“NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY” (The Book of Acts)

INTRO:

This recording of the early Church was written by Luke. This same Luke wrote the Book of Luke. WE believe that the “Purpose” of this Book is to SHOW US WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE HOLY GHOST MAKES. There is no “Power” in the flesh. Without the Holy Ghost then the Church could not have become the Church nor could it last.

Luke is the ONLY Non-Jewish writer of the Books of the New Testament. Luke was a Gentile. The first twelve chapters are mainly about the Apostle Peter and the remaining chapters are mainly about the Apostle Paul.

Everyone usually has a “specific event” in their lives that either makes them or breaks them in their lives. In the book of Luke we can see these certain events of Peter and Paul. THEY CHOSE CHRIST AND THE EARLY CHURCH. THEY KNEW THAT THIS TIME IN THEIR LIVES WAS THE BEGINNING OF GOD’S CHURCH AND THEY HAD PEACE THROUGH ALL THE TURMOILS THEY FACED.

God is a God of the second chance. Paul got his on the road to Damascus. WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR SECOND CHANCE?

I,) THE APPLICATION OF THE BOOK OF ACTS:

The Church has three main functions:

Preaching God’s word.

2Ti 4:1  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Ti 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2Ti 4:5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Fellowship:

When a lost person was in the world they ran with a certain crowd of others that are lost. The Church gives that one who is saved a place of common ground, of comradery. A place to be with others who were once out in the world.

Act 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Worship:

Worship that is personal, one on one with the Almighty God. The Church is not just a place to “show up” and certainly not a place to “show out” but a place that no matter the size that you can relate to God, one on one.

Act 24:14  But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
Act 24:15  And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Act 24:16  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

   1.) The Book of Acts TEACHES WHAT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH SHOULD PROVIDE:

Act 5:42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

   2.) The Book of Acts TEACHES HOW MISSION WORK IS TO BE DONE:

Act 13:2  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, [the Holy Ghost said, Separate me] Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Act 13:3  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Act 13:4  So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

A missionary must be called and separated for the work by the Holy Ghost.

Rom 10:15  And how shall they preach, [except they be sent]? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Act 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: [for he is a chosen vessel unto me], to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Heb 5:4  [And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God], as was Aaron.

   3.) The Book of Acts TEACHES AND PROVES THAT “CHRISTIANS” ARE NOT PERFECT:

Act 12:25  And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, [and took with them John, whose surname was Mark].

A young man wanting to be a missionary.

Act 13:5  And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and [they had also John to their minister].

He was on the very first missionary trip.

Act 13:8  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

He saw that this work was no picnic.(Missionary trips are not vacations)

Act 13:13  Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: [and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem].

He quit the ministry.

Act 15:37  And Barnabas determined to take with [them John, whose surname was Mark].
Act 15:38  But [Paul thought not good to take him with them], who departed from them from Pamphylia, and [went not with them to the work].
Act 15:39  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
Act 15:40  And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

He later wanted to return to the field and did causing great conflict between Paul and Barnabas. Notice neither of these great men left the ministry but continued in the work of God. God always knows best.

Later we have these words of the Apostle Paul.

Col 4:10  Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and [Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)]

Phm 1:23  There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
Phm 1:24  [Marcus], Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

2Ti 4:11  Only Luke is with me. [Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry].

We can see that Mark was now profitable to the ministry.

1Pe 5:13  The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth [Marcus my son].

We can see the Apostle Peter, who must have led Mark to the Lord, was very close to him.

NONE OF US ARE PERFECT AND WE WILL NOT BE UNTIL THIS DAY:

1Jn 3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: [but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is].
1Jn 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

   4.) The Book of Acts TEACHES US THE QUALIFICATIONS OF CHURCH LEADERS:

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Act 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, [look ye out among] you seven men of honest report, [full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom], whom we may appoint over this business.

We must be examples to this lost and dying world.

2Co 3:2  Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
2Co 3:3  Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
2Co 3:4  And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
2Co 3:5  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
2Co 3:6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Jesus is our example:

Joh 13:15  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

We should follow in His footsteps:

Act 11:23  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, [that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord].

Act 13:43  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, [persuaded them to continue in the grace of God].

II.) THE OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ACTS:

   1.) The Promise of the Holy Spirit:

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and [ye shall be witnesses unto me both in (Jerusalem), and in all (Judaea), and in (Samaria), and unto (the uttermost part of the earth]).

Home, Nation, the adjacent Nations and the entire World.

Act 2:2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4  And [they were all filled with the Holy Ghost], and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Act 4:31  And when [they had prayed], the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and [they were all filled with the Holy Ghost], and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Act 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Act 4:33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

“THE HOLY GHOST IS GIVEN TO US FOR OUR EMPLOYMENT AND NOT FOR OUR ENJOYMENT.”

   2.) A replacement for Judas:[Chapter 1:15-26]

Joh 6:70  Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Joh 6:71  He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Joh 12:4  Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,

Joh 18:1  When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
Joh 18:2  And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
Joh 18:3  Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Mat 27:3  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5  And [he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself].
Mat 27:6  And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
Mat 27:7  And they took counsel, and [bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in].

Act 1:16  Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Act 1:17  For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Act 1:18  Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and [falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out].

Judas committed “Suicide”.

Act 1:25  That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, [that he might go to his own place].

Act 1:19  And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, [The field of blood].

TIME TO CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE:

Act 1:20  For it is written in the book of Psalms, [Let his habitation be desolate], and let no man dwell therein: and [his bishoprick let another take].
Act 1:21  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Act 1:22  Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Act 1:23  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Act 1:24  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Act 1:25  That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Act 1:26  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

   3.) The Book of Acts tells us of the “Jerusalem Experiences”: [Chapters 2-6]

(Things that happened in Jerusalem)

God still works Miracles!
There will be “Opposition” from Satan’s crowd!
There will be MARTYRS!

   4.) The Book of Acts tells us the “Samaritan Experiences”: [Chapter 8]

   5.) The “CONVERSION” of SAUL: [Chapter 9]

Act 9:1  And Saul, yet [breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord], went unto the high priest,
Act 9:2  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Act 9:3  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Act 9:4  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Act 9:5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Act 9:6  And he trembling and astonished said, [Lord, what wilt thou have me to do]? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Act 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for [he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel]:
Act 9:16  [For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake].

   6.) The Book of Acts tells us of the Missionary Journey’s: [Chapters 13-28]

Act 2:2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Act 2:5  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Act 2:6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, [because that every man heard them speak in his own language].

     A.) (1st journey) They went to Cyprus, Perga, Lystra, and Derbe.

     B.) (2nd journey) They went to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth and back to Antioch.

     C.) (3rd Journey) They went to Ephesus and then to Jerusalem.

Mat 9:35  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

OUR JOB IS STILL TO GET THE GOSPEL OUT TO THE PEOPLE!

III.) WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF THE BOOK OF ACTS?:

   1.) We are nothing without the Holy Ghost.

Act 1:4  And, being assembled together with them, commanded them [that they should not depart] from Jerusalem, [but wait for the promise of the Father], which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Act 1:5  For John truly baptized with water; but [ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence].

   2.) The importance of Godly fellowship.

Act 2:46  And they, [continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart],
Act 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. [And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved].

Act 5:42  [And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ].

   3.) There will be “triumphs” and “tragedies”.

a triumph:

Act 3:2  And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Act 3:3  Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
Act 3:4  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Act 3:5  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
Act 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Act 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Act 3:8  [And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God].

a tragedy:

Act 5:1  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
Act 5:2  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Act 5:3  But Peter said, Ananias, [why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost], and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Act 5:4  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Act 5:5  And [Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost]: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
Act 5:6  And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
Act 5:7  And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
Act 5:8  And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
Act 5:9  Then Peter said unto her, [How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord]? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
Act 5:10  [Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost]: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
Act 5:11  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

   4.) You will be hated by the Lost World.

Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Joh 15:21  But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Joh 15:22  If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

Rom 12:14  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

   5.) GOD CAN SAVE EVEN THE WORSE SINNER!

1Ti 1:12  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
1Ti 1:13  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1Ti 1:14  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; [of whom I am chief].

IT’S NOT WHERE I HAVE BEEN THAT IS IMPORTANT, NO, IT IS ONLY IMPORTANT WHERE I AM GOING NOW, TO HEAVEN!

   6.) THE BOOK OF ACTS “PROVES” THE POWER OF PRAYER!

Act 12:1  Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Act 12:2  And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Act 12:3  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, [he proceeded further to take Peter also]. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Act 12:4  And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
Act 12:5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: [but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him].

(the Church was praying without ceasing)

Act 12:6  And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

(notice the peace of mind Peter had, Locked up in prison to be executed but sound asleep)

Act 12:7  And, behold, [the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands].

(the angel of God had to wake Peter up and just look at the miracles, the chains fell)
 
Act 12:8  And the angel said unto him, [Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me].

(Put those clothes on we got to go)

Act 12:9  And he went out, and followed him; and [wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision].

(even Peter could not believe what was happening)

Act 12:10  When they were past the first and the second ward, [they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord]: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

( just like at the grocery store those doors swung open)
 
Act 12:11  [And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews].

(Peter had not yet fulfilled his purpose)

Act 12:12  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; [where many were gathered together praying].

THE POWER OF PRAYER!

Act 12:13  And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
Act 12:14  And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
Act 12:15  And they said unto her, [Thou art mad]. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

EVEN THOSE PRAYING COULD NOT BELIEVE THE POWER OF PRAYER!

Act 12:16  But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!

Act 12:17  But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
Act 12:18  Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

GOD’S POWER JUST CAUSES THE LOST TO BE CONFUSED!

Joh 14:13  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Psa 2:2  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3  Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Psa 2:4  He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psa 2:5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Psa 59:8  But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
Psa 59:9  Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.

   7.) JUST A FEW GENUINE BELIEVERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THOSE FEW IN THE BOOK OF ACTS HAVE CHANGED THE “ENTIRE WORLD”.

1Co 3:7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1Co 3:8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
1Co 3:9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
1Co 3:10  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1Co 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Are you in a Bible Believing Church?

Amen