|
| |
| |
| Acts 1:1-11 Genesis 25 Memory Verses: John 15:5; John 3:17 Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters, I added two new memory verses this morning, both these verses are probably very familiar with you. I am going to be going over a lot of familiar verses over the next few weeks. These are great verses, and will be helpful to make sure that we have them memorized accurately. Memory verses to date: Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:10, 19; John 1:12; 3:17; 15:5; Romans 1:12; 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 8:1; 10:9-10, 13; 1 John 1:5-7; 5:11-12; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 4:12; 10:24-25; 2 Timothy 2:15 ;3:15-16; Galatians 5:25; Mark 8:35-36; 1 Corinthians 10:13 Acts was written by Luke, there is no doubt regarding that, an interesting fact that I was not aware of until recently, thanks to Kathy, Lee's wife, Luke is the greatest single contributor to the New Testament. He wrote more verses than any other writer in the New Testament. He wrote both the Gospel of Luke, and Acts. Luke doesn't have the impact that Paul had on us, but in reality, Luke was Paul's side-kick, so Paul had direct influence on Luke, he discipled him and brought him along. Luke is also believed to be a gentile believer. It is believed that Luke wrote the gospel and Acts while Paul was in prison. Luke researched the book of Acts in the same way that he did the Gospel of Luke, since he was with Paul during this time, we have a accurate picture of Paul's conversion and missionary journeys. As to the date it was written, some place it at the end of the first century, due to similar recordings of events recorded by Josephus who published his book in AD 93. Some place it earlier, between AD 60 and AD 70 due to Paul dying around that date, and Luke would have surely commented on this event, also he doesn't mention the destruction of the temple in AD 70. Regardless the date, we have a great resource to draw from, a history book which will show us not only the truth of the New Testament in action, but will give us a feel for the real people who made up the early church. Regarding the name of the book, Acts of the Apostles, may not be entirely accurate, we don't hear much about the other apostles or their ministries in this book. Fox's Book of Martyrs records the deaths of all the apostles, who, in order to die such hideous deaths must have been heavily involved in ministries, proclaiming the Gospel to anyone who would listen. All died a martyrs death with the exception of John. The primary characters are Peter and Paul, with a sprinkling of other characters scattered through the book. Look at this note: KEY PEOPLE Peter Blunt, impetuous Peter is still the leader of Jesus’ disciples, preaching the first evangelistic sermon to Jews ( Acts 2 ) and to Gentiles ( Acts 10 ). Peter is the leading figure in Acts 1–11 . Paul Zealous and antagonistic Saul is transformed into a committed Christian when Christ actually speaks to him on the road to Damascus ( Acts 9 ). Paul is the leading figure in Acts 12–28 , which tell of his missionary adventures. Stephen Bold leader, first martyr of the early church ( Acts 7 ). Barnabas Gentle and strong, Barnabas played a vital role in helping Paul find his place in the early Christian community and traveled with him as a missionary. Richards, Larry. The Bible Reader's Companion. Includes Index., Ac 1:1. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1991. The book seems to be a history of Paul, a documentation of most of his life. It also picks up where the Gospel of Luke left off, and carries us through Pentecost. Luke doesn't say when he joins Paul, but he records the occurrences of the early church like that he was present. I hope that you enjoy the book, the writer has a fascinating background. He doesn't seem to be writing to convince the unbeliever to be saved, he seems to be writing to convince the believers of the validity of his story, the roots of Christianity. So much for the introduction, there is too much information to get it all, let's get into today's study. Acts 1:1-3 Luke refers to the Gospel that he wrote, and refers to the one who he is wrote the gospel for, Theophilus. In effect, this is a history book, a story which is dedicated to Theophilus. The Gospel was focused on the life story of Jesus, how He lived, died and rose from the dead. Regarding proofs, check out this note: "Christ gave many convincing proofs of this. The word “proofs” ( tekmēriois ) occurs only here in the New Testament and looks at demonstrable evidence in contrast with evidence provided by witnesses. In other words, the Resurrection was proven by touch, sight, and feel ( cf. Luke 24:39-40 ; 1 John 1:1 )." cf. confer , compare Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures, Ac 1:3. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-c1985. Acts 1:4-8 The apostles were ordered to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit baptized them. Jesus clarified to them that He was not restoring the kingdom, as was prophesied in the old Testament. It was not in God's time schedule to let them know the exact times of things. Wouldn't it be nice to know that schedule, on the other hand, many people would use the information as a license to sin until just before the deadline. In the baptistic circles, or the conservative circles we don't hear much regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Rather than open a can of worms, I am not going to go into it. Some feel that it is an active role that happens today, along with the tongues, others feel that it is something that served a purpose in the New Testament times, and is done and over with. We have a tendency to throw the baby out with the bath water, other times, being ultra conservative protects us. What I am saying on this is basically, send in your comments, let's see where it takes us. (I know, I am a chicken.) 1:9-11 You would have to agree with them, to see someone lift right up off the earth and into the sky would be incredible. I think that I would be staring at the sky too. The point, Jesus has risen, it is time to go to work. Genesis 25 Isn't it incredible that Abraham took another wife, and was still fertile at an age exceeding 127 years old, along with having another house full of kids before dying at 175. The heritage grows as Ishmael has kids, and Isaac has kids. Interesting story regarding Rebekah's twins, can you imagine, knowing the promises of God and selling your birthright for a cup of soup? Jacob wasn't any better, he bargained for it. Lord, as we are introduced to Acts, show us how to apply this book to our lives. Praise You that we now have the Holy Spirit to guide us daily. In Him, Joe Turner |
| Joe, Thanks for the Acts 1 study. Baptism of the Spirit: Something that all believers have happen to them. Note 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. ALL believers have been placed into the body of Christ by the baptism of the Spirit. This happens at the time of belief. Any other view would mean that some saved individuals are part of the body of Christ and others are not. Romans 8:9 indicates all believers have the Spirit of Christ or we do not belong to Him. Thanks again. IHG, Erik |
| Hey Erik, Nothing like dangling a carrot over a hot issue! Maybe with this one we will get some response, I will forward yours tomorrow after I see if we get other responses from the group. I am hoping that this moves them from just reading to participating in the study. Thanks for writing back, I agree with you. I also hold to this view, but I also leave room for the filling of the Holy Spirit in situations where God see's fit. I kind of hold to both positions, that the baptism of the Holy Spirit, "holy roller" style, may be necessary during persecutions, and at times of witnessing, or times where God is moving in a special way through a person, which is a temporary filling. I have heard arguments from many Baptist and conservatives that say that this temporary filling was done and over with in the New Testament times, I don't find a basis for this. But I agree with them to a point, simply because there is not the need for this today, as it was at that time. Where the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Paul talks about where every believer is baptized into the death of Christ and raised to a new life is applicable for every believer all the time. In this situation we are immersed constantly into the Holy Spirit, therefore baptized. I guess in a nutshell, I am kind of blended in my view of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I agree with the carismatics to a certain degree, and hold firmly to the baptistic idea of a constant baptism constantly being positioned immersed into the Holy Spirit. I spent a little time over-seas where I saw first-hand the reality of the spiritual world. It left an impact on me as a person, and on my theology. I am not too quick to throw out something so important, when it may be vital under extreme circumstances. Clear as mud, Joe. |
| Joe, Yes, you got my juices flowing over this issue! Baptism of the Spirit is something God gives every believer when they believe. I is usually not accompanied by signs, although it was at certain points as recorded in Acts. Such signs I do identify as belonging to the Jews and therefore to the first generation of the Church (1 Cor. 1:22; Heb. 2:3-4; etc. - seems like we covered this ground before). Filling with the Spirit I think is something that IS appropriate for today. From my p perspective, this would probably not be evidenced by the exercising of sign gifts. but the main passage about the filling of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-21) indicates by five participles what will result from that filling. Those participles are: speaking (19), singing (19), making melody (19), giving thanks (20), and being subject (21). Sign gifts in situations where the Church is being planted for the first time might (I stress might) be an example of the foundation of the Church in that area being accompanied by signs. I am not convinced of this because it does not appear to be a universal experience. However, I am very reluctant to limit what the Holy Spirit chooses to do! I am just going by what His revealed word indicates to us. I do anticipate a revival of God's use of the sign gifts during the Tribulation when Israel is once again the focus of God's program. IHG, Erik |
| Well if you want to get into the baptism of the holy spirit,
I do not
believe that you necessarily need to actually be baptized to experience this
baptism is a symbol and that's all the really is it is also a way of
symbolization of starting over, old things have passed away behold all
things has become new in him. Yeah I know it is a well known quote from
the bible but it has a lot of meaning to it. Being filled with the spirit is
what is supposed to happen after baptism because you are supposed to recognize
that If God can you then you should be replenished in his spirit. I might
be going off the subject that you were leading towards but it is an opinion,. James |
Acts 1:12-26 Genesis 26 Memory Verses: John 15:5; John 3:17 Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters, Acts 1:12-14 Here is the group of men who couldn't keep their eyes open to pray with the Lord. Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:40-46. But they are praying now, we tend to do the same thing, we ignore the Lord and prayer until we are in hot water. Then we get real serious, and pray fervently. The disciples were gathered together as they were commanded to by the Lord earlier, and now they are of one mind, focused intently upon the Lord in prayer. It was quite a prayer meeting, everyone was there, all the disciples short of Judas, Mary, and Jesus' brothers. Acts 1:15-17 Peter was the leader of the disciples here as he was in the Gospels. He took charge in the selection of a disciple to replace Judas. Acts 1:18-19 All four gospels record the treachery of Judas, Matthew 27:1-10 records the demise of Judas, where he hanged himself, and the purchase of the Field of Blood. This was prophesied in Zechariah 11:1-14 Look especially at vs. 12-14 In Acts 1 additional details are given to the death of Judas. Acts 1:20 Speaking of Judas, look at the psalms that are quoted in reference to him, Psalm 69:22-28, this is clearly messianic, look back at Psa. 69:16-21, Judas had a role in it, however, not a pleasant role. This entire Psalm is great, and worth spending the time to read it. Again speaking of Jesus being betrayed, look at Psalm 109:1-8, here we have an accurate picture of the trial of Jesus, and where Peter got the idea that Judas was to be replaced. Also note that this was regarded as a necessary part of business even before the day of Pentecost. The importance of replacing the Apostle was critical to prophecy, Look at Revelation 21:14, there are 12 thrones for the 12 apostles. Acts 1:21-26 It is interesting to me that they were careful to select a man who had been with them from the beginning, and who had proven faithful. Regarding the drawing of lots, it was a biblical way of telling if God was behind the decision, look at Proverbs 16:31-33. Look at this interesting note: "1:23-26 . With two men to choose from, Joseph (alias Barsabbas and Justus ) and Matthias, the apostles did two things: they prayed (acknowledging the Lord’s omniscience; cf. Ps 139:1-6 ; John 2:25 ; 4:29 ) and they drew lots. Probably the two names were written on stones placed in a container. When the stones were shaken out of the container, the first stone to fall out was considered the Lord’s choice. This is the last time in the Bible lots were said to be used to determine God’s will. A couple of observations are in order. First, no moral question was involved here. It was a matter of making a choice between two men who were apparently equally qualified. Second, this procedure may have come from Proverbs 16:33 which says the decision of lots is from the Lord. Some feel the choice of Matthias was a wrong one. It is contended that this was a poor method of choosing and Paul should have filled the vacancy left by Judas’ apostasy. However, those who believe Matthias was a proper selection argue that Matthew 19:28 is Jewish in its orientation and Paul was to minister to Gentiles (Gal. 2:9 ). Furthermore Luke, Paul’s friend and companion, acknowledged the Twelve as an official group (Acts 2:14 ; 6:2 ). Finally, there is no sense or spirit of censure in the Acts account on the selection of Matthias." cf. confer , compare Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures, Ac 1:23. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-c1985. The order of church business is indeed important to the Lord. When we conduct our church business, it is important to make sure that we are scriptural in our decisions. How often do we take our eyes off the Lord, and run our churches like country clubs, looking for the most profitable way instead of the Lord's will for our churches? Picture this also as an example of how we should run our homes, as focused intently upon the Lord. The way that we run our homes is how that we will run our church. Genesis 26 A few notes on this, first, Isaac repeated the sin of his father, Abraham by claiming that Rebekah was his sister. God renews the covenant with Isaac after the death of Abraham, and once again, after the sin of deception, God blessed him in spite of himself. Perhaps this was the reason for the strife over the wells, it is interesting that he faced such difficulties as mighty and as strong as he was. He was generous, and gave away two wells before being able to dig one that they could use. How much grief would have been avoided by being truthful? We have no way of knowing, that is the beauty of the Old Testament, we can study the lives and see the effects of their decisions, in order to learn from them. Lord, show each one of us how to follow Your will, reveal to us through the Scriptures Your perfect will for our lives. Open our eyes to every opportunity that You put before us. In Him, Joe Turner |
|
|