Acts Section 1: “They�ve just Begun” [1]

Review of Outline of Acts

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?

Peter’s Sermon

• 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
    

2:42-47 Characteristics of a healthy church

• What are some characteristics?
  • teaching
  • fellowship
  • breaking bread
  • prayer
  • supernatural power (probably healing)
  • love
  • evangelism
  • giving generously

Other questions:

• Why did Peter not tell them to wait 40 days for the Spirit to come to them?
• Did they all receive Peter’s gift?
• There is usually a development of gifting
• But a gift can suddenly be given in response to a need

Response time

• 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