Introduction In verse 14 we read that Paul and Barnabas travelled to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath Day they went into the synagogue to join the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in their weekly service of worship. After the reading of God's word, the synagogue rulers invited them to address the congregation and to preach the … Continue reading Acts 13(38–52) →

Introduction We noted the last time that the end of chapter 12 is really the end of the first half of the book of Acts. Chapters 1 to 12 focus on Jerusalem and on the Apostle Peter. But from chapter 13 on, the focus is on the Apostle Paul and his mission to the Gentiles. … Continue reading Acts 13(13–37) →

Introduction Last week we were thinking about Peter's miraculous escape from prison. In the middle of the night, an angel appeared to him and told him to get up. His chains fell off and they were able to walk out of the prison, without the guards noticing a thing. The large iron gate at the … Continue reading Acts 13(01–12) →

Introduction Last week we were looking at verses 19 to 30 of Acts 11 and the planting of the church in Antioch. First of all, some believers, scattered because of the persecution, ended up in Antioch and proclaimed the good news of the Lord Jesus to Greek-speaking Gentiles. A great many believed and turned to … Continue reading Acts 12(01–25) →

Introduction In chapter 1 of the book of Acts, we read how the Lord ascended back to heaven, leaving the Apostles to chose someone else to replace Judas who had killed himself. And then in chapter 2 we read what happened on the Day of Pentecost. On that day, the Lord's disciples were filled with … Continue reading Acts 11(19–30) →

Introduction In chapter 1 of the book of Acts, we read how the Lord ascended back to heaven, leaving the Apostles to chose someone else to replace Judas who had killed himself. And then in chapter 2 we read what happened on the Day of Pentecost. On that day, the Lord's disciples were filled with … Continue reading Acts 11(01–18) →

Introduction On the Day of Pentecost, the Lord's disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. And when a crowd gathered to see what was happening, Peter explained that the Risen and Ascended Lord Jesus Christ had sent his Spirit upon them in order to fulfil the promise God had made through the OT prophet Joel … Continue reading Acts 10(34–48) →

Introduction On the Day of Pentecost, which we read about in Acts 2, the Lord Jesus, from his throne in heaven, poured out his Spirit on the believers in Jerusalem. And afterwards, to explain what had happened, Peter quoted from the Old Testament prophet Joel: In the last days, God says, I will pour out … Continue reading Acts 10(01–33) →

Summary: Opening We've been working our way through the book of Acts for several weeks now. This is, in fact, the 17th study on this book. And, in case there are some who have missed the previous 16 studies, let me summarise briefly what we've seen already. The book began with the Lord instructing his … Continue reading Acts 09(32–43) →

Introduction Acts 9 verse 31, which we'll get to in a few minutes, marks the end of a major section of the book of Acts which began in chapter 6 and verse 8. Up until Acts 6:8 the focus was on what was happening in Jerusalem. So, we had the Lord's ascension; the Day of … Continue reading Acts 09(19b–31) →