Acts of the Apostles - session 1
Level 1
Luke was the writer of this book. In the first chapter, Luke gave an account of Jesus who was with the disciples over a period of forty days after the Resurrection. Because these close followers of Jesus were being trained and groomed to continue the mission of Jesus, they were then called "APOSTLES". Jesus told them,
Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised . . . For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4,5)
Little did they know the startling effect this would have on them. They questioned Him about this, and the reply was,
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem . . . and to the ends of the earth.
After Jesus had said this "he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight . . . suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. They said 'Men of Galilee . . . this same Jesus . . . will come back the same way you have seen him go into heaven'." (Acts 1:9-11) This quote from Luke has led Christians to look forward to the "second coming" of Jesus, as He left, coming in the midst of a cloud.
Then the apostles returned to the "upper room". Luke wrote that they stayed in prayer. We can imagine that they were quite nervous over what would happen next, now that their leader was gone. Peter seemed to take charge. They needed a replacement for Judas, so they cast lots between two men, with Matthias being chosen. (They believed this would be the will of God.) They evidently stayed together until the Feast of Pentecost (fifty days after the Feast of Passover).
Then the apostles returned to the "upper room". Luke wrote that they stayed in prayer. We can imagine that they were quite nervous over what would happen next, now that their leader was gone. Peter seemed to take charge. They needed a replacement for Judas, so they cast lots between two men, with Matthias being chosen. (They believed this would be the will of God.) They evidently stayed together until the Feast of Pentecost (fifty days after the Feast of Passover).
They were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house . . . They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire....that came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:2-4)
Many had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. A crowd gathered and were amazed. They heard words uttered in their own languages. Some said "they have had too much wine!" (2:13)
Peter stood up and addressed the crowd. "These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only nine o'clock in the morning!" (Acts 2:15) He then gave a LONG dissertation about the Good News to help the crowd understand the wonders that God had performed. Do read this when and if you can! (Acts 2:17-40)
Peter stood up and addressed the crowd. "These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only nine o'clock in the morning!" (Acts 2:15) He then gave a LONG dissertation about the Good News to help the crowd understand the wonders that God had performed. Do read this when and if you can! (Acts 2:17-40)
Level 2
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My study Bible calls the Pentecost experience a "boisterous beginning". It was estimated that as large a crowd as 3000 participated in this phenomenon. The effects of this were startling and gave the apostles a powerful enthusiasm for the rest of their lives! The Holy Spirit gave them great courage to withstand persecution. Only one, John, the beloved, escaped an early death. What was this power? Where did it come from? What was the reason for it? All who witnessed the change in the apostle's lives must have asked these questions.
From a nucleus of a small band of men, dedicated to praising, worshipping, and serving the Lord, came a new way of living and loving. Mere men could NOT have achieved this. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was no longer confined to the theology of the Pharisees in the mind of these "upstarts". No, God had released His power, through the gift of His Son, to all who would come to HIM. The Church we call "The Body of Christ" had begun!
The news of this NEW WAY spread all across the Mediterranean. One can understand why historians, looking back, realized that Christianity had an excellent chance to spread to that part of the world because of the Roman civilization and their far-reaching road system. As Christians, we believe this was part of God's plan. This was why the coming of the Messiah coincided with the Roman Empire. As destructive as Rome was to the advancement of this faith in a man called Jesus, this empire had it's part to play. Young religions were a "dime a dozen", but Christianity was strengthened through all kinds of tribulation. Reading the Acts of the Apostles one recognizes the success of this NEW WAY was, and still is, due to the power of God available directly to the faithful.
From a nucleus of a small band of men, dedicated to praising, worshipping, and serving the Lord, came a new way of living and loving. Mere men could NOT have achieved this. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was no longer confined to the theology of the Pharisees in the mind of these "upstarts". No, God had released His power, through the gift of His Son, to all who would come to HIM. The Church we call "The Body of Christ" had begun!
The news of this NEW WAY spread all across the Mediterranean. One can understand why historians, looking back, realized that Christianity had an excellent chance to spread to that part of the world because of the Roman civilization and their far-reaching road system. As Christians, we believe this was part of God's plan. This was why the coming of the Messiah coincided with the Roman Empire. As destructive as Rome was to the advancement of this faith in a man called Jesus, this empire had it's part to play. Young religions were a "dime a dozen", but Christianity was strengthened through all kinds of tribulation. Reading the Acts of the Apostles one recognizes the success of this NEW WAY was, and still is, due to the power of God available directly to the faithful.