Insights into Acts Chapters 3-6 Between newsletters showing the prophetic significance of current events and other Biblical perspectives of interest, we proceed through the scriptures a book at a time. Earlier this week, we started the book of Acts. We learned from the first Insights on Acts that the book of Acts starts off where the book of Luke ended and covers approximately 30 years of the early church. The book of Acts is also a model for us today. It lays out general patterns, principles and precepts for us to follow to spread the Gospel and is divided into two sections: - Chapters 1-12 shows the works of the Holy Spirit through Peter to the Jews.
- Chapters 13-28 shows the works of the Holy Spirit through Paul to the Gentiles.
As we continue through the book of Acts, please reference those chapters in your Bible covered as this email will not repeat the text but add the context and historical setting and other significant meanings of the passages outlining key points. It is recommended that you follow along with the most accurate Greek to English extraction today, The Pure Word, but please feel free to use your preferred version of the Scriptures as well. We have recently finished the books of Matthew and James. If you missed them, send us an email and we'll be happy to send the insight outlines to you. Acts Chapter 3 v. 1-10: The first miracle: At 2:30pm the sacrifices were burned so at 3pm (the hour of prayer as the smoke went up from the sacrifices) Peter and John went together to the temple. (It’s interesting to note that they didn’t go to the sacrifices since they knew that the only necessary sacrifice was already made through Jesus.) Peter and John seem to be paired up and they had contrasting personalities (Peter the doer and John the dreamer). Peter says to the man who was lame from birth to rise up and walk and then Peter takes him by his right hand and lifts him up. Peter was quick to point out that the glory was God’s and that neither Peter nor John did anything of their own power. They were merely instruments used by God. It is critical that we always know that we are nothing and in humility and servitude we obey all that God desire for us. We must never take credit for anything. v. 11-26: All the people marveled, and Peter uses this opportunity to teach them about Jesus Christ. Peter starts out by relating to the people in the concepts that they understand. He started with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers. (Paul likewise relates to the people by connecting with them first before he brings them to a deeper understanding.) Paul then teaches them about God’s servant, Jesus’ and his death and resurrection and that “through faith in his name, has made this man strong”. Peter goes on to show them from the Scriptures (Deut 18:15, 18, 19) that “the Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever he says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.” He tells them that God sent his Servant Jesus to bless them and to have them turn away from their iniquities. He calls for their repentance and conversion. Acts Chapter 4 v. 1-12: Persecution of the Church: About 5,000 of those that heard believed; however, the Sadducees (who didn’t believe in the Resurrection), the priests and the captain of the temple arrested Peter and John and held them since it was evening. On the next day the rulers, elders, scribes, Annas, Caiaphas and as many of the family of the high priest gathered and brought Peter and John before them to ask them by what power or name they have acted. By law if anyone performs a sign or wonder before the people and then claims to have done it by any other name other than God, they should be put to death (in Deut 13). Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, told them that “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118). Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” v. 13-22: Peter and John were threatened not to mention the name of Jesus again. Peter and John made it clear that that must speak about the things that they have seen and heard. They couldn’t deny the miracle because the healed man was standing there. If the laws of the land are contrary to the laws of God, we must obey God. v. 23-31: Peter and John went back to their own company and prayed to the Father. Their prayer proceeded likewise: (1) acknowledge the Father, the creator of heaven and earth; (2) identified that David himself said that all people would be against Christ; (3) and indeed they were and are all against Christ; (4) you pre-determined that this would happen; (5) grant to your servants with all boldness that they may speak your Word; (6) stretch out your hand to heal and that signs and wonders be done through the name of Jesus. When they had prayed, the place shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness. v. 32-37: The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul and shared all in common. And with great power (miracles) the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace fell upon them all. The believers started selling what they had into a church account for the sharing of their assets and resources. This was not what the Lord intended (creating a commune) and that resulted in financial chaos as this commune eventually became broke and destitute; however, it was a wonderful gesture by the people of faith and trust. Paul later says that if a man does not work, he should not eat (likened to a parasite living off the body). Acts Chapter 5 v. 1-11: Hypocrisy in the Church: Since Satan’s attacks from the outside (persecution) failed and only resulted in Prayer and Unity, Satan changes his approach and attacks from within the church. Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold their property and keeping a portion for themselves presented the gift to Peter as if it was the entire sale. Peter tells Ananias that he wasn’t lying to a man (Peter) but to the Holy Spirit and told him that he always had control over the money and there was no compulsion to give the church everything but in lying, Ananias was lying to God. Truth is absolutely required when coming before God. Ananias fell down dead when he heard this and fear came across all those that heard. About three hours later Ananias’ wife Sapphira came looking for her husband and Peter asked her if they had indeed sold the property for the total amount that they were presenting and she also lied. Peter asked her why the two of them have agreed together to lie to God. She also fell dead immediately and great fear fell upon the entire church and on all those that heard of it. They were destroyed because of hypocrisy which is pretending to be/do something that you are not; specifically in their case they pretended to give God everything when in fact they were holding back. They were not compelled to give anything, and they could hold back whatever they desired, they just needed to be honest about what they were doing. v. 12-16: We know at this time is when no-one else was added to this community sharing everything in common; however, the people esteemed them highly and the number of believers were increasing being added to the Lord of men and women. Multitudes were brought forth to be healed from illnesses and demon possession and they were all healed. Many even lined the streets with beds and couches hoping that Peter’s shadow would fall on them. In their culture if a shadow of a wicked man fell on you it was a curse; so conversely, they probably felt that if a shadow of a good man fell on them it would be beneficial. It’s very possible that many were healed through this since God responds to your faith and they went and performed an act showing their faith (Faith without works is Dead). v. 17-32: Persecution of the Church again: The high priest and his sect the Sadducees (they did believe in the concept of the resurrection), again put Peter and other apostles in prison; but during the night an angel released then and told them to teach at the temple about the resurrected life you have in Jesus. It’s interesting to note that the apostles “went to the temple early” (they didn’t hesitate or procrastinate when they knew what they should do). After the council found out that that they were not in the prison but at the temple, officers asked the apostles to come with them back with them peacefully to the council. When asked from the council if they remembered their prior command “not to teach in that name?” (they can’t even say the name of Jesus at this point), Peter and the other apostles answered, “We ought to (must) obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to his right hand to be prince and savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” v. 33-42: In furry the council wanted to kill them but Gamaliel, a Pharisee (they believe in the concept of the resurrection), stopped them by telling them that if this were of God, then we can’t fight against it least we be found to be fighting against God. After the apostles were beaten and released, they rejoiced because they were felt worthy to suffer for Christ’s name. Daily in the temple and in every house, they did not cease to teach and preach Jesus as the Christ. - Preaching: proclaiming God’s good news to those who are not born again
- Teaching: educating the born again in God’s word and scriptures and how to live
Acts Chapter 6 v. 1-7: Leadership of the church: Satan now attacks the church through descension and back-biting (since his attempts for persecution and hypocrisy failed). This attack occurred “when” the church was being multiplied (not simply being added to it). The attack started because the church neglected something they should have been doing. They neglected to properly distribute the goods among the people. The Hellenists (Greek speaking Jews, considered 2nd class citizens) were not receiving a much of a daily portion as others were and they were being neglected so they started to murmur. The pastors (apostles) knew that their calling was to take care of the spiritual food, so they allocated the responsibilities to others to handle the physical food and needs of the congregation. Stephen is raised up by God and chosen to help with the serving of the daily distribution. It is our purpose to encourage, train, and raise up others. They prayed and “laid on their hands on them” (Heb 6:2) to identify with them and to confirm their ministries. The Church hierarchy should only consist of two groups of individuals: - Deacons – take care of the physical needs of the body of Christ must meet these qualifications:
- They had to be among the current church members
- They were men
- They must have a good reputation
- They must be led by the Holy Spirit
- They must have wisdom
- Elders (pastors or bishops) – take care of the spiritual needs of the body of Christ
v. 8-16: Leadership under attack: Stephen started out small serving tables but was used by the Holy Spirit to do great signs and wonders among the people. Be faithful in the little things and God will then give you more important things to be faithful in. Certain Jews (freedmen) called together those who would lie and say that Stephen spoke blasphemous things against Moses and God and to stir up the people. The elders and scribes seized him and brought him to the council with the false witnesses. As they looked upon Stephen waiting for his response to the charges, they saw his face as the face of an angel as he held his peace. Do you Want to Know God More? We Must Read His Word. I would strongly suggest that every Christian obtain a copy of The Pure Word and use it alongside your favorite Bible version to see the original meanings and open your eyes like never before. It is not a translation but a Pure extraction or substitution from Greek into English using the original meaning of each root word as closely as possible as it existed at the time of Jesus Christ and the Apostles Watch the official intro video to see how The Pure Word is an invaluable resource that should be used by every Christian, pastor, and Bible study group. Experience the gospel as they did in the first century, during the time of Christ, the Apostles, and the birth of the Church! Click Here for just a few of the thousands of reviews of The Pure Word. Revealing the Original Depth of Meaning as Written by the Apostles Over 1,900 Years Ago! | 
Posts