We begin our study of Acts by considering the significant, practical benefits this book can provide to Christians as we seek to spread the gospel today. Next, in a counter to modern critics, we look at the historical testimony regarding the authorship of Acts (written by Luke) and the four authentic, inspired gospels. Finally, we […]
A foundational belief of the historic Christian faith is that after Jesus was resurrected and seen by the apostles, His physical body ascended to heaven. Encountering this event, we consider insights from early Christians regarding its significance for us. Next, the apostles select a replacement for Judas, who had killed himself. We explore some striking prophecies connected with Judas […]
The Ascension of Jesus and Replacing Judas (Acts 1:9-26) View Lesson
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends in fire on the apostles, a crowd gathers, and Peter preaches the resurrection of Jesus. He begins by explaining how Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 16: “You will not leave my soul in Hades...." Using related passages and insights from early Christians, we learn about […]
Pentecost: Peter Proclaims Jesus' Resurrection from the Dead (Acts 2:1-29) View Lesson
We have come to the powerful core of the message Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. Here Peter ties the resurrection of Jesus to four kingdom prophecies connected to an ancient promise made to David. Since these prophecies are alluded to (rather than directly quoted), most Christians miss the significance of Peter’s words. In […]
Four Prophecies Fulfilled: the Resurrected Christ and Eternal King (Acts 2:30-32) View Lesson
Peter concludes his Pentecost message by explaining that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, based on the prophecy of Psalm 110. In this lesson we explore why this provoked the strong, “cut to the heart” response from Peter’s audience, and why it still matters for us today. When the people ask what […]
The first church is marked by devotion to four things: the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. Examining each one gives us an opportunity to evaluate our own spiritual communities and to identify opportunities for growth. We also consider how miraculous signs and wonders confirmed the gospel message in the beginning. We conclude […]
Four Characteristics of the First Church (Acts 2:42-47) View Lesson
This story begins with Peter and John going to the temple to pray at the ninth hour (approximately 3 pm), referred to as “the hour of prayer”. We consider the ancient Christian custom of praying multiple times during the day, and how those hours relate to the Passion of Christ. After Peter heals a crippled […]
A Prophet Like Moses; the Hours of Prayer (Acts 3:1-26) View Lesson
After healing a lame man, Peter boldly preaches the resurrection of Jesus to the Jewish high priest and religious leaders. He explains that in rejecting Jesus, they fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 118: “the stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone". Jesus had used the same prophecy to explain His role as the Son, […]
Here we encounter Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple who brazenly lie to Peter in connection with a gift they gave to the church. They are each struck dead by God for lying, provoking great fear of God in the church. We take this graphic story as an opportunity to take a good look at […]
The apostles boldly proclaim the gospel message, getting them arrested twice, thrown in prison, and beaten. Jesus was courageous. The apostles were courageous. Are we courageous? In this lesson we consider the bold message that was preached, examples of courage in the Scriptures, and why God expects His people to be bold. We also consider […]