Section 1: "They’ve just Begun" [1]

The text [handout]

1:1 Part 2 of a 2-volume set
1:5 Baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire
- Luke 3:16; 12:50; Mark 10:38-39
- Jesus, the pioneer, the forerunner

But see Eph 1:19-20 -> the power of Jesus resurrection is already available to us.

1:26 Should we roll dice to determine God’s will?
- How to apply the book of Acts
  - “There is not the slightest hint that Luke believes he is writing about a special “Apostolic Age” which is coming to an end” —from Witherington commentary
  - We can assume that most of the examples are given us to follow
- We can assume we are being given a pattern to follow if:
  1. There are positive repeated examples, e.g.
    - prayer, praising God, healing
    - eating together, sharing possessions when needed
    - Peter or Paul’s preaching
    - but not in the case of casting lots to make decisions
    - not in the case of waiting many days in an upper room
  2. The pattern is always the same
    - they witness fearlessly
    - churches are planted
    - Paul keeps returning to churches to strengthen them
    - but sequence of reception of the Spirit does not have a neat pattern
  3. There is clear divine approval
    - Jesus tells Paul he is doing the right thing to go to Rome (contrary to the prophets)
    - Holy Spirit answers their prayer for boldness and more of him
1:26 Was Matthias a mistake?
- 1 Cor 15:5 —Paul refers to the “12” and he is not one of them
- James, killed by Herod, was not replaced
- There were several others, apart from Paul, called apostles.
2:17 Did they have The Holy Spirit in the O.T.?
- How does it compare with now?
- see paper New Life in the Spirit, at http://www.loveintruth.com/amf-docs/02-spirit.htm
2:19-20 Has it happened yet?

Structure
1. Introduction / point of contact (Link to current events)
2. “You crucified Jesus...”
3. “but God raised him up again”
4. “and exalted him to a position of power (which explains the miracles)”
5. “so repent so that your sins will be forgiven and you will receive the promised blessing that Jesus is pouring out.”
Joel: what period of time?
2:37 Why did they respond like this to Peter’s preaching?
- Peter’s gifting was as a Spirit-filled (supernatural) teacher/preacher
2:25 Peter’s argument is from witnesses
- Witness of Scripture —Joel prophesied the Spirit being poured out
- Witness of the Spirit —They saw Jesus’ miracles
- Witness of the Scripture —David prophesied the resurrection
- Witness of the Spirit —to “what you see and hear” 2:34
What gift was Peter given?
- Why did they respond to his message? -was it his boldness, his passionate preaching style?
- Peter had the gift of empowered preaching/teaching
- That meant that when he delivered the truth, the Spirit delivered powerful conviction to the hearts of the hearers

Chapter 1: Pouring out of the Spirit
- We need the power of the Spirit. How did his coming change things?
- how hungry are you for more of the Spirit to be poured out?
- Do you still want more of him if he will lead you into fire?
- Pray for more power in our lives
Chapter 2: Peter & the church
- What conditions are there in 2:38,39 for receiving the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit?
- The blessing of the Spirit is not a once-only event in our lives, but continuous and repeated.
- Let’s particularly pray for Peter’s gift

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