“THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES”

(Luke the Physician writes Acts around 63AD)

Luke writes Acts with Paul just having ended his prison sentence of two years (62-63AD) (Acts 28:30)

There is massive confusion in understanding the book of Acts. People see the word “church” (Acts 2:47) and automatically think “Ahh! The Christian church.”

Wrong!!!

As a result, people end up believing and doing things that belong to another time and dispensation.

This why we are to rightly divide the word.  

Put it this way, hell is full of good people who believed the wrong thing that their denomination taught.

There are four types of churches & all are different –

    1.   Israel in the desert was called the church (Heb 2:12). This is obviously not the Christian church of being dead in  Christ (Col 1:24; 1Thess 4:16)

 
2.   Jesus the Messiah says to tell it unto the church (Matt 18:17). This is obviously not the Christian church of being dead in Christ. Why? He hadn’t died yet (Col 1:24; 1Thess 4:16)

 
3.   Then there is the church that Peter addresses (Acts 2:47). To get the Holy Ghost they first had to be water baptized. How can this be Christian?

 
4.   Then there are the seven Christian churches of Paul to which he writes. Paul said he didn’t come to water baptize.

All of the above have different doctrines and so we must be EXTREMELY cautious before we lurch off into talking about “The Church”.

Dear Reader, you’ve heard it repeatedly said

“Oh, let’s get back to the early Acts churches!” 

No! This is wrong!!!

Why? These are the acts of the apostles!

Different churches, different times, different doctrines,

different instructions for different dispensations,

different rules, different regulations.

4 WAYS TO GET GET SAVED IN ACTS!

In any dispensation every sinner is SAVED by doing what God tells them to do.

Those saved in Acts 2:38 were not saved as those in Acts 16:30.

Those saved in Acts 8:12,15 were not saved like those in Acts 10:47.

There are four different ways to get saved in the book of Acts alone.

The book of Acts is one of the most ‘dangerous’ books in the Bible outside of Matthew and Hebrews for getting messed up with false doctrines.

No-one today gets the Holy Spirit by water baptism (Acts 2) or tongues (Acts 2).

No-one today has to be baptised to receive the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:14; Acts 10:47).

No-one today has to have hands laid on him to get the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-17)

Dear Reader, see it for what it is –

Christians are to be followers of Paul as he follows Christ.

As Christians do we follow Christ? Absolutely! AND PAUL SHOWS US HOW!

But Christ was not a Christian. Christ was a Jew.

If we directly follow Christ the Messiah’s doctrine to get saved we will end up in hell.

Moses had a church, Christ the Messiah had a church, Peter had a church

and Paul has a church. Which one are you going to have?

DEFINITION:

“ALL HERESIES ARE 100% BIBLE TRUTHS

WRONGLY TAKEN FROM ANOTHER TIME”

Where do all heresies come from?

Not rightly dividing the three books of MATTHEW, ACTS, HEBREWS

THE TWO HALVES OF ACTS

First half:

Peter Ch 1-12 – Peter’s gospel

…Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (that are past), and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

To believe this today will send you to hell.

Second half:

Paul Ch 13-28 – Paul’s gospel

… Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved .. Acts 16:31

These first twelve chapters seem like “chaos” - but they aren’t.

Until Paul comes on the scene with his 1^st trip (45-48 AD) and subsequent writing of Galatians in 50 AD there is a transition phase of twelve years from the cross

in 33 AD to 45 AD.

So we have this incredible mixture for twelve years of believing Christ is the Messiah, loss of salvation, water baptisms, believing Jesus is the Saviour, redemption from sins, the various apostles and disciples of Philip, Stephen, Peter, John, James Zebedee, James the half-brother of Jesus, the opposition of the hardliners in Moses, prophets, remission of sins, tongues, healings, baptisms – you name it!

THE DANGERS

1.   The book of Acts (indeed Matthew and Hebrews) is not a lucky dip of close your eyes, stick your finger in Chapter X Verse Y, and pull out any fact you want.

2.   Any Pastor attempting to imitate any of the acts of the Apostles in the book of Acts is merely demonstrating his ignorance of the scriptures.

The title says it all – THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.

After the canon of the New Testament was closed with the Book of Revelation, there are no more Apostles, or indeed, prophets.

What we have today are Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists.

THE HISTORY

1.   There had been 1900 years of Abraham

2.   Layered over with 1400 years of Moses

3.   This was followed by John the Baptist and his gospel

4.   This was followed by Christ the Messiah and his kingdom of heaven gospel

5.  WE THEN HAVE TWELVE YEARS OF THIS SEEMING “CHAOS” IN ACTS 1-12.

6.   Then Paul appears on the scene with 20 years of his gospel of Jesus the Saviour

7.   Throw in dreadful misunderstanding of the books of Acts, Matthew and Hebrews

Who do you believe? Is it just pot luck? Pig in a poke?

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

PETER

Ch 1-12

Ch 1 = Upper room assembly

Ch 2 = Pentecost; Peter addresses the men of Israel

Ch 3 = The lame beggar

Ch 4 = Peter & John in prison

Ch 5 = Ananias & Sapphira

Ch 6 = The seven appointments & Stephen

Ch 7 = Stephen

Ch 8 = Philip

Ch 9 = Paul’s conversion

Ch 10 = Cornelius & Gentile acceptance

Ch 11 = Christians at Antioch

Ch 12 = Peter in prison

PAUL TAKES OVER

Ch 13 - 28

Ch 13 = 1^st Trip (13-14 – 2 chapters)

Ch 14 = 1^st Trip

Ch 15 = Jerusalem Council

Ch 16 = 2^nd Trip (16-18.5 -  2.5 chapters)

Ch 17 = 2^nd Trip

Ch 18 = 2^nd Trip, 3^rd Trip  (18.5-21.5 - 3 chapters)

Ch 19 = 3^rd Trip

Ch 20 = 3^rd Trip  

Ch 21 = 3^rd Trip

Ch 22 = Paul held at Jerusalem

Ch 23 = Paul held at Jerusalem

Ch 24 = Paul held at Caesarea

Ch 25 = Paul held at Caesarea

Ch 26 = Paul held at Caesarea

Ch 27 = Trip to Rome (27 – 28.5 – 1.5 chapters)

Ch 28 = Trip to Rome

CH 1

Infallible proofs; Christ goes to heaven; the Upper Room assembly; Matthias chosen

1:1-5 INFALLIBLE PROOFS

1:1  The former treatise

This treatise is the gospel of Luke. A treatise is an exact, formal and systematic essay on a particular subject and deals with actual evidence and facts – in this case the doings and teachings of Christ.

have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus (Jesus the Saviour not Christ the Messiah) began both to do and teach,

Luke has written the gospel of Luke in 57AD, to a most excellent Theophilus (Luke 1:3), a Roman official of high rank. Now in 60AD, Luke writes again to him to inform him of the Acts of the Apostles.

Most excellent is a term reserved for high Roman officials as evidenced by the following

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. Acts 23:26

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Luke 1:3

 1:2  Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Jesus gives commandments to his Apostles. Are Christians under any laws and commandments of God? Absolutely. Paul says If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 1 Cor 14:37

This refutes the false argument used by many today that “We are not under the law any more, we are under grace.” Christ gave his apostles commands and Paul also gives commands to Christians today. As Paul says should sin abound because we are under grace, God forbid.

1:3  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion

The word “passion” is only used once in the Bible. What do you hear today? Everyone’s passionate about this or that. “I’m passionate about my job” and so on. No, they are not! It’s a bastardisation of the word. To experience passion is to pay the penalty of having God’s wrath placed on you, being sinless, for the sins of the world. That’s passion. It is having God turn away from you as you become sin. No. People might be excited, or happy or fulfilled about something but it is not passion. No. Used once for one man at one point in time and never to be repeated.

by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days,

For forty days after the cross Jesus leaves no-one in any doubt that he had risen.

1.    To Mary Magdalene early morning (Mk 16:9-10)

2.    To the other women early morning (Matt 28:9-10)

3.    To the two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Mk 16:12-13)

4.    To Peter sometime that day ((Lk 24:34)

5.    To the eleven that night (Mk 16:14)

6.    To the eleven a week later with Thomas present (Jn 20:26-29,30-31)

7.    To the seven beside the Sea of Galilee (John 21)

8.    To the eleven in Galilee and 500 others (1Cor 15:5-8)

9.    To James (1Cor 15:7)

10.  Final appearance at the Ascension (Mark 16:19)

11. To Paul as one born out of due time (1Cor 15:8).

and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Yes, the time for the kingdom of heaven here on earth had passed. Jesus has now shed his blood for the whole world and it’s time for Paul’s gospel of direct entry into the kingdom of God.

Previous to this, the best people could do was to go to Abraham’s bosom and wait to be collected by Jesus after the cross -

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Eph 4:8-10

 1:4  And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

This promise of the Father is that of the Spirit and called the promise of the Spirit and also called that holy Spirit of promise and the promise of the Holy Ghost.

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gal 3:14

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, Eph 1:13

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts 2:33.

 1:5  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

And were baptized of him (John) in Jordan, confessing their sins. Matt 3:1-4,5-6

When Jesus talks to Nicodemus Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5

We notice that they were to be baptised with the Spirit not in the Spirit.

Today Pastors are wrong in seeing this as a big spiritual bath filled with the Holy Ghost into which people plunge and swim and swish about in. Having a wash in the Spirit. Wrong!

To be born of the Spirit is to have the Holy Ghost baptise you into the death of Christ. This happens once when you get saved.

Furthermore, … Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

So we have Peter confirming water baptism to receive the Holy Ghost.

1:6-11 CHRIST’S ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN

 1:6  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

The disciples were still anxious to know when Christ would establish his kingdom here on earth with Israel as its head. No, this time had passed. It’s now kingdom of God time.

 1:7  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Yes, Jesus Christ’s kingdom on earth will happen in about 2,000 years time after the tribulation and Armageddon where he will rule with a rod of iron. (Rev 19:15).

 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

Upon you and not permanently indwelling you.

and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

This is Jesus’ commission to the disciples. This is not yet the gospel of Paul.

 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

1:10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus (the Saviour not Christ the Messiah), which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

At the rapture 2,000 years later, Jesus comes back to meet his church in the clouds as well. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thess 4:17

1:12-14 THE UPPER ROOM

 1:12  Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

 1:13  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and JUDAS THE BROTHER OF JAMES (this is Lebbaeus Thaddaeus)

 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.

These were his actual brothers (Matt 13:55)

1:15-26 MATTHIAS CHOSEN

 1:15  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

There were 120 disciples but only 12 apostles

 1:16  Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

There was a prophecy concerning Judas

 1:17  For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

 1:18  Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

 1:19  And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

 1:20  For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

A bishoprick is the office of a bishop. Ps 109:8 and also Ps 69:25

 1:21  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

 1:22  Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

There are a few people strutting around today who think they are apostles. Well, they would have to be pretty old, say about 2,000 years old, and been around since John the Baptist and been with Jesus and observed his resurrection.

 1:23  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

 1:24  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

 1:25  That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

 1:26  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

At this stage casting lots was still acceptable to God.

CH 2

Pentecost; Peter addresses the men of Israel

2:1  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

 2:2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

It wasn’t a wind that was blowing but only the sound of wind. The Spirit of God and the Holy Ghost is also associated with the wind elsewhere (Jn 3:8).

 2:3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

It wasn’t fire but it looked like fire  “…as of fire…”

 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

A tongue is an actual, known, legitimate, proper, spoken language

 2:5  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

 2:6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

 2:7  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

 2:8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

 2:9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

 2:10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

 2:11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

There were 17 known languages mentioned.

1.    To speak in a tongue was to speak a known language.

2.    These languages were supernaturally given by God and not learnt.

3.    All languages were understood by the men that were present.

4.    Interpreting and translating a tongue was God given and was not a learnt skill.

5.    No tongue speakers or interpreters would have learnt these languages beforehand.

6.    Tongues were never given for praying to God.

7.    Tongues were given for men to speak to other men never for prayer

8.    There were no Christians at Pentecost.

9.    Tongues, known or unknown, are never for Christians (1Cor 14:22)

10. Praying in tongues was unheard of.

11. Speaking in tongues was solely for unbelieving Jews.

12. Tongues for the Jew were never for praying

13. Tongues were given for men to speak to other men never back to God.

14.  Paul mocks unknown tongue speakers by saying “Go home and speak to God. I, Paul, know nothing about speaking in unknown tongues” Note that he doesn’t say “Go home and pray to God.”

15. Tongues were a sign of judgment upon Israel. Why? God was now speaking to the world in other languages. Previous to this, God spoke to man only in Hebrew. That time had finished. Israel has rejected Jesus and put him on the cross. God said “Right then! I’m putting you, Israel, to one side for 2,000 years, and my blood will be for all men.”

16.  Question to the self-appointed and deluded frauds of today “Oh by the way, which language do you speak? There are only seventeen to, pick from.” (Acts 2:9-11)

17.  Paul only ever prayed and sang with understanding. (1Cor 14:15).

18.  Now let’s suppose one of the apostles began to speak in Chinese at Pentecost. This would be an unknown tongue as there were no Chinese present. So in this case Paul, in chapter 14 of First Corinthians, would say “Shut up please! You are a fraud. God would not give you the ability to speak in Chinese if no Chinese were present. You are speaking in an unknown tongue. No-one understands you. Be quiet and go home and talk to God if you must, but not here thank you very much! And by the way, I speak, not pray, to God. Go and sort it out with him. You are out of order. I know nothing about what you are doing!”

19.  Dear Reader, if you ever come across a person who professes to speak in tongues my advice is to RUN A MILE! THEY ARE FRAUDS! THEY ARE LIARS! THEY ARE PUFFED UP! THEY ARE IMPOSTERS! THEY ARE CLOUDS WITHOUT WATER!

20.  They say “Oh but I speak in the tongue of an angel.” What lies! They aren’t angels! How can they speak in the tongue of an angel? Paul says “Though I could …”. But he can’t because he is not an angel.  

In summary:

If you want to speak in tongues there are several conditions:

1.    It has to be done before 70AD.

2.    There must be unbelieving Jews present

3.    You must speak in one of the seventeen languages of Acts 2:9-11

 2:12  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

 2:13  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

New wine is newly pressed and is unfermented wine. That is really mocking someone as it implies the speakers were crazy with no excuses – they couldn’t even blame the wine. 

 2:14  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

 2:15  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

That’s 9 am

 2:16  But THIS IS THAT which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

What does “this is that” mean?

Was Pentecost the fulfilment of Joel?

If so, the following questions arise about the prophecy in Joel 2:28-31,32

²⁸ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
²⁹ And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
³⁰ And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
³¹ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
³²And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be DELIVERANCE, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. Joel 2:28-32

1.    Was Pentecost the last days? NO. The men at Pentecost knew that Joel was a prophecy for the future.

2.    Was God’s Spirit poured out on all flesh at Pentecost? NO. Only on the men present at Jerusalem. In Joel, God’s Spirit will be poured out on all flesh – every man, woman and child in Israel in the tribulation and “…they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…” Zech 12:10

3.    Did the sons and daughters at Pentecost prophesy? NO

4.    Did the young men at Pentecost see visions, and the old men dream dreams? NO

5.    Did the servants and handmaidens at Pentecost prophesy? NO. There were none present.

6.    Were there wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke? NO

7.    Did the sun turn into darkness, the moon into blood? NO

8.    Was Pentecost the great and notable day of the Lord? NO

Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered/saved. YES! This is called  salvation in Acts but a physical deliverance in Joel whereupon the Lord will open their eyes. God allows Peter, when addressing the Pentecost crowd, to take the deliverance of Israel in the Tribulation of Joel and put it into the context of salvation here in Acts.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be SAVED. Acts 2:21  

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be DELIVERED: Joel 2:32

But there are four common factors of Joel and Pentecost:

1.    The Jew was under the judgment of God. Previous to Pentecost, God spoke to man only in the Hebrew language through the prophets and so on. At Pentecost God is saying that they are being ‘put aside’ for 2,000 years as God will speak to men in all languages. 

2.    God’s Spirit present at both times – at Pentecost it’s the sound of wind.

3.    Fire – in Joel it’s actual but at Pentecost it’s symbolic with “…cloven tongues like as of fire…”. Fire in the scriptures represents judgment and punishment not purification, energy and zeal to serve the Lord. We have hell fire (Matt 5:22) for example and Jesus with eyes as of fire in the Revelation (Rev 1:14,Rev 2:18) and the lake of fire (Rev 19:20). In Joel it will be actual physical judgment but at Pentecost it is the symbolic judgment of the SOUND of the wind and tongues AS of fire.

4.    Calling on the name of the Lord to be saved (Acts) and delivered (Joel)

The end result being to get both groups of people to call on the name of the Lord and get delivered/saved.

In JOEL we have Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered (Joel 2:32)

The prophecy in Joel comes to fruition in the seven year Tribulation when “… I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”  Zech 12:10

At PENTECOST, Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:37-38

The men at Pentecost were calling on the name of the Lord to be saved as the Jew will in the Tribulation.

So what is the meaning of THIS IS THAT (Acts 2:16)?

THIS Spirit (in Acts 2) is the same as THAT Spirit (in Joel) bringing about judgment at two different times at two different events and one with “actual fire” and the other “as of fire”. It is the self-same Spirit and not a different one.

This judgment at Pentecost is the same as that judgment in Joel with the end result being to call on the name of the Lord.

You see the Pentecost mockers were saying to the tongue speakers “You have an evil spirit.” Similar to when they accused Christ of having a devil. Peter refutes this by saying “Not so! Be assured that the Spirit in operation here at Pentecost is the same one as that prophesied through Joel. THE EVENTS THAT ARE HAPPENING HERE AT PENTECOST ARE NOT THE FULFILMENT OF THOSE IN JOEL. You’ll have to wait another 2,000 years for that. The only connections between Joel and Pentecost is judgment, God’s Spirit, fire and you calling on the name of the Lord to be saved/delivered. Now any questions?”

Peter’s audience well understood this, unlike churches of today.

 2:22  Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus (Jesus the Saviour not Christ the Messiah) of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Read Matthew for an endless list of healings, deliverances, raising from the dead and so on.

 2:23  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Not only did God have foreknowledge of the cross but he also foreordained it (1Pet 1:20)

2:24  Whom God hath raised up, (yes the body was raised) having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

You can be ‘held’ but this is not ‘holden’. To be ‘holden’ is to be held within a structure. If you notice that some people have leg irons to help them walk. This is to be ‘holden’.

Australia has a car called the Holden. This name was deliberately chosen such that the driver and occupants being ‘held’ inside the car to make them feel more secure with the car body or structure around them.

2:25  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

 2:26  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

 2:27  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

 2:28  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Peter’s audience were Jews and loved David. Peter is just reminding them what David said concerning Jesus Christ. This is from Ps 16:8-11.

 2:29  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

 2:30  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ (This is the Messiah) to sit on his throne;

 2:31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ (This is the Messiah), that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

¹⁹ By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 1Pet 3:19

⁸ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
⁹ (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
¹⁰ He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Eph 4:8-10

Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 13:35
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Ps 16:10

 2:32  This Jesus (This is the Saviour) hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

See Acts 1:3 for the description of the witnesses.

 2:33  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

 2:34  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

 2:35  Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus (the Saviour) , whom ye have crucified, both Lord (God himself – Jehovah in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament) and Christ (the Messiah).

 2:37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

What works shall we perform?

 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

1.    Repent of the sins of crucifying Christ

2.    Get water baptised

3.    For the remission of sins – this is for sins past. Not for future sins. Then you will receive the Holy Ghost.

Paul says “Believe …” and this is not a work. (Rom 4:5).

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Cor 1:17

 2:39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

The promise of the Holy Ghost

 2:40  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Had to get water baptised to receive the Holy Ghost and be saved. This is what they had to do at that point in time to be saved. NOT SO TODAY!

 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

This is the apostles’, minus Paul, doctrine. This takes place in 33AD and Paul begins to write in 50AD after his first trip in 45-48AD.

 2:43  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

There are no apostles today and so there is nobody doing signs and wonders.

 2:44  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

 2:45  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

 2:46  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,

 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

CH 3

The lame beggar

3:1  Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. (3pm)

 3:2  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

 3:3  Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

 3:4  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

 3:5  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

 3:8  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

This was the great commission given to the disciples by Christ. This is not Paul’s commission.

¹⁵ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
¹⁶ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:15-18

Well-meaning souls attempting to do this today make absolutes fools of themselves. Why? It’s perfect doctrine and 100% correct but the wrong dispensation! The wrong time! This time has passed! Handling serpents – with disastrous results; drinking poison resulting in with deaths; healings – not even a sick cat, devils – watching too much TV; new tongues – Baby Bathroom Babble of googooshahshahdumdum? What? Are people crazy or something?! As it has been said “Some Christians are the most stupid and easy to fool of all people”.

What is Paul’s commission? We are given the ministry of reconciliation.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Cor 5:18

“Hello sinner. Meet the man who died for your sins. Now would you please allow me to reconcile you to Jesus Christ?”

 3:9  And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

 3:10  And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

 3:11  And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

 3:12  And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

 3:13  The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

 3:14  But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

 3:15  And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

 3:16  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

 3:17  And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

‘Wot’ is not an out of date word. The word “wit” comes from “wot” and means to have knowledge with understanding. This is a legal term and is found in many legal documents.

You may have seen the following:

A statement is made about something and this is followed by To Wit: which says to the reader now “Pay Attention”

If you have ever heard of “Keep your wits about you?”, this means with knowledge, wisdom and alertness.

 3:18  But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

 3:19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

This is Peter and John’s gospel. This is not Paul’s gospel of “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”

 3:20  And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

 3:21  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

The restitution of all things occurs when the Millennial reign starts.

 3:22  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

This prophet is the Lord Jesus Christ foretold in the Old Testament.

The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; …. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Deut 18:15,18

 3:23  And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ or be lost forever in hell.

 3:24  Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

 3:25  Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

This seed is Jesus Christ.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Gal 3:16

 3:26  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

CH 4

Peter and John imprisoned; growth of the church; Barnabas

4:1-31 PETER AND JOHN IMPRISONED

4:1  And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

 4:2  Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection … Matt 22:23

As preached by many “They were Sad-You-See because they didn’t believe that Christ rose from the dead.

 4:3  And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold (prison) unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

 4:4  Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

 4:5  And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

 4:6  And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

 4:7  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

 4:8  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

 4:9  If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

What is the critical test for a person who says they are filled with the Holy Ghost? Answer – they talk about Jesus Christ and never the Spirit.

 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1 Cor 1:26

 4:14  And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

 4:15  But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

 4:16  Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

 4:17  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

 4:18  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

 4:20  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

 4:21  So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

 4:22  For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

 4:23  And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

 4:24  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:

 4:25  Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

 4:26  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Psalm 2:1-2

 4:27  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

 4:28  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

 4:29  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

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

Yes, this child is the same one as mentioned in Isaiah, just so you don’t get confused as to the nature of the holy child Jesus who is the Saviour, God himself, The everlasting Father and so on. This confirms the unbroken line of the child being God who will sit on the throne of David with his government increasing forever.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Is 9:6-7

The other versions have your Holy Servant Jesus. This could be anyone! Is this the same person as the holy child mentioned in Isaiah? Who knows?

 4:31  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.

When filled with the Holy Ghost you talk of Jesus and his word and words, never the Spirit or the Holy Ghost himself. We have communion of/with, and never in, the Holy Ghost. Christians have a ‘common – union’ with the Holy Ghost and that purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ.

All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Cor 13:13-14

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:13-14

4:32-35 GROWTH OF THE CHURCH

 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

 4:33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

 4:34  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

 4:35  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

4:36-37 BARNABAS

 4:36  And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

This is the same Barnabas that went to seek for Saul (Acts 11:25)

 4:37  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

CH 5

Ananias and Sapphira; 2^nd imprisonment of the Apostles

5:1-11 ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

5:1  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

 5:2  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

 5:3  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

 5:4  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Ananias lied to the Holy Ghost (v3) and lied to God (v5) thus proving the Holy Ghost is God and God is the Holy Ghost.

 5:5  And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

The ghost is the spirit of a man. The fear of God and the love of God are good things to have.

 5:6  And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

 5:7  And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

 5:8  And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

 5:9  Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

 5:10  Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

 5:11  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

5:12-42 2^ND IMPRISONMENT OF THE APOSTLES

 5:12  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.

 5:13  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

 5:14  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

 5:15  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Ignorant Pastors woefully and unsuccessfully try this as well. The TV evangelists would have you put your hand on the TV screen. “Send in your hankies and we’ll bless them and send them back (by the way include in your envelope an offering to indicate the size of your faith).” These tricksters and frauds don’t realize they are not apostles! What we are reading here are the acts of the Apostles! There are no apostles today! These were apostles with Jesus and those with his instructions after he died.

 5:16  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

 5:17  Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

Who can stand before envy (Prov 27:4)

 5:18  And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

 5:19  But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

 5:20  Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

 5:21  And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

 5:22  But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,

 5:23  Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

 5:24  Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

 5:25  Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

 5:26  Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

That is they brought them or ‘hauled’ them but not ‘haled’ them. ‘Haling’ is hauling plus violence. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Acts 8:3

 5:27  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

 5:28  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

 5:30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

 5:31  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

This is the holy child of Isaiah who is The Prince of Peace, The mighty God and The everlasting Father. (Is 9:6)

 5:32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

How can someone get the Holy Ghost today? Obey what Paul said to the jailer

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved … Acts 16:30-31

 5:33  When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

 5:34  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Paul had been a student of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). He knew Paul and was prepared to wait and see, and he has good advice also in verses 38-39.

 5:35  And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

5:36  For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

 5:37  After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

 5:38  And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

 5:39  But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

 5:40  And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

This is Jesus the Saviour and not Christ the Messiah.

 5:41  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

 5:42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

CH 6

Appointment of the seven; Stephen

6: 1-7 APPOINTMENT OF THE SEVEN

6:1  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

 6:2  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

 6:4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 6:5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

 6:6  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

 6:7  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

6: 8-15 STEPHEN

 6:8  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

 6:9  Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

 6:10  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

 6:11  Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

The word “subornation” means the act of inducing a person whether by bribes or persuasion, to do something illegal. In this case they made up lies against Stephen and the rest of the apostles.

 6:12  And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

 6:13  And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

 6:14  For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

 6:15  And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

CH 7

Stephen’s martyrdom; Saul

7:1-60 STEPHEN’S MARTYRDOM

7:1  Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

 7:2  And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Mesopotamia also in the region of the Chaldees and Babylon.

Charran also called Haran (Gen 12:4)

 7:3  And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

 7:4  Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Terah was his father. Gen 11:32

 7:5  And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

This is the land of Canaan – the promised land Gen 13:15-16

 7:6  And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.

This is mistaken as being slaves for 400 years in Egypt. No, they were only slaves in Egypt for 144 years.

The following is a basic table of events times, people, places from Abraham’s birth in 1951 BC to the temple being built in 966 BC.

 7:7  And the nation (Egypt) to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Egypt puts the Jews under bondage. They shall exodus Egypt and serve the Lord in Canaan.

 7:8  And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Abraham circumcised when 99 years old (Gen 17:24)

 7:9  And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

These patriarchs are Joseph’s brothers

 7:10  And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Joseph rules for 9 years before his brothers come to Egypt looking for food

 7:11  Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

The word “dearth” = ‘death’ + ‘earth’ ie the death of the earth which is a famine.

The famine starts in 1663 BC. See chart above. Channan is also called Canaan.

 7:12  But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

These are the brothers of Joseph minus Benjamin the youngest one.

 7:13  And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

Joseph’s brothers leave the first time and come back again with Benjamin.

 7:14  Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

75 people enter Egypt in 1661BC

 7:15  So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

Jacob lived for 17 yrs in Egypt before he died

 7:16  And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

Joshua 24:32

 7:17  But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

Yes, they had 71 years of growing and multiplying in Egypt.

 7:18  Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

Ex 1:8. Joseph dies and then the slavery under the whip begins in 1590 BC. This will last for 144 years till 1446 BC of the exodus.

 7:19  The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

Exodus 1:16

 7:20  In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

Moses born 1526 BC which was 80 years before the exodus in 1446 BC

 7:21  And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

 7:22  And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

In the eyes of the world he was a very capable man. But when God wants to use a man it’s the opposite. He strips away everything such that God gets all the glory. This happens 40 years later when he is 80 years old.

 7:23  And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

This was in 1486 BC. When he was 40 yrs old.

 7:24  And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

 7:25  For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

 7:26  And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

Ex 2:13

 7:27  But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

Ex 2:14

 7:28  Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

 7:29  Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

This is Madian Acts 7:29 which is in Arabia! Not down the bottom of Mt Sinai where the Catholics have their monastery. MT SINAI IS IN ARABIA NOT THE SINAI PENINSULA!!!!

 7:30  And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

He was 80 yrs old here. Just before the time of the exodus of 1446 BC. This is Mt Sinai in Arabia and not on the Mt Sinai peninsula.

 7:31  When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,

 7:32  Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

He didn’t look up.

 7:33  Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.

 7:34  I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

 7:35  This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

 7:36  He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

From the time of 1446 – 1406 BC. Forty years in the desert.

 7:37  This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

 7:38  This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

Mt Sinai is in Arabia. The lively oracles are the Ten Commandments.

 7:39  To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

 7:40  Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

 7:41  And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

Moses goes up the mountain and the people start sinning with a calf Ex 32:24. Like Cain, they rejoiced in the works of his own hands as an offering to God. God likes God’s works.

 7:42  Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

The host of heaven are the stars and moon etc (Gen 2:1)

 7:43  Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

This is their six-star emblem they have today. Babylon exile last for 70 years from 606 BC to 536 BC.

 7:44  Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

This is the tent in the desert. Ex 25:9

 7:45  Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus (not Joshua but Jesus the Saviour) into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

This is Canaan. This proves Jesus is Jehovah and vice versa (Heb 13:8)

 7:46  Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

 7:47  But Solomon built him an house.

See the table above. This was started in 966 BC in the 4^th year of Solomon’s reign. 1Kings 6:1.

 7:48  Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Yes, this is heaven that God made and man didn’t.

 7:49  Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

 7:50  Hath not my hand made all these things?

 7:51  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Yes this is their besetting sin of Hebrews 12:1

 7:52  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

They slew all the prophets and the righteous Matthew 23:34-35

The scribes and the Pharisees put Jesus on the cross.

 7:53  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

They couldn’t keep it. The law was not designed to be kept (Gal 3:10, 13). The law was given to make sin exceeding sinful Rom 7:13

 7:54  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Psalm 27:4.

 7:55  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Yes, when a person is filled with the holy Ghost, they speak and see Jesus.

 7:56  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

See that? The Son of man means that Christ rose bodily from death into heaven. The Sadducees hate the body resurrection. They say there was none.

 7:57  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

SAUL

 7:58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

He was Saul later to be re-named Paul.

 7:59  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

 7:60  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

He died. 1Cor 11:30.

CH 8

Dispersion of the church; Philip; Baptism

8: 1-3 DISPERSION OF THE CHURCH

8:1  And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

 8:2  And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

 8:3  As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

“Haling” is a combination of hauling + violence

8: 4-40 PHILIP

 8:4  Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

The Romans had built good roads and God allows persecution to spread the word.

 8:5  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

This would be to the Jews of Samaria and he preached Christ the Messiah not Jesus the Saviour at this point in time.

 8:6  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Yes Philip was an apostle and was given the ability for healings, miracles and so on. There are no apostles today. Therefore no more miracles.

 8:7  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.

 8:8  And there was great joy in that city.

 8:9  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

 8:10  To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

 8:11  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

 8:12  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

This is no longer preaching the kingdom of heaven. He starts to preach Jesus Christ (Saviour Christ) and he water baptizes. This however is not Paul’s gospel. 1Cor 1:17-18

 8:13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

As mentioned, the people liked Simon so they followed his example.

 8:14  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

 8:15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

 8:16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

 8:17  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

This was a transition period of a combination of Christ, Jesus, water baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and so on.

 8:18  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

 8:19  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Happens in churches today.

 8:20  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

 8:21  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

 8:22  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

 8:23  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

A very stiff rebuke.

 8:24  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

 8:25  And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

 8:26  And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

 8:27  And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

 8:28  Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

He’s reading the book of Isaiah.

 8:29  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

 8:30  And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

 8:31  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

 8:32  The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

Isaiah 53:4-7

 8:33  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

 8:34  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

 8:35  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Not Christ but Jesus the Saviour. He was gentile and had not the tradition of Christ as the Messiah to ‘hinder’ him. For the Jew, it was difficult to switch from Christ the Messiah to Jesus the Saviour. This is the whole doctrine and message in the Book of Hebrews – move on form Christ the Messiah and have Jesus the Saviour.

8: 36-39 BAPTISM

 8:36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

 8:37  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

 8:38  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

The Apostle Philip was under the instructions to water baptize. This is not Paul’s gospel. Paul says

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1Cor1:17

This is the danger of water baptisms today. “ Are you saved?” “Oh yes” they say “I was water baptised last Sunday.” Therefore I must be saved is the conclusion.

 8:39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Yes, he was translated to another area. Of course he was an apostle – he could do miracles and God could translate him. I once heard a Pastor say this happened to him. “I was driving down the highway when suddenly I in the next town fifty miles away. I had no recollection of it at all.” Mmmmm! Yawn!!!!

False Conclusions: 1. “I must be an apostle” 2. “I must be really spiritual” 3. “I want you all to put more money in the plate” 4. “Now I want the congregation to obey me in spite of what is said anywhere in the scriptures.”

 8:40  But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

CH 9

Conversion of Paul; Peter in Joppa

9: 1-30 CONVERSION OF PAUL

9:1  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Yes, Saul killed the Christians.

 9:2  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

 9:3  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

 9:4  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

 9:5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Pricks were the goads and very sharp pointed sticks used by cattle men to herd cows. Like a horseman that wears spurs.

 9:6  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

 9:7  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

Yes, this will be like the rapture for Christians when it happens. We will hear the Lord’s actual words but the unsaved won’t as they will hear only the sound of a voice.

 9:8  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

The eyes of his understanding were not yet opened. Like the Jew – they have eyes but can’t see Matt 13:13

 9:9  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Paul goes to the Ophthalmologist (the eye Doctor) “Nope, nothing wrong with his eyes. Everything’s normal. Can’t understand it.” This was a blindness sent by God.

Also when you fast, make it spiritual and do it for the right reasons and the Lord takes away the taste for food.

 9:10  And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

God is still speaking to men in visions here. We now have the scriptures. When Paul writes to the churches he never refers to visions as something to follow. His experience was different though (2Cor 1:1)

 9:11  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

You have to hand to the Lord as to his choice of words and names. “Yes, Saul (Paul) is going straight from now on!”

 9:12  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

People today “Well I had a vision last night and it involved you.” “That’s funny, I didn’t.”

God confirms with two or three witnesses. He tells Ananias and also Saul. “Ananias go to Saul.” “Saul, a man called Ananias is coming to see you.”

 9:13  Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

 9:14  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Prov 3:5-8 Lean not unto your own understanding

 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Yes, Gentiles first then the Jews as well.

 9:16  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Certainly did. 2Cor 6:4-5; 2Cor 11:23-26,27-29

 9:17  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

 9:18  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Yes, water baptism was appropriate at this time. This was an interim and transitional measure between John the ‘water’ Baptist and Paul’s pure gospel. But this is not yet Paul’s gospel.

 9:19  And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

 9:20  And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Yes, he preaches Christ the Messiah at this stage not Jesus the Saviour – this comes later. Saul is just getting their attention as a halfway message.

 9:21  But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

 9:22  But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

“Yes, Christ the Messiah now bodily residing in heaven, zapped me on the road to Damascus!” said Saul

 9:23  And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

“This is outrageous” they said. Prov 27:4 Who can stand before envy. “He’s more spiritual than us. The people will believe him.” They should have followed Gamaliel’s advice. Acts 5:38-39

 9:24  But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

 9:25  Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Similar to Rahab and the spies (Heb 11:31; Joshua 2:15)

 9:26  And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

‘Assay’ is a word used by geologists meaning to deliberately and with a plan to dig samples form the earth.  Saul was not haphazard in his approach. It’s understandable their reluctance.

 9:27  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

 9:28  And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

 9:29  And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

 9:30  Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Finally they were convinced.

9:31-43 PETER IN JOPPA

 9:31  Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

You feel comfort in times of trouble? That’s the Holy Ghost. It’s a peace that passeth understanding. (Php 4:7). Fear of the Lord and comfort are good things to have.

 9:32  And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

 9:33  And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

 9:34  And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Peter talks Jesus Christ – Saviour first then Messiah. This Jesus is the Messiah.

 9:35  And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

 9:36  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

 9:37  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

 9:38  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

 9:39  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

 9:40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

“Look folks, would you mind stepping out of the room, you are not helping the situation.”

 9:41  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

 9:42  And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

People today use this as an excuse not to believe. “Well, if God was God, why does he allow pain and suffering.” “If God can heal my mother I’ll believe ” and so on.

 9:43  And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

CH 10

The extension of the gospel to the Gentiles

10: 1-48 THE EXTENSION OF THE GOSPEL TO THE GENTILES

Not Paul’s gospel

10:1  There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

The Roman centurion were often very honourable men and used to obeying. (Matt 8:13,Matt 27:54; Acts 10:22)

 10:2  A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

‘Alway’ is not ‘always’. The difference? ‘Always’ is ‘all the ways’ while ‘alway” is ‘all the time’ ie ‘all the way’. He prayed continuously, without a break, not continually with breaks.

It rained continuously – no breaks.

It rained continually – with breaks

 10:3  He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

3pm in the afternoon.

 10:4  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

 10:5  And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

 10:6  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

 10:7  And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

They had breaks. God chooses Cornelius – a man used to obeying

 10:8  And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

 10:9  On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

Midday

 10:10  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

 10:11  And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

 10:12  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

 10:13  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

 10:14  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

 10:15  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

 10:16  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

This is ten years after Pentecost and the cross. Peter still hadn’t got the food thing right. You know, clean and unclean animals. Old habits and traditions die hard. Deut 12-15.

 10:17  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

 10:18  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

 10:19  While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

 10:20  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

 10:21  Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

 10:22  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

 10:23  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

 10:24  And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

 10:25  And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

 10:26  But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

 10:27  And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

 10:28  And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Peter now accepts Gentiles and ‘unclean’ food ten years after the cross.

 10:29  Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

 10:30  And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

 10:31  And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

 10:32  Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

 10:33  Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

 10:34  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Yes, God accepts Gentiles.

 10:35  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

 10:36  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

 10:37  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

 10:38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

 10:39  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

 10:40  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

 10:41  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

 10:42  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

 10:43  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

 10:44  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

 10:45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Up to then, the Holy Ghost only came on Jews.

 10:46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Tongues still being spoken. Why? Unbelieving Jews were present. 1Cor 14:22. Sign to unbelievers.

 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

The unbelieving Jews said “Me too.”

 10:48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

They were water baptised.

CH 11

Apostles’ approved of; The church at Antioch; Antioch sends relief to Jerusalem;

11:1-18 APOSTLES’ APPROVED OF

11:1  And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

 11:2  And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

 11:3  Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Yes, there still was the push that one could only come to God through Jewish circumcision.

 11:4  But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

 11:5  I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

 11:6  Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

 11:7  And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

 11:8  But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

 11:9  But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

 11:10  And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

Ten years after Pentecost Peter finally released from unclean food restrictions

 11:11  And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

 11:12  And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

 11:13  And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

 11:14  Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

 11:15  And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

 11:16  Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

 11:17  Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

 11:18  When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

They were finally convinced.

11:19-26 THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH

 11:19  Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

 11:20  And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

 11:21  And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

 11:22  Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

 11:23  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

 11:24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

 11:25  Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

 11:26  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

God establishes the Christian church at Antioch and not at Jerusalem to make a clean break with no baggage attached.

11: 27- 30 ANTIOCH SENDS RELIEF TO JERUSALEM

 11:27  And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

 11:28  And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

The word “dearth” is a combination of death + earth = famine

 11:29  Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

 11:30  Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

CH 12

James killed, Peter imprisoned; Herod’s death

12:1-2 JAMES KILLED

12:1  Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

 12:2  And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

This 44AD.

12: 3-19 PETER IMPRISONED

 12:3  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

These are the days straight after the Passover.

 12:4  And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Easter follows the Passover. Easter was a Roman celebration. Peter was to be brought out a few days not only after the Passover was held but after Easter

 12:5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

 12:6  And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

 12:7  And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

 12:8  And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

 12:9  And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

 12:10  When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

 12:11  And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

 12:12  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

 12:13  And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

 12:14  And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

 12:15  And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

 12:16  But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

 12:17  But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

James was the Lord’s half-brother and head of the church in Jerusalem.

 12:18  Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

 12:19  And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

Examinations in those days were with the whip.

12:20-25 HEROD’S DEATH

 12:20  And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

 12:21  And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

 12:22  And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

 12:23  And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

 12:24  But the word of God grew and multiplied.

 12:25  And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

CH 13 – 14

(Two chapters)

Paul’s 1^st Trip

16-18:22 Paul’s 2^nd Trip (Two and a half chapters)

18:23- 21:19 Paul’s 3^rd Trip (Three chapters)

Now we get to the pure, clean and straightforward gospel given to Paul. In the first 12 chapters we have had water baptisms, tongues, hands being laid on, Holy Ghost coming upon people, with unbelieving Jews present, centurions, remission of past sins and so on. In a nutshell it’s been a regular mixed bag of lollies.

It’s as if God then clears the table of all the combinations and permutations

What Paul brings is absolute simplicity of “Believe…” with no receiving of the Holy Ghost, no tongues, no water baptism and so on.

It’s Paul’s gospel given especially to Paul by God himself

and he urges all to be followers of him as their ensample

“MY GOSPEL”

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Romans 2:16

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 1Cor 9:17

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 2 Tim 2:8

“BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME”

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (1Cor 11:1).

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 1Cor 4:16

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians1:12

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Php 4:9

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1Thess 1:6 

“I AM YOUR ENSAMPLE (like an example)”

Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Galatians 4:12

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. Phil 3:17

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 2Thess 3:9

BRIEF SUMMARY

(Saul (Paul) was previously in Tarsus 6 years 39-45 AD)

1. Saul & Barnabas from Antioch Syria to Seleucia (13:2-5)

2. To Salamis to Paphos (13:5-6) - Elymas the scorcerer blinded (13:6-12; Saul name change to Paul (13:9)

3. From Paphos to Perga (13:13) - John Mark turns back (13:13)

4. From Perga to Antioch Pisidia (13:14) - Jewish history told in synagogue (13:16-41); expelled

5. From Antioch to Iconium (13:50-51) - believers with signs & wonders; attempted stoning (14:1-5)

6. From Iconium to Lystra (14:5-6) – heals cripple from birth (14:8-10); Paul stoned after attempt to worship him (14:8-19)

7. From Lystra to Derbe (14:20) – believers (14:20-21)

8. From Derbe to Lystra to Iconium to Antioch Pisidia to Perga (14:21-25) – establishes churches

9. From Perga to Attalia (14:25)

10. From Attalia to Antioch Syria (14:26-28)

13:1  Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

This is 45AD. Yes, there were still prophets then as the New Testament hadn’t been completed.

 13:2  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Still called Saul at this stage. Barnabas is mentioned first and he is the leader.

 13:3  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

 13:4  So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

 13:5  And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

This John Mark who was Barnabas’ nephew

 13:6  And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

 13:7  Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Barnabas is still the leader and Saul his deputy.

 13:8  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

 13:9  Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

Saul is now called Paul. He’s had a name change.

 13:10  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

 13:11  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

 13:12  Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

 13:13  Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

 13:14  But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

 13:15  And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

 13:16  Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

 13:17  The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

 13:18  And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

Remember your Dad and Mum saying “Mind your manners son!”. Israel in the desert were showing very bad manners toward God.

 13:19  And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

“…the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; Deut 7:1

 13:20  And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

Adding up the actual time of the judges works out to be 340 years. However this does not take into account the gaps, the overlaps of different judges from different tribes in different parts of the country. Hence it is 450 years.

God gave them judges for 450 years. It doesn’t say they were ruled all that time by judges.

 13:21  And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

Saul as king is 1050 – 1010 BC

David as king is 1010 – 970 BC

Solomon as king is 970 – 930 BC

 13:46  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Interesting way to put it.

 13:47  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

 13:48  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

They were excited. They could have eternal life without circumcision and Jewish laws and so on. Calvinists read this as follows “as many as were selected before the foundation of the world were allowed by God to believe on the Lord”. This would be foreordained!

What it says is this “as many as were ordained to eternal life, that is they were already saved, they believed all that Paul and Barnabas had said from verse 16 onwards.”

This was not a belief for salvation but a belief about what they had been told of their history!!!!

 13:49  And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

 13:50  But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

 13:51  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

 13:52  And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

CH 14

14:8  And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

 14:9  The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

 14:10  Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

As mentioned these were the acts of the apostles. As there are no apostles today, these acts can’t be repeated.

 14:11  And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

 14:12  And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

This was the region where the actual history occurred of gods coming down from heaven. Gen 6:2-4.

14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

There is often much strife to get to the door of the kingdom of God. People try Buddism, fasting, prayer, whippings and so on, giving money to the poor, go to church. Try and obey the ten commandments and so on. Nothing works and it’s all tribulation. Till you come to the simplicity of “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ…”  Entry into the kingdom of God is dead simple with no tribulation.

CH 15

The Council at Jerusalem

This happens about 50AD and right after Paul’s first trip. The church was in disagreement over circumcision. Although Peter had come to accept that gentiles should be accepted into the church without circumcision in chapter 10 (about ten years after the cross), and the elders were convinced (11:18), there was still a sect of the Pharisees that believed that circumcision was necessary.

At this Council (11:28) all agreed that that circumcision was not necessary for the Gentiles and James, the Lord’s half-brother, sent a letter to Antioch to this effect, however with other certain conditions attached. They were that Gentile Christians should abstain from idolatry and immorality – specifically pollutions of idols, fornication, eating strangled animals for food and from blood citing Moses (Gen 9:4).

15:1  And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

Churches today go on about church membership, tithing, water baptism and so on as criteria to be saved also.

 15:2  When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

 15:3  And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

 15:4  And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

 15:5  But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Paul gets back from is first trip around 48 AD and writes to the Galatians about all this.

 15:6  And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

 15:7  And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

 15:8  And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

 15:9  And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

 15:10  Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Peter is sticking up for the disciples. “It’s not them versus us!”

 15:11  But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ is God Saviour Messiah in that order.

 15:12  Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

 15:13  And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

James the Lord’s half-brother who is head of the church in Jerusalem.

 15:14  Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

 15:15  And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,