Tag Archives: Acts

Acts 8- Persecution of The Church

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And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. Acts 8:1-2

As we continue to look at the death of Stephen, we see that Paul consented or approved of his death. Saul began to persecute the Church, as it says “there was a great persecution” why did Paul do this? Well he had zeal for God, yet his zeal was misled. He believed he was honoring God with his work, however Paul was actually fighting against God, as he will later find out on the Road to Damascus

We see that the Church began to become scattered, remember how Jesus described us as sheep scattered without a Shepherd. Paul was actually doing the work of Satan and trying to destroy the Body of Christ, but what we found out over history is that the Church is unbreakable. The more you persecute the Church, the more it grows stronger and bigger in size!

Notice there was a great sorrow or lamentation over Stephen. As stated previously he was believed to be the first martyr of Christianity, but Stephen is now with The Lord as we seen in Chapter 7

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Acts 8:3-4

Paul tried to single handedly destroy the Church, he went from house to house , seeking Christians and putting them in prison or persecuting them. However the more he persecuted the Church , the stronger they became. As the Christians began scattered, it allowed them an opportunity to share the gospel to a larger audience. Christianity was actually spreading due to the persecution

This reign of terror by Paul was why the Church was reluctant to accept Paul when he became Born Again on the Road to Damascus. We must remember that Jesus has the power to transform even the worst of sinners!

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Acts 8:5-7

Philip used this opportunity to head to Samaria and preach the gospel there. There he started a revival, performing miracles and healings by the Holy Spirit. Even though the Church was being persecuted, the Body of Christ was growing and spreading across the entire world

God can use what was meant for our harm and use it for our good, don’t live in fear, trust in Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you Amen!

Acts 7- Death of Stephen

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When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:54-56

Chapter 6-7 in the book of Acts documents the events of a disciple named Stephen. Now remember from previously , he was one of the seven men chosen by the Apostles, a deacon of the Church of Jerusalem.  Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and highly respected among the Church. Many historians believe Stephen was the first martyr in Christianity. 

Stephen was performing many signs and wonders in the name of Jesus, and when the orthodox Jews confronted him about this, they couldn’t stand up against the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. So they made false accusations against Stephen, claiming he was speaking blasphemy against Moses and God. They acquired false witnesses to make false claims against him in front of the religious leaders (Acts 6: 8-15)

While Stephen was on trial, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he looked up into Heaven and saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. Imagine the comfort Stephen must of felt knowing The Lord was looking over him

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7:57-59

When they asked Stephen to give his testimony, he basically went through the entire Bible from Abraham to Moses to Jesus. Only someone filled with the Holy Spirit could have gave such a great exegesis of the Bible, however the religious leaders were unable to comprehend the gospel

We notice a man named Saul responsible for the stoning of Stephen, this was the Apostle Paul before he became Born Again on the road to Damascus. This is why Paul calls himself the “Chief of Sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) Paul was partly responsible for the death of Stephen, and he carried that guilt with him the rest of his life. But God took a man like Paul and used him for his good to spread the gospel to all the Gentiles

Notice what Stephen says before he dies “Lord Jesus , receive my Spirit” This is significant because in the Old Testament Psalm 31 “Into your hands I commit my spirit” , this was a prayer often said in Judaism to God. Stephen is displaying the deity of Christ by committing his Spirit into the hands of Jesus!

Acts 6- The Chosen

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And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:1-4

As we study the book of Acts, we still see the roles and responsibilities start to develop and how the Church handled it. The Apostles were being burdened with “secular work” as distributing food to those in need, and it was taking a toll on their spiritual work. Anyone who’s been in ministry knows, it takes alot of time and dedication to study the Word of God, and remain in the Will of God

The Apostles decided to appoint a group of seven men to take over this duty, so the Apostles can be freed up to focus on their spiritual work. Now I know some would look at this and say the Apostles are being lazy or even egotistical. However from my experience being bi vocational , working in the Ministry and having a secular job, I understand the burden the Apostles faced here. There is just not enough hours in the day!

Notice the Apostles said they will “give themselves over to pray continually and the ministry of the gospel” How many people live a sacrificial life like this? Not many, to dedicate your life to God is harder than you think. Remember the Apostles already walked away from their careers when they were called by The Lord to serve

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:5-7

Notice this move pleased the rest of the Church, there was no grumbling or gossip, everyone was pleased to serve and follow Gods will. Imagine if the Church today was more like this! Notice they selected the seven men who were all filled with the Holy Spirit and had faith. Everyone has different callings from God, these men humbly accepted their roles with great joy to serve God

And lets see the result “The gospel increased and the Church multiplied” Since the Apostles were freed up to focus on the ministry, the gospel of Christ was spread even more generating more disciples! God knows what he is doing!

From a human perspective it may have seemed like a vain move but God knows what he’s doing! We are all given different gifts and different roles all for the same main purpose, to glorify Jesus Christ! Amen!

Acts 5- Fighting Against God

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And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Acts 5:38-40

There was a religious leader named Gamaliel, he was very well respected and honored among the leaders. He advised them to leave the Christians alone. His logic was very clear, if the Christians were not from God, then the movement would die out. However if the Christians were with God, then the religious leaders would actually be fighting against the living God!

Now if the religious leaders really had any fear or respect of God, they would have let the Christians alone, however notice what they did after they agreed with Gamaliel. They beat the Apostles and forbid them to speak the name of Jesus! It just shows you the heart of the Pharisees and Sanhedrin , really didn’t love God but loved their religion more!

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.  Acts 5:41-42

The Christians counted it as joy to suffer for the name of Jesus! The more the persecuted Christians, the more they grew in number. Since Jesus rose from the dead, Satan has been trying to eliminate Christianity, however it just kept growing , even today where billions of people identify themselves as Christians

As Gamaliel said, if Christianity isn’t from God then it would have just died out. The fact is , even after over 2,000 years since Jesus rose from the grave, Christianity is alive and well. Christianity will never be eliminated because God is with us, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, and Jesus is on the throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Christians rejoiced at suffering for the name of Jesus, is this still the same mentality the Church has today? We need to get back to our roots since the beginning, to live is Christ and to die is gain in Jesus Name Amen!

Acts 5- Obey God Rather Than Man

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Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. Acts 5:17-20

 While the Church continued to grow in number, the religious leaders began to get jealous and decided to throw the Apostles in prison to try and shut down Christianity. Little did they realize that God was on the side of the disciples and not the religious leaders. While the Apostles were in prison, it looked like a hopeless situation, the authorities were against them and the Church had no money or power

However God was with them, and sent an Angel to free them from prison. Imagine the religious leaders, who believed they were doing God’s work, try to comprehend and explain that God was actually against them. The Angel gave them clear commands “Go and preach the gospel”!

And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.Acts 5:21-23

When the religious leaders went to bring the Apostles to judge them, they were nowhere to be found. Imagine the humiliation of the religious leaders and officers, when the Apostles disappeared. There was no evidence of a break out or foul play. It was a miracle that could only be explained by God Almighty

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Acts 5:24-25

While they looked for the Apostles they found them on the street corner preaching the gospel, just as they were instructed. Imagine most people would be hiding for fear of their lives, however the Apostles had faith and were obedient to God, no matter what the consequences were

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men Acts 5:29

When the Apostles were asked, why are they doing these things, they bodley proclaimed “We obey God rather than Man” Even though there lives were threatened and they were thrown into jail, the Church obeyed God rather than live in fear of Man

This should be the model and example for the entire Church today, Obey God rather than live in fear of Man. If God is for us , who can be against us in Jesus Name Amen!

Acts 5- The Holy Spirit is God

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But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. Acts 5:3-5

One of the clear scriptures that the Holy Spirit is God is Acts Chapter 5. Here we see a married couple , Ananias and Sapphira , sold a piece of property to give the profits to the Church, which sounds like a good thing. However they lied to the Holy Spirit about how much they made, and hid some of the money for themselves

Peter called them out on their sin, and when Ananias confessed his sin , immediately died. This event obviously brought great fear among the Church. I believe God used this moment to demonstrate that the Holy Spirit is God and as Jesus taught “Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin” (Matthew 12:31)

As Peter stated “You have not lied to men but to God” , its very clear that the Holy Spirit is God and we should pay honor and respect to the Holy Spirit as we do the Father and Son. 

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Acts 5:6-9

Then his wife Sapphira tried to lie to the Holy Spirit also and was immediately struck down with death. As Peter said “How can you tempt the Spirit of The Lord”? Again it demonstrates the deity of The Holy Spirit. Again this sent a strong message to the Church, the fear of God was among all of them!

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Acts 5:10-11

As it stated “A great fear came upon all the Church” Do you think God was trying to send a message? The message is The Holy Spirit is God and Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven or tolerated. How many false prophets and religions should read this chapter! Scripture is clear The Father , Son, and Holy Spirit is God Amen!

Acts 4- What Is The Church?

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And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33

One of the reasons to study the book of Acts is because it gives you a great view of what the Church looked like in the 1rst Century. Often we hear people debate what is the Church? What does a real Church look like? What are the requirements for a Church? If you study the book of Acts, it will answer all these questions and ideas. First thing to note is the word Church is typically derived from the Greek word Ekklesia which means “group of called out believers” or more simply “Christians” the Church is a community of Christians

So when you first understand that the Church was not an organization or corporation but it was a family, it was a community of Christians who took care of one another. As it shows us in the scripture, the Church was united and everyone took care of each other. Nobody was in need of anything because the Church took care of each other as a family. 

Secondly their faith in Christ was the central foundation that kept them all together. They didn’t become a “member of the Church” for social or political reasons, they were believers and part of the Body of Christ that loved one another just as Christ commanded us to

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:34-35

Notice everyone in the Church , sold all of their possessions and shared the profits among the body of believers. Can you imagine your Church doing this today? Can you imagine your Pastor asking everyone to sell all their stuff and give the profits to the Church to distribute among the members? This shows you how far the Church has strayed from where we were. You would share your money or possessions with your family members, because you love and trust them. But how many people in your Church would you do this for? Alot of Christians won’t even talk to some members of their Church

We need to get back to the Church of Acts, we need to get back to a family of God. How do we do this? Its only through Jesus Christ that we can become Born Again and humble ourselves. This is why studying the book of Acts is eye opening , how far we have fallen as the Ekklesia

Jesus wants us to love one another, to forgive one another, to be a family. Remember if your going to Heaven, your not going alone, your fellow brothers and sisters will be there also. We need to get back to the 1rst Century Church in Jesus name Amen!

Acts 4- Believers Prayer

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And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. Acts 4:23-26

 Again the Apostle Peter quotes the Old Testament (Psalm 2) to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of Christ. As prophesied by David and all the prophets of the Old Testament, Jesus fulfilled all things. When the religious leaders were challenged by the Apostles, they had no response because you can’t deny the Word of God and everything that was fulfilled by Jesus

The religious leaders were trying to make examples of the Apostles by challenging them but what they actually did was strengthen the faith of the Christian believers. If the religious leaders couldn’t even disprove that Jesus is The Christ, then who would? Nobody because Jesus fulfilled the entire Old Testament!

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Acts 4:27-30

What made the Apostles preach with such boldness? Why were they willing to give up everything for the movement and even willing to lose their life for Christ? Because they knew Jesus is The Lord and it was reinforced by the signs and wonders performed by Christ and the Apostles through the Holy Spirit!

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:31-32

Notice after the Church prayed together in unity, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They preached the gospel with boldness and they took care of each other as a family, as the body of Christ was meant to

May your faith be strengthened by the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the signs and wonders God performed through him and the Holy Spirit. May the Church be united and strengthened in Jesus Name Amen!

Acts 4- Eyewitnesses of Christ

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Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Acts 4:13-15

The religious leaders were baffled how these uneducated Apostles could know more about God then them, however they didn’t understand that these men were filled with the Holy Spirit. Not to mention, these men were trained by The Lord himself for over 3 years. Any educational system can’t compare to the knowledge of the Creator of Heaven and The Earth

So what can the religious leaders say to discredit the Apostles, well the fact they had evidence of the crippled man healed in clear sight of everyone. For the religious leaders to rebuke the Apostles, they would be rebuking God , as it was clear God was with the Apostles

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:16-18

There is power in the name of Jesus, this was very clear and evident, so the religious leaders demanded that the Apostles dont preach in the name of Jesus anymore! Makes you wonder, if Christianity isn’t true then why are the religious leaders so threatened by the name of Jesus? Remember the name that  was given above all names is Jesus (Philipians 2) Every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus Is Lord!

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. Acts 4:19-21

The Apostles were telling the religious leaders, “we didn’t make Christianity up, we are just telling you what we’ve seen and experienced” The Word became Flesh and lived among us, the Apostles were eyewitnesses to God becoming human and fulfilling all the Messianic prophecies

The evidence is clear, the scriptures are very clear, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. If anyone wants to deny that then they must deny the evidence that God has presented us in Jesus Christ! Amen!

Acts 4- No Other Name

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And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Acts 4:3-7

How do you start a revival or build a Church? Its simple you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter and the Apostles began preaching the gospel in the streets and it turned Jerusalem upside down. Notice there were about 5,000 men who became Born Again because of the Apostles preaching

But also dont be mistaken, anytime you preach the name of Jesus, the demons are going to get stirred up. The religious leaders were furious with the Apostles and were looking for a way to shut them down. As we know when God is for us, who can be against us? They asked the Apostles, by what name or power are you doing this? Its all in the name of Jesus and its powered by the Holy Spirit

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Acts 4:8-11

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, referenced the healing of the crippled man earlier. How was this healing possible, because of the Lord Jesus Christ! As Peter tried to explain, Jesus is the long awaited Messiah from the Old Testament. The Christ that Israel actually rejected and crucified on a cross! As Peter referenced Psalm 118:22 “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Jesus is the chief cornerstone that was rejected by Israel

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

How can Israel be saved then? By the Torah? By the good works of the religious system? No , the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ! As Jesus stated “Nobody is good but God alone” (Mark 10:18) All our good works are filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6) The only way we can be reconciled back to God is by the blood of Jesus Christ

Even today the world doesn’t want to hear the gospel, everyone wants to be justified and righteous in their own eyes, not until you humble yourself and come to true repentance can you understand the salvation of Jesus Christ, Amen!