Acts 1-1-3 - notes

Acts 1:1-3

Introduction to Acts

Notes

I.                    Intro. Among all the NT writings, Acts stands out as absolutely unique. This true because of several reasons:

                                                               i.      Acts provides insight – Through this book we can see the church’s birth, her tensions, her growth and so much more which is all a pattern to the church today in the area of evangelism, missions, and discipleship. 

1.        It forms a background and setting for most of Paul’s writings.

2.        It is the only sequel to the four gospels. There is no other narrative in the NT that continues where the four gospel writers left off.

3.        Acts marks the transition from working primarily with and through the Jews to giving birth to the church. Quite literally we go from Jerusalem to  the end of the earth in just 28 chapters.

                                                             ii.      Acts provides inspiration – We can witness the zeal, the joy, the faith, the commitment, and the obedience of the early saints as examples to us today.  We need to be challenged.

1.        Since I have been here I have learned about the beginnings of the fellowship; where it started 5 or 6 years ago. But if you really want to trace back the beginning of this fellowship you would go all the way to where we are beginning right now: the book of Acts. 

II.                  Background - It is an account of the power of the church. Overview of Acts. Acts of the Holy Spirit through the church. Acts is very important in that it builds a bridge between the Gospels and the writings of the New Testament.     It narrates the continuing work of the resurrected Jesus through His church.  It also serves as a pattern for churches today in areas of evangelism, missions, and discipleship. As we listen to the speeches in Acts we receive a full view of who Jesus is and the way in which He works as well as the nature of salvation.

1.         

2.        Who wrote this book?

3.        When was it written?

4.        Why was it written? What was the purpose for it being written?

5.        To whom was it written?

6.        Verse 1 -

a.        Former Account -

b.       Theophilus –

c.         Jesus began both to do and teach –

                                                                                       i.      He modeled what He said.

                                                                                      ii.      This was just the beginning -

7.        Verse 2 –

8.        Verse 3 – Proofs of the resurrection

a.        Presented Himself alive after His suffering

b.       Many infallible proofs

                                                                                       i.      Being seen by disciples during 40 days.

                                                                                      ii.      Speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

                                                                                    iii.