THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 4

Peter and John Arrested and Released, Sharing among Believers.

You are about to read about the ongoing establishment and the earliest practices of the Church. There was no written manual for the Apostles or the early Church to follow. The Apostles would take the teachings and examples of Jesus and live them out. They would go out and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that Jesus had commanded them.

You and I should have received these same teachings and practices to obey and do. If your understanding or your application of these teachings and practices is anything other than what the Bible presents, beware. Some contemporary teachers, preachers and pastors will say, “times, technologies and methods have improved  and therefore some of our practices and ways of “doing Church” and presenting the Gospel have been modified to fit our current day”. Whether by design, out of arrogance or out of ignorance, these are false teachers. Jesus warned of this and tells us to avoid them, call them to account and follow only Jesus.

Peter and John Arrested

Acts 1:1, As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, verse 2, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Verse 3. And they laid hands on them and put them in prison until the next day, for it was already evening. Verse 4. But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

(Commentary Break): There is a lot of detail regarding the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees, and the resurrection from the dead, which I will leave to you, the reader, to discover on your own (or use this link). Our focus  in this commentary is on the fact that they apprehended Peter and John and put them in a prison cell for what singularly appears to be for proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. But you can be certain it had a lot to do with the fact that about five thousand men came to believe. This was alarming to the static religious establishment and a threat to their grip on the hearts and minds of the people, to their status in the community and their livelihood. But this is just the first of many teachings and signs of a new way of life with God that is shaking the Jewish Empire and soon, the entire world.

How are these things with you, your church, and your walk with Jesus? Is there a chance that we have drifted too far from the conditions and the commitment of these early Christians? Is it possible that we are not willing to upset our status quo, just like the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees? Is this the reason for our meager results when we preach the Gospel and proclaim in Jesus the resurrection of the dead? (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; verse 6, and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. Verse 7. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” Verse 8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, verse 9. if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, verse 10, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name this man stands here before you in good health. Verse 11. He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. Verse 12. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”

(Commentary Break): These verses speak for themselves. Verse eleven which speaks of the cornerstone is drawn from Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16, where it is used to describe the Messiah. This cornerstone is not just foundational but also unifying, bringing together Jews and Gentiles into one spiritual house. The use of this metaphor underscores the essential role of Christ in God’s redemptive plan and the futility of any spiritual edifice not built upon Him. Then Peter goes on to simply and powerfully proclaim Jesus as Savior, the Messiah. This is our truth and our example. (End Commentary Break).

Threat and Release

Verse 13. Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. Verse 14. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply.

(Commentary Break): Please take notice. The rulers and elders and scribes along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all whom were of high-priestly descent, observed that Peter and John were uneducated and untrained men, but were amazed because they recognized that their confidence and miracle working power came from having been with Jesus! They were left speechless.

Now-a-day, in the twenty first century, if you aren’t highly educated and trained in one prestigious seminary or another and don’t have a master’s degree or a doctorate in some ministry field, you are marginalized or ignored by most church organziations. Having walked with Jesus your entire life is secondary. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, verse 16, saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. Verse 17. But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let’s warn them not to speak any longer to any person in this name.” Verse 18. And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

(Commentary Break): Even when faced with the truth, the rulers, elders,  scribes and the high priests moved to silence their opposition. Ritual and tradition given priority over the Word and Works of God. Today, there is a global effort through false religions and the world Marxists-Globalist movement to do the same: They command us not to speak or teach at all in the Name of Jesus!

(Many are being threatened in churches even in America today, that if you ever preach salvation through Jesus, alone, or If you preach the Gospel of Jesus in those churches, you will never preach in them again. They have turned away from the Word of God. I know from firsthand experience. I continued to preach sin and salvation, Jesus and the Cross, until I was expelled). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 19. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; verse 20, for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Verse 21. When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; verse 22, for the man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was more than forty years old. Verse 23. When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported everything that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Verse 24. And when they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind and said, “Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THEM, verse 25, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

‘WHY WERE THE NATIONS INSOLENT,

AND THE PEOPLES PLOTTING IN VAIN?

Verse 26. ‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,

AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER

AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’

Verse 27. For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, verse 28, to do whatever Your hand and purpose predestined to occur. Verse 29. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant it to Your bond-servants to speak Your word with all confidence, verse 30, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Verse 31. And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Sharing among Believers

Verse 32. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. Verse 33. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Verse 34. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales verse 35, and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need.

Verse 36. Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), verse 37, owned a tract of land. So he sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

(Commentary Break): Verses 19 through 37 speak for themselves. (You can click here for commentaries. To review all the verses, just scroll verse to verse). But the pattern had been established. The preaching of the Gospel and the unity within the Church, created unparalleled and exponential growth, despite the severe and deadly persecution that followed. (End Commentary Break).

It is very apparent that the Church in the twenty first century is sorely divided, even fractured. But this is part of the Plan of God to perfect His Creation and prepare The Bride of Christ for His return. Like in the early days of the Church, in these Last Days, God will once again allow His Church to go through a period of deception and severe persecution as found in Daniel 12:10, when “Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand”. This is being  and will continue to be accomplished through the increasing intensity of Tribulation Seals ONE through FIVE, (also known as the Birth Pains of the tribulation; see Matthew 24:8), which were inaugurated at or around the time of the Birth of Jesus.

Please pay close attention to what has occurred and will soon occur through the Acts of the Apostles as the demonstrate our way to unity and safety in Christ Jesus!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 3, Healing the Beggar, Peter’s Second Sermon.

NEXT: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira, Imprisonment and Release, Gamaliel’s Counsel.

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THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 3,

Healing the Beggar, Peter’s Second Sermon

These are the Acts of the Apostles. Let’s learn from them and be blessed.

Healing the Beggar

Acts 3:1, Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. Verse 2. And a man who had been unable to walk from birth was being carried, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order for him to beg for charitable gifts from those entering the temple grounds. Verse 3. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple grounds, he began asking to receive a charitable gift. Verse 4. But Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, “Look at us!” Verse 5. And he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Verse 6. But Peter said, “I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!” Verse 7. And grasping him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. Verse 8. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Verse 9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God; verse 10, and they recognized him as being the very one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg for charitable gifts, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

(Commentary Break: The words of this event have to speak for themselves. I find it interesting, however, that the man “who had been unable to walk from birth” was being carried and is referred to as a beggar. This tells me that this poor man was barely capable of helping himself, so others had to help him get to the place where he could help himself, by begging. But it appears that Peter was having none of it. He calls out to the man, “look at us!” And Peter proceeds to move past the physical and onto the spiritual, saying, “I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”

You see, instead of satisfying the temporal, Peter has taken Jesus at His Word and believes, yes, in fact knows, that he has the authority under Jesus to give permanent restoration, so the man would no longer be a beggar but could fulfill his life’s role, being healed, made healthy, safe and whole – the very definition of being saved – sozo! This is our calling and our example.

I would like to ask, how many times have you encountered a person in physical distress or need, and you called to them and commanded “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”, or “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, receive your sight”?

I humbly submit that I have failed to do this very thing. Once I encounter a blind man and sensed God telling me to call to him, but I resisted. Another time, coincidentally, while telling about my encounter with the blind man, a man in a wheelchair rolled into the classroom where I was teaching and asked what we were talking about. I froze, again.

Finally, on another occasion, I found the courage to act. I approached a man on crutches who had his leg in a cast and asked him what had happened to his leg. He explained he had fallen off a roof. I asked if I could pray for his healing. He smiled and approved. I prayed, “Jesus, I ask you to heal this man”. The man put weight on his foot, smiled, and nodded in the negative. So I asked if I could try again. He approved. I asked the man if he wanted Jesus to heal him, and he nodded, yes. So I put my hands on his leg and prayed again. Still no healing. So I remarked, with a sheepish smile, “Well, sorry. But that’s all I have!” At first, the man laughed and smiled, but then his eyes filled with tears. I was slightly alarmed and asked if I had hurt his leg or offended him? He said he was okay. It was just that his priest had never shown any concern for him like this, and that he was grateful and touched that I would take the time to care about him and at least try. I was speechless.

The point I came away with is that it is Jesus who heals and not me. Jesus does what He chooses as He wishes. We are simply his servant and his vessel. He has told us to obey Him and act on His Word, and to leave the results to Him. (End Commentary Break).

Peter’s Second Sermon

Verse 11. While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the portico named Solomon’s, completely astonished. Verse 12.  But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why are you staring at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? Verse 13. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you handed over and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. Verse 14. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, verse 15, but put to death the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. Verse 16. And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

(Commentary Break): Peter, brash as always, is obviously filled with excitement and conviction. He boldly proclaims an eternal truth, “on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all”.

Rather than assuming the outcome of the Works of God, we should be obedient to His Word and leave the outcome to Him. These things should increase our faith and our conviction. In the end, always giving Him thanks, adoration and worship for what He has done. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 17. “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers also did. Verse 18. But the things which God previously announced by the mouths of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has fulfilled in this way. Verse 19. Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; verse 20, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, verse 21, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things, about which God spoke by the mouths of His holy prophets from ancient times. Verse 22. Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR COUNTRYMEN; TO HIM YOU SHALL LISTEN regarding everything He says to you. Verse 23. And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Verse 24. And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken from Samuel and his successors onward, have also announced these days. Verse 25. It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God ordained with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.’ Verse 26. God raised up His Servant for you first, and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” (End of Chapter three).

I believe that as we are distressed by various trials in these last days, (these days of birth pains which Jesus said are already at hand), we must exercise His authority over matters, and employ the spiritual gifts He has bestowed on us, thereby we prepare for the greater spiritual battles that looming and are coming to pass. Please, dear friends, let’s not shrink back. That day is near.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 2, Healing the Beggar, Peter’s Second Sermon.

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 4, Peter and John Arrested and Released, Sharing Among Believers.

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THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 2

The Day of Pentecost, Peter’s Prophetic Sermon

Thus begins the record and demonstration of the mysterious ways of God, His power and proofs by way of the coming of The Holy Spirit and the fulfilling of prophecies. Once again, I would remind that these are the acts of God, alone. Men and women can and will be affected by them, deepened in their faith, galvanized in thier beliefs and moved to action, but in no case do we have the authority to replicate these acts by our own volition. It is the Work of God through His yielded and obedient servants – including you and me.

The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1, When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Verse 2. And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Verse 3. And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. Verse 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.

(Commentary Break):

It was the celebration of the beginning of the early weeks of harvest. In Palestine, there were two harvests each year. The early harvest  which came during the months of May and June; and the final harvest came in the Fall. Pentecost was the celebration of the beginning of the early wheat harvest, In the Hebrew Bible, mysterious windstorms with fire or lightning are consistently associated with two things: God’s presence and the formation of a temple. This leads us to the significance for the fulfilling of prophecy and this act – it is the date of the establishing of the Christian Church, and it signals the inception of the greatest harvest of souls the earth will ever experience.

This day of Pentecost has to do with the initiation of the greatest of harvests

The signs and origins of these matters are meant to remain mostly a mystery to us. The wind, the cloven tongues of fire and the speaking in tongues in other recognizable languages are far beyond our natural comprehension. We see the results and marvel, but it is the advent of the Holy Spirit and His works at which we marvel.

We can speculate, but Isaiah 55:9 reminds us that “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts.” And again we are reminded that, God’s judgments are unsearchable, and His ways are inscrutable”. We cannot know His mind, nor can we advise God. (see Romans 11:33–34; Job 42:1–6; Psalms. 139:6, 17–18; 147:5; Isaiah. 57:15; 1 Corinthians 2:10–11; 1 Timothy 6:13–16).

Additionally, when a person is filled with and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they may appear to be doing wondrous works and miracles. But it is the work of the Holy Spirit through a vessel of flesh and blood. It should be a humbling experience and not one to be grasped upon by the participant.

Pray that God would bestow such a humbling honor upon you, then prepare yourself for both the expected and the unexpected!

The great harvest and the end of days as spoken of in scriptures, began with these events, and you are to be a participants in this final harvest of the earth, which marks the beginning of the end of all things on earth. Afterward, comes an eternity with God in a new heaven and a new earth!  (End Commentary Break)

Verse 5. Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. Verse 6. And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and they were bewildered, because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. Verse 7. They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? Verse 8. And how is it that we each hear them in our own language, to which we were born? Verse 9. Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Verse 10. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Verse 11. Cretans and Arabs; we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.” Verse 12. And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” Verse 13. But others were jeering and saying, “They are full of sweet wine!”

(Commentary Break): The words used in the foregoing verses, 5 through 13, are very precise. Please take note: Jews residing in Jerusalem; devout men; from every nation; they were bewildered, amazed, astonished, in great perplexity; asking, what does this mean?

You must not miss the significance of the date on which this is occurring and seeming chaos of the moment. Although devout Jews, they have failed to see this coming as it was prophecied. But have no doubt, preparation is being made for the separation of the tares from the wheat, the sheep from the goats, and the faithful from the rebellious. (End Commentary Break).

Peter’s Sermon

Verse 14 But Peter, taking his stand with the other eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, know this, and pay attention to my words. Verse 15. For these people are not drunk, as you assume, since it is only the third hour of the day; Verse 16. But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

Verse 17. ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,

‘THAT I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;

AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY,

AND YOUR YOUNG MEN WILL SEE VISIONS,

AND YOUR OLD MEN WILL HAVE DREAMS;

Verse 18. AND EVEN ON MY MALE AND FEMALE SERVANTS

I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS,

And they will prophesy.

Verse 19.  ‘AND I WILL DISPLAY WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE

AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW,

BLOOD, FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.

Verse 20. ‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS

AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD,

BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD COMES.

Verse 21. ‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’

(Commentary Break): Despite these wonders and signs, some were jeering and saying that these men were just drunk on sweet wine. But Peter takes his stand and says,”this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel the prophet: IN THESE LAST DAYS, GOD SAYS, (see Joel 2). The takeaway is that these events are the fulfilling of prophecy, and they mark the period in eschatology known as “The Last Days”!

It is very important to take note that Jesus spoke of these times as being “The Last Days” in Matthew 24:3-31, as did Peter, Timothy, Paul, Matthew and John (see “It Is Time – The Day Is Upon Us”).

This also marks the time when Jesus reminds His disciple, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest.” (see John 4:35), and this message still resonates to this day. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 22. “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a Man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know, verse 23, this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. Verse 24. But God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Verse 25.  For David says of Him,

‘I SAW THE LORD CONTINUALLY BEFORE ME,

BECAUSE HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN.

Verse 26. ‘THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE WAS OVERJOYED;

MOREOVER, MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE;

Verse 27. FOR YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES,

NOR WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.

Verse 28. ‘YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE;

YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.’

Verse 29. “Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Verse 30. So because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, verse 31, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. Verse 32.  It is this Jesus whom God raised up, a fact to which we are all witnesses. Verse 33. Therefore, since He has been exalted at the right hand of God, and has received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He has poured out this which you both see and hear.

(Commentary Break): Here, Peter continues to cite the fulfullment of prophecies by the risen Jesus our Christ and reminding everyone that these present are first hand witnesses! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 34.  For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says:

‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD,

“SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,

Verse 35. UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET.”’ Verse 36.  Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Verse 37. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?” Verse 38. Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Verse 39. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” Verse 40. And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on urging them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” Verse 41. So, then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. Verse 42.  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Verse 43. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Verse 44. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; verse 45, and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Verse 46. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, verse 47, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

(Commentary Break): Please sense and feel the intensity of Peter’s words. See and read about the effects of his words. This should be the model for sermons in Christian Churches in these Last Days.

This should be the description of life within the Body of Christ in these Last Days. Everyone feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs taking place, and all believers  together having all things in common; so we would be willing to sell property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone having need. Continuing, day by day, with one mind in the Church, breaking bread from house to house, taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord will add to our number day by day, that is those who are being saved. (End Commentary Break).

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for our teaching, rebuke,  correction, abnd for our training in righteousness. As we move through this era of the Last Days which Jesus called the “beginning of Birth Pangs” and enter into the intensification of the final days of tribulation (just before the and the Sixth Tribulation Scroll and Seal and the rapture of the saints).

We must be prepared. We have been told and warned well in advance. Let’s pray for one another. Let;s stand together, doing what He has told us, up until that day!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 1, Dedicated Service, The Ascension, The Upper Room

NEXT: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chaper 3, Healing the Beggar, Peter’s Second Sermon.

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THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 1

Dedicated Service, The Ascension, The Upper Room

I am asking that you not just read these verses as a historical narrative, but read as if you are there, with Jesus and His Apostles. Immerse your mind in the experiences of this journey. Consider yourself actively participating in these events as they take place. Consider this your discipleship training to actually go, and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that Jesus has commanded, in the same way as Luke and the other disciples and Apostles of Jesus.

Secondly, this book has been one of the most manipulated and misused books in the Bible. There are those who have attempted to appropriate the Gifts, the prophecies and Spiritual movements of God for their own uses, benefits and profit. Some of these people are sadly misinformed and misguided. Most of the people, however, are those who deliberately misuse this book for their own purposes are ignorantly false teachers and false profits and should be denounced and avoided. Their avarice is like a deadly virus and will lead you away from the true Gospel of Jesus and His calling and mission for your life. Avoid such people, for your own benefit and wellbeing at any and all cost!

Dedicated Service

Acts 1:1, Theophilus, in the first book and account that I composed, was about all that Jesus began to do and teach, verse 2, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. Verse 3. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God.

Verse 4. Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; verse 5, for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

(Commentary Break): The first question to ask is “am I to follow Jesus in the same ways as Jesus’ apostles were to follow Him, or is this just a story? Is this just a historical account of Jesus, His Church and the spreading of the Gospel? If this is just a story or an historical account, it will be relegated to the dusty bins of forgotten lore.

But, no! These Words, written in the book of Acts, are the active, inspired Word of God. It is the Breath of God, penned by Luke, profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. It is instructional, creative, causative and prophetic by its very nature.

The second question we should ask is “will I, too, be baptized with the Holy Spirit? The answer is yes. Jesus told His disciples that it was necessary and to their, and your advantage, that He would leave, for if He had not left, the Helper, (The Holy Spirit), would not have come to you; but since He left, Jesus sent Him to you.

The third question you should consider is “am I to be an apostle in order to obey and follow the instructions of this Book?” There were only twelve who held this office in Jesus’ Church. There are no others assigned to this office. (see GotQuestions.Org). However, there are those who are sent to proclaim the Gospel, and in this generic sense, the is the gift of an apostle.

Additionally, you and I, as disciples of Jesus, are given specific Spiritual Gifts. Our calling is most effective as we employ the gifts God has given each of us.

Here is a list of the Gifts which God gives His Body.​​

Romans 12:6–8   1 Corinthians 12:8–10  1 Corinthians 12:28–30  Ephesians 4:11 

1. Prophecy         1. Word of wisdom           1. Apostle                      1. Apostle
2. Serving            2. Word of knowledge     2. Prophet                     2. Prophet
3. Teaching         3. Faith                                 3.Teacher                     3. Evangelist
4. Exhortation    4. Gifts of healings            4. Miracles                   4. Pastor
5. Giving               5. Miracles                          5. Kinds of healing     5. Teacher
6. Overseer           6. Prophecy                        6. Helps
7. Mercy                7. Distinguishing spirits 7. Administration
8. Tongues            8. Tongues
9. Interpretation of tongues

The preceding verses 3 through 5 make three important instructional points:

(1). Jesus was crucified, died, was raised to life. He appeared and spoke to the apostles over a forty day period, giving them convincing proofs and instructions. This was and is, also for you and me, today.

(2). These instructions, regarding the kingdom of God, which have been passed along to you and to me are for our use and application as disciples and ambassadors of Christ.

(3). The apostles were told to remain in Jerusalem until they had had been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Likewise, you and I are not to “go forth” until we too have been baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. This is the action of God that fills us with His power and abilities according to our Spiritual Gifting. (Remember, it is God who does His work through us).

Let me say, an ‘aside’, that all the ‘how to books’ such a ‘The Purpose Driven Life’, (Warren), ‘Your Best Life Now’, (Osteen), and thousands of others, written by aspiring religious authors, pastors, Bible teachers, preacher and theologians are superfluous and grossly misleading. They use Biblical words but deny their power as Jesus intended. They us Biblical concepts, but deceitfully twist their meaning to gain their own ends (increased sales, increased attendance to their churches, fame and money). The Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the beginning and the end of the matters of salvation, sanctification (maturing in Christ), walking in the Spirit of God, how we are to live and deport ourselves and in how we are to honor and glorify God. Only Jesus is the Truth the Way and the Life. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 6. So, when they, (the apostles), had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” Verse 7. But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; verse 8, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”

(Commentary Break): There are Bible teachers, and the like, who would tell you that these words in the Book of Acts were meant only for the apostles at that time. That is nonsense. The reason these words were recorded and preserved is because they are meant for all people, particularly Christians, of all times to provide convincing proof and for instructions for each generation.

Jesus is clear that it is not for us to know the times, but we are to concern ourselves – you are to concern yourself – with being His witness. This word ‘witness’ translates from the Greek word, ‘martus’, from which we get the word ‘martyr’. A true disciple of Jesus is willing to sacrifice his or her life for the Gospel and the Cause of Christ. Too many Christians think this means they will die for being a disciple of Jesus, and you might one day. But Jesus is clear that you must ‘put your old self to death’, forfeit your former life and assume a new life in Christ, in order to follow Him and to do His bidding in order to follow Him. In that sense you truly become a witness (a martyr) for Christ! When people see you they see you as a living witness of Jesus – full of love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, patience and self-control. (And by the way, this is very different from your testimony. Your testimony is about you. Your witness is about Jesus and what He has done). (End Commentary Break).

The Ascension

Verse 9. And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. Verse 10. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, verse 11, and they said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

(Commentary Break): It is worth noting that like them, many of us are still ‘staring skyward’, more interested in the timing of Christ’s return, the rapture and the tribulation period than we are in walking in the works He has prepared for us (see Ephesians 2:10). This is not right. Jesus has called us and sent us to complete His Great Commission. (End Commentary Break).

The Upper Room

Verse 12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. Verse 13. When they had entered the city, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying, that is, Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. Verse 14. All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Verse 15. At this time Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters (a group of about 120 people was there together), and said, verse 16, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. Verse 17. For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” Verse 18. (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. Verse 19. And it became known to all the residents of Jerusalem; as a result that field was called Hakeldama in their own language, that is, Field of Blood.) Verse 20. “For it is written in the book of Psalms:

‘MAY HIS RESIDENCE BE MADE DESOLATE, AND MAY THERE BE NONE LIVING IN IT’; and, ‘MAY ANOTHER TAKE HIS OFFICE.’ Verse 21. Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, verse 22, beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Verse 23. So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. Verse 24. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen verse 25, to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” Verse 26. And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

(Commentary Break): There is much that can be gleaned from verses 12 through 26, but as I have said, it is not my intention to make detailed comments or explanation of the processes of events, but only the spiritual significances which can be immediately applied and made useful in our lives. Knowing is good, but knowledge without application or use is just idle information. However, here is a good resource for details and speculation: Enduring Word – Acts chapter 1. (End Commentary Break).

The book of the Acts or The Works of the Apostles tells how the gospel spread rapidly from Jerusalem to the whole Roman Empire, from its Jewish roots to the Gentile world, telling of the founding of the Christian Church and the spread of its message to the Roman Empire.  More importantly, it is an instruction in the prophetic. It reveals what it means to walk and to operate in the Spirit of God. It also reveals what is has been hidden and overlooked, but is in plain sight: the timeline of the tribulation period. It clearly marks out the first periods of the tribulation began, also called the beginning of the birth pangs, and points us to the second phase of the tribulation period, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, also known as the Seven Years of Great Tribulation, and The Wrath of the Lamb.

This book and the knowledge and the power it contains is not to be appropriated by any one individual for their personal use or consumption. It is for the Church. It tells us that we are to submit to His authority so He can perform His Works through us, as His fully devoted followers, in these Last Days. (Anyone who thinks these things can be held onto for oneself, for financial gain, fame, notoriety, recognition or profit, are in the same league with Simon the magician! Woe be unto them. God has prepared these works ahead of time so we might walk in them.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Next:  THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 2, The Day of Pentecost, Peter’s Prophetic Sermon.

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