InstaStudy

The Book of Acts: The Early Church and the Power of the Spirit

This study explores the foundational book of Acts, examining the birth and expansion of the early church, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the apostles' unwavering message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It highlights the transformative power available to believers and the consistent pattern of new birth.

1. The Promise and Power of the Spirit

1.1 Waiting for the Promise

Verses: Acts 1:4-5; Acts 1:8
  • Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father.
  • The Holy Spirit would empower them to be witnesses.
  • The Spirit is the divine power for ministry and life.

1.2 The Day of Pentecost

Verses: Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:33
  • The Holy Spirit came with a mighty sound and visible manifestations.
  • Believers were filled with the Spirit and spoke in other tongues.
  • Jesus, being exalted, poured forth the promised Spirit.

1.3 The Fulfillment of Prophecy

Verses: Acts 2:16-17
  • Peter declared that the outpouring of the Spirit fulfilled Joel's prophecy.
  • The Spirit is for all people, regardless of age or status.
  • Sons and daughters would prophesy, and visions and dreams would be given.

2. The Message of Salvation and the New Birth

2.1 Peter's Pentecost Sermon

Verses: Acts 2:22-24; Acts 2:36
  • Peter preached Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God through miracles.
  • God raised Jesus from the dead, triumphing over death.
  • God has made this Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ.

2.2 The Call to Repentance and Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:37-38
  • The people were convicted in their hearts by Peter's message.
  • Peter instructed them to repent of their sins.
  • They were commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

2.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39
  • The promise of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe and obey.
  • The Holy Spirit is received after repentance and water baptism.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for a new life and spiritual gifts.

2.4 Examples of New Birth

Verses: Acts 8:14-17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-6
  • The Samaritans received the Spirit after baptism in Jesus' name.
  • Cornelius and his household received the Spirit and spoke in tongues before baptism.
  • The Ephesian disciples were re-baptized in Jesus' name and then received the Spirit with tongues.

3. The Authority and Power in Jesus' Name

3.1 Healing the Lame Man

Verses: Acts 3:1-8
  • Peter and John encountered a lame man at the temple gate.
  • They declared they had no silver or gold, but power in Jesus' name.
  • The man was instantly healed and walked, leaping, and praising God.

3.2 Peter's Explanation to the Sanhedrin

Verses: Acts 4:7-12
  • The religious leaders questioned the apostles' authority.
  • Peter boldly declared the healing was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
  • Salvation is found in no other name under heaven given among men.

3.3 Deliverance from Evil Spirits

Verses: Acts 16:16-18
  • Paul encountered a girl with a spirit of divination.
  • He commanded the spirit to come out in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • The spirit immediately obeyed, demonstrating the authority of Jesus' name.

4. The Spread of the Gospel and the Church's Growth

4.1 Persecution and Boldness

Verses: Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:27-29
  • The apostles were commanded not to speak or teach in Jesus' name.
  • They declared their commitment to obey God rather than men.
  • Persecution often led to greater boldness and spread of the gospel.

4.2 Stephen's Martyrdom

Verses: Acts 7:55-60
  • Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, saw Jesus standing in glory.
  • He prayed to Jesus, committing his spirit.
  • His death led to the scattering of believers, further spreading the message.

4.3 Philip's Ministry in Samaria

Verses: Acts 8:5-8; Acts 8:12
  • Philip preached Christ in Samaria, performing miracles.
  • Many believed and were baptized in the name of Jesus.
  • Great joy filled the city as the gospel took root.

4.4 Saul's Conversion and Commission

Verses: Acts 9:3-6; Acts 9:17-18
  • Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, calling him.
  • Ananias ministered to Saul, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized.
  • Saul immediately began to preach Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues.

5. The Gospel to the Gentiles

5.1 Peter and Cornelius

Verses: Acts 10:34-36; Acts 10:44-48
  • Peter learned that God shows no partiality between Jews and Gentiles.
  • The Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household as they heard the word.
  • They were then baptized in the name of the Lord, confirming their salvation.

5.2 Paul's Missionary Journeys

Verses: Acts 13:2-4; Acts 14:21-23
  • The Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas for missionary work.
  • They traveled extensively, preaching the gospel and making disciples.
  • They established churches and appointed elders in every city.

5.3 The Jerusalem Council

Verses: Acts 15:7-9; Acts 15:11
  • Peter recounted God's work among the Gentiles, giving them the Holy Spirit.
  • The council affirmed that salvation is through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Gentiles were not required to keep the Law of Moses for salvation.

5.4 The Ephesian Disciples

Verses: Acts 19:1-6
  • Paul found disciples who had only known John's baptism.
  • He taught them about Jesus, and they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • They received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and prophesied.