Intro to Acts

Getting Started

Starting a series on the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

We’ll go through each verse to understand the meaning and purpose.

This will take us into other parts of Scripture.

I have no idea when we’ll finish this series.

This is going to be fun! The Book of Acts has so much going on

There’s adventure, travel, conversions, miracles, drama, arrests, riots, escapes, resurrections, a shipwreck, court trials, and rescues.

There’s doctrine, theology, and evangelism.

The spread of the Gospel recorded in Acts will take us from Jerusalem, all over the Mediterranean, south into Africa, East to the Persian Gulf, and to the Capital of the 1st Century World: Rome.

We’ll get to know the personality of the Holy Spirit. It is in the Book of the Acts that the Holy Spirit comes as ‘helper’; He who dwells within us.

We will learn about the ministry of the Apostles; primarily Peter and Paul. We will see how they are models for us of courageous Christianity.

We will see how the church is built on the foundation of the apostles, Christ Jesus, and how all true Christians, no matter shape, size, or color, are fellow citizens of God’s Kingdom. “The book of Acts shows more strongly than anything else before it that God’s way of salvation is for all [peoples of] the world.” (ESV Literary Study Bible)

We’ll see how the apostolic church structured itself; what worked and what didn’t.

The book of Acts is a Master Class on Evangelism, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We get to read the sermons and dialogs of the apostles where they explain the theological meaning of the events in Christ’s redemptive life, death, and resurrection.

Prayer

What is Acts About

The earliest available data we have shows that this book and the 3rd Gospel had the same author. The writing style and vocabulary are similar, they’re both addressed to the same person (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1), and the writer here refers to “the first account I composed” (Acts 1:1) . The author does not name himself in either book but includes himself as companion to Paul with various uses of the pronoun “we” (Acts 16; 20; 21; 27). Though the author does not formally identify himself in either work, the ancient church was unanimous in the attribution of both 3rd Gospel and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles to Luke. Further, the Apostle Paul names Luke in three of his epistles (Col 4; Phlm 24; 2 Tim 4).

Now, I know we’re under the heading of “What” but we’re going to be talking about people for a few minutes. I’ll explain why as we go along.

Luke

I’ve included Luke under our “What” section because what Luke did is more apparent to us than who Luke was. We just don’t know a lot about him. If it were not for the Gospel bearing his name and the book of Acts being rightly attributed to him, he would likely be one of a few names oft forgotten by the majority of Christians. Paul calls him the “beloved physician” and we know by the style of writing and the thoroughness of the research done to write both Luke and Acts that he was a very educated man. We can smile at his gospel leaving out a jab at physicians which Mark included in recording the story about the poor woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5; Luke 8).

In my preparation of this sermon and my study of the person of Luke, I came across a paragraph by the late R.C. Sproul. I attempted to rewrite it, not to take credit away from him but to be sure I was doing my own work, and not just parroting someone else. After a few minutes of writing I found myself just saying the same thing so I give this to you from Dr. Sproul’s own Exposition of Acts.

I believe the Scriptures are the unvarnished Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, infallible, inerrant in everything it says. I do not need the verification of a secular archaeologist to convince me that this is the Word of God, but (just as an aside, from a secular perspective) Luke has been esteemed as the most accurate historian of the ancient world. He enjoys a higher reputation than [any other historian of antiquity]. His work has been checked more carefully than anybody else’s.

...

Early in the twentieth century a British scholar by the name of William Mitchell Ramsay, a skeptic about Christianity, traced the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul as recorded in the book of Acts. He looked for evidence in the landscape and ruins and in the titles of the local rulers or magistrates in foreign cities that were not common knowledge to people who lived in Jerusalem. Ramsay started out a skeptic and ended up a believer because he was overwhelmed by the evidence he was able to uncover. The stones were crying out that every title of every magistrate Luke recorded in the book of Acts was verified by the turning over of the shovel. Likewise, the description and accounts of the towns were just as Luke had described them.

Sproul, R.C.; “Acts: An Expositional Commentary”

Nowadays when someone wants to write a book about some topic, they have an immense number of resources at their disposal. The obvious one is the Internet - full of truth, lies, and a lot of opinion - the Internet is, for better or worse, a treasure trove of information. One barely needs to move a finger to read books from antiquity, visit museums, and travel thousands of miles. But Luke? Luke didn’t have the Internet, he had to be a real investigator, a hardworking historian. Church tradition is that Luke personally interviewed Mary, the mother of Jesus, which explains how the Gospel bearing his name has more details about the birth of Jesus than any other source. It is in Luke that we read of Elizabeth’s excitement at seeing Mary, the mother of her Lord. It is in Luke we can read Mary’s beautiful song of praise for the Lord known to us as the Magnificat.

A slight detour here; the protestant church hesitates to say much about Mary. In a much needed effort to discard Marianism, we tend to over-correct and nearly forget about Mary altogether. She was a young woman, who when presented with the reality that she was going to be the mother of incarnate God, she submitted to and even praised God. She was present when our Lord was crucified, watching her Son and her own Savior, die an agonizing death to pay the ransom for her own sin. Read Luke 1:46–55 during your quiet time with God. Take a journey through the Gospels and read those places where Mary, mother of Jesus, is included. She’s an important part of the story of our Lord’s incarnation.

Back to Luke. It is with confidence that we can say Luke was a gifted historian who wrote, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of the Acts.

Theophilus

The Most Excellent Theophilus is included in our “What” section because we know he was Luke’s intended “first recipient” and that’s the most definitive thing we know about him, other than he must have been someone important because of how Luke addressed him.

The name — Theo - “God”; Phileo - “to love” — means either “one who loves God” or “one who is loved by God.”

And, the name was used in the 1st Century as both a common name and an honorary title.

Regardless of whether Theophilus was this man’s given name or a title, he was the original recipient of both of Luke’s books. Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1

Due to the meaning of the name Theophilus, some argue that Luke’s was addressing all people who love God. This falls apart in Luke 1:3 though as Luke addresses the greeting to “Most Excellent Theophilus.” Throughout history writers have dedicated their books to powerful people, whether nobility, governors, or even celebrities. The title of “Most Excellent” is strong indicator that Theophilus was a real person; an important person. Regardless of Luke’s dedication, the church has always considered Luke and Acts to be reliable and part of the canon of Holy Scripture.

Finished Work

As we can see by the opening verses of both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, Luke wrote his first volume to give an accurate account of Jesus’ life and resurrection — His finished work.

All of Luke, chapters 1 through 24, describe to us Jesus’ finished work here on earth.

All of Acts, chapters 1 through 28, describe to us the work Jesus began here on earth.

Our Lord Jesus Christ declared the completion of His divine mission just before giving up His spirit. He prayed about finishing the work given to him by the Father. This was His work of atoning for the sins of all believers. The fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus Christ did everything that needs to be done to provide for the salvation of any who believe in and submit to Him. Put another way, Jesus Christ did exactly what we are unable to do so that we can be where He wants us to be though we had no ability to get ourselves there; NO RIGHT TO BE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. That place is eternal glory in the presence of the Father, creator and sustainer of the world.

I would be remiss if I didn’t point out some scripture for you; indeed it is Holy Scripture that is the authority on all we believe. I’ll read just a few for you and, my apologies, I haven’t forgotten we’re starting a series on Acts but none of these come from the book of Acts.

How do we know Jesus finished the work the Father had given him?

John 17:4 NASB95

4 “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.

Romans 8:1 NASB95

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 10:10–14 NASB95

10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; 12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

John 19:30 NASB95

30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

And, Romans 3, 6; Colossians 2; 1 Cor 15; Hebrews 9; 1 Peter 1; Revelation 21:6

Ongoing Work

YES, Jesus Christ finished His work of atoning for the sins of all those who call upon His name. BUT, He then began the work of the Church. This book of the Acts of the Apostles starts with a reminder that Jesus Christ began a work and teaching before His Ascension. v1-2

Matthew 16:16–18 NASB95

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

Jesus Christ taught his disciples and set them on a path to build His Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. That church is the very church to which we all belong; Flack is our local church but “the Church” is the very one that Jesus Christ started 2,000 years ago.

So, two critical components of our faith are that Jesus Christ’s finished work provides all that is needed for our salvation and He began the work of building His Church, a task that is ongoing to this day.

“Table of Contents”

There’s a verse in the first chapter of Acts, verse 8, which has become known to many as the “Table of Contents" for the book.

Acts 1:8 NASB95

8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Indeed, within the first 7 chapters of Acts, we see that the Holy Spirit spread the gospel, built the church first in Jerusalem.

Then, in chapter 8, we see the Church scatter into Judea and Samaria; potentially as far as Ethiopia; spreading the Gospel message — expanding the sphere of influence of the Church. Like so many other times, this spread occurs as the result of men committing acts of evil and God using it to bring about His own will. Regardless of the designs of men, Jesus Christ will build His Church. The modern church is full of ideas, programs, books, and seminars developed to teach churches how to get more butts in the seats. The problem with these things is they focus too much on things the local church can offer to the public, thus enticing people to come, “revitalizing” their church. As we study Acts, we’re going to see that Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, is how His Church is built; we’re going to see that the Holy Spirit brought people by the thousands through the act of preaching the Gospel.

And finally, beginning in chapter 9 - running all the way to the end of the book, The Holy Spirit takes Paul on three journeys spreading the gospel and building the church amongst the gentiles all the way to Rome, the capital of the most powerful empire in the world.

Acts 1-7 - Jerusalem

Acts 8 - Judea and Samaria; even Ethiopia

Acts 9 - 28 - Paul’s journeys all over and then to Rome.

Church

The church is the real “what” of the book of Acts. Throughout this book, we see the growth of the church, how it governed itself, the persecution it endured, the blessings bestowed upon it and the blessings bestowed on the world by God through it.

The

(Acts 2) The church sat in silence for 10 days in the Upper Room, the disciples waiting for the promised Helper that Christ told them would arrive. Then, it happened. The Holy Spirit burst onto the scene and the work of the Church began, growing rapidly, adding people by the thousands.

The next 26 chapters are full of how Jesus Christ started building His church through the people He selected and inspired and protected with the Holy Spirit.

In those chapters, we see how people responded to the truth of the Gospel and how that’s not really any different from today.

We see how people distorted the Gospel and how that’s not really any different from today.

We see the first Deacons being chosen and the qualifications set forth by the Apostles for them.

The book of Acts covers the birth of the Church in AD 33 and ends with Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome around AD 62. In 30 years, the Church of Christ grew from a couple of hundred bewildered, but faithful followers to having tens of thousands of members spread throughout the largest empire in the world. And not only that, the man who at one time persecuted the Church, had his own encounter with the risen Christ and spent the rest of his life spreading the Gospel; he setup his headquarters in the very heart of the empire. From Rome, Paul received and preached to many people, “with all openness, unhindered.”

The early 60’s AD is the most likely timeframe for Luke’s second volume to have been written.

There are some very simple reasons for this dating:

A great fire destroyed 3/4 of Rome in AD 64 and Nero blamed the Christians for it, resulting in persecution of Christians. Acts 28 ends with “And he (Paul) stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.”

Paul was martyred in AD 68.

The Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70.

Understanding the level of detail Luke includes in his writing, it would be absurd to think he would leave out persecution by Rome, when so much of Acts makes the case that Christians were good citizens therefore many Romans were tolerant of them. It would also be absurd to think Luke would leave out the Martyrdom of Paul or the destruction of the Jewish Temple, which occured during the First Jewish Revolt; itself occuring between AD 66-73.

Who is Acts About

Like many other books in Holy Scripture, the Book of Acts has details about many people. For the sake of our Intro, we’re going to focus on but a few of them this morning, and we’re going to largely keep to the context of the Book of Acts when discussing them.

Jesus

Well, it’s all about Jesus, isn’t it? Acts 1:1

Acts 1:1 NASB95

1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,

Acts 28:31 NASB95

31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

Apostles

The church gave the book the title “The Acts of the Apostles” but there is no evidence that this title was the original or that there even was an original title.

With a title like “The Acts of the Apostles” one would expect to read about what twelve men did, right?

I know I would. The problem is that the only Apostles who are more than mention are Peter and Paul. Even the Apostle James, son of Zebedee, barely got a mention when he was killed and he was the first Apostle to be martyred.

A more fitting title, one which a lot scholars tend to like is “The History of the Acts of the Holy Spirit.” ||

For one to study Acts and not see the Holy Spirit would be a wanton disregard for the very words of the book itself.

Holy Spirit

What do we know of the Holy Spirit? Unfortunately, it seems this person of the blessed trinity is often relegated to serious biblical study rather than equal placement with the Father and the Son, where He belongs.

It is my belief that people don’t know much about the Holy Spirit because they don’t know who or, sadly for many what, the Holy Spirit is. And finally, people don’t know about the Holy Spirit because they don’t know what the Holy Spirit does.

Well, the Holy Spirit has given us through the pages of Acts the knowledge necessary to understand. Acts is the Holy Spirit’s Autobiography, penned by Luke.

Acts chapter 8 tells us of Simon the magician who came to faith and was baptized but he knew very little of the faith. He saw miracles being performed by disciples of Christ and thought this was a power he could purchase. He offered Peter and John money in exchange for “this power.”

Acts 8:20–22 NASB95

20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 “You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.

Now, contrast this with Barnabas in Chapter 13.

Acts 13:2 NASB95

2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Simon the magician wanted to use God. Barnabas and Saul were worshiping and God used them.

I’m sharing these two accounts with you to illustrate that the Holy Spirit is not a thing to be used. The Holy Spirit is not a thing at all.

The understanding of the Holy Spirit naturally comes to anyone who understands

that the Holy Spirit is God.

That the Holy Spirit is what we often call the “third person” of the Trinity.

That the very nature of the Holy Spirit is such that not recognizing His divinity is to wear blinders and stick your head in the sand.

Proofs of His divinity are in His names: 16 times the Holy Spirit is referred to by His name in relation to the other two persons of the Trinity.

Further proof of His divinity are His attributes. An attribute is a characteristic, quality, or essential property of a being. God has certain attributes which belong to Him alone.

The Holy Spirit is called “The Spirit of Jesus” - Acts 16:7 “7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;” — Here the Holy Spirit is active in directing Paul’s journey. The previous verse, Acts 16:6 “6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;” — The Holy Spirit directed Paul’s evangelistic mission so that Jesus Christ’s Church is built how Jesus Christ wants it built, where He wants it built, and when He wants it built there.

The Holy Spirit is called “A spirit of adoption” - Romans 8:15 showing He is active in the adoption of believers by God (c.f. Galatians 4:1-5)

The “Holy Spirit” - “holy designates the innermost essence of God’s nature.” (Boice, “Foundations of the Christian Faith”, pg 385)

God is the “Holy Father” (John 17:11)

Jesus is the “Holy One of God” (John 6:69; cf. Mark 1:24)

The Holy Spirit is called “The Spirit of our God” by Paul - 1 Cor 6:11 - when helping the Corinthians understand their sanctification and justification.

“another Helper” - John 14:16 - Jesus called the Holy Spirit “another Helper”; the Greek word here is “allos” and it means “another just like the first one.” There is another Greek word which we translate to “another” and that is “heteros”, which means “totally different.” Helper is “paraklētos” meaning advocate, helper; one who helps, advocates, or comforts someone on behalf of another.

The paraklētos is the “Holy Spirit” (John 14:26) and “Spirit of truth” (John 15:26). Jesus must depart for the helper (paraklētos) to come (John 16:7). In 1 John 2:1, Jesus Christ is “the advocate (paraklētos) we have before the Father.” The concept combines the legal and relational: advocate and helper.

Christ said the Father would send “another Helper” — allos parakletos — another helper just like Christ himself.

Looking further at John 14:16 and adding v17:

John 14:16–17 NASB95

16 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

The Holy Spirit has a distinct personality. A “thing” doesn’t have a personality.

Personal actions -

He is to comfort Christians. The verse we’re working on here, v16-17

He convicts unbelievers. John 16:8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

His mission is distinct from the Father’s and the Son’s. The Helper bears witness of Christ (John 15:26)

Equal rank and power to the Father’s and the Son’s. A few “formulas” of the Trinity from Scripture:

Baptize in THE name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

2 Corinthians 13:14 “14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”

1 Peter 1:2 “2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”

Jude 20–21 “20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”

Appearances in visible form.

Luke 3:22 “22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.””

Acts 2:3 “3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.”

Can be sinned against. Matthew 12:31–32 “31 “Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32 “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” (cf. Mark 3:28-30)

Some care must be taken here. Yes, the Holy Spirit can be sinned against, Jesus Christ told us so. It is important to understand the context in which Jesus was speaking. He had just cast out a demon from a man, curing him of blindness and muteness. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of satan. They had already decided, set their minds, against Jesus. They would say whatever they felt would discredit Him. Verse 25 says “And knowing their thoughts Jesus said...” These men were the Bible experts of the day and they set themselves against Christ. They spoke against Him over and over again. This sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not come from a place of ignorance. “When people know the Scriptures well and yet not only fail to recognize Jesus as Messiah but also openly reject Him, they are standing on perilous ground (RC Sproul).” This is not the occasional bad thought or bout of anger against God. Yes, those are sinful, but they are not the persistent and deliberate rejection of the Lord’s work by willfully attributing God’s actions to Satan. This is unforgivable because a person in this state has hardened their heart against the grace of God to the point of finality. The Lord is willing to forgive but a person like this will never repent and seek that forgiveness.

Gift Giver. After listing the gifts of the Spirit, Paul explains where they come from. 1 Corinthians 12:11 “11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

omniscient -

John 16:12–13 “12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

1 Corinthians 2:10–11 “10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.”

omnipotent - Luke 1:35 “35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”

omnipresent - Psalm 139:7–10 “7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.”

The Holy Spirit is our comforter.

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of its sin.

The Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son.

The Holy Spirit has been seen.

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to the elect.

The Holy Spirit is omniscient - all knowing.

The Holy Spirit is omnipotent - all powerful.

The Holy Spirit is omnipresent - in all places at all times.

Holy Scripture tells us all of this about the Holy Spirit and therefore we can only conclude that the Holy Spirit is God, just as the Father is God, just as the Son is God.

His Work

When we meet people we often ask them “what they do.” We equate their work, their career, with who they are. While this method is not foolproof, it generally gives us an idea where one’s interest lie. For the Holy Spirit, when we understand His Work, we become even more convinced that He is an equal person of the Godhead.

We could take the easy way out and say, “well, the Holy Spirit is God; the Father is God; Jesus is God. So, whatever the Father or the Son do, that’s what the Holy Spirit does.” While this is true, we’re not going to do that because it gets us no closer to understanding the Holy Spirit and if we don’t understand the Holy Spirit, we don’t understand God.

James Boice wrote “...the Bible gives certain emphasis to the work of the various members of the Trinity. For example, the Father is principally active in the work of creation, and the Son is principally active in the redemption of the human race.”

So what of the Holy Spirit? What is He “principally active in?” Let’s take a look at John 16:13-14

John 16:13–14 NASB95

13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.

The Holy Spirit is principally active in the glorification of Christ. Jesus is to be exalted in our lives and the Holy Spirit is who works in us to make that happen.

So how does the Holy Spirit glorify Christ?

He glorifies Christ by teaching about Christ. First in the Scriptures, both Old Testament and New are inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. Christ told His disciples that the Holy Spirit “will bear witness about me (John 15:26).” Also Christ said he had many things to teach them but they weren’t ready so, take a look at the first part of John 16:13 — “when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”

The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus by drawing people to Him in saving faith. Apart from the Holy Spirit drawing sinners to Christ, no one would ever come to Jesus. John 6:44

The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ when He sanctifies believers. This means He changes Christians to bear Christ’s Character instead of their own. This brings about the fruit of the Spirit described by Paul in Galatians 5:22–23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Each of these are characteristics of Christ. Each of these are to be found in all Christians.

The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by leading Christians into Christian service and by sustaining them in that service. Earlier I called your attention to Acts 13 where Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit. This is an example of the Holy Spirit directing Christians to serve.

Conclusion

So, I told you we were beginning a series on Acts and titled this sermon “Intro to Acts.” Then, I gave you some background on the book of Acts, its writer, a brief outline of what is included in the book, and scratched the surface of the people in the book. Finally, I took you on a trip through a whole lot of Scripture that mostly wasn’t Acts.

The unity of Scripture is so profound. It is so integral to the very essence of Scripture. And, that unity, it is all because of the Holy Spirit. So, it is no wonder that when we take a good look at the Book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit is illuminated so well, that we find ourselves up to our eyeballs in other parts of Scripture.

As we dive into this wonderful book of Acts, we are going to witness the activity of the Holy Spirit. We are going to see Him change the hearts and minds of the very people who just 50 some days prior were screaming for Jesus to be crucified. We’re going to see Him build the church. As we study this book, we’re going to learn to love the Holy Spirit and we’re going to learn how to better serve the one who He glorifies, Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Questions

I’ll be available after for anyone with any questions.