Acts Part 2

Introduction Continued
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Many of the accounts in the Book of Acts show the remarkable beginning of the New Testament Church, as well as the trials, challenges, and opposition it faced.

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The Book of Acts records three major fulfillments: First, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God being preached throughout the World. Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:18-20 records His instructions to baptize believers and teach them to observe all that He had commanded. 

The apostles preached the same gospel that Jesus preached during His earthly ministry. Mark 1:14-15 states that Jesus came to Galilee

"preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God" and saying, "Repent, and believe in the gospel." 

Acts repeatedly records the preaching of the Kingdom of God. In Acts 1:3, Jesus teaches His disciples about the Kingdom after His resurrection. In Acts 19:8, Paul reasons and persuades people concerning the Kingdom of God. In Acts 20:25, Paul describes his ministry as "preaching the kingdom of God." 

The book concludes with Paul in Rome,

"preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him" (Acts 28:31). 

From beginning to end, Acts shows the apostles faithfully preaching the Kingdom of God and carrying Christ's message beyond Jerusalem to the wider world. 

The second major fulfillment is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and power from God. In Luke 24:49, He instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until they were

"endued with power from on high."

In John 16:7, He also promised to send the Helper after He departed. 

This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2:1-4. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and they began speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

The giving of the Holy Spirit was an important turning point in the beginning of the New Testament Church. The apostles received the power needed to carry out Christ's commission, and the gospel began spreading through their preaching and work. 

The third fulfillment is Christ building His Church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared,

"I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

Acts records the beginning and growth of that Church. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached, and approximately three thousand people were baptized and added to the believers. Acts 2:42 explains that they

"continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." 

As the gospel spread, congregations were established in other cities. Acts 11:26 records that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, indicating that a church had been established there.   

Acts demonstrates the fulfillment of Christ's promise to build His Church as believers were added, congregations were established, and the gospel continued to spread despite opposition. 

Important Events Recorded in Acts: Acts records many important events that provide both historical background and spiritual lessons for the Church today. These include: 

  • The miracles and signs performed by the apostles. 
  • Peter's first inspired sermon. 
  • The account of Ananias and Sapphira lying to the apostles. 
  • The selection of deacons to serve the Church. 
  • The death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr recorded in Acts. 
  • Saul's conversion from an enemy of the Church to a follower of Christ. 
  • The first Gentile conversion recorded in the account of Cornelius. 
  • The death of James, the brother of John. 
  • The resolution of issues within the Church. 
  • The use of anointed cloths in connection with healing. 
  • Inspired messages delivered through Peter, Stephen, Paul, and others. 

These accounts show the remarkable beginning of the New Testament Church, as well as the trials, challenges, and opposition it faced. 

Broad Outline of Acts 

  1. The Gospel Preached in Jerusalem (Acts 1:1-8:3) 
  2. The Holy Spirit is given, the New Testament Church begins on Pentecost, and the apostles preach in Jerusalem. The section concludes with Stephen's martyrdom. 
  3.  The Gospel Preached in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:4-12:25) 
  4. The Church is scattered by persecution, Saul is converted, and the gospel begins reaching the Gentiles. 
  5.  The Gospel Preached to the Ends of the Earth (Acts 13:1-28:31) 
  6. Paul undertakes his three missionary journeys, the Jerusalem conference addresses questions concerning Gentile believers, and Paul eventually arrives in Rome. 

The book of Acts records the beginning and expansion of the New Testament Church following Christ's resurrection and ascension. It shows the apostles preaching the Kingdom of God, receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, and carrying out Christ's commission to spread the gospel throughout the world. 

Acts also provides important historical context for Paul's epistles and records the challenges, persecution, and growth of the early Church. From the beginning in Jerusalem to Paul's preaching in Rome, the book demonstrates how the work Christ began continued through His apostles and the growing Church. 

Acts of the Apostles is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Darris McNeely. Recordings from the 2022–2023 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective. 

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