Introduction to New Testament: The Early Church

The Earliest Church

Now as we are done with the Gospels, now we begin with the beginning of Church History. The start of an age that we are now currently in. This is the start of a colorful, wonders, not always good, History

Roman Empire

Now we get to go outside of Judea to the rest of the roman empire and the rest of the world as the church will grow and will be attacked by the world. Look back at the roman Rulers that will be during the growth and beginning of the Church.

2 most important Periods of persecution that will effect the New Testament are

Nero - Peter and Paul will be put to death under

Domitian - a very cruel leader

Reasons for persecution

Perceived as being against the State

In the Graeco-Roman world State is of the Highest Good

All was subordinated to the State

Including Religion

Service to the State was the purpose of Life

Christians were citizens of a kingdom that was not of this world

They recognized an authority that was higher than the State

and if the law of the Empire came in conflict with the Law of God

God would win

Therefore in evangelism

Christians were asking Romans to renounce the existing State religion and to believe in the only True religion

Thus they were anti-national and hostile to the State and disloyal to the Empire

They have no right to Exist

They were accused of Treason and would be punished as such

Christianity was a new religion

In the Roman peace, new religions are not allowed

they disturb the peace

There is also a law against meeting in secret

Secret associations are unlawful corporations

Difference in Lifestyles

Rome advocated

Pleasure

Happiness

satisfaction of the senses as personal ends

Orgies

Food orgies

Drunken parties

Homosexuality

Luxurious living

Christians preached and practiced

Self-denial

Joy of a future life not focusing on the now

They didn’t decorate for pagan festivals

they would not make advantageous marriages into heathen families

they would not accept political positions where they had to practice or perform religious rituals outside of Christianity

ETC

Rome began to look upon Christians as a race that was averse to all that is great, fair, and noble in humanity

thus they are haters of Mankind

Christians were seen as Atheists

“No God”

Roman

Religion was external

Very pompous

Temples

Images of gods

Sacrifices

Christianity

no impressive temples

Temple in Jerusalem being built but not very impressive

No images or Idols

No Sacrifices or Alters

Worshiped an unseen God

Romans could not understand such worship

So Christians had no God therefore were Atheists

a very serious offence in the Roman Empire

Common charge during Domitian’s reign

Refusal to worship the Emperor

there for they were anarchist

Against slavery

Rome was built on slavery

Christians taught equality

This however will change later on in the history of the Church

and whites will be seen as the true race

God’s given race

During one period of time it was even believed that Jesus was white

something that is still being fought today

Not to mention the idea of manifest destiny

It was God’s given right for a certain group, race, country

to expand its boarders

However, Christians will be leaders in removing slavery

Family life

In Rome

Infidelity

divorce were common

Infanticide was a prevailing practice

Christians

sacredness of marriage and family life

Condemned exposure of infants as murder

Miracles

Miracles of healing and cures of demonic

brought Christians under the suspicion of practicing magic

Economics

Smiths

People who sold cattle for sacrifices

Prisoners

fortune-tellers

ETC

Christians injured their trade

Cannibalism

secrecy of the meetings plus misunderstandings

Bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ

Early Church

On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Sprit is poured out on the Believers in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit institutionalizes the Church. The Christian Church will become the fastest Growing Religion until recently

Beliefs Common between Jews and Christians

God created Heaven and Earth

God chose the patriarchs of Isreal

God delivered Isreal out of Egypt

God led his people through the wilderness

God revealed himself at Sinai

God granted Isreal the land of Canaan

God raised up kings in Israel

God chose Jerusalem

God sent his prophets

God delights in communion with each and all of his people

God calls his people to a life of holiness

God is faithful to his covenant

Jews felt as if Christianity was heresy brought in

Christians felt that Jews were abandoning their own heritage by rejecting God’s promised deliverer

The believed themselves as the to be the true accepters of the Lord

Something that Jews have neglected

Uniqueness of Christians

Jesus

God had taken human form

God was more than one with being one

Resurrection

that brings salvation

Jesus was the savior of the world not just the Jews

Acts 1-7

Author

Luke, same person who wrote Luke. Luke used sources. May have used many of the same sources: Records of Speeches, Ancient historiography

Luke as a Historian. Luke has shaped his story to tell the story of the universal Christ

Historical value

More Than Thirty Countries Are Found in Acts

Over Fifty Cities and Towns Are Found in Acts

Numerous Islands Are Identified in Acts

Approximately One Hundred Persons Are Noted in Acts

Sixty of Whom Are Not Mentioned Elsewhere in the New Testament

Demonstrates Impressive Knowledge of Geography

Reflects Knowledge of Local Politics and Customs

Shows Knowledge of Seafaring

Provides Background of the First-Century Mediterranean

World

Doesn’t deal with How did Christianity come to Rome(acts 28) or Egypt (acts 11)

Date

80-100

Ends with Paul in Rome preaching the gospel unhindered

Paul arrived in Rome Ca AD 59

Stayed 2 years died in early 60’s

during Neronian persecution

Died no later than 66

If he was writing as he goes it would be no later than 60s

Geography

Luke has shaped his story around Jerusalem moving to the rest of the world

Title

Acts of The Apostles

Acts of the Holy Spirit

Growth of the Church

Acts of God through His Apostles

Themes

World Mission

The Providence of God

The Power of the Spirit

Restored Isreal

Inclusive Gospel

Gospel’s Triumph

Apostles

Shadowy figures in Acts. Peter and John. Silent partner mentioned

James, John’s brothers killed by the sword (12) no elaboration

Luke Concentrates on Paul, does not really mention the 12 disciples that often

Purpose of Writing

Missionary story becomes a missionary tract. story is unfinished because others will add to it. Defend Christians against troublesome element in the empire.

Luke arranges his narrative into 10 major sections

Prologue and account of the ascension (1:1-11)

Founding of the Jerusalem Church (1:12-2:47)

Work of Peter and the Apostles (3:1-5:42)

Persecution of the Hellenist Jewish Christians and the first missions (6:6:1-8:40)

Preparation for the Gentile mission: The conversions of Saul and Cornelius (9:1-12:25)

First Missionary Journey of Paul and Barabbas (13:1-15:35)

Paul’s second missionary journey: Evangelizing Greece (16:1-18:21)

Paul’s Third missionary Journey: Revisiting Asia Minor and Greece (18:22-20:38)

Paul’s Arrest in Jerusalem and imprisonment in Caesarea (21:1-26:32)

Paul’s Journey to Rome and his preaching to Roman Jews (27:1-28:31)

Outline of Acts 1-7

The Witness to Christ in and Around Jerusalem

Introduction and Instructions 1:1–8

The Ascension 1:9–11

The Selection of Judas’s Replacement 1:12–26

Pentecost: Emergence of the Church 2:1–47

First Encounter of the Church with the Religious Leaders 3:1–4:35

Ananias and Sapphira: A Case of Discipline 4:36–5:16

Second Encounter of the Church with Church Leaders 5:17–42

The Seven Servants: An Example of Problem Solving 6:1–7

Stephen: Fatal Clash with Judaism 6:8–7:60

Acts 1:1–11 LEB

I produced the former account, O Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day he was taken up, after he had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen, to whom he also presented himself alive after he suffered, with many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking the things about the kingdom of God. And while he was with them, he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what was promised by the Father, which you heard about from me. For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they began asking him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” But he said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest part of the earth.” And after he had said these things, while they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud received him from their sight. And as they were staring into the sky while he was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood by them who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand there looking into the sky? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven like this will come back in the same way you saw him departing into heaven!”

Acts takes up where Luke’s Gospel ends. Jesus has died and has been resurrected though he did not leave immediately. He stayed behind and taught and gave instruction. He leaves standing orders. 1:4-5 - Stay in Jerusalem until you are baptized with the holy spirit. When the Holy Sprit comes you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the Earth.

Verse 8 serves as an outline of the Book:

Jerusalem

Judea

Samaria

and to the Ends of the Earth

Verses 9-11 recount Jesus’ ascension

Acts 1:12–2:47 LEB

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain that is called Olive Grove which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying—Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James. All these were busily engaged with one mind in prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (and it was a crowd of persons of about one hundred twenty at the same place) and said, “Men and brothers, it was necessary that the scripture be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit proclaimed beforehand through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus, because he was counted among us and received a share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field for the wages of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines spilled out. And it became known to all who live in Jerusalem, so that that field was called in their own language “Akeldama,” that is, “Field of Blood.”) “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his residence become deserted, and let there be no one to live in it,’ and, ‘Let another person take his position.’ Therefore it is necessary for one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us—one of these men must become a witness of his resurrection together with us.” And they proposed two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was called Justus) and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show clearly which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to depart to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to serve with the eleven apostles. And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same place. And suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. And divided tongues like fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them ability to speak out. Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the crowd gathered and was in confusion, because each one was hearing them speaking in his own language. And they were astounded and astonished, saying, “Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how do we hear, each one of us, in our own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and those residing in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene, and the Romans who were in town, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own languages the great deeds of God!” And all were amazed and greatly perplexed, saying to one another, “What can this mean?” But others jeered and said, “They are full of sweet new wine!” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them, “Judean men, and all those who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words! For these men are not drunk, as you assume, because it is the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘And it will be in the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. And even on my male slaves and on my female slaves I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun will be changed to darkness and the moon to blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. And it will be that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.’ “Israelite men, listen to these words! Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know—this man, delivered up by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing to a cross through the hand of lawless men. God raised him up, having brought to an end the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says with reference to him, ‘I saw the Lord before me continually, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken. For this reason my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced greatly, furthermore also my flesh will live in hope, because you will not abandon my soul in Hades, nor will you permit your Holy One to experience decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with gladness with your presence.’ “Men and brothers, it is possible to speak with confidence to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us until this day. Therefore, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, by having foreseen this, he spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned in Hades nor did his flesh experience decay. This Jesus God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out this that you see and hear. For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt, that God has made him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified!” Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “What should we do, men and brothers?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he solemnly urged and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added. And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. And fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were being performed by the apostles. And all who believed were in the same place, and had everything in common. And they began selling their possessions and property, and distributing these things to all, to the degree that anyone had need. And every day, devoting themselves to meeting with one purpose in the temple courts and breaking bread from house to house, they were eating their food with joy and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding every day to the total of those who were being saved.

First Christian Pentecost

50 Days after Passover

Days of Preparation - 11 up in the upper room where they had the last disciple with them was the woman Mary, Other women. Jesus Brothers

Peter speaks to the believers that have been following chose a person to take the place of Judas the traitor make the circle strong again.

First chose two that had been with them from the beginning

Joseph called Barsabbas

AKA Justus

Matthias

when they pray and cast lots

Matthias is chosen

Pentecost

They were all in one place presumably in the upper room violent wind came from heave and filled the whole house where they were sitting saw tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them, began to speak in tongues

On the day of Pentecost Jews came from everywhere, it was an important festival. Each of the people groups heard the message in their own language, in their own tongues, thus the gift of tongues. Some believed they were drunk.

Peter addresses the crowd, over a dozen nations are present, they each hear his words in their own tongue. Peter draws from Old Testament, which the people would have known.

Peter calls for repentance. Verse 37 When they heard this they were cut to the heart. What can we do? Repent and receive the Holy Spirit. Over 3000 men were saved and presented for baptism. Women and children did not often attend these meetings, But could have just not been counted.

Verse 42-47 maps out the longer term outcome of the Pentecost conversions.

The Teaching of the Disciples Was to Be the Focus

The Importance of Fellowship of Believers

An Awe of the Wondrous Works Done by the Apostles

Sharing of Physical Goods and Possessions

Meeting Together in the Temple Courts

Enjoyment of the Heartfelt Praise of God and Favor of Outsiders

Growth of the Church

The themes dominate the remainder of this section of Acts

Miracles and Message

What is a miracle?

Anything that strengthens the faith of the Lord. Something that shows the power of the Lord. Do miracles happen? Yes

Why don’t we see them more often. We don’t look for them. We don’t believe them when they do happen.

Christian Community: Growth and coming together as a community

Conflict: resistance and persecution to the word of God

Acts 3:1–10 LEB

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man was being carried who was lame from birth. He was placed every day at the gate of the temple called “Beautiful,” so that he could ask for charitable gifts from those who were going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple courts, he began asking to receive alms. And Peter looked intently at him, together with John, and said, “Look at us!” So he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not possess, but what I have, this I give to you—in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!” And taking hold of him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began walking around and entered into the temple courts with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, And they recognized him, that this one was the one who used to sit asking for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.

Peter heals a Crippled Beggar

Acts 3:11–26 LEB

And while he was holding fast to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s, utterly astonished. And when he saw it, Peter replied to the people, “Men and Israelites, why are you astonished at this? Or why are you staring at us, as if by our own power or godliness we have made him walk? The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, after he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and demanded that a man—a murderer—be granted to you. And you killed the originator of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses! And on the basis of faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know, and the faith that is through him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he has fulfilled in this way. Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and he may send the Christ appointed for you—Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the times of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from earliest times. Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You will listen to him in everything that he says to you. And it will be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed utterly from the people.’ And indeed, all the prophets from Samuel and all those who followed him have spoken about and proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God ordained with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed.’ God, after he had raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning each of you back from your wickedness!”

Peter will speak and carry the message to people

Acts 4:1–22 LEB

And while they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees approached them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, because it was already evening. But many of those who listened to the message believed, and the number of the men was approximately five thousand. And it happened that on the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes came together in Jerusalem, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all those who were from the high priest’s family. And they made them stand in their midst and began to ask, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a sick man—by what means this man was healed—let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man stands before you healthy! This one is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, that has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among people by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were astonished, and recognized them, that they had been with Jesus. And because they saw the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in return. But after they had ordered them to go outside the Sanhedrin, they began to confer with one another, saying, “What should we do with these men? For that a remarkable sign has taken place through them is evident to all those who live in Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it! But in order that it may not spread much further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more in this name to anyone at all.” And they called them back and commanded them not to speak or to teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you decide! For we are not able to refrain from speaking about the things that we have seen and heard.” So after threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them on account of the people, because they were all praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.

Peter and John are seized by the Sanhedrin. By what power or what name did you do this, Jesus Christ. When the saw the courage of peter and John realized that they were unschooled ordinary men begin to see how they can stop it. Must stop the people from preaching in this name, there was nothing they could do to stop them. they must release them. the people of God are strengthened and they are brought together further as a community.

Acts 5 LEB

Now a certain man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and he kept back for himself some of the proceeds, and his wife was aware of it. And he brought a certain part and placed it at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, “Ananias, for what reason has Satan filled your heart, that you lied to the Holy Spirit and kept back for yourself some of the proceeds of the piece of land? When it remained to you, did it not remain yours? And when it was sold, was it at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people, but to God!” And when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear came on all those who heard about it. So the young men stood up, wrapped him up, and carried him out and buried him. And it happened that there was an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you both were paid this much for the piece of land.” And she said, “Yes, this much.” So Peter said to her, “How is it that it was agreed by you two to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” And immediately she fell down at his feet and died. So when the young men came in, they found her dead, and carried her out and buried her with her husband. And great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard about these things. Now many signs and wonders were being performed among the people through the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. And none of the rest dared to join them, but the people spoke highly of them. And even more believers in the Lord were being added, large numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and put them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow would fall on some of them. And the people of the towns around Jerusalem also came together, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, who were all being healed. Now the high priest rose up and all those who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out and said, “Go and stand in the temple courts and proclaim to the people all the words of this life.” And when they heard this, they entered at daybreak into the temple courts and began teaching. Now when the high priest and those with him arrived, they summoned the Sanhedrin—even the whole council of elders of the sons of Israel—and sent to the prison to have them brought. But the officers who came did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported, saying, “We found the prison locked with all security and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” Now when both the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed concerning them, as to what this might be. But someone came and reported to them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple courts and teaching the people!” Then the captain went with the officers and brought them, not with force (for they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned by them). And when they had brought them, they made them stand in the Sanhedrin, and the high priest put a question to them, saying, “We strictly commanded you not to teach in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching! And you are intending to bring upon us the blood of this man!” But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. This one God has exalted to his right hand as Leader and Savior to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” Now when they heard this, they were infuriated, and were wanting to execute them. But a certain man stood up in the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law respected by all the people, and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, “Men and Israelites, take care for yourselves what you are about to do to these men! For before these days, Theudas rose up saying he was somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was executed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and caused people to follow him in revolt. And that one perished, and all who followed him were scattered. And now I tell you, keep away from these men, and leave them alone, because if this plan or this matter is from people, it will be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them, lest you even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him. And they summoned the apostles, beat them, commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. So they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin rejoicing, because they had been considered worthy to be dishonored for the sake of the name. Every day, both in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ was Jesus.

Meet Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of property, they kept part of the money for themselves and brought the rest for the apostles. Never do they ask Ananias to give them everything. But they say they did and lied to God. Satan has filled your heart. Fell down dead and the bodies were buried. There is a big price for lying to God.

Chapter 6

Disciples are busy spreading the word, seven are chosen. Seven to keep the ministry going.

Acts 6:8-8:1

Stephen one of the seven

man full of God’s grace and power

Seized by the Sanhedrin

Stephen is stoned as the stoning Saul who will become Paul is holding the jackets

Acts 8-12

Outline

The Witness to Christ in Judea and Samaria

Saul the Persecutor and Philip the Evangelist Acts 8:1–40

The Conversion of Saul Acts 9:1–31

Peter’s Ministry in Judea Acts 9:32–11:18

The Antioch Church: Barnabas’s Ministry Acts 11:19–30

Peter’s Miraculous Deliverance Acts 12:1–25

After the stoning of Stephen, The believers in Jerusalem were scattered. Philip's story is one example of the way they took the good news with them.

Philip, One of the seven helpers of the Jerusalem church, goes to the capital of Samaria. Place shunned by most Jerusalem Jews But as it is stated in Acts 1:8, Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

Many people are healed and he preaches about Jesus.

Simon the Sorcerer

a famous magician. It appeared to have magic powers,j not shy about using them. In a world of Polytheism he would have been seen as divinely empowered. Makes a public profession of faith and is baptized. Did Simon really convert? I is called to question when Peter and John arrive latter. he offers them money so that they would share their power with him.

Simony - the buying or selling of church office or privilege. something that will make its way into the church. Some would argue has never left. name synonymous with heresy. one of the first false believers. people that claim him but are just for show, all religion, no faith

Amazed that Samaritans (Jews of mixed descent) have become Christians. Peter and John are sent to Samaria to investigate. Samaritan believers receive the Holy Spirit. Peter and John return.

Philip is sent to the Jerusalem-Gaza road. There he meets the treasurer to the queen of Ethiopia returning home after pilgrimage.

Ethiopian Eunuch

Phillip finds him reading Isaiah 53. This passage tells of an innocent victim dying willing to atone for the sins of others. Philip relates this passage to Jesus and how he died for their sins, also used in book of Mormon. Mosiah 14, few differences from the KJV other than context.

Philip explains the good news to him and he is baptized

Acts 8:39 LEB

39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer, for he went on his way rejoicing.

Philip travels north, preaching in every town. turns up in Azotus. He reaches Caesarea, where he later settles with his wife and daughters (Acts 21:8–9).

Nelson’s 3-D Bible Mapbook Philip’s Exploits

After the stoning of Stephen, the believers in Jerusalem were scattered. Philip’s story is one example of the way they took the good news with them.

1. Philip, one of the seven helpers of the Jerusalem church, goes to the capital of Samaria.

2. Many people are healed and he preaches about Jesus. Simon, a famous magician, is converted.

3. Amazed that Samaritans (Jews of mixed descent) have become Christians, Peter and John are sent to Samaria to investigate. Samaritan believers receive the Holy Spirit. Peter and John return.

4. Philip is sent to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.

5. There he meets the treasurer to the queen of Ethiopia returning home after pilgrimage. Philip explains the good news to him and he is baptized.

6. Philip travels north, preaching in every town.

7. He reaches Caesarea, where he later settles with his wife and daughters (Acts 21:8–9).

Saul

Acts 9 LEB

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, both men and women, he could bring them tied up to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he proceeded, it happened that when he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 So he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting! 6 But get up and enter into the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.” 7 (Now the men who were traveling together with him stood speechless, because they heard the voice but saw no one.) 8 So Saul got up from the ground, but although his eyes were open he could see nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was unable to see for three days, and he did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” And he said, “Behold, here I am, Lord!” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up, go to the street called ‘Straight’ and in the house of Judas look for a man named Saul from Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and placing hands on him so that he may regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many