Fritha Dinwiddie 7/23/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 7/23/25

THE BOOK OF ACTS

#000 THE BOOK OF ACTS

Scripture The Book of Acts Orig. 10/5/1986

Church Training Study, First Baptist Church, Bernice, LA

Keywords: Book of Acts

Introduction 1:1-14

Prologue 1:1-5

Ascension 1:6-14

I. The Spread of the Gospel in Jerusalem and Judea, 1:15-8:3

A. The appointment of Matthias, 1:15-26

B. The Day of Pentecost, 2:1-41

C. The earliest Church, 2:42-47

D. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (A lame man healed), 3:1-4:22

E. The life of the earliest community, 4:23-6:7

1- Spirit-empowered witness, 4:23-31

2- Contrast in heart-yielding (Barnabas + Ananias/Sapphira), 4:32-5:11

3- Signs and wonders, 5:12-16

4- Conflict with the Sanhedrin, 5:17-42

5- Internal dissension and its resolution, 6:1-7

F. The martyrdom of Stephen, 6:8-7:60

1- His arrest, 6:8-15

2- His witness, 7:1-53

3- His death, 7:54-60

G. Persecution and dispersion of the Church, 8:1-3

II. The Spread of the Gospel in Samaria, Galilee, and the Coastal Regions, 8:4-11:18

A. Phillip in Samaria, 8:1-25

B. Phillip and the Ethiopian, 8:26-40

C. Saul’s conversion, 9:1-30

1. The vision, 9:1-7

2. The coming of Ananias, 9:8-19

3. Ministry and opposition in Damascus, 9:20-25

4. A beginning from Jerusalem, 9:26-31

D. Peter at Lydda and Joppa (Two miracles), 9:32-43

E. Peter and Cornelius, 10:1-11:18

1. Cornelius’ conversion at Caesarea, 10:1-48

2. Peter’s defense before the Jerusalem church, 11:1-18

III. The Spread of the Gospel in All the World: Antioch and Beyond, 11:19-15:35

A. The early Gentile Church in Antioch, 11:19-26

B. Saul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem (An offering for the Church), 11:27-30

C. Persecution by Herod Agrippa I, 12:1-25

1. Death of James and imprisonment of Peter, 12:1-5

2. Peter freed, 12:6-19

3. Death of Herod, 12:20-24

4. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch with Mark, 12:25

D. The first missionary journey, 13:1-14:28

1. Sent out by the Antioch church, 13:1-3

2. Itinerant missionary, 13:4-14:28

a) Cyprus, 13:4-12

b) Antioch of Pisidia, 13:13-52

c) Iconium, 14:1-7

d) Lystra, 14:8-20

e) Antioch in Syria, 14:21-28

E. The Apostolic Council , 15:1-35

IV. The Spread of the Gospel in All the World: Around the Aegean Sea, 15:36-21:16

A. The second missionary journey , 15:36-18:22

1. Asia Minor and Cyprus, 15:36-16:10

2. Macedonia, 16:11-17:14

a) Philippi, 16:11-40

b) Thessalonica, 17:1-9

c) Berea, 17:11-13

3. Achaea, 17:14-18:17

a) Athens, 17:14-34

b) Corinth, 18:1-17

4. Return to Antioch via Ephesus, 18:18-22

B. The third missionary journey, 18:23-21:16

1. Galatia and Phrygia, 18:23

2. Apollos meets Aquila and Priscilla, 18:24-28

3. Paul in Ephesus, 19:1-41

a) Paul baptizes followers of John the Baptist, 19:1-7

b) Ministry in Ephesus, 19:8-20

c) Future plans, 19:21-22

d) Demetrius stirs mob, 19:23-41

4. Paul in Macedonia and Achaea, 20:1-5

5. The return from Philippi to Caesarea, 20:6-21:14

a) At Troas, 20:7-12

b) Itinerary continues, 20:13-16

c) At Miletus with elders from Ephesus, 20:17-38

d) The travels continue, 21:1-7

e) At Caesarea, 21:8-16

V. The Spread of the Gospel into All the World: From Jerusalem to Rome, 21:17-28:31

A. Arrival in Jerusalem and riot against Paul in the Temple, 21:17-39

B. Paul arrested and imprisoned, 21:36-26:32

1. Arrest in Jerusalem, 21:36-22:29

a) Paul’s defense before mob, 21:36-22:23

b) Paul’s witness, 22:6-21

c) Paul imprisoned, 22:22-29

2. Paul before the Sanhedrin, 22:30-23:11

3. Paul moved to Caesarea because of a plot against his life, 23:12-35

4. Jews accuse Paul before Felix, 24:1-9

5. Paul’s defense before Felix, 24:10-23

6. A convenient season, 24:24-27

7. Jews accuse Paul before Festus, 25:1-7

8. Paul appeals to Caesar, 25:8-12

9. Paul before Herod Agrippa II, 25:13-26:32

C. Paul goes to Rome, 27:1-28:32

1. Voyage and shipwreck, 27:1-44

2. On Malta, 28:1-10

3. Voyage to Italy, 28:11-13

4. Journey to Rome, 28:14-16

5. Paul under house arrest (speaks to Roman Jews), 28:17-29

Conclusion

Paul Witnesses Unhindered, 28:30-31

Fritha Dinwiddie 7/19/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 7/19/25

THE KINGDOM: SPECULATION OR ARTICULATION

#834 THE KINGDOM: SPECULATION OR ARTICULATION

Scripture Acts 1:1-11 Orig. 10/6/1986

Passage: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Purpose: Continuing the study in The Book of Acts marking the continuing presence of Christ as guide for the disciples.

Keywords: Bible Study

Timeline/Series: Acts

Introduction

Christian Faith and Natural Science is a book written about thirty years ago by Karl Heim partly to express his disdain for the contemporary role of the church. He wrote, “The church is like a ship on whose deck festivities are still kept up and glorious music is heard, while deep below the water line a leak has been sprung and masses of water are pouring in, so that the vessel is settling hourly lower, though the pumps are manned day and night.”

Jesus knew such rebukes of unbelief would come. To that end, He admonishes his church to move out on the real mission with which He has left us. The angelic charge might well be restated: “Why stand ye gazing? Get down where the danger is! Stop the leak! Dispose of the waters! Turn your attention to that which is your real purpose!”

So, these last days are spent vitalizing the disciples for what [lies] ahead. The gospel is complete. The “good new” really is! And in their hands has fallen the task of breaking through the barriers of human hindrance so that all the world may come to know what the gospel is.

For hundreds of years, the Hebrews have speculated incorrectly about the Kingdom of God. Now, the believers in Christ, armed with the fuller insights of gospel meaning are to articulate this redeeming message far and wide.

I. For Three Unbelievable Exciting Years, the Mentor of this Movement was Jesus. V1, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and to teach.”

Strong link to Luke’s gospel. (Sequel.) You were told of Jesus before, you will be told no less here. Former told of the Christ alongside. This would tell of the Christ within. The former introduces Jesus’ disciples. We learn of the progress of most; the despair of one; the enlistment of many new ones. The former declares his birth/life/death, now we will see death conquered, the human spirit sanctified. Here is an extension of all that Jesus “began.” King/Kingdom.

II. Now, We Notice His Presence with Them. V3, “To whom also he showed himself alive.”

Two things stand out here. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem. He commands them to await the “promise” of the Holy Spirit. These are simple men, getting away from the scene of these events would be natural to them. They have seen political power break in and debilitate their band. They’ve seen Jesus abused, crucified. They’ve felt the longing of loss, grief. They’ve seen one of their own betray Him. They’ve experienced the ascension, and heard Jesus talk about His kingdom, a kingdom of control of men’s hearts. And, He will tell them of a world to reach. We will deal with the “promise” later.

First, we must view this contrasted baptism. V5, “John baptized with water. Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.” John, himself, describes his baptism. Luke 3:16-17; Matthew 3:11f; Mark 1:7. “I baptize with water (unto repentance—Matthew); he baptizes with the Holy Ghost.”

Isaiah 44:2-5 [pour water on the thirsty land]. Joel 2:28-29 [pour out my Spirit on all people].

All these gospels have associated his preaching with repentance, and this with baptism. In fact, he refuses baptism where repentance is not clear (see Luke 3:7), which tells us what he thought about efficacy (weren’t saved by baptism). Baptism was for those who gave evidence of repentance.

Being in Christ meant more than being in a state of repentance. That, but more. Gift of the Holy Spirit (Ghost) is associated with Christian baptism but not dependent upon it: Acts 19:1f, Ephesus/disciples/without Holy Spirit/John’s baptism; I Corinthians 12:13, “by one spirit all baptized into one body.” We will see diversity in baptism sequence: Samaria (Acts 8:15)—Spirit/laying on of hands; Caesarea (Acts 10:44f)—before baptism, without laying on of hands; Ephesus (Acts 19:1f)—after baptism, laying on of hands by Paul (with a prior baptism).

Finally, considering “baptism in fire”: (Luke 3:16, Matthew 3:11, not Mark 1:8, not Acts 1:5,11,16); John tried to be discriminating (Luke 3:7 and Matthew 3:7). He would fail (Acts 19:1). The Spirit is perfectly discriminating if His fire does not fail. Symbol used is that of wheat and chaff, the latter destroyed.

III. Now We Can Turn Back to God’s Promise. V4, “Wait for the promise of the Father.” V8, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you; and ye shall be my witnesses, Jerusalem/Judea/Samaria/uttermost.”

The ascension has been a unique witness. Only Luke records it. He records it Luke and Acts. Jesus is not leaving them to the work alone. And, He is going to return: He conquered incumbent religious system; He overcame an all-powerful political state; He defeated the cross; He is not dead but alive.

John Masefield’s drama, The Trial of Jesus1, Longinus/Procula. “Do you think he is dead?” “No, lady, I don’t.” “Then where is he?” she asks. “Let loose in the world, Lady, whether neither Roman nor Jew can stop his truth.”

He is with them by means of the Holy Spirit. He is coming again to establish His rightful reign over His kingdom: Settles their priorities; establishes that God has His plan (“Wait in Jerusalem until”); this waiting is not passive but positive, not weakness and fear, but courage and trust are in the offing.

A word must be spoken about the kingdom. V6, “Lord, do you now restore the kingdom to Israel?” Undoubtedly, forced a change in concept. Yet, still Judaism was kingdom as religion was nation. The kingdom was not one of lineage, but of faith and obedience: empowered by Holy Spirit; witness to the ends of the earth; not fleshly ambition but spiritual mission.

IV. The Next Scene is That of Parting. V9, “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.”

Remember, there are many barriers to be crossed: Geographical—Rome had the gospel when Paul arrived; Religious—this very false concept of kingdom; National—“to the Jew first, but also”; Racial—a world in which there are Samaritans/Gentiles/Pagans/light skin/dark skin.

He leaves with them a necessary assurance: Final commendation; certification of His life; promise of His return on time—God’s plan will confront no surprises; they would not go where He was not with them; they would be happy to remember Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst (time or place) of them.”

V. And the Final Scene is One of Praying. V14, “All continued with one accord in prayer.”

They returned from Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. Those present are identified—disciples (apostles), brethren (adelphos), the women and Mary the mother. They went to the “upper room.” ???Home of John Mark, Acts 12:12.

Masefield: https://allpoetry.com/John-Masefield

1 Masefield, J. (1925.) The Trial of Jesus. William Heinemann, Ltd.

Fritha Dinwiddie 6/28/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 6/28/25

INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF ACTS

#833 INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF ACTS

Scripture Acts 1:1-8, NIV Orig. September 29, 1985

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Purpose: Beginning a study for Church Training leading my people to a deeper comprehension of The Book of Acts.

Introduction

By way of beginning, we need to face up to purpose. Why did Luke write Acts? The best evidence suggests that he did. And, we can conclude that the book was written shortly before or after Paul’s death in Rome, about 58 or 59 A.D.

So, WHY did he write? To depict “Acts of the Apostles.” That is the title by which it is best known. Or, is it the book that declares the Holy Spirit’s life and work as the gospel declares the life and work of Jesus? Perhaps there is some other purpose. For instance, the revealing of the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome; or, a book seeking to reconcile rivalries between different factions of the church.

Better understood, it is all of these things, but only to a limited degree. These are supplemental purposes. Its major focus has to do with expansion. Partly, the expansion that carries the gospel across geographical barriers; but even more, the author depicts how Christianity broke through the imposition of limitations placed upon it by people locked into a narrow, self-limiting culture. It is about how the gospel took on the character of its [founder], and not of His disciples.

The story begins in Jerusalem. It ends 28 chapters later in Rome. The passage was not easy. Many changes are observed. Leaders come into view, remain for awhile, and often are heard from no more. The foundling church appears, descriptions of it, single it out for what it is: a very human inducement to faith. The most obvious change is cultural. The book opens on a Jewish prayer meeting. None but Jews are there. It closes with a chronicler of the gospel, incarcerated, but proclaiming an “unhindered” gospel to all who come to hear.

I. What are the arguments for Luke’s authorship?

Both ACTS and LUKE [are] dedicated to Theophilus. Luke 1:3/Acts 1:1. Acts opens speaking of former treatises.

Similarity in style/phraseology/medical jargon.

Luke is known to have traveled with Paul. Acts 16:10/20:6 “We” passages.

Rule out Silas (16:19) and Timothy (20:4-5).

Christian tradition accepts Luke as author.

II. What can we conclude about the date?

Outset—Christ is with disciples prior to His ascension (30-40A.D.).

Conclusion—Paul arrives in Rome. Dated by mention of political figures (Acts 25:13, Agrippa, Festus/Felix). Sometime between 58 and 63 A.D. Luke was undoubtedly with Paul: II Timothy 4:6, “I have fought the good fight”; II Timothy 4:11, “Only Luke is with me.”

III. What more needs to be said about purpose?

“Acts of the Holy Spirit”—but not to the degree that gospels are about Jesus.

“Acts of the Apostles”—a factor, but not definitive. Even Paul is left inconclusively a Roman prisoner.

“Acts of the Ascended Christ”—1:1, “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” A direct reference to the “former treatise” (gospel).

The book of gospel initiative. 1:8, “Ye shall receive power . . . and ye shall be my witnesses . . . .” 28:31, “boldly and without hindrance . . . preached.”

IV. Defining the key thought.

Verse 1:8, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and . . . .”

The key in outline:

1 Introduction

2-7 Witness in Jerusalem

8-12 Witness in Judea and Samaria

13-28 Witness to the uttermost.

V. The two-part breakdown of the book.

Part I (1-12)

In Jerusalem

Peter most prominent

From Jerusalem to Judea/Samaria

Geography—Palestine (Jew/Gentile)

General rejection by Jews

Peter imprisoned (12:3)

Part II (13-28)

From Antioch

Paul most prominent

From Antioch to Empire

Geography—Mediterranean (Jew/Gentile)

Rejection by Jews of dispersion

Paul imprisoned (28:16)

VI. Peter and Paul in parallel consideration.

INCIDENT Peter Paul

1-First Sermon 2:14f 13:16

2-Healing of lame man 3:1f 14:8f

3-Dealing with a sorcerer—Simon 8:9 13:8f—Elymas

4-Influence--shadow 5:15 19:12f—high priests

5-Laying on of hands--Samaritans 8:17 19:6—pagans

6-Worshipped—Cornelius 10:25 14:11—Lystra

7-Raised from the dead—Tabitha 9:40 20:9—Eutychus

8-Imprisoned—Herod 12:3 28:16—Nero