Bible Studies

In Between the Topics (Acts 3)

Acts 3:1-12 - Silver, Gold, and the Power of God

The Healing at the Gate (vs. 1-3)

• Significance of the Account - Relationship to Acts 2:43, Account the contributions of Peter, Purpose > Prosecution
• Designated Time for Designated Purpose - To Pray but not to Sacrifice; Reference John 19:30
• Supported Condition - Changed Condition

What Peter Said (vs. 4-6)

• Lame Man Looked/Expected
• Example of a "Version of Faith"
• Expecting the Right Things from God
• Sharing the Supernatural

What the Lame Man Did (vs. 7-10)

• Supernatural Faith produces the Received Miracle
• Validation/Verification/Celebration (Acts 4:22, 3:10)

Peter Begins His Second Sermon (3:11-12)

• Introduction: Why do you think 'we" have done something great?
• Seizing the Opportunity: Testimonial period of the "Walking Man" or Preach the Gospel (Romans 10:17); Peter gives Glory to God by deflecting and rejecting any praise towards himself (reminds the crowd that the miracle is not an anomaly)

Peter Preaches Jesus (vs 13-15)

• Connection of New Testament realities to Old Testament relationship
• Jesus as the Servant (Isaiah 42; 52:13-53; 12)
• Delivered and Denied (John 18:29; 19:16)
• Holy One/Exchanged for a Murderer (Luke 23:13-25) / The Price of Life

How the Man was Healed (vs 16)

• And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong
• Through Faith in His name - Not good intentions; Not talents and gifts; Not material resources; Not reputation and prior success; Not hard or smart work

Further Explanation of the Sufferings of Christ (vs 19-21)

• Call to Repentence - as repeated in Acts 2:38
• Conversion - 1 Corinthians 5:17
• "Blotted Out"  - context of wiping ink off of a document. This was a relative context understood by those to whom were being preached.
• To be Refreshed - (Matthew 23:37-39, Romans 11:25-27)

Danger of Rejection (vs 22-26)

• Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19

In Between the Topics (Acts 4)

Peter's Sermon to Jewish Leaders (4:1-12)

The Arrest of Peter and John (1-4)

• Human Challenges of the Early Church: few in numbers, inexperienced leadership, commanded to be non-violent, institutional opposition (layered)
• "However" +5,000: Acts 2:41

Peter and John Stand Before the Sanhedrin (5-7)

• Same group that condemn Jesus
• Legitimate Inquiry?: what they did; how they did it

Peter Sermonette and Defense (8-12)

• Filled with the Spirit - Acts 2:4
• Psalms 118:22
• "Nor is there salvation in any other" (Confirms John 14:6)

The Reaction and Response (4:13-22)

The Character of the Apostles (13)

• uneducated + untrained > marvel
• knew the scriptures and had been with Jesus produced "holy" boldness

Witness of the man who was healed (14)

• Acts 3:2

Deliberation and Sanction (15-18)

• Connection to Paul? Acts 26:10

Peter and John Respond (19-20)

• 2 Timothy 2:4
• Acts 1:8

Peter and John Released (21-22): To God be the Glory (Gensis 50:20)

• 2000 or 5000 souls were added
• Peter's Fresh Annointing
• Peter Preaches to the Jewish Leaders (Proverbs 18:16)
• Naysayers confirm the miracle of healing (Matthew 27:54)
• The enemies of Jesus were confounded

A Prayer for Boldness (4:23-31)

• They acknowledge God (23-24) - 2 Kings 19:15
• They pray the Scriptures (25-28) -Psalms 2:1 / Ephesians 6:12 / Psalms 32:3-4 / Ephesians 3:16
• They ask for more boldness and power (29-30)
• Their pryer is answered (31) - Earthquake as acknowledgement of God's Presense (Acts 16:25-26)

A Sharing Heart (4:32-37)

In Between the Topics (Acts 5)

Continuing Power in the Church (5:12-16)

Power Shown Through Miracles and Unity vs. 12

• Verse 12 is a reflection of the manifestation of the prayer in Acts 4:29-30. Prayers were answered and remarkable signs and wonders continued. Additionally, we see the value of being oin one accord in the presence of and as vessels for the Holy Spirit; putting selfish heards and stubborn minds together for His purpose and glory.

Reputation and Growth vs. 13-14

• The community of believers had a reputation of integrity and everyone knew that there was seriousness with following Christ.
• The instance of Ananias and Sapphira would reduce the level of casual commitment. Nevertheless, the church kept growing. New believers were "added to the Lord."

Expectations of Miracles and Wonders vs. 15-16

• The power was not in Peter's shadow, but in the annointing of the Holy Ghost. This is proof that there is not a barrier when we believe in God as a healer (Acts 3:12-16; Luke 8:44). Here we see the contrast and impact of God's power on display strike down (Annaias/Sapphira) and lift up in healing, signs and wonders. The news of what is going on in Jerusalem brings others into the city (Acts 1:8) while the Apostles don't leave the city (Acts 8:1, 12:1-2).

Developing Patter of Persecution (5:17-26)

Arrest and Imprisonment vs. 17-18))

• Acts 4:3-22 was the initial imprisonment of the apostles, but there would be a developing pattern.

Angelic Intervention vs. 19-20

• God dispatches angels for a release (Hebrews 1:14). The angel may not have been easily recognizable (Luke 24:3-7; Hebrews 13:2). Their rescue was more than God flexing; it was divine appointment for purpose associated with "Go stand in the temple and speake to the people all the works of this life." Not all of the apostles were miraculous delivered from final earthly peril, but all followed the divine purpose.

Resumed Work and Return to Prison vs. 21-26

• The apostles acted in obedience and boldness by adhearing to the direction of the Angel: preaching/teaching in the most public place in the city, after divine deliverance and threat of persecution.
• The religious leaders wondered what they were dealing with and God's power was evident and at work among the followers of Christ.
• God's work will continue.
• The apostles were arrested again. They may have thought that God would keep them from being arrested again, but...they were also aware of deliverance.
• The apostles did not appeal for protectio or defense from other believers and growing community. They trusted God alone.
• The religious leaders feared the wrath of the people but dismissed the power of God.

Accusations Against the Apostles vs. 27-28

• Set them before the Council
• Reminded of previous charge (Acts 4:17-20)
• Filled Jerusalem with "Your" Doctrine (Acts 1:7-8)
• "...intend to bring this man's blood on us." (Matthew 23:35, 27:25 and Acts 6:7)
• Acts 1:8

The Apostles Rebuttal and Testimony vs. 29-32

• Verse 29 - The apostles knew their priorities (Romans 12:18, John 15:18, Luke 6:22)
• Verse 30 - See Deut. 21:22-23

The Council's Reaction and Gamaliel's Advice vs. 33-39

• Gamaliel: The grandson of the esteemed Hillel, the founder of Israel's strongest school of religion. Gamaliel was given the title Rabban ("our teacher"), which was a step above the title Rab ("teacher") or Rabbi ("my teacher").
• While the council was made up of Sadducees (5:17), it would have been impossible to ask the Romans for permission to kill the apostles withoutsupport from the Pharisees. Gamaliel's advice may not have been because he believed in the apostles, but because he wanted to imit division and not involve Rome in "internal affairs." We see him again (Acts 22:3)

The Apostles are beaten, but resume preaching with great joy vs. 40-42

• 1 Peter 4:13
• Acts 2:46

Church Problems  (Acts 6:1-7)

Challenges that come with growth - Verse 1

• Conflict between Hebrew Christians and Greek Christians
• Perceptions of Favoritism; Attempts of Division;
• Traditional and cultural responsibilities of an towards widows (1 Timonth 5: 3-16)
• Distractions.

Appointment of the Table Servers / Nomination of the Persons - Verses 2-4

• Appointment by the Apostles / Nominations by the Congregation - Understanding the Role and Purpose (1 Corinthians 12; 1 Timothy 3:7-8; Acts 1:14).

Selection of Table Servers and Conflict Resolution - Verses 5-7 (John 13:1-5)

• Conflict Resolved by addressing the problem God's Way
• All 7 Appointees had Greek names and therefore, were likely Hellenist/Grecians
• Designated/Consecrated by the apostles to work (business) with the people (Numbers 8:10; Numbers 27:23; Deuteronomy 34:9; 1 Timothy 4:14)
• Context of "Deacon" (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
• Returning to the priority (Acts 12:14; 19:20; 21:20)

The Witness of Stephen (Acts 6:3-8; ch. 11:19; ch. 22:20)

• One of the seven chosen to serve tables
• Known for his faith, wisdom, grace, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit in his life
• Outstanding leader, teacher, and debater
• First to give his life for the gospel

Acts 6:8-10 - Stephen was identified as doing something that was previously attributed only to the apostles (great wonders and miracles among the people)

• (vs. 9-10) - The Libertines were a group of former Jewish slaves who had been freed by Rome and established their own synagogue in Jerusalem (Matthew 27:32)
• There is no record of Stephen's education or knowledge of the scriptures, yet his wisdom and passion were unresistable (Luke 21:15; Acts 4:13)

Acts 6:11-15 - Stephen's arrest under false pretense

• vs 11 - Secret persuasion of others to lie on Stephen. To the Jewish Council, any "blasphemy" against Moses or the Law of Moses (Genesis - Deuteronomy) was a crime. (Acts 7 will reveal the truth; Matthew 26:59-61)
• vs 12 - "They stirred up the people..." both in ignorance, popular opinion, manipulation, and deceit. (Acts 2:47, Acts 5:26; Luke 19:35-40; Luke 23:18-23)
• vs 13-14 - Stephen is accused of the same charges as Jesus (Matthew 26:59-61; Acts 7:48; Acts 21:28; Acts 21:21, John 2:19-21). - Customs and Rituals versus Relationship.
• vs 15 - The countenance of Stephen reflected his confidence in God (Exodus 34:29; Philippians 4:7-8)

Stephen's Address to the Council

Israel from the time of Abraham (vs 1-16) 

Verse 1 – The High Priest invitation to Stephen to speak

• Caiaphas is the high priest at this time and is the same one during Jesus’ appearance at the council (Jn. 18:24; Matt 26:57).  The invitation is based on the words in  Acts 6:11-14
• Stephen will not defend himself, but address the history and record of Israel’s relationship with God

Verses 2-5 – God’s Promise to Abraham

• The Glory of God appeared to Abraham before he entered the promise land and there was no temple required to commune with God.
• Abraham delayed his obedience to God by dwelling in Haran, before departing to Canaan.
• God was yet faithful to Abraham.  Abraham grew into faith and obedience (Gal 3:7), he did not make an idol of the land or the promise of God.  Stephen used this example as a rebuke to the religious leaders as they had stopped being pilgrims and had made idols of the temple and the land.

Israel from the time of Moses (vs 17-53)

Stephen’s final words (vs 54-60)

Verses 6-8 – God wared Abraham and gave him the covenant.

• The promise would not be easy or light for Abraham or his descendants, but God promised to judge the nation that put Israel in bondage.
• Circumcision became the sign of covenant for Israel.

Verses 9-16 – God’s faithfulness through Joseph

• God’s presence with Joseph…Joseph did not have nor need a temple
• The sons of Israel (Jacob) rejected Joseph, who later became their “savior.”
• Because of envy and jealousy, the family of Israel, including those who were born in Egypt had voluntarily submitted themselves to bondage (Gen 46:27; Acts 7:15)
• The only land Abraham ever actually possessed in Canaan was the burial plot.  All the rest was received by faith.

Israel from the time of Moses (vs 17-53)

Verses 17-22 - The Early Life of Moses

• Moses was favored by God and preserved in childhood. Educated by the wisdom of the Egyptians, he was still “well pleasing to God” without the temple or institutional religion.

Verses 23-29 – Israel rejects Moses

• At an appointed time, Moses would abdicate his royalty out of care and concern for the brethren…Stephen is likening this action to the life of Christ.
• When Moses offered deliverance to Israel, he was rejected with spite. Israel denied that he had any right to be a “ruler and a judge” over them.  This is the same argument that Israel would say about Christ.

Verses 30-34 – At Mount Sinai

• Stephen re-emphasizes one of the main points of his address – Neither God, His Glory or confined to a building.  God had appeared to Moses in the wilderness.
• God both called and commissioned Moses.

Verses 35-36 – God uses Moses, despite Israel’s rejection

• Israel rejected Moses and his leadership, yet God appointed Moses with miracles, signs and wonders.
• Israel initial rejection of Moses, was at his “first coming.”  He was still God’s chosen vessel for deliverance of the chosen people.

Verses 37-41 – Israel repeats rejection of Moses

• Moses spoke prophetically to Israel about another Prophet, and warned that Israel should take special care to listen, hear and adhere to this coming.  But Israel had rejected Moses and was now rejecting the Prophet, who was Christ.
• Each individual should be pragmatic on accepting Christ, for there is no legitimacy in rejection.
• Moses, like Christ, led the congregation and shared an intimacy with God and spoke the revelation of God.
• When ancient Israel rejected Moses and God’s work through him, they replaced him with their own man-made religion (calf). The council had done the same thing
• Stephen did not speak against the temple itself, but against how Israel worshipped the temple of God instead of the God of the temple. Israel had worshipped a calf in the wilderness, and were now worshipping the works of their own hands.

Verses 42-43 – God’s response to the repeated rejection of His messenger

• In their rejection of Moses and God who sent him, Israel turned to idols, thus bringing judgement upon themselves (Amos 5:25-27).
• This idea is expanded by Paul to include all mankind in Romans 1:24-32.

Verses 44-50 – Even as Israel rejected God, they still had the tabernacle and later the temple

• Stephen emphasizes that neither the presence of the tabernacle or temple stopped Israel from rejecting God or His messenger.
• Stephen address the idolatry OF the temple.  In doing so, they attempted to confine God to the temple.  This is a relevant point to the Church as well.  If the only time believer can connect to God is at the church, while he is absent from the rest of our lives…then we have confined both God and His power to a edifice or building.

Verses 51-53 - Stephen's application of History and Sermon to the listeners

• Stephens history lesson, comes to life as a present day reflection.
• Stephens uses familiar and traditional phrases “stiff-necked”(Exodus 32:9) and uncircumcised….(Jer 9:26) to openly rebuke attitudes of those who are listening.  The two phrases together are likened to Deut 10:16.
• In essence, Stephen was commenting that the current Jews had not learned from their fore-fathers, but were treating God in the same manner.  As a result, the same repercussions would be applied to them.
• The anger of the council was based on the fact that they prided themselves in their own knowledge of the law (Phil 3:6).
• Stephen’s oration was true: God is not confined to spaces and they were still rejecting God’s messengers.  
• Matthew 9:17

Stephen’s final words (vs 54-60)

(vs 54) “…cut to their heart…” – the visual or outward appearance of conviction (Jn 8:9; Jn 16:7-11). “…gnashed at him with their teeth” – the visual or outward appearance of rejection (Matt 8:12).

Stephen’s Vision (vs 55-56)

• Compare and Contrast with the actions of the council – being full of the Holy Ghost, Faith and Wisdom, this reaction/response to them is different.
• “Jesus standing on the Right Hand…” In Matthew 26:64 and Col 3:1, the image of Christ is sitting…but for this event…Stephen’s vision of Christ is that of standing. Could it be that this be the Lord honoring a faithful servant?  Read Matt 10:32-33.
• The unrepentant, unconverted and unsaved will never see what the followers and disciples see through and in Christ.  As a result, such invitations to do so will be met with rejection, envy and hostility. See Genesis 37:4-5

The Execution of Stephen (vs 57-58)

• Ref: Gen 37:18-24… The response of the council was the same as it was to Jesus as recorded in Matt 26:64-66.
• It is dangerous to be religious outside of real relationship with Christ (Jn 16:2-3; Mk 5:13)
• “…and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.” Some scholars argue that this is…and Acts 8:1 – actually are the “thorn in the flesh.” which buffeted Paul.  The striking of his eyes was the physical consequence of his witnessing and approving the stoning of Stephen.  Regardless, it is not doubt that the death of Stephen stayed with Paul for the rest of his life (Acts 26:9-11).

Stephens Final Words (vs 59-60)

• Reference Luke 23:34, 46.