Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church This morning we saw the final preparations being made for the last phase of biblical history: -the renewal of the coming of the Holy Spirit with Power promises, 1:4-8 -the ascension of Jesus back to heaven, 1:9-10 and -the appointment of Matthias to replace Judas, 1:12-26.

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Now everything is finally in order for God’s eternal plan to save man to come into full view, Eph.3:8-12: -Christ’s atoning sacrifice is complete, -He’s returned to His former glory, -The Place of Judas has been fulfilled, -The Apostles are awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem- the city of God.

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Acts 2 is the pivotal chapter of the Bible. Everything prior to it points forward. Everything after if points back to it as a point of origin…. and ahead to everything which follows it. Like Jesus Christ, the establishment of the Church, and through it salvation, is what everything is all about! This chapter cannot be over-emphasized.

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church The key elements of Acts 2: -the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the 12 Apostles, vv.1-4a -their speaking in other (unknown) tongues in fulfillment of prophecy, vv.4b-21 -the Sermon, vv.22-40

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church The main points of the Pentecost Sermon: -Jesus was the Christ as proven by miracles, wonders, and signs, v.22 -According to the predetermined plan of God, godless men put Him to death, v.23 -But God raised Him from the Dead! vv He has ascended back to heaven and sent forth His Spirit upon these 12 men, v.33 -He has therefore been made both Lord and Christ- this Jesus whom you crucified! v.36

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church The response to the Pentecost Sermon? Guilt- “They were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Notice they didn’t ask what they should feel, or say. Neither were they told to “Say the sinner’s prayer” or even to Pray through.

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church So what were they told to do? “Repent” - change your mind in such a way as to change your direction. “Be Baptized” - be immersed in water in the name of Jesus Christ. Why? “for the forgiveness of your sins” and that you can “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” The gift is Salvation! v.39 > Gal.3:14ff

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Then what happened? They were baptized- 3,000 of them, v.41. They also “continually devoted themselves to: -the apostles teaching -fellowship -breaking of bread, and -prayer.” v.42 The result? Awe, togetherness, fellowship, growth- vv.43-47

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Chapter 3: Miracle & Message -Peter heals the man lame from his mother’s womb, vv As always, the miracle was done to prove the authenticity of the message, vv.11-26: >you put to death the Prince of Life, vv.13-15a >God raised Him up/we are witnesses, v.15b >by His Power this man walks! v.16 >Therefore, Repent and Return that you may be Forgiven! v.19

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Chapter 4: The First Persecution -Peter and John were jailed for preaching the Resurrection of Jesus, vv.1-3 -But the Church continued to grow! v.4 -Peter and John questioned by the Priests & Council, vv.5-7 -Peter still preaches Jesus Crucified and Resurrected for Salvation! vv They are threatened and released, vv Note the commonality of the Church, vv.32-37

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Chapter 5: The Church is Purged from within by God and Persecuted from without by the Sadducees -Ananias & Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit, vv.1-10 Their punishment from God produces: fear, v.11 and growth, vv.12-14! -The High Priest & Sadducees became intensely jealous of the power & success of the Apostles, vv

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Chapter 5: (cont.) -The angel released the Apostles and said, “Go preach the whole message of this Life” v.20. Note the contents of the sermon: >Jesus crucified, v.30b >Jesus resurrected, v.30a >Jesus exalted, v.31a >Jesus provides salvation! v.31b-32 -The Council intends to slay them, but Gamaliel saves them- they keep on Preaching! vv.33-42

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Chapter 6: The Church cares for Its Own / Stephen brought before the Council -Seven deacons chosen to be in charge of physical needs of the congregation, vv.1-6 -The Church continues to grow! v.7 -Stephen, one of the seven, is arrested for preaching Jesus, vv.8-15

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Chapter 7: The First Martyr- Stephen -His sermon to the High Priest and Council is an excellent summary of biblical history from Abraham to Jesus, vv He indicts his audience for having persecuted the prophets before and killing Jesus, vv They, true to his indictment of them, killed him. vv.54-60

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Chapter 8:1-4: The Persecution of the Church Begins -Prior to this, the animosities of the Jewish leaders had been directed only to the Apostles & Stephen. -Now, it is extrapolated to the Church also, vv.1,3. But external persecution could not deter the Plan of God for the Church- They kept right on Preaching Jesus! v.4

Acts of the Apostles #2 The Establishment of the Church Conclusion: We see in this section the coming to fruition of God’s Plan to Save Man from sin. With the establishment of the Church in Acts 2, the Seed Promise made to Abraham is finally brought forth. We also see the dynamic growth of the early Church despite poverty, internal purging, and external persecutions. Next, we’ll see it expand beyond Jerusalem!