
apostolic succession!

2. What is a Pastor?

A pastor is the spiritually qualified (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) man Lord raises up in every
church to:

a. Feed - 1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28b

This is the duty of a pastor (shepherd)
b. Lead - Hebrews 13:7,17; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5: 3
This is the duty of an elder.
c. Heed - Acts 20:28,29-31; 1 Peter 5:2
this is the duty of a bishop (overseer)

d. The People (verses 14,15)

It is interesting to see that the membership (number) of this first church stood at around 120.
the member were called disciples. Included within this number are:

1. The Apostle - 11
2. The women -Mathew 27:55,56; Mark 15:40,41; John19:25
3. Mary
4. Christ's Half-Brother - Mathew 13:55,56
e. The Prayer Meeting (v. 14)
the attitude of this "church-in-waiting" is noteworthy:

1. Their Obedience.
they are doing exactly what the Lord required of them.
2. Their Expectation.
this church had a great vision.
3. Their Unity.
being in one accord is the key ingredients for success in the Lord's work. (Acts 2:1,46; 4:24;
5:12; 15:25; Ephesians 4:16; Philippians 2:2) (1 Corinthians 1:10; 12:24,25; Psalms 133:1)

4. Their Praying.
This was the meeting which we could be called the
"powerhouse of Pentecost."

V. THE BUSINESS OF THE CHURCH - verses 15-26

In this passage we have the 'minutes' of a pre-Pentecost Church business meeting, called to elect
a successor to Judas Iscariot.

Seven important principle in conducting church business meeting:

A. Pastoral Initiative. (v. 15)

It is Peter who raises the matter for consideration. The initiation of the Church business should
come from those in God-appointed leadership position. Acts 6:2; 15:4,13,19,22.

B. Biblical Purpose. (v. 16)

C. Pastoral Leadership. (verses 21,22)

there are three (3) elements to Scriptural church government:

1. the rule of Christ the Head - Ephesians 1:22,23; 5:23,24;

Colossians 1:18 - Final authority
2. the rule of the Pastor, the under Shepherd - 1 Timothy 5:17
Hebrews 13:7,17; 1 Peter 4:1-3-leadership Authority
3. The rule of the Church, the Congregation - Mathew 18:17 - ecclesiastical authority
 Scriptural church government is the execution of the law of Christ by congregational rule
under pastoral leadership.

D. Qualified Proposal. (v. 23)

E. Fervent Prayer. (v. 24)

Prayer is the difference between a Scriptural (Spirit-led) business meeting and a worldly (human
wisdom) one.

F. Congregational Decision. (v. 26)

The expression, "...they gave forth their lots..." does not mean 'sanctified toss of coin." In the Bible, the
use of lots can refer to either:

1. A God-Ordained Method Of Division or Selection.

e.g. Leviticus 16:8; Joshua 19:51, Proverbs 16:33 relies on God intervention and commanded by the Lord.
It is a way of preventing dispute Proverbs 18:13

2. An Act Of Gambling

e.g. John 19:24. This kind of gambling is wicked Because:

a. It Leaves Everything to Chance - God's will is not a consideration

b. It Takes What belongs to others.

3. A Personal Decision

e.g. Proverbs 1:14. The expression, "to cast in our lot" is a figurative, and denotes decision made to do
something. "appointed' (v.23) "they prayed" (v24) "they gave forth" (v 26)

G. Heavenly Ratification (v. 26b).