Sermon Notes

Acts 1-2: Acts 8:

Two Terms as we Study the Book of Acts:

– This is how they handled a situation

– This is how we are to do things

(v.1) “…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 (NASB95)

(v.4)

God used to get the Church (v.4)

Now those who had been forced to scatter (diaspeiro) went around proclaiming the good news (euaggelizo) of the word. – Acts 8:4 (NET)

Scattered: diaspeirō – to sow throughout (OTESD)

Some scattered, some stayed, God (v.4)

(Jesus) “But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next…” – Matthew 10:23 (NASB)

Philip’s Ministry to the Samaritans (vv.5-25)

Samaritans were a mix of and people

The problem wasn’t a mixed but a mixed

Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods… – Deuteronomy 7:3-4 (NIV)

…they went and entered a village of the Samaritans…But they did not receive Him…When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” – Luke 9:52-54 (NASB)

The least likely were (vv.6-7)

Sickness can have a or source (v.7)

Regardless of the source, God’s desire is

…were healed (therapeuo) and there was much rejoicing…(vv.7-8) (NASB77)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases… – Psalms 103:2-3 (NASB95)

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? – Amos 3:3 (KJV)

…I am the Lord that healeth Thee. – Exodus 15:26 (KJV)

You are The Lord that Heals Me

…The Lord…who heals all your diseases – Psalms 103:2-3 (NASB95)

You are The Lord that Heals all My Diseases

By His wounds we ARE healed – Isaiah 53:5 (NASB)

By Your Wounds I am Healed

He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions – Psalms 107:20 (NASB95)

Samaritans mixed belief in God with (mageia) (v.9)

Two Parts: Philip’s Message (vv.12-13)

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. – Acts 8:12-13 (NIV)

God’s Kingdom:

The Name of Jesus Christ: (v.13)

(vv. 14-17)

They were saved and baptized, (v.12) but not yet baptized with the Holy Spirit. (vv.15-17)

Simon something (v.18)

(vv. 19-23)

(Peter) “…to hell with you and your money…” – Acts 8:20 (Phillips Translation)

“…for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” – Acts 8:23 (NLT)

If Simon didn’t repent: One can believe a great deal about Jesus and not be saved

Going to “many villages” might take (v.25)

Acts 1-2: Acts 5-7:

Acts 6:8

Stephan believed that God still wanted to do in His people’s lives (Acts 6:5&8)

(v.9) If God is doing something there will be

Opposition arose… – Acts 6:9 (NIV)

(v.11) Then they bribed some men to lie. – Acts 6:11 (GWT)

Punch Line: Israel has a history of God’s message and messengers the

Exhibit A: Abraham (vv.1-7) (Genesis 11:27-12:4)

Abraham God’s voice saying

Terah: delay (BD&B)

Sadly, Abraham followed the

Following the wrong relationship led to Haran (v.4)

Haran: Charan – parched; from charar – angry, burn, dry (Strong’s)

Abraham doesn’t from God until the relationship (Genesis 11:32)

Bible Scholars: Abraham burns up about

Not hearing? Ask: what’s the

Exhibit B: Joseph was at (vv. 9-16)

Joseph was and sold for (Genesis 37-48)

…sold Joseph…for twenty pieces of silver. – Genesis 37:28 (ASV)

Later, Joseph’s brothers recognize him as their

On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was… (v.13)

Exhibit C: Moses as savior at (vv.18-36)

(v.24) God wanted to save Israel

…and he was supposing his brothers to understand that God gives salvation through his hand; and they did not understand. – Acts 7:25 (LSV)

Their rejection cost Israel (vv.26-29)

(v.35)

“After forty years had passed…” – Acts 7:30 (NIV)

This is the same Moses whom they had rejected… – Acts 7:35 (NIV)

…God sent Moses to be their ruler and savior. – Acts 7:35 (NLT)

(v.37)

Like Moses, Jesus will be (Deuteronomy 18:15)

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son… – Zechariah 12:10 (ASV) (520 BC)

(v.51) “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people.” – Exodus 32:9 (NIV)

(Answers are filled in on this outline)

Acts 1-2: AD 30 – Acts 10: AD 40

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12 (NASB95)

(vv.1-6) Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and made many charitable contributions to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” And he looked at him intently and became terrified, and said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and charitable gifts have ascended as a memorial offering before God. Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” (NASB)

What do we know about Cornelius?

He is a man of character (v.1)

He has reverence for God (v.2)

…a devout man and one who feared God… – Acts 10:2 (NASB)

He is a generous man (v.2)

…gave many alms to the Jewish people… – Acts 10:2 (NASB95)

He is a man of prayer

…and prayed to God continually. – Acts 10:2 (NASB)

He is a man who points his family to God

…one who feared God with all his household… – Acts 10:2 (NASB)

One Problem: Cornelius is lost

He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

– 1 John 5:12 (NASB95)

Our seeking Savior never misses a seeking sinner

Notice: The angel doesn’t share the Gospel (vv.5-6)

(vv.7-8) When the angel who spoke to him left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. (NASB)

Peter’s Sermon: (vv.34-43) – What does Cornelius need to know?

(vv.34-36) Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)…” (NASB)

Jesus is God (v.36)

…God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. – Acts 10:36 (NIV)

(vv.37-38) …you yourselves know the thing that happened throughout Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (NASB)

(v.39) We are witnesses of all the things that He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. (NASB)

Jesus died on the cross (v.39)

…whom they slew and hanged on a tree… – Acts 10:39 (KJV)

(vv.40-41) God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He be revealed, not to all the people, but to witnesses who had been chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. (NASB)

Jesus was raised from the dead (v.40)

…but God raised him from the dead on the third day… – Acts 10:40 (NIV)

(v.42) And He ordered us to preach to the people, and to testify solemnly that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. (NASB)

As God, Jesus is the ultimate judge (v.42)

…he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.- Acts 10:42 (NIV)

(v.43) All the prophets testify of Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. (NASB)

This was all promised in the Bible (v.43)

All the prophets testify about him… – Acts 10:43 (NIV)

When someone believes in Jesus, they receive forgiveness of sins (v.43)

(vv.44-45) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. (NASB)

“…everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” – Acts 10:43 (NIV)

(Jesus) Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. – Revelation 3:20 (NASB)

Acts 1-2: Acts 5-7:

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. – Acts 4:32 (NIV)

(v.1)

Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint (murmuring – [KJV], grumbling – [LSB]) developed… – Acts 6:1 (NASB)

First time believers are called

With growth came

Hebrew widows were from the

Hellenist widows were from the

(Paul) …If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed. – 1 Timothy 5:16 (NASB95)

Result: Growing from Church

Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint (murmuring – [KJV], grumbling – [LSB]) developed – Acts 6:1 (NASB)

(v.2)

“It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve (diakoneo) tables…” – Acts 6:2 (NASB)

The Apostles aren’t saying they are

It was time to cut what was to do what was

In this case, doing what was was

Life Lesson: To have an effective life I must (vv.3-4)

The Apostles realize it was time to the people for

Qualifications to Oversee Ministry:

and

“…full of the Spirit and of wisdom…” – Acts 6:3 (NASB)

(vv.5-6)

Their ministry was in their

…through love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13 (NASB95)

Their ministry was unique to their

Their ministry wasn’t but

Their ministry was the beginning of

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. – Acts 6:8 (NKJV)

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. – Acts 8:5 (NASB95)

…we…stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. – Acts 21:8-9 (NIV) (AD 54)

Notice: They didn’t start by defining their calling, but by serving where needed

Three Results: (v.7)

The Word of God

The number of disciples

Key in the city were

…the whole body (Church), being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

– Ephesians 4:16 (NASB)

Stephan believed that God still wanted to do in people’s lives (Acts 6:5 & 8)

(v.9) When God grows the Church shows up

…Paul said, “I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia…” – Acts 21:39 (ASV)

(v.11) Then they bribed some men to lie. – Acts 6:11 (GW)

(v.12) Dragged, Seized, Caught: synarpazo – to seize with force and violence (MCED)

Acts 1-2 Acts 5

(4:32-33)

…abundant (megas) grace (charis) was upon them all. (v.33) (NASB)

…and great (megas) favor (charis) was accorded them all. (v.33) (NAB)

… great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all. (v.33) (AMP)

…you surround them (me) with your favor as with a shield. – Psalms 5:12 (NIV)

(vv.34-35)

(Jesus) “…Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38 (NIV)

(Chapter 5:1-6)

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back (nosphizomai) some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.

– Acts 5:1-2 (NASB95)

Kept back: nosphizomai – clandestinely; to sequestrate for oneself, i.e. embezzle. KJV – keep back, purloin (steal)

Ananias’ sin was , trying to appear more than we are

God’s power is always connected to (Joshua 7)

From great grace/favor to great (v.11)

Fear: phobos – fear, terror, reverence, respect, honor (CWSBD)

…everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with. – Acts 5:1-2 (MSG)

(vv.12-13)

The First Church wasn’t a church for (v. 13)

(v.16)

Sickness can have a or source (v.16)

God’s desire was that they were

(v.17)

But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. – Acts 5:17 (NASB)

(v.18)

While the Sanhedrin laid hands to , God’s people lay hands to (vv.19-21)

Commanded: Tell the full of this

“…tell the people the full message of this new life.” – Acts 5:20 (NIV)

(Paul) …we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ… – Ephesians 4:15 (NASB95)

The Apostles’ primary activity was (vv. 21,25,28,42)

(v.34) (Paul) “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel…” – Acts 22:3 (NASB)

This flogging will leave them (v.40)

Flogged, Beaten: deroo – to flay, skin, to beat, throb, smite (Thayer’s)

(vv.41-42)

Teaching in the Temple could mean a , but it was the God said to do (vv.19-20)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 (NASB)

The is by the name of Jesus

They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name (onoma) did you do this?” – Acts 4:7 (NIV)

Name: onoma – a “name”, authority (Strong’s)

(v.8)

(Jesus) Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. – Luke 21:14-15 (NKJV)

(v.9)

(Peter) …if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well (sozo)… – Acts 4:9 (NASB)

(v.12) “…for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (sozo).” (NIV)

sozo: to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

KJV – heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole

Peter’s Point: (v.12)

Peter was untrained but he spent with Jesus, knew

God’s , and was with the Holy Spirit

…they saw the boldness of Peter and John… – Acts 4:13 (KJV)

…untrained (idiotes) men, they were amazed… – Acts 4:13 (NASB)

How do we know what was said when they sent the Apostles out?

(v.15)

Apparently, some of the Council (vv.15-17)

(Paul) “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem…I cast my vote against them.” – Acts 26:9-10 (NIV)

Ministry done right causes people to look to not the (v.21)

Some True Things the First Church Believed: (vv.23-33)

That God (v.24)

“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” – Acts 4:24 (NIV)

The Apostles believed Scripture was (v.25)

You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David… – Acts 4:25 (NIV)

That current events were in the

(Psalms 2:1) (vv.25-26)

(Jesus) “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” – John 15:18 (NASB)

In their circumstances God had (vv.27-28)

Because of what they believed they prayed for , not (v.29)

…with all boldness they may speak thy word… – Acts 4:29 (KJV)

Prayed for through the (v.30)

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. – Acts 4:30 (KJV)

Being filled with the Holy Spirit leads to: (v.31)

What did they speak?

Acts Chapters 1-2:

Chapter 3 begins about a later in (some say AD 34)

(Jesus) …entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL (Good News) TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” – Luke 4:16-19 (NASB95)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law (Deuteronomy 28:15-68), having become a curse for us — for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE” — in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. – Galatians 3:13-14 (NASB95)

Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. – Genesis 13:2-3 (NASB95)

…And let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.” – Psalms 35:27 (NASB95)

(vv.2-3)

This man wanted to be in his ,

but God desires to his condition

…for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. – Acts 4:22 (NASB95)

(vv.6-8)

Peter doesn’t , he the Jesus (v.6)

Peter recognizes it’s not his or (v.12)

Peter’s Point: He’s just the (v.12)

“I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another…” – Isaiah 42:8 (NASB)

(vv.13-15)

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus… – Acts 3:13 (KJV)

(v.15) You killed the author (archegos) of life – Acts 3:15 (NIV)

It’s not the instrument, it’s the of

His (v.16)

By faith in the name (onoma) of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. – Acts 3:16 (NIV)

Name: onoma – a “name”, authority (OTESD)

In this gospel presentation one word isn’t mentioned: (vv.17-19)

But many who heard the message believed… – Acts 4:4 (NIV)

(vv.20-21)

…and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

– Acts 3:20-21 (NIV)

Remember: Speaking to

The restoration was proclaimed by

So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” – Acts 1:6 (NASB95)

(700 BC) Also, O Judah, there is a harvest appointed for you, When I restore the fortunes of My people. – Hosea 6:11 (NASB95)

Jesus will be in Heaven the period of (Revelation 20)

Jesus was crucified and raised weeks before Acts 1

The Disciples the Holy Spirit and are now

And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” – John 20:22 (NASB)

Approximately after the Disciples

the Holy Spirit, Jesus says they will be the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3-5)

This was a basic teaching of the early Church:

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms (baptismos), the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. – Hebrews 6:1-3 (NIV)

The baptizes us into (we are )

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body… – 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NASB)

baptizes us in/with His

“…He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” – Matthew 3:11 (NASB)

“I baptized you with water; but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 1:8 (NASB95)

“…He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire…” – Luke 3:16 (NASB)

“… ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’…” – John 1:33-34 (NASB)

Peter summarizes Jesus’ (v.22)

Talks of the of Jesus (v.23)

Speaks of the of Jesus (v.24)

(v.38)

Question: Am I baptized “to get” or “because of”?

Got a ticket for () speeding

Child is disciplined for () misbehavior

“…you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for () the forgiveness of your sins…”

– Acts 2:38 (NASB)

(v.39)

The promise of the Holy Spirit is for

Whatever the Holy Spirit was , He’s

(v.41)

On the same day that the was given, 3000

On the day that that is given, 3000 are

…and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. – Exodus 32:28 (KJV)

The Result of Gladly (v.41) Receiving the Word:

…they that gladly received (apodechomai) his word… – Acts 2:41 (KJV)

A hunger for (v.42)

A desire for with other Believers (v.42)

A desire to spend (v.42)

A desire to in God’s work (v.45)

A desire to (v.47)

God’s Response:

A sense of (v.43)

(v.43)

God the Church (v.47)

(vv.42-27)

Realize: It’s not Communism or a commune, just

Believers in from

weeks before Acts 1, Jesus was raised on the feast of

The Disciples the Holy Spirit and are now

And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” – John 20:22 (NASB)

Approximately after the Disciples

Holy Spirit, Jesus says they will be the Holy Spirit (vv.3-5)

“…but you will receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses (martus) both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 (NASB95)

(vv.1-2) Pentecost will be after Jesus is raised

Holy Spirit is portrayed as a of God

And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind (pnoē) came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. – Acts 2:2 (NASB)

Wind: pnoē – breath, wind (OTESD)

(Paul) He Himself gives to all people life and breath (pnoē)… – Acts 17:25 (NASB)

The Three Responses to the Holy Spirit (vv.12-13)

Peter’s sermon is from Joel 2:28-32

Joel showed what’s going to be different (vv.16-21)

(v.17) “all mankind” –

(v.17) The “last days” –

(v.17) “Sons and Daughters” –

(Peter says) …“Men (aner) of Judea…” – Acts 2:14 (NASB)

Men: aner – a man, husband, sir (OTESD)

(v.17) “visions” – “dreams” a life filled

(David’s vision and ours) And now that I am old and gray, don’t forsake me. Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles. – Psalms 71:18 (TLB)

(vv.19-20) Will continue till

…you are not lacking in any gift, as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ… – 1 Corinthians 1:7 (NASB)

(v.21) Method of Salvation:

“…EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (sozo).” – Acts 2:21 (NASB)

…for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well (sozo).” But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well (sozo).” At once the woman was made well (sozo). – Matthew 9:21-22 (NASB95)

Here the context is gifts that others

All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts. – 1 Corinthians 12:29-31 (NASB)

This refers to a God-given spiritual gift that benefits both the and they

The one who speaks in a tongue edifies (oikodomeo) himself… – 1 Corinthians 14:4 (NASB)

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive. What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also… – 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NASB)

But you, beloved, building (epoikodomeo) yourselves up on your most holyfaith, praying in the Holy Spirit…

– Jude 1:20 (NASB)

The Book of Acts covers about

Some say that the supernatural events of the Book of Acts were used to get but then

They are called

We hold that that the supernatural events in Acts were just

the of a of God with His Church

We are called

Acts is written by

Luke is one of Jesus’ original

Luke appears a couple of after Jesus’ ministry

Luke is an to Paul (Acts 16:10)

Luke is not

Luke is a not a

“Luke” means

Loukas: contracted from Latin, Lucanus = Light-giving (OTESD)

(Paul) My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me) Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings… Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. – Colossians 4:10-14 (NIV)

Written to Theophilus: (v.1)

Theophilus can also mean

Theos: a deity, God Philos: dear, friend, fond (OTESD)

(vv.2-5)

On the day Jesus resurrected:

The disciples were now

And when He had said this, He (Jesus) breathed on them and said to them (disciples), “Receive the Holy Spirit…” – John 20:22 (NASB)

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38 (NASB)

The Holy Spirit is our and the that we are saved

(Paul) “…God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” – Romans 5:5 (LB)

Approximately after the disciples the Holy Spirit, Jesus says to the same disciples: (vv.4-8)

(Jesus) “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. – John 7:38-39 (NASB95)

The purpose of the power is to be a (v.8)

The empowering is not so we can

We are empowered so we can

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

All were praying Mary, but not Mary (v.14)

“Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers (adelphos), James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” – Matthew 13:55-56 (NASB95)

And, behold, thy cousin (Suggenes) Elisabeth… – Luke 1:36 (KJV)

(vv.15-16)

Peter believed that Scripture was the

had to be fulfilled

…the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas… – Acts 1:16 (NIV)

The New Testament Method:

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” – Acts 13:2 (NIV)