InstaStudy

The Book of Acts: The Birth and Expansion of the Church

A study of the foundational events, teachings, and experiences that established the early church, demonstrating the power of God and the pattern for believers today.

1. The Promise and Power of the Holy Spirit

1.1 The Commission and Ascension

Verses: Acts 1:4-5; Acts 1:8-9
  • Jesus commanded them to wait for the promise of the Father.
  • They would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them.
  • This power was for worldwide witness.

1.2 The Day of Pentecost

Verses: Acts 2:1-4
  • The disciples were all together in one place.
  • They were filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • They began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

1.3 The Initial Outpouring and Evidence

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • Speaking in tongues was the initial, outward sign of the Spirit's infilling.
  • This experience was for all believers, both Jews and Gentiles.
  • It fulfilled the prophecy of Joel.

2. The Apostolic Message and Pattern of Salvation

2.1 Peter's First Sermon

Verses: Acts 2:22-24; Acts 2:36
  • Peter declared Jesus to be both Lord and Christ.
  • God raised Jesus from the dead, demonstrating His power.
  • This Jesus, whom they crucified, is the promised Messiah.

2.2 The Call to Repentance and Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:37-38
  • Conviction led the people to ask what they should do.
  • Peter commanded repentance for the remission of sins.
  • Baptism was presented as the next step in obedience.

2.3 Baptism in the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5
  • Baptism was consistently administered in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This name signifies the authority and identity of the one God.
  • It is for the remission of sins, connecting the believer to Jesus' atoning work.

2.4 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6
  • The promise of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe.
  • It is a distinct experience following repentance and water baptism.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for a holy life and witness.

3. Signs, Wonders, and the Early Church Life

3.1 Miracles and Bold Witness

Verses: Acts 3:6-8; Acts 4:30-31
  • The apostles performed miracles in the name of Jesus.
  • These signs confirmed the message and glorified God.
  • Believers prayed for boldness to speak the word.

3.2 Fellowship and Devotion

Verses: Acts 2:42-47
  • The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
  • They shared their possessions and had all things in common.
  • God added to their number daily.

3.3 Persecution and Perseverance

Verses: Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:29; Acts 7:54-60
  • The apostles faced threats and imprisonment for preaching Jesus.
  • They declared, 'We ought to obey God rather than men'.
  • Stephen's martyrdom demonstrated unwavering faith.

4. The Gospel to the Gentiles

4.1 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Verses: Acts 8:35-38
  • Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch from Isaiah.
  • The eunuch believed and requested baptism.
  • He was baptized in water, demonstrating the universal call to salvation.

4.2 Saul's Conversion and Commission

Verses: Acts 9:3-6; Acts 9:17-18
  • Jesus revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus.
  • Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized.
  • He was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

4.3 Peter and Cornelius

Verses: Acts 10:44-48
  • The Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household while Peter preached.
  • They spoke in tongues, confirming their reception of the Spirit.
  • Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus.

4.4 The Jerusalem Council

Verses: Acts 15:7-9; Acts 15:28-29
  • Peter recounted God's work among the Gentiles, giving them the Holy Spirit.
  • The council affirmed that salvation is by grace through faith.
  • They established guidelines for Gentile believers, not requiring circumcision.

5. Paul's Missionary Journeys and the Spread of the Gospel

5.1 The Power of the Message

Verses: Acts 13:38-39; Acts 16:30-31
  • Paul preached forgiveness of sins through Jesus.
  • Belief in Jesus brings justification.
  • The jailer was told to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved.

5.2 Baptism in Ephesus

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.

5.3 The Enduring Message

Verses: Acts 20:20-21; Acts 20:28
  • Paul taught publicly and from house to house, testifying to repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • The church was purchased with His own blood.
  • The message of salvation through Jesus remained central.