BIBLE STUDY
PART 1
THE BOOK OF ACTS
1. Who wrote the book of Acts?
The book of Acts was written by
Luke. Acts is the second part of a two volume work. Volume one is (Luke’s
Gospel) and Gospel describes Jesus’ ministry
and passion. Volume two (Acts) describes events take place After Jesus
ascension to heaven.
2. For whom the book of Acts
written?
Acts 1:1 says
to Theophilus. Luke also had a larger readership in mind.
3. When was the book written?
62 AD. Written
two years after Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, Acts 28:30.
4. Where was the book written?
Luke wrote this book in many places.
He traveled with Paul many places. So like other Bible books we didn’t give any
specific location. It is good to say anywhere.
5. What is the book of Acts?
The book of Acts is a selective
history of the early church. I would like to suggest, as many other Christian
writers have suggested, that the name should be: “The Acts of the Holy Spirit. I mean that to describe the work was the
work of Holy Spirit through the Apostles. Those Apostles were weak, few and
unschooled in the eyes of the others but the Holy Spirit did mighty work
through this Apostles.
Outline
I. Chapter 1-Chapter 7: The Gospel
Spreads in Jerusalem.
II. Chapter 8-Chapter 12: The Gospel
Spreads in all Judea and Samaria.
III. Chapter 13-Chapter 28: The
Gospel Spreads to the End of the Earth.
Chapter 1
Verse 1, “Theophilus” which means ‘lover of
God,’ was a Gentile Christian, who held a high position in the Roman Empire,
and apparently, Luke was a good friend of his. Luke dedicated his books to this
high Roman leader who had received the Lord. In so doing he also made for us,
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, an accurate account of the spread of
the early Church.
Verse 2-Verse4 “…until the
day in which He was taken up,” is speaking of Jesus’ ascension back into
heaven, which Luke will explain in more detail in verses 9-11.
Verse 3, Jesus appeared to the disciples for forty
days after His resurrection before His ascension back to Heaven. “Speaking
of the things pertaining to the kingdom
of God” The kingdom of God
includes the Church Age and all of God’s plans for the future. “The
kingdom of God means the divine
rule in human hearts and lives through His Spirit.
This was a prominent theme in Jesus’ teaching and Apostles
teaching after filled with the Holy Spirit during the entire of early church
age. Jesus began to do and teach the kingdom through the Spirit’s power (Luke
4:18, 19), and He is about to transfer that power and responsibility to His
disciples by baptizing them in the same Spirit that had authorized His
ministry.”
Verse 4, The Father had
promised the Holy Spirit in Joel 2:28. Jesus had promised the Holy Spirit in
John 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15. He did
not tell them the exact day the Holy Spirit would come. The Apostles had to
believe and wait by faith even if it takes many days or years.
Remember 2 key
points from Chapter 1: Verse 1_Verse 4
1.
Our faith and ministry
is based on Jesus and Apostles teaching. So focus on Kingdom of God in your
preaching, teaching and singing. Have a kingdom of God mind.
2.
Wait for the
Power of the Holy Spirit. In my opinion and understanding this time is not the
time of waiting. The time of filling with the Holy Spirit and going forward to
destroy Satan’s kingdom and expand the Kingdom of God by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Starting from Acts Chapter 2 or early Church, the Holy Spirit poured on
believers and work with the Church of Jesus Christ. To fill with the Holy
Spirit you don’t need any criteria. The only criteria is believing in Jesus
Christ and receiving this power. The baptizer is Jesus and the agent you
baptized in is Holy Spirit. To bear a Holy Spirit fruit in Gal. 5:22-23, you
must need the help of the Holy Spirit. The tree is known by its fruit.
Our
goal is not for gift but through that gift to bear a fruit. When we bear a
fruit, Jesus glorify in our life and ministry. Our ultimate goal is to glorify
God.
If you have any question please contact us
through this e-mail address. pastor@oromochurchtoronto.org
