The Apostles are arrested by the Religious leaders
An angel of the Lord rescues them from jail
They are warned not to preach the Gospel
Peter says they must obey God rather than human authority
Peter shares the Gospel message with the high council
Gamaliel tells Religious leaders to leave the disciples alone as if what they’re doing is from God no one will be able to stop them, but if what they’re doing is not of God it will not be successful
Seven men, well respected and full of the Holy Spirit are chosen to serve the people in the church
The number of believers in Jerusalem increased including many Jewish priests
Stephen is arrested because of false testimony against him
Stephen’s face becomes bright as an angel’s as he stands before the high council and shares the Gospel message
“The only dramatization using the actual Scriptures . . . word for word from the International Version Bible”
Part 1 = Chapter 1:1 through Chapter 2:10
PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF ACT
To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian chruch
HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED AUTHOR
Luke, a Gentile physician or medical doctor who traveled with Apostle Paul
TO WHOM WAS THE BOOK OF ACTS WRITTEN
Theophilus and all lovers of God
DATE WRITTEN
Between A.D. 63 and 70
SETTING OF THE BOOK OF ACTS
Acts is the connecting link between Christ’s life and the life of the church, between the Gospels and the Letters
KEY VERSE
Acts 1:8 – “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about Me (Jesus) everywhere – in Jerusalem[in your home town], throughout Judea [the areas outside your home town], in Samaria [those places no one wants to live or associate with the people who live there], and to the ends of the earth [those places that are very, very far away from the comforts of your home town, where you will need to live among the people and really get to know them, as a missionary teaching them about Jesus].
Because Acts ends so abruptly, Luke may have planned to write a third book, continuing the story.
“With a flick of a match, friction occurs and a spark leaps from match to tinder.As small flame burns the edges and grows, fueled by wood and air.Heat builds, and soon the kindling is licked by reddish orange tongues.Higher and wider it spreads, consuming the wood.The flame has become a fire.
Over 2,000 years ago, a match was struck in Palestine.At first, just a few in that corner of the world were touched and warmed; but the fire spread beyond Jerusalem and Judea out to the world and to all people.Acts provides an eyewitness account of the flame and fire – the birth and spread of the Church.Beginning in Jerusalem with a small group of disciples, the message traveled across the Roman Empire.Empowered by the Holy Spirit, this courageous band preached, taught, healed, and demonstrated love in synagogues, schools, homes, marketplaces, and courtrooms, and on streets, hills, ships, and desert roads – wherever God sent them, lives and history were changed.
Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, Acts is an accurate historical record of the early Church.But Acts is also a theological book, with lessons and living examples of the work of the Holy Spirit, Church relationships and organization, the implications of grace, and the law of love.And Acts is an apologetic work, building a strong case for the validity of Christ’s claims and promises.
The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit and the commencement of the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.The Spirit-inspired evangelism began in Jerusalem and eventually spread to Rome, covering most of the Roman Empire.The Gospel first went to the Jews, but they, as a nation, rejected it.A remnant of Jews, of course, gladly received the Good News.But the continual rejection of the Gospel by the vast majority of the Jews led to the ever-increasing proclamation of the Gospel to the Gentiles.This was according to Jesus’ plan:The Gospel was to go from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).This, in fact, is the pattern that the Acts narrative follows.The glorious proclamation began in Jerusalem (chapter 1 – 7), went to Judea and Samaria (chapters 8 and following), and to the countries beyond Judea (11:19; 13:4 and on to the end of Acts).The second half of Acts is focused primarily on Paul’s missionary journeys to many countries north of the Mediterranean Sea.He, with his companions, took the Gospel first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.Some of the Jews believed, and many of the Gentiles received the Good News with joy.New churches were started, and new believers began to grow in the Christian life.
As you read and watch this dramatization of the Book of acts, put yourself in the place of the disciples: Identify with them as they are filled with the Holy Spirit, and experience the thrill of seeing thousands respond to the Gospel message. Sense their commitment as they give every ounce of talent and treasure to Christ. And as you read and watch, see the Spirit-led boldness of these 1st Century believers, who through suffering, and in the face of death, take every opportunity to tell of their crucified and risen Lord. Then decide yourself to be a 21st Century version of those men and women of God.” Life Application Bible
Jesus Born on This day
Today a child is born on earth
(Today a child is born on earth)
Today the glory of God
Shines everywhere
For all the world
Oh Jesus born on this day
He is our light and salvation
Oh Jesus born on this day
He is the King of all nations
Behold the Lamb of God has come
Behold the Lamb of God has come
Behold the Savior is born
Sing of His love To everyone
Oh Jesus born on this day
Heavenly child in a manger
Oh Jesus born on this day
He is our Lord and our Savior
Today our hearts rejoice in Him
(Today our hearts rejoice in Him)
Today the light of His birth
Fills us with hope
And brings peace on earth
Today a child is born on earth
(Today a child is born on earth)
He is light, He is love, He is grace
Born on Christmas day
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