God Initiates the ChurchActs 1-2

• Discussion Questions for Acts 1−What was Jesus speaking about over

the 40 days He went about revealing himself after His resurrection?

−Where were the disciples?−Where did Jesus tell them to wait?−Where were the disciples to go as

witnesses for Jesus?−What were the disciples to wait for?−Who replaced Judas as one of the

apostles?• Indian man read the life of Christ

and Acts and noted that he wanted “to belong to the church that carries on the life of Christ.”

God Initiates the Church – Acts 1

• Luke’s second book (1:1-2): Acts is written to the same person as the Gospel of Luke−To Theophilus−The first book recorded what Jesus did

until he ascended into heaven after giving instruction to his disciples.

• Between Jesus’ resurrection and Ascension (1:3): Jesus appeared to various people over a 40 day period−Convincing proofs−Speaking about the kingdom of God

God Initiates the Church – Acts 1

• Christ’s Ascension (1:4-5): Gathers His disciples together on the Mt. of Olives (1/2 mile from Jerusalem)−They are to wait to receive the promise from

the God, the baptism with the Holy Spirit−Wait in Jerusalem for the promise (Lk.

24:49) (1:4-5)• This would take place 10 days later on the day of

Pentecost• Baptism with the Holy Spirit to witness• Holy Spirit give to those who obey (Acts 5:32)

−Five types of baptism in the Bible (Eph. 4:5 note one baptism)• Baptism of John (Lk. 3:3; 7:29-30)• Holy Spirit (Matt. 3: 11; Lk. 3:16; Acts 1:4, 5)• Fire (Matt. 3:11, 12)• Great Commission (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16)• Suffering (Mk. 10:38, 39)

God Initiates the Church – Acts 1

Jerusalem – Mount of Olives

• Christ’s Ascension (1:6-11): Gathers His disciples together and tells them to stay in Jerusalem−His disciples ask if he is restoring the

kingdom to Israel but • Jesus says that is not for them to know

−Jesus tells them what is important for them to know• They will receive power when the Holy Spirit

comes on them and they are to be Jesus’ witnesses to the whole world --Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the whole world. See Lk. 24:44-48; Mt. 28:18-20 (I am with you to the end of the age)

−Lifted up to heaven and two men in white said Jesus would return the same way He left• Mt. 26:64• 1 Th. 4:17

God Initiates the Church – Acts 1

• Replacing Judas (1:12-26): Left the Mt. of Olives and went into Jerusalem−Meeting in Jerusalem after leaving Mt. of

Olives−The eleven devoting themselves to prayer

• Mary, the mother of Jesus and Jesus’ brothers• 120 people together

−Judas’ place among the apostles filled• Death prophesied (Ps. 69:25)• Position filled (Ps. 109:8)

−Qualifications for new apostle• Accompanied apostles during Jesus’ ministry –

John’s baptism on• Witness to Christ’s resurrection

−Matthais selected by prayer and casting lots

God Initiates the Church – Acts 1

• Replacing Judas (1:12-26): Left the Mt. of Olives and went into Jerusalem−Disciple = a follower or a student

• All Christians are to be followers of Jesus• Those who learn Jesus’ teaching

−Apostle = means “sent one” and is a disciple sent out by Christ• There were the 12 sent out by Jesus

−Later apostles• Paul• James - brother of Jesus (Gal. 9:19)• Barnabas (Acts 14:14)• Others sent out by churches

God Initiates the Church – Acts 1

Mount of Olives

Temple: Ct. Gentiles

GethsemaneGolgothaHerod’s Palace

Acts and Jerusalem

Discussion Areas• Over a forty day period Jesus was

peaking things concerning the kingdom of God (1:3)−Mt. 12:28; Lk. 11:20; 17:20-21−Lord’s Prayer and kingdom

• What the Father had promised (1:4)−Clothed with power on high−Lk. 24:49

• Jesus will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven (1:11)

God Initiates the Church – Acts 1

Questions to Answer in Acts 2• What is happening in Acts 2?• What is preached?• How was Jesus shown by God to be

from God?• Whose plan was it for Christ to die?

Why?• What question did the people ask and

what was the answer?

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Baptism with the Holy Spirit (2:1-13): Events occur on day of Pentecost – filled with Holy Spirit−Miraculous signs - wind and tongues as of fire−Filled with the Holy Spirit−Spirit gave them ability to speak in other

languages−Jews and proselytes from various countries

present to celebrate Pentecost have opportunity to hear the gospel in their own language• Disciples were given power to speak other

languages• Proselytes important in new churches

−People wondering what it all meant• Carry gospel back with them

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (2:14-36): Peter explains the events of on Pentecost point to Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ.−Peter, with the eleven, explains the meaning

of the event 2:14-21).−Not drunk (only 9:00 am) but fulfilling

prophecy.−Prophecy from Joel 2:28-32 (prophesied ~

835 B.C.)• Holy Spirit will be poured out on all flesh (Lk.

24:49; Acts 12:33)• People will prophecy, dreams, and visions• Wonders, sun to darkness, moon to blood indicate a

day of great importance - Christian age (2:19-20).• Salvation available to those who call on the Lord - a

time people can accept salvation (2:21)

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

Apostles People

Gifts or miraculous given by laying on of

apostles handsActs 8:15; 19:6

Receive power

Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8

Gift of Holy SpiritIndwelling

Acts 2:38; 5:32

(Titus 3:5-7)(Rom. 8:9-11)

Gentiles/CorneliusActs 10:44-46; 11:15;

15:8

JESUS SENDS HOLY SPIRIT

Lk. 3:16Acts 2:33

Baptism in/with the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:17

Gifts of the Spirit varied (1 Cor. 12:4-31)

Love is greater than the gifts (1 Cor. 13)

• Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (2:14-36): The significance of Jesus the Nazarene−1) Attested to them by God by the

miracles and signs Jesus performed in their midst(2:22)

−2) Crucified according to God's plan by Godless men (2:23)

−3) God raise from the dead; the greatest sign (2:23-24)• Death cannot Hold him in its power.

−4) Old Testament prophecy, Ps. 16:8-11, show Jesus was to be raised (2:25-32)• Peter points out David died and was buried and his

tomb is present among them so the prophecy is not about him (29).

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (2:14-36): The significance of Jesus the Nazarene−David was prophesying that God would set

one of David's descendents on the throne (30). Jesus was a descendent of David• Jews easily accept Messiah sitting on David's

throne.• Difficulty with believing resurrection.

−David looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of Christ (31)• not abandoned to Hades (death)• body would not decay• God raised from the dead to which they, the

disciples, are witnesses (32)

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (2:14-36): The significance of Jesus the Nazarene−Explanation of the events they are witnessing

(2:33-36)• Jesus exalted to right hand of God.

−Promised received from God.• Holy Spirit sent to confirm promise (Lk. 3:15)• Poured forth which they see and hear (Lk. 24:49)• Prophecy of Christ's exaltation in Ps. 110:1.

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (2:14-36): The significance of Jesus the Nazarene−Peter wanted to show that God made Jesus

the Lord and the Christ whom they crucified• Christ = Messiah; anointed one

−Three witnesses to Christ as Messiah• O.T. scriptures• Apostles• Holy Spirit

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (2:37-47): People’s response to the events of Pentecost and the apostles teachings.−The people's response (2:37-42)

• Question of what they are to do if they believe Christ is the Messiah.

• Peter's instructions.−Repent - turn away from sin and turn

toward God in belief and obedience.• Be baptized - immersed (Acts 8:36; Rom. 6:1-7)• In the name of Jesus• For the forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet.

3:21; Col. 2:12-13; Gal. 3:27)

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

People’s response to the gospel

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

God’s Grace – Undeserved Gift

Christ

People’s Response

Unbelief Belief- No following God’s

teaching- No repentance- Christ not Lord of one’s life- No baptism- No obedience to God

- Following God’s teaching- Repentance- Christ Lord of one’s life- Baptism- Obedience to God

• Repent and baptized a person receives (2:36-39):−Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts

5:32; Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:19; Gal. 4:6; 2 Cor. 5:5; 1:22; Titus 3:5)

−Forgiveness is for everyone - whoever calls upon the name of the Lord.• Your children – Jews• Those far off - Gentiles

• Further teaching (2:40)−Many other words to be saved

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Actions of those who received Peter's word (2:41-42)−Baptized−3000 added to the church (see also 2:47)−Devoted themselves to the apostles

teachings

• Fellowship - sharing food, material goods, in Christ.−Breaking of bread = meals/Lord's Supper−Prayer (synagogue style worship)

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Apostles continuing ministry and growth of the church (2:43-47)−Signs and wonders being done through the

apostles−Attested to the message (sign - first by

Jesus now apostles – Mk. 16:17-20; Heb. 2:3-4

−Unity in Christ (foundation of church Eph. 2:20-22)• Shared with the needy

−Continued in the temple−Breaking bread house to house (probably

hospitality) with sincerity of heart.−Praising God−Finding favor with all people−God kept adding to their number (47)

• 5. Three things to remember from Acts 2.

• a. Baptism of the Holy Spirit• b. Peter's sermon• c. People's response to Christ and

the beginning of the church

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

The Temple Area

Herod’s Temple

Portico of Solomon

• What we see the early follower of Christ doing as the church forms in Jerusalem (2:43-47)−Evangelism and teach−Service – help the poor and needy−Worship – praising, adoration and living

for God individually and as a body of believers

−Edification – encourage and build-up−Fellowship – strengthen and support

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2

• Four things to remember from Acts 2.−Baptism with the Holy Spirit−Peter's sermon−People's response to Christ – repentance

and baptism−The beginning of the church

God Initiates the Church – Acts 2