ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Intro- Record of the early Church (1 st 30 Years ) focus = Growth / Expansion of Church- Focus shifts from Jews Gentiles- Incorrectly labeled as the Acts of the Apostles Should be Acts of the Holy Spirit

(focus is mostly on Peter ch 1-12 (ch. 15 = 1x); focus shifts to Paul ch. 13 -28)- The whole contents of the book may be divided into two parts:

(1.) Chaps. 1–12, describing the first twelve years of the Christian church. This section has been entitled “From Jerusalem to Antioch.” It contains the history of the planting and extension of the church among the Jews by the ministry of Peter. (2.) Chaps. 13–28, Paul’s missionary journeys, giving the history of the extension and planting of the church among the Gentiles, and his mission to Rome.

a. Chaps. 21–28, Paul at Rome, and the events which led to this. Chaps. 13–28 have been entitled “From Antioch to Rome."

DATE 80-85 AD 1. The major point of agreement among most NT scholars is that the book of Acts and

the Gospel According to Luke were written by the same person, whom we call Luke. Most would tend to date the two books ca. A.D. 80-85.

a. If Luke knew the outcome of the trial Paul was waiting for (28:30), why did he not record it at the close of Acts? Perhaps it was because he had brought the history up to date; and felt that we had everything we needed to know up to that point.

b. Those who prefer the later date hold that 1:8 reveals one of the purposes Luke had writing his history, and that this purpose influenced the way the book ended. Luke wanted to show how the church penetrated the world of his day in ever-widening circules (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth) until it reached Rome, the world’s political and cultural center. On this understanding, mention of the martyrdom of Paul (67 AD) and of the destruction of Jerusalem (70AD) was not pertinent. This would allow for the writing of Acts 70 AD or even later (The NIV Study Bible).

2. Conservative scholars normally date the book to about 63AD [because Acts ends there; but that does not mean that it was written during that time; it just means it records events up to that poin]:

a) Paul’s Imprisonment – acts ends abruptly with Paul in Rome for Two years under house arrest from 61 – 63AD.

Acts 28:30-31 - Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

2) Paul’s Death 64 AD – ABSENT 3) Persecution under Nero 64AD – ABSENT4) Fall of Jerusalem 66-70AD – ABSENT

1

AUTHORSHIP

Internal Evidence

1) LK & ACTS = Theophilus (Both LK and Acts are addressed to Theophilus).

- Theophilus = Lover of God or Loved by God (Tells us who the book is written for) (READ)

Luke 1:1-4 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

Acts 1:1-3 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

2) Greek Style – Greek in both books are very similar- 750 peculiar words to Luke (450 in Acts)- Medical Terms (1:3; 3:7; 9:18,33; 13:11) – 1882 W.K. Hobart “The

Medical Language of St. Luke.” 1920, H.J. Cadbury challenged this view and said that Luke’s language was no different than any other well educated person; Yet he’s called the Beloved Physician by Paul Col. 4:14.

3) One Work - Acts follows naturally from Luke. (Luke and Acts are considered one work) Perceived as a Two-Volume Work.

Luke 24:49-53 "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them

Acts 1:4-8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the oend of the earth.”

4) “We” passages (27X = WE) – Suggests Paul had a companion (16:10-13; 20:6,15; 21:1-18; 27:1; 28:16) (OVERHEAD)

Acts 16:10-13 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately WE sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Therefore, sailing from Troas, WE ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And WE were staying in that city for some days. And on the Sabbath day WE went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and WE sat down and spoke to the women who met there.

2

Acts 20:6 But WE sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where WE stayed seven days.

Acts 20:15 WE sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day WE arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day WE came to Miletus.

Acts 21:1-8 Now it came to pass, that when WE had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course WE came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, WE went aboard and set sail.When WE had sighted Cyprus, WE passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. And finding disciples, WE stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. When WE had come to the end of those days, WE departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till WE were out of the city. And WE knelt down on the shore and prayed. When WE had taken our leave of one another, WE boarded the ship, and they returned home. And when WE had finished our voyage from Tyre, WE came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. On the next day WE who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

External Evidence

1) Muratorian Canon: “Luke compiled them for the most excellent Theophilus because they severally took place in his presence.”

2) Anti-Marcionite Prologue / Irenaeus / Clement of Alexandria/ Origen / Tertullian / Eusebius / Jerome.

PURPOSE AND THEME

1. Apologetic It’s an apologetic work, in that, he’s showing his audience (Theophilus) that Christianity is not simply an ordinary religion, but that it’s extra-ordinary; in fact, despite those that have tried to muffle it, it has only grown. For instance, throughout the Book of Acts, though there is much persecution against the Christians, the Church continues to grow. 3000>5000>+

Exposes the Myth of the Trouble making Church – It seems that wherever the Christianity is found, it seems to be accompanied by trouble. Luke is attempting to show that Christianity is not a trouble making religion, but one that brings healing, deliverance, and restoration through the Power of the Holy Spirit. In this respect, the Church garners support and respect as a legitimate institution founded by God.

a. Persecution =(GROWTH OUT OF OPPOSITION)Acts 4:1-41. The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.2. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.3. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.

3

4. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about FIVE THOUSAND. Acts 5:34-3934 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were SCATTERED.38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Acts 8:1 1. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were SCATTERD throughout Judea and Samaria.

- FALSE SCATTERING VS. TRUE SCATTERING: Luke wants to tell us that Judas the Galilean’s followers scattered and came to nothing because the work was not of God, but because Christianity is real, when it is persecuted, it may scatter, but it does not come to nothing, it becomes something, it grows and expands, as ch. 8:1 tells us.

- Growth in the Face of Opposition = Proof of Legitimacy: As the church continued to expand across the empire it continued to encounter opposition, but as proof that Christianity was legitimate, nothing could stand in its way. Acts serves as a witness and sign to all, that when God is involved in something you cannot stop it!

- Practical: Are you allowing God into your life? How much are you allowing God to get involved in your affairs? As the church yielded herself to God, God was moved through her. To the extent that you allow God into your life will determine how effective you are in life!

2. Historical 1 – To Provide an Accurate and Orderly Account of the Development of Christianity 1 Luke – A Reliable Historian - According to Josh McDowell, “Sir William Ramsay is regarded as one of the greatest archaeologist ever to have lived. He was a student in the German historical school of the mid-nineteenth century. [For instance] he believed that the book of Acts was a product of the mid-second century A.D.” (McDowell, 109). However, after doing considerable research for more than 30 years, he discovered that Luke was a more accurate historian than he realized. Ramsay said, “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy…this author should be placed along with the greatest of historians” (Ramsay, 222). For centuries, historians thought that Luke was inaccurate concerning the historicity behind his writings, but archaeologists have recently come to the conclusion that Luke was an extremely accurate recorder of history. F.F. Bruce, of the University of Manchester commented on the accuracy of Luke: “Where Luke has been suspected of inaccuracy, and accuracy has been vindicated by some inscriptional evidence, it may be legitimate to say that archaeology has confirmed the New Testament record” (Bruce, 1969, p331). For instance, Luke’s usage of the words “part” or “district” were originally thought to be inconsistent with archaeological finds; that is, until archaeologist discovered the exact opposite: “Archaeological excavations, however, have shown that this very word, meris , [part or district] was used to describe the divisions of the district . Thus, archaeology has again shown the accuracy of Luke” (Free, 320). Acts 16:12From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

4

Since Luke intended to write a two volume work, from looking at both, it is simple to understand that his intent was to give an accurate and orderly account of development and spread of Christianity.”

1. Spread of Christianity / Founding of Churches / Activity of Spirit: As already indicated, those who prefer the later date hold that 1:8 reveals one of the purposes Luke had writing his history, and that this purpose influenced the way the book ended. Luke wanted to show how the church penetrated the world of his day in ever-widening circules (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth) until it reached Rome, the world’s political and cultural center. On this understanding, mention of the martyrdom of Paul (67 AD) and of the destruction of Jerusalem (70AD) was not pertinent. This would allow for the writing of Acts 70 AD or even later. The significance of Acts as a historical account of Christian origins cannot be overestimated.

It tells of the church:

a. The spread of the gospel (Jew Gentile)

1. Acts 1-12 = Peter / Acts 13-28 = Paul: In addition, from a detailed Historical Perspective, Luke is interested in showing the ministry to the “Jews” through Peter from chapter 1-9; and is interested in showing the ministry to the Gentiles under Paul from 9-28.

b. The establishment of congregations (… and strengthening of churches)

1. Discipleship sustains the church. Discipleship is the common denominator by which all churches stay strong. Without a solid discipleship program in the church, growth will be minimal and weak Christians will become the norm.

2. Faith Comes by Hearing and Hearing : Paul travels back through the churches that he established in order to strengthen them.

c. The working of the Spirit through the Church

1. Activity of the Holy Spirit through the Church (Laity and Apostles) The First Half, Luke is interested in giving an Account of Jesus’ life and Ministry, particularly concerning Jesus’ works, deeds and resurrection. The second half of Luke deals predominately with the expansion of the Church after the resurrection of Christ. Luke is interested in showing how Christianity has taken form from the inception of the church at Christ’s resurrection. Volume two deals predominately with the “Acts of the Apostles;” whereas, volume one dealt with mainly the “Acts of Jesus.” Part 1 (Luke) focuses on Jesus and Part II (Acts) focus on the Holy Spirit’s activity within the church.

5

Acts 1:1-8: 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that JESUS began to DO and to teach2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.….8 But you will receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT comes on YOU; and YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

- It’s as if Luke is telling Theophilus that just as he had written to him “about all that Jesus did in Luke,” so now, in Acts he is writing to let him know all the things that God’s people have done through the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

A1) Part I, Luke = The Acts of Jesus (Holy Spirit)

Spirit = 32(X) (uses “spirit” more than Synoptics)

Luke 8:51-55 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately.

A2) Part II, Acts = The Acts of the Apostles (Holy Spirit)

Spirit = 65 (X)

Acts 9:36-42 - Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

Holy Spirit – The same way God used Jesus is the same way he wants to use his people today. The Gifts of the Spirit did not pass away with the Apostles – They are for today. The Holy Spirit is still in the Church actively performing miracles, signs and wonders. Why is so much of the Church powerless? Because many have rejected the Holy Spirit and have rejected his workings – If the Holy Spirit is to have his way, then, we must invite him in. (The little boy who was kicked out of the church whom Jesus found and said don’t feel bad they won’t let me in

6

there either represents many of the churches today in America – they won’t let him in to do His greatest work – Heal, Save, and Deliver).

Special Features:

I. Empowerment Through the Spirit

II. Unity

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 2:1-2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:46-47 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 4:24, 34 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is…And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 5:12-14 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Acts 8:6-7 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Corporate Fellowship is the prerequisite to God’s Power being unleashed and manifested in our lives and in the Earth.

How does this work?

1. Unity: Fellowship (Corporate gatherings) fosters and gives birth to Unity. When Unity is present then God’s power will be available.

How does this work?

7

Fellowship Unity Power Fellowship Disarms and Dethrones the spirit of Division Causes the Spirit to Bind us together in complete unity, thus Increasing our

effectiveness both as a body and individually Deuteronomy 32:30

ONE puts 1000 to Flight TWO put 10000UNITY / ONE ACCORD = Greater Measure of Power

Symphony : “All Available Instruments In Harmony.”2

Power released through unity…

(A) Acts 2:1-2 (One Accord occurs 10X in Acts = “same mind”)1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with ONE ACCORD in one place.2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

v.1 (Unity) one accordv.2,4 (Power)

sound from heaven…cloven tongues…they were all filled with the holy spirit.

(B) Acts 2:41-47 – Why did the Lord Add daily to their number (v.47)v. 44, 46 (Unity)v. 47 = (Lord Added) Increase…

(D) 4:23-37 – Why was Great Power Manifested?v. 32 (Unity)v. 33 (Power)* If we want to see God’s power manifest in our lives, families, churches, in the earth, we need to be in unison with each other.

2 “One-Accord”: homothumadon- with one mind, with one accord, with one passion; A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of the ekklesia of Christ.

8

A. The place was shakenB. Filled with the Holy GhostC. Boldness

** V.33 - Great Power and Great Grace = United Prayer

(E) Joining Faith (combing of faith = greater, more power than individual prayer)

I. GREAT Power = 1x 1,000 vs. 2x 10,000 to flight

II. James & Peter:1. James – Killed (No Prayer)2. Peter – Escaped (Prayer made without Ceasing – United Prayer)

Acts 12:1-5

Acts 12:1-51 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (KJV = “…but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”)

The Great Awakening of 1727God’ spirit during the revival outpoured simultaneously across different nations.A time of moral decline and chaos: “Gin Craze- every third to sixth house was a tavern. Jonathan Edwards said, “Children were given to night walking and tavern haunting.” Hanging was seen as a form of entertainment. Applause and rejoicing went up from children and women. Founded the Community: Herrnhut (The Lord’s Watch)Leader: Nikolas Count Ludwig Von ZinZendorf (German)24-hour prayer meeting; lasted 100 years.Sent 300 Missionaries out in 65 Years.Revival spread through Presbyterian churches in NJ, the “Log College” was founded, and later became known as Princeton University.

Jonathan EdwardsLater Jonathan Edwards became known as one of the greatest revivalist the church has ever seen. He produced a number of revival theologies and pastoral observations which have yet to be surpassed in their wisdom and insight. He led a PRAYER effort which produced the First Great Awakening. One of these prayer groups he had organized had spent the entire night in the sanctuary praying for Revival. It’s been said that as a he read his sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” that people fell under the power and cried out for repentance: “God, Help Me! I’m falling in the pits!”

9

Men such as John and Charles Wesley, and George Whitfield are tied to this awakening. Edwards said: “The worst persons in town seemed to be suddenly seized with a great degree of concern about their souls.” Over the next several years entire colonies were seized by this spiritual awakening. Church records indicate that…

a. One-third of the population of the American Colonies got saved . So many were saved that Edwards wondered aloud whether the millennial reign of Christ was not descending on earth.

b. He said, if another 20 years of awakening passed unhindered, he calculated that no one would be left to save . 150 new Congregational churches were built over a 20 year period;

c. and 30,000 churches were added in a two year period .

d. Nine Universities were established in the colonies .

The Second Great Awakening – 1792Lasted about 30 YearsGave great impetus to world missionsMoral Decline hit once again: “Following the American Revolution (1775 – 1783). Drunkeness was epidemic. Out of 5 million, 300,000 were confirmed drunkards. For the first time in the history of America, women were afraid to go out at night. Bank Robberies were a daily occurrence.a. The Revival began as a Prayer Movement in 1784. Denomination after denomination

devoted a monthly Monday evening to prayer, first in Britain, then in the U.S. Methodist grew from 72,000 at Wesleys death to 250,000 within a generation.

b. Results: British and Foreign Bible Society , The Religious Tract Society, The Baptist Missionary Society, The London Missionary Society, etc., Social Reform: Evangelical Anglicans successfully fought for the abolition of the slave trade, prisons were reformed.

The Third Great Awakening - 1830- Charles Finney- 100,000 souls won to the Lord in one year.- Only lasted 12 years- Revival hit other parts of the world simultaneously: Scandinavia, Central Europe, South Africa, the Pacific Islands, India, Malabar, and Ceylon. - Colleges: Grandson of Jonathan Edwards took over Yale College and in one year, half the students were converted. Other colleges had similar occurrences. Prior to this Christians met secretly on College because of rioting against Christians on campus. Burned down Nassar Hall at Princeton University. A bible was burned publicly, and the President of Harvard was forced to resign. One man started praying, Isaac Backus, a Baptist Minister, who said, “There’s only power on earth that commands the power of heaven – prayer!” After revival hit, the churches couldn’t accommodate those inquiring about salvation. Multitudes were one to the Lord. - Methodist Magazing, 1821, a Methodist pastor, John McGee said to a lady regaining her composure: “You know these people. Presbyterians are much for order. They will not bear this confusion. Go back and be quiet. I turned to go back and was near falling; the power of God was strong upon me. I turned again, and losing sight of the fear of man, I went through the house shouting, and exhorting with all possible ecstasy and energy, and the floor was soon covered with the slain; their screams for mercy pierced the heavens.”- Camp Meeting : Results of Prayer and Repentance: The city of Kentucky having only 1,800 people in the town; 11,000 showed up at this tiny church. Some came as far as 100 miles away.

10

III. Being Led By The Spirit

How does God lead us? What is the norm? -- One Step at a Time: God normally leads us one step at a tie.

Paul’s Life Example: A Step by Step Leading (Acts 22:10)- The day he met Christ, he asked, “Lord What Shall I do?”- Jesus said: “Arise, and go on into Damascus; and there you will be told of all that has

been appointed for you to do.”- 3 Years later after his conversion he went to Jerusalem to meet the apostles and to

witness to the Grecian Jews about Christ (Acts 9:26-29 ; Gal. 1:18,19)- While In Jerusalem God told Paul: “Leave Jerusalem immediately , because they will

not accept your testimony about me.” (Acts 22:17,18)

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.

Heb: mits` ad (mits-awd') - going, step -- Implies one step at a time

Small Steps It is no accident that he used the word steps when he revealed the existence of God’s plan for our lives. While God has the whole journey mapped out ahead of time, he conceives of that journey as a successive series of small steps, and that is the way he makes it know to us.

Children of Israel (Cloud & Pillar of fire by Night)The children of Israel were led through the wilderness on a “DAY-to-DAY basis. They followed God’s guiding cloud wherever it went. When it moved, they moved. When it stopped, the set up camp. If it remained one day, they stayed one day. If it stayed a year, they stayed a year. Although they never knew from day to day where it was taking them, they trusted God to lead them in the right way, and eventually they got to the promised land. They got their step by step

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

The Ancient TravelerWhen an ancient traveler journeyed at night he carried an oil lamp with him. As walked along, swinging the lamp out in front of him, he could see the rocks and ruts directly ahead of him in the road, and he could avoid them. (Sometimes he actually strapped a small clay lamp to his ankle and it illuminated the path before him, one step at a time, as he walked)

Car LightsDriving a car at night with the headlights on allows the driver to see directly in front of him; not miles ahead. They don’t even allow you to see around the bend. God knows that it may not be best for us to see too far down the highway of our lives. If he showed us the whole plan at the outset, we might decide that we do not want to follow God’s plan for our lives. It might involve more than we are willing to make at this stage of our spiritual maturity, or it may look too difficult to handle at this stage of spiritual growth.

- Joseph Became Governor of Egypt (probably would not have chosen that path if he knew ahead of time what he would have to go through)

11

- David became King of Israel (Probably would not have chosen to become king if he knew what he was going to face dealing with Saul.

How to be Led by the Spirit

I. How not to be led by the Spirit - Not By Fleeces!

A. The last record of a fleece is in the book of acts for Judas’ replacement.

B. This is for Baby Christians. God will let you get away with this for some time, but there comes a time when you need to grow up and learn that God leads by the Spirit.

C. K. Hagin – Went to a church and received 100% of the votes based on a fleece. He Got Fleeced and out of the Will of God for 14 Months. He said it was like a bucket of water was put over him every time he walked through front doors.

II. Three Ways in Which the Spirit of God Speaks:a. Audible / b. Still Small Voice / c. Inward Witness

A. Audible Voice or Authoritative Voice of the Spirit1. The Calling of Samuel 1 Sam 3:1-101 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place.3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am."5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.6 Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

2. Mount St. Hellen’s Eruption- Journalist got lost with his team…- Told God if he got them out that he would serve Him the rest of His life- Audible Voice: “Mike, Look to your left” – saw three trees and one in shape of a cross…- Helicopter came over the top and rescued them…

12

* This is not the primary way God leads His People, but it is one of the ways He has, and still does.

My personal opinion is that if you are hard of hearing and God needs to get your attention he can do this, but this is not the primary way he leads his servants.

B. Still Small Voice (The Second Way God leads)

1. I didn’t call you to be a chef (CCM).2. I’m calling you, Just like I’m calling them

C. Inward Witness. (Inward Intuition)#1 PRIMARY WAY the Spirit Leads. God contacts us and deals with us through our spirit.

A. Day of Pentecost – infilling of the Spirit – we have the Spirit within to lead us.

B. Spirit, Soul, and Body (your spirit – Contacts God) – primary way God leads.

C. Prov 20:27 - The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

- God will use our spirit to guide and enlighten us as to God’s will for our lives. He doesn’t communicate with us directly through our mind or our body, because He dwells in our spirit. Therefore, He communicates with us through our spirit. The Holy Spirit is abiding in your spirit. It is your spirit that picks up these things from the Holy Spirit and then passes then on to your mind by an inward intuition, or inward witness

D. Rom. 8:24 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

- We can expect the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us so we can fulfill God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Notice this verse does not say “as many as are led by the body or mind are the sons of God.”

E. Rom 8:16 - The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

13

F. Rom 9:1 I speak the truth in Christ-- I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit--

Rom 9:1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

**ASK: How do you know that you are saved? You know by the Spirit within you. He bears witness with your spirit.

a) Like a Traffic Light: Red, Amber, Green: - Red: Check, A Red Light, Stop Signal, - Amber: Wait on me, not yet (Grey area)- Green: Go, It’s Okay. Peace on the inside:

G. ACTS 15: SEEMER: Right Feelings (Peace) = Acts 15 Acts 15:25-2925 It seemed GOOD unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.28 For it seemed (GOOD) to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

H. PERCEIVE: Acts 27:9-109 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,10 saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives."(NKJ)

- Paul had an inward witness or a spiritual perception about the voyage. His spirit picked up that knowledge from the Holy Spirit dwelling within him.

14

I. Supernatural Peace

1. I have discovered that when my heart is filled with an indescribable peace that surpasses all human understanding, I am in the center of God’s perfect will.

2. RC Sproul: “The Ring of Truth” – That when God speaks it rings with truth through your whole being.

3. Grace & Favor : Look for favor when dealing with situations and people. If you sense a struggle in dealing with people, perhaps God is not in it. If there is no favor there then it is not God.

- Medi-Media – (No Grace) vs. Prudential & Bayer (Grace). - MM: Boss / Simple tasks difficult to perform- Bayer: Great Job, favor, peace, enjoyable, etc.

J. Lack of Peace (smote / grinding) = David’s Heart Smote him in the Cave when he was about to Kill Saul.

1 Samuel 24:4-5 = 4. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.5. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart SMOTE him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

SMOTE: 5221 nakah (naw-kaw');a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively):

I Jn 3:19-2219 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Col 3:15 – (AMP) “And let the PEACE (soul harmony which comes) from Christ RULE (act as UMPIRE continually) in your hearts [DECIDING and SETTLING with FINALITY ALL QUESTIONS THAT ARISE IN YOUR MINDS...”

15

Three Aspects to the Will of God - 3 Concentric Circles- Individual Will of God- Moral Will of God- Sovereign Will of God

1. Sovereign Will (Decretive Will): This is defined as God’s Decrees. God’s Decrees will always come to Pass. (e.g. Covenant Promise, Salvation)a. Gen 50:20b. MT 11:25-26c. Acts 2:23d. Ro. 9:18-19e. Eph. 1:11*Cross / Redemption / Salvation* God’s Plan for the Ages * God’s Overarching Plan for Humanity and For His Church (e.g., Evangelism - Eternity)

2. Moral Will (Preceptive Will) : This is defined as God’s precepts, preferences, values, and commands for our lives. His perceptive will is sometimes violated by man, and requires we submit in obedience for His preceptive Will to be fulfilled (Commands, Precepts, Spiritual Principles, and General Principles, obedience, etc.)a. Ro. 2:14-16b. 1 Thess 5:18

I. Prerequisite to Divine Will: God’s Moral (Preceptive) will is prerequisite to knowing your divine vocation. If you are not listening to what God has already said in the Bible, why would He speak to you about anything future.

3. Individual Will (Divine Vocation): This is that part of God’s will that through the circumstances He places us, we find ourselves with the ability to fulfill His Preceptive Will. This can mean FT Christian ministry service, or nothing more than serving the needs of others in our community, workplace, etc. a. Ro. 12:2b. Eph. 5:10

16

OUTLINE - 5 Year intervals – 2 :47 6 :7 9 :31 12: 24 16 :5 19 :20 28 :31

A) 1-9 peter = Jews (Peter shifts toward the Gentiles = Cornelius)B) 12-28 Paul = GentilesC) Holy Spirit

Jesus appears for 40 Days (Chapter 1)-Do Not Leave Jerusalem….-Ye Shall receive Power

Judas replacement (Chapter 1)-Casting Lots (Matthias vs. Barsabbas - Matthias chosen)

Day of Pentecost (chapter 2) - filled with the Holy Ghost- Just as Christ received the Holy Spirit, so too, the Apostles must also. It is

necessary for them to wait for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit before they can do the “greater works” that Jesus promised.

- Peters Sermon (Note timidity in Gospels but Boldness in Acts)- 3000 saved

Fellowship of the Believers (Chapter 2:42 – 47) - Devoted themselves to:

TeachingThe Fellowship (Church)Breaking Bread Prayer

- Unity “all the believers were together” (overhead)- had everything in common

Opposition (Chapter 3 & 4) - Peter and John heal the Beggar

- Both arrested“by what power or what name did you do this?”

- Many saved = 5000

Believers Prayer (chapter 4)- Released from Prison- report what happened - Pray / Place was shaken / (Opposition resulted in Prayer, which resulted in the manifestation of God’s Power)

Ananias and Sapphira (Ch 5)- Lies to the Holy Spirit

17

- Judgment- The Apostles Heal Many: Peters Shadow “…and all of them were healed” (doing the works of Jesus)

Stephen (Ch 6 -7)- Widows need to be waited on - Stephen chosen- Apostles continue Ministry of the Word and Prayer (Helps / Pastoral) - Stephen Stoned to Death- Paul consents unto his death (Ch 8)

Gospel preached to non Jews (Ch 8)- Philip to Samaria (performs miracles)- Simon the Sorcerer gets saved - Ethiopian Saved under Philip

Saul (Paul) Conversion (Ch 9)- I am Jesus whom you are persecuting “It is hard for thee to kick against the goads (pricks). - Paul converted 33 AD- Starts Preaching Immediately- Joins the Apostles at Jerusalem (They were afraid at first)

Peter’s Vision (Ch 10-11)- Cornelius- Ministry to the Gentiles

Herod’s Death (Ch 12)- Kills James (the brother of John)- Peter Imprisoned - “The church earnestly prays for Peter” - Herod dies

Paul and Barnabas Separated (Ch 13 - 14) First Missionary Journey (AD 47 – 49 AD) – “Establishes Churches”-14 Yrs (47 AD first Missionary Journey) + (48 AD Galatians written)- 30 – 60 Yrs (MK, MK, LK, JN – written)- 40 Years - Moses- 30 Years – Jesus

Jerusalem Council (Ch 15)- Salvation = Law of Moses (Circumcision)- Debated- Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem- Resolution - Abstain from:

1) food polluted by idols2) Sexual Immorality

18

3) Meat of strangled animals4) blood

Second Missionary Journey (Ch 15–18)- Paul and Barnabas Separate (Mark)- Strengthening Churches that were established- Paul casts out the spirit of the slave girl- Paul and Silas in Prison – “At Midnight” – “Praying and Singing praises”- “Violent earthquake” – Paul and Silas Delivered

- Roman Citizenship – allowed to go free = The right of citizenship under the Roman government was granted by the emperor to individuals, and sometimes to provinces, as a favour or as a recompense for services rendered to the state, or for a sum of money (Acts 22:28). This “freedom” secured privileges equal to those enjoyed by natives of Rome. Among the most notable of these was the provision that a man could not be bound or imprisoned without a formal trial (Acts 22:25, 26), or scourged (16:37). All Roman citizens had the right of appeal to Caesar (25:11).

- Paul Preaches in Athens (Altar = “To the Unknown God”)- 1st & 2nd Thessalonians AD 50 – 53 (Ch 18)

Third Missionary Journey (Ch 18 – 28)- Paul’s Trials (Ch 21-28)

1) Felix – Ch242) Festus – Ch 253) Agrippa – Ch 25-26

- Paul sails to Rome (AD 60 – 61)- Storm - spend two years under house arrest.- Executed under Nero (64 AD)

19

Appendix: Additional Notes: Paul’s Three Missionary Journey’s

Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1-14:28) (Overhead)

(THEME = Establishing Churches) Acts 13:1-3 – Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…. Begin in Antioch (Mark Accompanies them) Cypress = full of Greek Gods and Idolatry / Home of Barnabas Mark leaves them at Perga, goes back to Jerusalem (afraid of bandits and robbers

2 Cor 11:26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.

Antioch in Pisidia (13:16-41) - Paul preaches Jesus – in the synagogue- People invite him to preach again - Almost the Whole city attended- Jews are Jealous when they saw the crowds- Paul says, “Since you reject and do not consider yourselves worthy of

eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

Iconium 60 miles east – high wall (Acts 14) - No opposition until Paul and Barnabas started a church to which many Gentiles attended. Jews stirred up the Gentiles and rumors began to spread that they were going to Stone Paul and Barnabas.

Lystra Acts 14:8-20 (READ)- Paul heals the Man at Lystra “stand upright on thy feet”- “The gods have come down to us.”- READ – verse 14-20 – Jews came down, won the crowd, stoned paul and dragged him outside, thinking he was dead, but after the disciples gathered around him, he got up.

Went to Derbe and then back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch – Strengthening and encouraging the disciples to remain true to the faith.

“We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”(READ ALL)

Jerusalem Council

- Judaizers come down to Antioch - Paul and Barnabas in Antioch / Jews came down from Judea and said, “Unless you are circumcised according to the customs taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.”

20

- Sharp Dispute = Paul and Barnabas with Judaizers

Argument was Two-Fold1) Gentile = On one hand, Gentiles are getting saved without Observing

the Law (e.g. Peter)2) Judaizers = On the other hand, Judaizers, argued that:

a) Law of Moses = Circumcision had been established by the law of Moses as a sign of God’s covenant (Exodus 12:48)b) Abraham = Predated Moses by Abraham – God required it of Abraham (Gen 17:9-14) c) Probably argued that even Jesus was circumcised

Gen 17:9-14 (READ)9 And God said to Abraham: "As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.10 "This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;11 "and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.12 "He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.13 "He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.14 "And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

- consult with the apostles and elders @ Jerusalem about this question.- Pharisees: (believers) agreed they needed to be circumcized- Peter tells how God gave the Holy Spirit to Gentiles- James (brother of Jesus) strong Jew.

1) Abstain from food polluted by idols2) Sexual Immorality3) Blood4) Meat of Strangled animals.* NOACHIC LAWS

- Went back to Antioch and delivered the Word.“glad when they heard the news”

21

2nd Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22) (Overhead)

1) Revisited Churches = Motive was to Revisit the churches they had founded on their first trip to strengthen them.

“Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." (Acts 15:36)

2) Mark – Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul refused. Heated dispute ensued and both parted company. Paul took Silas and Barnabas took Mark.

“He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches” (Acts 15:41).

3) Timothy – Paul went through Derbe and when he had come to Lystra, Timothy Joined Paul. Paul circumcised him because of the Jews. Then they went from town to town delivering the message the apostles and elders at Jerusalem gave them.

“So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily” (Acts 16:5)

4) Macedonian Vision – Paul and his companions continued to preach the word throughout the Galatia area, and when they wanted to go into Bithynia, the Spirit of God did not allow them to. So they went down to Troas and during the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

5) Lydia – (God’s provision) Paul sails to Macedonia and meets Lydia a seller of purple in Philippi, and invites Paul to stay with them. (With the vision comes the provision)

6) Slave Girl – (Acts 16:16) - Paul casts the spirit of divination out of the slave girl. Her owners after realizing that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. After being severely flogged, they were thrown into prison.

7) At Midnight – “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." (Acts 16:25-28)

8) Roman Citizenship - “So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace." But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out." And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were

22

Romans. Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed” (Acts 16:36-40)

The right of citizenship under the Roman government was granted by the emperor to individuals, and sometimes to provinces, as a favour or as a recompense for services rendered to the state, or for a sum of money (Acts 22:28). This “freedom” secured privileges equal to those enjoyed by natives of Rome. Among the most notable of these was the provision that a man could not be bound or imprisoned without a formal trial (Acts 22:25, 26), or scourged (16:37). All Roman citizens had the right of appeal to Caesar (25:11).

9) Thessalonica – (Acts 17)

- 3 Sabbath days - Paul went into the Synagogue as his custom was and for three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the scripture.

- Jews & Gentiles Believed

- Jealous Jews – Jews got jealous and rounded up a mob and were looking for Paul but only found Jason. Once Paul found out, he left and went to Berea.

- Berea – When the Jews learned that Paul went to Berea they went their to stir up trouble.

- Athens – Because of the outbreak of Jewish persecution, Paul’s companions sent him to Athens He preached in Athens using one of their sayings found on an Altar “To the Unknown God.” From here, Paul sent Timothy (1 Thess 3:1) to Thessalonica while Paul went to Corinth.

- Corinth – (Ch 18) Receives a vision that no one is going to harm him so he stays 1 ½ years. After Timothy rejoins Paul, he receives wonderful news that they were doing great, so it’s during this time that he (WRITES 1ST AND 2ND THESSALONIANS).

23