When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
—Acts 11:18
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Remember that a Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew. Up to this point, we have learned that the Gospel message of Jesus had spread from Jerusalem into Samaria. So far, we have seen just the beginnings of the spread of the Gospel message to some Gentile people. In this lesson, we will see that the Jewish people finally begin to recognize that the Gentiles, too, could be saved.
Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to recognize that the Gospel message is not just for the Jew – but that anyone who will believe in Jesus can be saved. As Christians, we should never stop growing and learning. We are to become faithful witnesses – much like Peter.
Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we saw the great transformation of Saul, later called Paul, because he responded to the call by Jesus. He was chosen to spread the Gospel message to the Gentile people. (Remember the following verse: “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” Acts 9:15.)
We have learned that the church was being persecuted – which was causing the Gospel message to be scattered into the areas around (including Samaria). However, even during a time of persecution, Peter continued to do what God asked him to do. In this lesson, we will read that he continued to heal and even raised Dorcas from the dead.
Peter stayed at Simon a tanner’s house. During this time of reprieve, he received a message from the Lord. We find Peter still learning more from Jesus (when he saw a vision revealing that anyone could be saved – Jew or Gentile), as he continued to grow in the Lord. He learned that the Gospel message is for Gentiles, too. It was then that Peter obeyed God when He was sent to the Roman centurion, Cornelius’, house. Because Peter was faithful to deliver the Gospel message to a Gentile, Cornelius and many of his friends became Believers. Peter then reported to the other Believers that God could save anyone.
“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”
1 Corinthians 1:2
We most often call people who have trusted in Jesus for salvation “Christians”. This implies that the one who has given that heart and life to Jesus has become Christ-like. Did you realize that in the New Testament, the name “Christian(s)” is only used three times? (“… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” Acts 11:26b.) Another name given for those who have chosen to follow Christ is “disciple”. They are called “disciple” (or disciples) thirty times. Two times they are called “Believers”. However, the most prevalent name is “saints”. We should remember when the Lord sent Ananias to speak to Saul (the persecutor of the new followers of Christ). “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem” (Act 9:13). Those in Jerusalem who had trusted in Jesus were called “saints”. Many of the letters in the New Testament are addressed to the “saints.” (See Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.) Saints means “holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated; its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” Even more interesting, the name “saint” is interchangeable with the word “holy” in several verses. In these verses, the meaning for saint and holy are the same. It is this definition of the word “saint” or “holy” that each Christian should attain.
Why is it important to understand that those we call Christians are also known as “saints”? There are specific instructions to those called “saints” or “holy”. Because of this, it is important to know what these instructions are so that we can follow them.
Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). Take notice that the declared that they were “called to be saints”. He does this again in 1 Corinthians. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Notice again that Paul declares that “all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ” are “called to be saints”. Called means “called, invited, welcomed, appointed.; the called ones are those who have received the divine call having conformed to God’s saving purposes.” What is one who has been called to be a saint (holy) to do? “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Note Paul wrote, “holy, acceptable unto God”. Remember, this means “holy, set apart … its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” This kind of life is acceptable unto God. How is one to do this?
Peter gave us instructions. “14. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Remember, this “holy” is the same word as “saint”. Conversation means “behavior, lifestyle.” Once one has been called to be holy (a saint), that life is to change from the old lifestyle and be holy (live a life in devotion to God) in all behavior.
Paul wrote instructions to the saints (holy) in the letter to the Colossians. “12. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:12-17). This is a great listing for us as “Saints” today to use to transform our hearts and lives. This will produce a Christ-like lifestyle. We can then be Christians (Christ-like). It will allow us to be able to encourage other Christians as well. Paul gives a great listing to help us understand what kind of life Christ wants us to live and why (“see Ephesians 4:12-32).
Have you been called to be a saint?
Do you then choose to live a life that is changed, holy and acceptable unto God?
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
—Romans 1:1
Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that this verse declares that Paul was called to be an apostle. To remember who the eleven remaining Apostles had chosen, read that it was Matthias (see Acts 1:26). Nevertheless, that is the last time we read of Matthias specifically. We are to understand that God chose Paul (renamed from Saul) to be that twelfth Apostle. In this verse, the word separated means “to separate; to select to some office or work. Paul had been a Pharisee (which means to separate) who had been separated unto the law, or the study of the law. Now he was saying that he was separated to the gospel – the message of Jesus.”
In this lesson, we will learn how Saul changed, becoming Paul.
Emphasis: We are to understand that to become a Christian one must believe in Jesus, and that He is God’s Son – by faith, regardless of what any “religion” teaches. Then one must seek to learn more about Jesus by going to church, but especially reading God’s Word – learning directly from Jesus.
Lesson Summary: Beginning in our last lesson, we saw that the Gospel message was carried out of Jerusalem and Judea into Samaria (remember “… 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” Acts 1:8b). We have begun to learn just how Jesus’ command was being obeyed. In this lesson, we will meet the man God chose to begin the spread of the Gospel message into the “uttermost part of the earth.” He was an avid persecutor of the early church named Saul (whose name was later changed to Paul).
In this lesson, we will read events you may have heard many times before. Nevertheless, try to learn new things about this event that you may have never grasped before. It will help since we are trying to go through the Bible in historical order, tying events and people together – fitting the pieces of the puzzle together, revealing that the whole Bible is centered on the Gospel message of Jesus, and the spread of it.
We met the young man, Saul, when he was present at the stoning of Stephen. We then read that he was “consenting unto his death” and “made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (see Acts 8:1-3). In this lesson, we will find out that he made this his personal priority – persecuting the “disciples of the Lord” (see Acts 9:1-2), until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
There was a drastic change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was changed to Paul. In this study, we will understand that it took time and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the Apostle sent to the Gentile people.
“… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20b
After Jesus resurrected, He revealed Himself many times to His disciples. In Matthew, Jesus appeared to the women who had been at the empty tomb. In Mark, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. “11. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” (Mark 16:11-14). Not only did Jesus appear to the women, but two walking along the road, and then the eleven disciples. Initially, they did not believe Jesus could be alive. Notice Jesus “upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart” because they did not believe He was alive. Apparently, they did not understand that they would see Him again: alive.
When Jesus appeared to people after His resurrection, they did not expect to see Him. He always knew where they were, what they were doing, and even the conversations that were being had. They were always surprised to see Jesus. For the forty days that Jesus showed Himself alive after His resurrection, I think He wanted the Believers to understand something: He would be with them always. Even when they did not know He was there, Jesus would be with them. When they had conversations in private, Jesus would be with them. When they did not understand what was happening at that time, Jesus showed Himself to them and helped them understand.
Before Jesus went to the cross, He encouraged His disciples. He promised them they would not be alone. “16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16-18). Although Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit that would come, He wanted them to understand that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were One, and that when the Spirit came, Jesus would be with them. During the days that Jesus appeared suddenly and talked with His followers, I think He was trying to help them understand that even when they did not realize it, Jesus was there with them. He would then reveal Himself physically to them to help them understand. Soon, He would return to heaven and leave them with the Spirit. But Jesus would still be there with them. This, He wanted them to recognize this.
Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He left his followers with these words: “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.Amen.” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus promised that He would be with them always. The same is true for all Believers (Christians) today.
Paul understood this principle. Remember what he wrote to Timothy after he had to stand before rulers: “16. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). When no one else stood with Paul, he understood that the Lord (Jesus) stood with him. He was not alone.
My grandparents had a plaque hung in their house. It said:
“Christ is the Head of this house
The unseen Guest at every meal
The silent listener to every conversation.”
This was always a constant reminder: Jesus is always there whether one acknowledges His presence or not. If Believers (Christians) would keep this in the forefront of their mind, it would not only encourage us greatly, but be a great reminder to behave Christ-like at all times.
Do you, as a Believer, understand that Jesus is the unseen Guest, with you always?
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
—Acts 8:35
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand the word preached means “to proclaim the good news; preach the gospel.” Keep in mind that the focus of the Gospel message is that Jesus died to pay the penalty for man’s sin – if they would only believe. Moreover, that Jesus is alive again. Can you think of a time that you told someone about Jesus? Do you think it is important for Christians to tell others about Jesus? In this lesson, we will learn that it is important to obey God when He tells us to share Jesus with someone else.
Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of obeying God’s command to tell others about Jesus – for if Philip had not obeyed, the Ethiopian Eunuch would not have understood he needed Jesus.
Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of the first person who was killed because they believed in and preached Jesus. Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed Stephen. We were also introduced to another of the religious men who was present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.
In this lesson, we will learn a little more about Saul, and the persecution of Believers that caused many to scatter from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. This event was the beginning of the persecution against the church. It was also the beginnings of the spread of the gospel into the world.
We will look at what happened with Philip, another of the seven that had been called out to minister in the church to help the Apostles. Philip left Jerusalem and went to Samaria. While he preached Jesus to the people there, many believed – including a man called Simon who was a sorcerer. After many were saved, Peter and John came to Samaria.
The next event we will read today is a very familiar event many people may have heard before. An angel of the Lord told Philip to go to Gaza, the desert. Once he was there, the Spirit told Philip to go to the Ethiopian Eunuch who was riding in a chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. After helping this man understand Jesus was taught in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, the eunuch believed in Jesus and was saved. It would be good to understand the importance of Philip obeying the Lord – just so that one individual could be saved.
“For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”
Acts 11:24
In the early church, persecution came. When the persecution came, the new Believers scattered, taking the name of Jesus with them. As they told others about Jesus, more people became Believers. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21). These new Believers turned unto the Lord. They changed the course of their lives to a direction that pleased the Lord. This is the message Jesus sent with Paul:“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18). The people needed to know the importance of turning from darkness to the Light (Jesus – see John 8:12: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”)
Once the people turned to the Lord, one needed to teach them how to live this new life in Christ. Word reached Jerusalem of the many who had turned to Jesus. “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” (Acts 11:22). Barnabas was sent. He was a man who lived out in his life the faith he had placed in Jesus. Remember what faith in Jesus is: Faith means “faith in Christ; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Barnabas was the kind of man who would be able to help the new Believers learn how to live this new way of life. “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” (Acts 11:23). Barnabas saw the grace of God in these new Believers. Grace means “especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” Remember what Jesus taught. “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit” (Matthew 12:33). This “good fruit” was already being revealed in the people’s lives. Barnabas recognized in the Believer’s lives what had happened in their hearts. This greatly encouraged Barnabas!
Barnabas also exhorted (encouraged) them. The new Believers must intentionally, with purpose of heart, cleave to the Lord. They would cleave unto means “to adhere to, persevere in: abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with).” Barnabas taught them the importance of persevering and continuing to walk with Jesus.
The next verse is pretty special. It tells us much about who Barnabas was and how God was so able to use him to help new Believers. “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24).
Barnabas was a good man:There are not many men called good in the Bible. Barnabas was one. Good means “good and benevolent, profitable, useful.” Remember what Jesus taught: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). Whatever is in the heart is what comes forth. Barnabas obviously had good in his heart.
Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost: When something is full, there isn’t room for other things. To be full of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) means one has emptied himself of the world and the things of the world and instead replaced them with the things of God. Christians are commanded to do this. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Most people tend to focus on the first part of that verse, but they forget the command of the second part. That is a pretty important thing to remember! Being filled with the Spirit will enable one to serve the Lord – much like Barnabas!
Barnabas was a man of faith: Remember that faith is “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.” Barnabas lived a transformed life. He had become more like Christ.
Did you notice the result because of Barnabas’ life and conduct? We read that “much people was added unto the Lord”. What a statement! Because Barnabas chose to live a Christ-like life, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to help many others come to know Jesus.
Have you chosen to be good, emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit, and live a life of faith?
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
—Acts 6:8
Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson.
Understand this verse with the following definitions:
Full means “full or complete; abundant”
Faith means “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; faith in Christ”
Wonders means “miracles of the Apostles and teachers”
Miracles means “signs and wonders, miracles wrought by Jesus and his Apostles in proof a furtherance of their divine mission; mighty works”
In this lesson, we will learn that Stephen was called out to be a great worker in the early church.
Emphasis: We are encouraged to understand that we are to be helpers in the church. When work needs to be done, we should be willing, just like Stephen, to not only do the work but to tell others about Jesus.
Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of the work of the Apostles as they preached God’s Word and taught new believers (even after having been put in prison and beaten). In this lesson, we find a new problem in the growing church. First, we look back at just what the church is and where it came from, and then we learn how the Apostles deal with daily needs of the church. One thing that helped in the early church was the choosing of seven men of good report. These men were chosen to help in the daily workings of the church. We will learn more about one of these men – Stephen.
God used Stephen to do many “great wonders and miracles among the people.” However, when good was being done, the religious leaders rose up and opposed this work. Nevertheless, when they disputed with Stephen, they “were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Because of this, they sought for false witnesses to accuse Stephen. When they did this, Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to them. He taught them of Jesus from Abraham until Solomon. This lesson may be a good time to review some of the things we learned in the Old Testament as we look at the sermon Stephen preached to the religious leaders. After preaching Jesus to these men, Stephen refuted the accusations the false witnesses had made against him. But the religious leaders rejected Stephen’s words and took him out and stoned him.
In these closing verses, we will be introduced to another one of these religious men: a young man named Saul.
If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft that will help them remember Stephen.
We took blue construction paper, folded it with a picture of Jesus standing to receive Stephen (on the inside), and added cotten balls on the outside for clouds.
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
1 Corinthians 13:12
Some of the great questions of all time deal with what happens after one dies. The Bible, of course, has many clues for us if we will just take the time to read them. The Old Testament saints understood there is a life after death. They often referred to being gathered unto their people and fathers in death (see (Genesis 25:8; 35:29; 49:33; and many more). Consider one event that may help us. It is recorded in three of the four Gospels: The Transfiguration.
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up into a mountain to pray. “And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering” (Luke 9:29). As Jesus prayed, he was “transfigured” before them (see Matthew 17:2). “30. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31. Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:30-31). Moses and Elias (Elijah) were there talking with Jesus about His decease. This word decease means “exit; exodus; (figuratively) death.” Moses and Elijah were speaking to Jesus of the death He was about to accomplish – which is why Jesus came to earth as a man (see Romans 5:8-10; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 3:18). Peter, James, and John had fallen asleep. However, when they awoke, they saw Jesus in His glory along with Moses and Elijah.(see Luke 9:32-33).
Consider the many things that this brief meeting tells us. First, we can understand that there is life after death – for Moses and Elijah had died hundreds of years earlier! More than that, the disciples recognized who they were. Moses and Elijah were known by their personalities (for there was no way they knew what they looked like. There were no pictures of them!). Moses and Elijah are both well known in their character and deeds in the Old Testament. Also note: they were two men. They were still human beings. They had not turned into angels with wings. Remember that Jesus, after His resurrection, was in human form. “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). Moses and Elijah had bodies much like we will have one day. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 tells us much about this. Especially see the following: “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44).
Moses and Elijah were standing there having a conversation with Jesus. This tells us that they were not in any kind of a “soul-sleep”. They were quite conscious in their conversation! They were having a time of fellowship with Jesus, speaking of his pending death that they knew was about to take place. What Moses and Elijah had spoken of while they lived on this earth was only a foretelling of what Jesus was about to complete. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17). Those who put their trust in Jesus will have eternal life. It is the choice of each individual person. “18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:18-19). Jesus came to save anyone who would believe. However, those who do not believe upon Jesus will have God’s eternal wrath upon them – forever (see John 3:36). This is the second death (see Revelation 21:8).
We can recognize that Jesus had told His disciples about His pending death shortly before He took them up that mountain. “Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day” (Luke 9:22). However, it seems as if they did not comprehend what it was that Jesus was telling them. It is good to know, that Jesus was able to have a conversation with Moses and Elijah about His pending death. They knew and understood what was about to take place. That is another encouraging insight into the after-life – we will know and understand things that we do not here in this life. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Have you rejected Jesus in this life, only waiting for the eternal wrath of God, the second death?
Or
Have you trusted in Jesus in this life, understanding that one day you will know Him even as you are known – for eternity?
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
—Acts 4:12
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand that salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences by the Messiah (Jesus).” It is important to know that the only way one can be saved is by Jesus. In this lesson, we will learn what happened to the disciples when they preached these words.
Emphasis: It is important to understand that the only way for anyone to be saved is by Jesus, and it is each Christian’s job to tell others. We are to be honest in our service to God, and never lie to God.
Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that Jesus gave His followers’ power, the Holy Spirit, just as He had promised. With that power, they were enabled to be witnesses, and they saw three thousand saved. Those new Believers understood it was important to fellowship with other Believers. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). As they learned more about Jesus, they also learned how to live this new life pleasing Him.
Peter and John healed a lame man at the Temple gate called Beautiful, which led to an opportunity to preach Jesus. Peter preached that Jesus was the fulfillment of two important prophecies: remembering Moses who told of a Prophet, and Abraham who told of One who would bless all families of the earth. Although the religious leaders rejected this preaching and arrested Peter and John, over five thousand others were saved. Peter and John were ordered to not preach Jesus, but they refused to quit.
Many Believers sold their possessions and brought the money to the Apostles to help those in need. But there was a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about the amount their land sold for, keeping a portion back for themselves. Because they lied to the Holy Spirit, they both died.
As the Apostles continued to preach Jesus and many were healed, they were imprisoned again. Nevertheless, the angel of the Lord released them and told them to return and continue to preach. The religious leaders, once again, ordered them to not preach, but the Apostles proclaimed, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We will learn how the religious leaders responded to these words, and how one religious leader’s words spared the Apostles lives.
If you are teaching this to children, the following is an idea for a craft to help them remember.
We had a picture of the Apostles (that they could color), made a jail, and tied a string to it to remove them from jail. They continued to preach, declaring that they ought to obey God rather than men.
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Acts 2:21
In the early days of the church, there were varied responses to the Gospel Message of Jesus. Many readily believed. However, most of the religious leaders refused. We can read that their rejection became progressively worse.
First, we learn that some people were pricked in their heart, and they believed in Jesus (see Acts 2:37):
When Peter preached in Acts 2, all of the house of Israel should have recognized Jesus. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus is the Savior of the world. But, how did they respond? “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?” (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were “pricked in their heart.” Pricked means “greatly pained or deeply moved.” It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this “conviction” (which means “found guilty of an offense”). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. “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. 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” (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means “to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ. To think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God “called” them. Call means “God’s call through the Gospel message.” God must call the person. What did the people do once they understood? “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Those who believed in Jesus, responded to God’s call. There were three thousand people who believed!
Then we learn some religious leaders were cut to the heart, but they sought counsel to slay those who preached Jesus (see Acts 5:33):
Peter preached another great sermon in Acts 3. He wanted the people to recognize that not only was Jesus God’s Son, but that this people had chosen to release a murderer instead of Jesus. However, Peter excused them because of their ignorance. “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). But Peter was there to help them understand – so they would not remain ignorant, by reminding them of the prophets words that are found throughout the Old Testament. “But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled” (Acts 3:18). Peter preached Jesus from the Old Testament (see Acts 3:20-26). Because the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, they arrested them (see Acts 4:3). “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). Nevertheless, many others believed.
Peter proceeded to preach Jesus to the religious leaders: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The religious leaders told them to quit preaching Jesus. However, the Apostles preached and taught daily – even after being put in prison. When they were ordered to quit teaching in Jesus’ name, they understood it was more important to obey and please God, rather than man (see Acts 5:29). Peter continued by preaching Jesus to these religious leaders. How did they respond to the Gospel message? “When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them” (Acts 5:33). They beat the Apostles, told them to not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Instead of receiving the Gospel message of Jesus, they rejected it and wanted to kill the messengers.
Finally, we find they were cut to the heart and killed the messenger, Stephen.
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). The rulers of the synagogue rose up and disputed with Stephen. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:9). After lying about Stephen and setting up false witnesses against him, Stephen was allowed to speak. He preached from the Old Testament addressing the false accusations against him. “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51). These men had not kept God’s Word (see Acts 7:53). “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). Although they were cut to the heart, they rejected Jesus and His Word. They then killed the messenger. Instead of repenting, these religious leaders took Stephen out and stoned him.
Many believed in Jesus. However many rejected Him. The choice was up to each individual.
Have you been pricked in your heart when you heard the Gospel Message of Jesus?
Have you responded to the call of God through the Gospel message?
