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<Search><pages Count="104"><page Index="1"><![CDATA[Chapters 1-7]]></page><page Index="2"/><page Index="3"><![CDATA[Chapter 1]]></page><page Index="4"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 1


               ACTS OVERVIEW

               Writer:  Luke

               Time:  61-66 A.D.


               Occasion:   The book of Acts was written during the time Paul was writing the four prison
               epistles.  This book continues where the book of Luke ends and could be entitled Second Luke.
               Acts begins with the  end of the earthly ministry of Jesus and covers the formation and
               development of the church.  In essence, it is the passing of the torch from Jesus to the church.
               The human subjects change in the book, but the message and the Holy Spirit’s anointing remain
               the same.

               Theme:  The central theme is the diminishing of the Jew and the increasing of the Gentiles.
               This theme is found in Acts 1:8, in Jesus’ command to preach the gospel in “Jerusalem, and in all
               Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  This is also the outline of Acts.  The gospel
               begins in Jerusalem where the first church is established (chapters 1-7).  Samaria will come next,
               with the ministry of Phillip (chapter 8).  The book will end with the Gentile revivals in Antioch and
               Ephesus with Paul as the main minister (chapters 9-28).

               Background:   The day of Pentecost began  a new dispensation, the “mystery,” which was
               unknown to the Old Testament prophets.  Another name for this new dispensation is the “church
               age” or “the dispensation of grace.”  The major difference between the Old and New Testaments
               is the new ministry of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was present in the Old Testament, but would
               only anoint specific individuals for specific purposes.  The day of Pentecost introduced the new
               birth and the infilling of the Holy Spirit to empower believers to fulfill the great commission.

               The Local Churches

                   •  Chapters 2-10:  Jerusalem
                   •  Chapters 12-17:  Antioch
                   •  Chapters 18-20:  Ephesus

               The Predominant Characters


                   •  Chapters 1-5:  Peter
                   •  Chapters 6-7:  Stephen
                   •  Chapters 8-12:  Barnabas, Philip, and Saul of Tarsus
                   •  Chapters 13-28:  Saul as Paul]]></page><page Index="5"><![CDATA[CHAPTER 1

               The Challenge of Chapter One


               Like Jesus, one day all believers will receive an eternal resurrection body.  Until that time, we
               need the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in the earth.  No longer are we required to wait
               for the promise Holy Spirit as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost.  Since that time, He is
               available to all who will receive him.

               Those first disciples wanted to know when Jesus would come to establish His kingdom on earth.
               Today, many Christians asked the same question.  But Jesus’ answer remains the same, “It is not
               for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power” (verse 7).
               Instead, Jesus points the attention of the disciples toward the promised Holy Spirit, which would
               enable them to be witnesses throughout the entire earth.  We must be careful not to make the
               same mistake Peter did by making decisions according to the flesh and doing that which the Lord
               did not instruct him to do.  It is easy to do the things that seemed good and right but are not
               according to God’s perfect plan and purpose.

               Waiting For The Promise

               Luke addresses the book of Acts to Theophilus, a born-again Roman dignitary.  Luke recounts the
               events following the resurrection of Jesus, including the 40 days He walked among the disciples
               and His command for them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit.

               Opening Salutation


               Act 1:1  The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and
               teach,

               Theophilus (meaning loved of God) is a born-again dignitary in Rome.  Luke addressed the books
               of Luke and Acts to him (Luke 1:3).  In Luke’s gospel Theophilus is called “most excellent,” which
               is an address for his nobility.  Luke, being a  physician,  was familiar with many wealthy and
               powerful people in the Roman Empire.

               Is the only Gentile author in the New Testament.  The gospel of Luke began the story of the works
               and teachings of Jesus.  The book of Acts continues the story.  Jesus not only taught the people,
               he also performed miracles and healings.  The church in Acts was to follow this pattern of doing
               and teaching (Acts 8:6).


               Act 1:2  Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given
               commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
               The book of Luke brings us to the day of the resurrection.  (Luke 24:51) but no further.  Acts
               chapter 1 continues recording the events of the same day were the gospel of Luke ends.  Jesus
               gave His disciples the commandment to wait for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49).]]></page><page Index="6"><![CDATA[Jesus had been empowered by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11: 2-3; 61:1-2) without measure (John
               3:34).  He began His public ministry when He was baptized by John the Baptist.  This is when the
               Holy Spirit came upon Him for supernatural ministry.  When Jesus became sin for us at the cross,
               the ministry of the Spirit temporarily ceased (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46) but came upon Him at
               the  resurrection (Romans 8:11; 1  Peter 3:18).   Then the  Holy Spirit empowers Jesus in His
               resurrection body (Acts 1:2) as well as the 11 apostles who were chosen by the Lord Jesus.

               The Resurrection Appearances of Jesus

               Act 1:3  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being
               seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

               To whom (disciples) also He showed Himself alive after His passion (suffering) by many infallible
               proofs, being seen of them 40 days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

               Pentecost is 50 days after Firstfruits, the day Jesus was raised from the dead.  He walked among
               the disciples for 40 days leaving 10 days for the disciples to wait in Jerusalem in the upper room.
               These 10 days are the subject of chapter 1.

                   1.  Before His ascension, Jesus made appearances to:

                       a)  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (Matthew 28:1, 9-10)
                       b)  Peter (1 Corinthians 15:5)
                       c)  Two believers on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12; Luke 24:13)
                       d)  Ten of the disciples (Thomas was not present -- John 20:19-25)
                       e)  The eleven disciples (John 26-29)
                       f)  Seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1)
                       g)  Five hundred believers at once, probably at the ascension (1 Corinthians 15:6; Acts
                          1:3-11)
                       h)  His half-brother, James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
                       i)  The eleven disciples on the mountain near Galilee (Matthew 28:16-17)
                   2.  After the ascension, Jesus appeared to:

                       a)  Stephen (Acts 7:56)
                       b)  Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-4)
                       c)  John on Patmos (Revelation 1:12-13)
               After the resurrection, Jesus had a different body than He had on earth; He had a resurrection
               body, so many it not recognized him right away.]]></page><page Index="7"><![CDATA[The Command to Wait

               Act 1:4  And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart
               from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

               The formation and development of the church begins in Jerusalem, the very place where Jesus
               was rejected, crucified, and became sin and sickness for mankind.  The city of the curse now
               became the city of blessing to the rest of the world -- Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of
               the earth.

               The promise of the Father includes both the new birth and the infilling of the Holy Spirit (John
               14:12-17; 15:16; 16:7-15).

               Act 1:5  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many
               days hence.

               Matthew 3:11 records John’s prophecy: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but
               he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize
               you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”  John compares his own water baptism of Jesus to the
               Spirit Jesus would stand on the day of Pentecost.

               Jesus’ Ascension (6-11)

               Jesus gives His final instructions to the disciples concerning the Holy Spirit, and they watch while
               he ascends into heaven.  As the disciples stand gazing, two angels appear and speak to them of
               the second coming.

               The Establishment of the Kingdom

               Act 1:6  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at
               this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

               This is a selfish request because they want Jesus to remove the Roman rulers and usher in the
               millennium.  Jesus  has just finished teaching about the  baptism of  the Spirit, which is an
               introduction to the church age.  But the disciples are thinking in terms of the old covenant and
               desire the millennial kingdom to be established in the earth.

               Act 1:7  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the
               Father hath put in his own power.

               And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times (chronos) or the seasons (kairos), which
               the Father hath put in his own power (exousia).

               The Greek word chronos, translated time, refers to the successive time of chronological events
               and, more specifically,  means each passing moment.  This word is typically connected with
               history.  From this point on, Israel’s history is hidden from the disciples.  They don’t know when]]></page><page Index="8"><![CDATA[their nation will be destroyed, the Jews dispersed and persecuted, and, after going through
               tribulation, eventually restored as a people and a nation.

               The  Greek word  Kairos,  translated seasons, refers to a  specific period of time such as a
               dispensation or section of time.  The disciples also don’t understand the church age is coming.
               They won’t learn about the church age until after Pentecost when they are taught by the Holy
               Spirit.  Jesus is telling them their questions are premature.

               Power To Be Witnesses

               Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be
               witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
               part of the earth.

               But ye shall receive (lambano: seize, take hold of) power (dunamis:  inherent power), after that
               the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall (future tense) be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem,
               and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

               This is a play on words.  The Father has authority over times and seasons, but they will receive
               authority to be witnesses in the dispensation.  Believers have been given power to operate in the
               times and seasons which come under the Father’s sovereignty.  We need to be concerned with
               our dominion, and God will be a ruler over His.

               The ultimate use of the power of the Holy Spirit is witnessing.  Whether the power is released
               through the gifts of the Spirit or through the words of the disciples mouths, the final result is the
               winning of souls.  No gift is given to enhance the user or build his reputation.  God is interested
               in spiritual results.

               Jesus is preparing the disciples for the mantle of power to witness.  Their public ministry, by
               Jesus’, begins after the Holy Spirit comes upon them.

               In the new birth, the Holy Spirit comes to live in its.  Following the new birth, we can receive
               power after the Holy Spirit comes upon us.  This event will occur many times in the book of Acts
               (10:45; 19:6).  The gospel will spread from Jerusalem (northern kingdom) and Judea (southern
               kingdom) to the Gentiles all over the world.

                       1:7 times, chronos (khron-oss); Compare “chronology,” “chronic,” “chronicles.”  Duration
                       of time, which may be a point, a lapse, a span, a period, a stretch, a quantity, a measure,
                       a duration, or a length.  Kairos (“seasons”) suggests kind of time.  Chronos tells what day
                       it is.  Kairos tells of special happenings occurring during the time frame of chronos.
                       1:5-8 The Baptism with the Holy Spirit,  HOLY SPIRIT FULLNESS.  This Ascension-day
                       promise of  Jesus to the assembled believers anticipates the Day of Pentecost and
                       describes the coming of Pentecost as being “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” This is not the
                       same experience as described in John 20:22 (“Receive the Holy Spirit”). The experience in]]></page><page Index="9"><![CDATA[John 20:22 took place before the Ascension and was related to the work of the Holy Spirit
                       in the New Birth as promised in John 3:3-5. Here in Acts 1:5 is the empowering for ministry
                       that was promised in Luke 24:49. The focus here is on the mission of the believers---one
                       that cannot be accomplished without the supernatural Holy Spirit baptism, which was to
                       follow Jesus’words about the spreading witness of the gospel through the Spirit-filled
                       disciples in Acts 1:8 could only be fulfilled with supernatural power as a result of being
                       baptized with the Holy Spirit.

               Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud
               received him out of their sight.

               And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up (passive voice); and a
               cloud (glory cloud) received him out of their sight.

               Act records man’s view from the earth as Jesus ascends into heaven.  Hebrews 1:3 reveals the
               view from heaven as Jesus ascends: “. . . when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on
               the right hand of the Majesty on high.”  Verse 13 continues, “But to which of the angels said he
               at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?”
               Act 1:10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood
               by them in white apparel;


               the two men are angels who have already been with them but have suddenly materialized,
               appearing to the disciples.  Jesus has already seen them, just as He had seen Moses and Elijah on
               the Mount of Transfiguration.
               Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus,
               which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into
               heaven.

               The angels are referring to the second advent, not the rapture of the church.  At the second
               advent, Jesus will descend through the heavens and touched the Mount of Olives (Zechariah
               14:4).

               Man Chooses An Apostle (12-26)


               As 120 disciples waiting in the upper room, Peter addresses the selection of the disciple to replace
               Judas.
               Act 1:12  Then returned they unto Jerusalem  from the mount called Olivet, which is from
               Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.


               A Sabbath day’s journey is approximately three-fifths of a mile (John 11:18).]]></page><page Index="10"><![CDATA[Act 1:13  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both
               Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James
               the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

               This may be the same upper room used by Jesus and His disciples for the Last Supper (Mark 14:15;
               Luke 22:11-12).  Upper rooms were common in the time in which Jesus lived, and were usually
               owned by people who would rent them out for special occasions.

               Act 1:14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and
               Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

               Along with the eleven disciples are the women who followed Jesus and ministered to Him
               (Matthew 27:55-56; Luke 8:3).  Also present are Jesus’ mother and two half-brothers, James and
               Joses (Joseph Jr.)  (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).

               Act 1:15  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of
               names together were about an hundred and twenty,) and said,   Act 1:16  Men and brethren, this
               scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake
               before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.


               Peter’s address all “men” is to all  in the upper room.  “Brethren” addresses the other ten
               disciples.
               Act 1:17  For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.  Act 1:18  Now
               this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in
               the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

               After Judas had hung himself (Matthew 27:5), no one cut him down.  The rope eventually ride
               and broke, and Judas’s decayed body burst apart and his inner parts gushed out.

               Act 1:19  And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in
               their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

               And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their
               proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

               Act 1:20  For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man
               dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

               For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein:
               and his bishopric (oversight) let another take.

               Act 1:21  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus
               went in and out among us,

               Act 1:22  Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us,
               must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.]]></page><page Index="11"><![CDATA[Act 1:23  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and
               Matthias.

               Act 1:24  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew
               whether of these two thou hast chosen,

               Act 1:25  That he may take part of this ministry and  apostleship, from which Judas by
               transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

                       1:25 transgression, parabaino (par-ab-ahee-no); Abandoning a trust, departing, stepping
                       aside, overstep, violation, rebellion, aberration, apostasy, disobedience, deviation from
                       an original and true direction. In order to go his own way, Judas abandoned his position
                       of service as one of the Twelve.

               Act 1:26  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered
               with the eleven apostles.

               Jesus did not instruct His followers to go to the upper room and choose an apostle.  It was Peter
               who took it upon himself to lead the group into choosing an apostle to replace Judas.
               In Galatians 1:1 Paul calls himself, “an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ,
               and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.”  The Greek says, “not from the source of
               men, neither by the source of man.”


               Apostleship cannot be conferred by a group of men or by an individual.  An apostle also cannot
               be elected by casting lots or by natural birth.  Apostleship is sovereignly given by God the Father
               and the Lord Jesus Christ.

               Ephesians 1:1 says, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at
               Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.”  Paul was an apostle not based upon a vote or the
               selection of men, nor was he qualified because of natural qualifications.  He was an apostle by
               the will of God.]]></page><page Index="12"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="13"/><page Index="14"/><page Index="15"><![CDATA[Chapter 2]]></page><page Index="16"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 2


               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWO

               At salvation, every believer enters into the fruit of the Spirit. However, the gifts of the Holy Spirit
               operate in conjunction with the infilling. Since the day of Pentecost, the baptism in the Holy Spirit
               with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is still available to all believers who will receive.
               There is no age, gender, or racial distinction.

               As Spirit-filled believers, we have the power to be witnesses before anyone who crosses our path.
               We may not preach to massive crowds as Peter did, but every day we can walk in the power and
               fullness of the Holy Spirit causing others to be drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ. As with the early
               church, the Word of God should be the number one priority in our lives. Prayer too, should be
               part of our daily walk with the Lord as well as fellowship with the saints. The supernatural power
               of the Holy Spirit in and through our lives should draw people into the church and away from
               religion.
                   A.  THE DAY OF PENTECOST (1-4)
               Act 2:1  When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.


                       2:1 with one accord, homothumadon (hom-oth-oo-mad-on); Being unanimous, having
                       mutual consent, being in agreement, having group unity, having one mind and purpose.
                       The disciples had an intellectual unanimity, an emotional rapport, and volitional
                       agreement in the newly founded church. In each of its occurrences,  homothumadon
                       shows a harmony leading to action.

               After the day of Pentecost after the day of Pentecost, every believer in the upper room had
               become:

                   1.  A born-again child of God
                   2.  A member of the church
                   3.  A part of the body of Christ
                   4.  A full-time minister
                   5.  A part of the bride of Christ
                   6.  Indwelled by the Holy Spirit
                   7.  Filled with the Holy Spirit
                   8.  A vessel for spiritual gifts
                   9.  An ambassador for God
                   There are two advents of the Holy Spirit, just as there are two advents of the Lord Jesus. The
                   First Advent Of The Holy Spirit Is the subject of Acts 2. This occurred at the beginning of the
                   church age. There are also prophecies that refer to the second advent which will begin the
                   millennial kingdom.]]></page><page Index="17"><![CDATA[In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost is an important feast day, which occurs 50 days after the
                   Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:15-17). Pentecost always occurs on a Sunday. The Holy Spirit
                   fulfills Pentecost, and Jesus Christ is our Firstfruits. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 says, “For as in
                   Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ
                   the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”

                   The 120 in the upper room were of one accord, one mind, and one purpose. They were in
                   prayer, waiting for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit from the newly resurrected and ascended
                   Lord Jesus.

               A SOUND FROM HEAVEN

               Act 2:2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled
               all the house where they were sitting.

               And suddenly there came a sound (echos:  booming roar) from heaven as of a rushing mighty
               (violent) wind, and it (the sound, roar) filled all the house where they were sitting.

               The work of the Holy Spirit is sometimes progressive in Christian growth, but when His work
               relates to the giving of a gift or calling, it is an instantaneous work (Acts 16:16-18). This is how
               the church age began and also how it will end (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
               The booming, echoing sound from heaven hit the atmosphere over Jerusalem and descended
               into the room where the disciples were sitting. Though they were sitting, the position of prayer
               is not important to the Lord. Prayer is heard whether we kneel or sit. While waiting a number of
               days for the promise of the Spirit, the disciples probably took on many postures including sitting.

               Wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8). The church began with a noise and it will end with
               one also --- the sound of a shout and trumpet! The church swept in like a wind and it will be swept
               out like one also.

                   C.  THEY BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES
               THEY BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES

               Act 2:3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of
               them.

                       The Holy Spirit and tongues of fire had already arrived, but the disciples could not see
                       them with their physical eyes. Suddenly, what had already existed manifested as tongues
                       like fire and the disciples could actually see this manifestation. This is the same way the
                       angels suddenly appeared to the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:10), and the way
                       Peter’s eyes will later be opened to an angel while he is in press (Acts 12:7).

                       The Holy Spirit is one person, but he decides to everyone (1 Corinthians 12:11). On this
                       day, the disciples spoke many languages of men and angels (1 Corinthians 13:1), but all
                       were given by the Holy Spirit. Each tongue over each head represented a language unique]]></page><page Index="18"><![CDATA[to that person. No two from the upper room went into the streets speaking the same
                       language (Acts 2:8-11).

               Act 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as
               the Spirit gave them utterance.

                       And they were all filled (pletho) with the Holy Ghost (pneuma), and began to speak with
                       other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (the words to speak).

                       Speaking in tongues began on the day of Pentecost and continued from that day on (Acts
                       4:31). But the personal experience of speaking in tongues is not one that continues on its
                       own; we must choose to remain filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The speaking
                       comes from man, the words we speak come from the Holy Spirit. The language we receive
                       is supernatural, but the Holy Spirit uses our voice and will.

                       The Holy Spirit came on the first disciples the same way He comes upon us today. When
                       the Holy Spirit comes upon us, He must be received (Acts 8:15), and His words are spoken
                       through us as we are filled (pletho) to overflowing.

                       The disciples had an experience with the Holy Spirit when the tongues like fire sat upon
                       them, but they spoke with tongues when they were filled.  When believers now are filled,
                       they also speak with tongues.  This has never changed since the day the Holy Spirit was
                       given.  There may be no initial outward evidence of the Spirit’s indwelling (which is the
                       new birth), but the infilling, the coming on  and equipping with power, does have a
                       manifestation: speaking in other tongues.

                       Through the new birth (the indwelling), we enter into the fruits of the Spirit.  Through the
                       infilling, we enter into the gifts of the Spirit.  The gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit
                       (1 Corinthians 12:7) and the initial entering of this area has a manifestation also.

                       For the disciples, speaking with tongues was a fulfillment of Isaiah 28:9-13.  It was also a
                       sign of the coming church age, not only to the believer but also to the Jews concerning
                       their coming destruction and dispersion.  This manifestation of the Spirit was heard by
                       the Jews first (Acts 2) and then carried to the rest of the world.  Isaiah foretold tongues
                       would be heard by the Jew first as an opportunity to receive the Lord or be destroyed in
                       the upcoming Roman invasion.  Tongues was one of three signs given to the Jews in the
                       book of Isaiah.

               THREE SIGNS GIVEN TO THE JEWS IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

                       1.  The Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14)
                       2.  Tongues (Isaiah 28:9-13)
                       3.  The Crucifixion (Isaiah 53)

               THE CROWD’S REACTION (VERSES 5-13)]]></page><page Index="19"><![CDATA[Jews from all around the world are gathered  in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of
                       Pentecost.  The crowds hear the 120 speaking in other tongues and are amazed because
                       they hear the disciples speaking their different languages, and even specific dialects.  The
                       disciples are speaking praise and worship to  God in tongues unknown to them, but
                       understood by certain Jews who had gathered for the Feast of Pentecost.  Some of those
                       who hear accuse the disciples of being drunk because they cannot explain what they are
                       hearing.

               THE MULTITUDE IS CONFOUNDED

               Act 2:5  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under
               heaven.

                       These Jews dwelling in Jerusalem are religious Jews from all over the known world.  The
                       Jews had gone into all the world to spread the Jewish law and religion (Matthew 23:15)
                       and had returned to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast day.

                       God chose this day not only as a fulfillment of Pentecost but also for this crowd of religious
                       Jews to hear and receive.  These men are bilingual and trilingual and probably speak
                       Hebrew and Greek in addition to the language of the nation they are evangelized.  Most
                       of these men had not been born in Jerusalem, but in the nations in which they are
                       presently living.  Many all of these Jews receive the Lord on this day and take the gospel
                       back into their own countries.

               Act 2:6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded,
               because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

                       The Greek for the first part of this verse says, “When this noise was heard abroad.”  The
                       “sound” from verse 2 is heard all over the city of Jerusalem and brings the crowd together.
                       When the devout, religious Jews  come together, they are shocked and speechless
                       because they all hear these illiterate men speaking in the dialects of the nations in which
                       they are living!

               Act 2:7  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these
               which speak Galilaeans?

                       And they were all amazed (shocked) and marveled (wondered), saying one to another,
                       Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?

                       Galileans were usually illiterate, poorly educated, and spoke only Aramaic.

               Act 2:8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

                       These Jews born in other countries are amazed because the disciples speak the language
                       as if they are natives.  They even speak the dialects of the parts of the countries the Jews
                       are from.]]></page><page Index="20"><![CDATA[Act 2:9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea,
               and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Act 2:10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts
               of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Act 2:11  Cretes and Arabians,
               we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

                       . . . Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues (glossa) the wonderful
                       works of God.

                       Verses 9 through 11 list the countries the Jews are from and the languages they hear
                       spoken.  These Jews are from several different areas:

                       1.  Parthia:  The Parthians, now eastern Turkey
                       2.  Media:  Part of the Chaldean Empire, now Northeastern Iran
                       3.  Judea:  The southern kingdom of Israel
                       4.  Cappadocia in Pontus:  Part of Armenai
                       As the disciples speak in tongues, they are not preaching of the gospel, but praising and
                       worshiping God (1 Corinthians 14:2, 17).  On this day, no one receives Jesus as Savior until
                       Peter quits speaking with tongues and preaches the gospel in a language they can all
                       understand.
                       God’s purpose for the disciples speaking with tongues this day is to edify and build them
                       up while grabbing the attention of those listening (1 Corinthians 14:22).


                       2:11 wonderful works, megaleios (meg-al-eye-oss); Conspicuous, magnificent, splendid,
                       majestic, sublime, grand, beautiful, excellent, favorable. Used here and in Luke 1:49. The
                       amazed visitors At  Pentecost heard the disciples in their  own languages reciting the
                       sublime greatness of God and His mighty deeds.

               FROM SHOCK TO MOCKING

               Act 2:12  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth
               this?

                       And they were all amazed (shocked), and were in doubt, saying one to another, What
                       meaneth this?

               Act 2:13  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

                       New wine was sweet wine, and it took a lot to make a person drunk.  The resulting
                       drunkenness was not a great intoxication, but a looseness and joy.

                       The crowds do not think those filled with the Holy Spirit are drunk because they are falling
                       down or reeling around, but because they  are speaking  loudly and joyfully in other
                       tongues.

               PETER PREACHES TO THE CROWD (VERSES 14-40)]]></page><page Index="21"><![CDATA[Peter, now filled with the Holy Spirit, preaches his first sermon by explaining what has just
                       happened to the 120 in the upper room.  He quotes what was spoken by the prophet Joel
                       concerning the Holy Spirit.  Peter then ministers about salvation and the day of wrath that
                       will one day come on the earth.  He also quotes a prophecy given by David which has been
                       fulfilled through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  As Peter preaches under the
                       anointing of the Holy Spirit, many are convicted in their hearts.

                       2:4-13 The  Miracle of Pentecost,  HOLY SPIRIT FULLNESS.   The miracle of Pentecost
                       happened to everyone in the Upper Room: “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and
                       began to speak with other tongues” (verse 4). The 120 gathered in the Upper Room
                       without an expectation of what would happen---only that they should stay there until it
                       did. Some propose that the languages spoken on the Day of Pentecost were all known
                       languages; however, there is no support for this in the text. First, those filled with the
                       Spirit that day did not know the languages that they began speaking, though about a
                       dozen of those languages understood were identified by visitors attending the feast in
                       Jerusalem. Second, inasmuch as all 120 spoke with tongues, it is logical and likely that
                       many other unidentified languages were spoken---all, doubtless, in the same spirit of
                       worshiping God’s “wonderful works” (verse 11). The result: the church was birthed in the
                       worshiping, ministering power of the Holy Spirit; and shortly, 3000 people received Christ.
                       This enablement by the Spirit initiated the spread of the gospel in the hostile environment
                       of persecution, idolatry, and political oppression, and it is still the answer for the spread
                       of the gospel today.

               NOT DRUNK AS YOU SUPPOSE

               Act 2:14  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men
               of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

                       but Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of
                       Judea (visitors), and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem (home town people), be this known
                       unto you, and hearken to my words (rhema):

                       The preaching of the gospel begins after Peter quits speaking with tongues and begins
                       preaching in the language the people understand.  Again, tongues was not given to preach
                       the gospel, but to magnify God and edify those speaking with tongues.

               Act 2:15  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

                       In indignation against the work of the Holy Spirit, these religious men make a case against
                       speaking with tongues.  To say the disciples are drunk casts mockery and derision on the
                       credibility of those who are obviously under the control of something supernatural.  So
                       Peter explains that these men and women are not drunk.  It is only nine o’clock in the
                       morning, and it would be difficult for such a large group to be drunk at this early hour.

               Act 2:16  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;]]></page><page Index="22"><![CDATA[Peter now quotes Joel 2:28-29.  He turns the crowd’s attention to something familiar, the
                       Old Testament prophets.   Although Joel was  not necessarily prophesying about  the
                       coming church age, his prophecy is used by Peter to tell of a similar outpouring of the
                       Holy Spirit at Pentecost(after the second advent of Jesus).  This portrays the dual kingdom,
                       the church and the millennium.  There is a former and a latter rain spoken of by Joel
                       before he brings out this prophecy of the millennium (Joel 2:23).  The former rain was
                       given at Pentecost, and the latter rain will occur at the beginning of the millennium.

               IN THE LAST DAYS

               Act 2:17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all
               flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions,
               and your old men shall dream dreams:

                       And it shall come to pass (eimi:  it shall be) in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of
                       my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young
                       men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
                       The “last days” is a reference to the time period of Jesus’absence from the earth (Hebrews
                       1:2).  The “last days” began at Pentecost and will continue through the rapture of the
                       church and for the duration of the Tribulation.


                       The church age is God’s spiritual preview of the millennial reign of Jesus.  During the
                       church age, Jesus rules only over His body, the church; during the millennium, he will rule
                       over the entire earth for 1000 years.  Many scriptures dealing with the millennium have
                       a double meaning in the New Testament because they are also speaking of the church
                       age.

                       The outpouring of the the Spirit is for all believers, male and female, young and old.  There
                       is no gender or age distinction in the body of Christ (Galatians 3:29).  Part of the ministry
                       of the Holy Spirit is supernatural guidance.  The Spirit’s guidance is no longer confined to
                       the inward voice.  Dreams and visions are now available to all who trust in the Lord, young
                       and old, male and female.  In the Old Testament, this type of guidance was only given to
                       those who fill spiritual offices.  Now it is available to all.

               Act 2:18  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit;
               and they shall prophesy:

                       “Menservants” and “maidservants”  refer to gender and social distinctions.  The Holy
                       Spirit not only cares deeply for men and women, He makes no distinction in whether a
                       person is rich or poor or of high- or low-class standing.

                       Prophecy does not mean everyone will operate as a prophet, but it does mean they will
                       receive spiritual revelation and utter words of edification to other believers (1 Corinthians
                       14:4).]]></page><page Index="23"><![CDATA[Act 2:19  And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and
               fire, and vapour of smoke:

               Act 2:20  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and
               notable day of the Lord come:

                       All these signs and wonders listed in verses 19 and 20 occur after the outpouring of the
                       Holy Spirit in Acts 2.  In Joel 2, these occurrences precede the second advent of the Lord
                       (Matthew 24:29-30); the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will occur “afterward” (Joel 2:28).

               Act 2:21  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be
               saved.

                       Peter uses the last verse of Joel 2 to begin his sermon on salvation from the day of wrath
                       coming on the earth.  The Jews listening to the sermon will not face that day but will face
                       the great white throne judgment of the Lord Jesus.

               Act 2:22  Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among
               you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves
               also know:
                       Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth (humanity), a man (double emphasis
                       on His humanity) approved of God among you by (dia: through) miracles and wonders
                       and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:


                       Peter begins his sermon to the Jew first (Isaiah 28:11; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16).  As deity,
                       Jesus did not have to be approved among men, but as humanity He did.  Miracles, signs,
                       and wonders are God’s stamp of approval on a ministry (Hebrews 2:3-4).  Peter tells these
                       men of the signs and wonders Jesus did, but he also reminds them that they already have
                       knowledge of these things.

               Act 2:23  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have
               taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

                       Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel (fixed purpose) and foreknowledge
                       (prognosis) of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

                       Jesus’primary purpose in coming to earth was not to heal or perform signs and wonders.
                       He came into the earth to die (Hebrews 2:9; Revelation 13:8).  This was the determined,
                       fixed will of God from eternity past.  Peter informs the Jews that it was not the Romans
                       who crucified Jesus, but them, the religious Jews.

                       Religion has and always will be the greatest hindrance to the gospel and the greatest
                       persecutor of the church and the believer.]]></page><page Index="24"><![CDATA[Act 2:24  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible
               that he should be holden of it.

                       Whom God hath raised up, having (already) loosed the pains (birth pangs) of  death:
                       because it was not possible that he should be holden of (held by) it.

                       God always turns cursing into a blessing.  This is also His plan for Jesus and for us.  Men
                       took the gift of God and crucified Him, but God raised Him up from the dead again.  In
                       resurrection, Jesus has greater power than He ever did in His earthly humanity.  Through
                       death, He had the right to give this power over to the church, which had just begun.

                       Here Peter compares the resurrection to a miscarriage.  Jesus was in the heart of the earth
                       suffering for our sins and was about to be “born” into death when God raised Him from
                       the dead.  Hell had a miscarriage and instead, Jesus was delivered out of the womb of
                       spiritual death and eternal separation from God!

                       The following passage from verses 25 through 28 is a quote from Psalms 16:8 through 11.
                       This is the second time Peter quotes the Old Testament to document what the Jews have
                       seen.


               Act 2:25  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is
               on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
                       David foresaw the Lord being delivered from hell.  David also foresaw the time when he
                       would be in paradise observing this spectacle happening in the regions of the dead.  (He
                       wrote this passage 1000 years before the resurrection.)

               Act 2:26  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall
               rest in hope:

                       Therefore (as a result) did my heart rejoice  (give glory), and my tongue was glad;
                       moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

                       You can only rejoice and give glory when you are stable, unshaken in your faith and trust
                       in the Lord.  Our tongue is present with us in eternity and words of praise can be formed.
                       David’s tongue rejoiced because his heart was glad At what it saw.  This caused his flesh
                       to rest in the grave with a newfound hope.  The hope was his future resurrection based
                       on the resurrection of Jesus.

               Act 2:27  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to
               see corruption.

                       Because thou (God) wilt not leave my soul in hell (Hades), neither wilt thou suffer (allow)
                       thine Holy One (Jesus) to see corruption.]]></page><page Index="25"><![CDATA[David was in the region of the righteous dead, Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).  He looked
                       across the impassible golf (Luke 16:26) and saw Jesus in the regions of the damned,
                       suffering for the sins of all mankind.

                       He also saw Jesus finish the penalty and receive the power of God to raise Him from the
                       dead.  David’s courage and stability came from seeing Jesus raised from the dead.  The
                       resurrection of Jesus gave David the assurance that he to be raised on the day of the great
                       resurrection.

               Act 2:28  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy
               countenance.

               DAVID THE “SEER”

               Act 2:29  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both
               dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

                       Men and brethren, let me freely (boldly) speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is
                       both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us and to this day.
                       David was loved by all Israel.  Next to Moses, he was the favorite of the people of God.
                       David had lived in Jerusalem, and the site of his grave was known to the people Peter was
                       preaching to.


               Act 2:30  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that
               of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
                       because David was a prophet, he was a seer.  He could see future events and accurately
                       record these events through revelation of Holy Spirit.   David saw Jesus, the one
                       prophesied of who would come from his loins and who would be the future and Eternal
                       King over Israel.

                       In 2 Samuel 7: 12-16 God gave David an oath:

                       2Sa 7:12  And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set
                       up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his
                       kingdom.

                       2Sa 7:13  He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom
                       for ever.

                       2Sa 7:14  I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten
                       him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

                       2Sa 7:15  But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put
                       away before thee.]]></page><page Index="26"><![CDATA[2Sa 7:16  And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy
                       throne shall be established for ever.

                       David now sees how this prophecy will be manifested through the death, burial, and
                       resurrection of Jesus.  Jesus would be raised up to sit on David’s throne.

               Act 2:31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in
               hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

                       David saw this event centuries before it occurred.  He knew Jesus’body and soul would
                       not be left in the earth to see corruption or eternal separation from God.

               Act 2:32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

                       Peter is saying, “We have seen the fulfillment of David’s prophecy before our very eyes.
                       We are witnesses of the Word of God given today.  The Spirit spoke of Jesus.”

               Act 2:33  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the
               promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

                       The humanity of Jesus was lifted up by the power of God the Father and the Holy Spirit
                       (Romans 8:11).  He sat down at the right hand of God in heaven.  Once Jesus was seated,
                       He gave the Holy Spirit.  Jesus first received the promise of the Spirit at the Jordan River
                       and has now given that promise to the church.  The promise of the Holy Spirit is not the
                       new birth but the infilling, “which ye now see and hear.”
               Act 2:34  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto
               my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

                       for David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself (Psalm 110:1), the Lord
                       said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right hand,

                       The Father is called the Lord, and Jesus is called my Lord.  Jesus is “my Lord” because He
                       is our personal savior, our link to God, the Lord.

               Act 2:35  Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

                       Until I make thy foes (Satan and demons) thy footstool.

                       Jesus will be seated in heaven throughout the church age and its resurrection.  At the end
                       of the tribulation, He will leave His throne in heaven and take His throne on earth for the
                       thousand-year reign, the millennium.  During this time,  Satan and  demons will be
                       removed from Earth and banished to the bottomless pit, awaiting the great white throne
                       judgment.

               Act 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same
               Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.]]></page><page Index="27"><![CDATA[The first church sermon preached is about the resurrection of Jesus.  Peter puts the blame
                       for the crucifixion on the shoulders of the religious Jews.  He puts the resurrection on the
                       shoulders of God.  God took the curse men had created and turned it into a blessing.

               HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTION

               Act 2:37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to
               the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

                       Now when they heard this, they were pricked (cut, pierced --- Hebrews 4:12) in their
                       heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall
                       we do?

                       The convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit, with the preaching of the gospel, especially the
                       resurrection of Jesus.  Peter’s life was greatly changed, and now the evidence is before
                       him proving it.  Religious Jews are asking him how to be saved.

               Act 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
               Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
                       Then Peter said unto them, Repent (metanoeo:  to change the mind), and be baptized
                       every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for (ei:  because of) the remission (pardoning)
                       of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.


                       Repenting is the other side of believing (Acts 16:31).  To repent means to change the mind
                       not about sin, but about Jesus.  In the Greek, the word for "repent" is in the active voice,
                       and "be baptized" is in the passive voice.  We do not become baptized for the forgiveness
                       of sins, but because of forgiveness.  Once we have been saved, we show the outward act,
                       the declaration of forgiveness by being water baptized.  This is an outward act signifying
                       a finished inward salvation.  Then we are ready to receive the promise of the Father, the
                       infilling of the Holy Spirit.  This verse teaches the infilling of the Holy Spirit is received after
                       the new birth --- after the remission of sins --- and water baptism is an act that follows
                       repentance.

               Act 2:39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as
               many as the Lord our God shall call.

                       For the promise (of the Spirit --- Acts 1:4; 2:33) is unto you, and to your children, and to
                       all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (invite).

                       Repenting is the other side of believing (Acts 16:31).  To repent means to change the mind
                       not about sin, but about Jesus.  In the Greek, the word for “repent” is in the active voice
                       and “be baptized” is in the passive voice.

               Act 2:40  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this
               untoward generation.]]></page><page Index="28"><![CDATA[And many other words (typical of Peter) did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves
                       from this untoward (crooked, perverted) generation.

                       Peter has done everything he can by preaching the gospel to those present.  The Holy
                       Spirit has done everything he can by “pricking” or convicting them of their sins.  Now ist
                       is time for them to do something.  There is only one decision that will save the people
                       from the evil generation they belong to and eternal damnation after death.  No one can
                       force a person to be saved.  They decision belongs to each person alone.

               THE CHURCH IS BORN (VERSES 41-47)

               After Peter’s sermon, approximately 3000 are added to God’s kingdom and the first local church
               begins. The Word, prayer, and fellowship are all established in the church. Many of the early
               believers will go on to voluntarily sell their possessions and goods to dispense as needed to
               various members of the newly formed church. The Lord added to the church daily.

               THE SUCCESS OF THE EARLY CHURCH

               Act 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were
               added unto them about three thousand souls.
                       Then they that gladly received (apodechomai:  welcomed) his word were baptized: and
                       the same day there were added unto them about 3000 souls.


                       These people receive the gospel, are born again, baptized in water, and filled with the
                       Holy Spirit. The first local church is formed around these 3000 who had been born again.
                       The leadership from the 120 will form the first church government and disciple the new
                       converts.

               Act 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking
               of bread, and in prayers.

                       Four areas of successful discipleship are listed in this verse by order of importance. First,
                       a commitment by the disciple to hear the Word of God taught in the local church by those
                       anointed to minister. Notice the Word comes before the  fellowship of saints, eating
                       together, or praying together in the early church. Discipleship does not begin with one-
                       on-one relationships but with that dedication to the Word.

                       Next, fellowship which begins with the Father is established among the individuals within
                       the congregation (1 John 1:3). This fellowship is not necessarily times of prayer but is
                       worship to God and spiritual communion with one another.

                       The third area mentioned is breaking of bread or covenant meals. In this early church,
                       there are specific times the congregation meets for meals either as  a large group or
                       together as small groups of friends.]]></page><page Index="29"><![CDATA[Finally, these new believers learn to pray individually and in groups (Acts 12:5). The word
                       “prayers” is plural in this verse, and refers to different types of prayer.

                       2:42 fellowship, koinonia (koy-nohn-ee-ah); Sharing, unity, close association, partnership,
                       participation, a society, a communion, a fellowship, contributory help, the brotherhood.
                       (Compare “coin,” “cenobite,” “epicene.”)  Koinonia is a unity brought about by the Holy
                       Spirit. In koinonia the individual shares in common an intimate bond of fellowship with
                       the rest of the Christian society.  Koinonia cements the believers to the Lord Jesus and to
                       each other.

                       2:42 Fellowship (koinonia), POWER OF UNITY.  This first detailed description of the early
                       Christians is wonderfully revealing. The followers of Jesus, who had been baptized by the
                       Holy Spirit, literally devoted themselves to communication and unity with God and with
                       each other. In relationship to God, they “continued steadfastly” in the apostles’doctrine
                       (the Word of God) and in prayer. In relationship to one another, they devoted themselves
                       to fellowship and to breaking bread with one another. The word koinonia literally denotes
                       a deep sense of spiritual unity---of spiritual communion with the Lord and with each
                       other. With the coming of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the priorities of the followers of
                       Christ focused upon spiritual unity with their Lord and with our brothers and sisters in
                       Christ---within the church---the spiritual body of Christ. Every true Christian is a member
                       of the body of Christ and is related to Christ and to other believers as a member of that
                       body. This is the essence of true spiritual unity---the unity of the Spirit.

               Act 2:43  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

                       And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by (dia: through)
                       the apostles.

                       “Fear” describes great reverence for the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is
                       the setting for signs and wonders to be performed in the congregation. Miracles began in
                       the early church through the leadership and later moved to the streets and operate
                       through the congregational members.

               ALL THINGS IN COMMON

               Act 2:44  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

                       New believers are now facing a time of catastrophic persecution and are united in helping
                       one another. In no way does this verse promote communism or communal living. Because
                       they are being threatened by the Romans and Jews, these new converts pool most of
                       their possessions to protect them from being taken or destroyed if their lives are not
                       spared by those who oppose them.

               Act 2:45  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had
               need.]]></page><page Index="30"><![CDATA[No one coerces these  believers into selling their possessions and goods; they do so
                       voluntarily, putting everything together to dispense as needed.

                       This verse does not say they sold all their possessions and goods. Funds were distributed
                       from a “common pot.” Chapter 6 deals with the selection of deacons to administer funds
                       because of the inequalities that exist in the distribution.

               Act 2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from
               house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

                       Church is a daily activity; believers meet in the church to study the Word and to worship
                       the Lord. They also meet in homes to eat together. They discuss scriptures and their new
                       lives as children of God in the church age. Unity in the local church is the focus of this
                       verse. The early believers are united both in the church and outside of it. Unity provides
                       the power and refreshment of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 133:1-3).

               Act 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church
               daily such as should be saved.

                       The church begins with great power, demonstrations of the Holy Spirit, and favor among
                       the people of Jerusalem. This will change as the religious leaders plot to destroy and
                       dismantle the church. Like the ministry of Jesus, this occurs as the supernatural pulls
                       people into the church and away from religion.
                       2:42-47 Growing as a Person of the Spirit, GOD’S POWER MINISTRY.  We grow in the
                       Spirit by engaging in the same kinds of activities as those of the early church, so that we,
                       too, may become the  kind of  people who can consistently announce, embody, and
                       demonstrate the kingdom of God. The early church leaders described their walk with God
                       in terms of athletic endeavor (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:12-14). Professional
                       athletes build muscle by doing thousands of repetitions appropriate to their sport. While
                       we can never earn or merit anything from God, we can exert the effort necessary to build
                       spiritual muscle and maximize God’s investment in us. Here are the basics: study in the
                       Word, fellowship, and prayer (Acts 2:42, 46); sharing together, giving, and caring for
                       others (verses 44-45); praise, worship, and evangelism (verse 47).]]></page><page Index="31"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="32"/><page Index="33"><![CDATA[Chapter 3]]></page><page Index="34"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 3


               A CALL TO REPENTANCE


               The whole purpose of miracles, healings, signs and wonders is for people to come to the saving
               knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Born-again, Spirit-filled believers are exhorted to “desire spiritual
               gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1).  But the operation of spiritual gifts is not intended to draw attention
               to the individuals, rather to cause the unbelievers to repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord
               and Savior.


               We must never see the gifts for our own glory.  Our motives should always be to glorify the one
               who makes salvation possible and sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to abide with us forever -- Jesus
               Christ!

               LAME MAN HEALED (1-11)


               Sometime after the day of Pentecost, Peter and John are headed into the temple, a lame man
               asks them for money.  This man is well-known because he has asked for alms at the temple gate
               for many years.  This day, however, would be different.  Although Peter and John have no money
               to offer the lame man, Peter, operating in the working of miracles, offers him the healing power

               of Jesus Christ.  When bystanders in the temple see the man walking, they give glory to God and
               stand amazed at his healing.

               THE HABIT OF ATTENDING CHURCH


               Act 3:1  Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the
               ninth hour.

               Now Peter and John went up (linear action, “continually went up”) together into the temple at
               the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.).


               Going to the temple to pray is something Peter and John do daily.  They have developed the habit
               of attending church (Hebrews 10:25).  There is no record of the number of days after Pentecost
               this event occurs, but enough time has elapsed for Peter and John to establish the habit of
               attending church.

               The day this miracle occurs is probably not the first day Peter and John have seen the lame man
               at the gate, but this will be a day of divine appointment for the lame man.  He will have the faith

               to be healed, and the crowd is large enough to be affected by the miracle.]]></page><page Index="35"><![CDATA[The primary purpose of miracles, signs, and wonders is for the salvation of the lost (Acts 1:8).

               THE LAME MAN’S DAILY ROUTINE


               Act 3:2  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at
               the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

               Being laid at the temple gate has been the lame man’s daily routine for many years.  He is placed

               at the opening of the temple at the main gate, and all who entered the temple pass by him.  If
               Peter and John had not seen the lame man on this particular day, he would have been seen on
               many days preceding it.

               This man and his condition are well known outside of the temple.  Religion has not helped him,
               but the power of Jesus stands in opposition to religion on this day even as it had during His earthly
               ministry.


               As the man sits at the gate, many pass him on their way into the temple, especially at the hour
               of prayer when the gate gets very busy.  As people pass, the man asks for a small portion of the
               money they are going to offer in the temple.  Their alms are what keep him alive.

               Outward problems, like this man’s dependency on alms, always have a root cause, and this man
               does not fully realize that cause. It is not his lack of money, but his lameness.  His financial
               situation is a result of his problem, not the problem itself.  Peter and John minister to the root of
               his problem.


               Act 3:3  Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

               This man asks to be rid of the symptoms, but Peter and John are going to remedy the cause.


               Act 3:4  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

               While John and Peter are standing there, the lame man is probably looking beyond Peter and
               John and trying to catch the attention of others.  The man has given them a glance after catching
               their attention and expects to receive money, but at the same time continues speaking to others.
               Peter now asks the man to put his attention on them.  Faith always demands our full attention.


               FAITH DEMANDS ATTENTION

               Act 3:5  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.


               The lame man’s faith is in operation, even if it was for money.  Peter uses his attention and simply
               diverts it toward the Lord; the lame man expects to receive.]]></page><page Index="36"><![CDATA[Act 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name
               of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

               Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus
               Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk (start walking and keep on walking).


               Peter does not speak until he has the lame man’s attention.  He has no money to offer since he
               had given it all into the common treasury (Acts 2:44-45), but Peter has more than money.  He
               carries the healing authority of Jesus.  Peter speaks to the man in the name of the humanity of
               Jesus Christ.  He also commands the man to do what he normally cannot do.


               Throughout the Word, healing commands are to be acted upon.  Men are commanded to stretch
               out a withered hand or pick up a bed and walk.  Faith demands simple action.  Faith acts on the
               Word it has received, not on the manifestation.

               A MIRACLE PERFORMED


               Act 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle
               bones received strength.

               This is an operation of the working of miracles.  It is a result of Peter being Spirit-filled.  The writer
               Luke, being a physician, naturally describes the internal results of God’s power being manifested
               in this man’s body.


               Act 3:8  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking,
               and leaping, and praising God.

               Since the man is healed, he is led to church and willingly follows.  The excitement of being healed
               causes the man to follow Peter and John into the temple.  By the time the man enters the temple,

               he has received Jesus as his Lord and is on the path toward maturity and becoming a disciple of
               the Lord.  The best time to take a person to church is immediately after they receive the Lord.

               Act 3:9  And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

               Act 3:10  And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and
               they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.


               And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they
               were filled with wonder (awe) and amazement (confusion) at that which had happened unto him.

               Because this man is so well-known, the miracle in his body is producing an attitude of wonder in
               the people.  This is the purpose of miracles and wonders: to bring attention to the Lord and open
               hearts to the new birth.  This is the time to preach the gospel, and Peter will soon know it.]]></page><page Index="37"><![CDATA[Act 3:11  And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together
               unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

               And as the lame man which was healed beheld Peter and John, all the people ran together unto
               them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering (completely flabbergasted
               [Wuest]).


               The man is holding on to Peter and John because he has never walked in his life.  After the initial
               leaping and walking, he is still quite shaky and is learning to walk normally for the first time.  The
               miracle has caused a crowd of people to gather under the covered terrace on the east side of the
               temple.


               THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB

               Now at the center of an amazed crowd, Peter directs their attention away from himself and
               toward God.  He explains that the Messiah had already come, but they have rejected Him.  He

               also informs them that the lame man’s faith in God brought healing to his physical body.

               THE CROWD’S ATTENTION TURNED TOWARD GOD

               Act 3:12  And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye

               at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made
               this man to walk?

               When Peter sees the amazement of the crowd, he answers the questions they are thinking.  Peter
               begins by letting the people know that this healing has come from God’s grace and is not from
               his works of righteousness.  Grace and healing power both come from God.


               THE MESSIAH DENIED

               Act 3:13  The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified

               his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was
               determined to let him go.

               Peter informs the crowd that the patriarchs were believers, and the Messiah they had believed
               in and waited for had already been sent.  Jesus had already come, but they denied Him and
               delivered Him up to be killed.  By reminding these religious Jews of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
               Peter gets their spiritual attention.  He then proclaims Jesus as the Messiah as evidenced by God
               glorifying Him and raising Him from the dead.  Most likely these people in the temple are part of

               the same crowd who stood before Pilate and cried “Crucify Him!”]]></page><page Index="38"><![CDATA[Act 3:14  But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto
               you;

               Although Jesus was holy before God and just (innocent) before men, the people had asked for
               Barabas, a known gangster, to be released in Jesus’ place.  A guilty man (Barabas) released for
               the life of an innocent one (Jesus) was a type of what would happen for those in the crowd who

               will put their trust in Jesus.

               Act 3:15  And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are
               witnesses.


               Jesus is the Prince of eternal life (Hebrews 2:10).  He was not only raised from the dead, but
               firstborn from the dead.  The people present that day were witnesses to His death, and they now
               stood in the presence of witnesses to His resurrection.

               FAITH IN THE NAME


               Act 3:16  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and
               know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you
               all.

               Peter is now giving them the method to receive any blessing from God, whether it be salvation,
               healing, or temporal needs.  We receive by faith and even that faith is not of ourselves, it is the
               gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Both the ability to receive and the gift come from God.  This is

               grace.

               Grace diverts attention away from Peter, John, and even the man who was healed.  All attention
               is now focused on the Lord of their ancestors.  Peter is giving them an opportunity to make Him
               their Lord too.


               Peter explains to the crowd that the once lame man had received “perfect soundness.”  Whatever
               else might have been wrong with the man as a result of his lameness is made perfectly sound
               when he was healed.

                       3:16 Healing in Jesus’ Incomparable Name,  DIVINE HEALING.   Immediately after the
                       Spirit’s outpouring At Pentecost, it is stated, “many wonders and signs were done through
                       the apostles.” Chapter 3 gives the account of the healing of a man who was lame from

                       birth, a fact well known by everyone in Jerusalem. Peter attributed the healing to no
                       unique human powers, but to faith in the name of Jesus.

                       Note how the invoking of the name of “Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (verse 6; 4:10) rings from
                       the apostles’ lips. The appeals to Jesus’ name as the unmistakable Messiah (Christ), who]]></page><page Index="39"><![CDATA[walked as a Man among men (of Nazareth), is an establishing of His Person, His character,
                       and His kingly office as the authoritative grounds for extending healing grace. The use of
                       another person’s name to declare legal rights is called “the power of attorney.” This is a
                       privileged power that Jesus has delegated to us in confronting the retreating rule that
                       sickness and Satan seek to sustain over mankind.


               Act 3:17  And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

               After hearing Peter’s sermon, the crowd is no longer ignorant.

               THE MESSIAH HAS COME


               Peter now exhorts the people to stop looking for the Messiah because He has already come.  He
               then calls them to repentance and conversion which will open the doors to the infilling of the
               Holy Spirit and brings “times of refreshing.”  Peter encourages the crowd to take heed to what
               Moses had spoken concerning Jesus.


               Act 3:18  But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that
               Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

               All of the prophets spoke by the mouth of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).  Peter is exhorting them
               to stop looking for the Messiah.  Peter is saying “The Messiah has come!”  This crowd had been
               a witness to the fulfillment of a major portion of the Old Testament and now they would be held
               accountable.


               A CALL TO REPENTANCE


               Act 3:19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the
               times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

               Repent (mataneo) ye therefore (turn from something), and be converted (turn toward
               something), that (for) your sins may be blotted out, when (opos:  so that) the times of refreshing
               shall come from the presence of the Lord;


               The new birth -- repentance, conversion and blotting out of sins -- are the door to the infilling of
               the Holy Spirit.  This also reveals that the new birth is not the infilling.  The infilling of the Holy
               Spirit is called the “times of refreshing.”  This is also the description Isaiah gave (Isaiah 28: 11-
               12).  Times of refreshing and the blotting out of sins both come from the presence of the Father.
               This is the gift of the Father which was “shed forth” from His presence (Acts 2:33).

               The new birth is also the guarantee of participating in the resurrection of the saints and being a
               part of the millennial kingdom which was prophesied to them (20-21).]]></page><page Index="40"><![CDATA[Act 3:20  And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

               This sending is at the second advent, which has been prophesied throughout the Old Testament.
               These people had heard the passages many times, but did not understand they had crucified and
               rejected the one who was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the second
               coming.


               THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS


               Act 3:21  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God
               hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

               Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution (restoration) of all things, which
               God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began (from old).

               The heavens received Jesus in Acts chapter 1.  He will remain in heaven until the time for the

               restoration of all things: the second advent and millennial reign.  Jesus will accomplish the
               restoration of all things, not the church.  We are here and will have momentary and partial
               victories, but the complete victory will be accomplished by the Lord Jesus and Armageddon.  The
               Alpha must also be the Omega; the beginning must also be the end.  He that began a good work
               will also complete it.

               Act 3:22  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto
               you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto

               you.

               For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of
               your brethren, like unto me; (Jesus) shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he (the Father) shall
               say unto you.


               This quote is a compilation of Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19.  Stephen will also quote this later in
               Acts 7:37.  The prophet spoken of in this verse is Jesus.  He, like Moses, will be unique.  Peter is
               telling them that their hero, Moses, was telling them to listen to Jesus even as he himself had.

               FORETOLD BY THE PROPHETS


               Peter brings the crowd to a place of decision.  They must now choose whether to accept or reject
               Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.  He highlights the fact that Jesus was given first to
               the Jews and all that have an opportunity to turn from sin to receive eternal life.

               Act 3:23  And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be
               destroyed from among the people.]]></page><page Index="41"><![CDATA[This is the end of Moses’s word (Deuteronomy 18:19).  The word applies to the crowd that stands
               before Peter.  Their eternal life or damnation rest upon their acceptance or rejection of Jesus,
               the Prophet.

               Act 3:24  Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have
               spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.


               Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken (not
               all prophets wrote Scripture), have likewise foretold of these days.

               Samuel was the first prophet and began the school of the prophets.  Everyone agrees with Moses,

               and this crowd now stands in a place of decision.

               Act 3:25  Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our
               fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

               Ye are the children (descendents) of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our
               fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed
               (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:4).


               The “seed,” which would bring blessing was not Abraham but the Lord Jesus, the “seed” of
               Abraham (Galatians 3:8).  The only way to be blessed with the new birth or the infilling of the
               Holy Spirit is to be in the seed of Abraham.

               Act 3:26  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away

               every one of you from his iniquities.

               The gospel is to the Jew first (John 1:11; Romans 1:16).  However, Jesus came to make salvation
               possible so all would have an opportunity to turn from iniquities and receive eternal life.]]></page><page Index="42"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="43"/><page Index="44"/><page Index="45"><![CDATA[Chapter 4]]></page><page Index="46"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 4


               BEHOLD THEIR THREATENINGS

               The Word of God instructs us to obey those in authority over us, including government officials,
               as long as our obedience does not violate the Word of God.  So although Peter and John are
               instructed to no longer preach the gospel, Jesus commanded them (and us) to go into all the
               world and preach the gospel.

               Most of us will never experience the persecution the early disciple faced, but if we are ever in a
               situation similar to theirs, God will fill our mouths with an answer.  God can accomplish much
               through the unity of believers.  When we give willingly to the Lord and walk in unity, favor will
               be upon our lives and many will be supernaturally ministered to.

               PETER, JOHN, AND THE RELIGIOUS COUNCIL (1-23)

               Peter and John are brought before the religious council.  They want to put a stop to the
               message Peter and John are preaching.  Peter and John are held overnight to be questioned the
               next day.

               Peter, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit preaches a salvation message to the council.
               Observing their boldness, the Council recognizes that Peter and John had been with Jesus.  Yet
               they cannot deny the miracle of the lame man, and they fear the people.

               They finally release Peter and John threatening to punish them if they speak about Jesus, but
               these disciples respond by saying they must obey God.  Upon their release, Peter and John go
               to the local church and report everything the chief priests had said.

               PETER AND JOHN ARRESTED

               Act 4:1  And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the
               Sadducees, came upon them,

               And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the
               Sadducees, (suddenly) came upon them,

               Verses 1 through 4 describe the results of Peter’s sermon in chapter 3.  This captain is in charge
               of the 30 guards stationed throughout the temple.  Peter’s sermon, like Jesus’ sermons, will
               result in the salvation of some and adverse reactions by others.  Opposition to Peter’s message
               will come from organized religion, just as it had in Jesus’ministry.

               Act 4:2  Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection
               from the dead.]]></page><page Index="47"><![CDATA[Being grieved (agitated, displeased) that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus
               the resurrection from the dead.

               These religious men are upset and angered because the disciples preach without first asking
               their permission.  The Council is also frustrated because many people believe the message
               being preached, and the lame man stood before them as evidence of the truth of that message.

               Peter is preaching and teaching.  (He is teaching because many who had been born again on the
               day of Pentecost and afterward are present in the crowd [2:41, 47].)  Peter once again brings
               out the essence of the gospel in this sermon just as he had in his first (2:23-31): the resurrection
               gives the gospel it’s power to deliver and save.  Because Jesus was resurrected, believers will
               also be raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-20).

               However, the Sadducees do not believe in angels or the resurrection (23:8).  It is bad enough
               for them to hear doctrine they do not believe; it is worse to see the people accepting and
               following that doctrine.

               Act 4:3  And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now
               eventide.


               And they laid hands (seized violently) on them, and put them in hold (jail cell) unto the next
               day: for it was now eventide (after 6:00 p.m.).
               The immediate reaction of the religious leaders is an attempt to stop people from being saved.
               Their efforts will prove ineffective.  After the arrest of Peter and John, thousands in the crowd
               will receive Jesus Christ as their Lord.

               Because it was illegal to have a trial after sundown, they put them in prison for the night.
               Interestingly, it was the same Sadducees who had tried Jesus after sundown in a completely
               illegal manner, just before Passover.

               Act 4:4  Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men
               was about five thousand.

               Howbeit many of them which heard the word (logos) believed; and the number of the men
               (males) was about five thousand.

               “Howbeit” shows that despite the attempts of the Sadducees, a great number of the crowd
               believe in Jesus and are born again.  It is difficult for the religious leaders to stop people from
               believing when a miracle is standing directly in front of them, and they have just heard the
               gospel preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

               Act 4:5  And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

               And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers (of the Sanhedrin), and elders (of the
               temple), and the scribes (those who knew Old Testament law).]]></page><page Index="48"><![CDATA[THE COUNCIL

               Act 4:6  And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as
               were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

               Annas was a ringleader in extortion.  He headed up a political group that took money from the
               bandits in the Negev, along the shores of Galilee.  This is one area Herod cleaned up.  He caught
               and confiscated the money of many of the bandits who hid in the caves along the shore.

               Annas also accumulated money by selling sacrificial animals at inflated prices in the temple.
               Jesus displayed His disdain for this practice in Matthew 21: 12-13 when He overturned the
               tables of the moneychangers.

               Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas.  They worked together (Luke 3:2; John 18:13, 24).  John
               and Alexander were probably two of Annas’s sons.  Much of the remaining ruling body of the
               Sanhedrin was compromised of relatives of Annas and Caiaphas.  This ruling body could be
               labeled a “kangaroo court.”  It was considered the supreme Jewish court of the land.

               There were three parts of the Sanhedrin:

                   1.  The rulers (24):  chief priests
                   2.  The elders (24):  political leaders
                   3.  The scribes (22):  theologians

               Act 4:7  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what
               name, have ye done this?

               And when they had set (stood) them in the (their) midst, they asked, By (in) what power
               (dunamis), or by (in) what name, have ye done this?

               Their question is concerning the group with which Peter and John are affiliated.  The Sanhedrin
               is looking for a political or religious group Peter and John represent, much like people today
               would question the denomination backing a particular minister.

               PETER ADDRESSES THE COUNCIL

               Act 4:8  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and
               elders of Israel,

               Apparently Peter has been praying in tongues during his night in prison, so he has a ready
               answer.  Here Peter demonstrates the importance of staying filled with the Spirit (Ephesians
               5:18).  It is the fulfillment of Matthew 10: 18-20.

               THE ISSUE OF THE HEALED MAN

               Act 4:9  If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means
               he is made whole;]]></page><page Index="49"><![CDATA[Peter is now being sarcastic and embarrassing the court officials.  They have asked Peter to
               name the authority who sent him, but Peter reminds them the whole incident began with the
               healing of an incurable, well-known cripple, a man who is standing with Peter (14).

               Peter recognizes the diversion tactic used by the court.  Their strategy is to draw him away from
               the real issue (the man being healed), but Peter keeps the issue clear and focused.

               THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED

               Act 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus
               Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this
               man stand here before you whole.

               Act 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of
               the corner.

               Verse 11 is a quote from Psalm 118:22-23.  It was also quoted by Jesus to the same group of
               religious leaders in Matthew 21:42-44.  These verses referred to Jesus and His resurrection.  He
               had been rejected by His own and crucified, but God the Father raised Him from the dead and
               placed Him as the chief foundation stone of the church.  All others are built upon Him
               (Ephesians 2:20-22).

               “Stone” is a common title for Jesus in the Word of God, whether prophetically or symbolically:

                       a)  The Rock of Salvation (Exodus 17:1-7)
                       b)  The Rock of Judgment (Isaiah 8:14; 1 Peter 2:8)
                       c)  The Rock of Provision (Isaiah 26:3-4)
                       d)  The Foundation Rock (Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 3:11)
                       e)  The Foundation of the Church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:20-22)
                       f)  The Rock of Judgment for the Unbeliever (Daniel 2:35; Matthew 21:44)

               SALVATION IN NONE OTHER

               Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven
               given among men, whereby we must be saved.

               Peter informs them that Jehovah, the redeemer of the Old Testament, is the same Jesus they
               crucified.  This is the same Jesus in whom Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and others put their
               trust and received salvation.

                       4:12 other, heteros (het-er-oss); Different, generic distinction, another kind, not of the
                       same nature, form, or class. Here heteros denotes a distinction and an exclusivity, with
                       no second choices, opinions, or options. “Jesus, You are the One. You are the only One.
                       There is no heteros, no other!”

               THE COUNCIL’S RESPONSE]]></page><page Index="50"><![CDATA[BOLDNESS OBSERVED BY COUNCIL

               Act 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were
               unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had
               been with Jesus.

               Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned
               and ignorant men, they marveled (wondered); and they took knowledge of (remembered)
               them, that they had been with Jesus.

               Boldness is a manifestation of the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  Peter and John are not intimidated
               or fearful of being before these leaders.  The Council discerned Peter and John had no formal
               education, yet were speaking things which could only come by revelation.  By remembering
               Peter and John had been with Jesus in His earthly ministry, they begin to comprehend that the
               same miracle working power and anointing that had been on Jesus was now on his followers.
               The Council were the very ones who put Jesus on the cross, and now they were being
               confronted by a multitude of “little Jesuses” -- Christians.
               Act 4:14  And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing
               against it.


               It is difficult to argue with a miracle, especially when the miracle is widely known and standing
               before the accusers.  Peter, who was speechless at the crucifixion, even denying the Lord, now
               render these men speechless.
               THE COUNCIL CONFERS


               Act 4:15  But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred
               among themselves,

               The Council weighed the evidence in secret.

               Act 4:16  Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been
               done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

               Religion is contradictory.  It does not care about people, yet it appeases them.  The real desire
               of the council is to get rid of Peter and John, but they fear the reaction of the multitudes.  The
               religious leaders recognize it is the people who provide money and power to them, but they
               care nothing about the people.  They do not want to offend the people, yet they realize their
               religious empire is at stake.


               THE COUNCIL’S COMMAND

               Act 4:17  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they
               speak henceforth to no man in this name.]]></page><page Index="51"><![CDATA[The Council releases Peter and John with a strong threat that their message go no further, yet
               the message will soon go worldwide.  (Religion fears the name of Jesus because of it’s power.)
               Peter and John have broken no laws.  In fact, they have healed a person, which should bring
               praise from the city leaders.  Law is supposed to protect people from the evil ones not threaten
               the innocent.

               Act 4:18  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name
               of Jesus.

               Again, it is the name which has so much power that threatens the Sadducees.

               PETER AND JOHN RESPOND

               Act 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of
               God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

               Peter tells the council to make the decision for themselves.  They are judges over natural men.
               Now they can be judges over God’s will.

               Act 4:20  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

               Peter and John in essence say, “We are nothing more than errand boys.”  They tell the
               Sanhedrin they can only say and do what they saw Jesus say and do.

               PETER AND JOHN RELEASED

               Act 4:21  So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how
               they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was
               done.

               The Council tells Peter and John they will not beat them, but threatened to do so if they refused
               to stop preaching in the name of Jesus.  The religious leaders do not beat Peter and John
               immediately because they are heroes in the eyes of the people because of the healing of the
               crippled man.

               Act 4:22  For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

               For the man was above 40 years old, on whom this miracle (semeion: sign) of healing was
               shown.

               This man who is healed had been laid at the gate since he was young.  He had been laid at that
               same gate for over 30 years and so was recognized and well-known by everyone in the city.

               Act 4:23  And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief
               priests and elders had said unto them.

               “Their own companions” is the church which began in chapter 2.  It is the “household of God”
               (Ephesians 2:19), the local church or expression of His universal church.  Persecution did not]]></page><page Index="52"><![CDATA[drive the people away from the church; it drove them to it.  The religious leaders did not keep
               their threats a secret, but made them known to all who were present.  Church met each day,
               and immediately after leaving the Sanhedrin, Peter and John go directly to church.

               BELIEVERS IN ONE ACCORD (24-33)

               In response to the report of persecution, the believers lift their voice to God in unity and
               release the outcome of the threats against them to the Lord.  They acknowledge the guarantee
               of their deliverance is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  They then pray for boldness to speak the
               Word of God and for signs and wonders to follow the preaching of the Word.

               RESPONSE TO RELIGIOUS OPPOSITION

               Act 4:24  And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said,
               Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

               And when they (the congregation) heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord,
               and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made (designed) heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
               all that in them is:

               The report of persecution causes the entire congregation to turn their voice to God.  They do
               not become despondent, but instead worship God and put Him in remembrance of His Word.

               They remind God the entire universe and earth are made after His own design.  God designed
               the universe, Jesus created it (Colossians 1:16-17).  If God had a plan for the earth, He must
               have a design and plan for His church.

               If the earth can cope with opposition in nature, surely God has designed a plan for the church
               to cope with opposition from religion.  If the earth can overcome the curse, so can the church.
               Even the wicked judges who have just threatened Peter and John are created by God.  If God
               created them, He can also handle them.

                       4:24 One Voice, POWER OF UNITY.  The third and fourth chapter of Acts relate the story
                       of the first major crisis faced by the early church. Peter and John were imprisoned and
                       then warned by the Jewish leaders to never again mention the name of Jesus. Instead of
                       fleeing for their lives or separating from their brothers and sisters, they went
                       immediately to the church and “reported all the chief priests and elders had said to
                       them” (verse 23). The members of the body of Christ responded together by raising
                       their voices to God in prayer “with one accord.” This is a vivid example of the kind of
                       spiritual unity that results in the lives of those who are “filled with the Holy Spirit” and
                       who “walk in the spirit.”

               Act 4:25  Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the
               people imagine vain things?]]></page><page Index="53"><![CDATA[Who (Christ) by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen (national
               leaders) rage, and the people imagine (meditate on) vain (empty, futile) things?

               Old Testament prophets spoke God’s Word, not their own (2 Peter 1:21).  The Minister of the
               church now quotes Psalm 2: 1-2, were David prophesied of God’s attitude toward national
               governments who try to stop the impact of gospel on society.

               TO ATTACK BELIEVERS IS TO ATTACK THE LORD

               Act 4:26  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the
               Lord, and against his Christ.

               Psalm 2:2 calls Christ “his anointed.”  The word “Christ” means “anointed one.”  Jesus was
               anointed when he arose from the dead and was seated at the right hand of the Father
               (Hebrews 1:3-9).  Throughout history, the leaders of nations and religions have stood against
               the Father and against the Lord.  They have all fallen, and the congregation knows this situation
               will be no different.  To attack miracles and the message is to attack the Lord; to attack the
               people of the Lord is to attack the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:40; Acts 9:4).

               Act 4:27  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and
               Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

               For of a truth against thy holy child (sinless humanity) Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both
               Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

               THE RESURRECTION:  GUARANTEED DELIVERANCE

               Act 4:28  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

               The congregation releases the outcome of the threats of these judges into the hand of God and
               out of their own hands.  They are taking God at His Word that vengeance belongs to Him
               (Romans 12:19).  They are also acknowledging they have more important things to do than try
               to get even with men who have wrongly accused them.  They must spread the gospel and have
               churches to build.  They will do their part and expect God to do His.

               Our guarantee of deliverance is the resurrection of Jesus.  The crucifixion, attitudes, and actions
               of the people do not take God by surprise.  In His foreknowledge, God knew the action of the
               people would be against His plan of the cross (2:23).  God did not ordain the opposition, but he
               did know it would happen and planned the resurrection around it.  God knows of our problems
               and has a plan for each opposition (1 Corinthians 10:13).  God uses the devices and plans of
               men to bring glory to Himself and deliverance to us (Romans 8:28).

               A PRAYER FOR BOLDNESS

               Act 4:29  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all
               boldness they may speak thy word,]]></page><page Index="54"><![CDATA[this group of believers is in essence saying, “Lord, the heathen are at it again -- they are
               threatening us.”  God promised deliverance by the mouth of David, and it is repeated
               throughout the Old Testament.  In their own life-time, they have seen the crucifixion, burial,
               and resurrection of Jesus out of the hands of evil men.  Now, God will do it again.  This occasion
               took God no more by surprise than any other, including the crucifixion of Jesus.  Our attitude in
               prayer should simply be to bring the accusations of men before the Lord.

               The believers in Jerusalem are doing what Hezekiah did when he faced an invasion by the Army
               of Sennacherib.  Hezekiah spread the evil report written by the heathen king before the Lord
               (Isaiah 34: 14).  The heathen were not bringing an evil report against the people; they were
               bringing an evil report against the Lord.  Both Hezekiah and the congregation of Jerusalem were
               informing God of what was being spoken about Him.  The congregation now asks God for
               boldness to speak His Word and the name of Jesus even more.

               Act 4:30  By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by
               the name of thy holy child Jesus.

               By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of
               the holy child (spotless humanity on) Jesus.
               In addition to asking for boldness, they are asking God for signs and wonders to accompany the
               preaching of the Word (Mark 16:20).  The “hand” of the Lord is the power of the Holy Spirit.
               This power will work through their hands because they are the body of Jesus in the earth.  Their
               hands and mouths are really His.  His words and power are displayed through them.

               We have been given dominion over the works of Jesus’ hands (Psalm 8:6).  Although healing
               comes through our hands, the power comes from God.  We are only agents of God’s healing
               power.

               Act 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
               together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with
               boldness.

               There are results when true worship and adoration are given to God and His Son, Jesus (16:26).
               Here God answers their prayer with a wonder: He shakes the meeting place.  God also answers
               their prayer for boldness: They are filled with the Holy Spirit.  This group of believers must have
               gone from praying in a known tongue to praying and praising God in unknown tongues of the
               Holy Spirit.

                       4:31 boldness,  parrhesia (par-rhay-see-ah); Outspokenness, unreserved utterance,
                       freedom of speech, with frankness, candor, cheerful courage, and the opposite of
                       cowardice, timidity, or fear. Here it denotes a divine enablement that comes to ordinary
                       and unprofessional people exhibiting spiritual power and authority. It also refers to a
                       clear presentation of the gospel without being ambiguous or unintelligible.  Parrhesia is
                       not a human quality but a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit.]]></page><page Index="55"><![CDATA[ONE HEART

               Act 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither
               said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all
               things common.

               And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart (love) and of one soul (purpose):
               neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had
               all things common.

               Not Only Is This a Review of Acts 2:45, but also an introduction to Acts 5.  Although all are said
               to be of one love and purpose toward each other and God, and exception will soon be found
               and Ananias and Sapphira.

               Act 4:33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:
               and great grace was upon them all.

               And with great power (dunamis: inherent power) gave the apostles witness of the resurrection
               of the Lord Jesus: and great grace (favor) was upon them all.

               The power referred to is miracle power (1 Corinthians 12:10).  The miracle received is semeion,
               which was found in verse 16.  A miracle performed is dunamis, found in this verse.  This verse
               also notes that miracles and signs are all witnessing (1:8).  Each miracle proclaims that the
               primary reason Jesus was raised from the dead was to be our personal Savior.  One of the
               benefits following a life of power and holiness is great grace or favor (2:47), which the disciples
               walked in.

                       ,, 4:33 power, dunamis (doo-nam-is);  One of four great power words. The others are
                       exousai, delegated authority; ischuros, great strength (especially physical); and kratos
                       dominion authority.  Dunamis means energy, power, might, great force, great ability,
                       strength. It is sometimes used to describe the powers of the world to come at work up
                       on the Earth and divine power overcoming all resistance. (Compare “dynamic,”
                       “dynamite,” and “dynamometer.”) The dunamis in Jesus resulted in dramatic
                       transformations. This is the norm for the Spirit-filled and Spirit-led church.

                       4:32-33 One Heart and One Soul,  POWER OF UNITY.  The early church grew rapidly as
                       “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). In 4:32-
                       33, it is reported that the growing multitude of believers were experiencing a profound
                       dimension of spiritual unity. First, they were “of one heart,” which is a description in the
                       original Greek, meaning “in tune” or “in sync” with one another. To put it another way,
                       they were all going the same way, spiritually together. Second, they were of “one soul”
                       (sometimes translated as “one mind”). This has a wonderfully deep meaning in the
                       original Greek. It literally means “to breathe” or “to breathe spiritually together.” The
                       results of this quality of spiritual unity were both powerful and practical: “they had all]]></page><page Index="56"><![CDATA[things in common” (shared everything they had); they witnessed “with great power”;
                       and “great grace was upon them all.” All of these glorious things took place through the
                       unleashing of the power of the Holy Spirit in response to the corporate prayers of God’s
                       people crying out to him together (verse 24).

               POSSESSIONS POOLED (34-37)

               Many of these first believers sold their land or homes so distribution could be made toward
               those in need, especially the widows.  This giving was strictly voluntary on the part of the
               people.  No one coerced them into doing so.

               Act 4:34  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of
               lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

               The same thing will happen twice in the next chapter.  Barnabas is one individual who will sell
               his land to give to the gospel and be blessed.  He will be truthful with the people and the Holy
               Spirit.  Ananias and Sapphira, however, will lie and receive judgment.

               Act 4:35  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man
               according as he had need.

               The giving of possessions is voluntary, and the people are free to participate or not participate.
               Many choose to pool their possessions, property, and finances because if they don’t “own”
               anything, the government can’t take it away.  Part of the group who receives benefit from the
               common collection is the widows (6:1).  The pooling of resources does not produce power, but
               it is an outward sign of the unity which the disciples already possess.

               Act 4:36  And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted,
               The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

               And Joses (Joseph), who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted,
               The son of consolation), a Levite, and I’ll the country of Cyprus,

               This is the beginning of the ministry of Barnabas:

                   1.  He later became a prophet and teacher (13:1; 14:14).
                   2.  He introduces Paul to the other apostles (9:25-27).
                   3.  He began the church at Antioch (11:22-23).
                   4.  He sent for Paul to teach the congregation (11:25-26).
                   5.  He eventually became a pastor at Antioch will and missed God through legalism
                       (Galatians 2:13).
                   6.  He finally became reconciled to Paul (1 Corinthians 9:6).


               Act 4:37  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.]]></page><page Index="57"><![CDATA[The church at Jerusalem is the only church that operated in this manner.  This does not give the
               church immunity to persecution or destruction.  After Saul’s conversion, the church at
               Jerusalem begins to define.  Paul mentions later in the epistles (to Corinth and Philippi) the
               great needs at Jerusalem.  Offerings will be given and distributed to them as a result.
               Thessalonica and Philippi will be great contributors to the saints in Jerusalem.]]></page><page Index="58"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="59"/><page Index="60"/><page Index="61"><![CDATA[Chapter 5]]></page><page Index="62"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 5


               PREACHING AND PRISON


               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER FIVE


               The following story of Ananias and Sapphira should cause us to examine our own heart motives
               in giving to the Lord.  It should also cause us to realize the seriousness of lying to the Holy Spirit
               and the results.

               We are told in 2 Timothy that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer
               persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12), something that we see clearly in chapter 5.  Religion hates the

               gospel and will do everything to stop its influence in the world.  But Jesus told us, “In the world
               ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

               Living a godly life according to the Word of God will cause persecution in our lives.  Similar to
               the first apostles, we will suffer tribulation in this life, but we can be of good cheer knowing the
               gospel cannot be stopped because Jesus has already won!

               ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA (1-11)


               This chapter highlights the sin unto death as Ananias and Sapphira demonstrate the result of
               committing that sin.  Individual accountability before God is also highlighted.


               THE SIN UNTO DEATH

               Until this time, the attacks against the church had been external, through the Sanhedrin, the

               scribes, and the Pharisees.  But beginning in chapter 5, the main attacks of Satan turn toward
               internal dissension.

               This sin unto death, unlike the unpardonable sin, is not one particular sin committed exclusively
               by believers.  This sin is the final in a series of sins.

                   1.  The principal is taught in the Old and  New Testaments:
                       a)  Psalm 118:17-18

                       b)  Ezekiel 18:23-24
                       c)  1 John 5:16-17

                   2.  There are seven biblical case histories of the sin unto death:
                       a)  Achan (Joshua 7)]]></page><page Index="63"><![CDATA[b)  Saul’s consultation with the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:15-19)
                       c)  Hezekiah’s disobedience (Isaiah 38)
                       d)  Ananias and Sapphira’s lies to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11
                       e)  The Corinthian man’s incestuous relationship (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)
                       f)  A believers carnality at the Lord’s table (1 Corinthians 11:30-31)
                       g)  Hymenaeus and Alexander’s Apostasy (1 Timothy 1:19-20)


               ANANIAS LIES TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

               ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA CONSPIRE


               Act 5:1  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,


               Ananias and Sapphira are wealthy land owners in Jerusalem.  They probably decide to duplicate
               Barnabas’gift, but give out of a wrong heart motive.

               They are not living to please the Lord but to receive the praise and applause of men.  They are
               carnal.  They have been outdone by a spiritual man, Barnabas, and they want to have the
               attention turned away from Barnabas and toward them.


               Many things may inspire us to give.  We may be inspired by the example of another who has
               given, but our giving must always be motivated out of a love for God.

               Act 5:2  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain
               part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.


               This sin is parallel to that of Achan in Joshua 7.  Ananias and Sapphira do not have to bring the
               full amount of their possession.  There is no pressure by Peter or any other church leader.  We
               give as we purpose in our own heart, not grudgingly or of necessity (2 Corinthians 9:7).  The
               purpose of this story is not to cause people to feel guilty for not giving.  The purpose is to
               prevent people from lying about their giving.  Do not give a portion and say you gave all.

               Ananias comes to the meeting alone, and Sapphira comes later.  They wanted to split the glory
               and make it last longer.  She will arrive approximately three hours later (verse 7).


               PETER CONFRONTS ANANIAS

               Act 5:3  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and
               to keep back part of the price of the land?]]></page><page Index="64"><![CDATA[Peter receives a word of knowledge by the Holy Spirit.  Satan cannot possess a believer, but can
               persuade minds when we are carnal.  Although Ananias and Sapphira are believers, they are
               under the control of Satan.

               Act 5:4  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own
               power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but

               unto God.

               Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?  and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power
               (authority)?  Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?  Thou hast not lied unto men,
               but unto God.


               While he owned it and sold it, he was free to do with it as he pleased.  The Word is strong on
               individual ownership of property -- free enterprise.

               ANANIAS GIVES UP THE GHOST


               Act 5:5  And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear
               came on all them that heard these things.

               And Ananias hearing (having heard) these words fell down, and gave up the ghost (his spirit):
               and great fear came on all them that heard these things.


               Even after hearing these words, Ananias has an opportunity to repent.  “Having heard”
               indicates he understands the situation and does not want to admit his sin or repent.  This sin is
               premeditated.  Ultimately, he lies to God and dies under the judgment of God, the sin unto
               death.  This judgment brings great reverence to the people of the church.

               Act 5:6  And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.


               Ananias is bound up in grave clothes and buried quickly.  (Burials were performed immediately
               in the ancient world.)

               The “young men” of the congregation are those studying for the ministry.  They could have
               been students or new converts, but they are doing the tasks of the ministry.  In the Word of
               God, the younger men are usually responsible for the work of the ministry in preparation for
               preaching in the pulpit.]]></page><page Index="65"><![CDATA[SAPPHIRA LIES TO THE HOLY GHOST

               PETER QUESTIONS SAPPHIRA


               Act 5:7  And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was
               done, came in.


               Not one man or woman has gone to Sapphira and told her what had happened to her husband.
               They all stay in the service and worship the Lord.  All present have a renewed reverence for the
               Lord.

               Act 5:8  And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she
               said, Yea, for so much.


               Peter gives Sapphira an opportunity to tell the truth before the congregation, but she also lies.
               She is not held accountable for her husband’s sin unless she is in agreement with it.  Her answer
               reveals her heart.

               PETER CONFRONTS SAPPHIRA


               Act 5:9  Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of
               the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall
               carry thee out.

               Now a word of wisdom comes to Peter and he explains what is about to happen to her.  The
               same men who had buried her husband will bury her.


               SAPPHIRA GIVES UP THE GHOST

               Act 5:10  Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young
               men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.


               The same sin brought the same judgment.

               Ananias and Sapphira are not judged because they did not bring all the money they received.
               They are judged because they lied.

               Act 5:11  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.


               The honeymoon period of Acts 2 is over, and a new commitment has settled into the hearts of
               the people.

               This story teaches on the importance of commitment to the Word of God and the local church.]]></page><page Index="66"><![CDATA[Acts 2:42 showed these believers began with a commitment, “they continued steadfastly in the
               apostle’s doctrine.”

               SIGNS AND WONDERS BY THE APOSTLE’S HANDS (12-16)


               The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira bring great reverence for God.  Many other signs and
               wonders are performed through the hands of the apostles, and although some sinners do not
               join themselves to the apostles, the church has a good report among them.


               As a result of the signs and wonders, new believers are added as the unsaved are drawn to the
               healings performed.

               Act 5:12  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the
               people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.)

               Great reverence for God allows the Holy Spirit to do more signs and wonders through the

               church leadership.

               Act 5:13  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified
               (esteemed) them.


               Sinners do not join themselves to the apostles, but speak very highly of the believers and
               church leaders.  The church has a good rapport with people who do not agree with their beliefs
               and doctrines.

                       5:13 esteemed, megaluno (meg-al-oo-no); To make great, to enlarge, to magnify, to
                       increase, to make conspicuous, to extol, to show respect, to hold in high esteem. When
                       Ananias and Sapphira were judged, many shrank from associating with the apostles and
                       their services. Despite all this, the public looked at the new Christian worshipers

                       favorably (megaluno).

               Act 5:14  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

               Act 5:15  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and
               couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.


               More unity brings more signs and wonders.  More signs and wonders bring more souls into the
               kingdom of God.  There are so many people receiving the Lord, numbers are no longer
               mentioned.  In chapter 2, three thousand were added.  In chapter 4, five thousand were added.
               Now “multitudes” are added.

               The healing ministry brings great popularity to the disciples with the unsaved multitudes who
               need healing.]]></page><page Index="67"><![CDATA[Healing comes in many different ways in the Bible.  The woman with the issue of blood was
               healed through the anointing in Jesus’clothes.  Paul later sees people healed through
               handkerchiefs and aprons.  The anointing for healing radiates from the minister.  Here, Peter’s
               shadow does not heal, but the power of God which radiates through Peter brings the healing.
               The faith of the people is not in Peter but in God’s power.


               Act 5:16  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing
               sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

               Whether through hands, shadows, clothes, or any other means, God’s purpose is to heal all just
               as it is to save all (2 Peter 3:9).  These are the same results that accompanied the healing
               ministry of Jesus.  Jesus also yielded all (Matthew 4:23-24; 8:16; Acts 10:38).  Now, the disciples
               continue with Jesus’ ministry.


               THE SECOND ARREST OF THE APOSTLES (17-24)


               The high priest and Jewish religious leaders are enraged by the popularity Christianity is gaining.
               They arrest the apostles and put them in prison.  As a sign to the Sanhedrin, an angel releases
               the apostles from prison.  The next day, it is reported to the religious leaders that the apostles
               were found teaching in the temple.

               THE APOSTLES THROWN IN JAIL


               Act 5:17  Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the
               Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

               Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the
               Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,


               Those with the high priest are Annas, Caiaphas, and members of the Sanhedrin.  We have
               already seen them in 4:6.  The Sadducees are mentioned because of their stand against angels.
               Interestingly, it is an angel that God will use to deliver the disciples here and on many other
               occasions.


               Act 5:18  And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

               This is the public prison which houses all who have been arrested during the day.  They are put
               in holding cells before they are brought to trial.]]></page><page Index="68"><![CDATA[ANGELS DELIVER THE APOSTLES


               Act 5:19  But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth,
               and said,

                       5:19  Angels in the NT, ANGELS.  There are more direct references to Angels in the NT
                       than in the OT. Jesus talked about angels (Matthew 26:53; Mark 13:32; Luke 20:34-36;
                       John 1:51); and not only were angels in attendance At His birth, resurrection and
                       ascension, they were active amid the early church’s life. In Acts, angelic activity: 1) freed
                       apostles imprisoned for their faith (see also 12:6-7), 2) led Philip to an evangelistic

                       opportunity (8:26), 3) told Cornelius how to find Peter in order to hear the gospel (10:3,
                       5), 4) struck judgment on wicked Herod (12:23), and 5) encouraged Paul caught in a
                       killer storm (27:23). Throughout the NT, believers are given instruction on the presence,
                       nature, and function of angels, fallen and unfallen (Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 1:12; 3:22;
                       Revelation 5:11-12; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:16; 2 Peter 2:4).

               Act 5:20  Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.


               The angel is not seen by the prisoners or guards who are close by.  For the disciples, the angel’s
               presence confirms that God is pleased with their stand for the gospel and their boldness to
               minister to the sick in the name of Jesus.  The angel also instructs them to teach the whole
               Word of God.

               People being born again because of the preaching of the word is only the beginning.  They must

               also be instructed in the whole Word of God so they will become disciples, not just converts.

               Act 5:21  And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and
               taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together,
               and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

               While the officers of the Sanhedrin are looking for the prisoners in the jail cells, the disciples are
               already in the temple teaching.  Their deliverance is a clear indication of God’s attitude toward

               governments who try to stop the teaching and ministering of the Word of God.  It is also a clear
               teaching on what our attitude should be for government leaders who try to restrain the
               ministry of the Word.

               OFFICERS REPORT TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS


               Act 5:22  But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and
               told,]]></page><page Index="69"><![CDATA[Act 5:23  Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing
               without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

               The officers explain to the leaders that they had done their job the night before.  The prison
               doors were not only close, safety locks were in place and guards were stationed outside the
               prison doors.  Even though no one was inside the prison, the guards had properly performed

               their duty.  In other words, the only explanation for the prisoners being freed is a miracle.

               Act 5:24  Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard
               these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.


               The leaders of the Sanhedrin are at a loss for words.  Their desire is to keep this movement
               from growing, and they do not know what to do to stop it.

               THE THIRD ARREST OF THE APOSTLES (25-27)


               When the religious leaders discover the apostles teaching the Word of God in the temple, they
               arrest them again.  Because they fear the crowd’s reaction, the captain arrests them quietly.

               Act 5:25  Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are
               standing in the temple, and teaching the people.


               The leaders of the government are so out of touch with what has taken place, the disciples are
               already in the temple teaching the Word of God, and they know nothing about it.  While these
               same leaders are preparing to interrogate the disciples, the disciples are in the temple doing
               the will of God.

               Act 5:26  Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they
               feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.


               The first reaction of the captain and officers is to grab the apostles and make a public display of
               them.  However, they recognize the popularity of the disciples, and the people are gathering by
               the thousands to hear them speak and see the miracles they are performing.

               The captain and officers then decide to arrest them without making a scene.  They fear the
               reaction of the crowd.


               The disciples willingly go with the temple guards when they are asked, demonstrating their
               submissive hearts.]]></page><page Index="70"><![CDATA[THE APOSTLES BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL (27-42)


               The council confronts the disciples about continuing to preach the gospel.  But the disciples
               make it clear they must obey God.  Peter then accuses the religious leaders of crucifying Jesus.
               The council is so enraged they want the disciples to be put to death immediately.  Gamaliel
               reasons with the council, and the council listens.  Again they only threaten the disciples and
               release them.  The disciples rejoiced at the suffering and continue to teach and preach.

               INTERROGATION BY THE HIGH PRIEST


               Act 5:27  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high
               priest asked them,


               Notice the question is not “How did you escape from prison?”  The council was afraid of the
               response they would receive if they asked that question.  Instead, they interrogate the disciples
               over preaching in the name of Jesus.

               Act 5:28  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and,
               behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon
               us.


               Satan hates the name of Jesus, and religion is backed by Satan and demons.  But the name of
               Jesus has been exalted above them all.

               By this time, the teaching of the disciples has saturated Jerusalem and everyone is talking about
               the words, signs, and wonders of the disciples.  Yet these religious leaders believe the disciples
               are preaching to blame them for the death of Jesus.  However, these same leaders had already
               accepted this blame when Jesus was taken to be crucified (Matthew 27:24-25).


               This verse reveals the corruption of the religious leaders.  They are more concerned about
               themselves than the people.

               PETER’S RESPONSE


               Act 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather
               than men.

               The Bible commands us to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13) because government is of the
               Lord.  But when government oversteps its limits and dictates when and where to preach the

               gospel, believers must go with the Word.  When men in authority contradict God’s Word, then
               and only then do Christians have a right to disobey the law.]]></page><page Index="71"><![CDATA[Act 5:30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

               “Our fathers” includes the religious leaders Peter is addressing.  These men defied the will of
               the God they claimed to serve.


               Act 5:31  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give
               repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

               Peter explains that God overrode their decision to crucify Jesus by raising Him up and giving
               Him the highest position in heaven.  Peter is, in essence, saying, “You are not the leaders over
               Israel, and your religion does not offer salvation.”  Jesus is both leader and savior.  He is the

               only one who can remove sin.  He is also savior of the nation of Israel.

               Act 5:32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God
               hath given to them that obey him.

               Peter and the disciples are natural witnesses.  The Holy Spirit is the supernatural witness.


               Act 5:33  When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

               The Greek says, “their heart was divided with rage and anger.”  While the disciples stood before
               them, the religious leaders made the decision to put them to death.

               GAMALIEL SPEAKS


               Act 5:34  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the
               law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little
               space;


               Gamaliel is a respected Pharisee of his day and is the grandson of Hillel who founded a
               theological school.  Gamaliel has oversight of the school and was one of Paul’s teachers (Acts
               22:3).  He requests the disciples be removed from the room for a time so he can discuss the
               issue with others on the Sanhedrin.

               Act 5:35  And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as

               touching these men.

               Act 5:36  For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a
               number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as
               obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

               History (Josephus) tells us that Theudas rose up, caused a small revolution and declared himself
               to be Messiah.  He had approximately four hundred followers.  The Romans captured and]]></page><page Index="72"><![CDATA[beheaded him.  They left his head on the streets to show the people that Caesar was still Lord.
               Theudas’s followers quickly scattered.

               Act 5:37  After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much
               people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.


               Judas of Galilee rebelled during the taxation record in Luke 2:1.

               Act 5:38  And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this
               counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:


               Gamaliel is advising the council to remove the pressure and opposition they have against the
               disciples.

               Act 5:39  But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against
               God.


               Gamaliel’s argument and advice:

                   1.  If the movement be of man, it will fall apart by itself.  Either God or the men involved
                       will destroy it (i.e. Theudas and Judas).
                   2.  If the movement be of God, the Sanhedrin has placed itself in a position of fighting
                       against God.
                   3.  If it is of God, man cannot stop it.
                   4.  Leave it alone.


               Act 5:40  And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them,
               they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

               The Sanhedrin agrees with Gamaliel while he is standing before them, but still do their best to
               hinder the disciples.  Their new threats will accomplish no more than their previous threats
               had.  The disciples are resolute in their decision to obey God and preach and teach in the name

               of Jesus even more than they already had been.

               THE DISCIPLES DEPART FROM THE COUNCIL


               Act 5:41  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted
               worthy to suffer shame for his name.

               The disciples are fulfilling Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; James 1:2.  They have learned
               to “count it all joy” when they fall into trials and tests.  They consider it an honor to be
               persecuted for the name of Jesus.  They believe it is a mark of blessing to know they have
               caused enough damage in Satan’s kingdom to be persecuted.]]></page><page Index="73"><![CDATA[Act 5:42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach
               Jesus Christ.

               The entire congregation meets in the temple, but in every house they meet for meals and
               fellowship.  The persecution does not stop the Word, but it increases the teaching and
               preaching of it.]]></page><page Index="74"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="75"/><page Index="76"/><page Index="77"><![CDATA[Chapter 6]]></page><page Index="78"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 6


               THE FIRST LOCAL CHURCH


               Belonging to and participating in a local church is of utmost importance for every born-again
               believer.  The main function of the members of the local church is to relieve the pastor of the
               daily responsibilities so he may dedicate himself to prayer and the study of God’s Word.
               Ushers, greeters, counselors, hospital workers, children, and youth workers are all vital to the
               successful and effectual functioning of the local church.


               Just as in the first local church, there are no perfect churches because there are no perfect
               people.  But we can strive to walk free of strife and in the unity of faith with a heart to serve
               one another in the body of Christ.  God offers His divine wisdom to all who will ask.  We can
               walk in the same wisdom in which Stephen operated it we will only ask.

               THE LOCAL CHURCH


               Much is written in the New Testament about the daily operation of the local church, especially
               in the book of Acts.  Foundational principles are established because the first local church at
               Jerusalem is far from perfect.  Very little of what is written is being followed today.


               THE PASTOR

               The pastor is the final authority in the local church, and is his responsibility to teach the Word
               of God.  This is his only responsibility.  Anything else is subject to his own personal desires,

               strengths and weaknesses, and ability to delegate.  He is given a number of titles:

                   1. Elder (presbuteros): Describes his person and maturity.  “The elders which are among
                       you I exhort, who am also an elder, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be
                       revealed” (1 Peter 5:1).
                   2. Bishop (episkopos: overseer): Describes the pastor’s responsibility and work.  “Take
                       heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath
                       made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own

                       blood” (Acts 20:28).  Also 1 Peter 5:2: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking
                       the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready
                       mind;. . .”
                   3. Pastor (poimen: shepherd): Describes the pastor’s spiritual gift, responsibility to his
                       congregation, and his qualifications (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; Colossians 1:25-29; 1
                       Timothy 3:7; 4:15-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-3; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).]]></page><page Index="79"><![CDATA[4.  Deacon (diakonos): Describes the pastor’s attitude toward the ministry: “But we will
                       give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

               AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH


               Other people in areas of responsibility are needed in the local church to enhance the pastor’s
               role.


                   1.  Elders rule and teach, e.g. Sunday school teachers, staff, etc. (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy
                       three: 1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
                   2.  Bishops are overseers, e.g. Sunday school superintendents (Philippians 4:1; 1 Timothy
                       3:1-7).
                   3.  Deacons are helps ministers, e.g. ushers, communion servers, and greeters (Acts 6:3; 1
                       Timothy 3:8-13).

               PRINCIPLES ESTABLISHED IN THE LOCAL CHURCH


               No church is perfect.  The government laid down in the word is not rules, but principles.  Often,
               believers want to look back at the early church and emulate its ways.  But the early church had
               strife, schisms, and divisions.  We have everything the early church had and more.  We hve the
               same problems and the same Holy Spirit, but the word is now complete.


               EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (1-7)

               Every growing church goes through pains and difficulties even when disciples are multiplying.

               Growth in numbers is usually met with murmur.  Most complaints are usually “Things are not
               like they used to be.”

               The first major church problem is the treatment of Greek and Hebrew widows.  Because the
               primary responsibility of the apostles is prayer and study, the people choose seven men to
               alleviate the problem.  Again, the Word of God increases and the number of disciples multiply.


               MURMURING OF GRECIANS AGAINST THE HEBREWS

               Act 6:1  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a
               murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the

               daily ministration.

               And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring
               of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily
               ministration (diakonos).]]></page><page Index="80"><![CDATA[The first major internal problem of the Jerusalem church is racial.  Grecian widows feel they are
               not being cared for as well as the Hebrew widows.  A faction arises as the Greeks rally around
               their widows.

               Inequality probably did exist since the church leaders are Hebrews, but the problem was
               probably not intentional.  The word “ministration” comes from the Greek word diakonos, which

               means service or work.  The service being administered is the distribution of food and goods.
               Those distributing the goods are favoring the Hebrew widows over the Greek.

               SOLUTION TO INEQUALITY


               Act 6:2  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not
               reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

               Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason
               (pleasing to God) that we should leave the Word of God, and serve (diakonos) tables.


               The solution proposed by the people is for the church leaders to distribute the provisions.
               However, the apostles quickly see that their true calling and responsibility is in jeopardy.

               The typical solution given by people for solving problems in a church is for the church leaders to
               personally handle the situations.  They desire the pastor to pray for the sick, visit those in
               prison, and witness to those who need salvation.  However, the pastor is not responsible for
               taking care of everyone, only to ensure that everyone is taken care off.


               The true meaning of diakonos is brought out in this verse.  It is the serving of tables.  The
               deacon’s ministry is to serve others.  This is the practical side of the ministry.  Without the
               practical side, the Word could not be effectively taught to the people.  When numbers increase,
               organization must change.  Change is an important part of any growing organization.


               THE SELECTION OF DEACONS

               Act 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the
               Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.


               The first qualification for the newly chosen helpers is an “honest report” (1 Timothy 3:7).  They
               must be well-thought-of throughout the church and the community.  Second, they must be
               filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and speak with tongues daily.  Finally, they must be
               filled with the Word (Colossians 3:16), so they can operate in divine wisdom.

               The “business” spoken of here is not the financial business of the church.  It is “this business” of
               taking care of the widows.  Many churches believe this verse means deacons watch over the]]></page><page Index="81"><![CDATA[business area of the church.  But deacons watch over “this business,” the serving of the needs
               of the people.

               Act 6:4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.


               But we will give ourselves continually (primarily) to prayer, and to the ministry (diakonos) of the
               word.

               Prayer and preparation of the word of God takes much time and concentration.  Any ministry
               by a deacon or elder also takes extended times of preparation and concentration.  One person,
               the pastor, cannot do both and effectively feed the sheep (Acts 20:28).


               Moses faced the same problem with the children of Israel .  His father-in-law, Jethro, proposed
               the same solution.  Moses was to choose men to help him watch over the people so he could
               minister in prayer and the teaching of the Word (Exodus 18: 19-22).  In both Exodus and Acts,
               prayer is mentioned before the ministry of the Word.  Prayer hears from God to know His mind
               concerning what to give to the people.  The Holy Spirit is the agent and power of prayer.  He
               leads us into the Word.  The pastor is also seen in this passage as a deacon.  Just as every
               believer has work and service to perform, the pastor’s duty is to serve the Word of God to the

               people.

                       6:1-4 Faithfulness in Prayer and Spiritual Warfare, FAITH’S WARFARE.  The early church
                       learned quickly that their prayer had to be continuous because spiritual warfare is
                       continuous. It became their first priority because Satan sought their defeat as his first
                       priority. Thus, their earliest recorded administrative decision after Pentecost places the
                       ministry of prayer (with the Word) as highest in importance.


                       As the church grew, circumstances required more of the apostles’ time. But realizing
                       they needed more prayer, rather than increased activity, the apostles chose seven men
                       to serve as deacons to care for the church. This freed them to focus on prayer and the
                       ministry of the Word. Of the two, prayer, rightly, is listed first. Faithfulness to prayer
                       recurs throughout Scripture. Paul would later tell the church At Rome to “be kindly
                       affectionate to one another . . . continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:10, 12).

               SEVEN MEN CHOSEN


               Act 6:5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of
               faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas,
               and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:


               Notice each man chosen has a Greek name.  Whether these men are fully or partially Greek is
               not known.  All are probably Greek speaking and understand the needs of the Greek widows.]]></page><page Index="82"><![CDATA[These are the seven men chosen and presented to the church leadership:

                   1. Stephen means “victors crown.”  He is a teacher of the Word of God and will teach with
                       deep conviction before the religious crowd.  He is an excellent example and great
                       tribute to the potential of promotion in the office of a deacon (1 Timothy 3:13).
                       Stephen will also become the subject of Acts 7, as well as the first martyr of the church.

                   2. Philip means “lover of horses.”  Philip will become the subject of Acts 8.  He will become
                       the first evangelist of the New Testament (acts 21:8).
                   3. Prochorus means “leader of a chorus.”
                   4. Nicanor means “the glorious.”
                   5. Timon means “honorable.”
                   6. Parmenas means “abiding.”
                   7. Nicolas means “victor of the people.”  Nicolas is a born-again Greek who was also
                       circumcised.  He later became apostate and founded one of the early cult movements

                       that opposed Christianity, a group known as the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6, 15).  He
                       mingled Christianity with the worship of Aphrodite and formed a brotherhood which
                       added other beliefs.  Many Christians were drawn away.  John associates their teachings
                       with the doctrine of Balaam.

               The choosing of Nicolas reveals that regardless of how well leaders are chosen, some will turn
               away.  We sometimes blame ourselves or wonder where we went wrong when individuals turn
               against us.  But this group of believers is doing their best to be led by the Holy Spirit.  The seven

               men selected are even brought before church leadership.  Even with all the safety checks in
               place, Nicolas easily became a deacon in the church.

               God does not punish us today for what we will do in the future.  He rewards us today for our
               present faithfulness.

               Act 6:6  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands
               on them.


               Although the people chose the seven men, they were ultimately approved by the church
               leadership.  The people may have chosen people who look good outwardly, but often,
               leadership is in a position to know things others do not know.

               INCREASE OF THE WORD


               Act 6:7  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem
               greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.]]></page><page Index="83"><![CDATA[Before this time, the number of the disciples was multiplied (verse 1).  Now the disciples
               multiplied greatly because the Word of God increased.  When the church leadership is given the
               freedom to give more of their time to prayer and the ministry of the Word of God, the Word is
               able to increase.  It is a simple progression.  When dedicated members of the church (disciples)
               given themselves to helping the work of the ministry, the pastor is free to give himself in a
               greater way to prayer and preparation of the Word.  The result is an even greater number of

               disciples arising and multiplying.  Those disciples then go out and preach the Word, and the
               most difficult cases, the religious people, are won to the Lord.  Those who witness to the
               religious crowd are not the pastor and church staff; they are the people of the congregation.
               One of those deacons who witnessed to the religious crowd was Stephen.  He would soon give
               his life for the gospel.

               THE ARREST OF STEPHEN (8-15)


               Stephen, one out of the seven men selected to be a deacon, eventually teaches the Word with
               signs and wonders following.  Stephen operates in the wisdom of God, and the religious leaders
               of the time cannot dispute his wisdom, so they bring false witnesses against him and had him
               arrested.


               DISPUTE AGAINST STEPHEN

               Act 6:8  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the
               people.


               And Stephen, full of faith and power (dunamis: inherent power), did great wonders and
               miracles (semeion: signs) among the people.

               Stephen is one who listened to the Word taught in the church.  Because of this, faith came, and
               the power of the Holy Spirit is a result.  Stephen witnesses in the city of Jerusalem and signs and

               wonders follow his teaching ministry, which causes an uproar among the religious leaders.

               Act 6:9  Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the
               Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with
               Stephen.

               Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines
               (liberated slaves), and Cyrenians (a Greek trade center of North Africa) and Alexandrians (Jews

               from Alexandria), and of them of Cilicia (a city of Asia minor), and of Asia, disputing with
               Stephen.]]></page><page Index="84"><![CDATA[Descendents of Jewish slaves make up the “synagogue of the libertines.”  Their ancestors had
               been slaves under Rome who had been released.  They are one of the groups who join together
               to dispute Stephen.  Cilicia is one of the groups mentioned, and from this group, Saul of Tarsus
               (7:58).  He might have even been one of the men arguing with Stephen.

               Act 6:10  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.


               And they were not able (ischus: endowed with enough) to resist the wisdom (word) and the
               spirit (anointing) by which he spake.

               Stephen’s wisdom is from studying the word, and his anointing comes from prayer.  If Saul is

               one of the men arguing with Stephen, we can see his humiliation.  New Christians should have
               been too ignorant to know any of the word, and certainly too ignorant to humiliate a Pharisee
               in a public debate.

                       6:10 wisdom, Sophia (sof-ee-ah); Practical wisdom, prudence, skill, comprehensive
                       insight, Christian enlightenment, a right application of knowledge, insight into the true
                       nature of things. Wisdom in the Bible is often coupled with knowledge (Romans 11:33; 1
                       Corinthians 12:8; Colossians 2:3). In anticipation of our needing guidance, direction, and

                       knowing, God tells us to ask for wisdom, assuring us of a liberal reception (James 1:5).

               FALSE WITNESS

               Act 6:11  Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words

               against Moses, and against God.

               Then they suborned (bribed) men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words
               against Moses, and against God.


               Because the Pharisees cannot debate Stephen, they resort to illegal proceedings.  Even the
               accusation is illegal because it is hearsay and not acceptable in court.  But this does not matter
               to the Pharisees.  They will falsely accuse Stephen just as they had Jesus.

                       6:11 blasphemous, blasphemos (blas-fay-moss); Compare “blasphemy.”  From blapto,
                       “to injure,” and pheme, “speech”; hence, slanderous, abusive speech.

               Act 6:12  And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him,

               and caught him, and brought him to the council,

               Act 6:13  And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous
               words against this holy place, and the law:

               They mentioned the temple first, and the Word second.]]></page><page Index="85"><![CDATA[Act 6:14  For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and
               shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

               The temple will be destroyed, but it won’t be by Jesus.  Jesus never said He would destroy the
               temple, and neither did the early church.  The temple would be destroyed later by the Romans
               (Luke 21: 20-24).  And by this time, the customs and ceremonies were already changing

               because Jesus fulfilled them all.

               STEPHEN’S FACE SHINES


               Act 6:15  And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been
               the face of an angel.

               The men in the courtroom cannot take their eyes off Stephen.  God’s sense of humor is now
               displayed.  The council has used Moses as evidence against Stephen, but God uses the same
               confirmation of His presence with Stephen as He had with Moses: Stephen is covered with the

               glory of God, and his face begins to shine just as Moses’ face had (Exodus 34:30).  The disciples
               have also observed this same manifestation of the glory of God, when Moses appeared before
               Jesus on the mountain (Matthew 17:2).]]></page><page Index="86"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="87"/><page Index="88"/><page Index="89"><![CDATA[Chapter 7]]></page><page Index="90"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 7


               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER SEVEN


               Regardless of the circumstances we might face, we must always keep our eyes fixed on God’s
               Word.  The Word will give us boldness in the face of religion, false accusations, and even death.


               The last enemy to be destroyed will be death (1 Corinthians 15:26).  But as believers, we should
               not fear death.  First Corinthians 15:55 says, “O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy
               victory?”  Just as Stephan’s eyes are open to the spirit realm, and Jesus awaiting him when
               facing death, the same is true for every child of God.  We must not fear death, but live our lives
               spiritually proclaiming God’s Word, even when confronted with severe opposition.

               STEPHEN TESTIFIES (1-50)


               in response to Paul’s accusations, Stephen preaches a sermon reminding them of those who
               preceded them.  Through recounting the history of Israel and the patriarchs, the Holy Spirit
               (through Stephen) is revealing to the council that God cannot be confined to a temple made
               with the hands of.


               ABRAHAM

               Act 7:1  Then said the high priest, Are these things so?


               “These things” is a reference to 6:13-14.  In other words, the high priest is asking Stephen, “Are
               you guilty?”  But beginning in verse 2, Stephen will referred to Jesus.  Stephen will begin with
               the call of Abraham and recount the history of Israel up until the time of Moses.  He will also
               show how the ritual and ceremony of the temple is changed by Jesus’ fulfillment of the law.

               A SUPERNATURAL RACE


               Act 7:2  And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our
               father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

               “The God of glory” is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Glory is the visible image of God, the manifested

               presence of deity.  Mesopotamia is Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 12:1-9).  Jesus appeared to
               Abraham when he was a sinner, a Gentile.  He became a Jew when you believed and thus the
               father of the Jewish nation (Genesis 15:6).]]></page><page Index="91"><![CDATA[The Jews were the last race to be formed on the earth.  All other races were formed from the
               sons of Noah and were natural races (Genesis 10).  Then God dispersed these races (Genesis 11)
               around the world and confuse their languages.

               One race that came from Noah was the Chaldeans, who were sons of Shem.  They settled in
               Mesopotamia.  God called out one man from this race – Abram -- and when he believed in the

               Lord, God also changed his race.  The Jews are a supernatural race.  Their origin is not based
               upon natural seed, but upon faith.

               This Jewish race is a type of Jesus, who was virgin born.  It is also a type of the church, which is
               based on spiritual birth, regeneration.  The story of Abraham leaving Ur of the Chaldees and
               traveling to Haran is told in Genesis 11:31.


               ABRAHAN INSTRUCTED TO LEAVE UR

               Act 7:3  And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into
               the land which I shall shew thee.

               The country Abraham was to leave was Ur and the kindred were his father and nephew, Lot.

               Abraham obeyed the first command, but not the second.  He ran into continual trouble until he
               separated from his father (unbelievers) and Lot (carnal believers).

               Act 7:4  Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from
               thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.


               Abraham was stopped in Haran because he would not fully obey God and separate from
               relatives.  He was in Haran 13 years until his father died (Genesis 11: 31-12:5).  Abraham
               became wealthy in Haran, yet he was miserable.

               GOD’S PROMISE TO ABRAHAM


               Act 7:5  And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he
               promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet
               he had no child.

               Abraham was given God’s promises while he was in Ur of the Chaldees, and he left for the land
               promised him in faith.  But because of his unbelief, he failed to claim any promise in the land

               except his son Isaac.  When Abraham arrived in Canaan, there was a famine.  Rather than
               standing in faith, he traveled to Egypt.

               Eventually, Abraham returned to Canaan, but he brought Egypt with him when he returned
               with Hagar.  For nearly twenty-five years Abraham tried everything in the natural to fulfill the]]></page><page Index="92"><![CDATA[promise God had given him.  Haran, Lot, Eliazar, Egypt, Hagar, and Ishmael all had to be dealt
               with before Abraham would see the fulfillment of any of God’s promises to him.  After all of
               these leaning props fell out from under him, Abraham finally leaned on the Word (Romans
               4:20-21).  God promised it, God would perform it.

                       7:5 promised, epangello (ep-ang-el-bow);  To engage, to profess, to assert something

                       concerning oneself, to announce what one is about to do (an intention), to render a
                       service, to make a commitment, to pledge to do something. Here epangello is God’s
                       assurance to Abraham that the land He showed him was for him and his descendents.

               Act 7:6  And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that
               they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.


               Abraham finally became strong and trusted God even to the point of offering Isaac.  He knew
               God would raise him from the dead (Genesis 22).  Under Isaac, the Israelites continued downhill
               until they went into captivity under Joseph.  Seventy-five people went into captivity, 400 years
               later, 2 million came out.

               Act 7:7  And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that

               shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

               THE COVENANT OF CIRCUMCISION

               Act 7:8  And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and

               circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

               Circumcision was instituted to show the coming new covenant -- the new birth.  It was a
               continual reminder of Israel’s spiritual foundation, a nation which began supernaturally after all
               other races and nations.  Circumcision meant new beginnings.  Children were circumcised on
               the eighth day.  The number eight meant nothing to the Jews.  They would have related more
               to the number seven (Sabbath, Jubilee, etc.).  Circumcision was also a continual reminder of the
               Abrahamic covenant, which was established on faith.


               Having the father or doctor perform the circumcision was a reminder of the grace of God.  As
               the child grew, his circumcision was a sign of something that occurred while he was completely
               dependent.  Finally, circumcision was a reminder of the coming Messiah.


               Today, we do not worship on the seventh day or even the first day.  We worship on the eighth
               day.  We are living in the new covenant, the day of new beginnings (2 Corinthians 5:17).]]></page><page Index="93"><![CDATA[JOSEPH

               SOLD INTO SLAVERY


               Act 7:9  And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,


               The brothers who sold Joseph into slavery were a type of the Jews who crucified Jesus.  The
               patriarchs sold Joseph to the Gentiles to get rid of him and knowingly sold themselves into
               slavery for the next four hundred years.  God was with Joseph and he became the governor
               over the Egyptians, the Gentiles.  The Jews (especially Judas) “sold” Jesus to the Romans, yet he
               went on to become the head of the church.  Meanwhile, the Jews had gone into dispersion and
               will remain in that condition until Jesus returns.


               GOVERNOR OF EGYPT

               Act 7:10  And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the
               sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.


               Just as Joseph was raised from prison, Jesus was raised from the dead and hell.  Just as God
               favored Joseph, God favored Jesus, made Him the head of the church, and gave Him dominion
               in heaven and earth.

               FAMINE IN THE LAND


               Act 7:11  Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction:
               and our fathers found no sustenance.

               Now there came a dearth (famine and drought) over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great

               affliction (hunger and death): and our fathers (Israel) found no sustenance.

               Because of their sins, these brothers were the cause of the trials and tribulations that
               confronted their own family and nation.  God spared Egypt because of Joseph’s presence and
               gave that nation supernatural guidance to prepare and overcome the family.

               Act 7:12  But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.


               Act 7:13  And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred
               was made known unto Pharaoh.

               There is coming a time in which Jesus, who was sold and now became the ruler of heaven and
               earth, will receive the Jewish nation to Himself, and they will again be in God’s favor.]]></page><page Index="94"><![CDATA[Act 7:14  Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore
               and fifteen souls.

               Included in this number are Jacob’s sons, their wives, children, and grandchildren.  They are the
               ones who will settle in Egypt and go into slavery.  They will also come out of captivity four
               hundred years later, numbering over 2 million.


               DEATH OF JACOB


               Act 7:15  So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

               Act 7:16  And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for
               a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

               Jacob and his sons were buried in Shechem when they first died, but Joseph was not.  Joseph’s
               bones remained unburied for four hundred years.  They were eventually carried by the children

               of Israel to Shechem and buried there (Genesis 50: 22-26; Joshua 24:32; Hebrews 11:22).

               EVIL AGAINST ISRAEL


               Act 7:17  But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the
               people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

               Act 7:18  Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

               But when the time of the promise drew nigh (400 years later), which God had sworn to

               Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, till another king arose, which knew not
               Joseph.  This is found in Exodus 1:8-22.

               Act 7:19  The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they
               cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.


               The same dealt subtly with (schemed against) our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so
               that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

               The Pharaoh was so enraged that these people multiplied even under hardship and slavery, he
               made a decree to kill all the young male children to hold down the population.

               MOSES


               BIRTH


               Act 7:20  In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his
               father's house three months:]]></page><page Index="95"><![CDATA[Moses was given an Egyptian name.  He was found by the daughter of the Pharaoh Tutmos.
               She named him after her father, calling him Moses, which means “out of the water” (Exodus
               2:5-10).  His true mother nursed him for three months, weaned him and gave him to Pharaoh’s
               house (Hebrews 11:23).

               Act 7:21  And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for

               her own son.

               Act 7:22  And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words
               and in deeds.


               Moses became a great speaker and worker.  When Moses told God he could not speak, it was
               not true (Exodus 4:10).  God made Aaron his mouthpiece and during the fifth plague, Moses
               pushed Aaron aside and spoke for himself from that time forward.

               MOSES ATTEMPTS TO DELIVER


               Act 7:23  And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the
               children of Israel.

               God spoke to Moses at the same time he was offered the Egyptian Empire and Moses chose to
               go with his own people, Israel (Hebrews 11:24-27).


               Act 7:24  And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was
               oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

               Moses was naturally a very strong man.  With one blow, he killed the Egyptian man.  Moses was
               also brilliant and a great speaker.  He had many reasons in the natural to trust in his own ability.
               Pride was one of the areas God had to rid Moses of during his forty years on the backside of the

               wilderness.

               Act 7:25  For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand
               would deliver them: but they understood not.

               God spoke to his heart, and Moses knew he was the deliverer of Israel.  Moses assumed
               because he knew he was the deliverer, the whole nation of Israel would also recognize he was
               their deliverer.  But they did not.  They believed Moses sided with the Egyptians.


               Act 7:26  And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set
               them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

               After the Egyptians taskmaster had gone, the Jews began to find among themselves.]]></page><page Index="96"><![CDATA[Act 7:27  But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler
               and a judge over us?

               The children of Israel did not understand that Moses was their deliverer.  This was eye-opening
               for Moses.  Moses needed preparation.  He was called, but not separated (Romans 1:1).  He
               needed to understand his calling could not be revealed by force.  Fists and human strength only

               confused the issue (Titus 1:7).  Let God reveal you in His time: “Not by might, nor by power, but
               by my Spirit . . . “  (Zechariah 4:6).

               Act 7:28  Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?


               The people had witnessed the outward act of Moses but did not know his heart or the call of
               God on his life.

               MOSES FLEES EGYPT


               Act 7:29  Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he
               begat two sons.

               Moses saw his mistake and fled to the desert.  He was in fear for his life.  Moses needed to go
               to a place where he would learn to depend on God’s Spirit alone.  In the desert, Moses could
               not depend on his own strength.  Fists do not solve problems with sheep.  God was preparing
               Moses for two wilderness experiences.  The first would be with sheep, the next with people
               (human sheep).


               THE BURNING BUSH


               Act 7:30  And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount
               Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

               The time for Moses has arrived, but now he will not stand in his own strength; he was standing
               in the power of God.

               Act 7:31  When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the

               voice of the Lord came unto him,

               Moses saw a bush birding, but it was not being consumed.  This is a type of the anointing God
               would saturate Moses with, but Moses would not be consumed.  God places His anointing on
               people, but their personality and personal strengths and weaknesses remain the same.


               Act 7:32  Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and
               the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.]]></page><page Index="97"><![CDATA[Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
               Jacob.  Then Moses trembled and durst not behold (did not want to look).

               Act 7:33  Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou
               standest is holy ground.


               The ground was holy.  This is very important to the message Stephen is giving.  The religious
               Jews hearing this sermon preached that the temple is holy.  The place where Moses stood was
               holy, but it was in Arabia, the land of cursing.  Moses was not in Zion.  Stephen is revealing that
               a holy place exists anywhere God is.


                       7:33 holy, hagios (hag-ee-oss);  Compare “Hagiographa” and “hagiography.”  Sacred,
                       pure, blameless, consecrated, separated, properly revered, worthy of veneration,
                       Godlikeness, God’s innermost nature, set apart for God, reserved for God and His
                       service. Since nothing that is polluted could be hagios, purity becomes a big part of
                       hagios.  A holy God calls for a holy people.

               MOSES SENT TO DELIVER


               Act 7:34  I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard
               their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

               Now is the time of Moses’ separation.  God, not Moses and his fists, is going to deliver the
               people.


               Act 7:35  This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same
               did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in
               the bush.


               Forty years earlier, the Jews had asked Moses, “Who made you ruler?”  Now he was returning
               in God’s power to answer that question.

               Act 7:36  He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of
               Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

               The “He” who brought them out was the Lord Jesus Christ.


               Act 7:37  This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your
               God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

               This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God
               raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear (Deuteronomy 18: 15, 18).]]></page><page Index="98"><![CDATA[Act 7:38  This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him
               in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

               This is he (Moses), that was in the church (tabernacle) in the wilderness and the angel which
               spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively (living) oracles
               (law) to give unto us:


               ISRAEL MURMURS


               Act 7:39  To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts
               turned back again into Egypt,

               Act 7:40  Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought
               us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

               When Moses went to the mountain to receive the law, the people rejected him and turned to

               idols.  Aaron was weak, and the people knew this.  They were afraid of Moses, but knew they
               could sway Aaron.  They waited until Moses was gone and began to work on Aaron.

               These religious men interrogating Stephen have accused him of rejecting Moses, yet they are
               just as Israel was in the wilderness.  They are accepting the law but rejecting Moses’s prophecy
               of a great prophet who would come.  This prophet (Jesus) has always been with Israel and
               Moses.


               THE GOLDEN CALF


               Act 7:41  And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in
               the works of their own hands.

               The golden calf made in “those days” was no more of an idol than the law was on the day
               Stephen stands before the religious leaders.  They too, have turned the laws and sacrifices of
               God into idols and rejoice in their own works.

               Act 7:42  Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in

               the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices
               by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

               The “host of heaven” were the Egyptian gods of the stars.  The quote here is from Amos 5:25.
               The Israelites had disobeyed the commands of God by worshiping idols and sacrificing to
               heathen gods instead of the true God.


               Act 7:43  Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures
               which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.]]></page><page Index="99"><![CDATA[The God of the Canaanites (Amorites) was an ox-headed statue that had two hoofs extended in
               front of his body.  Children were placed on these hoofs, a fire was lit underneath, and the
               children were burned to death.  Because the dying children would scream, the worshipers
               would loudly beat drums to drown out the streams.

               The Hebrew word for drums is toph.  One word for hell is tophet, which emphasizes the

               screams accompanying the flames.

               The star of Remphan was Saturn.  The Israelites followed the idolatry of the Canaanites and, as
               a result, eventually went into captivity in Babylon for seventy years.


               Act 7:44  Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed,
               speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

               The purpose of the tabernacle, it’s worship, sacrifices, furniture, and law was to witness and
               teach about Jesus.

               JOSHUA, DAVID, SOLOMON


               Act 7:45  Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of
               the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;


               Act 7:46  Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

               Moses brought the law to Israel, but David discovered grace.  David knew more about God’s
               grace then any Old Testament writer.  David’s reign will be compared to the grace of God in our
               own dispensation (Acts 15:16).  David also experienced more of God’s grace and forgiveness
               than anyone else in the Old Testament.  He was called a man after God’s own heart and wrote
               about it much in the Psalms.


               Act 7:47  But Solomon built him an house.

               In acts 15:16, David’s reign will be compared to the church but his tabernacle was a tent in Zion.
               It was Solomon who was chosen by God to build the temple.  Solomon’s reign is a type of the
               millennial reign of the Lord Jesus, which is to come.  During David’s reign, there was much war,
               and David was called a man of war.  During Solomon’s reign there was little war and a great
               span of peace.  This is a type of the millennium.


               Stephen presents three names: Moses, David, and Solomon.  Each of these men stand the three
               time periods of Israel’s history following their deliverance from Egypt: the law, the church age,
               and the millennium.]]></page><page Index="100"><![CDATA[Act 7:48  Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the
               prophet,

               This word comes from 2 Chronicles 2:6.  Stephen now turns the table on his accusers and
               becomes their judge.  They believe God lives in their temple, but they are as apostate as their
               ancestors.


               Act 7:49  Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the
               Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

               This is a quote from Isaiah 66: 1-2.  God is deity, therefore He is omnipresent.  He can be in

               heaven and, at the same time, make the earth His footstool.

               Act 7:50  Hath not my hand made all these things?

               Only apostate people try to put God in a temple built my man.  God created everything in
               heaven and earth.  He cannot be contained.


               STEPHEN ACCUSES THE COUNCIL (51-53)

               Upon the conclusion of his sermon, Stephen accuses the council of being hardened against God

               and His Word even as their fathers had been.  He boldly charges them guilty of killing the
               Messiah and not keeping the law because of their rejection of Him.

               Act 7:51  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy
               Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

               Stephen now concludes his sermon.  He accuses them of being hardened against God and His
               Word.  They are uncircumcised in heart because they have not received Jesus, the Messiah, as

               their Savior.  They have purposely shut off their hearts by purposely shutting their ears to the
               gospel.  He is now accusing them of being sinful and rejecting God as their fathers had before
               them.  These religious leaders take pride in not being as bad as the Old Testament fathers had
               been, yet they actually show themselves to be worse.

               Act 7:52  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them
               which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers
               and murderers:


               Stephen is telling them the same thing they heard from Jesus Himself (Matthew 21:28-46; 22:1-
               13; 23:29-32).  Just as the fathers persecuted the prophets who foretold of the coming of Jesus,
               they have now killed the Holy One prophesied of.  These Jewish leaders rid themselves of]]></page><page Index="101"><![CDATA[problems by killing them.  They killed the prophets and they killed Jesus.  Now they will repeat
               the pattern by killing Stephen.

               Act 7:53  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.


               In addition to the law, many of the books of the major and minor prophets were given by
               angels (Galatians 3:19).  The purpose of the law was to teach of Jesus Christ.  By rejecting,
               persecuting, and killing Jesus, they have not kept the law.

               THE SANHEDRIN’S REACTION (54-60)


               The council is so convicted, they determine to stoned Stephen.  Stephen is dragged outside the
               city and stoned.  While being stoned, he intercedes for all those responsible for his death.

               CUT TO THE HEART


               Verses 54 through 56 give the reaction of the Sanhedrin to Stephen’s message.


               Act 7:54  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him
               with their teeth.

               The council now understands the meaning behind Stephen’s message, and become convicted in
               their hearts.

               DYING GRACE


               Act 7:55  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the
               glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,


               Stephen was under a strong anointing to preach; now he has a strong anointing to face death.
               Stephen has been given dying grace and is able to see both the natural and spiritual  world
               simultaneously.  The glory that took Jesus into heaven now surrounds Stephen.

               Act 7:56  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right
               hand of God.


               Stephen refers to the anointing for death as the “opening of heaven.”  Jesus, who is usually
               seated in heaven, stands up to greet one of His saints who is about to arrive in heaven.
               Throughout the Word, saints are met with departed relatives, angels, and the Lord Jesus
               Himself.  We will also be greeted by the same regal welcome at the rapture of the church (1
               Thessalonians 4: 16-17).]]></page><page Index="102"><![CDATA[RELIGION’S REACTION TO THE TRUTH


               Act 7:57  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with
               one accord,

               The religious leaders fight the conviction they feel by killing Stephen in an attempt to stop his
               message.  Since they are in a courtroom (6:15) and not in the streets surrounded by multitudes
               of people, they feel safe in attacking Stephen and dragging him outside to be stoned.


               These religious leaders are now out of control.  They are acting like wild animals.  They scream
               in an attempt to drown out Stephen’s voice.  They also cover their ears to block themselves
               from hearing Stephen sermon any longer.  These men represent the highest court in the land,
               yet they are acting like maniacs.  This is the reaction of religion when it is cornered.

               STEPHEN’S STONING


               Act 7:58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their
               clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

               Since the members of the religious council are sticklers about obeying the law, they stone
               Stephen outside the city.  The witnesses of the stoning are the false witnesses who had been

               bribed by the court into giving a false testimony against Stephen (6:11-14).

               Act 7:59  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

               The council does not stoned Stephen; they stand by and watch the false witnesses stone him.

               While Stephen is being stoned, he calls out for the Lord to receive his spirit.

               Act 7:60  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their
               charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

               Stephen, like Jesus on the cross, is interceding for the people who are stoning him.  Those
               watching are just as guilty as those who stoned Stephen.  Stephen’s prayer, like that of Jesus on
               the cross, will be answered after his death.  Jesus asked for those who crucified Him to be

               forgiven.  Later, the Roman guard received salvation.  Stephen’s prayer results in the salvation
               of Saul of Tarsus who stands by, holding the coats of those who do the stoning.  This prayer will
               be answered in chapter 9.]]></page><page Index="103"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="104"/></pages></Search>
