Introduction To
Acts 1:1–4 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;
Acts 1:5–8 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:9–11 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Acts 2:1–5 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6–10 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,
Acts 2:11–14 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.
Acts 2:15–18 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on 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 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
Introduction To
Introduction “Destined To Be A Witness of Jesus” ACTS 1:1-11, 2:1-18
“The Book of Acts” The Book of Acts, literal translation from the original text is, “Acts of Apostolic Men” Today I believe that our Heavenly Father would like use to see Acts of Apostolic/Book of Acts in a new way. Today, I will attempt to teach the entire book in 30 minutes.
Introduction to Hermeneutics General & Specific Principles For Interpreting Holy Scriptures
Introduction to Hermeneutics: There are two types of questions to answer about the historical background of an entire book.
The Significance of Historical-Cultural Background The Holy Bible is a record of God’s communication to a specific group of people in history. Thus, if we are to understand The Holy Bible, we must always be aware of the changes that have taken place since it was first written. To understand the Holy Bible, we must learn first understand it from the perspective of the first recipients and the authors God inspired to write His communication to original recipients.
The Historical Background of a Whole Book Two types of questions to answer about the historical background of an entire book. Questions about the author. Questions about the recipient(s)
The Historical Background of a Whole Book 1. Questions about the author. a) Who was the author? b) When was the text written? c) What setting was the author in? d) What relationship did the author have with those to whom the text was written? e) What was the author’s purpose in writing the text?
The Historical Background of a Whole Book Questions about those who received the original book. a) Who were the recipient(s)? b) What was their city or town like? c) What was their social status? (Were they Jews? Wealthy? Slaves? Educated?)
The Historical Background of a Whole Book 1. Questions about the author. a) Who wrote Acts? Luke b) When was the text written? After A.D. 62 c) What setting was the author in? d) What relationship did the author have with those to whom the text was written? e) What was the author’s purpose in writing the text? See Luke 1:1-4
Luke 1:1–4 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
The Historical Background of a Whole Book Questions about those who received the original book. a) Who were the recipient(s)? Most Excellent Theophilus. Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1 b) What was their city or town like? c) What was their social status? (Were they Jews? Wealthy? Slaves? Educated?)
Acts 1:1–4 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, Luke 1:3 calls him ‘most excellent Theophilus’. The phrase really means ‘Your Excellency’ and indicates a man high up in the service of the Roman government. There are three possibilities.
Theophilus Theophilus comes from two Greek words—Theos, which means God, and philein, which means to love. Theophilus then can be interpreted as means “A God lover”, or “A lover of God”
Theophilus Who is Theophilus? Two possibilities (1) Just possibly, Theophilus is not a real name at all. In those days, it might well have been dangerous to be a Christian. It may be that Luke wrote to someone who loved God, whose real name he did not mention for the person’s safety. (2) If Theophilus was a real person, he must have been a high government official. Perhaps Luke wrote to show him that Christianity was a lovely thing and that Christians were good people. Maybe his writing was an attempt to persuade a government official not to persecute Christians.
Acts 1:1–4 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;
Acts 1:5–8 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Church historian C. H. Turner has pointed out that Acts falls into six sections, each ending with what might be called a progress report. The six sections/panels are: Acts 1:1–6:7 Acts 6:8–9:31 Acts 9:32–12:24 Acts 12:25–16:5 Acts 16:6–19:20 Acts 19:21–28:31
Church Historian C. H. Turner 1:1–6:7; this tells of the church at Jerusalem and the preaching of Peter; and it finishes with the summary: ‘The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.’
Church Historian C. H. Turner 6:8–9:31; this describes the spread of Christianity through Palestine and the martyrdom of Stephen, followed by the preaching in Samaria. It ends with the summary: ‘Meanwhile the church throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.’
Church Historian C. H. Turner #s 3&4 are: (3) 9:32–12:24; this includes the conversion of Paul, the extension of the Church to Antioch, and the reception of Cornelius, the Gentile, into the Church by Peter. Its summary is: ‘The word of God continued to advance.’ (4) 12:25–16:5; this tells of the extension of the Church through Asia Minor and the preaching tour of Galatia. It ends: ‘So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily.’
Church Historian C. H. Turner #s 5&6 are: (5) 16:6–19:20; this describes the extension of the Church to Europe and the work of Paul in great Gentile cities like Corinth and Ephesus. Its summary runs: ‘So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.’ (6) 19:21–28:31; this tells of the arrival of Paul in Rome and his imprisonment there. It ends with the picture of Paul ‘proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance’.
God’s Purpose To remind every believer the works accomplished by His Son. To remind every believer the promise of an helper. To reveal the purpose of every believer of Christ. To show every believer how He assisted the spreading of His word until the present generation of readers of “Acts of The Holy Spirit and Believers.”
God’s Purpose Today Our Lord sent me with one simple message for everyone that loves God. You Are Destined To Be A Witness of Jesus, and The Holy Spirit will be with you. He is, Christ in you the hope of glory!
“Acts of the Believers” The Acts is not yet completed, it is waiting on you and me, to write our footprint in the redemptive plan of the Most High God.
Next Week
The Benefits of Becoming A Contagious Christian. Being Yourself- And Impacting Others. Deepening Your Relationships and Conversations. Telling Your Story. Communicating God’s Message. Helping Your Friends Cross The Line Of Faith.
What Is God Saying To You Today Has He warmed your heart, by letting you know that you are a part of His redemptive plan, for the people in your circle? Is he saying that if you are not a believer in Jesus The Christ, that today is a day for you to join His family? Or has he spoken to your heart about a challenge you are facing in your life, right now.