Operation Harvest

Ministerial Training Centre, Mysore

“Your word is lamp to my feet and a light for my path”. Ps. 119:105

ACT OF APOSTLES
(Part -I)
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ICRM CENTRAL CHURCH
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Contents Page No.

 Introduction 1

 The Ascension of Jesus and the Tarrying of the Disciples 6

 The Coming of the Holy Spirit and the Founding of the Church 15

 The Healing of the Lame and its Effects 28

 The Effects of the Sermon 32

 Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira 35

 The First Internal Issue of the Church and the Church’s First Martyr 40

 Philip and the Spread of the Church and Paul’s Conversion 46

 Saul’s Conversion 53

 Beginning of a Gentile Church 59

 The Debate about the Gentile Church 63

 Peter is Released from the Prison by the Power of Prayer –

Results of Prayer 65

 Work book 69
 Acts of the Apostles
Lesson 1
Introduction
Introduction

The book, Acts of the Apostles, is a historical account. It is the 44 th book of the
Bible and the fifth book of New Testament. It acts as a bridge between the Gospels
and the Epistles and it contains 1007 verses in 28 chapters.

The book talks about the ministry of Jesus after he was resurrected, his
ascension into heaven, and the coming of the Holy Spirit and his works. It informs us
in detail about the spread of the gospel all over Asia, Europe, Africa and the ministry
of the apostles.

The book captures in detail how the Church was founded in Jerusalem, and
growth of Church across Judea, Samaria and what was known in those days as the
‘ends of the earth’.

In addition to letting us know how the Church started and began to grow in
Jerusalem, it also talks about how Peter functioned as an important Apostle in the first
part. The second part shows how Paul acted as an important Apostle and the spreading
of Church to the other parts of the world.

Importance of Acts of the Apostles

One would not understand rest of the 26 books in the New Testament if not for
the Acts of the Apostles was not there. This book acts as a bridge between the four
Gospels and the Epistles and the Revelation. It appears as a chapter of conclusion to
the Gospels and an introduction to the Epistles.

If not for The Acts, we would be in dark about what happened to the ministry
of Jesus Christ; what did he did after resurrection; what happened to his ministry of
three and a half years and what happened to the training that he gave his twelve
disciples.

We would have concluded that the Ministry finished with Jesus Christ. From
what we read in the concluding chapters of the Gospels about his disciples, we may
have concluded that their commitment was weak; some of them even left their
garments while running away from Jesus; a disciple denied and cursed Jesus; they
were people who did not believe in the resurrected Jesus; even after seeing the
resurrected Jesus, they were backslidden and went back to their profession of fishing
which they had once left for the sake of following Christ.

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 It is through The Acts that lets us know that the disciples did a mighty ministry
after Jesus; tells us how Peter who had actually denied witnessed boldly for Jesus and
explains how all the disciples of Jesus Christ did ministry. In this sense it can be said
that the book acts as a conclusion of the gospels.

If you read the Epistles further, you can read how an apostle by name Paul
writes with authority. But you would not have not got answers for the questions like
‘who is this apostle?’, ‘how could he become an apostle when he did not figure in the
list of twelve?’, ‘from where did he come?’ and so on.Further, details like how did the
churches come into being which received the Epistles, who, when and how did they
establish them etc., We would not have come to know the background of the churches.
One cannot interpret the Epistles correctly if they did not know the background of the
churches and can only have assumptions.

Because of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles we come to know about Paul,
his background, how did he become a Christian, and how he became an apostle.
Further, we come to know about how the churches in Antioch and Galatia came into
being, how the churches like Ephesus, Macedonia, Thessalonica and Corinth came
into being and the background of these churches.

One can in no way exaggerate the importance of the Acts of the Apostles says
Dr. B. Graham. Yes! This is a true statement.

The title

The Greek name of this book is Praxies Apostolon. Praxies means details of
brave deeds. If that is so, then this book would mean a ‘brave history’ of the apostles.
The Acts of the Apostles is a book that details the extraordinary deeds of the apostles.

The author

Though the author of the books is Luke, the physician, there is no reference as to
who wrote this book in the book. The author has not written the name of the one who
produced this work. However, a few evidences help us to guess the author. The
evidences are of two types.

1. Internal evidences

2. External evidences

External evidences

It is traditionally believed that Luke is the author of the book. The ancestors of
the Church also have mentioned that it is Luke who has written this book.

Internal evidences

There are two internal evidences.

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  The one who wrote the first book to Theophilus is the author of this
book too. One can come to the conclusion that the author who wrote the
Gospel of St. Luke to, is the one who must have written Acts of the
Apostles if one compares Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1,3.

 The medical terms that are used in the book confirm that the Gospel of
Luke must have been written by a physician.

For example, the term raphis is used to refer to a needle in Matthew 19:24 and
Mark 10:25. However, Luke uses the term belone which means a needle used in
surgery to refer the needle rather than the general terms raphis. Therefore one can
come to the conclusion that even the Book of the Acts of the Apostle would have been
written by Luke.

The ‘We’ passages

The words ‘we’ and ‘us’ have been used in this book in the portions like 16:10-
17, 20:5, 27:1-28 and 16. From this we can know that the author has been with Paul
during this journey in these areas. The verses Col. 4:14, Phile. 24, and 2 Tim. 4:11
inform us that the Physician Luke alone was with Paul in the three places. Therefore
we can come to the conclusion from the ‘we’ portions that the one wrote this was the
Physician Luke.

Luke

Luke was with Paul even in the city of Philippi. He must have joined the team
with Paul at the city of Troas itself (Acts 16:10-17). We can know that he went with
Paul to Jerusalem and was in the prison with Paul at Caesarea. Also he was
accompanying Paul in the voyage to Rome. He had the opportunities to collect many
sermons of the Acts of the Apostles from Barnabas and Paul. He must have also
collected a lot of the messages from Antioch, from James the brother of Jesus who
was an elder in the church at Jerusalem, Philip from Caesarea and from Philip’s four
children. We can know how diligent he was to collect details and put them in order
from the portion Luke 1:1-4.

Luke was a gentile (not a Jew). Among all the authors of the Bible he is a
gentile. He was a native of Antioch in Syria and might have had his physician
education from the university in Tarsus which was the native town of Paul. Eight
hundred words that he has used is found in no other book of the New Testament. He
was an excellent historian who travelled extensively and compiled the events in the
best manner possible.

The addressee (Acts 1:1-2)

Theophilus is the man who is the addressee of this book. He must have been a
high ranked Roman official because Luke addresses him as the ‘most excellent
Theophilus’. He is a gentile too. The gospel has been written and sent to him already
(Luke 1:1-4) and he must have believed it. Therefore, the Acts of the Apostles book

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has been written to further his understanding of the truth by which we believe that he
has now become a new believer. The meaning of his name is ‘lover of god’ or ‘love of
god’. Theo means ‘god’ and philo means ‘time’ in Greek.

The period

The book was written during the period of AD 62-63. It is not possible to have
written it after this period because some of the important events after these years are
not mentioned in this book. The events that not covered are:

Demolition of the Temple in Jerusalem AD 70

Martyrdom of Paul AD 68

Persecution of the Church by Emperor Nero AD 64.

These three events have not been mentioned in this book. Therefore, it must
have been written (approximately) before AD 62-63.

An account of about 31-32 years of history is given in the 28 chapters.

The Theme

The theme of the book is the Christ, the Resurrected Savior.

Important aspects: 1. Establishment of Church 2. Growth of the Church 3. Spreading

of the Church 4. The coming and work of the Holy Spirit 5. The
beginning of the missionary ministries and their continuation

The Aims

1. To give the details of the origin of the Church, its growth, its nature and the
canons.

2. To establish that Paul was an apostle like Peter as well.

3. To prove that Christians are not traitors but patriots who live by obeying the
laws of the government.

The Significances

There are 24 texts (sermons) in this book (the speeches made by Paul, Peter,
Gamaliel, Stephen, James, Demetrius, the townclerk of Ephesus and Festus).

Five trips of Paul to Jerusalem are mentioned. It has the background to ten
epistles of Paul. (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians,
Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy).

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Divisions

1. Division on the basis of Place

2. Division on the basis of Person
3. Division on the basis of Growth

I. Division on the basis of place

1. Witnessing in Jerusalem 1:1 – 8:4

2. Witnessing in Judea and Samaria 8:5 – 12:25
3. Witnessing till the ends of the earth 13:1 – 28:31

II. Division on the basis of person

1. Acts of Peter – Chapters 1–12

2. Acts of Paul – Chapters 13–28

III. Division on the basis of growth

1. Growth in Jerusalem 1:1 – 6:7

2. From Jerusalem to Palestine 6:8 – 9:31
3. From Palestine to Antioch 9:32 – 12:24
4. From Antioch to Asia 12:25 – 16:5
5. From Asia to Europe 16:6 – 19:20
6. Specifically from the Mainland Europe to Rome 19:21 – 28:31

The evidences that Luke writes to prove that Paul was an Apostle equal to Peter:

Works done by both Peter Paul

Made the lame to walk 3 : 1 – 11 14 : 8 - 18

Strange Miracles
(Healing by their shadow, when their 5 : 15,16 19 : 11,12
bodies were touched, when their
clothes were touched)
Faced opposition from the Jews 5 : 17 13 : 45
Confronted the sorcerer 8 : 18 13 : 8 - 11
Raised the dead 9 : 31 20 : 11
Both were miraculously released from
12 : 7 16:26 - 28
prison
Key word : Witness
Key Verse : 1:8
Key Chapter : 2

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 Lesson 2
Chapter 1

The Ascension of Jesus and the Tarrying of the Disciples

The sections:

We can divide the first chapter into two sections.

1. The Ascension of Jesus 1:1-11

2. Tarrying and the selection of the twelfth disciple 1:12-26

Thematic summary of the verses 1-11 of Chapter 1

1-2 Introduction
3 After the resurrection
4 Baptism of the water and the Holy Spirit
5 Command to tarry
6 The political question
7 Unrevealed things belong to God
8 Becoming witnesses by receiving strength
9 Ascension of Jesus to heaven
10 Two men
11 Announcement about the second coming

Commentary 1, 2

Luke the author mentions about the first book/treatise that he had written to
Theophilus. We have already read about Theophilus in the introduction lesson. Since
he mentions that as the first book/treatise, we come to know that this is the second
book that Luke wrote to Theophilus.

Verse 3

What Luke mentions as ‘after his passion’ is the death of Jesus Christ on the
Cross and his resurrection. As Luke has described it elaborately in the Luke’s Gospel
(Luke 24:46) he doesn’t have to repeat it to Theophilus again. He has also written
about the ascension (Luke 24:51). There is one thing that he mentions here which is
not mentioned in the Gospel. He writes that Jesus Christ was on the earth for forty
days and appeared unto the apostles after his resurrection. Luke mentions two things
that Jesus did in that period.

1. He spoke to them concerning the kingdom of God and also showed

himself to them as living with some infallible proofs.

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 2. Jesus opened the eyes of the disciples travelling to Emmaus and
revealed himself when he went with them to stay and when began to
dine with them. (Luke 24:13-31).

He appeared to the disciples who had locked themselves behind closed doors
fearing the Jews and said “Peace be unto you”. He also said to Thomas, “Reach hither
thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side”.
(John 20:27)

Verse 4

He talks about the baptism of water given by John and the baptism of the Holy
Spirit that he is going to give. Jesus repeats the words of John when he gave baptism
(Matthew 3:11)

Baptism given by John:

John preached about repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. He gave
baptism to those who repented. He did not baptize for adding anyone to any
congregation. He did not preach the gospel when he baptized because Jesus had not
died on the cross until then.

The baptism given by John became invalid when the Church began because
John’s message did not have the death and the resurrection of Jesus. When Paul asked
the believers of Ephesus about the baptism they had taken after they mentioned that
they had not heard about the Holy Spirit, they answered and said “we received the
baptism given by John”. Immediately Paul explains that John had proclaimed to the
people while baptizing that they should become believers in Jesus who was coming
after him. When they heard this they received baptism in the name of Lord Jesus.

Second baptism

Though it was recognized by God and Jesus himself received it, the baptism of
John was not accepted once the Church was established. If the first baptism was not
according to the scriptures, then one must receive a second baptism.

The baptism by sprinkling given to infants is scripturally incorrect. However,

some people hold on to the ‘one baptism’ mentioned in Ephesians 4:5 and insist that
what is received as infant is enough and a second baptism is not necessary. However,
Paul himself had given a second baptism to the same people to whom he wrote about
‘one baptism’. Then what is the meaning? It means that if someone is baptized by
immersion for the remission of sins in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit
according to the teachings of the apostles then the person does not need to be baptized
again. ‘One baptism’ does not mean wrong baptism. Therefore, those who were
baptized as infants must be baptized correctly again.

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In which name should one be baptized?

It is right to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit as Jesus
commanded his disciples in Matthew 28:19 ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:’
Therefore, baptizing in the name of Jesus, as it is written in the Acts is not a
commandment to us. Also, since the Jews in those days believed in God the Father
and the Holy Spirit, it was important for the apostles to stress upon and teach about
the Son in the Trinity. It was necessary to clearly spell out, stress and confess the
name of Jesus. Therefore, it is safe to take baptism in the name of the Father, Son and
the Holy Spirit.

He asks them in which name did they get baptized when they say that they had
not heard of the Holy Spirit. We can know from this that there is a connection
between being baptized and hearing about the Holy Spirit. There is no chance of
hearing about the Holy Spirit if one is getting baptized only in the name of Jesus
Christ. Since the apostle’s baptism was given in the name of the Father, Son and the
Holy Spirit, Paul gets a doubt about the baptism that they have taken when they say
that they have not heard about the Holy Spirit. Therefore it is clear that baptism in the
name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is the right way.

Baptism by the Holy Spirit

Jesus is referring to the anointing of the Holy Spirit as the baptism by the Spirit
here. One must get baptized by water and Spirit. What some people say is that they
receive the anointing by the Holy Spirit even when they get saved. Therefore,
anointing is not a separate experience. Some others say that they get the baptism by
the Spirit even while they receive the baptism in the water. Some say that they receive
the anointing of the Holy Spirit even when they are saved by hearing the Gospel
according to Ephesians 1:13.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy
Spirit of promise” Ephesians 1:13.

Paul questions the believers in Ephesus saying, “ Have ye received the Holy
Ghost since ye believed?” Acts 19:2. When they answered him that they had not heard
about it at all. Paul gave them the Apostle’s baptism in water and laid his hands on
them and led them in the anointing. Then they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

The believers of the city of Ephesus had not heard about the anointing of the
Holy Spirit even though they had become believers. After they had become believers,
it was only when Paul met them, they received the baptism by the Holy Spirit. These
verses prove that one does not necessarily get anointed while she or he gets saved.
Anointing was a separate experience for the believers of the city of Ephesus.

Have you repented and received the baptism in water? Have you received the
anointing of the Holy Spirit? Do you speak in tongues?

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Baptism by water or baptism by the Spirit?

Some say that if one has received the baptism by the Holy Spirit, it is not
necessary to take, comparatively, the less important baptism by water.

Paul received the anointing when Ananias came and prayed on the third day
after he was saved. After which he received the baptism (Acts 9:17, 18).

The household of Cornelius received the anointing of the Holy Spirit when they
were just hearing the message preached by Peter (Acts 10:43-48). When Peter saw this
he commanded them to be baptized by saying ‘can any man forbid water to these
which have received the Holy Ghost?’

Peter and John when they saw in one of the cities of Samaria people who had
been baptized but had not yet received the Holy Spirit, they laid their hands on them
and lead them in the anointing (Acts 8:14-17).

Therefore it is necessary to receive baptism by both water and the Spirit. One
of them can be before or after. However, every believer must receive both the
baptisms.

Although it is mentioned in Matthew 3:11 as baptism by the Spirit and fire, one
should not interpret it as if the anointing of the Spirit is different from the fire
anointing. We must understand that it is the baptism by the Spirit which is meant by
the fire anointing.

Verse 5

In this verse, Jesus commands the disciples to tarry. Though he had told them
to go to the ends of the earth and preach the gospel to all creatures, he asked them here
to tarry and not leave Jerusalem.

Tarry is a sign for two things.

1. Pray firmly
2. Receive strength

Before entering into ministry, one must prepare by praying well. The ministry
should be birthed in prayer. One cannot start a fellowship or a church with prayer.

Secondly, one should not rely on the strength of the arm of flesh without
getting strengthened by the anointing of the Holy Spirit to do ministry. If you wait,
your strength will renew (Isaiah 40:31). Before beginning my ministry, I waited at the
feet of the Lord, fasting and praying, for 21 days. It is not enough just to begin by
waiting on the Lord. One should also wait on the Lord for different periods during the
course of one’s ministry too.

Prayer and waiting are necessary to build a ministry. If a ministry is birthed

through prayer it will be victorious.

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 Even Jesus Christ went into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days before
beginning his ministry (Mat. 4:1-2, Luke 4:1-2). Only after which he started to preach,
cast away devils and heal the sick etc.

Paul too began his life of faith after fasting for three days (Acts 9:9,11).

Therefore it is biblical to begin the ministry after spending ample time in

prayer.

Is it necessary to wait for the anointing?

This question has both a yes and a no as its answers. It was necessary for the
disciples to wait for the anointing because Jesus had to ascend to heaven and send the
Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Therefore it was necessary for the disciples to
wait till the Holy Spirit was to come.

However, since the Holy Spirit has come to dwell in the world forever now, we
can receive immediately. It is not necessary to wait for the anointing. Holding a
meeting waiting on the Lord was needed only before the day of the Pentecost.

There is no need to increase the tempo of playing the drums or clapping the
hand inorder to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

My experience

I was studying at 12 o’ clock in the night for my annual exams on April 4 th,
1966. The entire town was sleeping. I heard a voice at that time saying, “John, Pray”. I
immediately knelt down. In a few seconds I received the anointing and started
speaking in tongues. I was not ‘waiting on’. There was nothing to kindle my emotions.
The formula for receiving anointing: Ask, believe and receive.

Verse 6

The disciples had not become spiritually minded until then. They were thinking
in a worldly manner. They were in the assumption for three and half years that Jesus
Christ would free the land of Judea from the rule of the Romans. Therefore, when
Jesus asked them to tarry till they receive the anointing; they asked him a politically
inclined question if Israel will receive independence (Luke 24:21). Sometimes we
expect that the hand of God should work for our worldly benefits according to our
own wishes. This isn’t a spiritual thought. The Israelites believed that if the Messiah
comes he would overthrow the foreign rule and make the nation of Israel independent.
Therefore, even the disciples expected this from Jesus.

Verse 7

Jesus says that one should not try to know things that are hidden. One should
not try to find about seasons and times that had not yet been revealed. When Jesus has
mentioned that the time and hour of the second coming of Jesus Christ is not known to
anyone else than the Father, it is wrong to predict that the second coming of Jesus
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would be on this or that day, or try to calculate and predict (Matt. 24:26, Mark 13:32).
Many have caused others to fall by wrongly predicting the hour and time of the
second coming of Jesus. We should be careful. Only those things which are revealed
belong unto us and the secret things belong unto the God. It is wrong to try to find
them (Deut. 29:29).

Verse 8
This is a key verse to this entire book. The entire book has been written based
on this verse. Jesus combines the commandment in verse 5 with a promise here. This
promise started coming to pass within 10 days in the event of the gospel spreading to
Judea from Jerusalem and then went to the nation of Samaria and to the ends of the
earth within 30 years.

Dunamis is the Greek word for the word used for ‘receive power’ in the
sentence ‘ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you’. The
word denotes the power that is generated when a bomb is blasted.

The Greek meaning for the word ‘witness’ in the phase ‘be witnesses’ is
‘martyrs’. Except John, all among the twelve apostles died as martyrs.

There is a sense of progress seen in doing ministry in this verse. It is not about
zooming off to America or Australia just like that. The first ministry is at Jerusalem,
which means ‘at home’. Judea, our own town would mean our district or the state.
Next are the neighboring states and then finally comes the foreign countries.

I did ministry among the children in the beginning. I started proclaiming the gospel in
my town and also started to go to the neighboring towns. Then I went throughout the
district. From the year 1976 onwards, I started going to different states. From the year
1998, God extended my ministry to the countries of Asia and Europe. The Lord
gradually expands the boundaries of the ministry like this. The Lord does not usually
give one the ministry to go from continent to continent at the beginning itself.

Why should one receive power?

It is said that we shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit comes upon us.
Why should one receive power? Some who receive power simply jump and shout. If
one receives power from the anointing of the Holy Spirit, then the power recieved
should be witnessed by proclaiming the gospel. The Lord is not talking about sharing
testimony in the Sunday worship in church here. To be witnesses is to go out and
preach the gospel.

In John Chapter 4, a woman who lived a sinful life went to her village and
testified about what Jesus had done in her live once her life was transformed by Jesus.
Immediately, many believed in Jesus in that village.

Are you preaching the Gospel? Do you tell others about Jesus?

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Verse 9 Ascension to Heaven

While he was speaking yet about these things with the disciples, Jesus was
taken up. When it is said that a cloud received him, it means that he was taken up by
God the father. In Acts 1:21 we see that he walked in and out among people and also
that he was taken up by God. In Mat.17:5 we see that the Father spoke out of the
clouds.

Verse 10, 11

Angels proclaim the second coming of Jesus Christ. Two men in white apparel
mean that they are angels (Mark 16:5).The angels proclaimed that Jesus Christ will
return just as he went up. Angels are sent to bring messages to people. We see angels
brining messages to Mary (Luke 1:27-38), to Joseph (Matt. 1:20, 21) and to Cornelius
(Acts 10:3-6).

Even when Jesus was dwelling in the body, he told his disciples that he will
return (John 14:3). When his disciples had asked him, Jesus described it elaborately in
the following verses about the signs of his second coming.

Verse 12

The verse says that it was the Mount of Olives from where Jesus ascended to
heaven. The verse says that the mountain was close to Jerusalem. It was at a distance
of a Sabbath. The distance one can travel on a Sabbath is called the distance of the
Sabbath. This would approximately be about three quarters of a kilometer or a
kilometer.

Zech. 14:4 says that Jesus who ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives,
during the second coming, that is, during his open appearance, will return on the same
Mount of Olives.

The disciples returned to Jerusalem after seeing off Jesus Christ to heaven.

Verse 13 The Upper Room

It is thought that the upper room could have been the house where Jesus had
the last supper with his disciples (Matt. 26:17-19). Names of ten disciples have been
given here. It also mentions that Judas who was the brother of James and Jesus was
there. Though the name of the disciple Thaddaeus is not mentioned here, we know
that this disciple was in the upper room on the day of Pentecost as it is mentioned
‘Peter, standing up with the eleven’ (Acts 2:14).

Verse 14

Many women along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, the brothers of Jesus and
the disciples were praying in the upper room. They were tarrying in Jerusalem
according to the commandment of Jesus. The disciples who could not pray for an hour
with Jesus (Matt. 26:40) have been praying continuously for ten days now. They were
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praying from the day of ascension to the day of Pentecost. They might have received
such a power to pray because they had seen the resurrected Jesus. Even Mary is
mentioned to be praying for the Holy Spirit. Nobody is praying to Mary.

Prayer began before the Church began

The Church had not been established yet but the disciples had begun to pray.
Prayer goes before the Church. We must build a church by prayer. The church that is
built with prayer will stand firm. The first church was born in prayer. Any ministry
must be born in prayer.

Verse 15-26

About 120 people had gathered in the upper room. Peter stands up in the midst
of them and explains why they need to choose an apostle in the place of Judas Iscariot
who had been lost after he betrayed Jesus.

Peter mentions that what David had prophesied about Judas had to come to
pass. He clarifies that the idea is not his but that was already foretold in the scriptures.
He talks about Judas Iscariot in verses 17 and 18 that although he was ministering
along with the apostles he betrayed Jesus for 30 silver pieces and committed suicide
by hanging himself upside down all because of his love for money. Peter tells that
Judas died by the bursting of his bowels (Matt. 27:6,7). Luke writes here what Peter
described about Judas Iscariot himself bought a land for the thirty pieces of silver and
died in the same place. It is true that the love of money is the root of all evil. Because
of covetousness a life has been destroyed.

Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 and 107:8 as evidence in support of choosing another
person in the place of Judas.

21 – 26 Qualifications of an apostle

Ib these verses Peter describes that the person to be selected to be an apostle

should be someone who had mostly been with Jesus and his disciples from the time
John baptized till the day of the ascension of Jesus.

The person should be someone who can testify that she/he is a witness that
Jesus rose from the dead.

They found two people namely Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed
Justus, and Matthias, worthy in verse 23 among the 109 people.

24-26 what did they do to find the right person?

They desired to select one who has been chosen by God. They prayed that the
Lord should show them the right person. They prayed and chose by casting lots.
Casting lots to select something was according to scriptures in those days (Prov.
16:33, 18:18).

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Is casting lots a right method to select?

The Holy Spirit had not come yet when the disciples had to gather together and
choose. Therefore they found the will of God by casting lots according to the Old
Testament. After the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit led them in the right way in
things in which they had to choose. Therefore it is not necessary to cast lots post-
pentecost day.

The lot fell upon Matthias and he was chosen as the twelfth apostle in this manner.

The important message of the first chapter is the ascension of Jesus and the
choosing of the twelfth apostle.

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 Lesson 3
Chapter 2

The Coming of the Holy Spirit and the Founding of the Church
This chapter is a key chapter of this book. A new age began in history with the
creation of a new community (member of the church, believers) when a special news
appeared of the Holy Spirit coming down to stay forever with the Church to be born,
on the fiftieth day of the resurrection of Jesus. This age is called the Church Age.

The Church was thus founded. The Holy Spirit made ordinary people into
people who do extraordinary things by beginning to work through the church. The
history of this community growing quickly to everyone’s astonishment begins in this
chapter.

Lets us read about how the Church was founded, what were the characteristics
of the Church, how did the Church begin to work etc in this portion.

Sections

I. The incident on the Day of the Pentecost 1 – 13

a. The coming of the Holy Spirit 1–4

b. The coming together of the Jews of different nations 5 – 13

II. Peter’s explanation (preaching) 14 – 40

a. Introduction 14 – 21
b. The explanation about Christ 22 – 36
c. The questions of the people and the Peter’s answers 37 – 40

III. The Characteristics of the people of the first Church 41 – 47

I. The incident on the Day of Pentecost 1 – 13

Verse 1 – 4: The coming of the Holy Spirit

Verse 1 The day of Pentecost refers to one of the seven feasts of the Jews.
Pentecost means ‘the fiftieth day’, that is, the fiftieth day after seven weeks of the
Feast of the firstfruits. They bake two loaves of bread and offer unto the LORD as a
food sacrifice on the Feast of the Pentecost (Levi. 23:1-22).

They bring the sheaf of firstfruits of the harvest during the Feast of the Harvest (Feast
of Firstfruits) and offer it unto the LORD as a wave offering. This is the Feast of the
Firstfruits. This feast was fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Levi. 23 : 10 –
14). Christ too rose from the dead and became the Firstfruits of those who slept. The
first fruit is Christ. Then at his coming those that are his shall be made alive (1 Cor. 15
: 20, 23).

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 The sheave that is brought during the Feast of the Firstfruits represents the
many sheaves that will be harvested afterwards. In the same manner, the resurrection
of Jesus is an indication that many shall be brought to life.

On the day of Pentecost it is not the sheave that is brought on the Feast of the
Firstfruits, but is the bread that is made from the flour which came out of the beads of
the sheaves. The Church which was formed because of the resurrection of Jesus was
founded on the day of Pentecost, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The prophetic purpose behind the Feast of Pentecost was fulfilled in this manner.

The seven feasts and their fulfillment in Christ

The seven feasts prophetically declare about Jesus Christ and his works.
Prophecies about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament are of two kinds.

1. Prophesies through words.

2. Prophesies through events. The feasts are prophesies revealed through
events.

Description of the seven feasts written in the Book of Leviticus.

1. The feast of the Passover: This feast was celebrated to mark the slaying of
Jesus Christ in the form of a lamb (Lev. 23:5, I Cor. 5:7)

2. The feast of the Unleavened Bread: The unleavened bread represents the
sinless and holy life of Jesus Christ (Lev. 23: 6 – 8, John 6:48, I Cor. 5:8, I
Pet.2:22)

3. The feast of the Firstfruits: We have already seen the fulfillment of this feast
(Lev. 23:15-22).

4. The feast of the Pentecost: We have seen the fulfillment of this feast as well
(above) (Lev. 23:15-22).

These four feasts seen above come in the months of April and May. There will be an
interval after that. After four months, during October and December the other three
feasts will be observed.

5. The feast of the Trumpets: The feast of the Trumpets prophetically announced
two things, one is the second coming of Jesus Christ (I Thess. 4:16-18), the
other is the ministry of evangelism until the second coming (Lev. 23:24-25, I
Thess. 4:16-18, Matt. 24:14).

6. The feast of the Atonement: During this feast, all Israelites get their sins
atoned. This depicts the salvation of the Jews. After the Church is taken away
in the second coming, the Jews will accept Jesus and will receive salvation
(Levi. 23:27-32, Zech. 13:1, Rom. 11:26-7).

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 7. The feast of the Tabernacles: The Israelites will stay out of their homes in the
wilderness in tents constructed with branches and leaves for seven days in a
year. They eat the unleavened bread during this time. This represents the
eternal life one will have under the new heaven and new earth with Jesus (Levi.
23:33-44, Rev. 21:3-4, 1Thes.4:18).

These three feasts are yet to happen. We are living in the time in between. The feast of
Pentecost is observed also to remember how Israel was given the commandments at
Mount Sinai (Exo. 19:26-34, Acts 2:2-3). God came down on Mount Sinai and it
trembled. Fire and smoke were seen. God gave guidelines and instructions to the
Israelites to live as a separate community for God in the world. In the same manner
there was mighty roar and fire seen in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost. The
Holy Spirit came down on that day to lead the people of the Church to live as a new
community. In this manner one more thing came to be fulfilled on the feast of
Pentecost.

God’s time and place

It was the day of three feasts (Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles) among the
seven feasts. All Jews scattered over all the nations of the world had to gather at
Jerusalem. As the Day of the Feast of Pentecost happened on the day when the Church
was founded, people who came from different corners of the world could witness the
things that took place when the Holy Spirit came down. People from all nations could
hear the first sermon of the gospel. People of many nations were found among the
three thousand who were baptized on the first day.

In this manner, since the Holy Spirit came on an appointed place (Jerusalem)
on an appointed day (Pentecost), it came to be known that the church itself will be of
an international nature like the first church.

You also should work from the appointed place at an appointed time of God in
your lives (Eccl. 3:11, Gal.4:5). Jesus Christ was born in the place appointed by God
(Bethlehem) at the appointed time (the time when Caesar Augustus decreed that
everyone must be taxed).

Are you in the place where God wants you to be? Are you acting at the time
appointed by God? Think about it!

One place, one accord, praying together

The Holy Spirit came down and established the Church when the disciples
came together in one place and prayed with one accord. The Church was established
in an environment of prayer and of one accord. The Holy Spirit came down heavily.

If the Holy Spirit has to come down on your city, all the ministers of God and
believers must come together in one accord in one place and pray. If the people of
God come together then blessings and life will be poured without measure (Psalm
133).

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 Try to gather all churches in your city to come together in one place to fast and
pray, keeping watch for the whole night as well. Revival will come soon then.

Verse 2, 3

Two elements of nature were used when the Holy Spirit came, the wind and the
fire.

The wind

The wind represents the actions of the Holy Spirit (John 3). God made Adam
and breathed (wind) into his nostrils. By this Adam became a spiritual being (Gen. 2).
In the same manner, when the Holy Spirit came upon the 120 as a wind, they become
spiritual beings (Eze. 37:5,14).

Mighty power

The wind blew with the strength of a storm. It represents the idea that the move
or the works of the Holy Spirit will also be so strong that no one can stop its progress
and spreading. Also, old trees, standing for a long time, will be uprooted if there is
heavy wind. Posts standing straight will bend. Roofs will fly off. Buildings will be
brought down. In this manner, the wind represents the work of the Holy Spirit which
will bring down and destroy the age old philosophies, religious traditions and the
strongholds of the devil.

It is shown here that the Holy Spirit while making the traditions of Jewish
religion; the foundations of Greek and Roman religions; and the philosophies fall and
spreading the gospel simultaneously making progress by demolishing all the obstacles
and spreading new life and power of the Holy Spirit.

Fire is a sign for the presence of God

It shows that the Spirit of God has descended (Exo. 3:1-5). It is a sign of a
mighty power. Fire reveals power. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives power (Acts
1:8). Fire also reveals spreading nature. It will be difficult to quench if it catches on.
Instead it will spread quickly catching everything in its way. The Holy Spirit too who
started burning in Jerusalem on that day, is still burning in many nations of the world
today. Fire gives life. Fire shows that the Holy Spirit will give the new life.

Fire sanctifies

The Holy Spirit sanctifies (Romans 15: 16, 1 Cor. 6:11). Fire changes a thing
forever. The Holy Spirit too will bring similar changes in the lives of people. Fire will
change the nature of a thing. For example, if we burn a piece of firewood, the solid
wood will turn into soft ashes. Hard meat will be baked to softness. In the same
manner, the Holy Spirit too changes rough and tough human beings into soft natured
people.

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 The Spirit will also transform the fearful into brave people, the ignorant into
wise, the sinners into a holy people. The work of the Spirit spreads fast like the fire. If
wind blows over fire, then it will spread quickly. It burns more. The wind also blew
when the Holy Spirit came.

Verse 4

Everyone speaking in tongues was the physical evidence for the Holy Spirit
filling each individual. Those who did not know a language started to glorify his deed
and praise him in that language. The Holy Spirit helped to speak in the language that
one had not known or had spoken till that day. After this, those that received the Holy
Spirit for the first time started speaking in tongues (Acts 10:45, 19”6. 9:17, 1 Cor.
14:18).

The Holy Spirit is still at work in the Church. Therefore, he still helps to speak
in tongues. Tongues has not stopped yet. Do you speak in tongues? If no, please
receive the anointing immediately. Only on the Day of Pentecost did the listeners
understand what was spoken in tongues. However, aftr that day, the listeners did not
understand it. The bible does not mention anybody speaking in tongues without
receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit. However, it cannot be said that there is only
one sign of receiving the anointing.

What are the benefits of speaking in tongues?

1. It is a physical evidence of receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:1-6)
2. It is used in Christian worship. (1 Cor. 14:15, Acts 2:11)
3. It is used in personal and intercessory prayer (Romans 8:26)
4. It is a sign for the unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:21-25).
5. It edifies those who speak it. (1 Cor.14:3)

The effects of the experiences of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-13)

Verse 5

On the Feast of Pentecost, Jews, speaking various different languages from all
nations of the world had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the festival.

Verse 6

There arose a loud noise when all the 120 people were filled with the Holy
Spirit and began to speak in tongues. People normally make uncontrollable noise
when they receive the Holy Spirit for the first time. We are able to control the voice as
the days pass by. I too had the same experience.

I have already mentioned how all those who slept woke up when I first
received the anointing although I previously disliked people who made loud noises in
church. Therefore one should not find fault when someone prays and praises loudly.

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 The people gathered in thousands when they heard the noise. People started to
gather towards the Church even on the first day when the Holy Spirit established the
Church. A great multitude gathered towards the 120 who stayed inside for 10 days in
prayer. Likewise if your church is a praying church then a multitude of people will
come themselves. Could you not reach to the souls even after much toil? Try prayer.
People will come towards you. A praying church attracts people.

People of fifteen nations gathered

The map below shows all places from which people were gathered in Jerusalem

MAP

Pontus

Asia Media
Phyrgia Parthia
Capaddocia
Pamphylia North East

North West

JUDEA
West
Rome East Elam
JERUSALEM
Crete Mesopotamia

South West
South East
Cyrene
Libya Arabia
Egypt

From the east and north-east regions 1. Elamites 2. Mesopotamians 3. Parthians

4. Medians

From the north and north-west regions 5. Cappadocians 6. People from Pontus 7.
Phrygia 8. Pamphylia

From the west and south-western regions 9. Rome 10. Cretes 11. Cyrene 12. Libya 13.
Egypt.

14. Arabia from the south-east region.

Jews from 15.Judea all around Jerusalem

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 Though these people were Jews, they were speakers of fifteen different
languages. All these people heard and understood about the glorious things of God
spoken in the languages of those who had gathered.

The confusion of Babel cleared in Jerusalem.

There was confusion as people could not understand each other after one
language was separated into multiple languages in the Book of Genesis chapter 11.
Everyone from different language backgrounds understood in each one’s language on
the Day of Pentecost. In this manner, the curse of language on Babel was turned into a
blessing on the day when the Church was first established.

Therefore there is no place for differences due to languages in churches.

Believers should not adhere to linguistic chauvinism. They must respect all languages.
There should not be any place for division on the basis of language.

Also on the very first day when the Church was born in Jerusalem, people
talked of the glorious things of God in fifteen languages. People of all languages were
baptized and added to the Church. This reveals a fact that the Church belongs to
people of languages.

Different opinions of the people

Verses 12, 13

The work of the Holy Spirit brought anxiety in the Church as some were
astonished and some doubted about where all these happenings lead to. We will have
astonishment and various types of doubts in midst of people if there is the work of the
Spirit in our churches.

Some of them insulted saying that the people were babbling like they were
drunk. People may misunderstand our prayer, fasting, prayer vigil, fellowship etc and
speak badly about us. Even on the first day, the church was affected like this.
Therefore do not worry if Church is spoken about in a wrong manner.

The First Sermon of Peter 14 – 40

“Jesus is Lord and Christ” was the theme of Peter’s first sermon (verse 36).
This is the first sermon in the history of the Church. The first sermon is an example of
how the Holy Spirit can change things completely. Peter who denied Jesus three times
and also cursed him before an ordinary servant girl (Mark 14:66-72) was now
standing and speaking boldly before thousands of pious religious leaders that Jesus
rose from the dead and that they are the witnesses because they had received strength
through the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:32). The Holy Spirit also changed me,
who was once a coward and a novice, into someone bold having clarity of mind.

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Peter’s Introduction

Verse 14

The beginning lines of Peter’s sermon were quite beautiful. He did not begin
his sermon without any context. He uses the astonishment and perplexity of the people
and begins by giving an explanation for what they saw.

We must begin a sermon with something about which the people are interested
and taking about at that time. Our introduction should be something that attracts the
attention of people towards the sermon. It should be something that kindles the
interest and expectations of the people. Apt and timely introduction is a good
beginning.

Peter, in support of his claim that they were not drunk and making noises, says
that it was just the third hour of the day, that is, 9 o’ clock in the morning. Some say
the 9 o’ clock is an hour of prayer. Following is the Jewish system of dividing time in
a day as mentioned in the bible.

Jewish Timing Equivalent Timing

First hour of the day Morning 6 to 7

Third hour of the day Morning 8 to 9
Sixth hour of the day Forenoon 11 to 12
Ninth hour Afternoon 2 to 3
Eleventh hour Afternoon 4 to 5
Twelfth hour Afternoon 5 to 6

Division of time from evening 6 o’ clock to morning 6 o’ clock

Till the end of first hour 6 o’ clock in the evening to 9 o’ clock in the night
Till the end of second hour 9 o’ clock in the night to 12 o’ clock midnight
Till the end of third hour 12 o’ clock midnight to 3 o’ clock early morning
Till the end of fourth hour 3 o’ clock early morning to 9 o’clock in the
morning

The present and the future ages Verse 16 – 21

Peter refers to Joel 2:28 as the basis of the event of the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit. He supports his argument by quoting the Old Testament scriptures and explains
that it was only the fulfilling of the promise and not something strange.

He points two events here.

2:17 - The outpouring of the Holy Spirit
2:19- The signs and wonders in the heavens

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Some significant events that mark the outpouring of the Holy Spirit:

a) Sons and daughters shall prophesy.

b) Young men shall see visions.
c) Old shall dream dreams
d) The servants and the handmaids shall prophesy.

Joel had said that five types of signs and wonders shall appear in the heavens
and on the earth in the day of the Lord.

a) The Blood b) the fire c) the vapour of smoke d) the sun turning into
darkness e) the moon turning into blood.

Blood is the sign of violence, terrorism and murder etc.

Fire and smoke refer to war. Fire and smoke will come when bombs and atom
bombs are used.

The changes witnessed in the sun and the moon refer to the effects of the
damage to environment and using of nuclear weapons.

The Last Days and the Day of the Lord?

In verse 17, last days are the period from the pouring of the Holy Spirit till
when we will be taken up, that is, the period of the Church. This means the days from
the day of Pentecost to the day the Church will be taken up.

Some believe that ‘last days’ means ‘present times’, that is, a few days before
the coming of Jesus. This is not correct. We may say that these are the last of the last
days.

What is mentioned as the ‘Day of the Lord’ in verse 20 is the period between
the visible appearance of Jesus Christ and the cleansing of the heavens (air) and the
earth by fire before the creation of new heaven and earth. (2 Peter 2:13, Rev. 21:1).

Jesus is Lord and Christ

Verse 22-36

Peter explains about the life (Verse 22), death (verse 23) and resurrection
(verse 24) of Jesus Christ as evidence to prove that Jesus is the Lord and the Christ.

Verse 22

The miracles, wonders and signs that Jesus did are explained as the evidence
that Jesus is the Lord and the Christ.

Miracles (Greek word dynamis) means the supernatural and powerful deeds of Jesus.

Wonders (Greek word terata) means the outcome of the miracles.

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Signs (Greek word semios) The aim of the miracles is to point to the godliness of
Jesus.

Verse 23 Two reasons for the death of Jesus

1. Because of God’s pre-knowledge and decision

2. Because of the deeds of the wicked people

Verse 24

Peter cites two verses from the Old Testament as evidence to prove the resurrection.

Psalm 16:8-11, 110:1 (Acts 25:36)

The gospel preached by Peter is the first gospel sermon preached from the
Church. There are three important aspects in this gospel message.

1. The life of Jesus

2. The death of Jesus
3. The resurrection of Jesus. Among these three aspects, the death and the
resurrection are two important aspects. These things are the crux of the
gospel

Verse 37

The sermon of Peter who had been filled with the Holy Spirit according to John
16:8 pricked the hearts of the people. That is, the people became conscious in their
hearts about sin. People should become conscious of their sinfulness when we preach.
As there is no work of the Holy Spirit, people do not become conscious of their sins
these days. There is no true repentance due of this. Therefore, there is no great change
in the lives of the believers.

Pray that people will become conscious of their sinfulness in your ministry.

Though Peter alone preached, the people who were touched called all the
twelve as ‘brethren’ as the eleven also stood one with him. They did not only call
Peter saying ‘brother’. If the servants of God are united then the people too will
consider them equal and treat them likewise.

The people intervened in the middle of the sermon itself and asked “what shall
we do now?” Today, the situation is such that we have to ask the people what they are
going to do after the sermon. Even if we ask, the situation is sometimes pathetic that
people do not answer.

When Charles Finney, D. L. Moody, John Wesley, George Whitefield

preached, people used to get convicted, get broken, shed tears, cry, and confess. There
were also acts were some used to fall down and quiver like a worm.

Let the experiences of the first church also happen to us.

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Peter’s answers

There are three important things in Peter’s answers when the people asked
“what shall we do?”

1. You should repent

2. You should be baptized
3. You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

One can find the three foundational teaching for a Christian life in the first
sermon on the first day of the first church.

Verse 39

The gift of the Holy Spirit has been mentioned as a ‘promise’ in Acts 1:5. This
is a promise for all kinds of people in all nations.

Verse 40

We must leave our perverse (those not living in the truth) old friendships,
relationships and company. We must move out from them (2 Cor. 6:14-17). To
separate ourselves and live is a basic experience of Christian life (Psalm 1:1).

The effects of the sermon

Verse 41

3000 people repented and joined the Church after getting baptized. Only those
who were saved were added to the Church (Verse 47).

Before a day was over from the beginning of the Church, the numbers grew
from 120 to 3120. Today we preach 300 sermons and save a person.

When Peter let down his nets once and received a catch which could fill two
boats, Jesus told him that henceforth he would be catching men (Luke 5:1-10). Just as
it was told by Jesus, he caught 3000 men, which would fill many churches, with one
sermon. With one mighty act, he brought 5000 people to the fold (Acts 3-4).

The characteristics of Peter’s sermon

1. Peter’s sermon had a perfect introduction.

2. Peter’s sermon was based on scriptures.
3. It had the characteristics of preparation (there is order and progress).
4. It was spoken with authority (Matt. 7:28, 29)
5. It had a sense of cooperation (2:14). He preached standing with 11 more
disciples.

The characteristics of the first church

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Verse 42

1. They stood firm in the apostles’ teachings.

2. They were firm in fellowship.
3. They were firm in breaking of bread.
4. They were firm in praying.

Verse 43

5. The people outside the church were afraid seeing their activities.
6. Many miracles took place.

Verse 44

7. The believers stayed in oneness (without any social bias and as equals).
8. They truly followed the principle of communism.

Verse 45

9. They sold their property and divided it among all according to their need (a
communism process).

Verse 46

10. They gathered together in the synagogue every day (according to the Jewish
customs).
11. The gathered together every day in their homes too (in each house a day).
12. They had oneness (agreed in their hearts).
13. Broke bread in their houses everyday (Not once in a month, but every day,
whenever they gathered together).
14. They came joyfully.
15. Lived with an open mind and without any guile.
16. They gathered together and had food (togetherness is a sign of fellowship).

Verse 47

17. They were people who praised God.

18. Their lived with a good testimony before the outsiders.
19. They were a church which grew daily.

We must also strive to have such experiences in our churches. The first church
was a special, closely knit and respectable society. It was the Church that brought in
the many isms like Egalitarianism, Communism and Socialism.

The principles of the politicians are all borrowings from the Bible.

Today one can see the evil of bias on the basis of high and low class, cast, race,
fights, rivalry etc in church. There is no prayer life. For many, the identity of being
part of a church is to attend a two-hour service twice a week.

26
 The church functions like a club. Some churches are functioning like some
organization. You are a member of the church if you pay your monthly membership
fee. You can do whatever you want and can live however you like. You can join the
church worship if you like, and it is not a problem if you don’t. Some are members of
churches just for marriage, baptism, or for getting place in the cemetery.

This pitiful state must go. People who got saved were added to the Church
every day during the first church days. These days, there are many churches which do
not have a single baptism in a year. There is no unity among the ministers. The scene
is full with acts of attacking each other, condemning, enmity, speaking against each
other, insulting, and pulling each other.

To go back to the first state is revival. Let us pray earnestly and pour out tears
for revival in our churches.

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 Lesson 4
Chapter 3

The Healing of the Lame and its Effects

It was a few days after the church in Jerusalem had been instituted. We see the
promise of Jesus in John 14:12 getting fulfilled. We witness Peter and John doing
great work than what Jesus had done at the entrance of the temple called the Beautiful.
They made the crowds go ecstatic by making a man who was lame for 40 long years
walk while going for the prayer. They proved the power of the name of the resurrected
Jesus Christ by this.

This miracle has been described more elaborately than the many miracles that
are there in the first eight chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.

Sections

1. Lame from birth is healed 3 : 1 – 10

2. The immediate effect and Peter’s sermon 3 : 11 – 26

Verse 1

‘The hour of prayer, being the ninth hour’ means 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock in the
afternoon. Generally, after lunch, 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock is a time for a nap for both
ministers of God and the jobless.

If someone went to any senior pastor at this hour, they will send them back
saying that the pastor is taking rest. However, Peter, who holds the record even today
for winning 3000 souls in just one sermon, and John, another important apostle, were
baptizing people daily; were adding them to the Church (Acts 2:41, 46, 47); were
receiving the money, which people brought after selling their properties, and
distributing; and though they were so active in doing such a great ministry, since they
had appointed 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock as the hour of prayer. Thus there was power in
their words.

3 o’clock is a difficult time for prayer. Since Peter and John had appointed a
difficult hour for prayer, they could do difficult tasks with ease. Since we appoint
easier times for prayer, even easy things become difficult for us.

What is your hour of prayer?

Everyone should appoint a particular period of time as the hour of prayer. If

you do not appoint a time for prayer every day, you will not get time for prayer at all.
We must take time to pray.

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They went to the temple

In the beginning days, the apostles went to the Church every day. The believers
also went to the temple, although they gathered everyday in the homes. (2:46).
Therefore, like in those days, some believers go to their traditional churches and then
come to believers’/spiritual church. However, after some days they leave the fruitless
worship and come to spiritfilled worship. Therefore, those who have a spiritual thirst,
may come to the believers’ church for some time they will not leave the service that
they are used to for many years. If they go there (Traditional service) and also come
here (Spirit-filled service) . We should recognize how much desire and yearning they
have. Do not hurry. They will leave slowly

John and Peter

Both of them went to pray together. Peter was an elderly person. John was
younger. Even then they showed unity in diversity. Great things will happen when
ministers of different kind get together and pray. The Holy Spirit displayed his healing
power and the gift of performing miracles because the two went together to pray in
oneness.

Characteristics of the visually handicapped man

 He was lame from birth

 He was a beggar
 He was forty years old
 He used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple

Verse 3

He asked for alms from Peter and John like he usually did with everyone. This
man who is sitting at the gate of the temple is asking men rather asking God. Some
are like this today. They just live life by asking men for their personal needs in the
ministry rather than asking God. Do not be so. Look to God first and always.

Verse 4

Both together asked the man to look at them. They did not ask to look at them
with any selfish motives or to give importance to themselves. Today, many
concentrate only drawing people towards themselves. How about you?

Verse 5

The beggar looked at both of them with the intention of receiving some money
from them.

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Verse 6

Peter says, ‘Silver and gold have I none’. Thousands of believers had sold their
houses and lands and had brought to the feet of the apostles but Peter says that I have
no money. We can know the following from this: They had not kept the money given
by the believers for themselves because they had divided among all according to their
need (2:44, 45).

He did not stop just by saying that he had none and said that ‘but such as I
have, I give thee’. And he lifts him up and says to walk in the name of Jesus of
Nazareth.

There was no money but there was power of healing in the name of Jesus.
Today money is there but there is no power. I am not saying that money is not needed.
But you cannot see great things in the ministry if you have only money and not the
power of God. The first thing required to do ministry is the power in the name of
Jesus. Even if you have nothing, make sure you have power of God.

Verse 7

There would have been nothing special if Peter had just said ‘rise up and walk’.
He took the hand of the lame and lifted him up as an act of putting faith into action.
Please remember James 2:17 that ‘faith without works is dead’.

Verse 8

His healing was whole. It was not deliverance in parts. These days, if you ask
‘how is your pain now?’ to those who come to give testimonies in healing meetings
(some come to the dais just to get prayed) they will say that it is better now. We say a
hallelujah for that and satisfy ourselves by saying that God has healed. Since true
power is not manifested we resort to human tactics. The one, who was lame for 40
years, is now jumping and praising and enters the temple with Peter.

Verse 9, 10

All the people see this miracle with their own eyes. It is a miracle that cannot
be denied and that cannot be doubted. The people were amazed.

Verse 11: The Effect

People gathered in great numbers in the porch called Solomon’s.

Beautiful gate

There were nine gates to enter from the outer courts which the gentiles used to
go to the inner court. The Beautiful gate was the most prominent and the one that was
used by most. It was customary for the lame man to sit at this gate for seeking alms.

Solomon’s porch

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 It was a porch with open walls to the eastern side of the outer courts. Its pillars
were tall, made in marble with beautiful work on them. The roof over the pillars was
of cedar. Jesus had preached from this place. (John 10:23)

Since the man who was lame was sitting there for many years, he must have
seen Jesus ministering in the temple. (John 2:13-16, 7:14-4, 8:1-59, 10:22-39, Mark
11:15-19, Matt. 21:14, Mark 11:27 – 12:44).

He had not received healing when Jesus healed the lame. There were chances
that he had seen the experiences on the day of Pentecost but is receiving his healing
only now. The reason for this is not that Jesus could not heal. It is also not correct to
say that he did not get healed due to lack of faith, because he did not have a tether of
faith even when Peter and John healed him.

Jesus could have left without healing him so that he gets healed through Peter
and John. This would have become a great miracle in Jerusalem. Since all the Jews
usually visited the temple, every one knew this man. Therefore, everyone would have
come to know easily when he received healing.

Peter’s second sermon Verses 12 - 26

The second sermon as well begins with an appropriate introduction. Peters

begins his sermon when all the people stood amazed that the lame man was healed
through Peter and John to walk and they wanted to know how they could do this.

1. 3 : 12 – 16. Jesus who was resurrected, is Lord. The healing took place by
the power in his name.

2. 3 : 17 – 26 Since it has been proved that Jesus is Christ, one must seek him
to receive the forgiveness from sins that only he gives.

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 Chapter 4

The Effects of the Sermon

4:4- About 5000 people believed and joined the Church.

The Sanhedrin imprisoned and tried both of them and barred them from
preaching the gospel.

The sections

Trial by the council 1 – 12

The council amazed 13 – 14
The debate and the conclusion 15 – 18
The reply by Peter and John 19 – 20
The release 21 – 22
The prayer group of the Church 23 – 31

The Sadducees

They were a sect in the Jewish religious order who were moderates; did not
believe in resurrection, angels, Spirit, and revelations; were politically powerful and
were a majority in the council.

The Sanhedrin

This is mentioned as the council in the Bible. This is like a Senate or a

Governing Council. There were 71 members in this. The high priest of the year was its
president. It was looking after the internal affairs and the religious issues of the Jewish
kingdom.

The Sadducees and the Pharisees were members of this council. Caiaphas was
the high priest when Jesus was tried and also during the first year of the Church.
Therefore he was the official president of the Sanhedrin. Even then, Annas who was
the father in law of Caiaphas and a former high priest himself, was acting as the
present high priest (Acts 4 : 6, John 18 : 13, 19 – 24).

Verse 1 – 3

John and Peter were sent to the prison by the Council.

Verse 4

5000 people who heard the sermon before Peter and John went to prison,
believed.

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Verse 5, 6

Rulers, elders, scribes, Annas, the former high priest and Caiaphas, the present
high priest had all gathered. It shows that the miracle performed by Peter and John had
caught the attention of the whole council and that it created a great uproar. The
council had tried Jesus and sentenced him to death just a couple of months back. Peter
and John who were kept in the prison for the whole night were brought before the
furious council, the next morning and were tried.

Verse 8 – 12 Peters reply, a sermon

Peter was full of the Holy Spirit and condemned the council by pointing out to
their sin of murdering Jesus Christ. He proclaims boldly that the lame was healed in
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He says that though they had rejected Jesus, he
became the chief cornerstone and pointed to Psalm 118:22 as evidence.

He also boldly affirms that there is no salvation in any name except the name
of Jesus Christ V. 12.He shows the death and resurrection of Jesus as evidence to the
fact that salvation is only through Jesus.

In verse 9 he slowly turns the talk to make them realize by asking if the council
was condemning and questioning them because of a good deed done to the lame man
who was sick.

The council is stunned

The members were stunned to see the disciples speak with such wisdom, skill
and boldness although they were illiterates and innocent. The members realized that
the change is because they were with Jesus.

Verses 14 – 18: The debate and the conclusion (Verse 14)

The council was uncomfortable as it proved to be a miracle that could not be

denied especially when the one who was healed was there itself. The power of the
name of Jesus got firmly established and couldn’t be denied. It simply silenced the
enemies.

The council members discussed among themselves and decided that they do
something to stop this name from spreading further and thus commanded strictly that
no one should utter anything about Jesus.

Verse 19 – 20:The reply of Peter and John

They made their reply a question back to the council. They asked if one should
obey man or God and that the council may tell them what to do. The disciples firmly
said that they cannot be silent without telling the things that they have seen and heard.

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21 – 22: No other way but to let them free

Since the council realized that there is no way to punish them, they threatened
Peter and John of the consequences and released them.

23 – 31: The characteristics of the prayer of the Church

The Church started gathering together and praying the moment they heard the
news of Peter and John being imprisoned. Should we give a petition? Or should we
bribe any official? Or shall we stop from preaching the gospel? They did not discuss
any of these things. The first thing they did was to pray. What are we doing these
days?

Verse 24

1. It was a group prayer (21)

2. It was a prayer of oneness (21, 42, 46, 47)
3. It was prayer that started with worship. (They identify God as the ruler of
everything, that is, God with limitless power and worship him)
4. They prayed on the basis of scriptures. (It is important to pray quoting
scriptures. Verse 25, 26. Psalms 2 – 3).
5. They prayed comparing the contexts in the bible to theirs. (verse 27, 28)
6. They prayed a prayer of offence and not defense, (Verse 30). Their prayer
was a progressive prayer. Only cowards pray a prayer of defense.
7. Their prayer was one that would have an effect.

The effect

8. The place shook which means that power of God was manifested.
9. Everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit.
10. Everyone became bold.
11. Everyone began to proclaim the word of God. Till then only the disciples
were preaching, but after the prayer, everyone started telling about Jesus.

This type of prayer is a challenging prayer.

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 Lesson 5
Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira (Chapter 4: 32 – 5 : 28)
Luke once again describes the experiences of the first church and shows
Barnabas as an example for someone who gave offering in the correct manner and the
couple Ananias and Sapphira as those who were deceivers in giving.

Verse 32 – 35

Luke is repeating what he already mentioned in Acts 2:42-45. He described the

lame man being healed in chapter 3 as an evidence for his statement in verse 43 of
chapter 2 that ‘many miracles’ had happened. He describes the prayer elaborately in 4:
24 – 31 as an example for his statement in 2: 42 that they continued in prayer
steadfastly.

Further, in this section he elaborates (4 : 32 – 5 : 12) about how they kept

everything as common to all and how they sold and gave towards this common
account (mentioned in second chapter verses 44-45).

Verse 32

The number of believers increased in the Church so much that they were
described as a multitude. Bible scholars estimate the number of believers who joined
the Church to be about 15,000. Luke writes that they had oneness of mind despite
their big number. These days if there are 20 people in the church then they would be
divided with 20 minds.

It shows that the first Church grew both in numbers and in quality. Let us pray
that our churches have multitudes and oneness of mind. Let us strive so to increase in
number and quality in our present day churches as well. Let us believe this. Amen.

No one was selfish because no one claimed their belongings as theirs. Full
grace was upon all of them. None of them lacked anything. This is very important.
The Lord took care of the Israelites for forty years that they lacked nothing (Neh. 9:
21). These days though many nations are striving to do good to their citizens, they are
not able to keep them without any want.

The first century church was a self sufficient community. The believers should
not be without basic needs in our churches these days. Basic needs should be met for
all.The first church showed the quality and character of the Kingdom of God.

36 – 37 Barnabas

He was from the island of Cyprus; belonged to the tribe of Levi; was called by
the apostles as the son of consolation, which means one who encourages, motivates ad
helps others. He was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and one who had faith.
His other name was Joses and he had sold his property and brought to the apostles. He

35
was a Greek Jew. We can say that whatever he did, he did it with his whole heart
because the later chapters say that he was an apostle.

He has been mentioned 20 times in the Book of Acts. When the Church was
hesitant to accept Saul who had converted, it was Barnabas who recommended and
convinced them to accept him.

When the apostles heard that those who were scattered established a church in
Antioch, they sent Barnabas to Syria. (11:22)

The church grew under his mentoring. (11:23, 24). After the church had
expanded, he realizes that he cannot take care of the church alone and finds Saul from
Tarsus and brings him to Antioch. After which he keeps him as a co-worker (11 : 25,
26).

He takes the offering that was gathered in Antioch and goes to Jerusalem
accompanied by Saul to help the apostles in need. (11: 30).

When five leaders of the church at Antioch fast and worship, the Holy Spirit
commands them to send Barnabas and Saul as missionaries. He immediately obeys
and leaves. (13: 1-3). He was the leader of the first missionary team that went out
from the church. (13:4, 14:28).

He went as part of the team that was sent to Jerusalem to resolve the
controversy about the teaching (15:1-12). Finally he goes to Cyprus after
disagreement regarding the issue of taking Paul as part of the team for the second
missionary trip (15:36-39). The details of his acts end with this.

Chapter 5 : 1 – 11
Ananias and Sapphira were a couple in the early church who sold their land.
Both of them decided to keep a portion hidden for themselves. They brought the rest
and gave it to the church.

It was not wrong on their part to give only a part of the amount because the
entire land and the entire money for which it was sold was theirs. However, the fact
that they did not tell the truth and lied that they only sold for a lesser price was
completely wrong(verse 4)

God’s judgment did not come because they gave only a part of the offering, but
they were punished because, they did not tell the truth and told a lie even when they
were both given a chance by asking if they had sold only for that amount.

We can learn a few truths here:

1. Even if we do something good, if any evil is found in it, it will not be

accepted as good. In other words, there is no evil-allowance while doing
a good thing.

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 2. Love of money and material are dangerous sins in spiritual life (1 Tim.
6:10). We should be careful not to fall into this.

3. To err is human. But accepting the error when we are made to realize
what we have committed or when we are given an opportunity to
confess, will bring forgiveness. (1 John 1:8 -9, Pro. 28:13).

4. There is a chance that Satan may occupy the hearts of those who are
filled with the Spirit (5:3). Therefore, we must keep our hearts with all
diligence (Prov. 4:23).

5. To lie before a minister of God is equal to lying before God (5:4).

6. It was good that the husband and wife were united in oneness. However,
having oneness against God was a sin. Some people unite in oneness
against the ministers of God. Different groups evolve in churches
because of this and it will affect the ministry.

7. Sin was strictly judged in the first church. They did not take sin lightly
(Heb. 12:4).

Youth in the church

The young men arose and carried and buried Ananias who was dead. Burying
is a difficult task. Although they were tired when the returned from burying Ananias
and had not even sat down, they took the body of Sapphira who fell dead. Youth in the
church must willingly do all the works that needs physical efforts (5:6, 9-10).

They must bury the sins in their lives. They must work hard to remove dead
works in their own lives as well.

Verse 11

A fear about the church must appear among the people. The thinking that we
lead any kind of life and then be a part on the church must be removed and a godly
fear must appear.

Verse 12 – 16 Power and growth after the sanctification

Signs and wonders increased. Status of the Church elevated. Multitudes

became believers and were added to the Church. It is not right to say that if the church
becomes strict for Godly reasons people will not come– great number of people joined
the Church even though the situation was such that one would die even if the person
says a lie. This proves once again that the first church had quality and great numbers.

The sick were healed when the shadow of Peter fell on them. Therefore great
numbers of sick people were brought from all the towns around to Jerusalem and they
were all healed. The Church increased in status and it spread.

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17 - 32

17-18 Increase brings troubles

The chief priest and the Sadducees became jealous and imprisoned the apostles
when they saw that the Church had increased and spread.

19-20: The angel releases

An angel released the disciples by opening the prison doors and asked them to
go and preach.

21 – 22: The disciples did not go into hiding after they were released but went and
preached in the temple boldly.

The enquiry

Though they were released from the prison through a miracle, the council did
not consider the supernatural act and asked them to appear for an enquiry. They
accused them by saying that though we had strictly commanded you not to preach
about this name yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teachings.

It is good if such accusations come against our churches. The first century
Church had filled the entire Jerusalem with the gospel. They had fulfilled Acts
1.Today there are sevarl people who have not heard the gospel even in small towns
where our churches are present.

29 – 31: The bold answer

The apostles, according to the saying “A man of courage never loses it”,
fearlessly answered that it is important to fear God and not man even after all that they
went through for the sake of the gospel.

They also told the council about the gospel in a brief manner (the death, the
resurrection and forgiveness of Jesus). We must tell the gospel to anyone whenever
we get a chance.

The wrath of the council and Gamaliel’s advice 33 – 40

(Verse 33) The council was in uproar when the disciples blamed them for
murdering Jesus. They planned to kill the disciples.

Gamaliel (Verse 34)

Gamaliel was a Jewish religious leader who had gained the good will and love
of all the people in the first century. He was the head of the Academy of Hillel. Saul
had studied the scriptures under him (22:3).He was a pharisee who had earned great
respect in the council.He warned the council about its decision believed in the
sovereignty of God.

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His philosophy

Whatever is born of God will stay; whatever is born of man will come to
naught.

He meant that If the new religious sect of the apostles is of God then to oppose
it would be opposing God. One cannot overthrow it. If it was a way created by man
then it will perish on it is own. There is no need for any effort to destroy it. Therefore
he said that it would be better to leave it just the way it was.

He recalls two incidents as evidence to his statement. Someone by name Theudas

rose up, gathering about 400 people with him and boasted himself as somebody big.
However his movement died down after his death (Verse 36). Judas of Galiee was
also a leader who had gathered many with him. All those who believed in him
dispersed and perished after him (Verse 37).

Gamaliel’s idea was that this would also be the same case if it was not born of
God. (Verse 38 & 39) The Sadducees agreed to Gamaliel’s advice and had them
beaten. After threatening them not to speak about the name of Jesus, they released
them.

The preaching continued

The disciples rejoiced because they were considered worthy to suffer shame for
the sake of the name of Jesus. They were preaching everyday in the temple and in the
houses that Jesus was Christ. The gates of hell could not overcome the church as Jesus
had said in Matt 16:18. No power could stop the preaching of the gospel.

The church progressed in this manner by breaking all barriers and not fearing
any threatening or authority. It was as if proclaiming that this battalion will never fail.
Hallelujah!

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 Lesson 6
Chapters 6 & 7

The First Internal Issue of the Church and the Church’s First Martyr
In these two chapters we read about the first internal issue of the Church, how
they resolved it and how the Church increased. We also see how the ministry of
helping appears for the first time in the Church. We also read about one man among
the helpers, who proclaimed the gospels along with mighty works and how he died as
a martyr. This is ‘Stephen, the first martyr’ of the Church.

We can also learn from this lesson regarding the event which was the first
internal issue of the Church that also became a cause for the Church to spread all over
the world.

The first issue 1 – 7 (Verse 1)

More and more members joined the Church and as a result, it increased. Once
the numbers increased, paying attention to individuals decreased. An issue of
discrimination, that the Grecian widows were not properly attended to, came to be
known. Murmuring and accusation slowly started to show its ugly face in the Church.

Two types of Jews had settled in Judea. They were the Grecian Jews and the
Hebrew Jews.

Hebrew Jews

These were the Jews who were born and brought up in Judea and who spoke
Aramaic. They followed the Hebrew culture. These Jews were in majority.

Grecian Jews

The word Grecian in verse one does not refer to the gentiles because so far
gentiles had not been saved and added to the Church. These people were also Jews.
They were the Jews who were scattered and had now returned and settled in their
homeland. They spoke Greek and followed the Grecian culture. They were minorities
and it was usual that both the sides had discord, squabbles and brawls between them.
Both these sections were working against the other.

The world tries to enter the Church

The racial difference in the world was slowly appearing inside the Church too.
The Greeks murmured against the Hebrews that the minorities were not given proper
care.

Even today we see that the casteist, clan, racist, national and linguistic biasness
prevail in the Christian community. This creates divisions on the basis of caste,
language, clan, race and breaks the churches.
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 According to Galatians 3:28, there is neither Greek nor Jew, neither upper caste
nor lower caste, neither colorless people nor colored people, neither Tamil nor
Malayali in the church of Christ. We should not merely say that we are all one in
Christ, but must feel it and practice it.

We should not let any spirit of division raise its head in the church. We should
remove it in its early stages itself. Even if we cannot remove caste, we must at least
remove caste discriminations in the church.

If we dig deep, the first issue of the church was that of food. Adam and Eve
were deceived by food. The Israelites died in the wilderness because of food. At the
same time, the latter Adam, Jesus overcame by not giving importance to food (Matt.
4:3,4). We need to careful about food. The church was in danger of breaking into two
because of an issue of food.

How was the first issue resolved?

The leaders of the Church approached the issue with prudence and wisdom.
They did not try to find out who was the reason or excommunicate them from the
Church. They realized that the reason for such a problem is the dearth in their prayer
and preaching and tried to rectify it.

Verse 2 & 4

They decided to spend more time in prayer and preaching. If there is an issue in
the church, the minister of God should immediately try and identify the fault in
themselves and correct themselves first rather than blaming others.

They realized that the problem had come because of not giving proper attention
in serving tables and therefore appointed seven men for daily ministration.

Even for a matter such as serving food, they appointed people with good
spiritual character, testimony, wisdom and anointing. Even those who are appointed
for small helps and who run errands in the church must have good spiritual character.

We come to know from their names that the seven who were appointed were
Grecian Jews. This means that they appointed those who complained about it, to take
care of the issue of the complaint than those from the major group. When I was doing
ministry in the Nilgiris, four churches used come together in a place called Manjur for
the New Year Service. People from one particular church blamed the Manjur church
members that they were not properly attended to by them. The next year, we gave the
opportunity to serve the tables to the people of the church who had complained and
the problem was solved in the same fashion as in the first church.

The result: The apostles could relieve themselves from the administrative work and
could concentrate more on prayer and teaching.

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 Responsibilities within church were divided among the believers. Therefore
even the believers who were idle began to work.

Verse 7

The church increased rapidly. God’s word prospered. Some religious leaders
were also saved. In this manner, the first internal issue which appeared to divide the
church could be converted to something that helped the Church to grow because the
first church handled it with a right approach and wisdom.

The ministry of Stephen 6: 8 – 10

Stephen was one of the seven. He was full of faith and power and did great
wonders and signs. Nobody could oppose him as he spoke with wisdom and the
strength of the Spirit. Though Stephen had the gift to do such powerful ministry, he
was only an ordinary believer until the opportunity was given to him. He began to do
a ministry that would turn the world upside down and started the chapter of church’s
martyrdom when he was initiated into the Ministry with the ministry of helps.

Dear Pastors, it may be that some of your church members too may have such
gifts and skills hidden in them and remain as ordinary believers. If they are involved
in the ministry guided by the Spirit, they may do begin to do great things. We must
encourage such believers.

Verse 9

The temple mentioned here is not the church, but the synagogue. The list of
people who gathered in that synagogue is given below:

 The Libertines – The children of the Jews who were taken

captives as slaves to Rome by Pompeii in 63
BC and had returned after their release.

 The Cyrenians – Those who had come from North Africa

 Alexandrians – Those who had come from Egypt

 Cilicians – It is now in Turkey. This is Paul’s native.

 Asians – Those who came from the present Western

Turkey.

Charges against Stephen (6:11 - 7:1)

Stephen was brought to the council for enquiry due to false charges on him by
false witnesses as they could not stop him through righteous ways.

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 The charges:

1. Blasphemed against the laws of Moses

2. Blasphemed against the temple. Therefore he must be sentenced to death for

the two charges.

They misrepresented the gospel that he shared and accused him of making a
statement that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and would change the
methods of Moses.

This is the fourth time that the council was hearing a case related to Jesus.

 Jesus Christ himself was examined Mark 14:53 – 60

 Peter and John Acts 4: 1 – 22
 Apostles Acts 5 : 18 – 40
 Stephen Acts 6 : 12 – 60

Verse 6: 15

Stephen stood without the slightest of fear though he know well that the
council, which was against the name of Jesus Christ, had power to give death
punishment to him and that he had been accused of a crime for which he may be given
death. His face was like that of an angel and was not like anything struck by fear or
terror. People in the first church had encountered oppositions, trials and death without
any fear.

Stephen’s answer (7: 1)

Stephen answered as the High Priest asked questions.

We can say that it was a sermon to the council. This is the longest of all the
sermons recorded in the book of Acts (7 : 2 – 53).

We can divide this sermon into four parts:

1) 7 : 2 – 17 The events of the period of the ancestors

2) 7 : 18 – 43 Moses and the commandments
3) 7 : 44 – 50 Temple
4) 7 : 51 – 53 The council condemned and murdered Jesus in the same
manner the prophets were rejected by Israelites in the past.
This is a good summary of the Old Testament. Stephen
starts from Abraham the father, mentions the important
phase of Moses and the commandments, discusses the
references to the temple in the Old Testament and
concludes by blaming the council.

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Important Judgment 54 – 58

The council which had to give the judgment was filled with wrath, gnashed
their teeth at Stephen and decided to stone and kill him.

In one accord they cast him out and stoned him. The false witnesses laid their
garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. They showered stones at Stephen
after that.

At the moment of Stephen’s death (55 -60)

The council is gnashing its teeth to give the death sentence. The Jewish blood
was boiling for many. There was no Gamaliel, the Rabbi who was Saul’s master,
present to pacify them and stop the actions. Instead, Saul, who was supposedly a
passionate devout out there, vouches for it saying that the sentence was carried out in
oneness (8:1). Stephen is filled with the Spirit and does not have any fear that he is
going to die. He lifts up his head and looks at the heavens and sees the glory of God.
He is excited at seeing Jesus Christ of Nazareth for whose sake he offered himself to
die.

He is so thrilled that he could not control his excitement and utters it before all.
The council shouted and jumped over him as if asking him to go to the place which he
was seeing.

A statement like Jesus

Like Jesus, who when he was crucified and killed on the cross cried out
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46), Stephen too died saying
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). Also, like Jesus who prayed saying
“Father, forgive them” for the forgiveness of the evil people who killed him (Luke
23:34), Stephen similarly died interceding for his murderers saying ‘Lord, lay not this
sin to their charge’ (7:60).

We may say that it could be this prayer of Stephen that led Saul, who was
watching his death and was instrumental in killing him, into salvation after a while.
Stephen finished his course by a prayer of intercession.

How did the first issue of the Church become a reason for the Church to spread
worldwide?

It was because an issue was raised, Stephen was chosen as a helper (6:5).

Because he was chosen and inducted into the ministry like the apostles, his
ministry expanded. His passionate sermon made him the first martyr of the Church
(7:58-60).

Saul happened to see Stephen’s death for his belief (7:58). Saul was
persecuting the churches. Therefore, believers were scattered everywhere (8:1-4). Due

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to the persecution, they must have prayed earnestly for Saul who was mainly
responsible for their suffering.

When the Church was scattered, Philip who was one of the seven went to one
of the towns of Samaria and preached the gospel and established a church there (8:5-
12). Through him an Ethiopian minister was baptized and went to Africa as a witness
(8:26-39).

The gospel went to Antioch in Syria when the scattering took place after
persecution (11:20).

The church at Antioch evolved as a missionary church (13:1-3).

Saul, who was miraculously converted, became part of the first missionary team of the
church of Antioch and made three missionary trips, through which churches were
established in Antioch in Pisidia (13:14-52), Iconium (14:1-5), Lystr and Derbe (14:6-
20).

The church was established in towns like Philippi (16:9-40), Thessalonica

(17:1-9), Berea (17:10-14), Athens (17:15-34) and Corinth (18:1-18) of Europe and
Ephesus (19:1-41) of Asia.

We have received 13 (or 14) epistles that Paul wrote because of these
established churches.

In this fashion of cause and effect, the issue which started in chapter six, ended
as Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good. It was good.

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 Lesson 7
Chapter 8 & 9

Philip and the Spread of the Church and Paul’s Conversion

This lesson moves into the second region of the book’s based on divisions of
the earth. Until now the Church was functioning only in Jerusalem. In this part, we are
going to study the history of the Church about how it spread all over Judea and
Samaria after the persecution.

Persecution became the basic reason for the Church to spread

8:1 Once the trouble increased for the Church at Jerusalem, all believers, except the
apostles, were scattered in the lands of Judea and Samaria.

8:2 The believers who buried Stephen mourned for him. It is not that believers
should not mourn or cry when someone dies. Paul too does not say that one
should not mourn but only says to ‘sorrow not, even as others which have no
hope’ (1 Thess. 4:13).

When he says ‘Wherefore comfort one another with these words’ at the end in
verse 18, it shows that there would be grief. God has given emotions to human.
People will have emotions of sorrow, grief, separation when death occurs.
Therefore we must comfort those are in sorrow. We must encourage them.

8:3 Saul was destroying the church by entering each home and putting believer,
both men and women, in prison.

8:4 Believers scattered everywhere (in Judean and Samaritan lands) to escape
arrest and imprisonment. Those who were scattered did not go and hide
themselves to be relieved of trouble but instead they preached the gospel
wherever they went. Because the people in the church had been trained to
preach the gospel, the believers could preach wherever they went even when
there was danger.

We see that the purpose behind God establishing a fivefold ministry in Eph.
4:12, 13 is to make the believers efficient in doing evangelical ministry. If the
believers had not known how to preach the gospel and they would have been alone
and without fellowship in the places they were scattered and would have become
discouraged. Some would have even back slided and perished just like that.

We must equip the entire church to be efficient in preaching the gospel.

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Philip’s ministry in Samaria (8:5-24)

Verse 5 – 8. Philip went to a town in Samaria. Philip was one of them that was
scattered. He did the evangelical ministry with signs and wonders. People paid
attention to what he said because of all that he did.

One must also perform signs and wonders when preaching the gospel. Jesus
appointed the disciples to do this. Jesus himself did this. The disciples also did it. We
also have to yearn and pray to do it (Mark 3:14-15, 6:19, 20, Matt 4:23-25, Mark 1:32-
34, Acts 2:43, 3:1-9, 5:15-16).

Verse 7 Evil spirits left. The palsies were healed. The lame were healed.

Verse 8 There was great joy in the town.

Verse 12 The men and women who heard Philip’s preaching were baptized. The
church started in Samaria like this.

Who are Samaritans?

The race that came up as a result of the Jews mingled with gentiles was called
the Samaritans. They are half Jews and half gentiles. The Jews would consider the
Samaritans as unclean and would not mingle with them. The name Samaria came from
Shemer, owner of the hill (1 Kings 16:24, John 4:9).

Power of gospel overcomes the power of sorcery

A sorcerer by name Simon was bewitching almost everyone in Samaria with

his sorcery. They believed that he was the biggest and powerful representative of God
and respected him. This was in happening for a long time. This sorcerer was in
wonder at the signs and the miracles performed by Philip. Till then people were
astonished by seeing Simon. Now he himself was astonished by seeing the works of
Philip the evangelist. He also was one of them who believed and was baptized.

The power of the gospel will rise and stand over the power of sorcery. Amen.

In these days one must do the evangelical ministry with power. Evangelist who
would challenge the forces of darkness face to face should rise up.

Help and examples from Jerusalem14 – 25

As soon as the apostles at Jerusalem heard about the miraculous works that
were performed, they sent both Peter and John.

The apostles had not sent Philip to Samaria. They did not even give the
advance money for his house or rent or monthly support. Even then, when they heard
at the headquarters that a church has been established in Samaria through Philip, they
send two apostles there. Philip too without a question or an objection immediately
accepts them.

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 What would we have done if we were in the place of Philip?

We would have asked them to return right away by pouring questions like: Did
you send me? From where are you coming now? Did you come with us when we ran
away from the town after being persecuted? Did you share in our sufferings? Did you
preach the gospel? Or did you serve and help while those who obeyed took baptism?

However, because Philip was only an evangelist, he could not baptize any
person. He accepted the authority of the apostles and did according to their guidance.
The church became strong by this. The church would have been safe after Philip.
Also, the lack that was in the church came to be met.

Verse 15 – 17

Though Philip had done ministry in a manner that the whole city was shaken
and even a sorcerer happened to repent and many were baptized, he could not lead any
of them into the anointing of the Holy Spirit. When Peter and John came and laid
hands on the believers, immediately everyone received the anointing.

Helping each other

Even if someone has received any type of calling in the ministry of Christ; the
person’s ministry would not be complete without the help of another minister.
Whether one is big or small, one cannot do what another can and that person cannot
do what this person can.

Therefore, bring and use evangelists, prophets and pastors to your churches.
Bring also missionaries and those sisters who minister among women. Then your
church will be strengthened in all aspects and will grow.

Simon, the false variety (18 – 24)

When Peter and John came, it was revealed that the sorcerer, who had repented,
had not actually repented in the right manner. Simon, the sorcerer, though he was in
the church, had not been mended properly in the church. When pulses are cooked
together, a few seeds remain unboiled and hard even though the others look
overcooked. The pulse seeds which are not boiled belong to false varieties.

There may be one or two unboiled or half boiled believers in your church.
However, if you invite an apostle or prophet and use them your ministry, then such
people would be easily identified. They will either repent and be properly saved or
they will leave the place. This is good for the church.

Old habits die hard

The background of people who get saved and are added to the church will
remain for some time. If someone who was a union leader gets saved and joins the
church, the person would expect the principles of the union to be followed in the
church.
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Verse 18 & 19

Sorcery is a craft that is learned from masters by paying big fees. When Peter
and John laid hands on the heads of believers and prayed, they all were trembling,
jumping and speaking in tongues. This would have looked like sorcery to Simon who
was once a sorcerer. Therefore, he thought he could learn the craft by paying money
to Peter. He comes and gives money to Peter and asks him to give him also the
authority that everyone he lays his hands on would also receive the Holy Spirit.

Verse 20

Peter, however said “Thy money perish with thee” and told him God’s gift
cannot be received by paying money.

Some of today’s ministers would have said ‘Praise the Lord’ and would have
taken the money and put it in their purses and taught him how to lead in the anointing
of the Holy Spirit but Peter behaved as if he was arrogant throwing the money back on
Simon’s face and said go perish with your money.

Dear ministers, do not receive money from anyone and everyone who offers it.
Receive it after checking if it is a righteous offering by asking why they are offering;
how they are giving and how did it come to them. If it is not a righteous offering then
reject it.

Verses 21, 22

Verse 13 states that Simon also believed and took baptism. Even then Peter
asks him to repent saying his heart was not right before God and that he was in the
gall of bitterness and the bondage of iniquity. Though he had received baptism after
repenting, the bondages of sin and bitterness in heart were still prevailing. Some will
be like this in our churches too. We need to identify them and do the needful so that
they are delivered completely.

Verse 24

God may have forgiven Simon as he humbled himself and asked them to pray
for him so that none of the judgments should come upon him.

Ministering in the villages though they were apostles Peter and John preached in the
many villages of Samaria on the way back Jerusalem after their ministry in Samaria.

The gospel should be preached by all ministers, in all places and in all times.
Preaching the gospel is a necessity laid upon all (1 Cor. 9:16).

Baptism of Ethiopian minister 26 – 40

Even the sorcerer who turned the land upside down came and submitted
himself in front of Philip because of his great ministry. All the people in the church

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were anointed. A ministry was just flourishing. Philip becomes an important figure in
the entire country of Samaria.

Call for a ministry in the wilderness

In this context Philip receives a command through an angel of the Lord in this
situation, that the Lord is saying that he should move to the wilderness leaving the
growing and popular church ministry in city (verse 26). The Lord clearly shows the
path that Philip should take. The angel guides Philip to go to the south of the way
from Jerusalem to Gaza. We come to know that God is one who guides his people.

The obedient Philip (verse 27)

Philip rose and went. Philip is obedient to leave the ministry of great numbers
to minister to an individual. He faithfully leaves the city ministry and goes to ministry
in the wilderness.

My dear brother, will you come forward to leave a big ministry and go on a
smaller ministry like Philip? If your institution shifts you from a ministry that has
great facilities, opportunities, income and is received well to a ministry that has not
much popularity, will you be ready to obey and go? Some will refuse to move from a
ministry that is established as if it is their inherited property. If the institution still
insists, they will leave it and start an independent ministry there itself. But Philip did
not consider any such thing and left for the ministry in the wilderness.

Just analyze yourself and think what you would do if such a situation comes.
After doing ministry with multitudes one may feel that doing ministry to individuals is
waste of time. But it is fulfilling God’s plan and not waste of time. God is a God who
gives importance to the one sheep as much as he cares for the 99.

Ethiopian minister Verse 27, 31

 He was a gentile
 He was an Ethiopian
 He was Minister of Finance of Candace, the queen.
 He was a eunuch (Hermaphrodite)
 He was pious.

The Ethiopian eunuch was returning to Ethiopia after worshiping at Jerusalem.

He was reading the book of Isaiah the prophet while traveling. (He must have bought
the copy at Jerusalem for a price. In those days, only the rich could buy parts of the
bible by paying).

The Spirit asked Philip to join the chariot. When Philip did accordingly, he saw
the eunuch reading the prophet Isaiah and asked “do you understand what you are
reading?” To this eunuch, even though he was the minister of finances, truthfully
accepts that he did not understand. Not only that, he records a very important truth
that only if explained one can understand the scriptures.

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 He did not pretend as if he knew. He did not act as if he understood. The
minister showed himself as a humble and true personality who had the desire to
understand the scriptures.

It is important to be humble enough to accept what one does not know.

If he was the finance minister, then he should have been academically sound.
We can understand from this that even if one is quite learned and could handle the
country’s economy, that experience is not enough to understand the scriptures.

Therefore, even if you are an ordinary person only attending tables, it is

important that you explain the scriptures and make people who are of very high
learning and of high positions understand. You should not hesitate to share the truth
with people. People will understand the bible only if it is explained.

Verse 34

He reads out Isaiah 53:7 and asks Philip about whom the prophet is referring to
in these scriptures. It is important to be inquisitive to learn about scriptures.

Verse 36

As they were travelling, they came across a water body. The minister
immediately says that he is prepared to get baptized. When Philip was telling the
gospel, he must have told about baptism and taking it by immersion. That is why
when they came to a place where there was water, he says that he is interested to get
baptized there.

Verse 37

Philip says that one should believe with his whole heart to get baptized. The
minister’s answer explains what one must believe. He says that he believes that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God. Those who get baptized must believe that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God.

Verse 38, 39 (baptism by immersion)

Philip and the minister went into the waters after getting off the chariot. Philip
baptized the minister. Both came out of the waters. They came ashore after getting
baptized by getting down in to the water. This shows that the minister took baptism by
immersion. Baptizein, the Greek word, means ‘immersion’. He went back to his
country filled with the joy of salvation. He must have become a witness to Africa.

Verse 39, 40

It is said that just after the baptism, the Spirit caught away Philip. Only in this
place it is mentioned that the Spirit catches away.

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 Following this, it is said that Philip was found in Azotus, a Philistine town
which means that Philip was caught away by the Spirit on the way to Gaza where he
baptized the Ethiopian minister and was then left in Azotus by the Spirit of God. This
is a miracle and a work of the Spirit.

An experience of the minister

Pastor Mathai, a minister from Kerala, was the one who first brought the full
gospel for the first time to the Nilgiri Hills. My wife and I went and met him in the
beginning when we got married. He stayed in a village near Avadi in Chennai. He
shared with us many of the miracles that had happened in his life. One of them was an
experience like that of Philip’s.

One day, it seems, he was going on the mountain road to place near Kotagiri in
the estates near Coonoor. On the way, when he turned towards a bend, he suddenly
found himself face to face with an elephant. He did not notice the elephant as it was
standing behind the curve. He was stunned and stood there frozen.

Immediately it appeared as if two hands held him by his hip and lifted him
above. In the next moment, he found himself in the place near Kotagiri where he had
to go. This was an experience like Philip. Amazing work of God!! If it is necessary,
the Spirit will lift and carry you too from one place to another, if you believe.

From Azotus, Philip went towards the north and through Joppa, he reached
Caesaria. He preached the gospel in all the towns on his way.

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 Chapter 9

Saul’s Conversion
Paul is an important person in the history of the New Testament Church.
Though he was not one of the twelve apostles, he ministered more than anyone and
established churches. His repentance was a turning point to the Church. We can say
that it started a new era.

Saul is a Jewish name and Paul is a Roman name. Paul was born in Tarsus, the capital
of Cilicia. It is widely believed that he was born in AD 5. His parents were Hebrew
speaking Pharisees. Paul was from the clan of Benjamin. He had acquired Roman
citizenship because he was born in the city of Tarsus. This helped him in ministering
among the gentiles. He could journey through the highways of the Romans and also
stay and preach in towns such as Corinth, Antioch, Lystira, Philippi etc inhabited like
them because of this.

Since he had the Roman citizenship, he could appeal when he was imprisoned
in Philippi, and during be imprisonment at Jerusalem and Caesarean prisons.

He was fluent in Greek as he stayed and studied in Tarsus. His parents sent him
to Jerusalem when he was fourteen. There he studied in a Jewish school of scriptures
called Hillel run by Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). He also learned about the religious practices
of the Pharisees.

The Lord purposed that Paul, who would in his later days do God’s ministry
mightily among the gentiles, would be well learned in the arts and manners of the
Greek and the Hebrew.

Saul grew up in Jerusalem and earned a name among the Pharisees. He was a
member of the Sanhedrin. When the council pronounced the death sentence to
Stephen, he gave his approval in support of that (Acts 8:1).

Later when Stephen was stoned, Saul was guarding the clothes of those who
were stoning (Acts 7:58). He saw Stephen’s face glow (Acts 6:15, 7:55,56) and how
he said that he was seeing Christ at the right hand of God. All of these happenings
and sayings by Stephen must have made an impression in Saul’s mind (Gal 1:13-14,
Phi:.3:4-6, Acts126:4-5).

The City of Tarsus

The city of Tarsus was the capital of the state of Cilicia. It was a city where
people from various countries lived. The city had been there for about 1000 years at
the time of Saul. There was provision for those who were born in this city to get
Roman citizenship (Acts 22:27, 28; 21:39). The third biggest university in the world
was in this city (Athens was first and Alexandria was second). It was a city of trade.
Paul’s father was a rich merchant (9:1-8).

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The encounter of Saul

Saul was going to Damascus, about 320 km from Jerusalem, after getting
permission (9:1) to take the Christians captive and bring them to Jerusalem and kill
them (9:2). On the way, the Lord encounters him. Three supernatural things happened
during this encounter.

 Light shone (verse 3)

 God spoke (verse 4)
 Saul lost his vision (verse 8)

Verse 4, 5

Persecuting Christians is equal to persecuting Christ because in verse 5 Jesus

said that it is him that Saul was persecuting. The bible says that one who touches you
touches the apple of his eye (Zach. 2:8).

The sentence that ‘it is hard for you to kick against pricks’ means that one is
doing harm to himself if he/she is persecuting Christians.

Verse 6

Paul recognized the Lord’s voice. He submitted himself to do the will of God
one he knew that God was speaking.

Verse 7

Those who came with Saul too heard the voice. However, it appears as if they
did not understand what was spoken.

Verse 8

Saul did not eat or drink and stayed in fasting and prayer for three days when
he started his Christian life. Then he became a mighty minister. Jesus Christ fasted
and prayed for forty days and started his ministry. You also must fast and pray before
starting your ministry.

Introduction of Saul to Ananias

‘Ananias’ means ‘cloud of god’. He was disciple in Damascus. The Lord

appears to Ananias on the third day after Paul was converted and tells about Paul
(Verse 10).

Verse 11

God gives the address of people here. The Lord said that Saul of Tarsus is in a
Jew’s house on the ‘Straight street’ and Ananias should go and find him and pray that
he may get his vision back and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Verse 17).

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 From this we can know that the Lord knows not only our name but also our
addresses. He also says ‘behold, he prayeth’. God knows where we are and even
what we are doing at this very minute.

Verse 12

The Lord prepared Paul with a vision informing him about how Ananias would
come to him and pray for him. We see that God prepares people in both sides when he
reveals something.

Verse 13, 14

Ananias had heard that Saul was someone who was persecuting the Church.
Therefore he tells the Lord that this man has come to bind and capture all those people
who worship Christ in Damascus.

Verse 15

Three objectives in the life of Paul. He was to preach the gospel

1. To the gentiles
2. To kings
3. To Israel

He was a vessel chosen to proclaim the gospel (all these three aspects were
fulfilled in his life).

Verse 16

The Lord said that he has to suffer much for the sake of the name of Jesus
Christ for these three aspects to be fulfilled.

We come to know about Paul suffering in his words in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

Paul did not hesitate or fear to undergo suffering. Someone has to undergo suffering
inorder to pioneer a ministry.

There is no limit to the suffering I underwent as a family in my ministry. In

every stage of ministry there was a lot of trouble. My wife and I could bear all that by
the grace of God. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.

Verse 17

Ananias searched and found Paul and prayed for him by putting his hands on
Paul. Paul’s eyes were opened and he received his vision again. He was also filled
with the Holy Spirit.

Verse 18

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 He then received baptism. It does not look like he went and got baptized
immediately because as Paul narrated his life to the Jews in 22:16 when there was
uproar, he mentions Ananias asking Paul that ‘And now why tarriest thou? Arise and
be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ So it appears as
if he took baptism only after Ananias spoke this to him.

Verse 19 – 21

He stayed with the disciples at Damascus and was strengthened. After this he
plunged into preaching that Christ was the Son of God straughtaway.

It is said that food will come from one who eats. In the same manner, is not it
amazing to see Paul who came to Damascus with an intention to take captive the
people in the church, stays with them and becomes a preacher of the gospel. The
Lord changes those who persecute the church to become the builders of the church.

Verse 22

Saul who came to Damascus to trouble the Church, shook the Jews with his
preaching of the gospel. Hallelujah.

Verse 23 – 25

Jews looked for a way to murder him. They were watching day and night to
catch him. The disciples let him down in a basket over the wall and he escaped. Saul
came to Jerusalem from Damascus. This is his first visit to Jerusalem after he was
saved.

He wanted to join the disciples at Jerusalem but the disciples were afraid as
they did not believe him and were hesitating to accept him.

Verse 27

Barnabas who was called the son of encouragement accepted Saul. He told the
apostles about the experiences of Saul and made them accept him as well.

Verse 28 – 30

Saul had fellowship with the church at Jerusalem and he boldly preached about
Jesus. He also debated with the Greeks. One who persecuted the church at Jerusalem
and scattered them, is preaching about the church to all in Jerusalem now.

In the same manner, God will change those who work against the Church in
your town to work for the Church. Saul was looking to murder Christians. Now,
others are looking to murder Saul, the Christian.

People in the church, when they come to know about it took him to Caesarea
and then sent him to Tarsus his native from there.

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 After this incident, we come to hear about Saul after ten years. He was living in
hiding in his home town till then.

The Church grows Verse 31

The churches in the lands of Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, moved
with a spiritual revival, fear of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit and increased.

We see that the church that was scattered in 8:1 increases in 9:31. The church
which was in confusion was now in peace. The scattered church was having revival.
The church that was caught up with the fear of man was now caught up with fear of
God. The church that was persecuted now was comforted.

Peter’s ministry at Lydda Verse 32 – 35

Peter was visiting the many churches that were established in different places.
During those times, he went to visit the people of the church at Lydda. The town was
situated near Joppa to the northwest of Jerusalem.

Healing of the palsy

There was a man named Aeneas who was sick of palsy and was bedridden for
the 8 years. Peter looked at him and said, ‘Aeneas, Jesus is healing you, arise and
make your bed’. He was immediately healed and he arose.

One miracle made many people in Lydda and Sharon to believe. In these days,
people will believe if we preach the gospel with signs and wonders.

Rising up the dead Tabitha in the city of Joppa Verse 36 – 43

There was disciple in Joppa by name Tabitha whose Greek name was Dorcas.
She used to do lot of good works and was supporting many with her alms. She fell ill
and then she died.

(Verse 39) They sent a word for Peter who was at Lydda and asked him to
come.

Verse 40

Peter came and made all those who were crying to go out. Jesus too when the
daughter of the ruler of the synagogue had died made everyone to go out and then
rose her (Mark 5:40).

Peter also did in the same manner and knelt down and prayed. Afterwards, like
Jesus called the dead Lazarus out (John 11:4), he also said, Tabitha arise.
Immediately her life returned and she sat up

Verse 41 – 42: Many received faith

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 Peter called the saints and widows and showed her alive. This news spread like
a wild fire throughout the city of Joppa. Many who heard this received faith.

Verse 43

Peter came to Joppa city and stayed at the house of Simon the tanner for a long
time. Tanner means someone who was at the lower strata of the society.

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 Chapter 10

Beginning of a Gentile Church

A new age emerged among the people of other cultures by the ministry of
Phillip in Samaria (Chapter 8).

We see a new milestone has been reached now to preach the good news to
people of all nations. The preaching of the gospel in the house of Cornelius who was
a gentile became a turning point in the growth of the Church.

Peter ministering at the house of Cornelius, a military officer at Caesarea is the

beginning of the ministry of the Church among the gentiles.

The city of Caesarea was about 48 km from city of Joppa.

The good character and nature of Cornelius Verse 1

1. Cornelius was a centurion of the Italian band of the Roman military.

2. He was a gentile. He was not saved by believing Jesus.

3. He was a devout man. The Lord chooses anyone who is godly in any
religion for himself (Psalm 4:3).

4. He was one who feared God. Peter preaches in his house saying that
anyone who fears God and does righteous deeds from any nation or race
or religion is acceptable to God (Verse 35).

5. His entire household was a devout one. Since his walk was good in the
house, his family also followed him.

6. He was doing much alms to the people. Some people will be very pious
but they will not help the poor. The bible encourages us to give alms
(Matthew 6:3,4, Luke 12:33, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-46). God
accepted Cornelius’ act of giving alms (Verse 4).

7. He was someone who prayed always. The house of one who prayed
came to be blessed as the place of the first church of the gentiles.
Churches will begin where there is prayer. God uses the one who prays.
Cornelius’ prayer went up to heaven to the presence of God (Verse 4).

8. He also used to fast and pray (Verse 30). He received the revelation at a
time when he was fasting and praying. You also must fast and pray.

9. Though he has seen a vision (Verse 3), he had not yet known about
Jesus. Even then he saw the angel face to face. We cannot simply say
that someone great in spiritual life just because the person has seen
visions or angels. Cornelius saw the angel even when he had not

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 undergone the experiences of repentance, baptism, anointing etc. He
also heard the voice of the angel.

My father had seen a dream about the second coming of Jesus even when he
was an atheist, beleieving that there is no God. Therefore, do not think someone is
great spiritually because that person sees visions.

10. He received the guidance from God (Verse 5). We see that God revealed
Peter’s other name, the town he was in (Joppa city), the name of the
person (Simon) in whose house he was staying, Simon’s profession
(tanning) the address of the house (sea side) just like he revealed to
Ananias, the disciple, the address of the house where Saul was staying.

God can reveal like this even today. God’s guidance is very important in life
(Romans 8:14, Psalm 32:8). The ministers in the first Church received the guidance of
God.

11. He had prepared those who were with him (verse 7). He must have led
the soldier who was with him in devoutness because he sends the devout
soldier to bring Peter. He also prepares his household and relatives
(verse 24). We also should lead those who are working with us to God.

12. He obeys the command of God (Verse 7, 8). He sends three people to
Joppa as the angel of God had commanded. It is very important to obey
God’s word.

13. He was a righteous man (Verse 22). He was not righteous until that day
through his faith. However, we see others testify about him that he was
righteous.

14. He was someone about who even the Jews gave a good testimony
(Verse 23). The right Christian way is to have a good testimony before
others.

15. He was humble (verse 25). The house where Peter was staying did not
belong to someone from a high status. The Lord tells him about Peter
and that he was staying in the house of a tanner, whose status in the
society was very low. Even then, he sends a person as the Lord had
commanded.

Not only that, he went before him and fell down at the feet in reverence and
welcomed him when Peter arrived. It was not informed to him that Peter was a Jew,
considered as a people superior to others. Therefore, since he was an officer in the
military, he should have expected others to bow to him and show respect. But
Cornelius, in a contrast, goes and bows down first.

Humility is very important to us. We must ALSO honour the ministers. Some
think very lowly about the ministers of God. They talk very insultingly. This is not

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good. My father was an officer in the military. After he was saved, even if a minister
is very young he would wish them as ‘sir’ with respect. He never criticized the
ministers.

16. Cornelius was eager to listen to the word of God (Verse 33). He was
ready to accept Peter’s words as commandments of God (1 Thes. 2:13).

17. He recognized the presence of God (verse 33). Even though, he had
gathered everyone in his house, he said that ‘we are all here present
before God’. The scripture says (Matthew 18:20) ‘for where two or three
are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.’
Though he did not know the scriptures, the fact that he could consider
his house to be the abode of God’s presence at the time shows us the
nature of the New Testament Church.

18. He received the Holy Spirit (verse 44).

19. He must have received baptism (verse 48).

Preaching the gospel is a duty given to man (Verse 36).

The angel appeared personally to Cornelius and asks him to send for and call
Peter. He also gives the address where Peter was staying.

The angel who said all these things in detail could have also preached the
gospel about Jesus Christ. Though it was easy to have done that way, God plan is that
it is a duty of man to preach the Gospel. Also, the man who listens to angels, must pay
heed to God’s people too.

Some are very adamant and say that God himself should ask them to be
baptized, and only then they will receive baptism. Why should a preacher and a pastor
or a prophet be there if God would directly instruct everything that has to be done? An
angel would say only that which angels are supposed to say. Ministers have to say
what is appointed for ministers to say.

Cornelius, who did according to what the angel had instructed, was ready to
listen to what God was saying through Peter (verse 33).

Peter’s Sermon (verse 34-44)

Verse 34 God is not a respecter of persons

Verse 35 Everyone that fears God and works righteously is acceptable to God.

Verse 36 Jesus is Lord of all. God proclaimed the gospel of peace to Israel
through him.

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Verse 38 God had anointed Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit and power.
Therefore, he went about doing good, delivering the sick and all those
that were oppressed by the devil.

Verse 39 We are witnesses to all things, the death of Jesus on the cross,

Verse 40 The resurrection of Jesus.

Verse 41 Jesus after resurrection revealed himself to the apostles.

Verse 42 He commanded to preach the gospel that Jesus was the judge.

Verse 43 Whosoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins. Many

prophets had also proclaimed the same thing.

All the aspects of the life of Jesus, the death, resurrection, forgiveness of sins
were included in the sermon of Peter.

The result of the sermon verse 44 – 45

All those who heard the word received the anointing and spoke in tongues and
magnified God, which means they worshipped God.

Verse 46 The Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were astonished to see
this. They had thought that the gift of the Holy Spirit is only for the Jews
and therefore when they saw that even the gentiles received the
anointing, they were surprised.

Verse 47, 48 Peter commanded that as they have received the anointing of the Holy
Spirit, they should be given baptism too. In this manner, the first gentile
church was formed in the house of Cornelius at Caesarea.

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 Chapter 11

The Debate about the Gentile Church

Peter’s explanation and the establishing of the church at Antioch

Verse 1 – 3 The debate

News came to Jerusalem that the gentiles have accepted the gospel. At that
time, a few Jewish Christians came to Peter and argued about how he could go to the
house of someone who is not circumcised.

Among the Jewish Christians, some were teaching that salvation is only for the
Jews and to receive salvation one must have been circumcised. They also said that one
should not have fellowship with those who are not circumcised.

Verse 4 – 17 Peter’s defense

Peter explained the events of chapter 10 and argued that if God himself had
anointed, sanctified and redeemed the gentiles, how he could stop that.

Verse 18

The Jews who understood the Lord’s leading here gave glory to the Lord for
salvation had come even to the gentiles.

The ministry of those who were scattered

Verse 19, 20

The Jewish Christians who were scattered because of persecution went around
the regions of Phenice, Cyprus and Antioch in Syria and proclaimed the gospel to the
Jews. The Jews did not proclaim the gospel to the gentiles because they had believed
that that salvation was only for the Jews.

The Church at Antioch

Verse 21 – 30

Among the scattered, those who had accepted Christ by coming into Jewish
religion from being a gentile in the island of Cyprus and Cyrene came to Antioch and
they proclaimed the gospel to the gentiles.

Verse 21

Many became believers because the hand of the Lord was with them.

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Verse 22

The apostles at Jerusalem sent Barnabas there when they heard this. The
apostles at Jerusalem did not send believers. They also had not helped in any manner.
Even then, when they heard that a church had started, they voluntarily come forward
to take the responsibility and do the needful. This shows the relationship of Central
Institution-Branch Church.

Verse 23, 24

Because Barnabas was a good person filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
many more were brought to the Lord. The church grew.

Verse 25

Barnabas thought of bringing Saul to minister with him when he realized that
he alone cannot look after the church after it had grown. Therefore he went and found
Saul in his hometown Tarsus and brought him to Antioch.

Verse 26

Both of them taught the church. Because the lives of the members of the church
became like the life of Christ, they started calling the disciples as Christians.

This is how the name ‘Christians’ was given to the believers, first at Antioch.

Verse 27 – 30: The prophesy about the famine and its fulfillment.

There had been many prophets at Jerusalem (verse 27). Among them was a
prophet by name Agabus who had proclaimed that a famine would come. It came to
pass in the days on Claudius Caesar (verse 28).

Verse 29

Relief money was collected from the church at Antioch to help the saints in
Jerusalem and sent through Barnabas and Saul. We see that help was rendered from
the branch church to the central institution.

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 Chapter 12

Peter is Released from the Prison by the Power of Prayer – Results of

Prayer
Verse 1

Herod began to trouble the church. If we observe closely, we see that the
people who were persecuted, were actually people who prayed. Herod Agirippus was
the Herod. The one who ruled at the time of the birth of Jesus was The Great Herod
the third.

Verse 2

James was one of the three prayer warriors (Matt 17:1) and he was the first
martyr among the apostles was a prayer warrior. Brother and Sister, those who pray
are the enemies to the devil. Therefore, more trouble and pain will come to those who
pray. Undergoing tribulation is not a sign of defeat. It is a sign of victory. Though
James died, the church did not perish. The church increased. However, Herod who
tried to destroy the church was removed from the scene.

Therefore, do not fear if trials and tribulations come. Prayer is on your side.
Prayer brings victory.

Verse 3

It was pleasing to the Jews when Herod murdered James. Herod had been
appointed by the Emperor of Rome as the governor of Judea. He imprisoned Peter
with an intention of killing him in order to please the Jews. Peter was also one of the
prayer warriors (Luke 9:28).

The feast of the unleavened bread followed the feast of Passover. The Jews had
to eat unleavened bread for a week. This is symbolic of the complete holy life of Jesus
Christ.

Verse 4: Heavy guard in the prison

Herod had put Peter in prison, chained him and placed 16 soldiers made to
watch him in quaternion.

Is Peter Bin Laden of Saudi Arabia or sandal wood smuggler Veerappan to be

imprisoned like that? Peter was formerly a fisherman. He was the most aged among
the disciples. In such a context why did Herod consider Peter to be so strong? One
who prays is a terrorist to the enemy. The enemy’s camp knows the strength of the
one who prays. Christians in India are a miniscule minority today. Even then, strong
communal forces are opposing and attacking us because they know our real strength.

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Peter in the prison cell and the church in the prayer closet verse 5 – 16

When the church came to know that Peter has been imprisoned, they gathered
in the house of Mary, mother of Mark (verse 12) to pray diligently for Peter.

We can notice four aspects of prayer here.

 The members (it was a group prayer).
 For him (for a single purpose)
 To God (to seek the Lord to intervene than looking for man’s help)
 Fervently (without ceasing, with faith)

The church did not go after men to get Peter released. They did not organize a
procession to appeal to the government. They prayed immediately.

It would be nice if today’s church learn this.

Verse 6

The church is praying. Peter was to be brought to the trial next day. Two
soldiers are sleeping on the two sides of Peter guarding him and keepers were at the
doors.

Verse 7

Whatever be the order of the guard, if heaven intervenes, all the guarding is in
vain. The angel came into prison. Light shone in the cell of Peter but he was in a deep
sleep. If Peter was having a sound sleep even after knowing that he would be slain the
next day, it simply shows how he had dared to be killed. The angel smote him on the
side. Peter’s chains fall of immediately.

Verse 8
Though what was needed was to just escape, the angel asks him to wear his
sandals. He asks to put on his garment and gird his loins as well. We can know from
this that God is one who is interested in our physical being.

Verse 9

Peter follows the angel. Though Peter had done whatever the angel had said, he
was still in a haze. He was thinking that whatever was happening was a vision.

Verse 10

They crossed the first and the second ward and came to the iron gates leading
into the city. When they reached there, the gates opened as if they were automatic
gate. The angel walked along a street with him and then left him.

Verse 11

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 Only now, Peter came out of his sleep and regained consciousness. He realized
that the Lord had sent his angel and released him.

Verse 12

Peter came straight to the house of Mary because he might have known that all
would gather at her house in situations like this. Many people had gathered and were
praying there as he had expected.

Verse 13, 14

Peter knocked at the door. When a girl named Rhoda came and heard that it
was Peter who was knocking, she ran inside in joy, not knowing what to do and
informed that Peter was at the door.

Verse 15

They did not believe that Peter was at the door. They told her that she was mad.
They said that it could be Peter’s angel.

Verse 16

When Peter kept knocking the door, they opened and were amazed to see him
there. Though their prayers were strong enough to release Peter, they did not expect
that he would be freed so quickly and in this manner. The Lord will surprise those
who pray.

Verse 17

He explained how he was released to those who had prayed for it and asked
them to inform James and other elders and went absconding from the place.

Verse 18

The soldiers were afraid in morning when they saw that Peter was not in the
cell.

Verse 19

Herod moved his capital from there and went to Caesarea. He ordered to kill
the soldiers who were guarding Peter to be killed before he left. Herod who was not
letting the Church to be there at Jerusalem and wanted to destroy it himself has moved
to Caesarea as he could not continue to live in Jerusalem.

It is true that one who stumbles at this rock (church) will be destroyed. If the
church prays then there will be change in the political environment. The seats of
power will shake.

Verse 20

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 The people of Tyre and Sidon made peace with Herod through Blastus who
was the king’s chamberlain because he was angry with them before them.

Verse 21 – 23

On an appointed day, Herod made a big oration to them. Since they wanted to please
him, they said that his voice is like that of a God and spoke as if he was equal to God.
Since he accepted it without refusing it, the Lord struck him. He was eaten by worms
and died.

In this manner, the prayer of the church made Herod who was persecuting the church
to leave the world itself.

Verse 24

But the word of God grew and multiplied. Herod also was removed from the
scene.

Verse 25

Barnabas and Saul came to Antioch bringing John, who was known as Mark,
along with them. John was a relative of Barnabas (Col. 4:10).

From then, we can see that it is not the church at Jerusalem but the church at
Antioch which becomes the center of all activities.

The fulfillment of Acts 1:8

The church was first established at Jerusalem and it was a witness there. Then
it spread all over Judea and into Samaria region too. Finally it spread to the countries
of the gentiles. Witnesses for Jesus arose in the continents like Asia and Africa as
well. In this manner we read in the first 12 chapters how the key verse 1:8 of the Act
of the apostles gets fulfilled.

In the first part of Acts, we study that the church first spread among the Jews,
then it was established among the Samaritans who were a mixed race between the
Jews and the gentiles and later it spread among those who were total gentiles.

We see that the activities of Peter have been mostly covered in the first 12
chapters.

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 Acts of the Apostles
Assignment No.: 1
Part-A

Answer in two or three sentences:

1. Write an introduction about the Acts of the Apostles.

2. What is the Greek name for this book and explain its meaning?
3. What are the 'We' passages in this book?
4. Write about the addressee of this book.
5. What are the aims of this book?
6. Write about the Baptism given by John.
7. Is it necessary to wait for the anointing? Yes or no? Explain why?
8. Explain the term ‘Dunamis’.
9. What is the purpose of receiving power?
10. What is the Qualification of an apostle?
11. Why is one place & one accord important in prayer?

Part-B

Answer in about 10 lines:

1. Explain the importance of this book.

2. What are the internal & external evidences of the authorship of this book?
3. Explain the theme & divisions of this book.
4. Explain Baptism by Holy Spirit.
5. Why did Jesus ask His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem? Explain
6. Explain the coming of the Holy Spirit.
7. Write the Seven feasts.
8. What are the benefits of tongues?
9. Who were the people gathered on the day of Pentecost? How was the
confusion of Babel cleared in Jerusalem?
10. What are the main points in the sermon of Peter on the Day of Pentecost?
11. What are the characteristics of the Peter's Sermon?

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 12. What was the hour in which Peter & John visited the Temple? Explain.

Part-C

Answer in about one page:

1. Explain the prayer in the upper room

2. What are the effects of the experiences of the Pentecost?
3. What are the Characteristics of the early church?

Assignment No.: 2
Part-A
Answer in two or three sentences:

1. Write the Jewish timing and its equivalent timing of ours.

2. What are the significant events that mark the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
3. What are the five types of signs and wonders that will appear on the Day of
the Lord?
4. What are the two reasons for the death of Jesus
5. When the people asked “what shall we do?” What was Peter's answer?
6. Write a short note about the Beautiful gate and Solomon's porch.
7. What is Sanhedrin?
8. What was the debate & conclusion in Chapter 4?
9. Write briefly about the youth in the first church.
10. What was the bold answer of the disciples when they were enquired?
11. Explain the incident of Ananias and Sapphira.
12. Who were Hebrew Jews & Grecian Jews?

Part-B

Answer in about 10 lines:

1. What are the characteristics of the prayer of the church and its effect?
2. Write a short note on Barnabas.

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 3. How was the first church in quality and character of the Kingdom of God?
4. Who was Gamaliel and what was his philosophy?
5. What was the content of Peter's Sermon in chapter 4?
6. Why were the council members stunned?
7. How was the first problem in the church solved? What was the result of it?
8. Explain the ministry of Stephen.
9. What are main points in the sermon or the answer of Stephen to the High
Priest?
10. How did persecution become the basic reason for the church to spread?

Part-C

Answer in about one page:

1. Explain the healing of the lame man.

2. What are the truths we learn from the Ananias and Sapphira?
3. How did the first problem in the church serve as a reason for the church to
spread worldwide?

Assignment No.: 3

Part-A
Answer in two or three sentences:

1. What was the first problem in the Church?

2. Write the names of the seven who were selected to serve?
3. What were the charges the council made against Stephen?
4. Explain the death of Stephen.
5. Who are Samaritans?
6. Write a brief note about Ethiopian minister.
7. Write a briefly about the city of Tarsus.
8. What are the three objectives of Ministry in the life of Paul?
9. Write the Vision of Cornelius.

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 10. What were the results of the Sermon of Peter in the house of Cornelius?
11. Who was Agabus & what did he tell?
12. What are the four aspects of Prayer in Chapter 12?

Part-B
Answer in about 10 lines:

1. How did the power of gospel overcome the power of sorcery as seen in this
book?
2. Helping each other is important in Ministry- Explain with the example.
3. How was the Simon the Sorcerer a false variety of a beleiever?
4. Who was Philip and explain his ministry to the Ethiopian minister.
5. Explain the encounter of Saul with Jesus.
6. Explain the immediate happenings in the life of Saul after the encounter.
7. Explain the ministry of Peter in Lydda & city of Joppa.
8. Explain the Vision that Peter received when he was in Joppa.
9. Explain the Content of Peter's Sermon in the house of Cornelius.

Part-C

Answer in about one page:

1. Write a short note on Paul.

2. Write the good characters and nature of Cornelius.

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