Acts Chapter 15

The Jerusalem Council/Circumcision Question Answered

Not long after Paul and Barnabas finished their missionary work and returned to Antioch, the church there was visited by some believers from Judea. They were evidently men of high reputation because church leaders allowed them to address the brethren. When they stood before the assembly, they began teaching a doctrine that the people in Antioch had never heard before. They said the Gentile could not be saved unless he was circumcised. What they really meant was that a Gentile who converted to faith in Christ had to become a Jew. The real problem for the Jewish Christians was not over whether Gentiles could be saved, but whether Gentiles had to adhere to the laws of Moses. They were worried because soon there would be more Gentile than Jewish Christians, and the Jews were afraid of weakening moral standards among believers if they did not follow Jewish laws. Paul, Barnabas and other church leaders believed that the Old Testament laws were important, but it was not a prerequisite to salvation. The law cannot save; faith in Jesus Christ is what a person must have to be saved.

The teaching that the uncircumcised Gentiles could not be saved caused a great stir among the people. If the men from Judea were correct, then all the work that Paul and Barnabas accomplished was for nothing because they did not circumcised anyone. Therefore, Paul and Barnabas opposed their teaching vigorously. When Luke says that there was “no small dissension and disputation,” he means that the debate threatened to tear the church apart. Whether these men from Judea were saved, we do not know for sure. But they were certainly Satan’s tools. He gained control of them by working on their pride. Conviction based on one’s trust in God’s word is one thing, conviction based on confidence in tradition, education and lifelong habits are another. These Pharisees who wanted to circumcise the Gentiles were simply asserting themselves. They felt they were God’s chosen defenders of truth. They set themselves against men such as Paul and Barnabas, the true defenders of the gospel truth.

The New Testament is filled with warnings against false doctrine. Three of its characteristics are illustrated in the dispute that arose at Antioch. First, it normally enters the church through leaders who look like real Christians (Matt. 7:15-20; 2 Pet. 2:1-2). Their motivation is never wholesome or benevolent. Rather, they are moved by wickedness, whether pride, greed, or lust (2 Pet. 2:10, 13-14). Eventually they draw people out of the church into a heretical cult (1 John 2:18-19). In Acts 15 we do not see anyone leave the church, but the false doctrine that first appeared in this chapter later produced a schism. Even after the Apostles declared that Gentiles need not be circumcised, some Jewish believers persisted in teaching the opposite and aggressively spread their doctrine. They targeted churches established by Paul and tried to convince the converts that they needed to become circumcised Jews.

As the believers in Antioch heard the dispute between the men from Judea and Paul, they were uncertain who was right. Wanting to follow the right doctrine, they decided to send Paul and Barnabas along with others to consult with the Apostles in Jerusalem. The delegation did not go straight to their destination. They took the round about way and went through Phoenicia and then Samaria. Their purpose was to visit as many churches as possible and to share the exciting news that many Gentiles had received the gospel. Coming finally to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas again told of the wonderful work of God’s blessings on their missionary journeys. The reception of Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem was less enthusiastic than in other churches. Jerusalem was a city that was basically run by the powerful Pharisaical party that openly and strongly opposed the message that the Apostles preached. They immediately opposed Paul and Barnabas. They understood that they preached to the Gentiles, but they did not circumcise them, thus they were not Jews. With the dispute going no where the church leaders decided to gather and hammer out an official position. Even among the leaders there was a difference of opinion. Finally, Peter took the floor and rendered his judgment. He presented three arguments. He reminded the church that God had sent him down to Cornelius house (a Gentile, see Acts 10 ) so that by his mouth Cornelius and his household should hear the gospel. When they heard the gospel, the Lord gave them the Holy Spirit just as He had gave the Spirit to the Jews. Peter’s great point was that even though they received the Holy Spirit by faith, they were not circumcised. If God saved the Gentiles at Cornelius’s house without circumcision, why should the church impose circumcision on anyone else? Peter reminded them that the Law of Moses had always been a burden upon the backs of the people (Jews) which they could never bear themselves, how could they expect the Gentiles to bear it? Peter stated that Jews no less than Gentiles are saved by grace. Salvation is for anyone–Jew or Gentile, it is by God’s grace (vs.11) and is by faith (vs. 9; see Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8).

Then Paul and Barnabas raised and spoke of the miracles that God had enabled them to perform among the Gentiles. These miracles were proof that their missionary journeys had the blessings and backing of God. As an act of grace, God showed Himself to the Gentiles so that they might believe on Him. Thus, they were saved by grace and not by their own merit or works. After they spoke, James the church leader (the Lord’s brother), whose voice carried a lot of weight rose to address the church. James refers to Peter’s mission to Cornelius’ house to show Peter that there were no longer a separation between Jew and Gentile. He reminded the church that salvation of the Gentiles was prophesied in the Old Testament. He quotes Amos 9:11-12, which states that God’s ultimate purpose is to bring people into the house of God from all over the world. James sided with Peter’s judgment that to impose circumcision upon the Gentiles converts would be wrong. It would merely trouble them and discourage them from continuing in the ways of God.

James entered a motion that the council send the gentiles a command to observe three rules: (1) that they abstain from pollution of idols–in other words, that they refrain from eating meat previously dedicated to a pagan god, (2) that they abstain from fornication, and (3) that they consume no blood, whether in liquid form or in meat from strangled animals. By “things strangled” he meant animals from which the blood had not been properly drained (Lev. 17:10-14). Missing from these rules was the rite of circumcision. James concluded his statement that the new rules would not lead to the neglect of the Old Testament. The writings of Moses would continue to be read and revered wherever there were Jews. The letter sent by the Apostles and elders confirmed the findings of the council. The church’s admiration for Paul and Barnabas is evident by the words our dear friends and their acknowledging that Paul and Barnabas risked their lives for our Lord Jesus Christ. Significantly, the letter referred to the Holy Spirit as the author in this truth. There were two other men that traveled with Paul and Barnabas. One named Judas (surnamed Barsabas) and Silas, both leaders of the church in Jerusalem.

Although the letter was written to all the churches, the place where the controversy began was Antioch. They went straight to the city of Antioch. After reading the letter and hearing the good news of the council decision the multitude, both Jews and gentiles, responded with much rejoicing. Judas and Silas stayed in Antioch so that they might continue the work of strengthening the believers. After spending some time in Antioch, Paul approached Barnabas and suggested that they go back to Asia Minor and revisit the churches they had established. Barnabas agreed and began to make ready for the trip. Barnabas considered taking along John Mark, the same John Mark who had forsaken them on their first missionary journey (13:13). Paul objected to taking John Mark along because he did not think of him as trustworthy. Both of these great men could not agree. They parted with Barnabas taking John Mark and Paul choosing Silas. The church at Antioch knew Paul well so Paul and Silas were commended by the brothers to the grace of God. They traveled to Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches.

Questions/Answers:
1. Who were the men in verse 1 that came down from Judea with this new teaching?
These men were called Judaizers who came preaching that the Gentiles had to be circumcised in order to receive salvation. In other words, they must become Jews. They opposed Paul’s teaching and found it difficult to set aside a tradition of gaining merit with God by keeping the law. This is why the Jerusalem council had to take up the issue.

2. What was the importance of circumcision?
Circumcision was a covenant God made with Abraham that set the nation of Israel apart from the Gentile nations (Gen. 17:10-14).

3. Who is Simeon in vs. 14?
Simeon is another name for the Apostle Peter (Matt. 16:17).

4. Who is Silas?
Silas was a prominent member of the Jerusalem church and a companion of Paul. He was with Paul on his second missionary journey. In Paul’s Thessalonians letters he refers to Silas as Silvanus. (Acts 16:19, 25, 29; 17:4, 14-15; 18:5; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1).

5. Who was Judas (surnamed Barsabas)?
Judas was a disciple in the Jerusalem church.

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Acts Chapter 12

Herod Harasses the Church/James t he Apostle is Martyred

For several years after the conversion of Saul the church enjoyed some peace. Freedom from the persecutions allowed the church to grow. The disciples took the gospel to many places and won multitudes of Jews and Gentiles to Christ. The time of peace has now come to a close. Persecution will again raise its ugly head in the form one Herod Agrippa who was the most powerful ruler in the region. This is not the same Herod who slaughtered the infants in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:13-16), nor the same Herod who killed John the Baptist after John rebuked him for marrying his brother’s wife (Mark 6:14-29). Rather, Agrippa was the grandson of the first Herod (Herod the great) and the nephew of the second Herod (Herod Antipas). Agrippa was a skilled politician who made himself one of Caesar’s favorite .Caesar in turn granted him territory just as large as his grandfather’s, including the entire land of Palestine. While he pursued good relations with Rome he also sought the good favor of the Jewish leaders.

The time came when Herod decided to suppress the church. Herod might have unleashed a mass persecution, but instead he arrested one man, James the brother of John. James and John belonged to Jesus’ inner circle (Matt 17:1-17; 26:36-37; Mark 5:35-36; John 21:20; 19:25-27) which also included Peter. Herod’s arrest of James was an attempt to cripple the church, by striking down a leading figure. James was killed with “the sword” which implies like John the Baptist he was beheaded. Killing James the leader of the Jerusalem church would hopefully bring the others to a voice of silence. Delighted, the Jewish leaders loudly praised Herod for moving against the church. Getting their approval was what he (Herod) wanted, now he would step up his persecution by going after Peter a leader and the most vocal of the Apostles. Herod will deal with Peter at the opportune time.

Peter was arrested during the Passover (The day of unleavened bread which is a week long feast directly following Passover). This was a strategic move because there would be more Jews in the city than usual and now Herod could impress the most people. Peter was not killed on the spot because Herod wanted to wait until the end of the feast and then bring Peter before the people. He wanted to make a public spectacle out of Peter’s trial and execution. Peter being a high profile prisoner was delivered to four squads of soldiers and bounded with chains. All in all, sixteen soldiers guarded Peter. The church prayed fervently and without ceasing for the deliverance of Peter. It had been hard enough to lose Stephen and then James, but to lose their chief Apostle would have been devastating. The prayers of saints reached the ears of our Lord. Security at the prison was tight, escape seemed impossible (with God nothing is impossible) because Peter was sleeping between two soldiers chained to both of them, with a guard outside his cell. Every exit around the prison was guarded, and a large locked gate on the outside. But all of Herod’s measures were useless against God.

In the middle of the night, an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter (no one else heard a thing) and touch him and commanded him to rise and put on his cloak. It is interesting that Peter was sleeping like a baby. His ability to find rest on the night before his execution shows that he became a man of great courage and faith. Although the angel was instructing Peter and with the light in his cell, Peter is still half asleep thinking he is seeing a vision. After leading Peter out of the prison and through the front gate (which opened by itself), the angel departed. Peter finally come to his senses and realize that God has just delivered him from the hands of Herod. After his deliverance from prison by the angel of God Peter goes to the house of Mary where all are in prayer. Luke here mentions John Mark whom Saul/Paul identifies as the cousin of Barnabas (Col.4:10). This John Mark is the author of the Gospel of Mark. Like Saul/Paul John is his Jewish name and Mark is Greek name. Many scholars believe that this is the house where the 120 disciples received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-12). When Peter knocked on the door, a young women named Rhoda came to the door. Hearing the voice of Peter she was so overcome with joy that she never opened the door and left Peter outside, rushing back to tell the others that Peter was knocking at the door. The disciples did not believe her. Believing that the young Rhoda was mad, they tried to convince her it was Peter’s angel.

As Peter stood outside still knocking, someone at last beside Rhoda heard him. The disciples were amazed that Peter stood before them. They probably wanted to shout, but Peter motioned to keep quiet for fear they might awaken their neighbors and betray his presence. Peter began to tell them how the Lord delivered him from the hands of Herod. He wanted them to go quickly and report to James and other believers the series of events that just took place. This James is the brother of Jesus and the author of the Book of James. He assumed leadership of the Jerusalem church. Peter left the house of John Mark and went to another place which the Bible does not name. The following morning, the guards made an awesome discovery. The prisoner is gone. The guards are in a panic because they know what the dire consequences will be. Everyone would be punished which in turn meant death.

Herod is furious that his prized prisoner has escaped. After questioning the people involved he orders their executions. After this miraculous event, Herod leaves and goes down to Caesarea where he lives. Tyre and Sidon were coastal cities that were free and self-governing but economically dependent on Judea. We don’t know why Herod was displeased with them, but we see representatives from those cities trying to appease him through an intermediary named Blastus. Herod knew that when the people shouted out that he was the voice of a god and not a man, he should have refused such praised. He should have given God the glory, for his abilities as a ruler and an orator. Dressed in all his fine royal apparel and sitting upon his throne he accepted the title “god”. The angel of the lord struck him a deadly disease. Herod was literally eaten alive from the inside out by maggots or worms. After the death of Herod the church again enjoyed a time of peace. The church and the word of God continued to grow.

After depositing the famine relief money with the elders at Jerusalem (11:27-30), Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch. They took with them John Mark (13:5).

Questions/Answers?
Why was the Roman soldiers executed?
Under Roman law, if guards allowed their prisoners to escape they were subject to death. (See also Acts.16:16-34).

What is a damsel?
In the Hebrew it is the word “naarah” which implies a female child servant (Strong's 5291). In the Greek the word is “paidiske” which means female slave or servant (Strong's 3814)

Reference:
Strong, J. (1990). The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Nelson

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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 10

Peter at Cornelius’ House

Not far from Joppa was another coastal city, Caesarea. There lived a Roman centurion named Cornelius of the Roman army. A centurion was the commander of about one hundred men. This Caesarea, sometimes called Palestinian Caesarea, was located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, 32 miles north of Joppa, the largest and most important port city on the Mediterranean in Palestine. Cornelius was a Gentile (not a Jew), and yet Scripture described him as a devout man, faithful in good works and in a life of prayer. How did it happen that a Gentile with a background in a heathen religion of Rome came to worship the true God? Cornelius was not alone. In his day, the Jewish religion attracted many followers. In the synagogues throughout the Roman world, the congregation was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles, called “God fearers”. Although most of these Gentiles did not go through all the rituals necessary to be considered actual Jews, they separated themselves from paganism and kept the moral law of God. Cornelius was a God-fearer so outstanding in his piety that God chose him to be the first Gentile-convert to Christianity.


About the ninth hour of the day (3 PM), an angel appeared to him while in prayer. Seeing such an angel he became afraid. But the angel calmed his fears by assuring him that God was pleased with his prayers and his alms. The angel instructed Cornelius to send for once named Simon surnamed Peter down in the city of Joppa and follow his instructions. Cornelius commanded three trusted servants, two from his household and a Roman solider. It is quite possibly that the Roman solider could have been a God-fearer himself. While Cornelius’ men were on their way to Joppa, Peter was having a quite day at the house of Simon the tanner. At about the sixth hour (12:00 noon), Peter went to the roof top for prayer. After spending time with the Lord in prayer, Peter became hungry and asked for some food. While waiting for the food, Peter fell into a trance (that is God took control of his mind while still awake). Peter saw a strange vision. A large sheet appeared in the sky and descended before his eyes. Riding on the sheet was a whole zoo of animals. Among the sheet were clean and unclean animals. Leviticus chapter 11 explains to the Jewish people what animals are clean and unclean. When this strange sheet stopped before his eyes a voice commanded Peter to “Rise Peter kill and eat”.


Peter had no doubt that the animals were real, yet being a good Jew who always kept the laws, Peter refused to obey, even though he recognized the voice to be that of the Lord. Peter’s refusal to obey God brought a stern rebuke from the Lord. The Lord informed Peter “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common”. Again he was commanded to eat and again he refused. This was done three times until the sheet disappeared into the heavens. While Peter was trying to understand the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrived at the gate belonging to Simon the tanner. Peter himself did not hear the men inquire about him, but the Spirit informed Peter that his attention was required and that he should go with them because He, the Spirit, sent them. When Peter came to the front gate, he asked their purpose. They identified themselves as messengers from Cornelius, a Roman centurion, but they quickly added that he Cornelius was no ordinary Gentile. He was a God-fearer highly respected by the Jewish community.


After being explained why they were there, Peter raised no objection, but invited them to stay overnight until the next morning. This is the first direct encounter Peter has with a Gentile. As they ready to leave some of Peter’s brothers accompanied him down to Cornelius’ house. The men accompanying Peter will play an important role in what the Lord has planned for Peter. They will be able to corroborate what is about to happen at Cornelius’ house. At Cornelius’ house Peter found that Cornelius had assembled a large company, including many of his relative and close friends. Seeing Peter entering his house, Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet to worship him; Peter immediately refused the honor and, picked him up saying that “he is also a man”. This is a major point for Peter a devout Jew. Peter inform Cornelius that it is unlawful for a Jew to be associated with a Gentile who is considered unclean, but the Lord showed him that he should not call what He (the Lord) call clean, unclean. At this point I believe it is important to understand Peter’s vision. God expressed himself symbolically, using animals to represent people, because he was simultaneously canceling restrictions against both. He was declaring that Gentiles should not be treated as unclean, and also He was nullifying the dietary laws in the Old Testament. Putting these laws aside was necessary to enable the church to reach Gentiles.


Peter asked why he was sent for. Cornelius replied by telling Peter of his encounter with the angel. Cornelius asked Peter to share with them the things God commanded. Peter began by marveling at God’s perfect justice. The Jews held themselves to be superior to other people, but God does not accept a man just because he is a Jew. Nor does he reject a man because he is a Gentile. As Peter said “God is no respecter of persons.” Peter then used language to describe how a man gain acceptance with God. He said the requirements are to fear God and work righteousness. Yet although Cornelius and perhaps other Gentiles listening to Peter had won a measure of acceptance with God, they were lacking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To be saved, they needed to put their faith in Jesus. Therefore, Peter started his sermon by demonstrating that Jesus deserved their faith.


The facts about Jesus’ life and death were already well known to Peter’s audience, as they were to everyone in Palestine. As he summarized the life and ministry of Jesus, Peter emphasized that Jesus was not just some famous man, He was the Christ promised by the Prophets. More than that, He was the Lord of all. Then Peter stressed the contrast between Jesus’ life and death. His life was devoted to doing good. Through the power of God’s Spirit, He cast out demons from those under the power of Satan. Yet what was the end of this good man? He was taken by the authorities and hung on a tree. Peter refers to the cross as a tree because to be hung from a tree was the most disgraceful death a Jew could imagine. Paul, paraphrasing the Law of Moses said, “cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:13). But the injustice in Jesus’ death did not stand. God raised Him up on the third day after His burial. Jesus then showed himself to his disciples and appointed them to be witnesses everywhere of His resurrection. Peter was sure he saw the risen Lord. He was no ghost because they ate and drank together.


Briefly, Peter spoke of God’s direction in his life. The risen Christ charged Peter and the other Apostles to go about preaching. Their message— the message that Cornelius and his loved ones wanted to hear was very simple: The one way of salvation is to believe in Jesus. Whoever believes in him will receive remission (Forgiveness) of sins and gain everlasting life. As Peter spoke of the things of the risen Lord the Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the word with the unmistakable sign of speaking in tongues. These tongues were actual human languages, for the Jewish believers with Peter heard them magnifying God. It is important to take notice here that Peter did not lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit (as he and John did down in Samaria), but the Holy Spirit came spontaneously on them in response to Peter’s message concerning Christ. The Jewish believers were beside themselves because the Holy Spirit was poured out on these Gentiles. Peter realized that if God baptized these Gentiles with the Holy Spirit, he could not refuse to baptize them with water. Without delay, Cornelius and his household were baptized in the name of the Lord. Cornelius and his household were the first Gentiles converted to Christianity. Asking Peter to stay for a few days, allowed Peter to instruct them more fully in their new found faith

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Acts Chapter 5

This chapter recounts the tragic fall of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11), the continued success and popularity of the Apostles’ mission (5:12-16), and the renewed opposition of the Sanhedrin with another arrest of the Apostles (5:17-32). The purpose of the Sanhedrin was to kill the Apostles, but this was prevented by the Rabbi Gamaliel and the beating of the twelve by the Jewish authorities (5:33-42).

Ananias and Sapphira wanted to look good before the other people (vs.1). They sold some land and kept back part of the money. They did not give it all to the church as they led the people to believe (vs.2). What was wrong here was that they lied. They wanted the Apostles and others in the church to think that they had given over all the money to them. The sin Ananias and Sapphira committed was not stinginess or holding back part of the money as they could have chosen whether or not to sell the land and how much to give. Their sin was lying to God and God’s people. Peter tells Ananias (vs.3) that the enemy has filled his heart. This act was judged harshly because dishonesty and covetousness are destructive in the church. God knows all things. We cannot lie to Him.

Peter’s rebuke of Ananias was administered in the Holy Spirit; and there is not the slightest hint that Peter struck Ananias dead, or even that God had told Peter that such a thing would occur. This was something God did independently of any of the Apostles. Peter probably was more surprise than any one. Fear spread among the church. The young men buried Ananias, but his wife did not know what had occurred. She came in three hours later. Peter asked her how much money they had from the sale of the land. In this way, Peter gave her a moment when she could have told the truth. Sadly, she repeated the lie her husband told. Sapphira was a knowing and willing participant in this scheme. God’s judgment was just as righteous for her as it was for him.

The community of believers knew it was a serious matter to be a follower of Christ. People were added to the Lord, not the church, not the pastor, nor any movement, but to the Lord Himself. The believers were so convinced of the power of the Apostles that they believed Peter’s shadow could heal them. It was not Peter’s shadow, but God’s power working through him. What did these miracles healing do for the early church? (1) They attracted new believers; (2) they confirmed the truth of the Apostles’ teachings; and (3) they demonstrated that the power of the Messiah, Who had been crucified and risen, and was now with His followers. The religious leaders were jealous as Peter and the Apostles were already commanding more respect than they had ever received. The difference, however, was that the religious leaders demanded respect and reverence for themselves while the Apostles’ goal was to bring respect and reverence for God.

The Jewish leaders did not like what they came to know about the church. They needed the honor which the people gave instead to the church and the Apostles. The Apostles were again arrested by the sect of Sadducees and again thrown in jail. The Apostles’ imprisonment did not last for long. The Apostles were supernaturally released from prison and were encouraged to continue witnessing to the people. The angel of the Lord gave them three commands: go, stand, and speak to the people in the temple. The Apostles filled with the Holy Spirit did as the angel commanded them; they went and preached in the temple to the people early in the morning. The temple at daybreak was a busy place. Many people stood at the temple to pray and worship at sunrise. When the people got there, the Apostles were already there. The Sanhedrin came together to discuss what to do with the Apostles and summoned them to be brought before the council. Not finding the Apostles in lockup, the council was informed of the Apostles where about, in the temple preaching. Peter and the Apostles where brought before the council quietly for fear of starting a riot. They feared the people but not God. The high priest was right (vs. 28). He had told them not to preach the good news. Yet the Apostles stated that they must obey God not men. The high priest did not want them to explain how they escaped from prison. He did not believe in angels anyway! The accusations by the Sanhedrin were a wonderful testimony to the effectiveness of the Apostles’ preaching. If the high priest believed the good news, then the blood of Jesus would cleanse him from his sins. God would forgive his guilt. If he did not believe, it is not the Apostles, but the Jewish leaders who would bring guilt upon themselves. They were rightly afraid that God will punish them for the death of Christ.

Peter once again reminded them that they crucified Christ the Messiah and hanged him from a tree. But God the Father raised Him from the dead to be a Prince and Savior and to be exalted to His right hand, to bring repentance to Israel, and the forgiveness of their sins. The Apostles proclamation was grounded in the fact that they had witnessed the things they spoke of. They did not speak as individuals, but their witness was empowered by the Holy Spirit, who spoke through them. The Holy Spirit was for all who obeyed God. In verse 33, Luke used a word to tell us how angry the Jewish leaders were. Luke said that it was as though someone had cut them through with a saw. The Apostles had a wonderful message of salvation yet they, the leaders, had a mind set to kill them.

The Sadducees could not just do what they liked. Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a teacher of the law spoke to the council without the Apostles being present. The council was not united and they did not want the Apostles to know this. In verses 36-37 Gamaliel used two examples of revolutionary movement that had amounted to nothing, so would this one. His reason is that (1) if this movement (CHRISTIANITY) was of a human origin it would be overthrown and come to nothing: (2) but if this was of God, then they would not be able to overthrow the movement, it would be acting against God himself. The Sanhedrin agreed with Gamaliel. To them it seemed important to agree with each other. They did not want the truth of the good news to divide them. Despite agreeing with Gamaliel, they had to get something out of all this. They had the Apostles beaten, believing that this might discourage them (How wrong they were). The Apostles left rejoicing. They were rejoicing because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. They were by no means discouraged for they continued their mission of preaching and teaching Christ, both publicly and in Christian homes.

Questions/Answers:
Who was Gamaliel?
Gamaliel was a prominent Jewish Rabbi, a Pharisees (teacher of the law). The Apostle Paul sat at his feet (anther term for being a student).

What is the good news?
The message and teaching of Jesus Christ

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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 1

Acts chapter 1 opens with the beloved Luke addressing his friend Theophilus, concerning the things “that Jesus did and taught” until he was taken up to heaven. Acts is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. After Jesus’ resurrection he spent forty days on earth with the Apostles teaching them of things to come pertaining to the Kingdom of God. The fact that Jesus was seen after His resurrection, is undisputed by many scriptures (Matt.28:16, John.20:11-18, 19-30, 21:1, I Cor.15:1-9). In the Gospel accounts Christ spoke of sending the Holy Spirit to be with them, and to give them power to carry out their mission. That day was soon approaching. Jesus instructed them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait until they received power from on high. Without Jesus’ urging, they would have returned home to Galilee.

It is interesting that Jesus did not instruct them to tarry nor pray for the Holy Spirit (as many people do today), but to just wait. Wait, because the Holy Spirit had been promised by our Christ, to come and dwell with believers (John.14:17, 1 Cor.6:19, 2 Cor.6:16). As the Apostles came together on the Mount of Olives (east of Jerusalem), this would be the last time they would see Jesus face to face. They posed a question to Jesus if he would restore the Kingdom to Israel. Jesus did not rebuke them for such a question, because it was a valid question. Christ had been teaching them things of the coming kingdom (Matt.25:34, Luke.6:20; 22:28-30). Jesus’ insistence that “it is not for you to know” echoes His teachings in Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32-33. The fact that God set things by His authority and time suggest that they are not subject to speculation by believers.

The apostles had witness Jesus’ resurrection, now they will be witnesses to His ascension. The two men in white apparel (Angels) reassured them that Christ will return in the same manner. The Apostles immediately returned to Jerusalem as the Lord instructed, and gathered in the upper room, where they were together in prayer waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. This upper room may have been the home of Mary the mother of John Mark (Gospel of Mark). Later in Acts the believers will assembly at her house (Acts.12:12). The women in the upper room could have been the women who had helped financed Jesus’ ministry (Luke.8:1-3), they were at the foot of the cross (Luke.23:59), and at the empty tomb (Luke.24:1-2).

Peter being the leader of the Twelve, not the final authority, stood up to address those in the room (this will not be Peter’s last time addressing a crowd). Jesus had opened the minds of Peter and the other Apostles to understand the Scriptures (Luke.24:44-45). Peter understood that another must take the place of Judas as twelve Apostles must be in place to carry out the Lord’s marching orders. Two men who met the qualifications (vss.21-21) were chosen from the men in the upper room. After praying (something as believers we must always do when seeking guidance from our risen Savior), and casting lots*, the Holy Spirit led them to Matthias. With the choosing of Matthias and with the twelve in place, the stage is now set.

*Note: Lots was a divine method allowed by God to render His divine will (See Lev.16:8, Num.26:55, Josh.18:6, 8, Neh.10:34, Ps.22:18, Prov.16:33, Matt.27:35).

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An Introduction to the Book of Acts

The Book of Acts and the Book of Luke were written by Luke. Some historians have called the Book of Acts “Acts of the Apostles”. Luke addresses both of his books to a person whom we only know as Theophilus (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1). The Gospel of Luke records the ministry of Jesus before His ascension, while the Acts gospel records the events after Jesus’ ascension “…and all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to Heaven” (Acts 1:2-2).

Acts is a continuation of Luke’s gospel. The writing of these two books covers a span of 30 years from the time of our Lord’s death to the covering of the church AD 33 to AD 63. Some commentators have outlined acts geographically using the formula Jesus gave His disciples “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now although Luke begins his story in Jerusalem, he does not stick to a precise geographical sequence. He moves back and forth from Antioch to Jerusalem, from Europe back to Asia, back to Jerusalem etc. Geography is important to Luke, yet he also has an ethnic interest – he wants to explain how Christianity moves from its Jewish foundation and spread to the Gentile world.

Though there are many people of interest in Acts, the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul are more pronounced. Luke was a companion of Paul throughout his ministry. This is indicated by the “we” section of his writings (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-37, 28:16). Luke records information he personally witnessed, from other eyewitnesses account, and by the Holy Spirit (all Scripture is given by inspiration (1 Tim. 3:16).


Some highlights of the Book of Acts:

• Jesus' ascension
• The choosing of Matthias as the twelfth Apostle (not Paul)
• Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost
• The establishment of the early church
• Signs and wonders by Peter
• Opposition from the Sanhedrin
• Appointment of the seven deacons
• Stoning of Stephen
• Persecution against the church
• Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
• Etc.

Acts closes with Paul imprisoned in Rome.

Questions/Answers:
1. What does the name Theophilus mean?
The name means “One who loves God”

2. What was Luke’s profession?
Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14)

3. Were the eleven apostles correct in wanting a twelfth apostle to replace Judas?
Yes! First they prayed (something we must always do when seeking guidance) Second, twelve apostles must sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30, Matthew 19:28). Twelve is symbolic of the people of God.

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