Acts
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The Book of Acts
The Book of Acts
Contents
The Book of Acts. 1
Chapter One. 5
1:1. 5
1:2-3. 5
1:4-5. 6
1:6. 6
1:7-8. 7
1:9-11. 7
1:12-14. 8
1:15-17. 8
1:18. 9
1:19. 9
1:20. 10
1:21-25. 10
1:26. 10
Chapter Two. 11
2:1. 11
2:2-4. 11
2:5-11. 12
2:12-13. 12
2:14. 12
2:15. 13
2:16-21. 13
2:22-24. 15
2:25-28. 17
2:29-30. 18
2:31. 18
2:32-36. 18
2:37. 19
2:38. 20
2:39. 22
2:40. 24
2:41. 25
2:42. 26
2:43. 26
2:44-45. 28
2:46-47. 29
Chapter Three. 31
3:1. 31
3:2. 31
3:3-6. 31
3:7-8. 31
3:9-11. 32
3:12-16. 32
3:17-18. 33
3:19. 34
3:20. 36
3:21. 36
3:22-24. 36
3:25. 37
3:26. 37
Chapter Four 37
4:1. 37
4:5-7. 38
4:8-10. 38
4:11. 39
4:12. 40
4:13. 43
4:14-17. 43
4:18-20. 44
4:21-22. 45
4:23-24. 45
4:25-28. 48
4:29-31. 48
4:32. 49
4:33. 49
4:34-35. 50
4:36-37. 50
Chapter Five. 51
5:1-2. 51
5:3-4. 53
5:5-11. 53
5:12. 54
5:13-14. 54
5:15-16. 55
5:17-18. 55
5:19-20. 56
5:21-24. 56
5:25-26. 56
5:27-28. 57
5:29. 57
5:30-31. 57
5:32. 61
5:33. 61
5:34-35. 62
5:36-39. 62
5:40. 62
5:41-42. 63
Chapter 6. 63
6:1. 63
6:2-3. 65
6:4. 65
6:5. 66
6:6. 66
6:7. 66
6:8. 66
6:9. 67
6:10. 67
6:11-14. 67
6:15. 68
Chapter 7. 69
7:1. 69
7:2-4. 70
7:5-7. 71
7:8-10. 71
7:11-14. 72
7:15-16. 73
7:17-19. 75
7:20-22. 75
7:23-25. 75
7:26-29. 76
7:30-36. 76
7:37. 80
7:38. 80
7:39-40. 83
7:41-43. 83
7:44-47. 86
7:48-50. 86
7:51-53. 87
7:54. 88
7:55-56. 88
7:57-58. 91
7:59. 92
How is Jesus God?. 92
How is God One?. 93
Jesus is God. 94
7:60. 99
Chapter One
Chapter One
1:1
1:1
Introduction
(Acts 1:1 KJV) The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Luke also wrote the Gospel of Luke.
(Lk. 1:1-4 KJV) Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Acts 1:1-11 corresponds to Luke 24:44-53.
(Lk. 24:44-53 KJV) 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
1:2-3
1:2-3
Jesus Appeared
(Acts 1:2-3 KJV) 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Jesus appeared multiple times to His disciples.
(1 Cor. 15:5-8 KJV) 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
He Taught About the Kingdom
During this time He taught them more about the Kingdom of Heaven and prepared them for Spirit Baptism.
(Jn. 3:3-5 KJV) 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.1
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Lk. 24:49 KJV) 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
1:4-5
1:4-5
The Promise of the Father
(Acts 1:4-5 KJV) 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.1
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
He reminds them of the Baptism of the Spirit that is to come soon – the Promise of the Father.
John baptized unto repentance. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
(Lk. 3:16 KJV) 16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
(Acts 2:1-4 KJV) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
1:6
1:6
Restore the Kingdom
(Acts 1:6 KJV) 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
They looked for the Messiah to bring in a natural kingdom and overthrow the Roman Empire.
(Isa. 1:26 KJV) 26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.
(Dan. 7:27 KJV) 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
(Amos 9:11 KJV) 11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:
(Lk. 17:20 KJV) 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
(Lk. 19:11 KJV) 11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
(Lk. 24:21 KJV) 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Jesus was bringing in a spiritual kingdom with the power to defeat the devil.
(Matt. 28:18-20 KJV) 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:1
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Mk. 16:15-16 KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
(Lk. 24:47-49 KJV) 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
1:7-8
1:7-8
Outline of Acts
(Acts 1:7-8 KJV) 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Verse 8 gives us an outline of the book of Acts.
Acts 1-5 – Jerusalem
Acts 6-9:31 – Judea and Samaria
Acts 9:32-28 – The uttermost part of the earth
1:9-11
1:9-11
Second Coming
(Acts 1:9-11 KJV) 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives to defeat the devil and his armies.
(Rev. 19:11-21 KJV) 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
1:12-14
1:12-14
Waiting for the Promise of the Father
(Acts 1:12-14 KJV) 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
They obeyed Jesus and returned to Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Ghost to be poured out that Jesus had promised would come.
(Lk. 24:49 KJV) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
(Acts 1:4 KJV) 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
1:15-17
1:15-17
Replacing Judas
(Acts 1:15-17 KJV) 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Peter recognized that this was a fulfillment of prophecy.
(Ps. 41:9 KJV) Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
(Ps. 69:25 KJV) Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
Jesus foretold this.
(Lk. 22:39-54 KJV) 39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.1
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
1:18
1:18
Hanged
(Acts 1:18 KJV) Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
Judas felt so condemned over betraying Jesus that he hanged himself.
(Matt. 27:5 KJV) And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
1:19
1:19
Field of Blood
(Acts 1:19 KJV) And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
The Field of Blood because a place where they buried paupers and Gentiles. Because it was bought with blood-money.
(Matt. 27:6-8 KJV) 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
This was also a fulfillment of prophecy.
(Matt. 27:9-10 KJV) 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;1
10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.
(Zech. 11:13 KJV) And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
1:20
1:20
Prophesied in Psalms
(Acts 1:20 KJV) For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
(Ps. 69:25 KJV) Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
(Ps. 109:8 KJV) Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
1:21-25
1:21-25
Choosing Between Two
(Acts 1:21-25 KJV) 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
To qualify, the person had to have been with Jesus throughout His entire ministry – from His baptism to His resurrection. He had to be a witness of the resurrection.
1:26
1:26
Gave Lots
(Acts 1:26 KJV) And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Casting lots was an ancient Hebrew method of making a choice. The idea was that God would lead their choice.
(Num. 26:55 KJV) Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
(Jos. 15:1 KJV) This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.
(1 Sam. 14:42 KJV) And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
(Est. 3:7 KJV) In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
(Mk. 15:24 KJV) And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
By Lot - 01486 גּוֹרָל gowral {go-rawl'} or )shortenedגֹּרָל ( goral {go-ral'}
Meaning: 1) lot 1a) lot - pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Origin: from an unused root meaning to be rough (as stone); TWOT - 381a; n m
Usage: AV - lot 77; 77
Lots - 2819 κλῆρος kleros {klay'-ros}
Meaning: 1) an object used in casting or drawing lots, which was either a pebble, or a potsherd, or a bit of wood 1a) the lots of several persons concerned, inscribed with their names, were thrown together into a vase, which was then shaken, and he whose lot fell out first upon the ground was the one chosen 2) what is obtained by lot, allotted portion 2a) a portion of the ministry common to the apostles 2b) used of the part which one will have in eternal salvation 2b1) of salvation itself 2b2) the eternal salvation which God has assigned to the saints 2c) of persons 2c1) those whose care and oversight has been assigned to one [allotted charge], used of Christian churches, the administration of which falls to the lot of presbyters
Origin: probably from 2806 (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose); TDNT - 3:758,442; n m
Usage: AV - lot 8, part 2, inheritance 2, heritage 1; 13
Chapter Two
Chapter Two
2:1
2:1
Pentecost
(Acts 2:1 KJV) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Pentecost is an annual Jewish festival also known as Feast of Weeks (Shavout), the Feast of Harvest, or the Feast of Firstfruits. It took place 50 days after Passover. Many people came to Jerusalem from all around to celebrate the harvest and the giving of the Torah in Israel.
2:2-4
2:2-4
The Holy Ghost
(Acts 2:2-4 KJV) 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
A lot of things happened here in the upper room when the Holy Ghost was first poured out:
1. A sound of a rushing mighty wind
2. The appearance of divided flames like fire
3. They spoke in a language that they hadn’t learned
The sound of the wind and the flames of fire occurred before they received the Holy Ghost. This was the initial outpouring – when the Holy Ghost came down from Heaven.
The sign of tongues happened as they received the Holy Ghost.
The only one of these signs that was recurring throughout the New Testament Church was speaking in tongues.
(Acts 8:17-19 KJV) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 10:44-48 KJV) 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
(Acts 19:6 KJV) 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
2:5-11
2:5-11
The Multitude
(Acts 2:5-11 KJV) 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.1
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
The Holy Ghost being poured out got the attention of the multitude that was in Jerusalem for Pentecost. God waited until there was a crowd to witness the outpouring. The crowd recognized their own languages and said they were hearing the wonderful works of God.
The wording of verses 6 and 8 are confusing. Many people have believed that each person heard everyone speaking in their language. Many have thought that when Peter preached, he preached in his language and everyone heard him in their own language. This would do away with the need of the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues. Verses 9-11 explains that each person heard all of those languages.
2:12-13
2:12-13
New Wine
(Acts 2:12-13 KJV) 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
Some were genuinely curious of what they heard. Some believed while others mocked them. We see the same response today – amazement, curiosity, doubting, questioning, mocking, and believing.
2:14
2:14
Peter
(Acts 2:14 KJV) 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Peter quickly took the leadership role. Jesus gave him this authority based on his confession of who Jesus was.
(Matt. 16:13-19 KJV) 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Peter was giving the Keys to the Kingdom. He used this authority and taught the keys to the kingdom in Acts 2, 8, and 10.
Through the power of the Holy Ghost Peter was able to preach the gospel. All the Apostles preached through the power of the Holy Ghost.
(1 Cor. 2:4 KJV) 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
(1 Thess. 1:5-6 KJV) 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
2:15
2:15
Third Hour
(Acts 2:15 KJV) 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
This was 9:00 am in the morning. The day began at 6:00 am. Peter said this because it wasn’t common to see anyone drunk this early in the morning.
What kind of wine would teach you a new language?
2:16-21
2:16-21
Joel
(Acts 2:16-21 KJV) 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Peter was quoting Joel and applied the prophecy to what was happening.
(Joel 2:28-32 KJV) 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Not all of this prophecy had been fulfilled at this time.
For example, they hadn’t had time to dream dreams yet, and the Spirit wasn’t poured out on all flesh (other nations – the Samaritans 8, and the Gentiles 10), but Peter knew that the outpouring of the Holy Ghost meant all of these would be fulfilled. This was the mission for the rest of the book of Acts.
Some believe the wonders in the heavens and the earth refers to what happened when Jesus was crucified.
(Lk. 23:44-45 KJV) 44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.1
45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Others believe it’s referring to the end time. It could be both. The context makes sense that Peter is referring to what they just saw 50 days before. It could easily be a double reference.
The Name of the Lord
The whole purpose of the prophecy was to show that “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This opens salvation to anyone – Jews and Gentiles. Acts 2:21, Joel 2:32.
From the start of the Church they emphasized the name of Jesus for salvation. Baptism is in the name of the Jesus.
(Acts 2:38 KJV) 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 8:12 KJV) 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(Acts 10:48 KJV) 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
(Acts 19:5 KJV) 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
(Acts 22:16 KJV) 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Jesus is the only saving name.
(Acts 4:12 KJV) 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
(Phil. 2:9-10 KJV) 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
(Col. 3:17 KJV) 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
2:22-24
2:22-24
God Raised Up
(Acts 2:22-24 KJV) 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Peter pointed out that the people here had seen the miracles, wonders, and signs that Jesus had done and that it verified who He was. He accused them of wickedly having Jesus crucified. Jesus had to raise from the dead because salvation is by His death, burial, and resurrection.
(1 Cor. 15:1-4 KJV) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.1
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
If Jesus hadn’t risen then our faith is in vain.
(1 Cor. 15:14 KJV) 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Who rose Jesus from the dead?
Verse 24 says God raised Him up. Many Scriptures show that God raised Him from the dead.
(Acts 2:32 KJV) 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
(Acts 3:15 KJV) 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
(Acts 3:26 KJV) 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
(Acts 4:10 KJV) 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
(Acts 5:30 KJV) 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
(Acts 10:40 KJV) 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
(Acts 13:30 KJV) 30 But God raised him from the dead:
(Acts 13:33-34 KJV) 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
(Acts 17:31 KJV) 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
(Rom. 4:24 KJV) 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
(Rom. 8:11 KJV) 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(1 Cor. 6:14 KJV) 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
(1 Cor. 15:15 KJV) 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
(2 Cor. 4:14 KJV) 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
(Gal. 1:1 KJV) Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
(Eph. 1:20 KJV) 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
(Col. 2:12 KJV) 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
(1 Thess. 1:10 KJV) 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
(Heb. 13:20 KJV) 20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(1 Pet. 1:21 KJV) 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
We know that the one who raised Jesus is God. He called Jesus His son or was called the Father (Acts 3:26, 13:33-34, Gal 1:1, 1 Thes 1:10), so He was the Father. He’s also the one that’s in us (the Holy Ghost – Rom 8:11).
What did Jesus foretell about His resurrection?
(Jn. 2:19-22 KJV) 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
(Jn. 10:18 KJV) 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Jesus had the power as the one and only God to raise the human body from the dead.
As God, Jesus is the Father.
(Jn. 14:9 KJV) 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
As God, Jesus is the Spirit that dwells in us.
(Rom. 8:9 KJV) 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
There is only one Spirit.
(Eph. 4:4-6 KJV) 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
And God is a Spirit.
(Jn. 4:24 KJV) 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
We see from all of these verses that Jesus is both that one God that raised the Son of God from the dead and the Son of God. He is both God and man.
2:25-28
2:25-28
David
(Acts 2:25-28 KJV) 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
The book of Psalm has more Messianic prophecies than any of the prophetic books. Just like Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled (Joel 2:28-32), David’s prophecies in Psalms were also fulfilled.
Here, Peter is quoting Psalms.
(Ps. 16:8-11 KJV) 8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.1
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Before Jesus resurrected and ascended into heaven He descended to the lower parts of the Earth to preach to the wicked spirits.
(Eph. 4:9-10 KJV) 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
It was by His death on the cross that He was able to preach to them.
(1 Pet. 3:18-20 KJV) 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Jesus went into Hell (Hades), but since He had no sin He couldn’t be kept there. He has the keys of hell and death.
(Rev. 1:17-18 KJV) 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
He was victorious over death and the grave.
(1 Cor. 15:50-57 KJV) 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through Jesus we can have this victory.
2:29-30
2:29-30
His Throne
(Acts 2:29-30 KJV) 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Psalms tells us that a son of David would sit upon the throne.
(Ps. 132:11 KJV) 11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
In His humanity Jesus is a descendant of David and rightful heir to the throne of Israel.
Matthew 1.
2:31
2:31
Seeing Before
(Acts 2:31 KJV) 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
This is another quote of Psalms 16:10.
(Ps. 16:10 KJV) 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
2:32-36
2:32-36
Lord and Christ
(Acts 2:32-36 KJV) 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
We saw in verse 24 that God raised Jesus, and that the one who raised Jesus is the Spirit that is in us, and Jesus himself said that He would raise His body up.
Jesus quoted verses 34-35 in Matthew 22 when the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to trap Him.
(Matt. 22:41-44 KJV) 41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Jesus asked a godhead question. How is He David’s Lord and son at the same time?
There is only one God.
(Mk. 12:32 KJV) 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
But Jesus claimed to be that one God.
(Jn. 8:56-58 KJV) 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
(Jn. 10:30 KJV) 30 I and my Father are one.
(Jn. 14:8-11 KJV) 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Jesus isn’t in the godhead, the godhead is in Jesus.
(Col. 2:9 KJV) 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Jesus is the one God manifest in the flesh.
(1 Tim. 3:16 KJV) 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Jesus is both God and man – Father and Son. This is how Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
2:37
2:37
Pricked in Their Heart
(Acts 2:37 KJV) 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
They realized from Peter’s sermon that had sinned and wanted to know what they could do. They wre convicted, but knew there was a solution.
2:38
2:38
Keys to the Kingdom
(Acts 2:38 KJV) 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This is the plan of salvation for the New Testament.
Repent – be sorry for your sins and turn from them asking God to forgive you.
Baptized – going down completely under the water in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.
Be filled with the Holy Ghost – The Promise of the Father, the Spirit of Jesus living in us.
Jesus gave Peter the Keys to the Kingdom.
(Matt. 16:15-19 KJV) 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.1
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Peter was fulfilling the Great commission that Jesus gave them before He ascended.
(Matt. 28:17-20 KJV) 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:1
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Mk. 16:15-20 KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
(Lk. 24:44-47 KJV) 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Jesus had already taught them about the New Birth.
(Jn. 3:3-8 KJV) 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.1
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.1
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of John 3:5. This is taught throughout the book of Acts.
(Acts 3:19 KJV) 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
(Acts 8:15-17 KJV) 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 10:43-48 KJV) 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
(Acts 19:1-6 KJV) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
It’s the same Gospel that all the apostles taught.
(Tit. 3:5 KJV) 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
(Jude 1:3 KJV) 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
This is how we apply His death, burial, and resurrection.
(1 Cor. 15:1-4 KJV) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.1
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
To repent is to kill the old man of sin. It correlates to His death.
To be baptized is to apply His burial.
To be filled with the Holy Ghost is to apply His resurrection.
(Rom. 6:1-4 KJV) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jesus.
(Jn. 14:16-18 KJV) 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Jesus was made a life-giving Spirit.
(1 Cor. 15:45 KJV) 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
There is only one Spirit.
(Eph. 4:4 KJV) 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Jesus is the Holy Ghost - the life-giving Spirit.
(Jn. 14:23 KJV) 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
(Rom. 8:9-10 KJV) 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(1 Jn. 4:13 KJV) 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
2:39
2:39
For All
(Acts 2:39 KJV) 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
The promise of the Holy Ghost wasn’t just for the Apostles and those on the day of Pentecost. Many people teach that the Holy Ghost with tongues, and all of the Spiritual Gifts, ended with the death of the Apostles. Others teach that Spirit Baptism ended with Peter’s ministry and that Paul taught a different gospel.
Peter tells us here exactly who the promise is for:
· Unto you – those that were standing there hearing Peter’s sermon.
· to your children – the next generation of believers.
· to all that are afar off – the Greek word pas, means each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone.
· and to as many as the Lord will call – This is to all generations through the end of the Church age.
God calls everyone, not just a select few.
Calvinism teaches that God only calls those He wants and that He doesn’t want everyone.
The Apostles taught that God calls those He wants and that He wants everyone.
(1 Tim. 2:3-6 KJV) 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
(2 Pet. 3:9 KJV) 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost didn’t cease at Pentecost.
(Acts 8:15 KJV) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(Acts 9:17 KJV) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 10:44-46 KJV) 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
(Acts 19:6 KJV) 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Nowhere in Scripture does it say the Baptism of the Holy Ghost would end with the Apostles.
Some say it was only a sign to get the Church started. It did get the attention of the people in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, but that wasn’t its only purpose. Jesus said it would give us power and guidance to spread the message.
(Jn. 16:13 KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
That wasn’t just for the Apostles and the early Church. We need that same power they did just as much today as they did then.
Holy Spirit baptism is promised to all – not just the early Church.
(Joel 2:28-29 KJV) 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
(Joel 2:32 KJV) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
(Acts 2:1-18 KJV) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.1
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
(Acts 2:21 KJV) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Joel said “all flesh” and “whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.”
Peter said “all flesh” and “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
“All flesh” is “whosoever calls on the name of the Lord.”
This didn’t end with the Apostles and the early Church. We’re still the same Church. We have the same needs, the same power, and the same promise.
2:40
2:40
Untoward Generation
(Acts 2:40 KJV) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
The phrase “with many other words” shows that he taught them more than what is told here. We don’t know exactly what he said here, but we do know he didn’t teach something different than what they taught in the epistles. He probably explained what he was already preaching. Teaching them more fully about who Jesus was and what to do to be saved. He taught that Jesus was both Lord and Christ and what to do to be saved. He expanded on that foundation.
He wasn’t telling them they could save themselves in the sense of earning salvation or being their own savior. Only Jesus can save.
(Tit. 3:4-7 KJV) 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Peter was talking about our personal responsibility to obey God in faith.
The “untoward generation” is a wicked generation. It means turn away from wickedness and do God’s will.
(Lk. 9:41 KJV) And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you?
(Phil. 2:15 KJV) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
We are not supposed to be worldly minded and consumed by this world of sin. We are to put God first and be fully devoted to Him and His will.
(2 Cor. 6:14-18 KJV) 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2:41
2:41
Three Thousand
(Acts 2:41 KJV) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Three thousand people gladly received Peter’s message. The natural response was to be baptized. When you gladly receive God’s Word you naturally respond by obeying Him.
It doesn’t tell us here how they were baptized, but we can tell by the rest of the book of Acts they were baptized in the name of Jesus.
Some point to this and say that it didn’t mention they were filled with the Holy Ghost. It isn’t giving every detail. It doesn’t say they repented either. We can’t use an argument from silence to build a doctrine. We have to go by the clear Word of God and we have enough Scripture telling us that we have to be born of the water and the Spirit to believe they received the Holy Ghost.
What this is showing is that the natural response to believing is to obey.
2:42
2:42
Continued
(Acts 2:42 KJV) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
They didn’t just get saved and go home. They continued to learn doctrine, to fellowship with godly people while building strong relationships, to eat together in fellowship and taking communion, and to come together in prayer. They partook of community worship. This is a pattern for growth.
Some say don’t teach doctrine. They were devoted to learning doctrine. How else are you going to stand on truth if you don’t know what truth is? How are you going to content for the faith if you don’t know what the doctrines are that you’re contending for? The Apostles taught doctrine and the early Church continued stedfastly – were devoted – to doctrine.
Prayer was important to the Church in Acts and it should be important to us. Where there is much prayer there is much move of the Spirit of God. Where there is prayer there are answers to prayer. There are miracles, signs, and wonders. There is close fellowship with God.
We should follow the pattern they did.
2:43
2:43
Signs and Wonders
(Acts 2:43 KJV) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
The word fear in Greek is phobos. It means awe. This same word was used when describing those that heard about Sapphira and Ananias, and in other places in Acts.
(Acts 5:5 KJV) And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
(Acts 5:11 KJV) And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
(Acts 19:17 KJV) And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
This awe was the result of the wonders and signs.
Some take this to mean that only the Apostles did wonders and signs, but that’s not what this text is saying. It doesn’t say that only the Apostles did wonders and signs. It just says the Apostles did wonders and signs. If no one else did then it was because the Church was five minutes old and everyone was still learning about the New Covenant.
Jesus said we would do miracles.
(Jn. 14:11-14 KJV) 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
(Mk. 16:15-18 KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Paul said the gifts were given to the Church. Nowhere is Scripture does it say these gifts would not continue throughout the Church age.
(1 Cor. 12:28 KJV) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
It wasn’t just the Apostles that did miracles. Here is just a few of the miracles that were done.
(Mk. 16:20 KJV) 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
(Acts 3:6-7 KJV) 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
(Acts 4:30 KJV) By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
(Acts 5:12-16 KJV) 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.1
16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
(Acts 6:8 KJV) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
(Acts 8:6-7 KJV) 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
(Acts 9:17-18 KJV) 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
(Acts 9:32-35 KJV) 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
(Acts 9:36-41 KJV) 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.1
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.1
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
(Acts 13:8-12 KJV) 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
(Acts 14:8-10 KJV) 8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
(Acts 16:16-18 KJV) 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:1
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
(Acts 20:9-10 KJV) 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
(Acts 28:3-5 KJV) 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
(Acts 28:8-9 KJV) 8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
2:44-45
2:44-45
All That Believed
(Acts 2:44-45 KJV) 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
This isn’t a pattern for us to built a commune. They had a much different situation than we have today. They were getting the Church started. They were being persecuted with many taken to their death.
In another sense this is a pattern for how we treat and care for each other. They were also being selfless in their generosity and caring for each other. They were obeying the second commandment.
(Mk. 12:28-34 KJV) 28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
(Gal. 6:10 KJV) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
(1 Thess. 3:12 KJV) And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
(Matt. 5:44 KJV) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(Jn. 13:34-35 KJV) 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(1 Jn. 3:11-19 KJV) 11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.1
12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
2:46-47
2:46-47
Continuing
(Acts 2:46-47 KJV) 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,1
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The Church that Jesus promised He would build was growing every day as they fulfilled the Great Commission.
(Matt. 16:15-19 KJV) 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.1
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
(Matt. 28:16-20 KJV) 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:1
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Mk. 16:14-20 KJV) 14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.1
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
(Lk. 24:45-53 KJV) 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
This is the same commission and purpose of the Church today.
Chapter Three
Chapter Three
3:1
3:1
Hour of Prayer
(Acts 3:1 KJV) Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Devout Jews assembled at the Temple 3 times a day for prayer – the 3rd hour, 9th hour, and sunset. The mid-afternoon hour of prayer, the 9th hour, was 3:00pm. The Jewish day started at 6:00am.
3:2
3:2
Beautiful
(Acts 3:2 KJV) And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
This man was seen every day at the gate begging for money. He had a birth defect that kept him from walking. He probably never thought he would walk. His life was sitting in front of the temple gate. Just about everyone would have seen him and would recognize him.
3:3-6
3:3-6
Rise and Walk
(Acts 3:3-6 KJV) 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Peter may have seen this man before and might have even given him money. Peter wasn’t interested in material gain. He was more interested in the power of God. Peter’s first impulse wasn’t to reach for his money bag. Instead, he spoke a word of faith and commanded the man to stand and walk in the name of Jesus.
I’d rather be like Peter. I’d rather say I don’t have silver and gold and be able to say “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk,” rather than say I have silver and gold and not be able to say “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
Peter never considered the idea that this man wouldn’t walk when he called on the name of Jesus for healing. He knew that what Jesus told them was true.
(Mk. 16:18 KJV) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
It was up to the man to respond and do what Peter told him to do. Peter said to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
3:7-8
3:7-8
Leaping Up
(Acts 3:7-8 KJV) 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Peter didn’t just stand there and spout some words while he looked at the man, expecting the man to act on his own. If the man didn’t respond, Peter wasn’t just going to walk away. He didn’t take a ‘wait and see’ attitude. Peter helped him by reaching out his hand and lifted him up. Peter responded with faith to help build the man’s faith.
This is exactly what we should do. We should put action behind our prayers. We should help others with our faith. Peter also acted on faith when he reached out and helped the man.
The man acted from Peter’s faith with his own faith and stood, and walked, went into the temple, and leaped. He responded by praising God, giving Him the glory.
He probably expected everyone to rejoice with him. That’s why he went into the temple. To praise God and give Him the glory for his healing.
3:9-11
3:9-11
Wonder and Amazement
(Acts 3:9-11 KJV) 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
The people knew how this man was and that he wasn’t able to walk before. They knew this was a real miracle.
3:12-16
3:12-16
Through Faith in His Name
(Acts 3:12-16 KJV) 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.1
16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Peter quickly took the opportunity to preach to them about Jesus – telling them the one they delivered to be crucified was the Holy One, the Just, and the Prince of Life, and that they had seen Him raised from the dead. Just like in chapter 2, Peter is preaching who Jesus is and that they had Him crucified.
Peter told them that the miracle was done through faith in the name of Jesus, pointing out that they knew this man and that they witnessed this miracle.
You’d think that seeing this miracle would make them turn to God and repent of what they did to Jesus.
3:17-18
3:17-18
Christ Should Suffer
(Acts 3:17-18 KJV) 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
After accusing them of having Jesus crucified, Peter explained that they did it out of ignorance and it was the fulfillment of prophecy.
(Ps. 22:1 KJV) My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
(Ps. 22:5-8 KJV) 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
(Ps. 22:12-18 KJV) 12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.1
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.1
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
(Isa. 50:6 KJV) I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
(Isa. 53:5 KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
(Dan. 9:26 KJV) And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
(Hos. 6:1-3 KJV) Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
(Zech. 13:6 KJV) And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
(Lk. 24:26-27 KJV) 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
(Acts 17:3 KJV) Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
(Acts 26:22-23 KJV) 22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
(1 Pet. 1:10-11 KJV) 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Paul also said they crucified Jesus out of ignorance.
(1 Cor. 2:1-8 KJV) And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:1
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.1
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
3:19
3:19
The Presence of the Lord
(Acts 3:19 KJV) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Repentance – being truly sorry for our sins and turning from them to God. We must repent before we can be converted.
(Acts 17:30 KJV) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Be converted that your sins may be blotted out – our sins are blotted out through faith in water baptism in the name of Jesus.
(Acts 22:16 KJV) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
The times of refreshing – this is the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
(Jn. 4:13-14 KJV) 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
(Jn. 7:38-39 KJV) 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Peter is preaching the same message that he did on the day of Pentecost. This is a restatement of Acts 2:38.
(Acts 2:38 KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
And it’s a fulfillment of Jesus’ words to Nicodemus.
(Jn. 3:3-8 KJV) 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.1
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.1
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
This is the same gospel as was taught to the Samaritans.
(Acts 8:14-17 KJV) 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
It’s the same gospel that was taught to the Gentiles.
(Acts 10:44-48 KJV) 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
It’s the same message that Paul taught.
(Acts 19:1-6 KJV) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
(Tit. 3:4-7 KJV) 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,1
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;1
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
3:20
3:20
Send Jesus
(Acts 3:20 KJV) And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
The Holy Ghost is the deity of Jesus. This is how Jesus is sent back to us to baptize us with His Spirit.
(Jn. 14:16-18 KJV) 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
(Jn. 14:20-21 KJV) 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
(Jn. 14:23 KJV) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
(Jn. 14:26 KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
(Rom. 8:9-11 KJV) 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(1 Cor. 15:45 KJV) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
3:21
3:21
Restitution
(Acts 3:21 KJV) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
This cycle will continue, the same Gospel will be preached, until the restitution of all things (until the end, and then the judgement). Rev 19-20.
The restitution, or restoring, was prophesied from the beginning. Zech 12-14.
(Lk. 1:32-33 KJV) 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
3:22-24
3:22-24
A Prophet
(Acts 3:22-24 KJV) 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
All of the prophets in the Old Testament prophesied about the coming of the Messiah.
Peter first quotes Moses.
(Deut. 18:18-19 KJV) 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
3:25
3:25
Children of the Prophets
(Acts 3:25 KJV) Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
The fulfillment of the covenant that God made with Abraham, that all of the prophets foretold about, is for all the kindreds of the earth – in other words, salvation is for everyone.
(Gen. 12:3 KJV) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
3:26
3:26
To Bless You
(Acts 3:26 KJV) Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
God raised Jesus as we saw in 2:24. Jesus said He would raise Himself.
(Jn. 2:19-21 KJV) 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
Jesus in His deity is the one God.
The blessing that Jesus was sent for is the baptism of the Holy Ghost as we saw in verse 20.
Turning from our iniquities means that God expects us to live a holy life and He gives us strength to live holy through His Spirit.
Chapter Four
Chapter Four
4:1
4:1
In Hold
(Acts 4:1-4 KJV) And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
You would expect the religious leaders to be happy and excited that a miracle was done and that they should want to hear more about the Messiah. Instead, they were grieved. The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection even though Jesus taught them truth.
(Matt. 22:25-34 KJV) 25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
27 And last of all the woman died also.
28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.
Now a miracle was done in His name and they still refused to believe.
Peter, John, and the healed man were thrown into jail to stop them from peaching about Jesus and confirming their preaching with miracles.
Peter’s preaching resulted in 5000 people believing on Jesus. It doesn’t tell us any more about them.
4:5-7
4:5-7
By What Name
(Acts 4:5-7 KJV) 5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Scribes are the layers. Annas still had the title of high priest, but he no longer held the office. He was high priest from AD 6-15. Caiaphas currently held the office (held from AD 18-36). John was the son of Annas and he would be the high priest after Caiaphas (AD 36-37).
These were the most powerful people in the Jewish religion. They wanted to know about their authority. These unlearned men were not part of the religious structure of the temple and were seen as rivals. They were the sole authority and no one else could do anything without their approval. Any doctrine they didn’t approve of would be condemned and the teachers of it would be punished.
4:8-10
4:8-10
Good Deed Done
(Acts 4:8-10 KJV) 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Peter spoke under the anointing of the Holy Ghost pointed out that they were not being tried for a crime, but instead were being tried for a good deed that the council didn’t approve of. He connected the healing with Jesus and then blamed the Jewish council for having Jesus crucified. He also pointed out that even though they wanted Jesus dead, God raised him from the dead.
4:11
4:11
Corner Stone
(Acts 4:11 KJV) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Peter is referencing Psalms and applying it to Jesus.
(Ps. 118:22 KJV) The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
He was describing this Jesus that they rejected and crucified as their chief – showing them that Jesus was over them and they rejected Him.
They had heard Jesus accuse them of this too.
(Matt. 21:42-46 KJV) 42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
They had thought it was over when they had Jesus crucified, but they’re having to face it again. They knew this would mean that salvation was through Jesus.
Jesus is the rock of salvation.
(Exod. 17:5-7 KJV) 5 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.
6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
(1 Cor. 10:1-4 KJV) Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
(Eph. 2:19-22 KJV) 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
(1 Pet. 2:4-10 KJV) 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.1
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,1
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:1
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
4:12
4:12
None Other Name
(Acts 4:12 KJV) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Peter’s conclusion of Jesus being the head stone of the corner was that salvation was only through His name.
What Peter was telling them was there was no more need for sacrifices, the Sanhedrin court, and the priests.
There is no other way we can be saved other than through Jesus.
(Jn. 3:18 KJV) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Jn. 14:6 KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
(1 Jn. 5:12 KJV) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Why? Why Jesus and not titles?
Only Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law
(Isa. 12:2 KJV) Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
(Matt. 1:21 KJV) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Jesus died for our sins.
(1 Pet. 3:18 KJV) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Jesus is our mediator.
(1 Tim. 2:5-6 KJV) 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Jesus died for our sins.
(1 Cor. 15:1-4 KJV) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.1
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
(2 Cor. 5:15 KJV) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
We are baptized in the name of the one that died for us.
(1 Cor. 1:10-17 KJV) 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.1
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Jesus is the saving name and the name that is above every name.
(Phil. 2:9-11 KJV) 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
How can the name of Jesus be above all names? Because Jesus is the one God.
(Jn. 1:1-18 KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.1
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:1
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father
(Col. 1:15-19 KJV) 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.1
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
(Col. 2:6-14 KJV) 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.1
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
(2 Cor. 5:18-19 KJV) 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
(1 Tim. 3:16 KJV) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Jesus is both God and Man. The one God and our sacrifice. God the Father manifest in the flesh.
(Isa. 9:6 KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
(Gal. 4:4-7 KJV) 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The reason Jesus is the only name for salvation is because he is God manifest in the flesh to become our redeemer.
4:13
4:13
Unlearned and Ignorant
(Acts 4:13 KJV) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Boldness means Peter spoke with confidence and without fear. The disciples prayed for this boldness.
(Acts 4:29-31 KJV) 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 28:30-31 KJV) 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Peter and John would have had the same basic education that most Jews had, but they didn’t have a theological education from the Rabbi’s at the temple. They realized that they had been taught by Jesus. They knew of his reputation as a teacher.
(Jn. 7:14-15 KJV) 14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
The Apostles were taught by the greatest teacher that ever lived. He is the source of all knowledge.
(Isa. 11:1-2 KJV) And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
(1 Cor. 1:24 KJV) But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
(Col. 2:2-3 KJV) 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4:14-17
4:14-17
Notable Miracle
(Acts 4:14-17 KJV) 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Rather than turn to Jesus they wanted to deny the miracle. They were standing in the presence of a miracle. They were probably aware that this man had sat at the gate asking for alms. Rather than rejoice with him as he gave God the glory, they wanted to deny it because it would uplift Jesus.
They knew too many people had witnessed the miracle and they couldn’t deny it. They also knew they couldn’t put them on trial because that would just make the news spread and that’s what they wanted to avoid.
Their solution was to threaten them to keep the truth from spreading. They knew it was of God. They knew it was a real miracle, but it threatened their lifestyle. They were more concerned about their position than in pleasing God.
4:18-20
4:18-20
Seen and Heard
(Acts 4:18-20 KJV) 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
After being threatened Peter points out that it is better to serve God than man. He pointed out that it’s better to obey God and disobey the law if the law goes against God.
The Apostles were given a direct command to spread the Gospel.
(Matt. 28:19-20 KJV) 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:1
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Mk. 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
(Lk. 24:47 KJV) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
(Acts 1:8 KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Not teaching the Gospel would have been disobeying the Great Commission.
We are to obey the laws of the land and to respect authority.
(Rom. 13:1-7 KJV) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.1
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
(1 Pet. 2:13-17 KJV) 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.1
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
We are to put God’s commands first.
(Acts 5:29 KJV) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
4:21-22
4:21-22
Further Threatened
(Acts 4:21-22 KJV) 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
All they could do was threaten. They knew they had no way to punish them because there were 5000 people that saw this man running and jumping when he couldn’t before. They knew the people witnessed a miracle and glorified God for it.
Some try to spiritualize the man’s ago of above 40 years old. It doesn’t refer to anything other than his age. Being above 40 years old may have meant that he was of age to be a reliable witness. It also could have been a reference to how long he had been crippled and his age could mean that a lot of people knew him. The point they were making is they can’t hide it.
4:23-24
4:23-24
Hast Made
(Acts 4:23-24 KJV) 23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Their response was to life up their voice to God and speak God’s Word with boldness. They didn’t run and hide. They didn’t quit in the face of opposition. They took it to God in prayer.
The first thing they said in this pray was to point out that God is our Creator.
The Father is the Creator.
(Gen. 1:1 KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
(Exod. 20:11 KJV) For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
(Neh. 9:6 KJV) Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
(Ps. 8:3 KJV) When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
(Ps. 19:1 KJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
(Ps. 102:25 KJV) Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
(Ps. 104:1-5 KJV) Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
(Ps. 148:1-6 KJV) Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.1
2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
(Isa. 44:24 KJV) Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
(Isa. 45:8 KJV) Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
(Isa. 48:13 KJV) Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
(Mal. 2:10 KJV) Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
(Acts 14:15 KJV) And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
(Acts 17:24 KJV) God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
(Heb. 11:3 KJV) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Jesus is the Creator
(Jn. 1:1-3 KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
(Jn. 1:10 KJV) He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
(1 Cor. 8:6 KJV) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
(Eph. 3:9 KJV) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
(Col. 1:16-18 KJV) 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
(Heb. 1:1-2 KJV) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
(Heb. 1:10 KJV) And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
The one on the throne is the Creator.
(Rev. 4:11 KJV) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
And the Judge.
(Rev. 20:11-12 KJV) 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Jesus is the Judge.
(Jn. 5:22 KJV) For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
(Jn. 5:27 KJV) And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
(Rom. 2:16 KJV) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
(Rom. 14:10-11 KJV) 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
The one on the throne is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, which was, is, and is to come.
(Rev. 4:8 KJV) And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
(Rev. 21:5-7 KJV) 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, which was, is, and is to come.
(Rev. 1:8 KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
(Rev. 1:17-18 KJV) 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Jesus is on the Throne.
(Rev. 22:3-4 KJV) 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
God being the Creator means that God is in control. God has the authority over us. Man can persecute, but it’s God that we will answer to. It is better to stand for God and live in persecution than to stand with man and disobey God.
They recognized that it was God’s plan to fulfill prophecy.
4:25-28
4:25-28
Determined Before
(Acts 4:25-28 KJV) 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
They applied Psalm 2 as a prophecy of the persecution of Jesus.
(Ps. 2:1-3 KJV) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
The Gentiles are Herod and Pontias Pilate. The Jewish leaders are the people of Israel. They fulfilled this Psalm.
This shows that they knew it was God’s plan. It was by His ‘hand’ (His active involvement) and by His ‘counsel’ (His wisdom and purpose) to fulfill His predetermined plan to provide us a sacrifice for sin.
4:29-31
4:29-31
Boldness
(Acts 4:29-31 KJV) 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
They prayed for the boldness to stand in opposition and teach and preach God’s Word. They also asked for miracles, signs, and wonders to follow God’s Word. God immediately anointed them with boldness to proclaim His Word. He answered this prayer as they prayed it.
When it says they were filled with the Holy Ghost, this isn’t the same thing as the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. They had already receive the Holy Ghost. This was a renewing and an anointing.
This happened earlier in chapter 4 when Peter started preaching and when Paul rebuked the sorcerer.
(Acts 4:8 KJV) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
(Acts 13:8-10 KJV) 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.
(Acts 2:1-4 KJV) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Paul received the Holy Ghost when Annanias baptized him in Jesus’ name.
(Acts 9:17-18 KJV) 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
4:32
4:32
One Heart and Soul
(Acts 4:32 KJV) And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
They came together in unity of purpose to continue building the Church and supporting their preachers and teachers.
4:33
4:33
Great Power
(Acts 4:33 KJV) And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Great power implies that the apostles became strong teachers of Jesus. God answered their prayer to preach with boldness. They had confidence to preach and witness.
The also had great grace. This implies they had a graceful character. They were graceful in their speech and actions. They didn’t go around forcing the message and arguing with hateful attitudes. They were graceful and humble. It also implies that their speech was eloquent and anointed. They were convincing and hard to resist. God convicted the hearers as they taught with power and grace.
This means we’re not alone when we witness to others. God will strengthen our words and convict the hearers.
4:34-35
4:34-35
According to Need
(Acts 4:34-35 KJV) 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
This was a common practice for the early Church. They knew what it would take to support the ministry against the Jews that intended on stopping them. They knew the ministers had to be fully devoted to God’s work. All Christians were under persecution and were forced to leave their homes.
This wasn’t commanded of them, but they loved their brothers and sisters in the Lord and wanted to ensure that no one had need of anything.
4:36-37
4:36-37
Barnabas
(Acts 4:36-37 KJV) 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
The Levites didn’t inherit land in the Promised Land, but he could own land in Cyprus. Cyprus is an island in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. The Jews had settled there during the Maccabean times.
Barnabas was considered an apostle. He wasn’t one of the founding 12, but he was a Church planter. He was also considered a prophet and a teacher. He was a fellow worker of Paul.
(Acts 13:1-2 KJV) Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.1
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
(Acts 14:14 KJV) Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
Barnabas had wisdom and a heart for people. He believed in Paul and brought him to the apostles when everyone was afraid of him.
(Acts 9:26-27 KJV) 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
He took up for Mark when Paul didn’t want to take him with them to check on the Churches.
(Acts 15:35-41 KJV) 35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
He didn’t go with them to the work in Pamphylia. This argument wasn’t a right vs wrong disagreement. This was a matter of personal preference and they remained civil and friends. They agreed to disagree.
Paul later told that Mark was profitable to him for the Gospel.
(2 Tim. 4:11 KJV) Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Imagine what the New Testament would be like if it wasn’t for Barnabas. He believed in Paul and Mark when no one else would. Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark and Paul wrote most of the New Testament and did a lot to spread the Gospel. Barnabas is one of those important people that we see the effects of his work more than the work he himself did.
Chapter Five
Chapter Five
5:1-2
5:1-2
Kept Back
(Acts 5:1-2 KJV) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
They wanted to be honored and praised by the people for giving, but they also wanted to benefit from selling the land. They used deception in order to get the same honor that Barnabas got.
They were like the Pharisees.
(Jn. 12:42-43 KJV) 42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Barnabas gave a real sacrifice.
(Acts 4:36-37 KJV) 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
He gave out of the kindness of his heart – not for the praise of men.
They thought more of themselves than of God and His saints. They wanted honor without sacrifice. Instead of the Fruits of the Spirit, they were hypocritical and developed a lie based on pride.
They were carnal like the Church in Corinth.
(1 Cor. 3:1-3 KJV) And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
God wants us to overcome our carnal nature.
(Rom. 8:5-13 KJV) 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.1
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.1
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.1
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(Rom. 12:21 KJV) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
(1 Jn. 5:4 KJV) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Pride damages spirituality. They wanted everyone to believe they were spiritual, but they didn’t want to deny themselves and pay the price to actually be spiritual.
They were like the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus rebuked.
(Matt. 23:1-12 KJV) Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Instead of exalting Jesus, they wanted to exalt themselves.
(Matt. 23:27-28 KJV) 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Ananias and Sapphira wanted to appear righteous, but they were full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
5:3-4
5:3-4
Lied Unto God
(Acts 5:3-4 KJV) 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
God didn’t let Peter be deceived. He gave Peter a Word of Knowledge. This is one of the Gifts of the Spirit.
(1 Cor. 12:8 KJV) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
A Word of Knowledge is when God tells you something that you couldn’t have known any other way. In this example, Ananias and Sapphira had a secret. They secretly planned to deceive everyone and pretend to be honorable when they were really prideful.
It was their land. They were not commanded to give it. They could have done what they wanted with it. God didn’t judge them for wanting to keep part of the money. They were judged for creating a lie based on pride and covetousness.
They could have deceived the Apostles, but they couldn’t deceive God. God knows our thoughts.
(Heb. 4:12-13 KJV) 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
We can’t deceive God.
5:5-11
5:5-11
Great Fear
(Acts 5:5-11 KJV) 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
Peter didn’t ask for judgement on them. This judgement was from God. They didn’t have time to repent because God knew their heart and what they would do. God used this to teach others of His judgement against sin in order to bring fear and respect for His Church and Apostles.
God doesn’t always bring sin out into the open and give a severe judgement. He wanted to keep the Church from being contaminated with hypocrisy like the Temple, and to get it started on a solid foundation.
When the sacrifices first started, God held them to strong judgement.
(Exod. 28:35 KJV) And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
(Lev. 10:1-2 KJV) And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
But then we see Jesus in the Gospels rebuking the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, money changers, and officials for living sinfully. God established them first by keeping false doctrine out so there were enough leaders that knew the foundational doctrines and keep out false teachers.
If the Apostles had tolerated this type of sin, others would have followed and the Church would have had a weak start. Instead, they had fear and awe of God and respect for His rules and judgement.
5:12
5:12
Signs and Wonders
(Acts 5:12 KJV) And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
Many signs and wonders were done. This includes healings and the other Gifts of the Spirit. God was confirming His Word with signs following.
(Mk. 16:20 KJV) And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Solomon’s porch was a colonnade (a porch with a roof held up by columns) on the eastern side of the outer court of the Temple. It was common for people to assemble together here and teach, debate, or listen. Many of the early Church met here because it could accommodate large crowds.
5:13-14
5:13-14
Magnified
(Acts 5:13-14 KJV) 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
It says no one joined them, and multitudes were added to them. This isn’t a contradiction. After hearing about Ananias and Sapphira, those that were not sincere (of the rest) were afraid to join them. They held them in high regard and honored them because they knew they were of God. Those that were not sincere weren’t willing to play around. They knew they had impure motives and were hypocrites.
The Church continued to grow in multitudes. Some try to say that Peter had a small flock and Paul made the Church popular.
There were 3000 on the day of Pentecost.
(Acts 2:41 KJV) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
More were added daily.
(Acts 2:47 KJV) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
There were 5000 that believed when Peter taught at the gate called Beautiful.
(Acts 4:4 KJV) Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
Now multitudes are still being added. This is probably thousands. They probably had well over 10,000 followers by now.
5:15-16
5:15-16
Bringing the Sick
(Acts 5:15-16 KJV) 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
Here’s another multitude. Hundreds to thousands of people being healed in the name of Jesus and hearing the Gospel being preached. They had so much faith in Peter’s message that they were even healed just by getting close enough to touch Peter’s shadow. They brought their sick and every one of them were healed.
You would think that everyone appreciated this and would turn to follow Peter and the Apostles, and give glory to Jesus.
5:17-18
5:17-18
Common Prison
(Acts 5:17-18 KJV) 17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
Instead of giving God the glory, the high priest (Caiaphas – the one who had condemned Jesus to die on the cross) and Sadducees (denied the resurrection) were filled with indignation. Indignation means an envious and contentious rivalry, a jealousy.
They were so jealous and envious of Peter and the rest of the Apostles that they took them away from the people being healed and through them into prison to stop them. They knew this would challenge their authority and prove their doctrines wrong. They were more worried about position and power than what was right.
What Peter and the Apostles were preaching proved that God was manifest in the flesh to provide salvation, which does away with the need for the Temple, and that Jesus rose from the dead which does away with the Sadducees’ beliefs. They wanted to get rid of the proof.
5:19-20
5:19-20
Angel of the Lord
(Acts 5:19-20 KJV) 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Rather than letting them stay in the prison, God sent an angel to open the doors and commanded them to go back to the Temple and preach.
The Sadducees helped place Peter and the rest of the Apostles in the prison. They don’t believe in angels, and God sends an angel to open the doors.
Why get them out when they were left in prison in the previous chapter? God’s purpose was to have Peter preach to them as a witness in chapter four. Now, they I believe they intended to kill them just like they did with Jesus. For this they need to bring the council together and put them on trial.
5:21-24
5:21-24
No Man Within
(Acts 5:21-24 KJV) 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
They gathered over 70 elders between the council and the senate. This was most likely a trial to have them put to death. They were placing them on trial for healing hundreds of people in the name of Jesus.
The prison doors were still locked and the guards were standing in their posts, and to Apostles weren’t there. They were witnessing yet another miracle that proved who Jesus was. Instead of being concerned with pleasing God and doing His will, they were concerned about the news spreading. They should have been praising God for healings and for this latest miracle, but they were only concerned about stopping the news of it spreading.
5:25-26
5:25-26
Without Violence
(Acts 5:25-26 KJV) 25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
Here’s Peter again preaching in the Temple to the crowds. It doesn’t tell us how many heard him teach this time. There were enough people that the officers were afraid of them, so they had to bring the Apostles without violence. The people would have stoned the captain and the officers. This means that they believed Peter. The people were turning against the Temple and following Jesus.
5:27-28
5:27-28
Blood Upon Us
(Acts 5:27-28 KJV) 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Even though they had been commanded, by the people who were supposed to lead others in following God, not to teach about Jesus they had filled Jerusalem with their doctrine. The reason that was a problem is the people knew that the Temple officials had Jesus killed. If the people believed the Apostles then that made them guilty and they would lose their power. All that mattered to them was their own power.
5:29
5:29
Obey God
(Acts 5:29 KJV) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Peter and the rest of the Apostles again tells them they have to obey God even if it means going against their rules.
Peter had just told them this a few days before.
(Acts 4:18-20 KJV) 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
When we’re faced with opposition of men we should always obey God rather than man.
(Heb. 13:5-6 KJV) 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
We don’t have to fear what they can do to us.
(1 Jn. 4:4 KJV) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5:30-31
5:30-31
Raised Up Jesus
(Acts 5:30-31 KJV) 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Peter reminded them that God raised the very one they were trying to stop.
Remember Jesus said he would raise his body up.
(Jn. 2:19 KJV) Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Peter was there when Jesus said this. He knew that Jesus is his deity was “the God of our fathers”. By using this phrase he was pointing out that this was the God they were supposed to be serving.
As a man, Jesus was “hanged on a tree” – he died on the cross to become our sacrifice for sin and provide a free gift of salvation. As God, Jesus rose the body from the dead.
God exalted him. This isn’t one person in the godhead exalting another. That would require two Gods and there’s only one God. “With His right hand” means “with His power”. In Hebrew, right hand means power.
Jesus has all of the power.
(Matt. 28:18 KJV) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Jesus is, and is on, the right hand of God.
(Mk. 16:19 KJV) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
(Acts 2:33 KJV) Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
(Acts 7:55-56 KJV) 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
(Rom. 8:34 KJV) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
(Col. 3:1 KJV) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
(Heb. 10:12 KJV) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
(1 Pet. 3:22 KJV) Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Peter wasn’t contradicting what Jesus said. He was explaining that Jesus was the power of God – in other words – God manifest in the flesh. He was using terms the Temple council would understand – talking to them on their level. This is another way to say that Jesus rose his body from the grave.
Peter explained the purpose of Jesus being exalted – to become our Prince and Savior so he could provide forgiveness of sins – in other words, salvation.
We are born into sin. Sin requires a blood sacrifice. The blood of bulls and goats isn’t enough to remit sin – it could only push back the penalty of sin.
(Heb. 10:4 KJV) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
To take away sins, instead of just push the penalty of sins back, requires a kinsman redeemer.
No other human being could take our place because we all have sins to be redeemed. God became a man to provide the perfect sacrifice.
This is what God prophesied in the Garden of Eden.
(Gen. 3:15 KJV) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
This is why Peter called him Prince and Savior – he was referring to his human nature that was given as our sacrifice and is now our mediator.
(Gal. 3:20 KJV) Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
They knew that God would be our Savior because they knew the Old Testament.
(2 Sam. 22:3 KJV) The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
(Isa. 43:3 KJV) For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:
(Isa. 43:11 KJV) I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
(Isa. 45:15 KJV) Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
(Isa. 45:21 KJV) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
(Isa. 49:26 KJV) And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
(Isa. 60:16 KJV) Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
(Isa. 63:7-8 KJV) 7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.
8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
(Hos. 13:4 KJV) Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.
When Peter called Jesus the Savior they knew that he was calling him God manifest in the flesh.
They called God the Savior in the New Testament and they knew that this was Jesus.
(Lk. 1:47 KJV) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
(Lk. 2:11 KJV) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(Jn. 4:42 KJV) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
(Acts 13:23 KJV) Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
(Eph. 5:23 KJV) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
(Phil. 3:20 KJV) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
(1 Tim. 1:1 KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
(1 Tim. 2:3 KJV) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(1 Tim. 4:10 KJV) For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
(2 Tim. 1:10 KJV) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
(Tit. 1:3-4 KJV) 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
(Tit. 2:10-14 KJV) 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,1
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;1
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(Tit. 3:4-7 KJV) 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,1
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;1
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
(2 Pet. 1:1 KJV) Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
(2 Pet. 1:11 KJV) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(2 Pet. 2:20 KJV) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(2 Pet. 3:2 KJV) That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
(2 Pet. 3:18 KJV) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
(1 Jn. 4:14 KJV) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
(Jude 1:25 KJV) To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
That they preached Jesus is God manifest in the flesh to become our Savior and this is exactly what the council at the Temple understood them to preach.
When Peter said that Jesus is the right hand of God, they knew that he meant that Jesus is the power of God - God in a human form. They understood that this meant Jesus brought in a new covenant – and they didn’t want it.
5:32
5:32
Witnesses
(Acts 5:32 KJV) And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Peter explained that, even though they wanted to deny the new covenant, there were witnesses that couldn’t be denied.
Peter and the rest of the Apostles were witnesses. They had preached so much and performed so many miracles in the name of Jesus that they were reliable witnesses – especially to the many thousands of witnesses in Jerusalem and the surrounding cities who knew of Jesus, some witnessed the resurrection (many infallible proofs – Acts 1:3). Many heard Peter preach, witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and were healed or witnessed healings.
The Holy Ghost is the other witness. The Holy Ghost was given to those who obey God’s call to the gospel message.
They knew the prophecies that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh.
(Joel 2:28-29 KJV) 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
Jesus stood up in a public Jewish feast and said they would be filled with His Spirit.
(Jn. 7:37-39 KJV) 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
They knew Jesus claimed he was the Comforter.
(Jn. 14:16-18 KJV) 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Jesus taught this and then the Apostles taught this.
You would think that they would be pleased to hear that God has poured out His Spirit upon all flesh and brought in the new covenant. You would think they would be happy to hear the good news that Peter and the rest of the Apostles preached and then confirmed with signs following.
5:33
5:33
Counsel to Slay Them
(Acts 5:33 KJV) 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
The rulers were cut to the heart. This means they were convicted from Peter’s preaching. Instead heeding to the conviction, and giving God the glory for the new covenant message and praising God for the miracles they had witnessed, they wanted to kill the Apostles for preaching in the name of Jesus.
5:34-35
5:34-35
Gamaliel
(Acts 5:34-35 KJV) 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
Gamaliel was a doctor of the Law of Moses. He was a Pharisee, which was in the minority in the Temple, but he was well-known among the people and had great influence. He could have been the grandson of a Rabbinic teacher named Hillel and succeeded him as a teacher, or he may have started his own school. He was also Paul’s teacher.
(Acts 22:3 KJV) I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
Gamaliel realized that this actually allowed God to convict him and recognized that this could be the work of God. He wasn’t willing to fight against God. God used him to get the Apostles released by teaching about other incidents that had happened.
5:36-39
5:36-39
Brought to Nought
(Acts 5:36-39 KJV) 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.1
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.1
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
The Jewish historian Josephus reported that there were a lot of revolts against Roman rule during the time of Jesus.
Theudas came before Judas of Galilee, which took place in A.D. 6. We don’t know much about him, but he isn’t the Theudas that Josephus talked about who led a revolt in A.D. 44 or 45. Peter is talking here in A.D. 30 or 33. Some try to say that the Bible is wrong in its timeline, but there’s no reason to believe this is the same person from Josephus’ writings. He was probably a leader after the death of Herod the Great in A.D. 4.
In A.D. 6 Judas of Galilee and rebelled against the census. He taught the people not to give to the pagan rulers. Gamaliel used these examples to show that man’s work is nothing and they cannot fight against God.
Of course we can’t use Gamaliel’s teaching here to mean that every teaching or teacher that has a following is of God. This is just his teaching. There are many false teachings that have been around for centuries. Paul was his student and didn’t teach this.
But, the conclusion he made was true – if it’s from God, they cannot overthrow it. It is always best not to fight against God. Jonah is a good example.
5:40
5:40
Beaten
(Acts 5:40 KJV) And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Even though they agreed Gamaliel’s point, they beat the Apostles as a threat and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus.
Jesus told them this would happen.
(Mk. 13:9 KJV) But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
They should have known that Peter would obey God rather than man.
5:41-42
5:41-42
Counted Worthy
(Acts 5:41-42 KJV) 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Instead of letting the experience slow them down, they rejoiced because it was better to stand on the side of God than for man. This also proves that we will suffer persecution. If you’re fully accepted by everyone and never persecuted for what you believe, then you’re not standing on anything. If you stand for Jesus you will suffer persecution for it. Some believe that we’ll always have it good. That’s not what Jesus taught and that’s not what the Apostles saw.
This didn’t stop them and it shouldn’t stop us. They kept preaching in the temple and from house to house (the Churches were in the houses). No matter what we face, don’t stop teaching and preaching Jesus.
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
6:1
6:1
Multiplied
(Acts 6:1 KJV) And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
First thing to point out is their number multiplied again. Gamaliel just said that if it’s not of God it would diminish. Here’s Peter’s little flock (of probably 10,000 by now) multiplying yet again.
The Grecians are Greek-speaking Jews that lived around Jerusalem. They started to complain. There are a few things that could have been going on here.
The Grecians probably didn’t speak Aramaic, so there may have been a language barrier or a barrier because of cultural differences.
Paul gives us teachings on taking care of the widows of the Church.
(1 Tim. 5:3-16 KJV) 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.1
5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.1
7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.1
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,1
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.1
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
Some try to say they had differences in doctrine, but the text doesn’t say that. The Bible tells us they had unity in doctrine. When they didn’t have unity they were trained to contend for the faith to keep out false doctrine.
(Jude 1:3-4 KJV) 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for ministration is diakonia and refers to:
1) service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
2) of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men
1. 2a) of the office of Moses
2. 2b) of the office of the apostles and its administration
3. 2c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.
3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities
4) the office of the deacon in the church
5) the service of those who prepare and present food
They were not fighting against false doctrine. There are several different things this service could refer to. It was most likely daily provisions to those in need. Whatever the service was, the widows were not being served.
This was partially due to the rapid growth of the Church. They were not equipped to handle this growth.
6:2-3
6:2-3
Honest Report
(Acts 6:2-3 KJV) 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
They knew they couldn’t handle the situation on their own and it was time for a structural change. In other words, they were organized and knew they need to expand their organization. The twelve were the head and looked for disciples from of the multitude. The word multitude means great number. This is not a “little flock.”
They didn’t want to stop in their studies and preaching to serve the people. They knew it was better to get someone else that was qualified so they could continue in the Word.
They set the standards of what would qualify someone to help. They wanted:
· Honest report
· Full of the Holy Ghost
· Full of wisdom
These weren’t just a set of rules they chose at random. These were the qualifications for deacons.
(1 Tim. 3:8-13 KJV) 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
They wanted someone that was spiritually mature. If they wanted spiritual maturity before someone could wait on tables how much more important is spiritual maturity for leadership roles.
This is why someone isn’t thrown behind the pulpit as soon as they proclaim they’ve been called to preach. They much first be prepared.
This also shows that there are specific roles and different responsibilities and requirements for those roles.
6:4
6:4
Give Ourselves
(Acts 6:4 KJV) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Ideally the ministry would be a full-time job. That’s what they were doing and that’s what was needed to continue to build the Church. This shows it’s better to focus on your ministry and let others focus on what they can do.
To be effective leaders we have to give ourselves to prayer and study of Scripture. The phrase “give ourselves” means a continued and focused devotion. This means giving time and making it the highest priority. This is the only way a minister can truly be prepared for the ministry. You should never sit under a pastor that you can’t have confidence in their ministry.
6:5
6:5
Chose
(Acts 6:5 KJV) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
All seven were Grecian (or Hellenistic) Jews, as we can see from their Greek names. Nicolas was a Jewish proselyte from Antioch. This is the city that would soon receive the Gospel and become the headquarters for the Gentile missions. Stephen and Philip continued on into other ministries.
6:6
6:6
Laid Hands on Them
(Acts 6:6 KJV) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
The set them apart for service by prayer and laying on of hands. They anointed them for ministry. This shows that they considered even this ministry of waiting on tables for the widows seriously.
Laying on of hands is used in other places to anoint a ministry.
(Acts 13:1-3 KJV) Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.1
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
6:7
6:7
Increased
(Acts 6:7 KJV) And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
The Church continued to grow. Their multitude multiplied greatly. This time even some of the priests from the temple were converted. It doesn’t say how many priests, but the lower ranks of priests numbered in the thousands. So this could have been another great multitude.
In spite of being persecuted and threatened, they continued to preach in the name of Jesus and the Church continued to grow.
6:8
6:8
Stephen
(Acts 6:8 KJV) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Great wonders and signs weren’t only done by the Apostles. Stephen is the first person after the Apostles where the Bible mentions wonders and miracles. This doesn’t mean that no one else did them, but if someone else did up to this point it doesn’t tell us.
6:9
6:9
Disputing
(Acts 6:9 KJV) Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
The synagogue of the Libertines (also called Freedmen or Diaspora) were former Jewish slaves or their descendants. They may have been brought to Rome by Pompey in 63 B.C. and then liberated. They built a synagogue that was still occupied by their descendants a century after Pompey’s Palestinian campaign.
Cyrene was the chief city in Libya and northern Africa. One of its population groups was Jewish.
Alexandria was the capital of Egypt and second only to Rome in the empire. Two of the five districts in Alexandria were Jewish.
Cilicia was a Roman province of Asia Minor, which is modern Turkey. Tarsus, where Paul is from, was one of its main towns.
Asia was a Roman province in Asia Minor. Ephesus was its capital.
6:10
6:10
Not Able to Resist
(Acts 6:10 KJV) And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
This kind of speaking only comes through prayer and study of God’s Word. He spoke from knowledge and wisdom so well that they couldn’t argue with him.
God wants us to be prepared to stand on His Word.
(2 Tim. 2:15 KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We are to make the doctrines something that’s to be desired.
(Tit. 2:10 KJV) Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Adorn means:
1) to put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare
2) to ornament, adore
3) metaph. to embellish with honour, gain honour
6:11-14
6:11-14
Suborned
(Acts 6:11-14 KJV) 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
They knew what Stephen was teaching them was true. They couldn’t argue with him, but instead of admitting that he was teaching truth they gathered false witnesses to lie about his teachings so they could bring him to the council to be placed on trial. They didn’t like the message so they wanted to kill the messenger.
They couldn’t handle his teachings so they took him to the Sanhedrin. They knew he was teaching truth or they wouldn’t have needed false witnesses.
They accused him of blaspheming against God, Moses and the Law, and against the Temple.
They knew that if Jesus provided the sacrifice for sin the Temple wouldn’t be needed. They were more concerned with preserving their customs and their own position than accepting truth.
6:15
6:15
Face of an Angel
(Acts 6:15 KJV) And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
God anointed him, giving a witness against those in the council. This is the same way that God anointed Moses when he came down from the mountain after being in the presence of God.
(Exod. 34:29-35 KJV) 29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
31 And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.
32 And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
33 And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
34 But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.
35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
And also of Jesus at his transfiguration.
(Matt. 17:1-2 KJV) And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
(Mk. 9:2-3 KJV) 2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
(Lk. 9:28-29 KJV) 28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.1
29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
God anointed him and gave him a countenance of peace in the face of this opposition. God was with him and the people of the council were witnesses of this and still refused to accept his teachings.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
7:1
7:1
Are These Things So?
(Acts 7:1 KJV) Acts 7:1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
The high priest asked a question that gives Stephen the opportunity to preach.
There are several sermons in the book of Acts. We’ve already seen several by Peter:
- on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-40)
- to the crowd at the Temple (Acts 3:12-26)
- to the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-12)
This is the first sermon recorded by a non-apostle. This is the longest sermon recorded in the book of Acts.
Some try to say that this sermon was added later and isn’t authentic because of his point about
God not being confined to a single location (v. 48). They believe this is a later thought that developed after the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70. However, they were aware of Old Testament prophesies.
In verses 49-50,
(Acts 7:49-50 KJV) 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
50 Hath not my hand made all these things?
Stephen is quoting Isaiah 66:1-2
(Isa. 66:1-2 KJV) Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
They were aware of David’s writings about God.
(Ps. 139:7-10 KJV) 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Even in the Old Testament they knew God was omnipresent. Man didn’t come to this conclusion on his own several centuries later when they wrote creeds. The Bible told us this all along.
The Jews knew far more about God than the so-called Church Fathers that came later and developed the Trinitarian doctrines. There is no reason to believe that Stephen’s message was inserted later.
7:2-4
7:2-4
Get Thee Out
(Acts 7:2-4 KJV) 2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
Stephen starts laying his foundation by teaching about Abraham and establishing the history of Israel.
Abraham was the father of both the Jews and the Arabs.
He is the ancestor of Israel.
(Acts 13:26 KJV) Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
He’s the ancestor of the Levitical priesthood.
(Heb. 7:5 KJV) And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
He’s also of the line of Christ.
(Matt. 1:1 KJV) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
God called Abraham and instructed him to leave home and settle in a new land.
(Gen 11:31 KJV) And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
(Gen 12:1 KJV) Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
(Gen 15:7 KJV) And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
(Jos 24:3 KJV) And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.
(Neh 9:7 KJV) Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;
(Heb 11:8 KJV) By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Genesis 12:1 doesn’t tell us how God appeared to Abraham. He may have appeared in a theophany (temporary appearance of God) or in a dream. The point is He spoke to Abraham and gave him instructions to leave Mesopotamia (Ur in ancient Sumeria).
The point Stephen is making is that God’s work is more than just the Temple and its traditions.
7:5-7
7:5-7
Strange Land
(Acts 7:5-7 KJV) 5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
God allowed them to go into captivity for His purposes. They sojourned for 400 years in Egypt before they could return to the Promised Land.
(Gen. 15:13-14 KJV) 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
(Exod. 12:40-41 KJV) 40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
Stephen quoted Exodus 3:12:
(Exod. 3:12 KJV) And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
Stephen was pointing how God revealed Himself outside the Promised Land and that He promised a place of true worship to come.
7:8-10
7:8-10
Covenant
(Acts 7:8-10 KJV) 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
The old covenant included physical circumcision. The new covenant replaces it with circumcision of the heart through water baptism.
(Col. 2:9-14 KJV) 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Stephen gives a concise outline of Hebrew history, covering Joseph and his brothers, his slavery, and his promotion in order to save the children of Jacob. Stephen points out that God was with him in Egypt – showing that God can bless and do His work outside the Temple.
The reason Stephen brought this up was to show that the current elders of Israel were like the bothers of Joseph and rejected the one that God favored who would be the means of salvation.
7:11-14
7:11-14
Dearth
(Acts 7:11-14 KJV) 11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
The dearth was a severe famine that overtook the land and explains how the descendants of Israel came to live in Egypt.
(Gen. 42:5 KJV) And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
(Gen. 45:6-13 KJV) 6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.1
8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:
10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.
13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
75 family members relocated to Goshen.
(Exod. 1:1-5 KJV) Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
Notice that Exodus says 70 and Stephen said 75. Do we have a contradiction? No. The Bible has no contradictions.
Stephen is quoting the Septuagint, which adds Jacob, his wife, and the descendants born to Ephraim and Manasseh in Egypt. It’s a difference with how the calculation is made. Both are correct.
Even though a great famine would come upon the land, God had a plan to save Jacob’s family, and the people of Israel, through Joseph.
This is an example where God used a bad situation, Joseph being sold into slavery, to bring about His plan for the greater good.
(Gen. 50:19-20 KJV) 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
7:15-16
7:15-16
Jacob Died
(Acts 7:15-16 KJV) 15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.
Jacob had asked that he not be buried in Egypt. He was taken back to the family tomb in Canaan.
(Gen. 49:29-50:14 KJV) 29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,
30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.
31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.
32 The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.
33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.
KJV Genesis 50:1 And Joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him.
2 And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.
3 And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days.1
4 And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,
5 My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.
6 And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear.
7 And Joseph went up to bury his father: and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt,
8 And all the house of Joseph, and his brethren, and his father's house: only their little ones, and their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen.
9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
11 And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians: wherefore the name of it was called Abelmizraim, which is beyond Jordan.1
12 And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them:
13 For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.
14 And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.
Stephen said that Abraham bought the tomb from Hamor, but Genesis says that Jacob bought the tomb from Hamor.
(Gen. 33:18-19 KJV) 18 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.
19 And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.
Do we have a contradiction? No. He could have been using the name Abraham to refer to the entire family and this includes Jacob.
The Bible describes families this way.
(Heb. 7:9-10 KJV) 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
It’s also possible that Abraham did buy it when he built the altar in Shechem and Jacob had to re-purchase it.
(Gen. 12:6-7 KJV) 6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
Sometimes they lost rights and had to get them back. This happened to Isaac when he had to renegotiate his rights to a well that Abraham had already bought.
(Gen. 21:27-31 KJV) 27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
(Gen. 26:23-33 KJV) 23 And he went up from thence to Beersheba.
24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.
26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.
27 And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?
28 And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;
29 That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the LORD.1
30 And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.
31 And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.
32 And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water.
33 And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day.
7:17-19
7:17-19
Time of the Promise
(Acts 7:17-19 KJV) 17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
The time of promise was the time that they would take the Promised Land. As the time drew near God allowed adversity in Egypt to start Israel on their path and fulfill the covenant made with Abraham.
7:20-22
7:20-22
Moses
(Acts 7:20-22 KJV) 20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:1
21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Moses was born at a time of depression, when all the male children born to Hebrew women were killed. His mother hid him in a small ark made of bulrushes and placed him into the Nile river.
(Exod. 2:1-10 KJV) And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.
2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.
6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?
8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.
9 And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.
10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.
Moses was trained by the schools of Egypt while God prepared him for his work. Moses became powerful in Egypt and was mighty in words and deeds.
7:23-25
7:23-25
Deliverer
(Acts 7:23-25 KJV) 23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
He continues quoting Exodus 2.
(Exod. 2:11-14 KJV) 11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?
14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
Moses tried to help them on his own but they rejected him.
It’s thought that the reason Stephen mentions Moses being 40 years old is Moses had three different periods of his life with each one being 40 years. The Bible doesn’t say this exactly but it does back it up when it gives his age.
(Deut. 34:7 KJV) And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
It came into his heart to visit his people. He didn’t like the oppression. God was probably already moving on him to become the deliverer.
7:26-29
7:26-29
Killed the Egyptian
(Acts 7:26-29 KJV) 26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons.
Moses thought that what he did to the Egyptian wasn’t known, but since it was known he knew that Pharaoh would be after him.
(Exod. 2:15-22 KJV) 15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.1
17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?1
19 And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.
20 And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.
22 And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.
Moses fled and lived in exile for 40 years. He lived in Midian.
7:30-36
7:30-36
The Burning Bush
(Acts 7:30-33 KJV) 30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
After 40 years in Midian, Moses sees the Angel of the Lord in a burning bush.
What is the Angel of the Lord?
Sometimes the Angel of the Lord is an angel that God has sent as a messenger. Other times it’s an appearance of God Himself. An appearance of God is called a Theophany.
God is a Spirit, which is invisible to the human eye, but God sometimes takes on a temporary shape so we can see Him.
All of His omnipresence isn’t in the Theophany. God is still filling the universe. This is the specific presence of God – His mind, thoughts, council, reason, His headquarters. His Logos. This Logos is how He was manifest in the flesh and still filled the universe at the same time. The Logos is the fullness of the godhead.
(Col. 2:8-10 KJV) 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.1
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
There were several Theophany’s in the Old Testament. Sometimes they’re called the Angel of the Lord.
(Exod. 13:21-22 KJV) 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
(Exod. 14:19 KJV) And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
(Jdg. 2:1-5 KJV) And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.1
2 And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
4 And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
5 And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.
(Jdg. 6:11-24 KJV) 11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.1
12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.1
16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.1
19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.1
20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
(Jdg. 13:2-23 KJV) 2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.
4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:
7 But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
8 Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.
9 And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.
10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
11 And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.
12 And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?1
13 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.
14 She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.
15 And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.1
16 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD.
17 And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?
18 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?1
19 So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the LORD: and the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.
20 For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground.
21 But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD.
22 And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.
23 But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.
The Lord in Acts 7:30-36 is Kurios.
kurios {koo'-ree-os}
Meaning: 1) he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord 1a) the possessor and disposer of a thing 1a1) the owner; one who has control of the person, the master 1a2) in the state: the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor 1b) is a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence, with which servants salute their master 1c) this title is given to: God, the Messiah
The Lord, Kurios, said He was God, Theos – the one God. This is a singular word, meaning one in number.
Stephen is quoting the Old Testament, using a Greek equivalent of the Hebrew in Exodus.
(Exod. 3:1-5 KJV) Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
The Hebrew word is Jehovah, or Yahweh.
Yehovah {yeh-ho-vaw'}
Meaning: Jehovah = "the existing One" 1) the proper name of the one true God
The Hebrew word for God is Elohim.
'elohiym {el-o-heem'}
Meaning: 1) (plural) 1a) rulers, judges 1b) divine ones 1c) angels 1d) gods 2) (plural intensive - singular meaning) 2a) god, goddess 2b) godlike one 2c) works or special possessions of God 2d) the (true) God 2e) God
This is a plural intensive word, meaning singular in number and plural in attributes. The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Elohim is Theos. If Stephen was trying to describe God as multiple people in the godhead he would have used Thei, which is plural.
In Acts 9 Paul uses Kurios, the Lord, which we see here is Jehovah, and the Lord says I am Jesus.
Jesus is the Lord, Jehovah, the one God, Elohim.
7:37
7:37
That Moses
(Acts 7:37 KJV) This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
Stephen is quoting Deuteronomy.
(Deut. 18:15 KJV) The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
(Deut. 18:18-19 KJV) 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
Jesus is that prophet that God raised up.
Peter also preached this to the people in the Temple to show that Jesus was the prophet.
(Acts 3:22 KJV) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
7:38
7:38
In The Wilderness
(Acts 7:38 KJV) 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
The word for Church is ekklesia. It just means gathering, congregation, or assembly – which are the words that all modern translations use. Some try to use this verse to show the Church was in the OT.
It’s use in Acts 19 for the gathering of the mob in Ephesus.
(Acts 19:32 KJV) Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
(Acts 19:39 KJV) But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
(Acts 19:41 KJV) And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
The word Church works when you look at it as God’s assembly, but not when you look at it in terms of the old and new covenants.
Those under the new covenant are referred to as The Church. The Church began on the day of Pentecost.
(Acts 2:1-4 KJV) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The Church was atoned by the blood.
Israel looked forward to atonement. They only had sacrifices that could not do away with sin and the penalty for sin. The penalty for sin is death.
(Rom. 6:23 KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When man sinned, sin entered the world and we are all born into sin.
(Rom. 3:23 KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Blood sacrifices of the Old Testament could not do away with that penalty. They could only push it back.
(Heb. 10:1-4 KJV) For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.1
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Jesus bought our salvation by His blood.
(Rom. 3:24-26 KJV) 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;1
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
His death, burial, and resurrection is the Gospel.
(1 Cor. 15:1-4 KJV) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.1
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Now we have the new birth that Jesus told Nicodemus about.
(Jn. 3:3-8 KJV) 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.1
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.1
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
This was fulfilled in Acts 2.
(Acts 2:36-39 KJV) 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
This is the same Gospel for us today.
(Tit. 3:4-7 KJV) 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,1
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;1
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This was the Gospel that Stephen was on trial for. He wasn’t equivocating Israel and the OT sacrifices with the NT Church. Israel is not the Church.
God’s wrath will be poured out against Israel, not the Church.
(Dan. 9:24-27 KJV) 24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.1
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.1
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.1
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Jesus said the seventieth week had not taken place yet.
(Matt. 24:14-16 KJV) 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
God’s wrath is against Israel, not the Church.
(1 Thess. 5:9 KJV) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Church won’t be here for Daniel’s 70th week. We’ll be in Heaven.
(Rev. 5:9-10 KJV) 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
We’ll be at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
(Rev. 19:7-8 KJV) 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
We’ll ride back with Him to the Battle of Armageddon.
(Rev. 19:11-16 KJV) 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Israel and Church are not equivalent. Stephen wasn’t calling Israel in the wilderness the NT Church. A better English word in Acts 7:38 would be assembly.
7:39-40
7:39-40
Would Not Obey
(Acts 7:39-40 KJV) 39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Stephen is showing that the counsel is rejecting Jesus just like Israel rejected Moses. They’re rejected God’s prophet just like Isreal rejected Moses.
In their heart they had already turned back to Egypt.
7:41-43
7:41-43
Made a Calf
(Acts 7:41-43 KJV) 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
After seeing the miracles of God, they still wanted false gods. Their hearts were not for God. They didn’t want God and have to obey His rules. They wanted a god they could control like the gods of Egypt.
Stephen is quoting Exodus 32.
(Exod. 32:1-35 KJV) And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.
3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.
6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?1
12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
15 And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.
16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
17 And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.1
19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
21 And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?
22 And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.
23 For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
24 And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
25 And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)1
26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
27 And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
28 And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
29 For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.1
30 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
34 Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.
35 And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.
Israel continued worshipping false gods including those that Stephen mentioned.
Molech = "king" 1) the name of the idol god of the Ammonites, to which human victims, particularly young children were offered in sacrifice. Its image was a hollow brazen figure, with the head of an ox, and outstretched human arms. It was heated red hot by a fire from within, and the little ones placed in its arms to be slowly burned, while to prevent the parents from hearing the dying cries, the sacrificing priests beat drums
Remphan = "the shrunken (as lifeless)" 1) the name of an idol worshipped secretly by the Israelites in the wilderness
God told them He would carry them into Babylon for their disobedience.
(2 Ki. 24:10-20 KJV) 10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.1
11 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city, and his servants did besiege it.
12 And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.1
13 And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.
14 And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
15 And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.1
16 And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
17 And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
18 Zedekiah was twenty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
19 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.
20 For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
7:44-47
7:44-47
Tabernacle of Witness
(Acts 7:44-47 KJV) 44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.1
45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;1
46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
47 But Solomon built him an house.
Stephen is reciting the history of the tabernacle, showing that is was built under the leadership of Moses according to God’s design.
Jesus here is Joshua. It’s the same Hebrew name translated into Greek.
Several people in the Bible had the name Jesus.
Jesus = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses' successor 2) Jesus, son of Eliezer, one of the ancestors of Christ 3) Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate 4) Jesus Barabbas was the captive robber whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Christ 5) Jesus, surnamed Justus, a Jewish Christian, an associate with Paul in the preaching of the gospel
Joshua established the Tabernacle in Gilgal while they fought the Gentile nations that occupied Canaan. (Josh. 3:9–4:13)
(Jos. 4:19-20 KJV) 19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
(Jos. 5:9-10 KJV) 9 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.1
10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
David wanted to build the Temple but God wouldn’t allow him to because he was a warrior king. Instead, God told him that Solomon would build the Temple. The Temple stood until the Babylonian exile (2 Sam. 7:1–29; 1 Kings 5:1–9:3).
Stephen's purpose in mentioning David is to give an overview of the history from the tabernacle that he set up, to the temple that Solomon built in order to show that the Temple was not the proper resting-place of God on the earth.
7:48-50
7:48-50
The Most High
(Acts 7:48-50 KJV) 48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
50 Hath not my hand made all these things?
Stephen is quoting Isaiah.
(Isa. 66:1-2 KJV) Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Also 1 Kings.
(1 Ki. 8:27 KJV) 27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
Stephen is showing that God is omnipresent. This idea has made many people to say that Stephen’s sermon was added because they didn’t have the concept of God being omnipresent, but he was quoting Isaiah and 1 Kings. They knew in the OT that God was omnipresent.
He’s also showing that God is the Creator. We saw in Acts 4:23-24 that the Father is our Creator. The Bible also tells us Jesus is our Creator. This shows that Jesus is our Father.
Stephen is showing that God moves on people within and without Israel and can do His will with or without the Temple. They wanted to confine God to the Temple and be in control of who could have contact with God. Everyone had to go to God through them.
Stephen was showing that the Tabernacle and the Temple were temporary. We would become God’s Temple.
(1 Cor. 3:16-17 KJV) 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
(1 Cor. 6:19-20 KJV) 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
7:51-53
7:51-53
Stiffnecked
(Acts 7:51-53 KJV) 51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
Stephen set up this historical overview of the history of Israel to show that nothing has really changed. They’re no better than the ones who worshiped false gods. Stephen is using the same phrases that the OT prophets used.
Jesus is the Just One.
Just One - dikaios {dik'-ah-yos} 1) righteous, observing divine laws 1a) in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God 1a1) of those who seem to themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves in their virtues, whether real or imagined 1a2) innocent, faultless, guiltless 1a3) used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification in the heart or life 1a3a) only Christ truly 1a4) approved of or acceptable of God 1b) in a narrower sense, rendering to each his due and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or shown by the manner of dealing with them
By calling Jesus the Just One Stephen is showing that Jesus is the Messiah.
(Isa. 53:11 KJV) He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
(Jer. 23:6 KJV) In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS - Yehovah tsidqenuw {ye-ho-vaw' tsid-kay'-noo} Jehovah is our righteousness 1) a sacred name symbolically applied to Jerusalem and the Messiah
This shows that Jesus is Jehovah.
They rejected Jesus and Stephen accuses them of murder.
They should have known who Jesus was because he fulfilled the Law, which was endorsed by angels.
(Gal. 3:19 KJV) Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
(Heb. 2:2 KJV) For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
7:54
7:54
Cut
(Acts 7:54 KJV) When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
They were cut to the heart because they were convicted. They had witnessed the miracles of Jesus, Peter, and Stephen, and they had put all three on trial. They refused to follow Jesus even though everything pointed to Jesus being the Messiah.
Instead of turning to God they acted in hatred. They couldn’t answer according to Scripture, so they turned to violence.
7:55-56
7:55-56
Right Hand of God
(Acts 7:55-56 KJV) 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Stephen was full of the Holy Ghost. This shows that God was with him and he was at peace. He saw Jesus in Heaven and he knew he had nothing to worry about. No matter what they did to him, Jesus was waiting for him.
Stephen saw the glory of God. This is the Greek word doxa which means the brightness, power, honor, and it also means exalted Christ. Stephen didn’t see the Spirit of God. He saw the Glory of God and he saw Jesus. In other words he saw Jesus as the brightness and power of God. He only saw Jesus.
Jesus was standing to welcome Stephen into heaven.
Did Stephen see God sitting on His throne and Jesus standing beside Him?
This isn’t one person standing next to another person. That would make two separate God’s. There are even more problems if you say it’s literal. First, the Holy Ghost is missing. Next, Stephen only prayed to Jesus in verse 59.
Jesus was standing on the right hand of God. Sometimes it gives a different description.
Sometimes it describes him as sitting. Peter used this expression in reference to Jesus.
(Acts 2:34-35 KJV) 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
He was quoting Psalms.
(Ps. 110:1 KJV) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
John describes him in the Father’s bosom.
(Jn. 1:18 KJV) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
There’s only one throne in heaven.
(Rev. 4:2 KJV) And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Jesus is the one on the throne.
(Rev. 7:17 KJV) For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
(Rev. 19:4-5 KJV) 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
(Rev. 21:5-7 KJV) 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
(Rev. 22:1 KJV) And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
(Rev. 22:3-4 KJV) 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
This is showing the dual nature of Jesus.
Other Scriptures describe the Right Hand of God as symbolic.
(Ps. 16:8 KJV) I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
David wasn’t saying that God was literally standing at his right hand and that he himself could not be physically moved.
(Ps. 77:10 KJV) And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
Was he going to remember how many years God had a right hand?
(Ps. 98:1 KJV) O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
Did God hide His left hand behind His back while He fought His enemies?
(Ps. 109:31 KJV) For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.
Does God literally stand at the right hand of every poor person to save them from anyone that would condemn their soul?
(Isa. 48:13 KJV) Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
Did God’s right hand literally become large enough to span the heavens while His left hand stayed at its normal size?
(Isa. 62:8 KJV) The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:
Does God only swear by His right hand because His left hand and arm have no strength?
(Lk. 11:20 KJV) But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Did Jesus pull a finger down from heaven to cast devils out with?
It’s obvious from Scripture that Right Hand of God is figurative. It represents power and authority.
(Exod. 15:6 KJV) Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
The verses in Psalms associates God’s right hand with victory over enemies.
Jesus standing or sitting on the right hand of God shows that he has the power and authority of God.
(Matt. 26:64 KJV) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
The Jews knew what he meant because they accused him of blasphemy.
(Matt. 26:65 KJV) Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
They knew that if Jesus was claiming to have the power of God then he had to be God.
Peter describes the right hand as power.
(1 Pet. 3:22 KJV) Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Paul also describes right hand as power and the exaltation of Christ.
(Eph. 1:20-23 KJV) 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
This is what Peter was referring to when he was on trial by the same counsel.
(Acts 5:31 KJV) Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
This shows that right hand also refers to power to save and deliver.
Isaiah described salvation by the arm of God.
(Isa. 59:16 KJV) And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
This shows that Jesus is the saving power of God. This is why God was manifest in the flesh in the first place. We had to have an intercessor.
(Rom. 8:34 KJV) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
(Heb. 8:1 KJV) Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
Stephen saw the power of God for salvation. He saw Jesus.
7:57-58
7:57-58
Saul
(Acts 7:57-58 KJV) 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
They couldn’t argue with Stephen. His points were valid and they knew it. These were the same people who put Jesus and Peter on trial. They had Jesus crucified and would have had Peter put to death if the angel hadn’t broke him out of prison.
They knew they were rejecting Jesus for their own positions. They couldn’t win the argument but they wanted to stop him from teaching about Jesus. The only thing they could do was stone Stephen. The problem here though is they didn’t have legal right to perform an execution under Roman rule without permission. This is why Jesus was taken to Pilate.
(Jn. 18:31 KJV) Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
Because of this, many believe this was an enraged mob rather than the Sanhedrin court themselves.
Their clothes is referring to their outer garments. They didn’t strip down to nothing.
This is the first mention of Saul. Saul was his Hebrew name. Later he goes by Paul – his name in Greek.
Saul was a Pharisee and student of Gamaliel. It isn’t clear at this point if he was still a student or if he had a seat on the Sanhedrin court.
(Acts 22:3 KJV) I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
Saul consented to the death of Stephen.
(Acts 22:20 KJV) And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
7:59
7:59
Calling Upon God
(Acts 7:59 KJV) 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Luke wrote this stating as fact that Jesus is God. He didn’t need to explain it. He didn’t need to prove it. It was just a matter of fact. He expected the reader to understand.
We saw in the previous verse that he saw the glory of God and that glory was Jesus. Stephen didn’t just see Jesus as a man. He saw Jesus as God.
How is Jesus God?
How is Jesus God?
First, what did Stephen believe about God?
Stephen was a Jew. The Jews believed in the one God of the Old Testament.
(Exod. 20:3 KJV) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
(Deut. 6:4 KJV) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
(Mal. 2:10 KJV) Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?
(Mk. 12:29 KJV) And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
(Mk. 12:32 KJV) And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
(Rom. 3:30 KJV) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
(1 Cor. 8:6 KJV) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
(Gal. 3:20 KJV) Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
(Eph. 4:6 KJV) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
(1 Tim. 2:5 KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(Jas. 2:19 KJV) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
The Jews were monotheist. Mono means one. Theist means belief in God. Monotheism is the belief in one God.
How is God One?
How is God One?
God is one in number. The Hebrew word for one is echad and means one in number.
The Greek word is Heis and means one in number.
A group can also be one in number, but a group is plural and must use plural pronouns.
If God is one in number we would expect Him to describe Himself as one in number. How does God describe Himself?
(Isa. 43:1 KJV) But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
(Isa. 43:3 KJV) For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
(Isa. 43:7 KJV) Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
(Isa. 43:10-15 KJV) 10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.1
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?1
14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.1
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
(Isa. 44:6 KJV) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
(Isa. 44:8 KJV) Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.
(Isa. 44:24 KJV) Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
(Isa. 45:3 KJV) And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
(Isa. 45:5-7 KJV) 5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
(Isa. 45:11-12 KJV) 11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
(Isa. 45:14 KJV) Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.
(Isa. 45:15 KJV) Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
(Isa. 45:18 KJV) For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
(Isa. 45:21-22 KJV) 21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
(Isa. 45:23 KJV) I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Just in these few verses we see that there is one God, He’s the Holy One of Israel, there is none beside Him, He is our Creator, He is our redeemer, He is our savior, and every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear to Him and Him alone.
God describes Himself in singular.
A group is plural and has to use plural pronouns. They use Us, Our, We, Ourselves, etc.
God uses Me, Myself, I, alone, none beside Me, none else, etc.
What pronouns would we expect God to use if He wanted us to understand that He was one in number?
What pronouns would we expect God to use if He wanted us to understand that He was a group of people?
God used singular pronouns because He is a single being with no division of people.
Jesus is God
Jesus is God
The Bible also describes Jesus as that one God.
Here’s some of what the OT says about Jesus.
Here’s some of what the OT says about Jesus.
(Isa. 7:14 KJV) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
(Matt. 1:23 KJV) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
(Isa. 9:6 KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Jesus is the branch and root of Jesse.
(Isa. 11:1 KJV) And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
(Isa. 11:10 KJV) And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
(Rev. 22:16 KJV) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
This is the concept that Jesus used to confound the Pharisees.
(Matt. 22:41-46 KJV) 41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
He was quoting Psalms.
(Ps. 110:1 KJV) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Isaiah said that God would come.
(Isa. 35:4-6 KJV) 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.1
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
Jesus applied this to himself.
(Lk. 7:22 KJV) Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Isaiah foretold about John the Baptist preparing the way for God (Jehovah, Elohim)
(Isa. 40:3 KJV) The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
John prepared the way for Jesus.
(Matt. 3:1-3 KJV) In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Micah says the Messiah is God.
(Mic. 5:2 KJV) But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
In the New Testament they recognized that Jesus is God.
In the New Testament they recognized that Jesus is God.
Thomas called Jesus his Lord and God.
(Jn. 20:28 KJV) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
The Church was purchased with God’s own blood.
(Acts 20:28 KJV) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Paul taught that Jesus was our great God.
(Tit. 2:13-14 KJV) 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;1
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Other translations are even clearer.
(Tit. 2:13 ESV) our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
(Tit. 2:13 NAS) our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus;
(Tit. 2:13 NIV) our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
(Tit. 2:13 NKJ) our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
(Tit. 2:13 NLT) our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
(Tit. 2:13 YLT) our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Peter described Jesus as our God and savior.
(2 Pet. 1:1 KJV) Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Again, other translations are clearer.
(2 Pet. 1:1 ESV) our cGod and Savior Jesus Christ:
(2 Pet. 1:1 NAB) our God and savior Jesus Christ:
(2 Pet. 1:1 NAS) our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
(2 Pet. 1:1 NIV) our God and Savior Jesus Christ
(2 Pet. 1:1 NKJ) our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
(2 Pet. 1:1 NLT) Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.
(2 Pet. 1:1 YLT) our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:
I’m starting to see why Baptists started the King James Only movement. They can’t do anything with these verses.
We are the temples of God.
(1 Cor. 3:16-17 KJV) 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Jesus is the one who dwells in us.
(Eph. 3:17 KJV) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
If Jesus was just a member of the godhead we would expect him to be in the godhead, but the fullness of the godhead is in Jesus.
(Col. 2:8-10 KJV) 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.1
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Jesus is not a part of God. He’s all the fullness of God.
Jesus is God manifest in the flesh.
(1 Tim. 3:16 KJV) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Jesus is the Word made flesh.
(Jn. 1:1 KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(Jn. 1:14 KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The Word, Logos, isn’t a person in the godhead. This is the specific presence of God – all the fullness of the godhead.
We are born into sin and we need someone to reconcile us to God. No one was without sin so God was manifest in the flesh to become our savior.
(2 Cor. 5:19 KJV) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Jesus is the image of God.
(2 Cor. 4:4 KJV) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
(Col. 1:15 KJV) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
(Heb. 1:1-3 KJV) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
(Heb. 10:20 KJV) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
God will provide the lamb.
(Gen. 22:8 KJV) And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
This lamb is Jesus.
(Heb. 10:5 KJV) Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Jesus is the builder and son of the house.
(Heb. 3:3-6 KJV) 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
This means Jesus is God and man.
As man he is the son of God. As God he is the only God there is.
Jesus said he was the I Am.
(Jn. 8:58 KJV) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
He said he was one with the Father.
(Jn. 10:30-33 KJV) 30 I and my Father are one.
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
And he said he was the Father.
(Jn. 14:8-11 KJV) 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Jesus said he was the Comforter who fills us with his Spirit.
(Jn. 14:16-18 KJV) 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
(Jn. 14:20-21 KJV) 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
(Jn. 14:23 KJV) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Jesus said “we” because as a man he was made a saving Spirit. Jesus is both God and man and he could speak as one or the other or both.
(1 Cor. 15:45 KJV) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
(Rom. 8:9 KJV) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
The only way Jesus can be God and God to be one, is for Jesus to be that one God.
To divide God into a group of people is to read something into Scripture that it does not say.
The Scriptures show us that there is one God, He was manifest in the flesh to become our savior, and He fills us with His Spirit.
Jesus is that one God.
7:60
7:60
Their Charge
(Acts 7:60 KJV) And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.