God bless you. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. The believers in the early church were so thankful for everything Jesus had done for them, that they praised God fervently. Sailing from there some time later, Paul continued on his journey. By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. After all, no matter what is going on in our lives, God still created us and Jesus still died for us. The energized ministers there had a generally agreed upon plan for doing God’s will. In the midst of terrible persecution and … This is an example of God working in a young minister to get needed help from a mature minister. Outreach to the West 8. According to Philippians 4:10-19, the believers in Philippi gave their offerings directly to Paul to support his ministering elsewhere. Note that after listening to all and quoting from the Prophet Amos, James gave a final decision with which everyone agreed. The rest of Acts 12 shows the local Jerusalem church overcoming attacks so that “the word of God grew and multiplied.” It concludes with Barnabas and Paul going back to their local church in Antioch after having helped the local church at Jerusalem. The local believers in Jerusalem prayed for Peter, their local leader, and he was miraculously delivered from prison. I enjoyed this simple, straight-forward writing clearly showing how the church (eklesia) was first instituted and Since Pentecost in 28 A.D., anyone can be born again by confessing with their mouth Jesus as lord and believing that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9). They gave themselves full-time to praying and ministering God’s Word to others. The same is true today. Wrote a former treatise. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. In our privatized world, it's hard to imagine what the early church … Especially their worship, leadership, sharing, perseverance, and involvement in the Great Commission. (2) C. Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles. Philip is a great example of this in Acts 8 when he went to Samaria. Such mutual believing and respect shows the outcome of the Jerusalem council. These men in Antioch had genuine ministries, and God worked mightily in them at a local level. We can learn a lot from this early church. This is recorded in Acts 2:1-6 What an amazing testimony to the power of God. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. In Acts 3 and 4, Peter and John along with the other apostles acted as local leaders to meet the challenges that arose in these new churches. The record from the book of Acts couldn't be clearer. Acts 16:6-10: Please see our article, “Giving in the Church Today.” Love you! It is used more than sixty times in the Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament, and describes people being scattered abroad and dispersed among other nations. So it is easy to think that if we want to continue to thrive as a church, or to grow or be impactful, that all we have to do is do what the Christians did in Acts. The believers in Antioch responded to Agabus and sent Barnabas and Paul to bring relief to the local Jerusalem churches. They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Answer: The church began on the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Passover when Jesus died and rose again. The church is encouraged to continue in God’s grace. Ministers in the Body of Christ are to visit these local fellowships and strengthen them with God’s Word as God works mightily in those ministers. Ananias / ˌænəˈnaɪ.əs / and his wife Sapphira / səˈfaɪrə / were, according to the Acts of the Apostles chapter 5, members of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Book of Acts. This film depicts the birth of the early church through the eyes of Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke. Often when we struggle, we are inclined to blame God. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Do we have to go to church to be a Christian? (2b) D. Jesus had shown Himself alive by many proofs for 40 days. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. By devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, the early church understood that they were under a new authority—King Jesus, the new and better prophet than Moses. This is an example of what Paul later wrote to the Corinthians. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. It was that certain men came down to Antioch “from Judaea” and spoke contrary to the truth of God’s Word. Paul and the early Church were not at odds with the laws of the Old Testament! The book begins with the ascension of Jesus into heaven (Acts 1:10), quickly followed by the empowering of the church through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Then pleased it [seemed proper to] the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. The first use sets the foundation of God adding to the church daily. There is one final use of the Greek word ekklēsia in the Book of Acts. No Class 3. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. The believers in Antioch were also thankful for what the local church at Jerusalem had previously done for them in sending Barnabas. Saul of Tarsus was present at the stoning of Stephen in Acts 8:1-3 and “made havoc” of the early church. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. They then went to “Perga in Pamphylia” and later “came to Antioch in Pisidia.”, They were sent from the local church in Antioch of Syria and were now helping to set up local churches in these other cities, including the “other” Antioch. Paul went up (by revelation) to Jerusalem on another occasion, according to Galatians 2:2: “And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.” Paul went there to make sure he “had not run in vain.” These local leaders had great meekness and mutual respect. It alone presents an extensive picture of early church life and history. As God worked individually in energized ministers, it was important for them to maintain good communications with each other. After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. A. This was an answer to a big problem in the church. Paul, Barnabas & the Council of Jerusalem 7. Peter let the local leaders in Jerusalem know about his reaching out to the Gentiles. The leaders in Jerusalem decided to support these new churches that they had started with their local outreach efforts. On Pentecost, the apostles were born again and spoke in tongues, magnifying God. The book of Acts is the inspired history of the early church. This teaching included an exhortation to take care of the local believers, the “flock” that God had given these leaders to shepherd. Acts 15:31,32: Philip “preached Christ unto them” so that “the people with one accord” believed what he taught, and “there was great joy in that city.” Yet in this very same region where Jesus Christ had witnessed about himself not long before (John 4:40-43), there was now a man named Simon who “used sorcery, and bewitched the people.” The Samaritans thought that Simon was “the great power of God.” His evil spiritual influence made it difficult for the people to receive the fullness of God’s power in their lives. This is especially necessary when reading the book of Acts because it portrays the early church rather than the Old Testament people of God. The apostles and elders at Jerusalem were the most qualified to handle this situation. Alternative Title: Acts Acts of the Apostles, abbreviation Acts, fifth book of the New Testament, a valuable history of the early Christian church. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, He went to Caesarea and to his beloved local church in Antioch. The early church was devoted to the apostles’ … Peter and the Conversion of the Gentiles 6. The term “scattered abroad” in Acts 8:1 is translated from the Greek word diaspeirō, which is only used in the Greek New Testament in the Book of Acts (8:1,4; 11:19). Every day, the early church grew as more people came to faith in Jesus Christ. Chapter 2 records the beginning of the Church. With this framework, God worked in the local church leaders and in the energized ministers who visited and wrote to them. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. Christians shared of their abundance to support their own and other local churches, as well as energized ministers. What about their tithes? This word literally means to “call out” and refers to called-out born-again believers twenty times in Acts. More seasoned leaders can provide a source of help by way of sound Biblical thinking and teaching to support the local churches’ activities. Here is a great example of one local church helping another local church as God worked in local ministers to keep the believers informed of genuine needs in the church. Great question, Marla. Be the change you want to see in your church. Some have suggested the name “The Acts or Gospel of the Holy Spirit” – Shows what the Holy Spirit did through the early church. The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writings of the NT. As an energized minister, Paul commended those local leaders to God and to His Word of grace. Acts 15:3: It sets patterns for us of how early men and women first obeyed the gospel and worshiped God under the New Covenant. We also see finances used locally to meet the needs of local believers. During the ten days between Jesus Christ’s ascension and Pentecost, the twelve apostles and others (about 120 disciples) had been meeting together. It tells of cities and dates and people that were affected by the Gospel. Acts 5:16: And great fear [respect] came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.     and the rulers band together The word translated “church” comes from two Greek words that together mean “called out from the world for God.” We see God working in him to support existing local churches and build new local churches. They helped with the teaching, fellowship, witnessing, and finances of the local believers with them. the earth” (Acts 1:8). Tucked away in Acts there is also a beautiful little passage describing the nature of the early Christian church. Local home fellowships, called churches, were held in believers’ private homes with a leader spiritually overseeing each church. That is why ministers need to be trained in our churches today: so that they can help the local believers where they need to be supported. One modern Christian writer describes how the early church worked together to carry out God’s will after Jesus Christ ascended. What was Philip to do? This is an example of a genuinely energized minister of God who supported the local fellowships as God worked in him to do so. Acts 15:41: Then, Peter called the people to Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins that they may receive the … Acts describes Peter's early leadership and ministry, such as his four powerful speeches in Jerusalem (Acts 2-5), the healings of Aeneas and Tabitha (Acts 9), his mission to the Gentile Cornelius and return to Jerusalem (Acts 10-12), and his presiding at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts … They did not trust in themselves, but in God. He went to the disciples in Jerusalem and was introduced to the local leadership there (the apostles) by Barnabas. The church was actually born on the Day of Pentecostwhen the Holy Spirit came upon believers. It will help to keep the whole of the book before you as you work your way through each section. As a people who seek to follow these patterns we must always strive to be consistent in following all that Scripture teaches us. The book of Acts records Peter’s sermon as the only Pentecostal sermon (Acts 2:14–40). Something really remarkable about the early church is how committed they were to serving and supporting one another. The clearness of how the church and its leaders need to live, to communicate, to show forth God’s love and light is breathtaking. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 9 and 10 show Peter ministering in Joppa and going to see Cornelius in Caesarea. Certain of the church at Jerusalem were under attack. The book focuses primarily on the acts of two apostles, Peter and Paul. The apostles and elders who had met at Jerusalem agreed as a group of local church leaders on what to do—after they had taken the time and effort to engage in much discussion. The early church met not just on Sundays, or on Friday night, or for a mid-week Bible study. Its members were evangelistic-minded and caring. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. And he [Paul with Silas] went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. There were now local churches starting up in Antioch and other areas. He was still called “Philip the evangelist” years later, ministering from his own home in Caesarea (Acts 21:8). When these believers went into “the regions of Judaea and Samaria,” they began to win others. The book of Acts is a record of the growth of the early church, started by Jesus’s disciples and then expanded by the Apostle Paul. • To equip one another to imitate the role models of the early church o First, to respond to the gospel with trust and loyalty towards … After this open discussion, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them “should go up to Jerusalem [where the trouble had come to Antioch from] unto the apostles and elders about this question.”. This still refers to the local church at Jerusalem. Thanks! Peter’s mind was enlightened by Holy Spirit so he had a clear understanding of the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Still, there is a little more going on in Acts 2:42 then first meets the eye. The inclination is going to be much stronger to pattern ourselves after what we see in Acts. Paul then decided to go to Tarsus, as God worked in him and other believers. This book is recommended to serious students of the Word, both ministers and laymen. Acts 12:1: Let’s see God’s heart for His church today by studying this word. Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.     and the peoples plot in vain? Our churches can and should learn from the book of Acts. These leaders from both local areas met together, reached an agreement, and then sent out a common letter to inform the believers in all local churches on what they understood God’s will to be. Acts 2:44-47: We live in a time of God’s grace that began on the day of Pentecost, and the following truths still apply to the church today: These four truths are seen when studying the word ekklēsia in the Book of Acts. After winning disciples and facing life-and-death persecution there, Paul and Barnabas “came unto Iconium.”. Now they saw that they could support the need of another local fellowship, just as that local Jerusalem fellowship had helped them. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Book of Acts – EXTERNAL Challenges Which the Early Church Faced. Acts 2:38-41: And when they had preached the gospel to that city [Derbe], and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch [in Pisidia], So the local leaders in Antioch needed to talk to the local leaders in Judea about this problem. They were all glad and unified in heart as they praised God for his grace in their lives. The Gospel According to Luke concludes where Acts begins, namely, with Christ’s Ascension into heaven. The book of Acts records eyewitness accounts of the early Church from Christ's resurrection until about A.D. 60. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. All Christian churches should, after all, pattern their church life and ministries after the Book of Acts. THE BOOK OF ACTS. This was the city where Herod and other religious leaders had stood against Jesus Christ and later the apostles. grew according to the plan of God. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. Paul and Barnabas went to Seleucia, Cyprus, and Salamis. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 … And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Galatians 1:18 says that Paul “went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.” Here was Paul, a “younger” minister, seeking the help of Peter, a mature and experienced energized minister, who lived in Jerusalem. God worked in local churches to support themselves, traveling ministers, and other local churches that were in need. Silver platter serving of God’s magnificent Word! One of these leaders, Agabus, received revelation on an upcoming need that would affect the church at Jerusalem. Acts 2:42,43: To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! The next three verses show how God worked with these local leaders. Acts 8:1,3: The final use of  “church” exhorts local leaders to shepherd the church, the called-out, of God. During this time at Jerusalem, God worked in leaders from both local churches to share what they knew from God’s written Word and from God working in them. Could we be more generous to those around us, so no one is in need? That required communication between the local churches, but not control over any local church by another. The local churches had peace as they walked in the respect of the Lord and the spiritual encouragement they received. Here are some lessons to take away. The believers in Jerusalem continued to face persecution. Paul also met with James on this trip (Galatians 1:19), but none of the other apostles. Acts 12:5: After hearing this powerful truth, some asked what they should do. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost [God] said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.     and against his anointed one.’, Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. True Christian ministers are a gift to the church, given when Christ “ascended up on high” (Ephesians 4:8 and 11). As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. The leaders at this meeting sent Judas and Silas, local ministers, along to deliver the letter. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Later, God worked with Philip to get him to the eunuch. Peter boldly told them how to be saved, and many obeyed. Trials and Witness of Paul; Final Exam Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. Acts 15 picks up with a problem in the local Jerusalem church that was affecting other local churches. Acts shows us a strong communication network between leaders. God showed these local ministers new areas where they could speak God’s Word. against the Lord This doesn’t mean we HAVE to go to church every single day. Acts 11:26: Apostles bring new spiritual light to the generation in which they live. Paul and Barnabas trusted God for the best local leaders in each local church. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 20:28,32: The apostles continued to teach God’s Word to support those who continued together daily in the local Temple area and broke bread together from house to house. The apostles even handled spiritual evil within the local church, as when Peter confronted Ananias and Sapphira. Paul next spent time in Ephesus and built strong leadership within the local church there. Peter reached out from his local area of Jerusalem and won others to stand in their local areas. The church included the “about three thousand souls” that were born again on that day. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. In the 3 rd chapter they had just healed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Introduction (1:1-5) A. Looking at the “churches” in the Book of Acts we see the following: Some key points can be noted about God’s desire for local witnessing, fellowship, leadership, and finances: With the true local perspective of the church, along with the support of energized ministers, we can encourage individual believers to boldly speak God’s Word as witnesses for Jesus Christ, fellowship in their homes, and share of their abundance where needed. 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