Acts 8:14-24 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name … Continue reading The Short Sight of Simon
Tag: Bible
The Small Step Forward; Samaria
Acts 8:4-13 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. And Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. For … Continue reading The Small Step Forward; Samaria
The Persecution Primer
Acts 8:1-3 And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul … Continue reading The Persecution Primer
The Stoning of Stephan
Acts 7:54-60 + 8:1 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I … Continue reading The Stoning of Stephan
The Scripture Summation of Stephan, Part 3; The Prophets Vs The People
Acts 7:44-53 Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen. “And having received it in their turn, our fathers brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the nations whom God drove out before … Continue reading The Scripture Summation of Stephan, Part 3; The Prophets Vs The People
The Scripture Summation of Stephan, Part 2; Moses
Acts 7:20-44 And it was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God; and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home. “And after he had been exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away, and nurtured him as her own son. “And Moses was educated in all … Continue reading The Scripture Summation of Stephan, Part 2; Moses
The Scripture Summation of Stephan, Part One; Abraham to Egypt
Acts 7:1-20 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And he said, “Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘DEPART FROM YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT … Continue reading The Scripture Summation of Stephan, Part One; Abraham to Egypt
The Stirring Up of the Scribes
Acts 6:7-15 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. And yet they were unable to cope with … Continue reading The Stirring Up of the Scribes
The Complaint
Acts 6:1-7 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for … Continue reading The Complaint
The Wise Counsel to the Unwise Council
Acts 5:33- 42 But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and were intending to slay them. But a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he … Continue reading The Wise Counsel to the Unwise Council
The Great Escape and Another Stabbing Sermon
Acts 5:17-32 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy; and they laid hands on the apostles, and put them in a public jail. But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the gates of the prison, … Continue reading The Great Escape and Another Stabbing Sermon
The Hands and Shadows of the Apostles
Acts 5:12-16 And at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico. But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. And all the more believers in the Lord, … Continue reading The Hands and Shadows of the Apostles
The Lie
Acts 5:1-11 But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to … Continue reading The Lie
The CONGREGATION
Acts 4:32-37 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant … Continue reading The CONGREGATION
The Polyphonic Prayer of Monophonic Minds
Acts 4:23-31 And when they had been released, they went to their own companions, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who DID MAKE THE HEAVEN AND … Continue reading The Polyphonic Prayer of Monophonic Minds
The Collapsing Council’s Confirmation
Acts 4:13-22 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. But when they … Continue reading The Collapsing Council’s Confirmation
The Cornerstone Confession
Acts 4:5-12 And it came about on the next day, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. And when they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, … Continue reading The Cornerstone Confession
The Incarceration Incarnation
Acts 4:1-4 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in jail until … Continue reading The Incarceration Incarnation
The Second Stabbing Sermon
Acts 3:11-36 And while he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if … Continue reading The Second Stabbing Sermon
The Greater Gift
Acts 3:1-10 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a certain man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in … Continue reading The Greater Gift
The Stabbing Sermon
Acts 2:14-36 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea, and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give heed to my words. “For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour … Continue reading The Stabbing Sermon
The First Fruits
Acts 2:5-13 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because they were each one hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and marveled, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking … Continue reading The First Fruits
The Replacement
Acts 1:12-26 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son … Continue reading The Replacement
Commission of Commissions
Matthew 28:8-10, 16-20 And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and … Continue reading Commission of Commissions
Lie of Lies
Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-5; 12-1 Now on the next day, which is the one after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ “Therefore, give orders for the grave to … Continue reading Lie of Lies
The Day After the Day of Days
Matthew 27:57-66 Jesus has just died a horrible death And when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given over to him. And … Continue reading The Day After the Day of Days
Consider Christ on the Cross, Not Current Culture; Part 2
Continuing in the Context of the Cross Matthew 27:45-56, with the right to double back to see more prophecy we missed in my last missive. Yes, there is more and we can't come close to covering it all. Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the … Continue reading Consider Christ on the Cross, Not Current Culture; Part 2
Consider Christ on the Cross, Not Current Culture; Part 1
Matthew 27:33-49 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots; and sitting down, they … Continue reading Consider Christ on the Cross, Not Current Culture; Part 1
Beyond Belief
Matthew 27:27-36 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. And they stripped Him, and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they kneeled … Continue reading Beyond Belief
The Day of Days
Matthew 27:1-10 Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death; and they bound Him, and led Him away, and delivered Him up to Pilate the governor. Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, … Continue reading The Day of Days
