Sketch Headings Acts of the Apostles 1:1-6:8
1. Introduction Ch 1:1-14
1:1-14 The first account that I compiled Theophilus was about all the things that Jesus both did and taught. This was up to the day on which he gave injunctions to the apostles and when he chose to be taken up (to the heavens) through the Holy Spirit. c/f Luke 24:50. After he had suffered he had presented himself to the apostles as being alive over a forty day period. They saw this was the case with many infallible proofs. He also spoke to them concerning the kingdom of God. On meeting with them he told them not to leave Jerusalem c/f Lk 24:47 but to wait for the promise of the Father. (He told them) "You have heard about this from me. John had indeed baptized with water But you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Coming together these people questioned him saying "Lord are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel at this time?" c/f Lk 24:21 He said to them "It is not for you to know at what times or seasons the Father fixes his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You will witness to me both in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria and unto the ends of the earth." And saying these things he was taken up (into the heavens). A cloud received him from their sight. And, as they were looking up to heaven as he went, behold there were two men standing by them in white garments. c/f Lk 24:4 They said to them "Galileans. Why do you stand (here) looking up to heaven? Jesus, the one who has been taken from you up to heaven will come (back) in the way you saw him going up to heaven." Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount, which was called after the olive grove c/f Lk 22:39 and which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath's journey away. And they went into the upper room, where they had been waiting. There were both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Phillip and Thomas, Bartholmew and Matthew. There were James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the brother of James. c/f Lk 22:13 14 All of them continued with one mind in steadfast prayer. They were with the women (including) Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers.
2. Replacement of Judas Ch 1:15-26
1:15-26 At that time Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers. Their names numbered about one hundred and twenty. "Men, brothers. It has happened that the Scriptures spoken prior to this by the Holy Spirit and through the mouth of David concerned Judas. He was the one who became guide to those who took Jesus. He had been numbered amongst us and had been allotted his share of this ministry. He bought a field with his unrighteous reward. He swelled up and burst asunder in the middle so that his bowels were poured out. This became known to all those in Jerusalem so that field came to be called in their own language Aceldamach, that is, the Field of Blood. It has been written in the roll of the Psalms. "Let his estate be deserted and let not anyone dwell in it." And (it also says) �Let another take on his office." It therefore behoves us that we should consider the men who have accompanied us in all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out amongst us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us. Let one of these (people) be a witness of the resurrection with us. And so they selected two (men), Joseph who was called Barsabbas and who was surnamed Justus and Matthias. Praying (over them) they said "You Lord know the heart of all men. Show us which of these two should take the place of the ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell. Who should go into his place. " They cast lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias. So he was reckoned (equal) along with the eleven (other) apostles. c/f Lk 22:3
3. Holy Spirit Converts Crowds Ch 2:1-47
2:1-47 The day of Pentecost (Jewish Harvest festival, 15 days after 2nd day of Passover) was completed and they were all together. Then suddenly out of heaven came a sound as though caused by a violent wind. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared to them spreading out, tongues as of fire. It sat on each on of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in their tongues as the Spirit prompted them to speak out. Now there were in Jerusalem at that time Jews who were devout men from every nation under heaven. When the sound came the multitude assembled. They were confounded because each of them heard someone speaking to him in his own language. They were amazed and marvelled saying. "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? How is it that we each hear (them) speak in the language to which we were born - Parthians, Medes, Elamites and (the languge) of those who inhabit Mesopotamia and Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, and both Phrygia and Pamphylia, (Also included are) Egypt and the regions of Libya that belong to Cyrene as also visitors from Rome, both Jews and Jewish converts. (There are) also Cretans and Arabians. Do we not hear them speaking in our own tongues about the great deeds of God? All were amazed and were troubled. They said to each other "What does this mean?" But others were mocking (them) and said "They have been filled with sweet wine." But standing up Peter with the eleven lifted up his voice and spoke out to them. c/f Lk 21:37 "Jewish fellows and those who live in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you and listen to what I say. For these men are not drunk as you imagine. It is (only) the third hour of the day (9a.m.) But this is what has been spoken about through the prophet Joel "It shall be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons will prophesy and your daughters and your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. Onto my male servants and female servants I will pour out my spirit in those days and they will prophesy.c/f Lk 21:34-36 I will do wonders in heaven above and there will be signs on the earth below. (that is,) blood and fire and the vapour of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the day of the Lord comes - the great and notable day. It will be that everyone who invokes the name of the Lord will be saved." Israelites. Hear these words. Jesus the Nazarene, a man approved by God, dwelt amongst you with powerful deeds and wonders and signs. God did all this through him (and) in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man through a fixed plan and fore-knowledge of God, was given up through the hand of lawless men. (And) fastening on him you killed him. God raised (him) up thereby loosening the pangs of death because it was not possible for him to be held by it. David says about him "I foresaw the Lord always before me because he is on my right hand lest I be moved. Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced. Now also my flesh will live in hope because You will not abandon my soul in Hades. Nor will You give your holy one over to see. corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life. You will fill me with gladness in your presence." Men - brothers, you can speak with plainness about the patriarch David - that he both died and was buried. His tomb is amongst us until this day. Yet being a prophet and knowing that God swore an oath to him about the fruit of his loins and about sitting on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ. Neither was he (the Christ) abandoned in Hades. Nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus was raised up by God and we are witnesses to this. He is therefore at the right hand of God. He has been exalted. He received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and He poured this out which you both see and hear (now). For David did not ascend to the heavens. But he says "The Lord said to my Lord. Sit on my right until I make your enemies into your footstool. Assuredly therefore let all the house of Israel know that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. And hearing this they were stung to their hearts and said to Peter and the remaining apostles. What may we do brothers? Peter said to them. Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ with a view to the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise and to your children and to those far away - as many as our Lord and God calls to himself. And with many other words he gave solemn witness and exhorted the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise and to your children and to those far away - as many as our Lord and God calls to himself. And with many other words he gave solemn witness and exhorted Israel know that God made him both Lord and Christ - this Jesus whom you crucified." And hearing this they were stung in their heart. They said to Peter and the remaining apostles. �What may we do brethren?� Peter said to them "Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ with a view to forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise and to your children and to those far away - as many as our Lord and God calls to himself. And with many other words he gave solemn witness and exhorted them saying "Let this perverse generation be saved." Those therefore who welcomed his word were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the loaf and in the prayers. Everyone was fearful. and many wonders and signs happened through the apostles. All those who believed came together and owned everything in common. They sold properties and possessions and distributed (the money) to all, according to anyone's need. From day to day they continued steadfastly with one mind, in the temple and going from house to house to break bread. They shared food in gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all people. The Lord added people from day to day to the ones who were being saved.
4. Cure of lame man Ch 3:1-4:4
3:1-4:4 It happened Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer which is the ninth hour (3 p.m.). A certain man who had been lame from birth was being carried. They used to put him each day at the door of the temple which was called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who went into the temple. Seeing that Peter and John were about to go into the temple he asked them for some alms. Looking at him with John beside him, Peter said to him "Look at us." He paid attention to him expecting to receive something from them. Peter said "I do not have silver and gold. But what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk." And taking him by the right hand he raised him up. At once (the man's) feet and ankle-bones were made firm. Leaping up he stood and walked. He went into the temple with them walking and jumping and praising God. All the people (there) saw him walking and praising God. They recognised him - that this was the man who would sit asking for alms at himself. And with many other words he gave solemn witness and exhorted them saying "Let this perverse generation be saved." Those therefore who welcomed his word were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the loaf and in the prayers. Everyone was fearful. and many wonders and signs happened through the apostles. All those who believed came together and owned everything in common. They sold properties and possessions and distributed (the money) to all, according to anyone's need. From day to day they continued steadfastly with one mind, in the temple and going from house to house to break bread. They shared food in gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all people. The Lord added people from day to day to the ones who were being saved. the Beautiful gate of the temple. They were filled with amazement and bewilderment at what had happened to him. As he was attached to Peter and John all the people ran together at the porch of Solomon greatly amazed. And seeing (them) Peter answered the people. "Fellow Israelites why do you marvel at this man or at us. Why do you look (as if it is) by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you delivered and denied in the presence of Pilate when he had decided to release him. You denied the holy and just one and asked that a murderer be granted to you (instead). And the Author of life, you killed. (This is he) whom God raised from the dead and which we witnessed. (It was) faith in the name of him (Jesus) that this man that you see and know has been made firm (in his feet.). It is faith in the name of (Jesus) and through him that gave (this man) firmness of foot and (this is evidence) before all of you. And now brothers. I know that it was because of ignorance that you acted (c/f denying Jesus) and it was also (because of) your rulers. But God fore announced through the mouth of all the prophets that his Christ was to suffer. And this was fulfilled in this way. Repent therefore and turn that your sins may be wiped away. This is so that refreshing times may come upon you from the presence of the Lord and that he may send the fore appointed Christ Jesus for you. It behoved heaven to receive (him) until the times of restitution of all the things of which God spoke through the mouth of the holy prophets. Indeed Moses said "A prophet will be raised up for you from amongst (you) as he (raised up) myself. You shall hear him according to everything he may speak to you. Every soul who does not listen to that prophet will be cast out from the people. Also all the prophets from Samuel and those who came after him announced these days (which are now here). You are the sons of the prophets and the covenant which God made with our fathers. God said to Abraham "You will be blessed in your seed and (through your seed) all the families of the earth (will be blessed). . God on having raised up his servant sent him to you as a blessing to help each one of you to turn away from your sins." 4:1-4 While they were still speaking to the people, the priests and the Commandant of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them. They were greatly troubled because in their teaching they (Peter and John) were announcing to the people the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. They had hands laid upon them (Peter and John) and they had them put under guard until the morrow - for it was now evening. But many of those who heard the word, believed and the number of men believing numbered five thousand.
5. Peter's Address Ch 4:4-31
4: 5-31 On the next day the rulers and elders and scribes in Jerusalem assembled. Amongst them were Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and as many as were high priests. Having stood them (Peter, John and the cured man) in their midst they inquired. "By what power or in whose name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said to them: "Rulers of the people and elders. If we today are to be examined on a good deed done to an infirm man, by what power has this man been healed? Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead; it is in this name that this man stands before you whole. This is the stone despised by you the builders and it has become the head corner stone. . c/f Lk 20:17 And we cannot be saved by any other name under heaven which has been given to men." And seeing the boldness of Peter and of John and perceiving that they were unlettered men and laymen, they (the assembly) marvelled. They recongised that (Peter and John) had been with Jesus. They saw the man who had been healed standing with them. They had nothing to say against them. So having ordered them to go outside the council they discussed (this) with one another saying "What can we do to these men? It is indeed a remarkable sign that has happened through them. It is obvious to all those who live in Jerusalem. We cannot deny it. But in case it is talked about (even) more amongst the people let us threaten them not to speak about this name to any one else. And so calling them (back into the assembly) they ordered them not to speak of nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answering said to them. "Should we listen to God or to you? You decide. We cannot fail to speak about what we saw and heard." And so they (the assembly) added more threats and released them. They could not find any way to punish them because of the people and because everyone was praising God about what had happened. The man on whom this sign of a cure had happened of cure was more than forty years old. And so on being released they (Peter and John) went back to their own people and reported what things the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And having heard this they (their own people) lifted up their voice with one mind to God. They said "Master you who have made heaven and earth and the sea and everything in it. You are our Father. Through the Holy Spirit and by the mouth of your servant David you said "Why do the nations rage and people devise vain things? The kings of the earth and its rulers assembled together against the Lord and against his Christ. For in truth in this (very) city there was an assembly (pitted) against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed. Both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the nations (Gentiles) and the peoples of Israel did the things that you fore ordained to happen. And now Lord look at their threats. Give your slaves boldness to speak out your word. Stretch out your hand to cure and allow signs and wonders to happen through the name of your servant Jesus." And, as they were making the request, the place in which they were assembled was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

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