Review (Acts 1-7)

Dale A. Brueggemann

Journey through Acts • Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

Acts 1–7

0 ratings

· 135 views

A review of Lessons 1-7 (Acts 1-7)

Notes

Transcript

Handout

Sermon Tone Analysis

Emotion

Language

Social

View more →

Outline of Acts

Jerusalem (chs. 1-7)

Judea and Samaria (chs. 8-12)

Ends of the Earth (chs. 13-28)

Review

This lesson reviews what we covered before our extended break. Those of you who are rejoining after the break will have notes from earlier sessions that will help you fill in the details from the outline that follows. Those of you who are just now joining can download those notes and play some catch-up with us.

1. Prologue ()

a. Promise of the Spirit ()

Ask

When Jesus told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem, what were they waiting for?

Ask

What was the key theme of Jesus’ teaching between his resurrection and his ascension?

Focus

The book of Acts opens with a notice that it’s the second part of a two-volume work: “In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach” (, NLT). This implies that Jesus-like deeds and teaching would continue after he departed.

The note about what “Jesus began to do and teach” during his incarnation implies that Jesus-like deeds and teaching would continue after he departed, as the Holy Spirit continued that ministry through the apostles and the Church.

During the forty days before his ascension, Jesus spent time with the apostles, proving that he really was alive (v. 3).

He taught the kingdom of God during his ministry, he taught it after his resurrection, and it became the message of the apostles and the church.

Luke looks back to Jesus’ command to stay in Jerusalem until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit (; Luke 24:49).

b. Jesus Ascends ()

The Holy Spirit would empower Jesus’ disciples for what task?

Before his ascension, Jesus’ followers asked, “Has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” Jesus responded: “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (, NLT)

Go over these points, then do the two handout paragraphs.

The message about the kingdom of God would not be about dates and times, but about the onward march of the church operating in the power of the Spirit.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit would be essential and effective:

The apostles were to wait, and not start work without it.

After Pentecost they would go everywhere witnessing with power and.

Handout text

After Jesus ascended, angelic witness chided them for standing around watching, promising that Jesus would return “in the same way you saw him go” ().

c. Judas Iscariot Replaced ()

Use this question for discussion then summarize with handout

How did the Jesus-community go about replacing Judas Iscariot?

Handout

The apostles returned to Jerusalem. After a time of united prayer and apostolic-led biblical reflection, the Jesus-community took steps to replace Judas Iscariot. When “they cast lots, Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.” (, NLT)

The apostles returned to Jerusalem, as Jesus had commanded ().

There were now eleven ()

“They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.” (, NLT)

The whole community met and determined to replace Judas Iscariot.

They were constantly united in prayer ()

This fulfilled Scripture ().

The community did three things:

Set down conditions ()

They nominated qualified men ()

They prayed ()

They cast lots ()

“Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.” (, NLT)

2. Baptism of the Spirit ()

=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%AA%D6%BC%D7%95%D6%B9%D7

v [[Ezra’s Commitment ()—Word by Word >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Exegetical+Guide&ref=BibleLEB2.Ezr7.10]] | Exegetical Guide

v [[Ezra (scribe) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Factbook?ref=bk.%23Ezra.1]] | Factbook

v [[דָּרַשׁ/darash (“seek”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%81&wn=hot%2f277603:2]] | Bible Word Study

v [[חֹק/choq (“statute”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%97%D6%B9%D7%A7&wn=hot%2f277610]] | Bible Word Study

v [[לָמַד/lamad (“teach”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%93&wn=hot%2f277608:3]] | Bible Word Study

v [[מִשְׁפָט/mishpat (“rule”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%9E%D6%B4%D7%A9%D6%B0%D7%81%D7%A4%D6%B8%D6%BC%D7%98&wn=hot%2f277611:2]] | Bible Word Study

[[תּוֹרָה/torah (“law”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%AA%D6%BC%D7%95%D6%B9%D7Explore Ezra’s threefold commitment to Torah.

v [[Ezra’s Commitment () >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Passage+Guide&ref=BibleLEB2.Ezr7.10]] | Passage Guide

v [[Ezra’s Commitment ()—Word by Word >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Exegetical+Guide&ref=BibleLEB2.Ezr7.10]] | Exegetical Guide

v [[Ezra (scribe) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Factbook?ref=bk.%23Ezra.1]] | Factbook

v [[דָּרַשׁ/d Study

v [[חֹק/choq (“statute”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%97%D6%B9%D7%A7&wn=hot%2f277610]] | Bible Word Study

v [[לָמַד/lamad (“teach”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%93&wn=hot%2f277608:3]] | Bible Word Study

[[תּוֹרָה/torah (“law”) >> https://ref.ly/logos4/Guide?t=Bible+Word+Study&lemma=lbs%2fhe%2f%D7%AA%D6%BC%D7%95%D6%B9%D7

2. Baptism of the Spirit ()

a. The Holy Spirit Comes ()

On what day did the Holy Spirit come and fill the Jesus’ community?

What was the outward sign of the Holy Spirit’s inward work?

Use these questions then catch the task from below.

The Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and filled the assembled believers so that they spoke in tongues, prompting either amazement or mockery. This fulfilled the promise that Jesus had told his disciples to wait for, and it set them free to launch into what would become a worldwide ministry proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection and the kingdom of God.

On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit came and filled everyone in the upper room. ().

This is what Jesus had told them to wait for in Jerusalem.

This empowered them to be witnesses.

Witnessing to Jesus’ death and resurrection

Proclaiming the kingdom of God.

The sign of this filling was speaking in tongues, which prompted various results:

Amazement: Jewish diaspora in Jerusalem heard the early church glorifying God in their own various languages.

Mockery: Sarcastic jibes that the whole lot were drunk.

b. Peter Preaches ()

Whose Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost?

Who preached the sermon on the church’s first day of Pentecost?

Which Old Testament author expressed confidence in the resurrection in these terms? “My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.”

Responding to amazement and mockery, Peter stood and proclaimed that this fulfilled what the prophet Joel had predicted long ago. Throughout the Old Testament the Spirit had come upon a select few, sometimes temporarily. In these last days the gift of the Spirit would be democratized.

Summarize then read handout paragraphs above and below

This was a sign of “the last days” ()

This was the long hoped-for democratization of the Spirit’s outpouring ()

It would have cosmic eschatological impact ()

It would have universal

“Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” ().

This vindicates Jesus Christ, whom you crucified, but God raised, vindicated, and enthroned (vv. 22-36).

This demanded a response: “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’” (, NLT)

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (, NLT)

c. Believers Form a Community ()

c. Believers Form a Community (Acts 2:42-47)

Use the following question for class discussion.

Stott’s summary:

A learning church

A loving church

A worshiping church

An evangelistic church

Describe the attitude and activities of the earliest church.

devoted to

apostles’ teaching

koinonia (of meals, property, and possessions)

sharing meals (including the Lord’s Supper, τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου)

prayer

deep sense of awe (φόβος)

miraculous signs and wonders (τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα διὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων)

worshipping in the Temple and meeting in homes for the Lord’s Supper (κλῶντές τε κατʼ οἶκον ἄρτον). This would be the nascent form of the church service, in distinction from temple worship and synagogue services.

Focus

This compact texts describes a many-faceted Jewish-Christian community that lives in awe of God’s works and, at this stage, “enjoying the goodwill of all the people.” This early record emphasizes apostolic teaching, signs and wonders, prayer, and koinonia. And notice that worship continues in the Temple; this community is still Jewish. But it is Jewish-Christian, because it meets in homes for the Lord’s Supper.

Apostolic

Teaching

Signs and wonders

Fellowship inside the Community

Prayer

Koinonia

Shared meals

Shared resources, money from selling...

Property

Possessions

Worship in the Temple (still Jewish); breaking bread in homes (Jewish-Christian)

Continuous growth from “those who were being saved” (προσετίθει τοὺς σῳζομένους καθʼ ἡμέραν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό)

Outside the Community:

Options

enjoying the goodwill of all the people” (NLT)—the people liked what they saw (Message)

demonstrating goodwill toward all the people (ἔχοντες χάριν πρὸς ὅλον τὸν λαόν).

Would "the people” be …

Jewish neighbors

Gentile neighbors, who not yet even in view as converts

Jews and Gentiles who feared God

Focus

Acts 2:42–47 LEB

And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. And fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were being performed by the apostles. And all who believed were in the same place, and had everything in common. And they began selling their possessions and property, and distributing these things to all, to the degree that anyone had need. And every day, devoting themselves to meeting with one purpose in the temple courts and breaking bread from house to house, they were eating their food with joy and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding every day to the total of those who were being saved.

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, i.e., ‘breaking of bread’), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (, NLT)

Ask

What indicates that the Christ-community still has a Jewish self-identity?

What indicates that that this Jesus-community is adopting a self-identity that’s distinct from the Jewish community?

3. Healing and Preaching ()

a. Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar ()

In this story, what indicates a distinctly Jewish ministry?

What indicates that this ministry goes beyond traditional Judaism?

At this stage, the apostolic ministry is Jewish-Christian; it still happens in the temple. But it’s definitely Jewish-Christian; it’s carried on “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene” (). This ministry leads to deep koinonia, a continuation of Jesus-style ministry that causes awe and astonishment around the temple.

What indicates that this Jesus-community

Summarize the read handbout

Self-identity of the apostolic ministry:

Jewish-Christian: Peter and John are at the temple at the hour of prayer ()

Jewish-Christian: Working “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene” ().

Peter and John are at the temple at the hour of prayer

Nature of the apostolic ministry:

Sharing everything inside the community, but not forming an alms-giving agency

Empowered to carry on what “Jesus began to do and to teach” (1:1); in this case, healing in the temple.

Continuing what “Jesus began to do and to teach” (1:1_

Creating the same “awe and astonishment” around the temple (v. 10), that we’ve heard of before.

b. Peter Preaches in the Temple ()

Ask

What language in Peter’s sermon connects his ministry with Jewish life and worship?

Ask

What language in Peter’s sermon distances his ministry from his contemporaries’ Judaism?

Why does Peter call for his audience to repent, and why does he offer the hope of forgiveness?

Summarize handout and skip outline

We’re still looking at an apostolic community who sees themselves as Jewish-Christian; indeed, no one has even adopted the term “Christian” or any separate term of self-identification yet. So pter addresses them as fellow Israelites. But he tells them that the one you defamed and murdered has now been glorified by the God of your fathers. Although this action fulfilled prophecy, Peter say, “You did it in ignorance; so you can repent, and God fill forgive you and make you a blessing to the nations. Peter promises that God will again send the Messiah; however, he “must remain in heaven until the final restoration of all things.”

Audience: “People of Israel” (Ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται), one Jew to another ().

How the audience relates to Jesus:

Glorified by the God of our ancestors by healing the crippled beggar through him ().

Defamed and murdered by the people to whom God sent him:

Rejected: Turned over to Pilate (v. 13): “You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer.” (, NLT).

“You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer.” (, NLT)

Murdered: “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!” (, NLT).

“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!” (, NLT)

Fulfilling prophecy ()

You did it “ignorance” so you can repent, and God “will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah” ().

To turn you from your sinful ways

To make you a blessing to the nations

He “must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things ()

4. Persecution and Koinonia ()

a. Peter and John before the Council ()

Summarize

Summarize the usage of “the name” throughout the record of Peter and John’s arrest and trial.

Summarize

“… by what power, or in whose name, have you done this? (4:7)

Temple preaching led to two things (Acts 4:1-4:

Let me be clear, the cripple was healed by “the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the many you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” (4:10)

“… no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (4:12)

The rulers warn and command the apostles to quite speaking or teaching “in the name of Jesus” (4:17-18)

In this narrative, what frustrated the religious rulers’ efforts to squelch apostolic ministry in the name of Jesus?

They couldn’t deny that the apostles had performed a miraculous sign that everybody knew about (v. 16)

The apostles denied their authority to supress proclamation of salvation in the name of Jesus (vv. 19-20)

Everyone was praising God for healing in Jesus’ name (vv. 21-22).

Focus

Religious authorities had all the institutional power and authority on their side, and none of God’s power or authority.

The Jesus-community had no institutional power or authority, but a renewed surge of God’s power and fresh vindication of their authority.

Apostolic preaching in the temple was production, but it provoked opposition from Jewish religious authorities. They asked, “By what power and in whose name” are you preaching and healing? The apostles responded. “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?” Then Peter continued in a way that stunned the priestly class: “Whose name?Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you killed but God raised.” Furthermore, “Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (, NLT) This left Jewish leaders in a quandary. On the one hand, they had to be careful how they opposed this ministry that broad deliverance and hope; on the other, that wanted to tell them to quit this preaching—a futile command.

Arrest

Many who believe, “about 5,000 [men]”

a. Peter and John before the Council ()

Temple preaching provoked two things ()

Arrest

Conversions: “But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.” (, NLT)

A trial over power and authority:

Acts 4:14 NLT

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say.

The priests’ question: “By what power (δύναμις), or in whose name, have you done this?” (, NLT)

The apostles’ question: “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?” (, NLT)

Peter’s interrogate and indictment of the priests ()

You asked in whose name?

It’s Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you killed but God raised.

You rejection is fulfilling Scripture: “Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’” (, NLT)

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”” (, NLT)

Response of the priestly class:

Stunned: The formally trained priests were stunned at the “boldness” of the Galilean fisherman who lacked formal training but had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

Stymied:

Confronted with evidence: “But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say.” (, NLT)

Confounded with evidence: “‘What should we do with these men?’ they asked each other. ‘We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it.’” (, NLT)

Struggling to regain control.

Warning and respone: Don’t speak in Jesus’ name (), we can’t stop (Acts 4:19-20)

Ineffectual threats and release ()

b. Believers Praying for Courage ()

What was the Jesus-community’s response to Peter and John’s report about their arrest and trial?

Testimony: They confessed their faith that it was all part of God’s plan (vv. 24-28).

Petition

Hear the threats of those who persecuted us (v. 29a)

Empower us (vv. 29b-30)

“Give us boldness in preaching your word” (v. 29b)

Confirm our message with miracles done in the name of Jesus (v. 30)

Result

God gave them a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit (v. 31a)

“They preached the word of God with boldness’ (v. 31b)

Focus

After this arrest and farce of a trial, the apostolic community comforts themselves with the knowledge that God had foreordained all of this (v. 28)—this was all in God’s hands. And it’s interesting what they pray. That ask God, “Hear their threats”; however, they don’t pray, “God protect us, stop the plots of these evil men.” Instead, they pray give us boldness to keep preaching confirm our preaching with healings and with signs and wonders.

What they know: Everything our persecutors do “was determined beforehand according to your will” ()

We knew and were not caught off guard

We know God’s in control

What they pray (Acts 4:29-30).

“Hear their threats” (v. 29a)

No call for vengeance

Is their an implied call for vindication?

Help us “your servants” continue in the ministry that Jesus began:

“Give us great boldness and preaching your word.”

Perform signs and wonders “through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

c. Believers Sharing Everything ()

Ask

What does the Greek word koinonia mean, and how did the earliest church exhibit it?

Focus

This newfound community didn’t just show the power of the Spirit, but also the koinonia of the Spirit. “All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.” Barnabas, who would become Paul’s first traveling companion, provided an example in this, selling a field and bringing the money to tho e apostles. So “there were no needy people among them.” Of course, this was way more than a mutual aid society; it was a community guided by apostolic preaching about the resurrection of Jesus. This combination of koinonia and apostolic proclamation positioned them so that “God’s great blessing was upon them all.”

Koinonia (“sharing” or “fellowship”)

The givers

“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.” (, NLT)

An example: Barnabas “sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.” (, NLT)

The need: “There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.” (, NLT)

Preaching: “The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.” (, NLT)

d. Ananias and Sapphira Pretending to Share All ()

How did Ananias and Sapphira sin against the Holy Spirit?

Focus

What Barnabbas had done in fact, Ananias and Sapphira mimicked, I supposed in fraudulent search of praise for their generosity. They lied about giving their all, when they could have just said we sold some property so we could give some of the proceeds to help out. Peter diagnosed it this way: Satan, rather than the Spirit, had filled their hearts to lie to the Holy Spirit. That brought God’s judgment upon them, which was divine capital punishment, which brought great fear upon the church.

Ananias and Sapphira mimicked what Barnabas did ()

Like Barnabas, they sold property and brought money to the apostles.

Unlike Barnabas, they brought part of the money but claimed to be giving their all.

This was a lie against the Holy Spirit, which brought God’s judgment upon them ()

Result: “Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.” (, NLT)

5. Healing, Preaching, and Persecution ()

a. The Apostles Heal Many ()

)

Notice, this is still a Jewish-Christian community of believers, so they continue meeting in the temple. But now a separation starts showing up. “But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women.” (, NLT). In turn, the apostolic ministry of signs and wonders led to a dramatic and public healing ministry.

Summarize then read handout

b. The Apostles Heal Many ()

Apostolic ministry of signs and wonders continued, and believers continued meeting in the temple.

Summary of Mixed Response:

“But no one else dared to join them, …

“But no one else dared to join them,…

… even though all the people had high regard for them.

… even though all the people had high regard for them.” (, NLT)

… more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord

“As a result of the apostles’ work,” widespread healing like occurred during Jesus’ ministry ().

… sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.” (, NLT)

As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.” (, NLT)

b. The Apostles Jailed, Busted out, and Back to Preaching in the Temple ()

How did the apostles get out of jail on this occasion?

Why did the apostles go right back to preaching in the temple after getting out of jail?

Focus

The high priests and Sadducees get jealous and arrest the apostles, and what follows can only be called a divine comedy. The angel of the Lord busts them out of jail while the authorities arrange for a trial. Court convened, but no prisoners—seems they’re at this very moment “standing in the Temple, teaching the people!” The religious authorities are perplexed, wondering where this will all end.

All this provoked jealousy, so the high priest and Sadducees rearrested the apostles.

This produced a divine comedy:

The “angel of the Lord” busted them out and said, “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” Which they did straighway. (, NLT)

The same lot that had arrested them “convened the high council and called for their prisoners.

Temple guiards reported, no prisoners.

Captain of temple guard and leadings priests perplexed.

“Then someone arrived with startling news: ‘The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!’” (, NLT)

c. The Apostles Rearrested and Examined ()

Ask and note

3. Healing and Preaching ()

What was ironic about the high priest’s complaint, “You want to make us responsible for [Jesus’] death,” and what was Peter’s response?

Focus on handout paragraphs

How did Peter

The comedy continues. The religious authorities arrest the apostles yet another time, as though court order are going to impede the gospel. They use kid gloves because their afraid the crowds migiht stone them if they rough up the apostles—an ironic fear of the mirror image of what they did to Stephen. They go back to that powerless order, no teaching in Jesus’ name. They complain, “You have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him.” Then the raise the ironic objection: “You want ot make us responsible for his death.” They had certainly seems content to bear that guilt when they hauled up Jesus before Pilate; in fact, they had even taunted, lay it on our heads and on our children’s heads.

Ask

What is your vice and assessment of Gamaliel’s wait-and-see counsel?

4. Persecution and Koinonia ()

The advice of a Christian sympathizer? Unlikely, since it’s coming from the one who taught Paul his Judaism.

The advice of one who spoke more than he knew? Unlikely, we get no note to that effect—unlike when Caiaphas said one should die for the many.

A cautious approach, low-risk wait-and-see and try not to blow anything up with rash actions.

Perhaps the narrative is injecting some irony.

Focus

Once again, Peter rejected their authority to shut down the gospel enterprise, and he laid the responsibility for Jesus murder right at their feet. “We must obey God rather than man.” and “you killed him by hanging him on a cross.” The upshot was that Gamaliel counseled a low-risk response: leave them alone and let God sort it. So they called in the apostles, had them flogged, and sent them off with that tired old order “never again to speak in the name of Jesus.”

Ask

What did the apostles do after being flogged then released?

Focus

Needless to say, the apostles didn’t suddenly say, “We gotta quit going to jail, especially if they’re going to start flogging us!” Instead, “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: ‘Jesus is the Messiah.’” (, NLT)

The upshot was that Gamaliel counseled a low-risk response: leave them alone and let God sort it. So they called in the apostles, had them flogged, and sent them off with that tired old order “never again to speak in the name of Jesus.”

Cautious rearrest for fear of the people (v. 26), which sounds like how the authorities sometimes tread softly with Jesus for the same fear.

5. Healing, Preaching, and Persecution ()

Attempt to reassert their authority (Acts 5:28)

Futile Order: no teaching in Jesus’ name

Activity: “you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him.”

Note the irony

Ironic Objection: “You want to make us responsibly for his death.” They had been happy to take this responsibility, and lay it not only on their own heads but also upon their children before Pilate ().

They were happy to take this responsibility, and lay it not only on their own heads but also upon their children before Pilate ().

Peter rejected their authority in the matter and laid the responsibility at their feet. “But Peter and the apostles replied, …

“We must obey God rather than any human authority.”

“The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross.” (, NLT)

Rejection of priestly authority to control apostolic ministry and of priestly innocence. “But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross.” (, NLT)

The outcome

The high council: Gamaliel a low-risk response: leave them alone and let God sort it, , which the council accepted.

The apostles

“The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” (, NLT)

They continued to preach “Jesus is the Messiah”

In the temple: They were still a Jewish-Christian group of believers.

House to house: They were developing an identify separate from temple and synagogue.

6. Stephen’s Trial ()

The church’s first martyr is one of the church’s first seven deacons.

a. Seven Men Chosen to Serve ()

Ask

What was the complaint that led to the appointment of the first supervisers of deaconal ministry?

Focus

The church started having growing pains; Greek-speaking Jews complained that their widows were getting short-changed at daily distribution of food. The apostles had them “select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom” and then ordained them to handle this distribution. Problem solved—“So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.” (, NLT). Incidentally, by the sound of their names, those deacons appear to have been all Greek-speaking Jews.

community select seven Greek-speaking men for the apostles to ordain to deaconal work.

Rapid growth brings a problem of tension between Greek- and Hebrew-speaking congregants.

The community select seven Greek-speaking men for the apostles to ordain to deaconal work.

This solved two problems

I solved the problem of Greek-speaking widows getting shorted in the daily distribution.

It freed up the apostles to pray and teach.

b. Stephen Arrested and Charged ()

Compare Stephen’s ministry to the apostles’ ministry and even to Jesus’ ministry.

Ask

Explain the twofold accusation of blasphemy that Stephen’s lying accusers leveled against him.

Focus

The very next thing we see is that one of these deacons is doing work that sounds like what the apostles are doing, and he’s now joined them in getting crosswise with the religious authorities. But things get worse with Stephen; this Greek-speaking Jew ends up becoming the first martyr. Like the apostles, Stephen performed signs and wonders; and like Jesus, he proved impossible to handle in debate. So, as was the case with Jesus, they get some false witnesses to say he had blasphemed Moses and even God—or the Law and the Temple. The story closes with this note: “Everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became bright as an angel’s.” Notice that this wasn‘t a sympathetic band of fellow-Christians who saw this, but a hostile crowd who has actively recruited false witnesses against Stephen. This look echoes the appearance of Moses when he came down from Sinai after receiving the Law that Stephen was supposed to have blasphemed.

Right away, we see one of those Greek-speaking deacons doing what we have up to this point, seen as apostolic work.

He’s full of God’s grace and power, which almost sounds like a description of Jesus during his earthly ministry.

He performing “amazing miracles and signs among the people” (τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα μεγάλα, v. 8).

Men from “the Synagogue of Freed Slaves” where Greek-speaking? “Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia” met.

Like Jesus’ opponents, “none … could standing against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke” (v. 10).

Like Jesus’ opponents, they got false witnesses to accuse Stephen of blaspheming Moses, and even God (): Law > Moses, and Temple > God.

Law > Moses

“At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.” (, NLT)

Seems almost like Mount of Transfiguration imagery; or more directly, like Moses when he came down from Sinai after receiving the Law that Stephen was supposed to have blasphemed.

Temple > God

God’s own sign of approval on Stephen’s ministry, and one that even the hostile high council saw.

c. Defense and Counter-Indictment ()

i. Are These Things True? ()

Focus

“Then the high priest asked Stephen, ‘Are these accusations true?’” (, NLT)

“Then the high priest asked Stephen, ‘Are these accusations true?’” (, NLT) Tis

This time, it’s not “who have you this authority?” or “We told you not to preach in Jesus’ name.”

This time they focus on the false charges of blasphemy.

Stephen doesn’t answer with an indignant “No!”

ii. Stephen’s Initial Response ()

Ask

Summarize Stephen’s response to accusations that he had blasphemed.

Answer

You might expect an indignant, “No, that’s lie!” Instead, Stephen launches on a historical survey that indicts the Jews and their ancestors for rejecting God’s chosen deliverers, for idolatry, and killing the prophets.

You might expect an indignant “No, this is false witness!”

You might the high council to permit formal false witness at this point.

(1) Abraham and the Patriarchs ()

Read handout after summarizing the outline points.

In this section, Stephen reminds his accusers that the covenant and the promise precedes the Law and the Temple.

Summarize then read the handbout paragraph above

Our life in this land comes from God’s promise, which precedes the Law of Moses (.

Our worship in this place comes from God’s promise, which precedes the Law and the Temple ().

Faithful obedience to God’s command preceded the Mosaic law

The whole nation proceeds from the covenant of circumcision, which precedes the Law and the Temple.

(2) Joseph and Egyptian Exile ()

Here again we read of the ancestors rejecting God’s chosen deliverer; however, we also hear of the rejected one being the one whom God and man honor and raise to a position of authority—much like Stephen’s accusers are doing with Jesus and his messengers.

Summarize then read the handout paragraph

This isn’t the first time Israel has rejected God’s appointed deliverer (v. 9).

This isn’t the first time the rejected one became the elevated one (v. 10).

Our ancestors kept looking for the Promise, which you’re rejecting (v. 17).

(3) Moses, the Exodus, and the Wilderness ()

Focus

The story keeps repeating, in this case, Moses is the the rejected prophet and deliverer, and here the people wander into idolatry, and implied indictment against Stephen’s audience, who are rejecting the one whom God has sent as the ultimate prophet and deliverer. So the Old Testament denunciation of Israel’s idolatry and pagan worship applies to Stephen’s audience.

This isn’t the first time Israel has rejected God’s appointed deliverer, (vv. 26-27).

Nonetheless, God sent him to be the deliverer (vv. 33ff.)

Moses the rejected prophet prophesied this Prophet, whom you are rejecting (vv. 37-39, cf. ).

Your ancestors turn from the prophet to idolatry—as you are, in treating the Temple as an idol. Then follows a terrible denunciation: “Then God turned away from them and abandoned them to serve the stars of heaven as their gods! In the book of the prophets it is written, ‘Was it to me you were bringing sacrifices and offerings during those forty years in the wilderness, Israel? No, you carried your pagan gods— the shrine of Molech, the star of your god Rephan, and the images you made to worship them. So I will send you into exile as far away as Babylon.’” (, NLT)

An Old Testament denunciation ().

Instead of “the LORD your God is One,” the prophet speaks of “the stars of heaven as their gods.”

Instead of “the LORD your God,” the prophet speaks of “your pagan gods,” like Molech and Rephan.

An implied New Testament denunciation of Stephen’s audience.

Focus

“Then God turned away from them and abandoned them to serve the stars of heaven as their gods! In the book of the prophets it is written, ‘Was it to me you were bringing sacrifices and offerings during those forty years in the wilderness, Israel? No, you carried your pagan gods— the shrine of Molech, the star of your god Rephan, and the images you made to worship them. So I will send you into exile as far away as Babylon.’” (, NLT)

(4) David, Solomon, and the Monarchy ()

We now come to the climax of Stephen’s historical survey, to the time when the first temple was built. It was a long time coming, but God had always found a way to dwell with his people. David wanted to build it, but God wouldn’t permit it; however, God did promise that David’s “son” would build the temple. Solomon built the stone temple, but he knew it wouldn’t truly contain God, who dwells in the heavens. The true temple builder, the one who not only inhabits heaven and earth but who even created heaven and earth has come. And Stephen is implying that his accusers are guilty of rejecting him.

Summarize then read handout

This temple was a long time coming, but God provided ways of dwelling with us (vv. 45-47).

God most truly dwells in heaven, and the earthly temple is but his footstool (vv. 49-50).

Implication: You’re rejecting the one who dwells in heaven and made heaven and earth.

iii. Stephen’s Counter-Charge ()

Ask

Summarize Stephen’s counter-charge against his own accusers.

Focus

Acts 7:51–53 NLT

“You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”

Stephen reaches the climax of his history lesson and concludes that his opponents as just like their ancestors—guilty of rejecting anyone and anything the LORD God sends them: prophet, law, and temple. “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.” (, NLT)

Summarize then read the handout paragraph

The nation has a record of ancestral guilt, and this generation shares it.

They’e had a habit of killing God’s prophets, and that continued with their murder of the Messiah.

They deliberately disobeyed God’s law, which leaves them without right of repentance and forgiveness.

Not only was this the law of Moses, which they were supposedly so zealously protecting; more than that, it came from the hands of angelss (v. 53).

Guilty! They are not the chosen, but the heathen; they are not conservators of truth, but deaf to it.

vii. Jewish Response to Stephen ()

Ask

How does Stephen’s martyrdom sound like Jesus’ death?

Stephen’s opponents didn’t take so kindly to this history lesson and indictment. Stephen gazes with open eyes in to the heavens to behold the vision of God’s glory and Jesus vindicating his messenger Stephen. But his opponents are covering their ears, stoning some that even thay haven’t convicted of anything—even with their kangaroo court. Stephen’s response is twofold: (1) He prays, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (v. 59) and “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” (v. 60). It sounds a lot like the death of Jesus.

Jewish leaders

Infuriated and shaking their fists at Stephen—and thumbing their noses against God? (v. 54)

Deaf to the truth—because they cover their own ears (v. 57).

Stoning Stephen as they crucified the Christ whom he proclaimed (v. 58).

Entrusting the coats to Saul/Paul (v. 58).

Stephen

Full of the Spirit (v. 55)

Gazing into heaven to see the glory of God (v. 55)

Seeing the one whom the Jews dishonored honored in heaven:

Seeing Jesus, the one whom they are dishonoring, “standing at the place of honor at God’s right hand” (v. 56).

Seeing and testifying, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” (, NLT)

Crying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”

Interceeding for his enemies, as did Jesus: “He fell to his knees, shouting, ‘Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!’” (v. 60)

“And with that, he died.” (, NLT)

Conclusion and Look Ahead

Conclusion

Focus

This concludes the record of apostolic ministry tied solely to Jerusalem. From here on, we’ll move into Judea and Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth. But the pattern has been set. Apostolic proclamation of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Accusations that the Jews rejected and killed their Messiah. Proclamation that God raised and glorified him. An offer of forgiveness, which many receive—to their salvation. But along with the great evangelistic harvest, there comes murderous opposition, which has led to the church’s first martyr, Stephen. Noteably, this first martyr isn’t one of the core of original apostles; rather, it’s one of the Greek-speaking men ordained to deaconal ministry. Along with that, he had immediately engaged in evangelistic ministry, which God approved with signs following. And like the apostles, he got in trouble with the Jewish authorities, and even ended up being stoned to death.

This brings us to the end of the Jerusalem section of our three-part geographical outline and moves us out the the Judea and Samaria region.

The church tarried in Jerusalem until they received the promised Holy Spirit, which empowerred them for service.

The apostles proclaimed Jesus of Nazareth, whom you crucified but God raised, vindicated, and glorified with a position at his right hand.

And God validates his messengers and confirms the message with miraculous signs that follow it.

This leads to powerful and repeated signals that the church is growing.

And at least one non-apostolic messenger has begun proclaiming that same message with the same signs following and the same growith.

And this brings the same murderous persecution that Jesus experienced and warned his disciples about.

Look Ahead

Outline

Jerusalem (chs. 1-7)

Judea and Samaria (chs. 8-12)

Ends of the Earth (chs. 13-28)

Related Media

Related Sermons