{"id":3562,"date":"2021-07-27T19:24:44","date_gmt":"2021-07-28T01:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integritysyndicate.com\/?p=3562"},"modified":"2022-11-11T14:52:54","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T21:52:54","slug":"acts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/integritysyndicate.com\/acts\/","title":{"rendered":"Gospel of Acts"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What is the Gospel of Acts?<\/h2>

The Gospel of Acts is the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the book of Acts. That is, the Gospel as taught and preached by the Apostles as they went out into the world. Both the Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles were written by Luke who wrote in the introduction, “In my first book O Theophilus (meaning God-seeker), I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” (Acts 1:1-2) Acts is critical since it starts where the Gospel of Luke left off with the ascension of Christ.\u00a0<\/p>

When extracting the teaching, preaching, and exhortations from the book of Acts, we clearly see the Gospel that the Apostles believed and taught. First an outline of the foundational doctrines is provided. Then we start with a few verses in the last chapter in Luke and get right into the testimony of the Apostles. Let us see what those commissioned by Christ taught the Gospel was all about, as we see the direct testimony of the Apostles who were chosen by Christ. The pertinent verses are in English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Outline of the Gospel Teachings in Acts <\/h2>\n

An outline of the core fundamental doctrines attested by Acts is provided below. This is consistent with Hebrews 6:1-8 which outlines foundational teachings of the faith. <\/p>\n

1.  Starting point: (elementary doctrine) of Christ <\/h5>\n

Acts 1:3, Acts 2:22-36, Acts 3:13-15, 18-26, Acts 4:10-12. Acts 4:24-31, Acts 5:30-32, Acts 5:42,  Acts 7:56, Acts 9:20-22, Acts 10:36-46, Acts 11:23, Acts 13:23-24, Acts 13:30-35, Acts 13:36-41, Acts 17:3, Acts 17:30-31<\/p>\n

2.  Repentance from dead works and faith towards God<\/h5>\n

Acts 2:38, Act 3:26, Acts 7:44-53, Acts 11:18, Acts 14:15, Acts 17:24-31, Acts 20:21, Acts 26:18-20<\/p>\n

 3. Instruction about baptisms  (Going down into baptism + baptism in the Holy Spirit)<\/h5>\n

Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:14-18, Acts 8:36-39, Acts 9:17-18, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 11:15-18, Acts 17:31-34, Acts 18:8, Acts 19:2-6, Acts 22:16<\/p>\n

4. Laying on of hands<\/h5>\n

Acts 6:6, Acts 8:17-18,  Acts 9:12-18, Acts 13:3, Acts 19:6, Acts 28:8<\/p>\n

5. Receiving the Holy Spirit, tasting the heavenly gift, tasting the good word of God and the power of the age to come<\/h5>\n

Acts 1:5, Acts 1:7, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:15-18, Acts 2:33, Acts 2:38-42, Acts 8:14-19, Acts 10:44-47, Acts 19:6  <\/p>\n

In Greek, “good word” is “beautiful utterances” referring to tongues as, “experiencing the beautiful utterances of God”<\/p>\n

6. Resurrection of the dead (including the Kingdom of God)<\/h5>\n

Acts 1:3, Acts 1:6-7, Acts 1:11, Acts 4:2, Acts 8:12, Acts 14:22, Acts 19:8, Acts 20:25, Acts 20:32, Acts 23:6, Acts 24:14-21, Acts 26:6-8, Acts 28:23, Acts 28:31<\/p>\n

7. Eternal judgement<\/h5>\n

Acts 2:19-21, Acts 3:21, Acts 10:42, Acts 17:30-31, Acts 24:15<\/p>\n

Hebrews 6:1-8 (Aramaic Peshitta, Lamsa)<\/h3>\n

1<\/sup>  Therefore, let us leave the elementary word of Christ, and let us go on to perfection. Why do you again lay another foundation for the repentance from past deeds and for faith in God? 2<\/span> <\/span>And for the doctrine of baptisms and for the laying on of hands and for the resurrection of the dead and for eternal judgment? <\/span>3<\/span> <\/span>If the Lord permits, this we will do. <\/span>4<\/span> <\/span> But this is impossible for those who have once been baptized <\/span>5<\/span> <\/span>and have tasted of the gift from heaven and have received the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, 6<\/span><\/span> <\/span>For, for them to sin again and be renewed again by repentance, they crucify the Son of God a second time and put him to open shame. <\/span>7<\/span> <\/span>For the earth which drinks in the rain that falls abundantly on it, and brings forth herbs useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; <\/span>8<\/span> <\/span>But if it should produce thorns and briers it is rejected and not far from being condemned; and at the end this crop will be burned up. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 1, Prelude to the Ministry<\/h2>

Luke 24:45-49, Instructions from Christ<\/h3>

45<\/sup> Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures<\/strong>, 46<\/sup> and said to them, \u201cThus it is written,<\/strong> that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead<\/strong>, 47<\/sup> and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem<\/strong>. 48<\/sup> You are witnesses of these things<\/strong>. 49<\/sup> And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 1:1-11, Introduction to Acts<\/h3>

1<\/sup> In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2<\/sup> until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen<\/strong>. 3<\/sup> He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God<\/strong>. 4<\/sup> And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, \u201cyou heard from me; 5<\/sup> for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now<\/strong>.\u201d 6<\/sup> So when they had come together, they asked him, \u201cLord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel<\/strong>?\u201d 7<\/sup> He said to them, \u201cIt is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8<\/sup> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.\u201d 9<\/sup> And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10<\/sup> And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11<\/sup> and said, \u201cMen of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 2, The day of Pentecost\u00a0<\/h2>

Acts 2:1-13, Outpouring of the Holy Spirit<\/h3>

1<\/sup> When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2<\/sup> And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3<\/sup> And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4<\/sup> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance<\/strong>. 5<\/sup> Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6<\/sup> And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7<\/sup> And they were amazed and astonished, saying, \u201cAre not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8<\/sup> And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9<\/sup> Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10<\/sup> Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11<\/sup> both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians\u2014we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.\u201d 12<\/sup> And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, \u201cWhat does this mean?\u201d 13<\/sup> But others mocking said, \u201cThey are filled with new wine.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 2:14-21, Peter quotes the prophet Joel<\/h3>

14<\/sup> But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: \u201cMen of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15<\/sup> For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16<\/sup> But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17<\/sup> \u201c\u2018And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh<\/strong>, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18<\/sup> even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy<\/strong>. 19<\/sup> And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke<\/strong>; 20<\/sup> the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day<\/strong>. 21<\/sup> And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.<\/strong>\u2019<\/p>

Acts 2:22-28, Peter preaches the resurrection<\/h3>

22<\/sup> \u201cMen of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth<\/strong>, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst<\/strong>, as you yourselves know\u2014 23<\/sup> this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men<\/strong>. 24<\/sup> God raised him up<\/strong>, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25<\/sup> For David says concerning him, \u201c\u2018I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26<\/sup> therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27<\/sup> For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption<\/strong>. 28<\/sup> You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.\u2019<\/p>

Acts 2:29-36, Peter preaches, “God has made him (Jesus) both Lord and Christ”<\/h3>

29<\/sup> \u201cBrothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30<\/sup> Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne<\/strong>, 31<\/sup> he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption<\/strong>. 32<\/sup> This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. <\/strong>33<\/sup> Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing<\/strong>. 34<\/sup> For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, \u201c\u2018The Lord said to my Lord, \u201cSit at my right hand, 35<\/sup> until I make your enemies your footstool.\u201d\u2019 36<\/sup> Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 2:37-43, The Apostles Doctrine<\/h3>

\u00a037<\/sup> Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, \u201cBrothers, what shall we do?\u201d 38<\/sup> And Peter said to them, \u201cRepent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit<\/strong>. 39<\/sup> For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself<\/strong>.\u201d 40<\/sup> And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, \u201cSave yourselves from this crooked generation<\/strong>.\u201d 41<\/sup> So those who received his word were baptized, <\/strong>and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42<\/sup> And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching<\/strong> and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43<\/sup> And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 3, Peter preaches to the Jews<\/h2>

Acts 3:13-26, Peter preaches in Solomon’s portico<\/h3>

13<\/sup> The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus<\/strong>, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14<\/sup> But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you<\/strong>, 15<\/sup> and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses<\/strong>.\u00a016<\/sup> And his name\u2014by faith in his name\u2014has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.<\/p>

17<\/sup> \u201cAnd now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18<\/sup> But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled<\/strong>. 19<\/sup> Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out<\/strong>, 20<\/sup> that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus<\/strong>, 21<\/sup> whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago<\/strong>. 22<\/sup> Moses said, \u2018The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23<\/sup> And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.\u2019 24<\/sup> And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days<\/strong>. 25<\/sup> You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, \u200b\u2018And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.\u2019 26<\/sup> God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 4:1-2, Sadducees annoyed\u00a0<\/h3>

\u200b1<\/sup> And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2<\/sup> greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead<\/strong>.<\/p>

Acts 4:8-12, Peter\u00a0 before the council<\/h3>

8<\/sup> Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, \u201cRulers of the people and elders, 9<\/sup> if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10<\/sup> let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth<\/strong>, whom you crucified<\/strong>, whom God raised from the dead<\/strong>\u2014by him this man is standing before you well. 11<\/sup> This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone<\/strong>. 12<\/sup> And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 4:24-31, Believers prayer<\/h3>

24<\/sup> … they lifted their voices together to God and said, \u201cSovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them<\/strong>, 25<\/sup> who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, \u201c\u2018Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26<\/sup> The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed<\/strong>\u2019\u2014 27<\/sup> for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel<\/strong>, 28<\/sup> to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place<\/strong>. 29<\/sup> And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30<\/sup> while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus<\/strong>.\u201d 31<\/sup> And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.<\/p>

Acts 5:12-16, Apostolic Ministry<\/h3>

12<\/sup> Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles<\/strong>. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13<\/sup> None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14<\/sup> And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15<\/sup> so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16<\/sup> The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.<\/p>

Acts 5:29-32, Apostles arrested<\/h3>

29<\/sup> But Peter and the apostles answered, \u201cWe must obey God rather than men. 30<\/sup> The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree<\/strong>. 31<\/sup> God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins<\/strong>. 32<\/sup> And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 5:40-42, Facing persecution<\/h3>

40<\/sup> and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41<\/sup> Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42<\/sup> And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus<\/strong>.<\/p>

Acts 6:2-7, Selection of assistants<\/h3>

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, \u201cIt is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3<\/sup> Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom<\/strong>, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4<\/sup> But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word<\/strong>.\u201d 5<\/sup> And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6<\/sup> These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them<\/strong>. 7<\/sup> And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 4, Stephen’s Speech<\/h2>\n

Acts 7:2-8, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob<\/h3>\n

2<\/sup> And Stephen said: \u201cBrothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3<\/sup> and said to him, \u2018Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.\u2019 4<\/sup> Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. 5<\/sup> Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. 6<\/sup> And God spoke to this effect\u2014that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. 7<\/sup> \u2018But I will judge the nation that they serve,\u2019 said God, \u2018and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.\u2019 8<\/sup> And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.<\/p>\n

Acts 7:9-16, Joseph<\/h3>\n

9<\/sup> \u201cAnd the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10<\/sup> and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11<\/sup> Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. 12<\/sup> But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. 13<\/sup> And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. 14<\/sup> And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. 15<\/sup> And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, 16<\/sup> and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.<\/p>\n

Acts 7:17-29, Moses and captivity in Egypt<\/h3>\n

17<\/sup> \u201cBut as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt 18<\/sup> until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. 19<\/sup> He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. 20<\/sup> At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God’s sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father’s house, 21<\/sup> and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22<\/sup> And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. 23<\/sup> \u201cWhen he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24<\/sup> And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25<\/sup> He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. 26<\/sup> And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, \u2018Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?\u2019 27<\/sup> But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, \u2018Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28<\/sup> Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?\u2019 29<\/sup> At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.<\/p>\n

Acts 7:30-43, Moses and the exodus <\/h3>\n

30<\/sup> \u201cNow when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31<\/sup> When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32<\/sup> \u2018I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.\u2019 And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33<\/sup> Then the Lord said to him, \u2018Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34<\/sup> I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.\u2019<\/p>\n

35<\/sup> \u201cThis Moses, whom they rejected, saying, \u2018Who made you a ruler and a judge?\u2019\u2014this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush<\/strong>. 36<\/sup> This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37<\/sup> This is the Moses who said to the Israelites<\/strong>, \u2018God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers<\/strong>.\u2019 38<\/sup> This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. 39<\/sup> Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40<\/sup> saying to Aaron, \u2018Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.\u2019 41<\/sup> And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42<\/sup> But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: \u201c\u2018Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43<\/sup> You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.\u2019<\/p>\n

Acts 7:44-53, Rejection of the prophets <\/h3>\n

44<\/sup> \u201cOur fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45<\/sup> Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, 46<\/sup> who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47<\/sup> But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48<\/sup> Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands<\/strong>, as the prophet says, 49<\/sup> \u201c\u2018Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? 50<\/sup> Did not my hand make all these things?\u2019 51<\/sup> \u201cYou stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52<\/sup> Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered<\/strong>, 53<\/sup> you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Acts 7:54-60, Stoning of Stephen<\/h3>\n

54<\/sup> Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55<\/sup> But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56<\/sup> And he said, \u201cBehold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God<\/strong>.\u201d 57<\/sup> But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58<\/sup> Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59<\/sup> And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, \u201cLord Jesus, receive my spirit.\u201d 60<\/sup> And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, \u201cLord, do not hold this sin against them.\u201d And when he had said this, he fell asleep.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 5, Preaching outside of Jerusalem<\/h2>

Acts 8:5-8, Philip proclaims the Christ<\/h3>

5<\/sup> Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ<\/strong>. 6<\/sup> And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7<\/sup> For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8<\/sup> So there was much joy in that city.<\/p>

Acts 8:12, Philip’s Preaching<\/h3>

12<\/sup> But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized<\/strong>, both men and women.<\/p>

Acts 8:14-22, Samaria receives the word of God<\/h3>

14<\/sup> Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15<\/sup> who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16<\/sup> for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17<\/sup> Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit<\/strong>. 18<\/sup> Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands<\/strong>, he offered them money, 19<\/sup> saying, \u201cGive me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit<\/strong>.\u201d 20<\/sup> But Peter said to him, \u201cMay your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21<\/sup> You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22<\/sup> Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you<\/strong>.<\/p>

Acts 8:26-39, Philip and the eunuch<\/h3>

26<\/sup> Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, \u201cRise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.\u201d This is a desert place. 27<\/sup> And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28<\/sup> and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29<\/sup> And the Spirit said to Philip, \u201cGo over and join this chariot.\u201d 30<\/sup> So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, \u201cDo you understand what you are reading?\u201d 31<\/sup> And he said, \u201cHow can I, unless someone guides me?\u201d And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32<\/sup> Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: \u201cLike a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth<\/strong>. 33<\/sup> In his humiliation justice was denied him<\/strong>. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”<\/p>

34<\/sup> And the eunuch said to Philip, \u201cAbout whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?\u201d 35<\/sup> Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36<\/sup> And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, \u201cSee, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized<\/strong>?\u201d 38<\/sup> And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him<\/strong>. 39<\/sup> And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 6, Conversion of Saul\u00a0 (Paul)<\/h2>

Acts 9:1-9, Vision on the road to Damascus<\/h3>

1<\/sup> But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2<\/sup> and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way<\/strong>, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3<\/sup> Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4<\/sup> And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, \u201cSaul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?\u201d 5<\/sup> And he said, \u201cWho are you, Lord?\u201d And he said, \u201cI am Jesus, whom you are persecuting<\/strong>. 6<\/sup> But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.\u201d 7<\/sup> The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8<\/sup> Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9<\/sup> And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.<\/p>

Acts 9:10-19, Saul regains sight, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is baptized<\/h3>

10<\/sup> Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, \u201cAnanias.\u201d And he said, \u201cHere I am, Lord.\u201d 11<\/sup> And the Lord said to him, \u201cRise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12<\/sup> and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight<\/strong>.\u201d 13<\/sup> But Ananias answered, \u201cLord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14<\/sup> And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.\u201d 15<\/sup> But the Lord said to him, \u201cGo, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16<\/sup> For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.\u201d 17<\/sup> So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him<\/strong> he said, \u201cBrother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit<\/strong>.\u201d 18<\/sup> And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized<\/strong>; 19<\/sup> and taking food, he was strengthened. For several days he was with the disciples at Damascus.<\/p>

Acts 9:20-22, Saul begins to preach<\/h3>

20<\/sup> And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, \u201cHe is the Son of God<\/strong>.\u201d 21<\/sup> And all who heard him were amazed and said, \u201cIs not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?\u201d 22<\/sup> But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>

Acts 9:31, Church growth<\/h3>

31<\/sup> So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit<\/strong>, it multiplied.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 7, Gentiles Hear the Good News<\/h2>

Acts 10:34-43, Peter preaches to the Gentiles<\/h3>

34<\/sup> So Peter opened his mouth and said: \u201cTruly I understand that God shows no partiality<\/strong>, 35<\/sup> but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him<\/strong>. 36<\/sup> As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)<\/strong>, 37<\/sup> you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38<\/sup> how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him<\/strong>. 39<\/sup> And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40<\/sup> but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear<\/strong>, 41<\/sup> not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead<\/strong>. 42<\/sup> And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead<\/strong>. 43<\/sup> To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 10:44-48, The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles<\/h3>

44<\/sup> While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word<\/strong>. 45<\/sup> And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured<\/strong> out<\/strong> even on the Gentiles. 46<\/sup> For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God<\/strong>. Then Peter declared, 47<\/sup> \u201cCan anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have<\/strong>?\u201d 48<\/sup> And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.<\/strong> Then they asked him to remain for some days.
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Acts 11:1-18, Peter testifies about the Gentiles<\/h3>

1<\/sup> Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2<\/sup> So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 3<\/sup> \u201cYou went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.\u201d 4<\/sup> But Peter began and explained it to them in order: 5<\/sup> \u201cI was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. 6<\/sup> Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. 7<\/sup> And I heard a voice saying to me, \u2018Rise, Peter; kill and eat.\u2019 8<\/sup> But I said, \u2018By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.\u2019 9<\/sup> But the voice answered a second time from heaven, \u2018What God has made clean, do not call common.\u2019 10<\/sup> This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11<\/sup> And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. 12<\/sup> And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction<\/strong>. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13<\/sup> And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, \u2018Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14<\/sup> he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household<\/strong>.\u2019 15<\/sup> As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning<\/strong>. 16<\/sup> And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, \u200b\u2018John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit<\/strong>.\u2019 17<\/sup> If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?\u201d 18<\/sup> When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, \u201cThen to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 8, Early Preaching of Paul<\/h2>

Acts 13:1-3, Sending off to into ministry\u200b<\/h3>

1<\/sup> Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers<\/strong>, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2<\/sup> While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said<\/strong>, \u201cSet apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.\u201d 3<\/sup> Then after fasting and praying<\/strong> they laid their hands on them<\/strong> and sent them off.<\/p>

Acts 13:8-11, Rebuking of an adversary<\/h3>

8<\/sup> But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9<\/sup> But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit<\/strong>, looked intently at him 10<\/sup> and said, \u201cYou son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11<\/sup> And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.\u201d Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
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Acts 13:16-25, Preaching about the Prophets<\/h3>

\u201cMen of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17<\/sup> The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18<\/sup> And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19<\/sup> And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20<\/sup> All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21<\/sup> Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22<\/sup> And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, \u200b\u2018I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.\u2019 23<\/sup> Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus<\/strong>, as he promised. 24<\/sup> Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel<\/strong>. 25<\/sup> And as John was finishing his course, he said, \u2018What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.\u2019<\/p>

Acts 13:26-35, Preaching about Jesus raised from the dead<\/h3>

26<\/sup> \u201cBrothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27<\/sup> For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28<\/sup> And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29<\/sup> And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30<\/sup> But God raised him from the dead<\/strong>, 31<\/sup> and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people<\/strong>. 32<\/sup> And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33<\/sup> this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus<\/strong>, as also it is written in the second Psalm, \u201c\u2018You are my Son, today I have begotten you.\u2019 34<\/sup> And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, \u201c\u2018I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.\u2019 35<\/sup> Therefore he says also in another psalm, \u201c\u2018You will not let your Holy One see corruption<\/strong>.\u2019<\/p>

Acts 13:36-41, Forgiveness through Christ<\/h3>

36<\/sup> For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37<\/sup> but he whom God raised up did not see corruption<\/strong>. 38<\/sup> Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you<\/strong>, 39<\/sup> and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses<\/strong>. 40<\/sup> Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: 41<\/sup> \u201c\u2018Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.\u2019\u201d<\/p>

Acts 13:44-49, Mission to the Gentiles<\/h3>

44<\/sup> The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45<\/sup> But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46<\/sup> And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, \u201cIt was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you<\/strong>. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47<\/sup> For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, \u201c\u2018I have made you a light for the Gentiles, <\/strong>that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth<\/strong>.\u2019\u201d 48<\/sup> And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49<\/sup> And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
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Acts 14:13-15, Rebuking Paganism<\/h3>

13<\/sup> And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14<\/sup> But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15<\/sup> \u201cMen, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them<\/strong>.<\/p>

Acts 14:19-22, Stoning of Paul<\/h3>

19<\/sup> But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20<\/sup> But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21<\/sup> When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22<\/sup> strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 9, The Jerusalem Council<\/h2>

Acts 15:6-11, Regarding circumcision of Gentiles<\/h3>

6<\/sup> The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7<\/sup> And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, \u201cBrothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8<\/sup> And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9<\/sup> and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith<\/strong>. 10<\/sup> Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear<\/strong>? 11<\/sup> But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 15:12-21, Decision of the Council<\/h3>

12<\/sup> And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13<\/sup> After they finished speaking, James replied, \u201cBrothers, listen to me. 14<\/sup> Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15<\/sup> And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 16<\/sup> \u201c\u2018After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17<\/sup> that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord<\/strong>, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things 18<\/sup> known from of old.\u2019 19<\/sup> Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God<\/strong>, 20<\/sup> but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood<\/strong>. 21<\/sup> For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 15:22-29, Letter to Gentile Believers<\/h3>

2<\/sup> Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23<\/sup> with the following letter: \u201cThe brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24<\/sup> Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25<\/sup> it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26<\/sup> men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27<\/sup> We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28<\/sup> For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements<\/strong>: 29<\/sup> that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well<\/strong>. Farewell.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Part 10, Ministry of Paul<\/h2>

Acts 16:16-18, Casting out a spirit of divination<\/h3>

16<\/sup> As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17<\/sup> She followed Paul and us, crying out, \u201cThese men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.\u201d 18<\/sup> And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, \u201cI command you in the name of Jesus Christ<\/strong> to come out of her.\u201d And it came out that very hour.<\/p>

Acts 16:25-34, Philippian Jailer’s Conversion<\/h3>

25<\/sup> About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26<\/sup> and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27<\/sup> When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28<\/sup> But Paul cried with a loud voice, \u201cDo not harm yourself, for we are all here.\u201d 29<\/sup> And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30<\/sup> Then he brought them out and said, \u201cSirs, what must I do to be saved?\u201d 31<\/sup> And they said, \u201cBelieve in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved<\/strong>, you and your household<\/strong>.\u201d 32<\/sup> And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33<\/sup> And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family<\/strong>. 34<\/sup> Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.<\/p>

Acts 17:1-3, Preaching in Thessalonica<\/h3>

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2<\/sup> And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3<\/sup> explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead<\/strong>, and saying, \u201cThis Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 17:22-31, Paul at Athens<\/h3>

22<\/sup> So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: \u201cMen of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23<\/sup> For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: \u200b\u2018To the unknown god.\u2019 What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24<\/sup> The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man<\/strong>, 25<\/sup> nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26<\/sup> And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27<\/sup> that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28<\/sup> for \u201c\u2018In him we live and move and have our being<\/strong>\u2019; as even some of your own poets have said, \u201c\u2018For we are indeed his offspring.\u2019\u00a029<\/sup> Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30<\/sup> The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent<\/strong>, 31<\/sup> because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 18:5-11, Paul in Corinth<\/h3>

5<\/sup> When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus<\/strong>. 6<\/sup> And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, \u201cYour blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.\u201d 7<\/sup> And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8<\/sup> Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized<\/strong>. 9<\/sup> And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, \u201cDo not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10<\/sup> for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.\u201d 11<\/sup> And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.<\/p>

Acts 18:24-28, Apollos at Ephesus<\/h3>

24<\/sup> Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25<\/sup> He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26<\/sup> He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27<\/sup> And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28<\/sup> for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus<\/strong>.<\/p>

Acts 19:1-10, Paul in Ephesus<\/h3>

1<\/sup> And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2<\/sup> And he said to them, \u201cDid you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed<\/strong>?\u201d And they said, \u201cNo, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.\u201d 3<\/sup> And he said, \u201cInto what then were you baptized?\u201d They said, \u201cInto John’s baptism.\u201d 4<\/sup> And Paul said, \u201cJohn baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus<\/strong>.\u201d 5<\/sup> On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus<\/strong>. 6<\/sup> And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying<\/strong>.\u00a08<\/sup> And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God<\/strong>. 9<\/sup> But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way<\/strong> before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10<\/sup> This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.<\/p>

Acts 20:17-35, Paul’s final words to the Ephesian Elders<\/h3>

17<\/sup> Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18<\/sup> And when they came to him, he said to them: \u201cYou yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19<\/sup> serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20<\/sup> how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21<\/sup> testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ<\/strong>. 22<\/sup> And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23<\/sup> except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24<\/sup> But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God<\/strong>. 25<\/sup> And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom<\/strong> will see my face again. 26<\/sup> Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27<\/sup> for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28<\/sup> Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood (* the blood of his own)<\/strong>.\u00a029<\/sup> I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30<\/sup> and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31<\/sup> Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32<\/sup> And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace<\/strong>, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified<\/strong>. 33<\/sup> I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34<\/sup> You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35<\/sup> In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, \u2018It is more blessed to give than to receive<\/strong>.\u2019\u201d<\/p>

* Most translations, including ESV, mistranslate Acts 20:28. The earliest Alexandrian manuscripts and the Critical Greek Text (NA-28) read, “Church of God, which he purchased by the blood of his own.” Later Byzantine manuscripts read, “Church of the Lord and God, which he purchased by his own blood.” Below is the COM (Comprehensive New Testament) translation of this verse based on the critical text reflecting the earliest Greek manuscripts.<\/h5>

Acts 20:28 (COM), Translation based on the earliest manuscripts<\/h3>

28<\/sup> Be on guard for yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God<\/strong> which he obtained with the blood of his own<\/strong>.<\/p>

Acts 22:6-16, Recounting his conversion<\/h3>

6<\/sup> \u201cAs I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7<\/sup> And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, \u2018Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?\u2019 8<\/sup> And I answered, \u2018Who are you, Lord?\u2019 And he said to me, \u2018I am Jesus of Nazareth<\/strong>, whom you are persecuting.\u2019 9<\/sup> Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10<\/sup> And I said, \u200b\u2018What shall I do, Lord?\u2019 And the Lord said to me, \u2018Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.\u2019 11<\/sup> And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12<\/sup> \u201cAnd one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13<\/sup> came to me, and standing by me said to me, \u2018Brother Saul, receive your sight.\u2019 And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14<\/sup> And he said, \u200b\u2018The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth<\/strong>; 15<\/sup> for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16<\/sup> And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name<\/strong>.\u2019<\/p>

Acts 23:6-10, Paul before the Council<\/h3>

6<\/sup> Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, \u201cBrothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead<\/strong> that I am on trial.\u201d 7<\/sup> And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8<\/sup> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9<\/sup> Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, \u201cWe find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?\u201d 10<\/sup> And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.<\/p>

Acts 24:14-21, Paul Before Felix<\/h3>

14<\/sup> But this I confess to you, that according to the Way<\/strong>, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets<\/strong>, 15<\/sup> having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust<\/strong>. 16<\/sup> So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17<\/sup> Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18<\/sup> While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia\u2014 19<\/sup> they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20<\/sup> Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21<\/sup> other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: \u2018It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead<\/strong> that I am on trial before you this day.\u2019\u201d<\/p>

Acts 26:4-8, Paul’s Defense<\/h3>

4<\/sup> \u201cMy manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5<\/sup> They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6<\/sup> And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers<\/strong>, 7<\/sup> to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8<\/sup> Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead<\/strong>?<\/p>

Acts 26:12-23, Paul’s Testimony of his conversion<\/h3>

12<\/sup> \u201cIn this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13<\/sup> At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14<\/sup> And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, \u2018Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.\u2019 15<\/sup> And I said, \u2018Who are you, Lord?\u2019 And the Lord said, \u2018I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16<\/sup> But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17<\/sup> delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles\u2014to whom I am sending you 18<\/sup> to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me<\/strong>.\u2019 19<\/sup> \u201cTherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20<\/sup> but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance<\/strong>. 21<\/sup> For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22<\/sup> To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23<\/sup> that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 27:23-26, Appearance of an angel before shipwreck<\/h3>

23<\/sup> For this very night there stood before me an angel of the<\/strong> God to whom I belong and whom I worship<\/strong>, 24<\/sup> and he said, \u2018Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.\u2019 25<\/sup> So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26<\/sup> But we must run aground on some island.\u201d<\/p>

Acts 28:7-10, Paul on Island Malta<\/h3>

7<\/sup> Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8<\/sup> It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him<\/strong>. 9<\/sup> And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10<\/sup> They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.<\/p>

Acts 28:23-31, Paul’s final ministry<\/h3>

23<\/sup> When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God<\/strong> and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets<\/strong>. 24<\/sup> And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25<\/sup> And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: \u201cThe Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26<\/sup> \u201c\u2018Go to this people, and say, \u201cYou will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.\u201d 27<\/sup> For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.\u2019 28<\/sup> Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles<\/strong>; they will listen.\u201d 30<\/sup> He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31<\/sup> proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ<\/strong> with all boldness and without hindrance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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