Acts of the Apostles Study Notes

Objectives of the Acts of the Apostles

  • At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
    • Define the word ascend.
    • Describe Jesus’ ascension.
    • Evaluate how the new apostle was chosen.

Author and Context

  • Author: Dr. Luke, who also authored the Gospel of Saint Luke.
  • Time of Writing: Approximately AD 75-85.
  • Audience: Addressed to Theophilus, likely a Gentile convert.
  • Purpose: Connects the four Gospels to the rest of the New Testament, focusing on:
    • Life of Jesus Christ (Gospels)
    • Work of the Holy Spirit through the Early Church (Acts).

Jesus’ Ascension (Acts 1:1-11)

  • Definition of Ascend: To go up or rise up.
  • Key Concepts:
    • Jesus spent 40 days post-resurrection teaching about the kingdom of God.
    • Commanded apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.
    • Ascension occurred from Mount Olives; two men in white announced His return:
    1. Jesus would return similarly to His departure.
  • Purpose of the Holy Spirit: Empowers believers for the Great Commission.
  • Great Commission Includes:
    1. Go into the world and preach the gospel.
    2. Make disciples.
    3. Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Reasons for Jesus' Ascension:
    • Completion of His work.
    • Requirement for the Holy Spirit's arrival.
  • Importance to Christians:
    • Reminds of Christ’s eventual return.
    • Offers hope of resurrection and eternal life.
    • Encourages holy living.

Election of the Twelfth Apostle (Acts 1:12-26)

  • Context: Apostles stayed in Jerusalem after the ascension.
  • Judas Iscariot's Betrayal:
    • Returned money, confessed innocence of Jesus, hung himself.
  • Judas’ Legacy:
    • Money used was deemed blood money, could not be placed in the temple treasury; a potter's field was purchased with it (Aceldama).
  • Apostolic Requirements for Replacement:
    1. Present at Jesus’ baptism.
    2. Witnessed Jesus’ resurrection.
    3. Present at ascension.
  • Candidates: Joseph Barsabas (Justus) and Matthias.
  • Selection Process:
    1. Pray for guidance.
    2. Cast lots (name on stones).
    • Outcome: Matthias was chosen as Judas' replacement.

Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47)

  • Pentecost Meaning: "The Fiftieth" - Jewish festival 50 days post-Passover.
  • Significance:
    • Historical: Moses receiving the Law at Sinai.
    • Agricultural: Thanksgiving for harvest.
    • Christian: Birth of the Christian Church; arrival of the Holy Spirit.
  • Events on Pentecost:
    1. 120 disciples gathered in Jerusalem’s upper room.
    2. Holy Spirit manifested through:
    • Loud noise like wind.
    • Tongues of fire on believers.
    • Speaking in various languages.
    1. Observers initially mocked, claiming disciples were drunk.
  • Peter's Defense:
    1. Denied drunkenness; demonstrated fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.
    2. Preached about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
  • Response:
    • Listeners were urged to:
    1. Repent.
    2. Believe in Jesus.
    3. Be baptized.
    • Result: Over 3,000 were baptized, marking the church's birth.

The Spread of the Gospel to the Samaritans (Acts 8:1-24)

  • Persecution: Following Stephen's death, Christians (except apostles) scattered from Jerusalem.
  • Philip’s Mission in Samaria:
    • Gained acceptance through:
    1. Message about Jesus.
    2. Miracles.
    3. Joy brought to people.
  • Confrontation with Simon the Magician:
    • Simon, famed for magic, converts to Christianity after Philip’s preaching.
    • Peter and John confirmed Samaritans' conversions by bestowing the Holy Spirit through laying of hands.
    • Simon attempted to buy power to give the Spirit (Simony).
  • Peter’s Rebuke: Warns Simon of his misguided intentions; emphasizes the need for repentance.

Key Steps to Conversion (including the Ethiopian Eunuch and Saul)

  • Conversion: Transitioning from one faith or belief to another.
  • Steps:
    1. Gospel preached.
    2. Belief.
    3. Baptism.
    4. Reception of the Holy Spirit (often evidenced by speaking in tongues).
  • Benefits of Conversion:
    • Growth of the church.
    • Mending of relationships among different backgrounds.
The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)
  • Profile: A castrated man governing Queen Candace's treasury; feared God and sought understanding.
  • Philip’s Encounter:
    1. Followed divine instructions to approach the Eunuch's chariot.
    2. Explained Isaiah's prophecy, leading to Eunuch's request for baptism.
  • Outcome: Illustrates the Spirit's role in reaching diverse peoples.
Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-31)
  • Background:
    • Pharisee from Tarsus; supporter of Christian persecution (present at Stephen’s stoning).
    • Journeyed to Damascus to arrest Christians.
  • Dramatic Encounter:
    • Struck down by a heavenly light, Jesus questions Saul’s persecution of Him.
  • Aftermath:
    • Miraculous blindness for three days; visited by Ananias.
    • Ananias lays hands, restoring sight and Spirit receiving.
  • Impact: Saul's conversion exemplifies possibility for change, uses his multilingualism, and deep scripture knowledge for preaching.
Cornelius’ Conversion (Acts 10:1-48)
  • Profile: Centurion revered God, known for generosity towards Jews.
  • Divine Messages:
    • Cornelius receives instruction to summon Peter; Peter learns of inclusiveness through vision about dietary laws.
  • Outcomes:
    • Peter preaches to Cornelius’s household, leading to their Holy Spirit baptism.