The book focuses primarily on the acts of two apostles, Peter and Paul. We also see finances used locally to meet the needs of local believers. Galatians 2:9: Book of Acts The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians Were Characterized by Uncommon Joy. Paul then continued with the disciples in Damascus and began to teach Christ. On that trip, they went back to Derbe. Acts 2:42,43: Jared W. Ludlow The book of Acts was written by Luke after his Gospel as the second part of a great two-volume work on Jesus Christ and the early Christians. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 … They also brought another believer, John Mark, to help them in Antioch. This teaching included an exhortation to take care of the local believers, the “flock” that God had given these leaders to shepherd. The narrative centers on the ministry of Peter and John. The apostles manifested God’s power on Pentecost by speaking in tongues, and they taught others how to be born again and to manifest that power as well. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. From there they went to preach the gospel at “Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia” and the region around them. More seasoned leaders can provide a source of help by way of sound Biblical thinking and teaching to support the local churches’ activities. When Barnabas got to Antioch, God worked in him to bring Paul along for the work there. Be the change you want to see in your church. Acts 15:4: This doesn’t mean we HAVE to go to church every single day. This included Peter, Barnabas and Paul, and James. The Birth of the Church 4. Philip is a great example of this in Acts 8 when he went to Samaria. As a people who seek to follow these patterns we must always strive to be consistent in following all that Scripture teaches us. Beautifully clear and inspiring and eliminates fear because we are free to carry out God’s will with joy! They were all glad and unified in heart as they praised God for his grace in their lives. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. This film depicts the birth of the early church through the eyes of Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. Galatians 1:18 says that Paul “went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.” Here was Paul, a “younger” minister, seeking the help of Peter, a mature and experienced energized minister, who lived in Jerusalem. TheBookofActs. Let’s see God’s heart for His church today by studying this word. And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. In Acts 3 and 4, Peter and John along with the other apostles acted as local leaders to meet the challenges that arose in these new churches. Acts 15:41: Respectfully. And great fear [respect] came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. • To equip one another to imitate the role models of the early church o First, to respond to the gospel with trust and loyalty towards … (2) C. Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles. The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writings of the NT. Thanks! Now they saw that they could support the need of another local fellowship, just as that local Jerusalem fellowship had helped them. The believers in Antioch responded to Agabus and sent Barnabas and Paul to bring relief to the local Jerusalem churches. It would be particularly helpful to new converts trying to grasp the New Testament pattern for the Church that is the Book of Acts. Acts describes Peter's early leadership and ministry, such as his four powerful speeches in Jerusalem (Acts 2-5), the healings of Aeneas and Tabitha (Acts 9), his mission to the Gentile Cornelius and return to Jerusalem (Acts 10-12), and his presiding at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts … They also went there because that’s where the most mature ministers lived who could help find a solution that would benefit the whole church. The following outline is intended to be used while studying the book. It sets patterns for us of how early men and women first obeyed the gospel and worshiped God under the New Covenant. Acts 2:41-47 describes the church’s first love, and thus it describes the deeds that one who has lost his first love must once again do. -Study Guide -. The inclination is going to be much stronger to pattern ourselves after what we see in Acts. Peter taught those in the Temple area that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and is now lord. They did not trust in themselves, but in God. Class Goals: • To better understand the growth and practices of the New Testament church. James the son of Zebedee had been killed, and now Peter was put in prison to await a similar fate. Excellent insight! They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. His conversion to Christianity is recorded in Acts 9. The local churches had peace as they walked in the respect of the Lord and the spiritual encouragement they received. In the 3 rd chapter they had just healed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Since those who were witnesses to this event, where each heard these things in their own language, God was saying that the message of salvation was not only for the Jew but for the whole world…for all languages and all nation… After winning disciples and facing life-and-death persecution there, Paul and Barnabas “came unto Iconium.”. The leaders at this meeting sent Judas and Silas, local ministers, along to deliver the letter. Note that after listening to all and quoting from the Prophet Amos, James gave a final decision with which everyone agreed. Here are some lessons to take away. But these believers clearly placed an extremely high priority on fellowship. House-based ministry was so common that throughout the book of Acts, every mention of a local church or church meeting, whether for worship or fellowship, is a reference to a church meeting in a home. Their ministries were energized to teach the Word of God specifically needed at that time. Acts 5:11: Something really remarkable about the early church is how committed they were to serving and supporting one another. We live in a time of God’s grace that began on the day of Pentecost, and the following truths still apply to the church today: These four truths are seen when studying the word ekklēsia in the Book of Acts. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. The strong example of these local leaders helped to build great respect in the Church. Peter’s mind was enlightened by Holy Spirit so he had a clear understanding of the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Saul of Tarsus was present at the stoning of Stephen in Acts 8:1-3 and “made havoc” of the early church. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This was an answer to a big problem in the church. Acts 2:44-47: This is an example of how apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers visited the local churches. Then they commended them to the Lord. You see this again and again throughout Acts, as the Christians pray for the apostles, for each other and for the spread of the gospel. This is especially necessary when reading the book of Acts because it portrays the early church rather than the Old Testament people of God. And he spoke to the people in Jerusalem about the prophecies concerning the Messiah and their clear fulfillments in the life and deathof Christ. This is an example of what Paul later wrote to the Corinthians. As prophets, Judas and Silas exhorted and confirmed the believers. Acts 2:47 (NIV) tells us, "The Lord added to their number daily." Acts 16:5: So they sent them a trusted leader, Barnabas. Wrote a former treatise. The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. It alone presents an extensive picture of early church life and history. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Paul and the early Church were not at odds with the laws of the Old Testament! Especially their worship, leadership, sharing, perseverance, and involvement in the Great Commission. With this framework, God worked in the local church leaders and in the energized ministers who visited and wrote to them. Acts 11:22: The clearness of how the church and its leaders need to live, to communicate, to show forth God’s love and light is breathtaking. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. They shared with this local church about the new local churches they helped set up. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Could we be more generous to those around us, so no one is in need? No Class 3. We see God working in him to support existing local churches and build new local churches. Afterward, he decided to go to visit Jerusalem and help the Judean believers that he loved in that local fellowship. That is why ministers need to be trained in our churches today: so that they can help the local believers where they need to be supported. During the ten days between Jesus Christ’s ascension and Pentecost, the twelve apostles and others (about 120 disciples) had been meeting together. The Book of Acts – EXTERNAL Challenges Which the Early Church Faced. But too often we get caught up in loving the thought of having lots of money to ourselves. Acts 15:2: (2b) D. Jesus had shown Himself alive by many proofs for 40 days. This is recorded in Acts 2:1-6 What an amazing testimony to the power of God. The energized ministers there had a generally agreed upon plan for doing God’s will. In looking at ekklēsia, the Greek word most often translated “church” in Acts, we see churches that are locally self-governed and are supported by energized ministers. The early church was devoted to prayer. Finally, they returned to Syria, stopping at the new local churches along their way home. Acts 20:28,32: The church included the “about three thousand souls” that were born again on that day. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine [teaching] and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Persecution and Expansion 5. Acts 4:29-31: Paul joined up with Silas and they went to help the local churches in Syria and Cilicia to stand strong on the truth of God’s Word. Such mutual believing and respect shows the outcome of the Jerusalem council. The early church met not just on Sundays, or on Friday night, or for a mid-week Bible study. grew according to the plan of God. Great question, Marla. You see, faithful Jews were to be devoted to Moses’ teaching. Are we devoted to prayer in this same way? Ministers in the Body of Christ are to visit these local fellowships and strengthen them with God’s Word as God works mightily in those ministers. The record from the book of Acts couldn't be clearer. They obeyed, and Paul was able to minister in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Similarly, God worked in Philip as an evangelist to win others to Christ. This still refers to the local church “which was at Jerusalem.” The apostles, the local leadership there, stayed in Jerusalem to care for the believers after the death of Stephen, a local leader (Acts 6:1-7). And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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. Why did God pick those two to go? Acts 20:17: Written by Luke, the book of Acts has a prominent missionary theme because it details the rapid growth of the early church and the first missionary efforts. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. After this open discussion, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them “should go up to Jerusalem [where the trouble had come to Antioch from] unto the apostles and elders about this question.”. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. We … It seems that he had sufficient authority to put forth this statement. Since Pentecost in 28 A.D., anyone can be born again by confessing with their mouth Jesus as lord and believing that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Shows how the free communication between and among ministers and churches helped the local churches meet the challenges of their day. That treatise ended on the day of ascension. Sailing from there some time later, Paul continued on his journey. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! The same is true today. All the believers were together and had everything in common. A. It is sad to note that years later, at the time of Acts 21:20, James was pleased with those “which believe; and they are all zealous of the law.” Such legalism was very different from how leaders worked together in Acts 15. An Overview of the Book of Acts The life of the early church is recorded and preserved for us in the book of Acts and the epistles. This book is recommended to serious students of the Word, both ministers and laymen. The book of Acts tells us of some of the acts of some of the apostles, but more so it tells us history. That means at least 365 new people every year!     and the rulers band together One prominent feature seen in Acts is the operation of energized ministries that are directed by God. Acts 13:2-4: Paul went up (by revelation) to Jerusalem on another occasion, according to Galatians 2:2: “And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.” Paul went there to make sure he “had not run in vain.” These local leaders had great meekness and mutual respect. This meeting at Jerusalem shows the clear, two-way communication needed among leaders. Ananias / ˌænəˈnaɪ.əs / and his wife Sapphira / səˈfaɪrə / were, according to the Acts of the Apostles chapter 5, members of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. The title as we know it comes from the second century and only partially discloses the theme of the document. This word literally means to “call out” and refers to called-out born-again believers twenty times in Acts. Please see our article, “Giving in the Church Today.” Love you! The believers who heard of these things had great respect for God and His leaders. Acts 12:5: They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. This special event began when the place where the apostles and other disciples were gathered was suddenly filled with the sound of a mighty wind and "tongues, as of fire" appeared to alight on … Peter boldly told them how to be saved, and many obeyed. The church was actually born on the Day of Pentecostwhen the Holy Spirit came upon believers. The early church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching. Acts 16:6-10: There is one final use of the Greek word ekklēsia in the Book of Acts. Acts 8:1,3: Then “they went through the cities” and delivered what “the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem” had decided upon. The church at Jerusalem was the original local church since Pentecost and reached out to neighboring areas to build local churches there. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension [not a few instances of standing on the truth against the false doctrine that was brought in] and disputation [a mutual questioning and discussion; they talked things over] with them. Acts 18:22,23: And he [Paul with Silas] went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. He was still called “Philip the evangelist” years later, ministering from his own home in Caesarea (Acts 21:8). Tucked away in Acts there is also a beautiful little passage describing the nature of the early Christian church. From Corinth, Paul went to Ephesus. God worked in local churches to support themselves, traveling ministers, and other local churches that were in need. Acts is not trying to say, “Remember what the church used to be and do?” This is the Word of the Lord for the body of Christ in all times and all places. God showed these local ministers new areas where they could speak God’s Word. They helped with the teaching, fellowship, witnessing, and finances of the local believers with them. Perhaps we should be praising him more for all the good things he gives us – and for simply who he is? Acts 15:3: This still refers to the local church at Jerusalem. Our churches can and should learn from the book of Acts. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Looking at the “churches” in the Book of Acts we see the following: Each believer was to be a bold witness of Jesus Christ and to speak God’s Word. This section in Acts 13 and 14 shows the local effect of ministers. Paul and Barnabas trusted God for the best local leaders in each local church. Introduction To the Book of Acts 2. This is an example of a genuinely energized minister of God who supported the local fellowships as God worked in him to do so. It was that certain men came down to Antioch “from Judaea” and spoke contrary to the truth of God’s Word. Acts 2:42-47 says: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Peter and the Conversion of the Gentiles 6. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. God bless you. The apostles even handled spiritual evil within the local church, as when Peter confronted Ananias and Sapphira. Christians shared of their abundance to support their own and other local churches, as well as energized ministers. Early Church in the Book of Acts (NT4) 1. The book of Acts records Peter’s sermon as the only Pentecostal sermon (Acts 2:14–40). He went to Caesarea and to his beloved local church in Antioch. These leaders from both local areas met together, reached an agreement, and then sent out a common letter to inform the believers in all local churches on what they understood God’s will to be. (1) B. On Pentecost, the apostles were born again and spoke in tongues, magnifying God. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. Learn how your comment data is processed. Do we place the same value on meeting together? Alternative Title: Acts Acts of the Apostles, abbreviation Acts, fifth book of the New Testament, a valuable history of the early Christian church. Acts 9:31: Sorry, you have Javascript Disabled! Acts 13:1 says “there were in the church that was at Antioch…” They were local leaders who were there because God wanted them there. Acts 12:1: Acts 8:26 says: “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go….” After helping the eunuch, Philip “preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea” (Acts 8:40). Then pleased it [seemed proper to] the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. 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. Acts 14:27: Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear [respect] of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Are we devoted to listening, learning and letting what we read and hear change our lives? The early church in Jerusalem may not be the perfect pattern for all that we do as a church today, but it is an excellent example of a church that is marked by love – love for God and love for others. No wonder the Lord could add daily to the church! During this time at Jerusalem, God worked in leaders from both local churches to share what they knew from God’s written Word and from God working in them. The Acts of the Apostles is a unique and therefore crucial book of the New Testament. As God worked individually in energized ministers, it was important for them to maintain good communications with each other. The next use of ekklēsia shows the growth of churches around Jerusalem in Galilee and Samaria. The Book of Acts: A History of the Early Church Gene Taylor-2-An Outline of the Book I. So it is easy to think that if we want to continue to thrive as a church, or to grow or be impactful, that all we have to do is do what the Christians did in Acts. The apostles and elders at Jerusalem were the most qualified to handle this situation. [1] Whereas the Gospel of Luke focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Acts of the Apostles builds upon what Jesus did and taught (see Acts 1:1), recounting the story of the young, emerging Church and the … The believers in the early church were so thankful for everything Jesus had done for them, that they praised God fervently. Acts 11:19-21: And when they had preached the gospel to that city [Derbe], and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch [in Pisidia], And all that believed were together, and had all things common; As the Apostle Paul, he was one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament. Do they characterize your church? In our privatized world, it's hard to imagine what the early church … Mature ministers supported those “younger” in their spiritual walk. And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, This kind of remarkable generosity should be evident in our churches. The result of this was a strengthening of the local churches and growth among the believers. There is a need to work together as believers in order to communicate with each other as part of the process of getting the right ministries to the right places at the right times. There were now local churches starting up in Antioch and other areas. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost [God], departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. The Importance of the Book of Acts The importance of this … Certain of the church at Jerusalem were under attack. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. 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