Acts of the Apostles Lecture Notes

Introduction to Acts

  • The Book of Acts, also known as the Acts of the Apostles, is a narrative that describes the early church's formation, growth, and spread of the Gospel after Jesus' ascension.

Addressed to Theophilus

  • Person Addressed in Acts: The first person addressed in the book of Acts is Theophilus (1:1).
  • Scriptural Reference: "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to teach and do" (1:2).

The Commands of Jesus

  • Means of Command: Jesus had given commandments unto the apostles through The Holy Ghost (1:2).
  • Evidence of Jesus: He shown himself alive to the apostles through many infallible proofs (1:3).

Duration of Appearances

  • Days of Appearance: Jesus was seen of the disciples for Forty days (1:3).
  • Topics Discussed: He spoke of things pertaining to the kingdom of God (1:3).

The Promise of the Father

  • Instruction to the Apostles: Jesus commanded the apostles not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father (1:4).
  • First Words of Jesus: Jesus' first words in Acts are "Which, ye have heard of Me" (1:4).

Question About the Kingdom

  • Disciples' Question: The apostles asked, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"
  • Jesus' Response: "It is not for you to know the times and the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power" (1:6-7).

Baptism with the Holy Ghost

  • Baptism Timeline: Jesus mentioned that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (1:5).
  • Empowerment to Witness: After the Holy Ghost comes upon them, they would receive power (1:8).

Ascension of Jesus

  • Witnessing the Ascension: As Jesus was taken up, He was received out of their sight by a cloud (1:9).
  • Gazing into Heaven: The apostles looked toward heaven steadfastly (1:10).
  • Return to Jerusalem: After the ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem from Olivet, which is a Sabbath day’s journey away (1:12).

Gathering in the Upper Room

  • Presence of Others: Alongside the apostles were the women, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Jesus' brethren (1:14).
  • Number of Disciples: There were about one hundred and twenty in total (1:15).

Replacement for Judas

  • Context of Judas: Peter stated that Judas, who was one of the apostles, was numbered with us and had ordained part of this ministry (1:16).
  • Purchase of Field: Judas purchased a field with the reward of iniquity (1:18), and he fell headlong (1:18).
  • Field Name: The field is called Aceldama, meaning the field of blood (1:19).

Addition of Witnesses

  • Replacement of Judas: Two men were appointed to replace Judas: Joseph called Barsabas (Justus) and Matthias (1:13, 25).
  • Requirements for Witness: To be ordained as a witness, one must have begun from the baptism of John unto the resurrection of Jesus (1:22).

Day of Pentecost

  • Sound of Heaven: On the day of Pentecost, the sound from heaven came suddenly and was described as a rushing mighty wind (2:2).
  • Disciples' Unity: The apostles were in one place and in one accord (2:1).
  • Appearance of Fire: Cloven tongues like as of fire appeared and sat upon each of the apostles (2:3).

Multitudes' Reaction

  • Amazement: Multitudes were amazed and marveled when they heard the apostles speak in their own tongues (2:7).
  • Mocking Response: Some mocked and claimed the apostles were full of new wine (2:13).

Prophetic Fulfillment

  • Fulfillment of Joel's Prophecy: Peter cites Joel, stating that young men shall see visions and old men shall dream dreams (2:17).
  • Signs to be Shown: God would show wonders in the heaven above and signs in the earth beneath, specifically mentioning blood, fire, and vapour of smoke (2:19).

Call to Repentance

  • Peter's Message: Peter exhorts the people to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (2:38).
  • Response to His Call: About three thousand gladly received his word and were baptized on the same day (2:41).

Early Church Practices

  • Communion and Fellowship: The believers continued daily with one accord, breaking bread and eating together with gladness and singleness of heart (2:46).
  • Growth of the Church: The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (2:47).

Healing of the Lame Man

  • Time of Prayer: Peter and John went to the temple at the ninth hour for prayer (3:1).
  • Lame Man's Condition: The man lame from his mother’s womb was laid at the temple gate called Beautiful (3:2).
  • Peter's Command: Peter told the lame man, "Look on us" (3:4) and healed him, resulting in him leaping, walking, and praising God (3:8).

Apostles' Proclamation

  • Peter’s Accusation: Peter preaches to the people saying they denied Jesus, the Holy One and Just, instead asking for a murderer (3:14).
  • Call for Repentance: He advises them to repent and be converted for their sins to be blotted out (3:19).

Further Teachings and Miracles

  • Continuation of Signs and Wonders: The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people (5:12).
  • Response to Opposition: Despite opposition from the religious leaders, the number of believers continued to grow (4:4).

Council of Jerusalem

  • Challenge of the Gospel: Peter’s message regarding Cornelius emphasized that God shows no partiality, leading to the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation (10:34).

Paul’s Journeys

  • Conversion of Saul: Saul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (9:3-6) and subsequent missionary work throughout various regions including Antioch and Corinth.
  • Paul’s Preaching: Throughout his journeys, Paul preached about grace and salvation, leading many to faith (13:6-41).

Conclusion

  • The Book of Acts is a critical narrative that underscores the early church's development, the spread of the Gospel, and the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.