Acts Chapter 11

Peter Justifies His Ministry to the Gentiles

The news that Peter had preached to Cornelius’s household and won them to Christ spread quickly throughout the churches of Judea. Peter was called back to Jerusalem to explain to those of the “circumcision” (Jews), who had become offended. They sharply criticized Peter. The charge against Peter was simply “you who are a devout and faithful Jew was associating and eating with the unclean Gentiles”. Peter simply summarized the whole event leading up to association with Cornelius and his household. Peter explained that it was the will of God that Gentiles are to be considered clean and that he was to preach Christ to them. He testified that when the Gentiles heard the message of Christ, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as the Spirit fell on the Jews on the day of Pentecost. In conclusion, Peter justified his ministry to the Gentiles by arguing that he did not dare to “withstand God”. The intellectual questions ended and the theological discussion stopped with the report that God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. They rejoiced in the Lord. This was a major turning point for the early church. They had to accept those whom God had chosen, even if they were Gentiles.

The wave of disciples that fled Jerusalem after the death of Stephen (Acts 7:59) confined their ministry to the Jews. They made converts in Phoenicia (on the Mediterranean coast north of Palestine), Cyprus (a large Mediterranean island west of Palestine), and Antioch (a city in Syria, north of Palestine). After God led Peter to share the gospel with Cornelius, other disciples began to seek out Gentile audiences. Some of the Jews won to Christ in Cyrus and Cyrene (a city on the North African coast of the Mediterranean, west of Egypt) came to Antioch where Jewish churches already existed. But now that the gospel had broken down the wall between Jews and Gentiles, the newcomers saw a need to evangelize the Greeks. They sought them out and gave them the gospel. Through the power of God, many believed. Almost overnight, a strictly Jewish church became a church with perhaps as many Gentiles as Jews.

It was in Antioch that Christianity was launched on its worldwide mission and where the believers aggressively preached to Gentiles. News of what was happening in Antioch soon reached the ears of Jerusalem. Now there was no controversy. Peter’s defense of his visit to Cornelius’s house had silenced all opposition including Gentiles in the church. Instead of provoking an argument, the news brought joy. The leaders in Jerusalem decided to send Barnabas to Antioch to investigate what they were hearing and to facilitate the work there. Barnabas found ample evidence of the mighty hand of God at work. He rejoiced at what he witnessed. The grace of God had radically transformed the new believers, leaving no room for doubt, that they were truly saved. Barnabas being full of the Holy Spirit and true to the meaning of his name (“son of encouragement) encouraged the believers and rejoiced with them.

Barnabas could have easily taken this opportunity to expand his own ministry and further his own importance, but being a man full of the Holy Spirit does a selfless and strategic thing, he seeks out Saul of Tarsus. Realizing that a man with Saul’s education and gifts was well suited to teach highly cultured Greeks, Barnabas was the first Jerusalem disciple to believe in the authenticity of Paul’s conversion and had confidently introduced him to the Apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27-29). For a whole year Barnabas and Saul worked as a team in teaching and preaching the disciples. At about this time a new name was coined for the followers of Christ. They were called Christians. At about this time there were serious food shortages during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius (A.D 41-54) because of a drought that extended across much of the Roman Empire. It was significant that the church in Antioch assisted the church in Jerusalem. The daughter church had grown enough to be able to assist the established church. The people of Antioch were motivated to give generously because they cared for the needs of others. This is “cheerful giving”) which the Bible commands (2 Cor. 9:7). The aid was entrusted to Barnabas and Saul to take to Jerusalem. These two men were doubtless chosen because both were highly regarded and personally known to church leaders.

Question/answers:
What does the term “Christian” means?
The word occurs three times in the new testament The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch (Acts 11:26) and originally it was probably a term of mocking or derision–“little Christ”. Eventually, however, Christians used it of themselves as a name of honor not of shame (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Prior to their adoption of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13), names which also continued to be used today.

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Acts Chapter 9

The Conversion of Saul

As our study continues we last encountered Saul in Acts 7:58 and in Acts 8:3, where he was consenting to the stoning of Stephen, and making havoc of the church. Luke will again introduce his readers to Saul the chief persecutor of the church. The persecution he unleashed scattered believers far and wide (8:1). They had to flee for their lives. But God in His great wisdom had a good purpose behind the trouble, for everywhere Christians went, they preached the gospel (8:4). One place of safety seemed to be Damascus, the leading city in Syria. The church there was probably founded by Jews who had been converted at Pentecost, but now their ranks were swelling by the people fleeing Jerusalem. The concentration of believers in Damascus came to Saul’s attention so he obtained authority from the high priest to seize them and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial. The Romans at this time were not exercising strong control over the Jewish leaders (most of them were on the Roman government side anyway). Taking prisoners in Damascus merely required the cooperation of the local Synagogues. So, armed with letters of authority Saul started on his way.

The question arises as to why would the Jews in Jerusalem wanted to persecute Christians as far away as Damascus? There are several possibilities: (1)To seize the Christians who had fled, (2) to prevent the spread of Christianity to other major regions, (3) to keep Christians from causing trouble with Rome, (4) to advance the career of Saul, and build his reputation as a true Pharisee, zealous of the law, and (5) to unify the factions of Judaism by giving them a common enemy.

With Saul on the road were several companions. As they drew near to Damascus, a brilliant flash of light from heaven engulfed the whole company. Saul would later say it was brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13). Those with Saul were greatly frightened (Acts 22:9). They stood motionless and speechless, unable to understand what was happening. The group heard a voice, but saw no one. The voice from heaven spoke to Saul in the Hebrew tongue (Acts 26:14). Saul heard the voice questioning him saying, “why persecutest thou me?” Saul was confused. He knew he was in the presence of a being so exalted that he must address him as Lord. In his confusion, he called out the pointless question, “who art thou Lord?” it was pointless because he gave the answer. Moreover, Paul could see the person speaking, for years later he listed himself among those who had seen the risen Christ (1cor.15:8). Saul now had come to the realization that he was in the presence of the risen Savior. Who else was he persecuting? Saul now perceived with horror that his tireless work to extinguish the church was nothing less than blasphemy, for he was desecrating the work of the Lord.

The Lord continued, “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Jesus was referring to ox goads, a sharp instrument used to get oxen moving. Only a stubborn ox would respond by kicking the goad and thus inflicting more pain upon itself. The presence of the glorious Lord tore away the pride of Saul, and for the first time in his life he uttered words that were entirely humble: “Lord what wilt thou have me to do?” In other words, “I acknowledge who you are, Lord, and I submit wholly to your leadership. “What is your will?” The Lord instructed Saul to rise and proceed to Damascus, where he would receive further instructions. Saul now blind was led by his friends into Damascus where his blindness would last for three days.

In the meantime, the Lord appeared in a vision to a faithful disciple named Ananias. He was instructed to go to Saul, who was at the house of one named Judas on a street named Straight. The Lord wanted Ananias to lay hands on Saul and restore his slight. Saul was instructed in a vision that Ananias was coming to restore his sight. Ananias feared Saul because of Saul’s violent reputation of persecuting the believers. Everywhere Saul went his reputation preceded him. The Lord patiently assured Ananias that Saul is now his chosen vessel to carry the gospel before the Gentiles, Kings, and to the Jews. Saul is informed he will suffer for the sake of Jesus. The first recorded man to consider Saul a Christian brother was Ananias. Any apprehension that Ananias had has now turned to love for his Jewish brother. The laying on of hands by Ananias had a two fold effect. Saul is not only healed from physical blindness but, also from spiritually blindness. Ananias baptized Saul and nourished him. After Saul received his sight and food, he was strengthened, not to continue his persecution of the disciples, but to begin his new mission for the risen Christ.

Saul remained for some time with the church in Damascus. Immediately he began to preach Christ in the Synagogues. The unconverted Jews were amazed, for they recognized Saul as the man who had come to arrest Christians. Some tried to argue with Paul, but like Stephen, Saul was not easily beaten in debate. In time, as his faith and knowledge grew, he confounded those who opposed him. Saul preaching stirred up such opposition that the Jews plotted to kill him (Stephen all over again). The persecutor has now become the persecuted. Saul’s Christian brothers helped him to escape certain death by lowering him down in a basket over the city walls. Saul experience took a strange turn; he entered blind and left in a basket. Saul immediately departed for Jerusalem where he wanted to get acquainted with the Apostles. Saul soon found out that joining the Apostles or disciples would not be easy. There was suspicion about the authenticity of his conversion, and they knew full well of Saul’s violent activities against the church. Many looked upon Saul’s conversion as a ruse to come among the believers and then continue his persecution. They were understandably fearful of him.

Barnabas who we first met in Acts 4:36 and one of the leaders, believed in Saul’s sincerity and brought him before the Apostles. He explained how Saul was converted on the road to Damascus and how he had been boldly preaching Christ to the point where they wanted to kill him. The Apostles’ suspicions disappeared. Saul was received as a brother, and allowed to fellowship freely with everyone in the church. During this time he spoke with Peter and James, the brother of the Lord (Gal.1:18-19). As he had done in Damascus, he began to confront unbelieving Jews in their Synagogues. Knowing Greek, Saul targeted the Greek-speaking Jews. This was good practice for him, since his calling would be to evangelize the Greek world. Saul’s efforts received the same results as those of Stephen, they sough to kill him. For his safety, the believers brought Saul down to Caesarea and from there to his home city, Tarsus. Saul’s conversion ended the persecution (for a while) that had scattered believers throughout the regions. The church enjoyed a brief time of rest rejoicing and walking in the fear of the Lord. Again many believers multiplied.

Luke shifts focus away from Saul and back to Peter. We last heard mentioned of Peter in Acts 8:25 when he returned back to Jerusalem with John from their work in Samaria. Peter now engages in a traveling ministry. Lydda known as Lod in the Old Testament was located eleven miles southwest of Joppa (today is Tel Aviv). Peter encountered a man named Aeneas who was afflicted with a severe affliction of paralysis of his legs. Whether he was already a believer, is not known. But Peter took compassion on him and declared that the Lord would make him whole. Peter commanded the man to arise and walk. His legs were strengthened and he arose instantly. News of the miracle spread rapidly throughout Lydda, and the neighboring region. Luke reports that all unbelievers in Lydda and Sharon accepted the gospel and turn to the Lord. While Peter was staying in Lydda, a Godly woman in the neighboring city of Joppa had died. This woman was greatly loved by the church because of all her good deeds. Like many people in Palestine, she bore two names, one Aramaic and one Greek. Both the Aramaic (Tabitha) and the Greek (Dorcas) signify “Gazelle”. Two men in the church at Joppa hurried down to Peter and asked him to come quickly with them. It was the Jewish custom to bury someone the same day to avoid corruption of the body. The question arises, if she was already dead, what did her friends expect Peter to do? They must have had faith enough to believe that Peter could bring her back to life. Jesus had informed the Apostles that they would perform greater works than Himself (John 14:12). Therefore the believer in Joppa believed that Peter could raise Dorcas, and so Peter rushed to her bedside, confident that he could perform a miracle.

When Peter arrived in Joppa, he found all the widows weeping over their fallen friend. After putting the widows out of the chamber, Peter kneeled by the body and prayed. Satisfying himself that the Lord’s will be done, he turned and commanded Tabitha to rise. Immediately she opened her eyes and sat up and Peter helped her to her feet. The believers did not keep what had just happened a secret. They eagerly spread the news and soon the whole city knew that a great miracle had been performed. As a result many believed and came to the Lord. After Peter work in Lydda and Joppa he stayed at the home of one called Simon the tanner. Residing at the home of a person whose occupation is that of a tanner poses a serious crisis. A tanner was one who converted animal skins into leather (the hides were soaked until all the fat, blood, and hair was removed). The trade of a tanner was despised by the Jews because it violated the ritual purity laws of not touching dead animals (Lev. 11:1-31). It appeared that Peter was less concerned at this point about staying at the home of a tanner. The word of God in Peter’s heart would be the ground work for what the Lord planned for peter in the following chapter.

Question/Answer:
In verse 2 the Scriptures states the phrase “This Way” what does it mean?
This description of Christianity, derived from Jesus’ description of himself (John 14:6), the phrase appears several times in Acts (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22).

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Acts Chapter 4

The Sanhedrin Opposes Peter and John

The glorious success of the gospel at Pentecost and for sometime afterward could not last. The inherent hatred of the truth and righteousness on part of the power of the enemy was quickly manifested in the bitter opposition encountered by the Apostles. The first move against the church came suddenly. In the gospel accounts we read how Jesus argued with the Pharisees who were Jews that were strict legalist concerning the Law of Moses. In Acts the Pharisees were friendlier to the Christians. It was another party, the Sadducees, who were now the enemy. What we know of this sect is that they are rich, rude, and they did not believe in the resurrection, which meant they hated the followers of Christ.

Peter’s sermon was interrupted by the enemies of Christ, the Sadducees, who descended upon the Apostles with sufficient strength to stop their preaching and cast them into prison. The priests were from the tribe of Levi and were appointed by God to care for the spiritual needs of the people. They were in charge of the temple worship and sacrifices as well as being corrupt (MAL. 1:6-14; 2:1-9). The captain of the temple was in place to keep order in the temple and surrounding areas. The preaching and boldness of the Apostles was apparent, five thousand got saved. This jailing of the Apostles was illegal and no charges were placed against them as it was a highhanded abuse of authority. In light of this, they illegally held Jesus with no charges and put his trial over to the next day. This act on both occasions was not due to any concern for the holy law, but they simply needed time to figure out what they would do.

As they did with Jesus, the leaders came together to question the Apostles, they were anxious to know by what name and power these miracles were done. Peter being filled with the promised Holy Spirit spoke with boldness (1:8; 2:14). Peter knew that the Holy Spirit would speak for him. He explained that the judges who were to judge them were now being judged. While trying to convict them, they will be convicted of crimes against the risen Messiah. Instead of being defensive, the Apostles went on the offensive. In verse 9, Peter asked whether he was wrong to do good to the lame man and heal him. This did not seem to be a court of law because there were no clear charges for Peter and John to answer. Peter instructed them to listen well to what he was about to charge them with. Here is the answer you seek. The deeds (miracles) were done in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Surely you remember Him: He is the Christ whom you crucified and God raised Him from the dead.

Peter accused them of rejecting the cornerstone of which the house of Israel must and will be built. They rejecting the cornerstone was a fulfillment of prophecy (Ps. 118:22-23; Isa. 28:16; Luke 20:18). Jesus the Messiah is Israel’s only hope (Matt. 1:21; John 14:6; Rom. 11:26). The religious leaders came to recognize that the evidence before them could not be refuted. The evidence was standing right in front of them. The leaders argued with Jesus and did not win; they now argued with Jesus’ Apostles and did not win. There was something different about these men. Yes, they had been with Jesus. Not wanting to discuss any conversations before them, the Apostles were told to leave. They admitted that a miracle had taken place, yet they continued to deny the presence of the Holy Spirit. Instead of accepting the power of Christ, they threaten the Apostles. They couldn’t even mention the name of Christ (…no man in His name – Acts 4:17). The apostles would not be deterred in all things that they heard and witnessed. They had the backing of all the eye witnesses. The leaders’ fears intensified. Christ had taught the Apostles and Disciples, that they would be delivered into the hands of the council and condemned for His name sake. But when these persecutions begin, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, because of their future rewards (Matt. 5:11-12; Luke. 21:12; John 15:20; I Pet. 4:16). Peter quotes the prophecy of King David (Ps. 2:1-2) which found fulfillment in the action of those who joined together in killing the Messiah. Peter leaves no one out. First, there were the king of the earth, Herod; second, the ruler, Pontius Pilate; third, the nations, the gentile authority; and last but not least the nation of Israel.

Throughout their ordeals the Apostles did not asked God to be spared of the persecution, but to grant them more boldness to preach the gospel. They prayed that God would continue to validate their ministry with signs and wonders. God reassured them by sending a visible sign (shaking of the place where they were) that His promise of miraculous power to the twelve would continue. A communal system was being established and was in compliance with Jesus’ earthly ministry (Matt.19:21). The believers were not only united spiritually (one in heart and mind), but also united materially (Acts 2:44-45). Their selling of their goods was voluntary and distributed by each person. They continued to preach with much boldness concerning the resurrection of Christ. The word Grace (vs.33) is one of the numerous times that the word grace occurs in Acts (11:23; 13:43: 14:3, 26; 15:11, 40; 18:27; 20:24, 32).

Luke introduces Barnabas as a role model from among those who sold their property and laid it at the Apostles feet. This Barnabas will become a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.

Questions/answers:
1. What and who was the Sanhedrin?
The rulers, elders, scribes, and priests made up the Sanhedrin or Jewish “Judicial council”- the same council that condemned Jesus (Luke. 22:66). It had 70 members plus the current high priest, who presided. The Sadducees held a majority in this ruling group along with the Pharisees.

2. Who was Barnabas?
Barnabas was a Levite from the island of Cyprus who later became a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. His name means “Son of Encouragement” or “The Son of Consolation”.

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Acts Chapter 3

Peter’s Miracle, Peter’s Second Sermon

As our study continues, the church at Pentecost has been established and God added to the church daily. Signs and wonders (miracles) were sent from heaven, the apostles received the promise of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (known languages), dreams and visions occurred (in later chapters). Now in chapter 3 the working of the Holy Spirit (miracles) will continue. As the 9th hour (3 PM) was about them, the Apostles, Peter and John, readied themselves to enter the temple for prayer as was the Jewish custom. There at the temple gate a man lame from birth tried to solicit alms from Peter and John, this too was the custom. Peter’s words “look on us” demanded the man give them his undivided attention. The lame man is expecting money (alms) not a healing (miracle).Verses (1-7) has many significance factors (1) This lame man is strategically placed at the temple gate by God for his purpose (2) Just as on the day of Pentecost what better place and time to get multitude of people’s attention, they were thousands coming for the hour of prayer and they will be witnesses to what is about to happen, (signs and miracles),and (3) The stage is set for Peter’s second powerful sermon.


Informing the lame man that he (Peter) had no alms to give him (something he was expecting), Peter called on the name of the lord JESUS CHRIST and ordered the lame man to get up and walk. Luke being a physician gave a complete account of the physical miracle the lame received (immediately not eventually). There was no doubt of what just took place at the temple gate. People were amazed at what they just witnessed. Peter had the people’s undivided attention and he capitalized on the opportunity (just like Pentecost). Notice that Peter addressed a Jewish audience. Peter first wanted to make sure that they knew that the miracle they just witnessed was of God and not themselves. As he did in his Pentecostal sermon, Peter reminded them that they handed Jesus the messiah over to the Gentile authorities to be crucified, and when Pilate was going to release Jesus they protested and asked that Jesus take the place of a murderer (Matthew.27:15-26).

After indicting them, Peter reminded them of the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead, in which they were witnesses. Peter explained the basis of the miracle. Jesus, not them was to receive the glory for the miracle. Peter explained that it was the name of our Christ that gave him the authority and the power to heal. Peter’s point is that it is not what they could do, but what Christ could through them. Jesus name must not be used as magic; it must be used in faith. Peter informed them that the death of Christ was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Ps.22; Isa.50:6 and Chapter 53). John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by preaching repentance. The Apostles called for salvation also included repentance. “The time of restitution” of all things refers to “The second coming of Christ” the last judgment, and the removal of sin in the world. Peter affirmed the inspiration of the Old Testament prophets, just as in verses 18 and 21. This is to say that they all testified with a single voice concerning the things of Christ, even though they killed the prophets (Matthew 24:37; Acts 7:52). Peter now traced their ancestral heritage and that all people of the earth were to be blessed through them (Gen.12:3; 22:18; 26:4; Gal.3:16). Israel had the first opportunity to receive the blessings from Christ and turned away from their iniquities (sins).

Questions/Answers
What was the beautiful gate of the temple?
This was a gate located east of the temple area.

What is Solomon Porch?
Solomon Porch was the raised outermost part of Herod’s temple with columns that went all the way around the outer court (John 10:23; Acts. 3:11).

What was the Jewish hour of prayer?
6 AM is the first hour, 9 AM is the third hour, 12 Noon is the sixth hour, and 3 PM is the ninth hour (sunset).

What does the biblical term repentance mean?
In a more general sense repentance means to “change one’s mind. True repentance is a “Godly sorrow” for sin, an act of turning around and going in the opposite direction. This type of repentance leads to fundamental change in a person’s relationship to God.


Who was the man that the Jewish people wanted to be released?
His name was Barabbas, a murderer.

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Acts Chapter 2

The Holy Spirit and the Day of Pentecost

Held 50 days after Passover (Lev.23:15-21), Pentecost was also called the feast of weeks and feast of harvests. It is one of the major annual feast (Deuteronomy 16:16), a festival of Thanksgiving for the harvest crops. Jesus was crucified at the Passover, and he ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit came 50 days after his resurrection, 10 days after his ascension. The term “fully come” implies the arriving of a period or point of time. As the believers were assembled in the upper room suddenly God gives signs of sound and sight. Their divine origin and supernatural character is clear. Both of these events were attention getters. The miracles were to communicate and convince the people by signs and wonders that what they were witnessing was of God. It is important at this point for us to understand that only the twelve spoke in tongues (known languages). This is confined by the Holy Scriptures. In chapter one verse 11 the Apostles are referred to as “ye men of Galilee” by the angels, again in verse 7 of this chapter the Apostles are referred to as speaking Galileans, but most important it is these twelve Galileans that Jesus selected to carry the gospel message to the world. What better place and time than on the day of Pentecost, where there would be hundred of thousands of Jews and Proselytes in attendance to hear the gospel message. Remember, they were told to start in Jerusalem.

The Jews and Proselytes from these difference nations were people from the dispersion vss.9-12 (James 1:1; 1 Peter.1:1). The Apostles literally spoke in other languages that the people present fully understood what they were saying (vss.6-7). This was not some form of gibberish that is spoken in some churches today. Paul said that tongues would cease (1.cor.13:8). This speaking was known languages, a miraculous attention getter. These signs were so supernatural; the people accused them of being drunk. Seizing the moment in the midst of the crowd’s bewilderment and confusion, Peter stands up with the eleven to address the crowd. Being filled with the Spirit (vs.4) Peter addresses the crowd with a formal address by addressing his brethren as men of “Judea” and “men of Israel”. Peter’s sermon will explain the events of Pentecost as God’s saving events. Peter addresses the statement of vs.13, in that they were not drunk because it was of the third hour of the day (9am), and that they did not drink at the first morning service.

Peter informed the crowd that what they had witnessed was a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit prophesied by the prophet Joel in the scriptures (Joel 2:28-32). The disciples of Jesus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, had dreamed dreams and seen visions, and they could not help prophesying. Visions and dreams was God’s means of communication with those whom He called for His service (10:1-3; 10:9-17; 21:9). At the death of Christ, the day had suddenly become night, an earthquake had struck Jerusalem, the veil in the temple had been rent in two, and the graves had given up their dead (Matt.27:51-53). Peter told them that this Jesus, who had demonstrated that God approved Him by miracles and wonders, had been arrested and convicted by the very same people whom He was preaching to, and they caused Him to be crucified by the hands of the wicked gentiles (Roman authority). They killed their own Messiah. But God raised Jesus from the dead, as King David himself had prophesied. What read like a statement by David about himself (psalm.16:8-11) Peter interpreted as David’s description of what would happen to the messiah. Peter told the crowd that David could not have been talking of himself, because David had died and been buried and his tomb was visible to them in Jerusalem. It was He (Jesus) whom God raised up to sit at God’s right hand in glory, and God would not let His soul rest in hell. Peter closed his sermon out by proclaiming that the Person, whom they crucified, was designated by God as their lord and Messiah. Peter’s words had convinced them of the truth of what he had said and also convicted them of their sins. The people response was quick and immediate. They asked the most compelling question in Christendom “what should we do”. They wanted to be told how to amend their lives and become acceptable to God, they wanted to know how they could be saved.

Peter informed them the only way, was for them to repent of what they had done, and to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They would receive a double gift: their sins would be forgiven, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand were converted on the day of Pentecost as a result of Peter’s sermon. As they took their place as new member of the emerging church, the pattern of organization of the believing community began to gradually to take shape. The kingdom church that Christ spoke of in the gospel account was now a reality. The church was a place of fellowship where members shared a common meal as often as they could and where, as part of the worship, they ate bread and drank wine ceremoniously in remembrance of their Lord’s death. They did not break with the Jewish past, they still worshiped in the temple, but they also met in people's homes that they might gain more insight into the Apostles’ doctrine. As the church unfolds, new converts were added daily.

Questions/Answers: 1. What is a Proselyte?
A Gentile who converted to Judaism.

2. What is another name for the Holy Spirit?
The Comforter (see John.14:16, 26).

3. What does the word church means?
The New Testament was written in Greek. The Greek word is “Ekklesia” which means “a called out assembly of people”. It is sometimes called an assembly or congregation (see acts.1:4; 11:26; 15:25).

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