Acts 1-2

Resources:

Websters 1828 dictionary
Chuck Missler - Learn the Bible in 24hrs
Chuck Missler - Acts
Les Feldick - Acts
Bible Hub
Blue Letter Bible
Matthew McGee
GotQuestions - Acts
Compilation of Kingdom / Grace verses
Louis Scott

"To better understand Scripture, pay attention not only to what is said or written, but also to who is speaking, who is being addressed, the choice of words, the location, the timing, the purpose, the context, and what precedes and follows the passage." - A modernized version of Miles Coverdale's Golden Rule of Interpretation.

I think the average churchgoer, whether they are members or not, somehow has the idea that as soon as you get into Matthew Chapter 1, this is Christianity. But that’s not correct. This is not yet Christianity. It is still an extension of God dealing with Israel, based on all those Old Testament covenants and promises.

ACTS 1-2 KJV, AMP, TLB, ESV

Week 1: Acts 1–2 (Pentecost and the Kingdom Offer)

This breakdown ties Acts 1–2 to their scriptural roots, emphasizing the Jewish prophetic context and dispensational distinctions:

Week 2: Acts 3–5 (Apostles’ Ministry and Persecution)

Week 3: Acts 6–7 (Stephen’s Martyrdom)

Week 4: Acts 8–9 (Transition and Saul’s Conversion)

Week 5: Acts 10–12 (Gentile Inclusion and Antioch)

Week 6: Acts 13–14 (Paul’s First Journey)

Week 7: Acts 15 (Jerusalem Council)

Week 8: Acts 16–18 (Second Journey)

Week 9: Acts 19–20 (Third Journey)

Week 10: Acts 21–23 (Paul’s Arrest)

Week 11: Acts 24–26 (Paul’s Defenses)

Week 12: Acts 27–28 (Rome and Final Rejection)

Overview of Acts:

Author: Luke, the physician and companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11).

Purpose: Acts serves as a historical bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles, documenting the establishment of the early church, the spread of the Gospel, and the transition from Israel’s program to the Church Age under the dispensation of Grace.

Key Theme: The shift from the Kingdom offered to Israel (Acts 1–7) to the Gospel of Grace extended to all nations through Paul’s ministry (Acts 9–28).

Dispensational Focus: Acts highlights the “fall” of Israel (Romans 11:11–12) and the rise of the Body of Christ, with Paul’s conversion (Acts 9) as a turning point.

1. Introduction and the Kingdom Offer (Acts 1–2)

Key Events:

Christ’s ascension and final instructions (Acts 1:1–11).

Selection of Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:12–26).

Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–13).

Peter’s sermon and the birth of the Jewish church (Acts 2:14–47).

Focus:

Acts 1–2 continues the Kingdom program from the Gospels, with the apostles offering the Messiah to Israel (Acts 2:36).

Pentecost is a Jewish feast (Leviticus 23), and the events fulfill prophecy (Joel 2:28–32), not the start of the Church Age.

The “church” in Acts 2 is a Jewish assembly, not yet the Body of Christ (which begins with Paul’s revelation in Acts 9).

Study Tips:

Compare Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:14–40) with his later sermons (Acts 3:12–26) to see the Kingdom Gospel’s focus on Israel’s repentance.

Note the absence of the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:1–4) in Peter’s message.

Discuss with your study group: Why was Matthias chosen before Pentecost, and does this align with Israel’s program?

2. The Kingdom Offered and Israel’s Resistance (Acts 3–7)

Key Events:

Peter and John heal the lame man and preach repentance to Israel (Acts 3:1–4:4).

Persecution begins; apostles arrested (Acts 4:5–31, 5:17–42).

Ananias and Sapphira judged (Acts 5:1–11).

Stephen’s ministry, sermon, and martyrdom (Acts 6:8–7:60).

Focus:

The apostles continue offering the Kingdom to Israel, calling for national repentance (Acts 3:19–21).

Stephen’s sermon (Acts 7) is a culmination, indicting Israel for rejecting God’s prophets and Messiah, marking a pivotal rejection.

The stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54–60) signals Israel’s continued resistance, setting the stage for the transition to Paul.

Study Tips:

Trace the theme of Israel’s opportunity to repent (Acts 3:19–21 vs. Acts 7:51–53).

Study Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 as a summary of Israel’s history and rebellion.

Reflect: How does Stephen’s death parallel Christ’s rejection, and what does it mean for the Kingdom offer?

3. Transition and Expansion (Acts 8–12)

Key Events:

Persecution scatters believers; Philip preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:1–25).

Conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26–40).

Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:1–31).

Peter’s ministry to Gentiles (Cornelius, Acts 10:1–11:18).

Establishment of the Antioch church (Acts 11:19–30).

Peter’s imprisonment and release; Herod’s death (Acts 12).

Focus:

Acts 8–12 shows the Gospel spreading beyond Jerusalem, with Samaritans and Gentiles receiving the Word, but still under a transitional framework.

Saul’s conversion (Acts 9) is the turning point, as God begins revealing the mystery of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 3:1–9).

Peter’s ministry to Cornelius (Acts 10) is a one-time event to validate Gentile inclusion, but Paul becomes the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13).

The Antioch church (Acts 11:26) marks the first use of “Christians” and a shift toward the Grace program.

Study Tips:

Compare the Gospel messages in Acts 8 (Philip) and Acts 10 (Peter) with Paul’s later preaching (Acts 13:38–39).

Study Acts 9:15–16 to understand Paul’s unique calling as distinct from the Twelve.

Discuss: Why did God use Peter for Cornelius before fully transitioning to Paul’s ministry?

4. Paul’s Ministry and the Gospel of Grace (Acts 13–20)

Key Events:

Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13–14).

Jerusalem Council resolves the circumcision issue (Acts 15:1–35).

Paul’s second and third missionary journeys (Acts 15:36–18:22, 18:23–20:38).

Establishment of Gentile churches (e.g., Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus).

Focus:

Paul’s preaching emphasizes justification by faith alone (Acts 13:38–39), distinct from the Kingdom Gospel.

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) confirms that Gentiles are not under the Law, solidifying the Gospel of Grace.

Acts 15:11 shows Peter acknowledging salvation by grace, but Paul is the primary messenger.

The diminishing of Israel’s program is evident as Paul turns to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46, 18:6).

Study Tips:

Highlight Paul’s sermons (e.g., Acts 13:16–41, 17:22–31) and compare them to his epistles (Romans, Galatians).

Study Acts 15 carefully to see the distinction between Peter’s and Paul’s ministries.

Note the progressive rejection of the Gospel by Jews (Acts 13:46, 18:6) and Paul’s focus on Gentiles.

5. Paul’s Arrest and Journey to Rome (Acts 21–28)

Key Events:

Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27–22:30).

Paul’s defenses before the Jews, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 22–26).

Paul’s journey to Rome and ministry under house arrest (Acts 27–28).

Final rejection of the Gospel by Jewish leaders in Rome (Acts 28:25–28).

Focus:

Acts 28:25–28 is a key passage, declaring Israel’s judicial blindness (Isaiah 6:9–10) and the Gospel going fully to the Gentiles.

Paul’s imprisonment marks the close of the transitional period, with the mystery of the Body of Christ fully revealed in his prison epistles (Ephesians, Colossians).

Acts ends with the Gospel unhindered (Acts 28:31), emphasizing the triumph of Grace.

Study Tips:

Study Paul’s defenses (Acts 22, 24, 26) to see how he explains his calling and the Gospel.

Focus on Acts 28:25–28 as the dispensational climax, comparing it to Romans 11:11–15.

Reflect: What does Paul’s ministry in Rome signify for the Church Age?

Acts 1: Key Events and Scriptural Ties

Events: Jesus’ final instructions and Ascension (1:1–11); the apostles wait in Jerusalem and select Matthias to replace Judas (1:12–26).

1. Jesus’ Instructions and Ascension (Acts 1:1–11)

Acts 1:3 – Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God for 40 days.

Old Testament Tie: Daniel 2:44 – “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.” This points to the Messianic Kingdom promised to Israel, which the apostles are still expecting.

New Testament Tie: Matthew 24:14 – Jesus taught the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached before the end, aligning with the apostles’ Kingdom focus in Acts 1.

Acts 1:6 – The apostles ask, “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Old Testament Tie: Isaiah 1:26 – “I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning.” The restoration of Israel’s Kingdom is a prophetic expectation.

New Testament Tie: Luke 1:32–33 – Gabriel’s promise to Mary that Jesus would reign on David’s throne ties to the apostles’ question about Israel’s restoration.

Acts 1:8 – “You shall be witnesses… to the end of the earth.”

Old Testament Tie: Isaiah 49:6 – “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” This prophecy initially applies to Israel but foreshadows the Gospel’s spread.

New Testament Tie: Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission in the Gospels aligns with the apostles’ mission, though still centered on Israel in Acts 1.

Acts 1:9–11 – Jesus ascends; angels promise His return.

Old Testament Tie: Zechariah 14:4 – “On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives.” The angels’ promise of Jesus’ return connects to His second coming to establish the Kingdom.

New Testament Tie: Mark 16:19 – Jesus’ ascension is also recorded in the Gospels, fulfilling Psalm 110:1 (“Sit at my right hand”).

Dispensational Note: Acts 1:6–8 shows the apostles focused on Israel’s prophetic Kingdom, not the Body of Christ, which is later revealed through Paul (Ephesians 3:1–9). The Kingdom offer remains active.

2. Selection of Matthias (Acts 1:12–26)

Acts 1:20 – Peter quotes Psalms to justify replacing Judas.

Old Testament Tie: Psalm 69:25 – “May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents.” Applied to Judas’ betrayal and death.

Old Testament Tie: Psalm 109:8 – “May his days be few; may another take his office.” Directly quoted to support Matthias’ selection.

Acts 1:21–22 – Criteria for the new apostle (witness from John’s baptism to the Ascension).

New Testament Tie: John 15:27 – Jesus said, “You also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” The apostles’ role is tied to their eyewitness testimony of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Acts 1:26 – Casting lots to choose Matthias.

Old Testament Tie: Proverbs 16:33 – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Casting lots was a Jewish practice for divine guidance (e.g., Leviticus 16:8).

Dispensational Note: Matthias’ selection fulfills the twelve apostles’ role for Israel (Matthew 19:28), preparing them to judge the twelve tribes in the Kingdom. This is distinct from Paul’s later apostleship to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7–9).

Acts 2: Key Events and Scriptural Ties

Events: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (2:1–13); Peter’s sermon (2:14–40); the early Jewish church’s formation (2:41–47).

1. Pentecost and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–13)

Acts 2:1–4 – The Spirit comes with wind, fire, and tongues.

Old Testament Tie: Joel 2:28–32 – Peter later quotes this prophecy (Acts 2:16–21), linking the Spirit’s outpouring to Israel’s last days. The signs (wind, fire) align with prophetic expectations.

Old Testament Tie: Exodus 19:16–19 – The giving of the Law at Sinai included fire and noise, paralleling Pentecost as a new covenant moment for Israel.

New Testament Tie: John 14:16–17 – Jesus promised the Spirit as the Helper, fulfilled at Pentecost for the apostles.

Acts 2:5–11 – Jews from every nation hear their own languages.

Old Testament Tie: Genesis 11:1–9 – The Tower of Babel scattered nations with confused languages; Pentecost reverses this for Jews, unifying them under the Gospel.

New Testament Tie: Luke 24:47 – Jesus’ command to preach repentance to all nations begins here, though still focused on Jews (Acts 2:5, “devout Jews”).

Dispensational Note: Pentecost fulfills Jewish prophecy (Joel 2) and empowers the Kingdom Gospel for Israel, not the start of the Body of Christ, which begins with Paul’s ministry (Acts 9).

2. Peter’s Sermon (Acts 2:14–40)

Acts 2:16–21 – Peter quotes Joel 2:28–32 to explain Pentecost.

Old Testament Tie: Joel 2:28–32 – The Spirit’s outpouring and signs (sun darkened, moon to blood) are tied to Israel’s restoration, partially fulfilled at Pentecost.

Acts 2:22–24 – Jesus’ miracles, death, and resurrection.

Old Testament Tie: Psalm 16:8–11 – Quoted in Acts 2:25–28, predicting the Messiah’s resurrection (“You will not abandon my soul to Hades”).

New Testament Tie: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – Though Paul’s Gospel emphasizes Christ’s death for sins, Peter’s focus here is Jesus’ resurrection as proof of Messiahship.

Acts 2:29–36 – Jesus as the exalted Lord and Christ.

Old Testament Tie: Psalm 110:1 – Quoted in Acts 2:34–35, “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand.” Jesus’ ascension fulfills this Messianic prophecy.

Old Testament Tie: 2 Samuel 7:12–13 – The Davidic covenant promises a king on David’s throne, fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 2:30).

New Testament Tie: Luke 22:69 – Jesus claimed to sit at God’s right hand, aligning with Peter’s declaration.

Acts 2:38–39 – Repent, be baptized for forgiveness.

Old Testament Tie: Ezekiel 36:25–27 – God promised to sprinkle clean water and give a new spirit to Israel, foreshadowing repentance and the Spirit’s work.

New Testament Tie: Mark 1:4 – John’s baptism was for repentance and forgiveness, similar to Peter’s call, showing continuity with Israel’s program.

Dispensational Note: Peter’s Gospel (repent, be baptized) is the Kingdom Gospel for Israel, distinct from Paul’s Gospel of Grace (faith alone, Acts 13:38–39). The audience is Jews (Acts 2:5, 14, 22, 36).

3. The Early Jewish Church (Acts 2:41–47)

Acts 2:41 – 3,000 souls added.

Old Testament Tie: Deuteronomy 4:10 – Israel gathered to hear God’s Word at Sinai, paralleled by the gathering of Jews at Pentecost.

New Testament Tie: John 10:16 – Jesus spoke of gathering His sheep, partially fulfilled in the early church.

Acts 2:42–47 – Devotion to teaching, fellowship, and signs.

Old Testament Tie: Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” The early church reflects this ideal.

New Testament Tie: Hebrews 10:24–25 – The call to assemble and encourage one another echoes the early church’s practice.

Dispensational Note: The “church” in Acts 2 is a Jewish assembly under the Kingdom program, not the Body of Christ, which is a later revelation (Ephesians 3:5–6).

Who was Theophilus

Acts 1:1 (AMP), The first account I made, Theophilus, was [a continuous report] about all the things that Jesus began to do and to teach.