## Introduction to the Book of Acts - The book of Acts is considered as Volume 2 of Luke, and it is part of a two-unit study, with the first unit covering the historical narratives of the [[New Testament]], which includes five books that open the New Testament, similar to the five books of Moses that open the [[Old Testament]] [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=10s). - The [[Gospel | gospels]] are designed to have distinct points of view, with Luke focusing on [[Jesus]] as the son of man, emphasizing his humanity, and writing to the [[Greek language | Greek]], while also setting up a sequel with the book of Acts, which is about the promise of [[Holy Spirit | the Holy Spirit]] [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=42s). - Luke's gospel is followed by the book of Acts, which is considered by many to be the [[Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles | Acts of the Holy Spirit]], rather than the [[Acts of the Apostles]], as the Holy Spirit is very active in the book of Acts, and its mission is described in [[John 16]] [(00:01:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=111s). - The Holy Spirit's role is to guide and teach, and it does not speak of itself, but rather speaks of Jesus Christ, and its presence is exclusive, meaning that Jesus had to ascend before the Holy Spirit could be center stage in the book of Acts [(00:02:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=146s). ## The Holy Spirit in Acts - The book of Acts features the stories of only two Apostles, Peter and Paul, as well as a deacon named Philip, who are prominent in the book, and the title "The Acts of the Apostles" may be considered unfortunate because it does not accurately reflect the content of the book [(00:03:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=233s). - [[Holy Spirit | The Holy Spirit]] is described in [[John 14]] as the [[Comforter]], who will teach and bring to remembrance all things that [[Jesus]] said, and in John 16, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will guide to all truth and show things to come, but the Holy Spirit does not speak of itself [(00:01:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=119s). - The Holy Spirit is often represented as the unnamed servant in [[Old Testament]] and [[New Testament]] types, and its role is not to emphasize itself, but rather to emphasize Jesus Christ, and this is an important aspect to keep in mind when reading the book of Acts [(00:02:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=161s). ## Structure and Overview of Acts - The book of Acts covers the first 40 years of the church, but it does not finish the story, as it is followed by the [[Book of Revelation]], which covers the next 2000 years, and the church is still in process [(00:04:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=272s). - The book of Acts will be divided into two units, with the first unit covering the first 12 chapters, where Peter and Philip will be prominent, and the second unit covering the rest of the book, where Paul will dominate from chapter 13 to 28 [(00:04:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=250s). - Chapter one of the book of Acts will cover the [[Ascension of Jesus | Ascension]] and the apostles' marching orders, while chapter two will cover the event of Pentecost, the [[Pentecost | Feast of Pentecost]], and the gift of [[Holy Spirit | the Holy Spirit]], which will give rise to Peter's first sermon [(00:05:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=304s). - The subsequent chapters will cover various events, including the healing of a lame man, Peter's second sermon, Peter's address to the [[Sanhedrin]], the story of Ananias and Sapphira, the appointment of the first deacons, and the third persecution [(00:05:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=332s). - Chapter 7 will feature Stephen's address to the Sanhedrin, where he reviews the whole [[Old Testament]] and reveals new insights with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit [(00:05:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=359s). - The second part of the book of Acts will focus on Paul, covering his first missionary journey, the council in [[Jerusalem]], his second and third missionary journeys, and his appeals to [[Rome]] [(00:06:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=402s). ## Authorship and Accuracy of Acts - The book of Acts was written by Luke, who was chosen by [[Holy Spirit | the Holy Spirit]], and his [[Greek language | Greek]] is considered the highest in the [[New Testament]], with extremely complex and elegant grammar [(00:07:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=469s). - William Ramsey set out to disprove Luke, but after extensive research, he discovered that Luke had not made one historical inaccuracy, demonstrating the most complete accuracy, [(00:08:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=492s) ## Purpose and Themes of Acts - The purpose of Luke's writing in Acts was to show how it is God's intention for His Millennial Kingdom to include a population of Believers taken from [[Jews]] and [[Gentile | Gentiles]] during this age, with Peter ministering to the circumcised and Paul to the Gentiles, [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=508s) - The book of Acts contains about seven progress reports, including the Lord adding to the number of believers daily, as stated in chapter two, verse, which emphasizes that it is the Lord's job to build the church, [(00:09:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=542s) - The progress reports are spread throughout the book, including chapters six, nine, 16, and 19, which detail the growth and strengthening of the churches, [(00:09:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=564s) ## Luke's Two Volumes and Theophilus - Luke's writing is divided into two volumes, with the [[Gospel of Luke]] being volume one and Acts being volume two, addressed to [[Theophilus (biblical) | Theophilus]], whose name means lover of [[God]], [(00:10:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=607s) - Theophilus is believed to have been a wealthy and influential man residing in [[Antioch]], who dedicated his palace to the preaching of the [[Gospel]], and may have been a patron to Luke, [(00:11:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=667s) - Luke's writing style in Acts is more intimate with Theophilus than in the Gospel, leading some scholars to speculate that Theophilus may have become a believer after reading the first volume, [(00:10:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=651s) - Some scholars speculate that the books of Luke and Acts were trial documents, and it is believed that Theophilus was the sponsor for these documents, which provided the legal background for Paul's appeal to Caesar [(00:12:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=738s). - The books of Luke and Acts portray the [[Epistle to the Romans | Romans]] as the "good guys" and the [[Jews]] as the troublemakers, causing uprisings and giving the early [[Christianity | Christian]] Church a hard time, which would have been a concern for the Roman mind [(00:12:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=740s). - The book of Acts does not include the phrase "most excellent" before Theophilus' name, suggesting that Theophilus may have become a believer and more intimate with Luke by then [(00:13:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=801s). ## Key Themes and Transitions in Acts - The subject of the book of Acts is [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], with [[Holy Spirit | the Holy Spirit]] playing a prominent role in bearing testimony to Jesus of Nazareth, and the book's focus is on Jesus Christ [(00:13:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=826s). - The book of Acts is a transition between the kingdom message, which was rejected by [[Israel]], and the church, which was born as a result, and it tells the story of how God's promise to all flesh is fulfilled [(00:14:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=853s). - It is important not to assume that the promises of [[God]] to Israel were forfeited, as this is a heresy known as replacement theology, and instead, one should understand that these promises are yet to be fulfilled [(00:14:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=878s). - The book of Acts is also a transition from the kingdom to the church, while the [[Book of Revelation | book of Revelation]] is a transition from the church back to the kingdom, with both books serving as bridges that echo each other [(00:14:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=897s). ## Jesus' Ascension and Post-Resurrection Ministry - The book of Acts describes Jesus' [[Ascension of Jesus | ascension]] and the commands he gave to the apostles through the [[Holy Spirit | Holy Ghost]], which will be a focus of study, and it also mentions [[Jesus]] showing himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs [(00:15:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=932s). - The period of 40 days between Jesus' resurrection and Ascension is the only time mentioned in [[Bible | the Bible]], during which Jesus had several events and appearances, including the establishment of the Kingdom, and this period is significant as it focuses on Jesus Christ and the [[Kingdom of God (Christianity) | Kingdom of God]] [(00:16:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=967s). - There are 10 recorded appearances of Jesus after the resurrection, and his post-resurrection ministry has a significant bearing on the lives of Christians today, even more so than his three-year ministry recorded in the [[Gospel | Gospels]] [(00:16:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1017s). - Jesus' resurrection has a greater impact on Christians than any other fact in the Gospels, and it is essential to understand that Jesus is now in glory and is real, as summarized by [[J. Vernon McGee | J Vernon McGee]] [(00:17:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1046s). ## Waiting for the Promise of the Holy Spirit - The disciples were instructed to wait in [[Jerusalem]] for the promise of the Father, which is [[Holy Spirit | the Holy Spirit]], and they were to tarry until they received this promise [(00:17:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1072s). - [[Jesus]], as a man, was constrained to be in one place at a time, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, he is now free from this restraint, and this will be manifest in the book of Acts [(00:18:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1097s). ## The Holy Spirit and the Church - The Holy Spirit is seen throughout the [[Old Testament]] and is sent in a unique way to the church, as noted by Jesus and explained in Paul's letters, and this uniqueness of privilege is a crucial aspect of the church period [(00:18:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1127s). - The church period, which starts in Acts chapter 2 and finishes at the Rapture, is characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, and for a complete study of this topic, it is recommended to look at a briefing pack on the Trinity [(00:19:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1150s). - [[John the Baptist]] baptized with water, but Jesus promised that the disciples would be baptized with the [[Holy Spirit | Holy Ghost]], which would occur in a few days, exactly 10 days, at the [[Pentecost | Feast of Pentecost]] [(00:19:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1166s). - The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a significant event that will be discussed further, and it is the baptism that places a believer into the body of believers, also referred to as the church, which is the mystical body of Christ, not a physical building [(00:19:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1184s). - The term "church" should be used carefully to signify the body of believers, and it is essential to be precise with the use of this word to avoid confusion with a physical building [(00:20:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1215s). - John had predicted a spirit baptism by the Lord [[Jesus]], and Jesus would join his followers to himself by the Holy Spirit, which is a distinction from John's water baptism [(00:20:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1227s). - The word "baptized" means to be united with, and Jesus would unite his followers with himself by the Holy Spirit, which is a concept that will be explored further [(00:20:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1241s). ## The Kingdom of Israel and Its Restoration - The disciples asked Jesus if he would restore the kingdom to [[Israel]], which is a legitimate question based on [[Old Testament]] promises, and this question shows that they did not know his plans nor were they equipped for what was coming [(00:21:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1277s). - Jesus taught about the coming of an earthly, literal kingdom throughout the [[Gospel | gospels]], and the reality of this kingdom is a major truth that needs to be understood, especially when praying "thy kingdom come" in the [[Lord's Prayer]] [(00:21:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1316s). - The concept of the [[Kingdom of God (Christianity) | kingdom of God]] is mentioned frequently in the [[New Testament]], including 33 times in Luke's gospel, and it is essential to understand this concept as it relates to the kingdom of Heaven and the earthly kingdom [(00:23:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1387s). - The book of Acts will explore the concept of the kingdom further, including a major council in [[Jerusalem]] where James quotes [[Amos 9]]:11, which points to the rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David, a palace of a king [(00:22:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1368s). - The concept of exclusionary truth is cautioned against, where people use a passage in [[Bible | the Bible]] to exclude other portions of scripture, and many heresies take this form, as all scripture is given by inspiration of [[God]] and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and instruction, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 [(00:23:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1412s). - [[Jesus]] quotes a passage in Matthew 4:4, stating that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, emphasizing the importance of considering all of God's truth, and Paul tells us in [[Epistle to the Romans | Romans]] 15:4 that whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning [(00:23:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1438s). - A prevalent heresy in today's contemporary church is replacement theology, which claims that the church has replaced [[Israel]], but this is incorrect as the church and Israel have different origins, missions, and destinies, and God has a distinct destiny for both [(00:24:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1481s). - Another viewpoint, called hyper dispensationalism, teaches that everything in the [[Gospel | Gospels]] was given to unbelieving [[Jews]] and that the [[Christianity | Christian]] church was born in Acts chapter 2, with only the Epistles being relevant to [[Gentile]] Christians, but this viewpoint can lead to a narrow and limited understanding of God's truth [(00:25:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1507s). - Jesus' response to the question of setting up the kingdom is that it is not for us to know the times or seasons, which the Father has put in His own power, but this does not mean that He will not set up the kingdom, and many people miss this crucial point [(00:25:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1546s). - The concept of not knowing the timing of certain events is also seen in [[Matthew 24]] and [[Mark 13]], where Jesus states that no man knows the day or hour, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father, implying that there is something that the Father knows that the Son does not, at least at that particular time [(00:26:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1578s). - The [[Kingdom of Israel (united monarchy) | Kingdom of Israel]] was not canceled by Jesus, but the issue is the timing of the event, and there are promises to Israel that are yet to be fulfilled, with Jesus yet to sit on David's throne [(00:27:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1646s). - [[Jesus]] and his disciples were initially sent to Israel, specifically in [[Matthew 10]], and not to the Gentiles, but this mission is about to change, with a new mission to [[Jerusalem]], Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the world [(00:27:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1663s). - The kingdom message was initially aimed at [[Israel]], but because they rejected it, Israel has been set aside for a while, with the duration specified in [[Epistle to the Romans | Romans]] 11:25 [(00:28:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1689s). - The Book of Acts serves as a transition between the kingdom message in the [[Gospel | Gospels]] and the message directed to the church, with the [[Book of Revelation]] marking the transition from the church to the ushering in of the Kingdom [(00:28:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1708s). ## The Disciples' Marching Orders and Witnessing - Jesus gave the disciples marching orders in Acts 1:8, instructing them to receive power from the [[Holy Spirit | Holy Ghost]] and be witnesses to him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the outermost parts of the earth [(00:28:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1725s). - The book of Acts can be outlined based on the four levels of reach mentioned in Acts 1:8, with [[Jerusalem]] and Judea covered in chapters 1-7, Samaria in chapters 8-12, and the outermost parts of the earth in chapters 13-28 [(00:29:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1757s). - The role of a witness is to be evidence, credentials, and arguments for [[Jesus]], and not to win souls for Christ, which is the job of the Holy Spirit [(00:29:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1797s). - The story of Acts will unfold with the martyrdom of Stephen, the scattering of saints, the conversion of Saul to Paul, and the spread of the [[Gospel]] to various regions, including [[Rome]] [(00:30:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1823s). ## Jesus' Ascension and the Two Men in White Apparel - Jesus' [[Ascension of Jesus | ascension]] is described in verse 9, where he was taken up and a cloud received him out of sight, after speaking to the disciples [(00:31:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1862s). - The Ascension of Jesus is described as an event where He was taken up in a cloud, which is believed to be the Shekinah, the cloud of God's glory, and not an atmospheric cloud, receiving Him out of their sight [(00:31:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1869s). - The cloud that received [[Jesus]] is a special kind of cloud that is seen throughout scripture, and it is described in the [[Greek language | Greek]] as the second heir, active indicative, which literally means it took Him under, supporting Him in glory [(00:31:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1915s). - The event of the Ascension is seen as a trans-dimensional event, where Jesus did not just move away physically, but left this whole dimension, and this is supported by the fact that the cloud bore Him away from the eyes of the disciples [(00:32:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1948s). - After Jesus ascended, two men stood by the disciples in white apparel, and it is speculated that these men might be Moses and [[Elijah]], who also appeared in [[Matthew 17]] and possibly in Genesis 18 and Revelation 11 [(00:32:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=1979s). - The two men told the disciples that Jesus would come back in the same manner as they saw Him go into heaven, which gives a clue about His return and assures that Jesus will always be in heaven as their personal friend and savior [(00:33:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2028s). ## The Significance of Jesus' Ascension - The prophecy of Jesus' return is interesting because it states that He will come back in a cloud, and when His foot touches the [[Mount of Olives]], there will be an earthquake, and the Mount of Olives will split in two, as described in [[Zechariah (Hebrew prophet) | Zechariah]] 14 [(00:34:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2060s). - The event of the [[Ascension of Jesus | Ascension]] is important because it shows that [[Jesus]] passed through the heavens with a real glorified human body, which is a truth that is attacked by higher critics today [(00:34:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2095s). - [[Bible | The Bible]] describes Jesus as a body of flesh and bones, and after his ascension, he sat down on the throne of [[God]], which is a staggering implication, and this fact is denied by many, striking at the foundation of the [[Gospel]] and salvation [(00:35:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2100s). - The Incarnation of Christ, where God became man and dwelt among us, is one of two incredible miracles discovered in the Bible, with the other being the fact that a man is now on the throne of God, representing humanity [(00:35:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2118s). - The denial of Jesus' ascension and his current position on the throne of God has significant implications for the Gospel and salvation, and it is essential to understand that Christians worship a resurrected Christ, not a crucified one, which emphasizes death [(00:35:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2147s). - The ascension of Jesus is a crucial event that validated his sacrifice and gift of salvation, and it is essential to recognize that there is a man, Jesus, currently on the throne of the universe, which will be discussed further in chapter 8 of Acts [(00:35:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2158s). ## The Second Coming and the Disciples' Return to Jerusalem - The second coming of the Lord is also known as the Blessed hope, where [[Jesus]] will establish his rule on Earth, and when he comes, his saints will accompany him, which is a key point mentioned in [[Epistle to the Colossians | Colossians]], [[First Epistle to the Thessalonians | 1st Thessalonians]], and [[Second Epistle to the Thessalonians | 2nd Thessalonians]] [(00:36:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2208s). - The disciples returned to [[Jerusalem]] from [[Mount of Olives | Mount Olivet]], which is about a [[Shabbat | Sabbath]] day's journey, approximately 3000 feet or half a mile, and they gathered in an upper room, where they would often meet, as upper rooms were typically larger than lower rooms [(00:37:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2245s). - The upper room where the disciples gathered was likely a large space, as upper rooms were often used for meetings, and the disciples listed include Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, Simon Zelotus, and Judas the brother of James, with Bartholomew possibly being another name for Nathaniel [(00:37:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2267s). ## The Gathering of the Disciples and the Twelve Apostles - The names Bartholomew and Nathaniel are likely referring to the same person, and there are other subtleties to consider when examining the text [(00:38:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2327s). - Philip, mentioned in the text, is not the Philip that will be discussed in later chapters, but rather a different Philip who is a deacon, not [[Philip the Apostle]] [(00:38:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2335s). - Thomas, one of the apostles, is known for being instrumental throughout [[India]], and the fact that some apostles are not mentioned much in the book of Acts does not indicate a lack of productivity [(00:39:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2360s). - The apostles, including the women and Jesus' mother and brethren, continued in one accord in prayer and supplication, and it is noted that Jesus' brothers, James and [[Jude the Apostle | Jude]], did not believe in him until after his resurrection [(00:39:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2387s). ## Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Prayer - [[Mary, mother of Jesus | Mary]], Jesus' mother, is present and praying with the apostles, and it is important to note that they are praying to the Father, not to Mary, and that her reputation has been cleared as it is now obvious that [[Jesus]] was the son of [[God]] and virgin born [(00:40:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2443s). - Mary is one of several women with that name mentioned in the text, and this is one of the last mentions of her in the book, with the exception of a letter written to her by John, and it is unfortunate that some groups have deified her, which would be embarrassing and blasphemous to her [(00:41:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2478s). ## The Location of Pentecost and Peter's Reinstatement - Scholars are divided on the location of the events of the next chapter, with some believing it took place in the upper room and others believing it happened in a different location [(00:42:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2528s). - The event of 3,000 people getting saved, as mentioned in the next chapter, is believed by some to have occurred in the temple, not in the upper room, with different scholars having varying views on this topic [(00:42:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2545s). - Peter stood up among the disciples, which consisted of about 120 people, and his status may be surprising given that he was separated from the disciples after the resurrection, but was later reinstated by [[Jesus]] at the breakfast by the sea in [[John 21]] [(00:42:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2568s). ## Judas's Betrayal and Replacement - Peter quoted scripture that must have been fulfilled, specifically regarding Judas, who was the guide for those who took Jesus, and this scripture is from [[Psalm 69]] and [[Psalm 109]] [(00:43:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2614s). - Judas was numbered among the disciples and had obtained a part of the ministry, but he purchased a field with the reward of iniquity, which is believed to be the Potter's field, and his death is described in graphic detail [(00:44:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2641s). - The prophecy of [[Zechariah (Hebrew prophet) | Zechariah]] 11 predicted the betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver and that the money would end up in the hands of the potter, and Jesus said it would have been better for Judas if he had not been born [(00:44:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2679s). - The field where Judas died is called the "field of blood" in [[Aramaic]], due to the blood money used to purchase it and the event that occurred there, and it is also where Jesus' blood was spilled when he fell after hanging himself [(00:44:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2696s). - Peter argued that Judas's place among the group should be filled, quoting from Psalm 69 and Psalm 109, and specifically from the [[Greek language | Greek]] [[Septuagint]] version of the [[Old Testament]], because the group was supposed to consist of 12 people, not 11 [(00:45:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2756s). - [[Jesus]] himself pointed out that there are 12 thrones for the [[Apostles in the New Testament | Twelve Apostles]] to judge the 12 tribes of [[Israel]], and with Judas out of the picture, Peter suggests replacing his spot, indicating that the number 12 is anticipated [(00:46:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2776s). ## Choosing a Replacement for Judas - Peter sets up criteria for the replacement, stating that the person should have been with them all these years, from the baptism of John to the day Jesus was taken up, and must be a witness to his resurrection [(00:46:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2808s). - The criteria limit the candidates to a small group of people who fit the bill, and they appoint two candidates, Joseph called [[Joseph Barsabbas | Barsabbas]], who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias, before praying to determine which one should be chosen [(00:47:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2836s). - The prayer asks [[God]] to show them which of the two candidates he has chosen, and after the prayer, they proceed with the selection process, with the lot falling upon Matthias, who is then numbered with the 11 apostles [(00:47:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2856s). - The use of lots to make decisions is ordained in the [[Old Testament]], as seen in Proverbs 16:33, and is used in various instances, such as the allocation of land to the [[Twelve Tribes communities | Twelve Tribes]] and the identification of the scapegoat on [[Yom Kippur]] [(00:48:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2911s). - Some scholars argue that the selection of Matthias was a mistake, believing that Paul, who was yet to serve and would become a powerful figure in the church, was the one God had appointed to fill Judas's spot [(00:49:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2958s). - These scholars feel that Paul is the 12th Apostle, not Matthias, and that the election was premature, pointing to the fact that in the next chapter, it speaks of the 11 apostles rather than the 12 [(00:49:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2991s). ## Paul's Apostleship and the Twelve Apostles - Paul wrote 14 Epistles, with nine of them starting with a defense of his apostleship, as seen in [[Epistle to the Galatians | Galatians]], [[Epistle to the Romans | Romans]], and the Corinthian letters, establishing himself as a clear apostle, not one of the twelve, but an apostle nonetheless [(00:49:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=2997s). - The Lord had previously breathed on the disciples and given them part of the [[Holy Spirit | Spirit]] in [[John 20]], and in [[Luke 24]], the Lord had opened their minds to understand the scriptures, indicating that they were not lacking in understanding [(00:50:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3022s). - When Peter refers to [[Psalm 69]]:25 and [[Psalm 109]]:8, he is doing so by the leading of the Holy Spirit, which is clearly operative in this situation [(00:50:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3053s). - Paul was clearly appointed to be an apostle to the [[Gentile | Gentiles]], a calling that is repeatedly emphasized throughout the scripture and Paul's own writings, despite his initial desire to minister to the [[Jews]] [(00:51:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3071s). - There are 12 thrones to judge the 12 tribes of [[Israel]], and Paul does not seem to fit into this role for several reasons, including not meeting the qualifications listed in Acts 1, such as being a believer at the time of [[John the Baptist]] and being a personal witness to the Resurrection [(00:51:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3093s). - Paul could not have filled the ranks of the [[Apostles in the New Testament | twelve apostles]] because he did not meet the necessary qualifications, including being baptized by John the Baptist and traveling with the apostles during Jesus' time on Earth [(00:51:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3110s). - Some people believe that Paul was the replacement for Judas, but others argue that Matthias was the correct choice, and Paul had a distinct mission to the Gentiles, with good scholars on both sides of the debate [(00:52:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3147s). - The Twelve Apostles ministered primarily to the 12 tribes of Israel, while Paul was sent to the Gentiles, as stated in his [[Galatians (people) | Galatian]] letter, and both Paul and Peter agree on their respective callings, with Peter ministering to the circumcised and Paul to the uncircumcised [(00:53:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3185s). - Peter and the other believers were in the will of [[God]] when they selected Matthias, and God gave his endorsement to Matthias by empowering him with the same [[Holy Spirit | Spirit]] as the other apostles [(00:53:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3210s). - The 12 men who witnessed at [[Pentecost]] were necessary to represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 men were also prepared to sit on 12 thrones to judge the 12 tribes, but Paul does not fit into this category as he was called by God for a different purpose [(00:53:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3223s). ## Divisions and Structure of the Book of Acts - The book of Acts can be divided into two units, with the first unit covering the events in [[Jerusalem]] until the end of chapter 7, and the second unit starting with the martyrdom of Stephen and the scattering of the saints through Judea and Samaria in chapter 8 [(00:54:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3245s). - The conversion of Saul to Paul in chapter 9 is a pivotal event that takes fruit in chapter 12 and following, and it marks a significant shift in the spread of the [[Gospel]] [(00:54:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3261s). - The spread of the Gospel continues with Peter and Cornelius in [[Caesarea Maritima | Caesarea]] in chapter 10, and with the Greeks in [[Antioch]] in chapter 11, and finally with Paul's world tours, which culminate in his arrest in [[Rome]] at the end of the book [(00:54:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3275s). ## Looking Ahead to Chapter 2 and Peter's Transformation - The next session will cover chapter 2 of the book of Acts, which includes the events that occurred at the [[Pentecost | Feast of Pentecost]], also known as the [[Shavuot | Feast of Weeks]], and Peter's first sermon, which is a surprising and impressive display of the Holy Spirit's work in transforming Peter [(00:55:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3300s). - Peter, who was previously known for his impulsive nature, articulates an elegant and well-ordered sermon, demonstrating the significant transformation that has taken place in him through the work of [[Holy Spirit | the Holy Spirit]] [(00:55:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk&t=3321s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu9GjBg35Qk)