Acts

Acts	The New Testament book by Luke Bible text: King James Version Commentary: John Shepard Home

Waiting for the Holy Spirit

(Acts 1:1) The former treatise [gospel of Luke] have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

We should notice two things about Jesus when reading the 4 gospels: (1) What he did, (2) What he taught.

Notice that Jesus merely began his work during his time on earth up to his ascension into heaven. Therefore, the subsequent events which Luke addresses in the book of Acts are a continuation of Jesus's work and teaching. Thus, the church is an extension of Jesus.

(Acts 1:2) 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:

We know that Jesus taught the apostles before his death on the cross, as well as during the 40 days after his resurrection. But Luke informs us that Jesus also gave commandments to the apostles even after his ascension into heaven. The conversion of the apostle Paul is an example of this--he was instructed by Jesus. Perhaps Luke is referring specifically to Paul since he (Luke) was a companion of Paul.

Paul tells us that Jesus taught him; here Luke informs us that the Holy Spirit taught the apostles.

(Acts 1:3) To whom also he showed 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:

Right away Luke informs us who the apostles are, to prevent false teachers from claiming to be true apostles. The apostles are those to whom Jesus appeared during the 40 days after his crucifixion.

When we read the statements Jesus made during these 40 days, we should consider them as "the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Thus we learn that the kingdom of God is the church.

(Acts 1:4) 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.

The events of Pentecost--the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church--are the "promise of the Father."

Notice that Jesus himself delivers the promise of the Father--he is a spokesman for the Father.

(Acts 1:5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

A new kind of baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. There are 5 kinds of baptism: (1) John's baptism of repentance with water, (2) Jesus's baptism with water which his disciples performed before his crucifixion, (3) Jesus's baptism by crucifixion, (4) the new baptism of the Holy Spirit, (5) baptism with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The apostles started performing baptism with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit after the baptism of the Holy Spirit referred to in this verse.

The implication is that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is better than John's baptism of repentance with water. But we must repent to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Notice what occurred with the baptism of the Holy Spirit--the church was born. Thus, when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit we become united with the church, the body of Christ.

(Acts 1:6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

The disciples are looking to a political kingdom. Many prophetic passages from the Old Testament seem to say that there will be such a kingdom.

(Acts 1:7) 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.

Jesus implies that this political kingdom will not happen at this initial baptism of the Holy Spirit. But he also seems to indicate that there will be a time in which there will be a political kingdom. Perhaps this refers to Christendom.

(Acts 1:8) 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.

The use of the word "power" in this verse and the previous verse hints that this kingdom of Israel will become manifest in the church which is born at the coming of the Holy Spirit a few days from then.

Notice the effect of the coming of the Holy Spirit, it makes them witnesses of Christ. This is the power they are to receive.

The church would grow and fill the whole world. It certainly has grown and it continues to grow through evangelistic outreach.

(Acts 1:9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

These last few verses record the last words spoken by Jesus while he was on earth. Jesus's last words were about the church.

(Acts 1:10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

These men are angels.

(Acts 1:11) 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.

The mission of these angels was to announce the second coming [parousia] of Christ. Just as he floated up into heaven, he will float back down to earth from heaven. His second coming will be supernatural.

(Acts 1:12) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

They immediately went to Jerusalem in obedience to Jesus's command. Perhaps they had already been in Jerusalem and had followed Jesus to the Mount of Olives.

(Acts 1:13) 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.

The emphasis is on the 11 apostles. Peter is listed first as is usually the case.

They found a room to stay in for these 9 days.

(Acts 1:14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

They spent 9 days praying. What kinds of prayers did they pray? Probably many kinds: "canned" prayers from their Jewish heritage (they were all Jewish), extemporaneous prayers, prayers that Jesus taught them (such as the "Our Father"). Perhaps they practiced meditative reflection and contemplative prayer as well.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was among them. I wonder if they asked her to tell them about Jesus and her relationship with him as his mother. What wonderful stories she could tell. Perhaps Jesus had performed little miracles for her and Joseph.

The other women were with them as well. They were devotees of Jesus.

The brothers of Jesus were also there. This does not necessarily refer to brothers by blood--they can also be close relatives such as cousins, perhaps children of Joseph by a former marriage. In any case, notice that Jesus convinced these that he was a worthy master, even though those of Nazareth has rejected him when he visited there.

Notice that they were in unity. The leadership of the apostles was likely respected by the others, since Jesus had clearly chosen them for this. But even the apostles were in unity. Thus begins the "golden age" of the church in which the leaders are in unity and the others submit to the leaders.

Replacing Judas

(Acts 1:15) 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,)

There were about 120 people. This is a significant number. It must have been a large upper room.

Peter is clearly the leader of the church. Jesus had chosen him for this in renaming him "Peter" (rock) and giving him the keys (Mat 16:18,19) and later in exhorting him to "feed my sheep" (John 21:15,17). Peter initiates the first administrative event of the church.

(Acts 1:16) 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.

Peter has a good knowledge of the scriptures and he is concerned with obeying their prophecies. (Note that the word scripture refers to the Old Testament.) Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit he understood that this particular Old Testament passage applied to their current situation and that, as their leader, he was required to initiate the action.

Judas guided those who schemed to kill Jesus.

(Acts 1:17) For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Judas was one of the disciples.

(Acts 1:18) 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 purchased a field, meaning that a field was purchased with the money he received for turning Jesus over to them. He had some sort of tragic, gruesome death.

(Acts 1:19) 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.

This field became known as the "field of blood" either because it was purchased with blood money or because of Judas' gruesome death in that field.

(Acts 1:20) For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.

This verse is from Psalm 69:25. I can't imagine how Peter could have known ahead of time that this verse was a reference to Judas. Clearly, the Holy Spirit was illuminating the minds of the apostles in a very profound manner. This was certainly the case when they wrote the books and letters of the New Testament. They knew things that were unknowable.

The greek word used here for bishop is "episkopos." This word is used in 5 other places: Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 2:25, and 1 Timothy 3:1.

Clearly, the word bishop refers to an office of service of the church--the highest office, comparable to the office of apostle. The office was empty (because Jesus intended there to be 12 apostles) and had to be filled. This verse sets the pattern for appointing successors of bishops down through the centuries of the church.

(Acts 1:21) Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Peter specifies the requirements for the replacement of Judas. In doing so he also, by way of application, also specifies the requirements for bishops. These are: (1) They must have a close relationship with Jesus, and (2) They must have been instructed by Jesus. These criteria would disqualify some bishops throughout the history of the church. Examples of problems: (1) Some were appointed for political reasons and had little or no concern for the spiritual well-being of the people, (2) Some considered the position as merely a secular position of power and influence, (3) Some had heretical views and promoted these, (4) Some did not live holy, godly lives. In my opinion, a bishop who is ordained but does not meet these qualifications is not truly a bishop.

(Acts 1:22) 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.

Peter continues with his requirements for the replacement for Judas: He must have seen Jesus after his resurrection so he can testify that this event really occurred. By way of application, bishops are to be witnesses of the truth of the gospel. In my opinion, a bishop who is ordained but does not truthfully teach the gospel is not truly a bishop.

(Acts 1:23) And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

Who are those referred to by the word "they"? Two possibilities: (1) Only the 11 apostles, or (2) All 120 who were present. My view is that the 11 apostles led the process and that others participated by recommending names and testifying about their qualifications.

There were only 2 who met the critera. Perhaps another criteria was that they had to be present with the 120 so they could be "ordained".

(Acts 1:24) And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Who are those referred to by the word "they"? Perhaps Peter led the prayer and the others agreed.

(Acts 1:25) That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Apostles are ministers, meaning that they minister. They serve the church. Bishops who do not serve the church are not really bishops. I wonder whether the Catholic bishops who did not discipline priests who abused members of their congregations are therefore disqualified as bishops? And I wonder whether Catholic bishops who have allowed liberalism to infiltrate the Church and the priesthood and who do not take strong action against it are disqualified as bishops?

Judas went to "his own place". Persumably, this is not a good place.

(Acts 1:26) And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Who are those who drew lots? Probably only the 11 apostles. It would be impossible, practically speaking, for 120 people to draw lots. Thus, the apostles chose the new apostle. The others, technically speaking, did not choose the new apostle. We see the pattern of bishops choosing bishops. This was how it was done through the early centuries of the church. Only later did secular rulers begin to appoint bishops.

Now there are 12 apostles again, and just in time, because ...

Descent of the Holy Spirit

(Acts 2:1) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Finally, the 9th day, the 50th day since the passover when Christ was sacrificed on the cross. The 120 are still in unity and they are in one place.

(Acts 2:2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

They hear a sound. This sound is like that of a strong wind. The sound fills the house.

(Acts 2:3) And there appeared unto them cloven [divided] tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

There was a visible manifestation as well. Each of them had a "halo" of something that looked like fire, some sort of light. We don't know whether others outside of the group saw this.

(Acts 2:4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

It was about 9 AM. Probably it was not too cold outside since it was spring. Presumably, the 120 went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began speaking. They were compelled to speak and the words they spoke were given to them by the Holy Spirit. I imagine that this same kind of intensity accompanied the writers of the New Testament (and the Old Testament too, for that matter).

I have heard some claim that only the 12 apostles spoke in tongues, that the others just listened in. I don't accept this. The text doesn't seem to support this notion.

(Acts 2:5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

A bit of background. Pentecost is one of the yearly feasts that all practicing Jews were to celebrate. They were to travel to Jerusalem. There were, therefore, many people in Jerusalem at the time.

(Acts 2:6) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

The people present spoke many different languages because they had come to Jerusalem from all over the Roman Empire. They heard the 120 speak in all these languages. This surprised them when they learned they were from Galilee and, therefore, didn't speak these languages.

(Acts 2:7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

It is unclear whether these people heard the sound like the wind. Somehow, they noticed that these 120 (or many of them) were from Galilee, probably because of their accents. Those who knew the accent would have announced it to the others. This had happened before: "Thou [Peter] art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto." (Mark 14:70)

(Acts 2:8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

They are surprised that the 120 speak in many languages.

(Acts 2:9) Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

A list of some of the various places.

(Acts 2:10) Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

More places.

(Acts 2:11) Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

More places.

They are speaking about the works of God; what he has done, what he will do. This doesn't match very well with the charismatic use of tongues as either (1) prophetic utterances, or (2) a private prayer language.

(Acts 2:12) And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

The event seemed miraculous but some doubted and looked for other naturalistic explanations.

Those of faith wanted to know the meaning of this miraculous event.

(Acts 2:13) Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Those who doubted came up with a very poor explanation, that they spoke in different languages which they didn't know because they were drunk. I am amazed at the unreasoned arguments that skeptics come up with and vigorously defend.

Peter's First Sermon

(Acts 2:14) 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:

This is twice now that Peter speaks on behalf of the 120. He explains what is happening.

(Acts 2:15) For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

It is around 9 A.M.

(Acts 2:16) But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

This is the second time that Peter draws upon a passage of the Old Testament. And each time he knows the proper interpretation. He has clearly been energized by the Holy Spirit. He quotes from Joel 2:29-32.

(Acts 2:17) 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:

The time of the church is the last days. We are still in the last days.

In the church there is to be prophecy, visions, dreams. These will continue for the entire church age.

(Acts 2:18) And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Notice that all are invited to join the church, including women. Also, these women can be prophets. The church is created by the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and no group of people is excluded.

(Acts 2:19) And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

A reference to the final judgment.

(Acts 2:20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

These images are used throughout the Bible to indicate judgment of peoples and nations for sin. There will be visible signs on earth before final judgment.

(Acts 2:21) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

(Acts 2:22) 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:

Peter is speaking to Jews. Jesus performed miracles as signs that he was the messiah. Some of the people in the crowd witnessed these signs, others heard of them.

(Acts 2:23) Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

It was God the Father's plan from the beginning for Jesus to become the sacrifice for our sins, the Lamb of God.

Many of the rabbis expected the messiah to be merely a man, a political revolutionaly who would free the Jews from their bondage to the Romans. A few thought the messiah would be God. Very few thought that the messiah would be God in flesh who would suffer and die for their sins. Peter has to convince these Jews that these claims are true and that the claims of the rabbis are untrue. Not only that, even during Jesus's lifetime, his disciples were often disfellowshipped by the Jewish leaaders.

(Acts 2:24) Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Since Jesus is deity he can not be bound by death.

(Acts 2:25) 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:

From Psalms 16:8-11. Peter has an amazing knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures. He is claiming to be an authority even though what he is saying contradicts those of the Jewish rabbis. He uses scripture to support his case.

(Acts 2:26) Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

(Acts 2:27) Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

This verse is the key verse in Peter's argument. He is using this passage from the Old Testament to demonstrate that the Messiah would die and be resurrected. David says that just as God will not leave his [David's] soul in Abraham's bosom but will redeem him, in like manner God will not allow the Messiah to be permanently affected by death.

The phrase Abraham's bosom refers to place similar to purgatory. Before the resurrection of Jesus the redeemed who were heaven-bound went to Abraham's bosom. After the resurrection of Jesus the redeemed who are not yet ready for heaven go to purgatory.

(Acts 2:28) Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

(Acts 2:29) 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.

Peter comments on the passage from Psalms that he has just quoted.

(Acts 2:30) 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;

God promised to David that one of his descendents would be a king forever (2 Sam 7:12, 13).

Peter refers to David as a prophet.

(Acts 2:31) He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

David the prophet spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah. The Jews should believe David even if in doing so they have to deny the teachings of their own leaders.

(Acts 2:32) This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

The 120 were all witnesses of Jesus's resurrection.

(Acts 2:33) 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.

God is the source of this miraculous event which is now occurring, of this speaking in languages not known by the speakers.

Jesus is now at the right hand of God. In other words, he is God.

(Acts 2:34) For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

From Psalm 110:1. Jesus remarked on this verse by asking, "David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?" (Luke 20:44). In other words, David refers to the Messiah as deity.

(Acts 2:35) Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Some day Jesus will conquer all the enemies of God.

(Acts 2:36) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter's conclusions: (1) Jesus is the Messiah, and (2) Jesus is deity.

Joining the Early Church

(Acts 2:37) 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?

Many believed in faith. They asked what they needed to do? Their desire to do something springs from their belief and faith.

Peter is still emphasized here.

(Acts 2:38) 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.

Peter instructs them to do two things: (1) repent, and (2) get baptized. The benefits of doing these two things: (1) their sins are remitted, and (2) they will receive the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the phrase "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" refers to the Catholic sacrament of confirmation.

(Acts 2:39) 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.

Salvation is available to these Jews and their children, even to those who were not in Jerusalem at the time. Christianity was not to be merely a local sect but a worldwide religious movement.

(Acts 2:40) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Peter said many more things that day which are not recorded in this book. Presumably, Peter expected his listeners to believe and act upon these additional statements even though they were not written down. This forms the basis for church tradition -- things that were taught verbally but were not written down are nevertheless authoritative and true.

They had to repent, to turn from the ways of the culture they were living in at the time.

(Acts 2:41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

They were baptized immediately; there was no months-long period of instruction. There was also no altar call asking people to receive Jesus into their hearts. Rather, they were baptized after confessing their faith. Perhaps they had to publicly confess their sins and vow to repent of them.

(Acts 2:42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

An overview of the religious life of the early church:

They learned and followed the teachings and doctrines of the apostles.
They were in fellowship [community] with each other--their religious experience was one of community rather than merely a personal practice of their faith.
They broke bread. This refers to: (1) a regular love feast meal, and (2) the central position of the Eucharist [communion] in their worship service. There are plenty of writings about this in the early church fathers.
They prayed in groups and individually.

(Acts 2:43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

The fear of God came upon them. Those who desire to live a holy life pleasing to God must have the fear of the Lord.

The apostles continued to perform miracles.

(Acts 2:44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

The early church of Jerusalem lived communally and shared their belongings. Perhaps this is because that is how Jesus lived with the apostles for those three plus years.

(Acts 2:45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

They gave to one another much as parents give to their children.

(Acts 2:46) 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,

They had daily services in the temple. Perhaps they went to the Jewish services.

They had community meals at each others' homes. They didn't have a church building of their own. Presumably one of the apostles presided at each of these meetings. Certainly the writings of the very early church fathers stress that Christians should have the bishop present at their church meetings to provide unity and prevent heresy.

They had unity among themselves presumably because of the presence of the 12 apostles.

(Acts 2:47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

This was an amazing church and a large one. It seemed to have the coziness and closeness of a small church while being a large church of many thousands. Perhaps many of those who were baptized in Jerusalem on Pentacost went back home so that there were not so many left in Jerusalem.

I wonder about those who took Christianity back with them to all the various places they came from. There were no apostles to lead them. I suppose they had all kinds of strange beliefs and doctrines. Later, Paul and others went out from Jerusalem and encountered these same people again. They had to correct their doctrines and appoint leaders who were orthodox in their faith.

Peter Heals the Lame Man

(Acts 3:1) Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

About 3:00 P.M. They pray at the temple. Probably they were participating in the daily Jewish prayers. I suspect that today many Christians would not consider it acceptable to pray these prayers.

(Acts 3:2) 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 spent all day everyday at the gate of the temple begging.

(Acts 3:3) Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

He asked Peter and John for something.

(Acts 3:4) And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

Peter once again is the first to take action.

(Acts 3:5) And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

The man was not expecting to receive healing, but only some money.

(Acts 3:6) 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 commands him to walk in the name of Jesus. The phrase "in the name of Jesus" and other similar phrases are used often in the New Testament.

(Acts 3:7) And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

A miracle.

(Acts 3:8) And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

He was very grateful.

(Acts 3:9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

There were many witnesses.

(Acts 3:10) 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.

Everyone was amazed.

(Acts 3:11) 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 man stayed with Peter and John. As crowds came to see what happened they also crowded Peter and John so that they became the center of attention.

Peter's Second Sermon

(Acts 3:12) 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?

Peter is in the temple when he gives this sermon. He directs them to consider God who is the one who did the miracle.

(Acts 3:13) 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.

Peter reminds them that it was the Jews who delivered Jesus for execution.

(Acts 3:14) But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Jesus was Holy and Just, yet they delivered him up to be executed.

(Acts 3:15) And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Jesus was resurrected.

(Acts 3:16) 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.

It was Peter's faith in Jesus which caused the healing. Jesus gave Peter the faith to heal the man. Notice that the man was healed even though he himself did not have the faith to be healed.

(Acts 3:17) And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

Peter admits that the Jews killed Jesus out of ignorance.

(Acts 3:18) But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

The death of Jesus was prophesyed in the Old Testament.

(Acts 3:19) 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;

Peter asks them to do two things: (1) repent, and (2) be converted. By doing this their sins would be taken away. Notice that he does not tell them to receive Jesus as their personal savior but that they must change their minds and hearts.

He refers to various Old Testament images. Times of refreshing refers to the time of Jesus and the church.

(Acts 3:20) And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

By doing these two things God will send them Jesus. This was preached to the Israelites by various Old Testament prophets.

(Acts 3:21) 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.

Jesus is in heaven until the day of final judgment. This, too, was spoken of by the Old Testament prophets.

(Acts 3:22) 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.

This is from Deuteronomy 18:18-19. In this passage Moses refers to a future prophet who will have a role similar to Moses himself. Just as Moses was the founder of the first covenant, Jesus was the founder of the renewed covenant. We are to hear, obey, and follow this prophet.

(Acts 3:23) And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Those who reject this prophet will be destroyed.

(Acts 3:24) Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Some might think that Moses is referring to an Old Testament prophet such as Isaiah, but Peter refutes this by stating that all of these Old Testament prophets also prophesyed of this prophet.

(Acts 3:25) 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.

Peter is speaking in the temple to Jews who have come for daily prayers. He reminds them of their origins.

(Acts 3:26) 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.

It was Jesus, the seed of Abraham, who would bless them. The goal of Jesus is that everyone turn from his sins. Again, the emphasis is on repentance, not on faith.

(Acts 4:1) And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Apparently, John was also speaking. Finally, the Jewish leaders showed up.

(Acts 4:2) Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

The leaders were not happy with this new teaching. The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection and they did not want anyone teaching this doctrine to the people.

Peter and John on Trial

(Acts 4:3) And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

These Jewish leaders had Peter and John arrested and put in jail.

(Acts 4:4) Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Many of those who had been listening to Peter and John were converted. There were now about 5,000 Christians.

(Acts 4:5) And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

The next day.

(Acts 4:6) 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.

Many of the Jewish leaders assembled together.

(Acts 4:7) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Peter and John were summoned. They were asked by what power or name they performed the miracle of healing? In other words, (1) where did the power come from, and (2) what was their authority for doing and saying such things? The implication is that they did not have such authority since they were not the religious leaders.

(Acts 4:8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Once again it is Peter who speaks. He is filled with the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 4:9) If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

Peter talks about the miraculous healing.

(Acts 4:10) 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.

He states that this healing was performed in the name of Jesus. He is very bold in reminding them that they are the ones who had him killed. Peter speaks about Jesus's resurrection from the dead. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, so he is stirring up disagreement among his questioners.

(Acts 4:11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Jesus is the chief cornerstone.

(Acts 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Salvation is only from Jesus.

(Acts 4:13) 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.

The religious leaders noticed that Peter and John were not schooled. Some remembered that they had been disciples of Jesus.

(Acts 4:14) And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

The man who had been healed was also present.

(Acts 4:15) But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

The religious leaders discuss among themselves what to do.

(Acts 4:16) 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.

They admit that a miracle was done and that this fact is known by all.

(Acts 4:17) But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

They don't want this devotion to the name of Jesus to spread.

(Acts 4:18) And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

They command Peter and John to stop speaking and teaching the gospel.

(Acts 4:19) 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.

Peter and John refuse because they are commanded by God to speak and teach about Jesus.

(Acts 4:20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

They are merely speaking about true historical facts and teaching what Jesus taught them.

(Acts 4:21) 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.

They threatened them and released them. They were unable to punish them because it would cause riots and the Romans would intervene.

Peter and John Released

(Acts 4:22) For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.

The man who was healed was over 40 years old.

(Acts 4:23) And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

They told everybody what happened.

(Acts 4:24) 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:

They were all in unity. They praised God the creator.

Perhaps one of them was leading the group in extemporaneous prayer and the people were all expressing their agreement and devotion with various vocal utterances.

(Acts 4:25) Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

From Psalm 2:1-2.

(Acts 4:26) The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

A prophecy about the opposition to the messiah from the leaders.

(Acts 4:27) 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,

A list of the many people who opposed Jesus. This list includes the Jewish people at large. Certainly, there were many Jews who did not participate in this opposition and many who were secretly disciples of Jesus.

(Acts 4:28) For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

But these opponents were only doing what God had already determined was His will.

(Acts 4:29) And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

They turn the attention back to the present situation in which Peter and John were threatened for healing the man and for proclaiming the gospel in the temple. They pray that all the followers of Christ would have the same boldness.

(Acts 4:30) By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

They pray that God would continue to perform miraculous healings.

(Acts 4:31) 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.

God replies to their prayers by shaking the place and filling them with the Holy Spirit. They spoke the word of God. It is unclear whether or not they spoke just among themselves or whether they wandered out into the street and spoke to others.

Ananias and Sapphira

(Acts 4:32) 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.

A repeat of 2:44-46. The early church of Jerusalem lived communally and shared their belongings. Perhaps this is because that is how Jesus lived with the apostles for those three plus years. They gave to one another much as parents give to their children. They had community meals at each others' homes. They didn't have a church building of their own. They had unity among them.

(Acts 4:33) And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

The apostles continued to perform miracles to demonstrate the truth of the gospel. The Christians were blessed by God.

(Acts 4:34) 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,

The people took care of each other. Those that had a surplus gave to those who lacked.

(Acts 4:35) And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

The apostles were the center of all this altruism. Many think the church of today should be just like the apostolic church. I suspect that the church could only be like this in the presence of the apostles. In the writings of the early church fathers we see that division in the church begins soon after the death of the apostles.

(Acts 4:36) 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,

Barnabas is introduced. He is compassionate and he comforts people. He was a foreigner. Perhaps he relocated to Jerusalem because he wanted to be around the apostles.

(Acts 4:37) Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

He sold some land and gave the money away.

(Acts 5:1) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

These two sold land so they could give the money to the church.

(Acts 5:2) 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 didn't give all the money to the church but kept some back.

(Acts 5:3) 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?

Ananias presents the money to Peter. Peter states that Ananias has lied to the Holy Spirit. But what was his lie? We know he sold some land and gave part of the money to the church. Apparently he told Peter that he was giving all of the money to the church.

Notice that his lie to Peter and his lie to the Holy Spirit are the same lie. Since Peter was a leader of the church (and so far, he seems to be the preeminent leader) lying to him is the same a lying to the church which is the same as lying to the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 5:4) 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.

In lying to Peter he was lying to God.

(Acts 5:5) And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

God used this "little white lie" as an example to the church about the seriousness of lying to the church. This is such a strange incident. The significance is overlooked by many. I think it means that the church and her leaders are acting in the place of God (of the Holy Spirit) and that in relating to them we are relating to God. Also, that the church leaders are acting on behalf of God and that God honors their actions, words, and judgments. Many minimize the role of church leaders.

(Acts 5:6) And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

(Acts 5:7) And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

I wonder why no one told her?

(Acts 5:8) And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Peter initiates the conversation.

(Acts 5:9) 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.

(Acts 5:10) 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.

The expression "yielded up the ghost" or "gave up the spirit" is used for death. The spirit leaves the body.

(Acts 5:11) And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

I suppose people were afraid that their small sins would cause their deaths. This sounds like a situation which would cause people to become scrupulous.

I keep asking myself why God did this killing of Ananias and Sapphira? I have no answer. Was it something that Peter thought of which God honored because of the "binding and loosing" promise? (Mat 16:19; 18:18) If God honors the requests of church leaders like this we have good cause to be afraid of them. My reaction would be to stay away from them, they are dangerous.

Or was it because God wanted Christians to have a higher standard of holiness? Perhaps God was preparing them for the coming persecutions, to properly motivate them to resist the temptation to succumb to the pressures put on them to quit being Christian.

The Apostles

(Acts 5:12) 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.

The apostles performed miracles just like Jesus did. The early Christians still went to the temple for prayers and worship. Presumably they were participating in the Jewish prayers and worship.

(Acts 5:13) And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

There are two groups: (1) The people--those who were followers of Christ and the apostles, and (2) the rest--those who didn't believe. Notice that the people magnified the apostles--they had a very high regard for them.

(Acts 5:14) And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

The emphasis is on conversion to Christianity.

(Acts 5:15) 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.

People are healed when Peter's shadow passes over them. This matches very well with the Catholic teaching of relics. (2 Ki 13:21)

(Acts 5:16) 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.

The sick were brought many miles to be healed by the apostles.

(Acts 5:17) 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,

The high priest and the Sadducees took action against the apostles to try to put an end to Christianity.

(Acts 5:18) And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

The apostles were thrown into prison.

(Acts 5:19) But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

But they were rescued by an angel.

(Acts 5:20) Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

The angel commanded the apostles to speak in the temple. They were to speak the words of life, the gospel message of salvation.

(Acts 5:21) 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.

The apostles went to the temple and taught. The high priest and the others called a council and sent for the apostles who they thought were still in prison.

(Acts 5:22) But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

But they weren't there anymore.

(Acts 5:23) 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.

The doors were still shut. This implies that the apostles had gone through the walls by some sort of miraculous transport. There are Catholic Saints who have also performed various miracles such as this.

(Acts 5:24) 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.

The high priest and the others are troubled. The feared that this Christian movement would grow and cause problems for them. But their real problem turned out to be the many Jewish revolutionaries who stirred up trouble resulting in the destruction of the temple by the Romans.

(Acts 5:25) Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

They are informed that the apostles were teaching in the temple.

(Acts 5:26) Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

The apostles went back willingly when asked. The high priest and the others did not want to use force because they were afraid of the people, that they would kill them.

(Acts 5:27) And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

The apostles are questioned before the council.

(Acts 5:28) 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.

They have several objections: (1) the apostles are disobeying their command not to teach, (2) they are influencing the people, and (3) they are making them responsible for the death of Jesus.

(Acts 5:29) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Once again Peter is the spokesman for the apostles, the leader of the apostles. He states that the Jewish leaders are opposed to God's will and therefore should not be obeyed.

(Acts 5:30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Peter makes 4 points: (1) The God of the Christians is the same as the God of the Jews, (2) Christianity is merely a continuation of Israel, (3) God resurrected Jesus, and (4) the Jewish leaders are responsible for his death.

(Acts 5:31) 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.

Peters makes 4 more points: (1) Jesus now sits at God's right hand as Prince and Savior, (2) Jews should recognize Jesus as savior, (3) Jews should repent of their sins, and (4) Jesus provides forgiveness of sins.

(Acts 5:32) 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 states that the apostles are witnesses of these things. Earlier, when selecting a replacement for Judas, Peter specified that a requirement to be an apostle is that he be a witness to these things.

Those who obey Jesus are given the Holy Spirit. It is not sufficient that someone merely accept Jesus as their personal savior, we must obey Jesus to receive the Holy Spirit. Receiving the Holy Spirit is another way of saying that we are saved and heaven-bound.

(Acts 5:33) When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

This provokes the Jewish leaders to consider killing the apostles. They discuss this in the presence of the apostles.

(Acts 5:34) 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;

Gamaliel rescues the apostles.

(Acts 5:35) And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

He proposes a different course of action. He reminds them of two other revolutionaries and what happened to them.

(Acts 5:36) 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.

Theudas had a following of about 400 but he was killed. He probably was militant.

(Acts 5:37) 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.

After this Judas rose up and was also killed.

There is a difference between these two and the apostles: the apostles were not militant revolutionaries.

(Acts 5:38) 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:

Gamaliel counsels that they just let events take their course, that there is no need for the Jewish leaders to do anything about it.

(Acts 5:39) But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Gamaliel seems to suspect that Christianity might be the work of God and he is unwilling to oppose the work of God.

(Acts 5:40) 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 the Jewish leaders agreeded with Gamaliel's plan, they still had the apostles beaten and they were forbidden to speak in the name of Jesus.

(Acts 5:41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

The apostles were happy to have been called to suffering for the sake of Jesus.

(Acts 5:42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

The apostles continue to teach daily in the temple. They also go from house to house to teach. Presumably they were also leading the various church services which were in the people's homes. (Acts 2:46)

It would seem that there were church services in many people's houses throughout the city.

The Deacons

(Acts 6:1) 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.

The Greek and Hebrew Christians had a disagreement about the care of widows. Apparently there was some discrimination against the Greeks.

(Acts 6:2) 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.

The apostles heard of the problem and took action. They appointed other people to address the problem. This verse defines that the proper role of an apostle is the ministry of the word of God. They are to teach and preach as well as conduct the church services.

Apparently, the way in which the widows were served was by providing meals for them, not by giving them money.

(Acts 6:3) 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.

The apostles created a new kind of ministerial office which is later called deacon. The requirements for these men is that (1) they are Spirit-filled, (2) they are honest, and (3) they have a good reputation.

All church leaders should meet this criteria. Those who don't should not be church leaders.

(Acts 6:4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The proper role of the apostles is prayer and the ministry of the word.

(Acts 6:5) 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:

Only men are chosen as deacons but later there are references to women deacons. Notice that it was the people who chose the deacons, not the apostles. Stephen is singled out as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 6:6) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The people brought the deacons to the apostles. Presumably the people had leaders also.

The deacons were "ordained" by the laying on of hands with prayer. Notice that only the apostles lay-on hands and only when ordaining someone for ministry. The practice of the whole congregation laying-on hands is not found in the Bible.

(Acts 6:7) 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.

People continued to convert to Christianity. This is not surprising considering that there were 12 apostles teaching and preaching there. Even many of the Jewish priests converted.

Note that the phrase "word of God" seems to be a synonym for Christianity.

Stephen is Martyred

(Acts 6:8) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Stephen becomes a miracle worker. Miracles are not limited to the apostles.

(Acts 6:9) 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.

Some synagogue Jews got into a disagreement with Stephen.

(Acts 6:10) And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Stephen was a very good speaker and was very wise.

(Acts 6:11) Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

These enemies had him brought to trial. They accused him of blasphemy. This is a capital offense.

(Acts 6:12) 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,

They got a mob stirred-up, as well as the Scribes. Whenever a mob was about to riot, the religious leaders quickly get involved to avoid problems with the Romans.

(Acts 6:13) And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

They found people who would lie.

(Acts 6:14) For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

The accusations against Stephen were (1) that he said that Jesus would destroy the temple and (2) that he would change the Mosaic law. In a sense these were true charges. Jesus did prophesy that the temple would be destroyed and he did change the Mosaic law.

(Acts 6:15) And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Stephen's face is glowing just as Moses' face glowed.

(Acts 7:1) Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

Stephen must explain.

(Acts 7:2) 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,

He calls the Jewish leaders fathers and he calls the Jews brothers. Those who say we should call no man father ignore this verse.

Stephen recalls Jewish history. He speaks for a very long time. I wonder why they allowed him to give such a long speech? Perhaps they were mesmerized by hearing their own history from a Spirit-filled man?

First, the call of Abraham ...

(Acts 7:3) And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee.

God commands Abraham to leave his homeland and go to the land which would later become Israel.

(Acts 7:4) 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.

It took Abraham a while to complete this task.

(Acts 7:5) 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.

Abraham did not inherit the land but his descendants would later inherit it. When Abraham was aged and still childless, God promised Abraham that he would have a male child.

(Acts 7:6) 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.

God tells Abraham that his descendants would relocate to Egypt and that they would later become slaves for 400 years.

(Acts 7:7) 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 tells Abraham about the Exodus and the judgment upon Egypt.

(Acts 7:8) 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.

God gives Abraham the covenent sign of circumcision. Abraham has a son, Isaac. Issac has a son, Jacob. Jacob has 12 sons, the 12 tribes of Israel.

(Acts 7:9) And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

One of these sons, Joseph, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. But God blessed Joseph.

(Acts 7:10) 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.

Ultimately, Joseph became governor of Egypt.

(Acts 7:11) Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

There was a serious drought in Egypt and Caanan. The descendants of Abraham were without food.

(Acts 7:12) But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

But there was food in Egypt because Joseph had prepared for this drought. The 12 patriarchs of Israel went to Egypt to get food.

(Acts 7:13) And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

Joseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers. Joseph told Pharaoh about his family.

(Acts 7:14) Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

All 75 of them relocated to Egypt.

(Acts 7:15) So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

They were there for generations.

(Acts 7:16) 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 was buried in the tomb that Abraham purchased.

(Acts 7:17) But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

They prospered in Egypt.

(Acts 7:18) Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

Generations later, a Pharaoh arose who was not kind toward them.

(Acts 7:19) The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

This Pharaoh commanded that the male children should be killed.

(Acts 7:20) In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

Moses was born at that time.

(Acts 7:21) And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

His mother put Moses in a basket in the river and Pharaoh's daughter found him and raised him.

(Acts 7:22) And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

Moses got the finest education. He was a courageous man and a gifted statesman.

(Acts 7:23) And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

At the age of 40 he visited his people.

(Acts 7:24) And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

In defending his own people he killed an Egyptian.

(Acts 7:25) For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

He thought his people would be glad that he had come to deliver them from bondage.

(Acts 7:26) And the next day he showed 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?

The next day, Moses broke up a fight between two Israelites.

(Acts 7:27) But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

But one of them questioned why Moses thought he was a ruler and judge over them.

(Acts 7:28) Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

He referred to Moses's killing of the Egyptian. Moses realized that his action was public knowledge so he fled for his life to Midian.

(Acts 7:29) Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

He lived there for 40 years and got married and had a family.

(Acts 7:30) 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.

At the end of this time, he had an encounter with God in the burning bush, the bush which was on fire but was not consumed.

(Acts 7:31) 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,

He was curious about this bush and as he investigated it more closely, he heard the voice of God.

(Acts 7:32) 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.

God identifies himself by referring to Moses's ancestors. As is often the case when people encounter God, Moses was afraid.

(Acts 7:33) Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.

It is significant that God identifies this place as sacred because God was visible there. In like manner, anywhere that God reveals himself is a sacred place. An example is the altar and tabernacle of the Catholic Church where Jesus reveals himself sacramentally in the Eucharist. God asks Moses to do some visible, external action to express his reverence. In like manner, we are to express our love, respect, and fear of God using visible signs and in words.

(Acts 7:34) I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

God has heard the groaning and suffering of his people who have been slaves in Egypt for generations. It is significant that it took God generations to finally take action. God is concerned with human suffering but he doesn't necessarily act immediately. God determined to rescue them at this time through Moses. God used the particular circumstances of the tragic event of the killing of the young Israelite males as the occasion to raise up a deliverer, but it took 80 years for this plan to come to fruition.

(Acts 7:35) This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

Stephen notes that Moses was rejected as their deliverer 40 years previously.

(Acts 7:36) He brought them out, after that he had showed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

Moses delivered them but it required that God intervene with many miracles. They escaped through the Red Sea which God parted. After this they wandered through the desert for 40 years.

(Acts 7:37) 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.

Later, Moses prophesied about a then-future prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15,18). We now know that this prophet was Jesus. Notice that this prophet is a man, a Jew, who is like God in nature. He is both God and man.

(Acts 7:38) 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:

Moses led the Israelites in the desert for the 40 years, he heard the voice of God on Mt. Sinai.

(Acts 7:39) To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

The leaders of the Israelites disobeyed Moses and longed for Egypt.

(Acts 7:40) 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.

When Moses was delayed in coming down from Mt. Sinai where he was encountering God, the people asked Aaron the high priest to make a golden calf for them to worship. They wanted to worship they way they did in Egypt.

(Acts 7:41) And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

Aaron made a golden calf and the people offered sacrifices to it. They were still worshipping God but not the way they were commanded by God's representative, Moses. Today there is an analogous situation in which Christians have invented a church of their own making (Protestantism) rather than submitting to the church given to them by God through the apostles and their successors (Catholicism and Orthodoxy).

They also fell back into their immoral religious practices which included immoral celebrations.

(Acts 7:42) 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?

Because they turned away from the true worship of God as revealed to them, God turned away from them. This led to worshipping gods which are not God. They maintained some of the external form (sacrificing animals) but they changed other forms. In doing so they changed their emphasis from worshipping God to worshipping false gods. The form of religious worship is very important. The church has always been concerned with this and has defended it.

(Acts 7:43) 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.

Notice that eventually their worship would involve worshipping false gods. As a result of this false worship, God judged them and they were enslaved by the Assyrians and Babylonians. Today in our secular world there are many who worship false gods and have false conceptions of God, and who reject God altogether. I suppose God will someday enslave our societies and that worshippers of the true God will be martyred for the faith.

(Acts 7:44) 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.

God insturcted Moses how to build the tabernacle which was the place of worship. Later God instructed David to build the temple which had an architecture based on the tabernacle.

The emphasis is on the form of worship. Today, we are to worship God exactly as he specifies through his church and not to invent our own forms of worship (as Protestants have done). The apostolic form of worship was a liturgical, Eucharistic celebration presided over by a successor of the apostles.

(Acts 7:45) Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus [Joshua] into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

The word Jesus should be translated as Joshua. The Israelites brought the tabernacle with them into the land promised them by God. From then until the time of David the Israelites continued to drive the Caananites out of the land.

(Acts 7:46) Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

David found favor with God and desired to build a temple.

(Acts 7:47) But Solomon built him an house.

Solomon built the temple rather than David.

(Acts 7:48) Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Although God gave them the tabernacle and the temple to worship in, God does not dwell in buildings built by man. God does dwell in temples and churches sacramentally, that is, in a form in which we can worship him.

The problem starts when people forget that their religious practices should be focused on the worship of God as he is rather than on the material objects, rituals, words of prayer, and liturgical practices which God has given us to make our worship of God tangible. Some teach that to avoid this problem we should not have any tangible expression in our worship of God, that it should be spiritual rather than religious, but careful reflection shows that even they (Protestants) have many tangible aspects to their devotional worship of God.

(Acts 7:49) 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?

God lives in heaven, beyond the earth he created.

(Acts 7:50) Hath not my hand made all these things?

God created all material things.

(Acts 7:51) Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Stephen abruptly changes his tone. He associates these religious leaders with those from past times who were not faithfully following God and his laws.

(Acts 7:52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Many Old Testament prophets were killed and all were persecuted because their message offended the religious leaders and the people. Some of these prophets prophesied of the coming of the Messiah. The religious leaders were responsible for killing Jesus, the Messiah.

(Acts 7:53) Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

The angels were involved with bringing the law of God to the Israelites. At times in the history of that spiritual nation the leaders have not been faithful to the commandments of God.

(Acts 7:54) When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Note that the word 'gnashing' does not refer to a response to pain but to the expression of anger and hatred. The religious leaders have become quite angry at Stephen's words, angry enough to kill him.

(Acts 7:55) 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,

Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He has a vision and sees the glory of God and Jesus.

(Acts 7:56) And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Stephen verbalizes what he sees.

(Acts 7:57) Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

They don't want to hear anymore and they kill him in anger.

(Acts 7:58) 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.

Paul volunteered to guard the clothes of those who participated in the stoning. Perhaps he even coaxed hesitant people into participating by assuring them that he would watch their clothes to keep them safe.

About stoning: This is a cruel form of execution. The main advantage is that it is a community event. In other forms of execution there is an executioner so that the judges are somewhat aloof when they pronounce the death penalty. In stoning, all participate; there is no one person who is responsible but the whole community of participants bears the responsibility.

About the death penalty: The early church was the victim of the death penalty but later she began to execute others for heresy. This was a bad development. Even worse was that she practiced torture to extract confessions or used torture as part of the execution. Some claim that it was the political rulers who did all this. This claim is partially true, but the church had a role.

(Acts 7:59) And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Stephen knows he is about to die. He calls on God to receive his spirit into heaven.

(Acts 7:60) 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.

Stephen's final words are a prayer to God to not hold this sin of killing an innocent man against them. Then he dies.

The Dispersion

(Acts 8:1) And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

The Christians notice that they are not safe in Jerusalem so many relocate and take their faith with them. The apostles all stay in Jerusalem. The question is how do those who leave practice their faith since the leaders have stayed behind? Persumably there are leaders among them who take charge. I suppose that years later, these will be ordained. Some of them may have even started heretical sects and later been condemned and excommunicated by the church.

I wonder why the apostles chose to stay in Jerusalem? Perhaps they felt there was better opportunity to evangelize there since the city filled up with the faithful several times a year.

Paul consented to the death of Stephen. This event seems to have inspired Paul to begin persecuting and imprisoning Christians. But Stephen's words likely troubled him as he wondered whether they were true.

(Acts 8:2) And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

Stephen's death was a big event.

(Acts 8:3) As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Paul likely had permission from the Jewish leaders to do this. I wonder whether Paul volunteered to do this task or whether the Jewish leaders asked him to do it? Perhaps they made him a deal that they would elevate his position if he would perform this dastardly deed?

(Acts 8:4) Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

The Christians dispersed and they preached the gospel message wherever they went. This implies that some of them were very strong in the faith and understood it very well.

Philip in Samaria

(Acts 8:5) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Philip is one of the seven deacons of Acts 6:5. He went to Samaria and preached the gospel.

Notice that preaching is often done to declare the gospel to those who haven't heard it--it is an evangelistic activity. This is not always the purpose for preaching. It can also be used to exhort people to believe the gospel message more fully or to increase their committment to practising their faith.

Listening to preaching is not the best form of worshipping of God. Many denominations seem to think that listening to an hour long sermon is the way Christians should worship together.

(Acts 8:6) And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Philip did miracles. The people believed his preaching. Presumably many became Christians.

(Acts 8:7) 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.

There were miraculous healings and the exorcism of demons.

(Acts 8:8) And there was great joy in that city.

It was a joyous event for the whole city.

(Acts 8:9) But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Simon the sorcerer was considered great by himself and others.

(Acts 8:10) To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

Simon had supernatural gifts which impressed the people. They thought this power was from God.

(Acts 8:11) And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

People had a high regard for Simon because they were impressed with his supernatural gifts. There likely was also a demonic element to it which attracted and intrigued the people. People are often impressed with supernatural power even when its source is demonic.

(Acts 8:12) 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.

Philip preached about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus. These are closely related. The kingdom of God is Jesus and his church.

Notice their response to hearing the gospel and believing it. They were baptized. People become Christians through baptism. Baptism is not a mere symbol.

The kingdom of God refers to the church age as well as to eternity in heaven.

(Acts 8:13) Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Simon became a Christian and was baptized. He was impressed with the miracles of Philip. He thought they were more amazing than the miracles he did as a sorcerer.

Peter and John in Samaria

(Acts 8:14) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

When the apostles heard that the Samaritians were hearing the gospel and responding to it, they sent two apostles, Peter and John. Notice that Peter is mentioned first as is always the case.

(Acts 8:15) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

The apostles were not satisfied that the Samaritans heard the word of God, believed it, and were baptized. They also considered it necessary that they would receive the Holy Spirit. Many charismatics groups mimic this, but what the apostles are doing is essentially different.

This receiving of the Holy Spirit corresponds to the Catholic sacrament of Confirmation in which the Holy Spirit is received and empowers the believer. Just as in the Catholic Church, Confirmation can only be performed by the bishop, not by a deacon (Philip was a deacon). It was necessary that the apostles pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 8:16) (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Even though a person believes and is baptized in the name of Jesus, this is not enough. They must also receive the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 8:17) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The apostles laid hands on them. Notice that only the apostles could do this, Philip could not. Many charismatics practice the laying on of hands by the entire congregation but this practice is not biblical. The apostles (and later the bishops) must do it. Only they have this power of bringing the Holy Spirit upon a believer.

(Acts 8:18) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Presumably there was some sort of external, visible manifestation when they received the Holy Spirit (perhaps speaking in tongues as at Pentecost) because Simon saw they they received the Holy Spirit. Simon is still thinking like a sorcerer, that spiritual powers can be bought and sold.

(Acts 8:19) Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Simon wants to be able to lay hands on people so that they receive the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 8:20) But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Peter rebukes Simon sharply. The gifts of the Holy Spirit cannot be purchased.

(Acts 8:21) Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Simon's heart was not right on this matter.

(Acts 8:22) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Peter challenges Simon to repent and pray so that his thoughts and attitudes will be forgiven by God.

(Acts 8:23) For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Peter notices that Simon is bitter and trapped in sin. Perhaps Simon got angry when Peter rebuked him and Peter is commenting on that.

(Acts 8:24) Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Simon is concerned with his spiritual well-being. He asks Peter to pray that he would be delivered from these sins.

Philip in Gaza

(Acts 8:25) And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans on their way back to Jerusalem.

(Acts 8:26) And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Now God calls Philip to Gaza. Philip is being used by God in a mighty way to preach the gospel to many people.

(Acts 8:27) And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

This Ethiopian eunich was a worshipper of God. He travelled to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast and was returning to Ethiopia. He was a high-ranking official in Ethiopia. Likely, he brought Christianity to Ethiopia.

(Acts 8:28) Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

On his way home he was reading from the scroll of Isaiah. Few people owned copies of the Old Testament books.

(Acts 8:29) Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

The Holy Spirit told Philip to speak with the Ethiopian eunich.

(Acts 8:30) And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Philip heard him reading aloud from the scroll of Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading.

(Acts 8:31) And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

This is an amazing comment by the Ethiopian eunich. He says that he needs guidance in order to understand the scripture. The same is true for us today. Merely having ready access to the books of scripture does not guarantee that we will understand the meaning of the scripture; we require someone who has been instructed in the true meaning of the scripture to explain it to us.

Many Protestants think they can interpret the scripture on their own (by private interpretation) but this results in many contradictory interpretations. In the early church there were those who changed the gospel and started their own heretical movements, basing these on their own private interpretation of scripture. The early church leaders had to fight these heresies by declaring and defending the true interpretation. We should learn what the early church taught and defended and adopt these views ourselves rather than merely accepting whatever interpretation we are taught in our churches.

(Acts 8:32) The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

The Ethiopian eunich was reading from Isaiah 53:7,8. He doesn't know who this sheep is who is led to slaughter and who doesn't speak.

(Acts 8:33) In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

This lamb was killed after a humilating judgment and he had no children.

(Acts 8:34) And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

The Ethiopian eunich asked whether this person is Isaiah or someone else.

(Acts 8:35) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Philip affirmed that this lamb was Jesus. We know that Jesus taught that he was the subject of many Old Testament passages because he reveals this to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-27).

(Acts 8:36) And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

The Ethiopian eunich wanted to be baptized. In other words, he wanted to become a Christian. Baptism is not merely a symbol.

I wonder how the Ethiopian eunich knew that he should be baptized? Perhaps it was because the Jews baptized converts to Judaism and he merely assumed that conversion to Christianity was done in the same manner. The Christian church borrowed many practices from Judaism.

(Acts 8:37) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Baptism requires belief. The Ethiopian eunich first confesses his faith that Jesus is the Son of God and this qualifies him to enter the church.

(Acts 8:38) And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Notice the importance of baptism. Many Protestant denominations teach that baptism is not a sacrament but merely a symbol, but this is not what the Bible teaches.

(Acts 8:39) And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Some teach that Philip was miraculously transported instantaneously to Azotus. Perhaps so, but this verse doesn't demand that interpretation.

Notice that the apostles did not follow the Ethiopian eunich to lay hands on him to receive the Holy Spirit. Perhaps this would happen later when the bishops went to Ethiopia or on the next visit by the Ethiopian eunich to Jerusalem.

(Acts 8:40) But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Philip continues preaching in many cities.

Paul's Conversion

(Acts 9:1) And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

The story shifts to Paul. He had dedicated his life to stamping out Christianity. Presumably the stoning of Stephan triggered his zeal.

(Acts 9:2) And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Paul gets permission from the high priest to bring Christians living in Damascus back to Jerusalem as prisoners. Apparently the Roman rulers gave the high priest this authority. This is a period of severe persecution for the early Christians.

(Acts 9:3) And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

God had other plans for Paul. Paul experiences what we would today call an apparition.

(Acts 9:4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Jesus personally revealed himself to Paul. Jesus considers the persecution of Christians as a persection of him personally. Christians are not merely members of the body of Christ as a methaphor--it is a mystical reality.

(Acts 9:5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Paul instantly responds to Jesus. Perhaps he was in inner turmoil about this role he had chosen as one who persecutes the Christians.

Paul heard Stephen's extended sermon. Apparently, Paul was willing and ready to believe Stephen's claims when presented to him in the right context. I get the feeling that Paul was internally troubled in his role as a persecuter of Christians.

Jesus remarks that it is hard for Paul to continually resist the pricks of his conscience by the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 9:6) And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Paul is instantly willing to change loyalty to Jesus and to follow him and obey him. Jesus tells him to go into Damascus for further instructions.

We can apply this in our own lives. We need to be willing to merely take the next step in our relationship with Christ and to do the next little task he commands us to do rather than waiting until he reveals a glorious and grandious plan in its entirety.

(Acts 9:7) And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

It is common in apparitions for witnesses to see and hear only part of what is really occurring.

(Acts 9:8) And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

Paul had fallen to the ground. He was temporarily blinded.

(Acts 9:9) And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

He didn't eat for three days.

(Acts 9:10) And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Jesus used a Christian named Ananias to lay hands on Paul so that he would receive the Holy Spirit. This is an unexpected way for God to deal with this. You would think that Jesus could have finished the work himself but he used Ananias to do it. I wonder if Ananias was one of those who Paul was going to imprison and take back to Jerusalem?

(Acts 9:11) And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Ananias was told which house Paul was staying in. Meanwhilke, Paul has been praying.

(Acts 9:12) And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Paul had a vision of Ananias laying hands on him so he could receive his sight.

(Acts 9:13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Meanwhile, Ananias had heard about Paul and his persecution of Christians in Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:14) And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

News of Paul's purpose for coming to Damascus had preceeded him.

(Acts 9:15) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

For Ananias to follow God's command surely required great faith.

We learn of Paul's mission from God. He will be an evangelist to the gentiles and to kings, as well as to Jews.

(Acts 9:16) For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

But this calling of Paul will require him to endure great hardship and suffering. God does not call us to a life of ease.

(Acts 9:17) 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.

Earlier, the apostles Peter and John went to Samaria to impart the Holy Spirit on those who had been baptized. Here it is a lowly disciple doing this task. We don't know much about Ananias. This is the only example I know of in the New Testament of someone other that an apostle or bishop laying hands on someone.

Notice that there is no mention of Saul speaking in tongues when he received the Holy Spirit.

Apparently, the early Christians knew how to baptize and were taught that it was OK for them to baptize.

(Acts 9:18) And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Paul was baptized right away. He had already believed in Jesus for three days. He had heard the Gospel message and was present at Stephen's stoning when he gave his long sermon.

Paul was healed of his temporary blindness. Perhaps this blindness represented his spritual blindness.

(Acts 9:19) And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Paul stayed with these Christians in Damascus, perhaps the same ones he had planned to take back to Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:20) And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Paul immediately began his preaching career. I am surprised that the leaders of the synagogue allowed Christians to preach in the synagogues but this was what they did throughout the book of Acts.

(Acts 9:21) But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Everyone knew why Paul had come to Damascus.

Christians are referred to by the phrase "those who call on the name of Jesus."

(Acts 9:22) But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Paul's following grew. His sermons convinced many that Jesus was the Messiah.

(Acts 9:23) And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

Even today there are many who think that killing those with opposing views is acceptable.

(Acts 9:24) But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Paul found out about their plot.

(Acts 9:25) Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Paul escaped from the walled city of Damascus.

(Acts 9:26) 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.

Paul went to Jerusalem but the Christians there were afraid of him. They didn't believe that he was really a Christian.

Notice that the Christians are referred to by the term "disciple."

(Acts 9:27) 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.

Barnabas supports Paul and persuades the Christians that Paul's conversion was genuine.

It is common for people to misjudge a situation. Often it takes a strong, bold leader to take up a cause and persuade people of the truth. Barnabas was such a leader.

Notice that it was not Peter or another apostle who endorsed Paul. It appears that the golden age of the apostles is at an end.

(Acts 9:28) And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

Paul lived with them in Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:29) And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Paul spoke boldly to the Greeks. They didn't like what he had to say so they planned to kill him.

Imagine what it would be like if people threatened to kill us every time we preached an unpopular message. It is like this in some places of the world. In some places it is the Christians who are intolerant of non-Christian messages.

It is getting increasingly dangerous for the church and for Christians to proclaim the Christian message. Our modern culture pressures people by threat of lawsuits to stop preaching unpopular messages.

Certain aspects of the gospel message are becoming illegal. Examples are: (1) the moral positions of the church regarding sexual sins such as adultery, sex outside of marriage, and homosexuality, (2) abortion as the murder of innocents, (3) euthanasia, and (4) other forms of killing embryos. Churches have to be careful what they say or someone could sue them.

(Acts 9:30) Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Paul ran for his life by escaping to Caesarea. Then he went to Tarsus.

(Acts 9:31) Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

After this there was a period of peace for the church. The church continued to grow.

Peter Heals

(Acts 9:32) And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

Peter went to a town named Lydda.

(Acts 9:33) And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.