THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

WORD OF WISDOM
WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT ~ (Romans 8:16), the consciousness of the gracious operation of the Spirit on the mind, "a certitude of the Spirit's presence and work continually asserted within us", manifested "in his comforting us, his stirring us up to prayer, his reproof of our sins, his drawing us to works of love, to bear testimony before the world," etc

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary



Source: ChristArt.com

Luke is writing to Theophilus telling him “so that your excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received.” Luke is the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament, he is called the doctor. We know little about him, but his writings show him to be a skillful writer and a reliable historian. We know that he witnessed many of the events he describes, because of the dramatic details. We can look to Luke 1: 1-4, 1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed., to see how concerned he was to get at the facts of which he wrote.

Luke tells us how the salvation of Jesus works out in reality, for Gentiles as well as Jews. There is no stopping it, everyplace it is taught new groups spring up and continue to meet. Luke also lets us know that although the new teachings often lead to disturbances, the Romans authorities themselves cleared Christians of the charges brought against them.

For a basic history of the church we can look to the book of Acts. The first four books show us the life of Christ, now the book of Acts shows us the ministry for the followers of Christ. Acts is written by Like. Much emphasis is placed on the Holy Ghost. In the opening chapter most of the original 12 are mentioned. Peter is the central figure in the establishment of the church in Jerusalem where he remains prominent until the council at Jerusalem. Paul then emerges as the foremost leader. The major part of Acts is devoted to Paul and his mission.

The message that is presented by Peter and Paul as well as other leaders indicates that the resurrection of Christ was a doctrine of primary importance to Christianity.

We also see a movement from the Jewish constituency to a Gentile church. The council in Jerusalem {Acts 15} is a crucial point for the believers. Pressure from Jewish Christians that some ceremonial practices of the Old testament are still binding, concludes with circumcision is not necessary, but believers should abstain from idolatry, tasting blood, from eating meat of animals that have been strangled, and from sexual impurity.

The book ends abruptly with Paul as a prisoner preaching the good news in Rome. The book of Acts provides the background for the epistles, which covers the major part of the rest of the New Testament.

The book of Acts is a very important study for the old as well as new Christian. It shows us how the disciples, with knowledge they learned from Jesus and the wisdom of the Holy Ghost, conducted themselves in forming churches.

My question for you is do you know a church like that today?

God Bless,
rECj/LJG