Bible Studies

Divine Privilege, Consequence, and Purpose

• Genesis 2:2-13, 15-17; 3:17-19
• Ephesians 4:18

Receiving and Using Power (Acts 1:1-11)

• Bridges the 40 days after the ressurection and the ascension of Christ.
• Bridges the end of the Gospels and the beginning of the work transition to the Disciples/Apostles > Church.

Key Verses

• Acts 1:3; 6:7-8
• Revelations 21:2-3
• Genesis 2:5

The First Prayer Meeting (Acts 1:12-14)

• Instructions from Christ (1:4) to wait and pray
• Included: 1) the remaining disciples, 2) women, 3) Mary, the mother of Christ, and 4) Christ's brothers (John 7:5; 1 Corinthians 15;7)

The First Church Conference (Acts 1:15-26)

• The focus of the agenda was to appoint a new disciple or apostle, as they are now called. This new term is a transitional continuation of the calling of the original twelve. (Praying/Seeking Guidane/Organization)
• vs 16-17. The Judas Paradox (Psalm 41:9)
• vs 18-20. The Death and Legacy of Judas (Matthew 27:3-8; Psalm 69:25, 109:8)
• vs 21-25. The selection criteria and process for replacing Judas (Biblical Criteria, Examining Options, Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance, Decision)
• vs 21-22. The selection pool of followers (Mark 1:9-11)
• vs 26. Disciples (Followers/Learners) > Apostles (Messenger/Missionary) = Change of Mission

Pentacost and Provision (Acts 2:1-41; Joel 2)

• The promised Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit/Comforor arrives with the promised power during the Feast of Weeks at the conclusion of the Passover (Deuteronomy 16:16)
• God fearing Jews (Galileans and others) (vs 5-7)
• Peter's Address (vs 14-37) was given to an international audience and resulted in a harvest of new believers.
• Old Testament/New Testament fulfillment of prophecy (Luke 3:16; Joel 2:28-29)
• Early proclamation and understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven (vs 40)

Chapter 2:1-41 by the Verses

• v1. Pentecost occurred 50 days after Passover (also called the Feast of Weeks) and 40 days after the Resurrection of Christ.
• vs 2-4. God's use of earthly elements (fire and wind). Luke 3:16, Joel 2:28-30 is Prophecy fulfilled. Fire symbolizes the purifying and prompting presence of God (Exodus 19:16-18; 1 Kings 18:22-40). Wind symbolizes facilitation (1 Kings 19:10-13)
• vs 4-11. The Power of the Holy Spirit manifesting (Acts 1:8)
• vs 12-14. When curiosity presents opportunity (1 Peter 3:15)
• vs 14-40. Old Testament prophesies entirely fufilled by Christ (vs14-21); Jesis is the Messiah (vs 25- 36); Risen Christ with the Power to change lives (vs 37-40)

A New People for a New Kingdom

A New Kind of Community (Acts 2:42-47 /4:32-38)

• Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-38 provide insight to the change in culture and values to the new group of believers (not yet called the Christians). This culture and value-change centers around their shared lives and the exponential rate by which they grew in numbers.
• The community of believers cultivated a set of practices and priorities that were in stark contrast to the general society, which demonstrations "life in the Kingdom." Contrast and compare this with Acts 1:6-7.

Emphasis on Generosity (Acts 2:45 / 4:34-35)

• While there is no specific mention of any "economic system," it is imperative to understand that there was no lack - because of generosity.
• There were believers from across the economic/affluence and influence spectrum that liquidated their values from time to time (Acts 4:34, as the need arose, Acts 2:45 / 4:35)
• The work of generosity did not eliminate the wealthy, but it eliminated need and perhaps the attitude of have/have nots, which is notced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 27-33.

Holy Spirit Derived Generosity (Acts 2:45 / 3:1-10 / 4:32-28 / 9:1-31)

• The community changed as the cause/effect of the manifestation of the Holy Ghost.
• Common manifestation in giving, overlooked because of visions, tongues, and healings. This scripture shows the common act of giving and hospitality is a magnificent gift that the Holy Spirit has to offer.
• All gifts, whether financial or supernatural, are to be used for the sake of others (Acts 3:1-10)
• Social Resources have value in God's Economy (Barnabas - Acts 4:32-38 / 9:1-31; Lydia - Acts 16:11-15)

Chapters 5-7

Community of Believers at Work (Overview)

• As we explore these chapters during this lesson, we will examine both the internal and external challenges facing the early church.
• Inside the church was dishonesty (6:1-7). Outside the church was pressure from persecution.
• While church leaders were cautious and attentive in handling the internal issues, they were limited in the prevention of external factors.
• We will take away from this lesson the committment that they had with keeping first things first - spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Community of Believers on the "Front Line"

• When resources are shared and relationships cultivated, a Christian community becomes magnetic. People are drawn to Christ as the body of believers use their power and posessions for the good of others. The difference between God's Kingdom and the world's kingdom is obvious - make the Kingdom of Heaven compelling to believers and strangers alike. (The immediate result of their generosity and relationship is ordained by God and documented in Acts 2:47 and Acts 6:7.)
• Yet the Acts of the Apostles take place in the earthly reality of genuine commuity, therefore the book does not gloss over the reality of sin. Human greed and selfishness are ever-present threats to the health of any local body...no exception.

First Case Study: Ananias and Sapphira (5:3-11)

• Pretended to share their resources with the community
• Lies resulted in death

Second Case Study: Volutary resolution of imbalanced resurces (5:12-16)

• Needs met
• All members honored; not embarrased or demeaned

Conclusion from the Case Studies

• Living out God's Kingdom may clash with prevailing norms of the society at large.
• Swift remediation returns the community to effectiveness.

Continuing Power of the Church (Acts 5:12-16)

• Power Shown Through Miracles and Unity - Verse 12 is a reflection of the manifestation of the power of prayer in Acts 4:29-30. Prayers were answered and remarkable signs and wonders continued. Additionally, we see the value of being on one accord in the presence of, and as vessels for, the Holy Spirit. This is a display of the power of the Holy Spirit; putting selfish hearts and stubborn minds together for His purpose and glory.
• Reputation and Growth (verses 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 (verses 15-16) - The power was not in Peter's shadow, but in the annointing of the Holy Ghost. This is proof that there is no barrier when we believe 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 (Annias/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 a Pattern of Persecution (Acts 5:17-26)

• Arrest and Imprisonment (verses 17-18) - Acts 4:3-22 was the initial imprisonment of the apostles, but there would be a developing pattern.
• Angelic Intervention (verses 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 speak to the people all the works of this life." Not all of the apostles were miraculously delivered from final earthly peril, but all followed the divine purpose.
• Resumed Work and Return to Prison (verses 21-26) - The apostles acted in obedience and boldness by adhering 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 protection 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.