STUDY IN ACTS

by

Dr. O. Wilburn Swaim

(Edited with Additional Material, 03/2006)

Intro: Luke is the author of both LUKE and ACTS. Luke written around Paul's imprisonment

in Rome (AD 66-68), so Acts written after Paul's imprisonment (death? If so, would it not

have been recorded?).

Luke joins Paul in Troas (16:8) and accompanies him to Philippi (16:12). He is not involved in the imprisonment (16:20), and apparently remains behind when Paul and company depart Philippi for Thessalonica (17:1). All this is based on a comparison of the pronouns, "us," "we," and "they."

Using the same criterion, 20:5 shows Luke rejoining the evangel band at Troas, as he and others sail from Philippi to that city (20:6).

Luke did not always keep in physical company with Paul (20:13), but was his companion in ministry to the end (28:16).

Verse one: "Do" and "Teach" are the common words used for activity and instruction. John recorded that the world could not contain the works Jesus did (John 21:26). Luke said, "all that Jesus began to do and teach." What sense "all?" Perhaps the Doctor meant to convey that he had touched on all areas of his ministry--healings, miracles in nature, resurrections (Luke 8:54,55; His own), etc.--as the word can often be used to signify "every manner of," or, "the whole."

"Through the Holy Ghost." (2). The Word of God:

Incarnate/Written--

Produced through the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:35 w/ II Tim 3:16)

Human Instrument (Luke 1:31 w/ II Pt. 1:21) i.e.

God/Man (I Tim 3:16 w/ I Pt 1:21)

Perfect (Hebrews 4:15 w/ Proverbs 30:5)

Unchanging (Hebrews 13:8 w/ Psalms 119:89)

Powerful (Matthew 28:18 (authority) w/ Hebrews 4:12 (energy).

I. The Transition Initiated (Chap 1) Note Matthew 2:6; 3:2; 10:5,6 with Matthew 28:19.20. Acts 1:8 then gives the order of procedure, in relationship to Peter's use of the keys (Matthew 16:19)

A. The Kingdom Explained (3-5)

1. Private Appearings (3a) See I Corinthians 15

2. Pertinent Instructions (3b,4a)

3. Procured Promise (4b,5) See Luke 24:49

B. The Kingdom Postponed (6,7)

1. The Disciple's Puzzlement (6)

He had spoken of the Kingdom in v.3.

The time element still in question.

2. The Father's Providence (7)

Thess 5:1, as here in Acts 1:7, meaning general and specific time periods. And

of those Paul does not say we are not ignorant, but that we have no need of him to write

concerning them, because, the end time event shall be as a thief in the night--the ones

affected, the inhabitants of darkness, won't know it is time, and will not be expecting it.

But we are of the light and will not be surprised. When the world says there is peace, it is

time.

C. The King's Plan (8)

1. Empowerment (8a)

2. Enactment (8b)

a) To Jerusalem

b) To Judea/Samaria

c) To All the World

D. The King's Departure (9)

1. He went:

a. Suddenly

b. Visibly

c. Personally

d. Temporarily

2. He is at the Right Hand of the Father

1. In Fulfillment of Prophecy (Psalms 110:115)

2. Exalted (Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3,13; 8:1)

3. Making Intercession (Rom 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 12:2)

4. Ministering in the New Sanctuary (Hebrews 8:1-6)

a. The Old Covenant Priest Ever Serves (Hebrews 5:1; 8:3)

b. The New Covenant Priest Ever Sits (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12). He stands when:

1) A Martyr is in the Making (Acts 7:56)

2) Judgment is About to be Executed (Jas 5:9)

5. Waiting to Execute Judgment (Hebrews 10:13; Rev 5:1,7)

E. The King's Promise (10,11)

"This same Jesus." The one returning is not a mere universal spirit taking up a

new body, but the same one Who left. The marks in His body are the proof thereof: Zech

13:6; 12:10; 20:27; Luke 24:31: John 19:37 and Rev. 1:7 w/ John 20:20.

F. The King's Subjects Waiting (12-26)

1. Continuing in Prayer (14)

Upper room: Luke 22:12; John 20:19.

Consider emotional cycles of disciples.

They expected kingdom, were told of Crucifixion, watched Him die and buried,

told He is alive, saw Him, then watched Him leave again. Now, in fear, they wait

for something to happen they don't understand, and don't know how they will

recognize it. Each must have thought much, during those days, about past events. All that was left and logical to do was pray.

2. Choosing a Replacement (15-26)

120 of over 500 (I Corinthians. 15:6).

Peter takes leadership. He acts on authority of Scripture, based on his high view

of inspiration, and his conviction of the legitimacy and literalness of Bible prophecy (Psalms

41:9 w/John 13:18,19). Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18 give the full picture of what happened to

Judas. John 13:29 w/ Acts 1:118a is further explained in Matthew 27:3-10. Potter's Field (lit. "The

field of the Potter") is apparently the place where Judas hanged himself, and the name consequently changed to "field of blood," those perhaps more of a nickname, as the title is

anarthrous.

Three qualifications stated for the replacement:

1. To have been in the constant company of the disciples;

2. The companionship must date from the baptism of John to the ascension;

3. Be a witness of the resurrected Christ.

No apostle was ever replaced upon his death (note Acts 12:2, who was an Apostle [Matthew 10:2] ). There is neither record of such, nor command to do so. Judas was replaced, doubtless, because:

1. The Scriptures prophesied it (Psalms. 69:25; 109:8 w/ Acts 1:20); and

2, Judas was chosen only to fulfill Scripture (John 17:12), was never saved (John 17:12),

so was never a true Apostle. Note that all prophetic portions record only 12, not 13 Apostolic

positions (ex. Rev. 21:14). There is no Apostolic succession here, but merely the replacing

of an impostor.

Some say Paul should be counted as the twelfth Apostle. But the Apostolic position

is different in the church age. Barnabas is also called an apostle (Acts 14:14), and his name is listed ahead of Paul--should Barnabas then be included? A Dispensational approach alone solves the problem. Hence, it does not appear that Peter was out of order in this matter.

II. The Church Instituted (Chap 2)

Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-22)

A. Created (1-4) It was a:

1. New Thing (Ephesians 2:11 - 3:10-21)

It was a mystery (defined in Ephesians. 3:4,5,9), not known to any Old Testament

person, but revealed to Paul, primarily (Ephesians 3:8), and to others.

2. Timely Thing (1) Note Leviticus. 23:9-22.

3. Sudden Thing (2) Not birthed, but created (Note typology of Adam and Eve).

4. Supernatural Thing (2-4)

a. The Sound of Wind (2)

It was only sound of wind being heard--no wind blew. Spiritism today seeks

to imitate this by wind sounds and blowing curtains, etc.

b. The Sight of Fire (3)

Fire fell and divided into approximately 120 tongues, resting upon each (Grk.,

"every last one of them") occupant of the room.

c. The Filling with the Holy Spirit (4)

"Filled with" used 9 times in N.T.:

"And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:" (Luke 1:41)

"And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying," (Luke 1:67)

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4)

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel," (Acts 4:8)

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 9:17)

"Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him," (Acts 13:9)

"And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 13:52)

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" (Ephesians 5:18)

Full of" is used 5 times:

"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." (Acts 6:3)

"And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:" (Acts 6:5)

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God," (Acts 7:55)

"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)

Luke 4:1 is a defining verse, "to be led by the Spirit." The fullness of the Spirit is equivalent to being controlled by Him (Ephesians 5:18).

Spirit baptizing is another matter: Such terminology is used 7 times, as in :

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" (Mat 3:11)

"I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:8)

"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" (Luke 3:16)

"And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost." (John 1:33)

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:5)

"Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 11:16)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Cor 12:13)

According to Acts 11:15,16, both acts took place at Pentecost, just as they

do today when a sinner is converted.

Ephesians 4:5 states there is only one baptism. Is it Spirit or water?

d. The Speaking in Tongues (4)

impl. a language (spec. one naturally unacquired)(sic):--tongue." Same word in

They all saw the tongues of fire. They all were touched by one of them. They

all spoke in tongues, but only, no doubt for orderliness, as the Spirit gave them

"ability to enunciate plainly."

I Corinthians 14:22-25 with Mark 16:14-20; The Acts 14:2,3; 15:8,12; Hebrews 2:1-4 show the Apostles were the ones who did the sign miracles (Consider Acts 10:46, which may appear to be an exception, as Gentiles participated in the tongues gift. But, an apostle was present and necessarily the one through whom the Holy Spirit was working this great wonder).

I Corinthians 14:21 with Old Testament basis, found in Deuteronomy 28:49; Isaiah 28:11; 33:19; and Jeremiah 5:15.

5. Purposeful Thing (Ephesians 3:9,21).

1. To Manifest the Wisdom of God (9)

2. To Magnify the Glory of God (21)

B. Challenged (5-40). Peter's Message:

1. Vindicated by Sign gifts (14-16), as was the ministry of Christ (22)

2. Validated by Scripture (16, 25-31, 34,35)

3. Valuable in Testimony to Christ (22-24). Christ was:

a. Commended by God (22)

b. Crucified by Men (23)

c. Conqueror by Righteousness (24)

Not possible for two reasons--

1) He was righteous (27 "Holy One")

2) It was so prophesied (25a "David speaketh")

4. Verified by His Servants (32 "witnesses")

5. Valuable for all who get Saved (37-40)

Study of 2:27,31, "hell"--

I. What is it Like on the Other Side (II Corinthians. 5:1-8; Luke 16:22-25)

II. Where is:

A. Abraham's Bosom? (Luke 16:22)

B. Heaven? (John 14: 1,6 w/ 3:13; Acts 1:10) Note Ephesians 4:10, third heaven.

C. Hell? (Numbers 16:30,33; Jonah 2:6,7; Matthew 12:40 w/ Acts 2:27,31 [note Ephesians

4:9), and Luke 16:26.

III. Where did Christ Go when He died?

A. Matthew 12:40, heart of the earth (note Ephesians 4:9)

B. Acts 2:27,31, Hell

C. Luke 16:23, Paradise

1. Could hell be called paradise?

2. If the thief was saved, would he have gone to a burning hell?

D. To Preach to:

1. The Imprisoned Spirits (I Pt. 3:19) the lost in hell.

1. The Waiting Saints (I Pt. 4:6)

4. Where did Christ Go when He Ascended? (Acts 2:33; 7:55,56; Ephesians 2:6; I Thess 4:16; II Thess 2:7)

V. Where is:

A. Hell today? No indicated change (note Isaiah 5:14, often used out of context)

B. Heaven today? (Ephesians 4:8-10 w/ II Corinthians 12:2-4) It includes paradise.

C. Hell in the Future? (Matthew 25:41; The Rev. 20:10,14).

Note v. 38. There is a distinction between John's baptism and the baptism we practice today:

Matt 21:25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. {for: or, unto}

Mark 11:30 "The baptism of John, was [it] from heaven, or of men? answer me."

Luke 7:29 "And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John."

Luke 20:4 "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?"

Acts 1:22 "Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection."

Acts 10:37 "That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;"

Acts 13:24 "When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel."

Acts 18:25 "This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John."

Acts 19:3 "And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism."

4 "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

John's was a "baptism of repentance," and was to Israel (Acts 13:24). Israel was not saved through this baptism. They were already a covenant people, looking for the Messiah, though that hope was largely lost to the majority of the people. The repentance is not unto salvation, but to change their mind and actions concerning the promises made to the Fathers--to get ready to receive Messiah; He's ready to present Himself. He will be the one Who saves:

Matthew 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed,

Hosanna means "be propitious," from a root meaning "to save."

Note: John 5:46 "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me."

Peter's message in verse 38 is a salvation message, for they have now rejected the One Who came to save them. Now, they are to repent of their crucifying Him by wicked hands (note v.23). But it is not salvation by baptism. Peter is still preaching repentance baptism to Israel. The church is now created, but Peter does not know this. Further, the message is only to Jews. Verses 21 and 39 certainly, in mind and intent of God Who gave them (inspiration), includes gentiles. But Peter, like much preached by the Old Testament prophets (the student will remember that Christ’s ministry, on this earth was itself Old Testament), did not understand all He was saying (cf. Acts 10,11). So his is a Jewish message, just as he had been preaching for 3 years. It is all he knows.

The preposition "for" must be considered from two standpoints:

1) Where it is otherwise used in such a context. Consider:

Matthew 3:11 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance...."

2) The Greek word so translated.

Dispensationally, there is an additional consideration. Peter, in His mind, is preaching to Jews only, and still has in mind the establishing of the kingdom (note Acts 3:19,20), with the immediate return of Christ to the earth.

This is Peter's first use of the keys (Matthew 16:19), in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8), and is his command to the Jews of what they are to do now that they have crucified their Messiah; He has risen and ascended back to His Father. His command is based on the only method he knows, the baptism of John, which they had been preaching and practicing since before the death of The Baptist.

But, in Acts 10, the first recorded Gentile conversion takes place. This is Peter's third (and final) use of the keys. Acts 1:8 is now fulfilled (in initiation). There is no laying on of hands (Peter's message was cut short by the Holy Spirit [v.44]). Here, the pattern for the (Gentile) church program is established. The Holy Spirit comes on all who believe, at the instant of conversion, without any human instrumentation. Tongues were manifested as vindication of the source and validity of this act, for the benefit of unbelieving Jews present (viz. they did not believe Gentiles could get saved). IT PRECEDES WATER BAPTISM. Then Peter commands the Gentiles to be baptized. It is not the Baptism of Repentance, for they already had repented. It is not a baptism that saves, for they already were. It is not the baptism (of repentance) that John preached; it is a new baptism (of confession), commanded by Peter (v.48) for Gentiles, as John commanded his for Jews. It is in accordance with the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19,20. Only now is it beginning to be understood.

As concerns repentance, it is clear that repentance is required of Gentiles (Luke 24:46,47; Acts 17:30). There is, however, no place where a gentile is commanded, in a message preached, to repent. Simon the Sorcerer, a Samaritan is so told (Acts 8). Acts 26:20 shows that Paul did preach it in his earliest days (while still attuned to the thinking of the 12 Apostles; before the Lord had given him revelations). The point is, while repentance is necessary, it has already taken place when one comes to faith in the Saviour. A case in point is in Acts 16:30,31. The jailer had repented, as shown by his coming in and asking the question. He had been hearing their testimony all night, and had not yet done so. Then Paul's answer says nothing of repenting. It was obvious the man had already repented, but he was not yet saved. It remained for him to exercise faith, which would bring regeneration.

C. Continuing (41-47)

1. In Number (41,47b)

"added to them" it is evident that water baptism is the door of entrance into the local church ("them" v. 41, is identified as the church, v. 47).

2. In Spirituality (42)

It is the apostles. Ephesians 2:20 explains it. There was no "Bible," as such. God gave revelations and understandings to the apostles; they, to the people. It is the foundation laid by the apostles upon which the church is built. Now, through the inspired, recorded and preserved word, we can identify that foundation (through the principle of I Timothy 2:15, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit [John 16:13] ), and are to build upon it--not upon tradition, or man's philosophies.

3. In Ministry (43-47a)

Daily ministry was the norm. It was house to house, as there was likely no place large enough to house 3,120 people, plus all being saved daily. These localized assemblies became local churches, and the elders became their pastors. At the first, however, they broke bread daily, as there were not enough apostles to meet in every location every Sunday. They held communion daily, and partook of food in unity (v.46).

III. The Church Increasing (Chaps 3-20)

A. Through Prayer (1:14)

Note: 3:1; 4:31; 6:4,6; 8:15; 9:40; 10:2,30,31,48; 11:5; 12:5,12; 13:3; 14:23;

16:9,13,16,25; 20:36

C. Through Sign Miracles (3)

Note: 5:12-16; 9:32-35, 36-43; 12:5-10; 14:19,20; 16:16-18; 19:11-19 Note verse

20. Conspicuous is the absence of tongues: 28:1-6 and 7-10, miracles are waning.

Note II Corinthians 12:7-9,12.

D. Through Persecution

1. 4:1-31

2. 5:17-42

3. 6:8-7:60;

4. 12:1-3

5. 8:1-3 w/ 9:1,2. Paul never got over his involvement in persecution of the church--

Note 14:22; 16:22; 17:5,13; 21:27

E. Through Unity (4:32-37). Note the contentions, in Chaps. 6; 15:7,22,25, 36-41.

F. Through Discipline (5:1-11)

G. Through Organization (6:1-7)

F. Through Soulwinning (8:4,5-40)

H. Through Change (Chaps 9-11)

1. A Change in Leadership (9:1-19) A Shift from Peter to Paul (12:1-19)

2. A Change in Evangelism (10:1-48) A Shift from Israel (nationally) to Gentiles

(and Jews, individually)

3, A Change in Title (11:19-26) From "The Way (9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4,14) to

"Christian" (11:26; 26:28

4. A Change in Baptism (10:48) Of

Repentance for Jews (2:38; 5:31; 10:37; 13:24; 18:25; 19:3,4; 20:21; 26:20 ); of

Confession for Gentiles (10:48). Note 19:1-7.

5. A Change in Location (11:19-26) From Jerusalem to Antioch.

I. Through Missions (Chaps 13 - 20)

1. The Calling (13:2) A Singular Work of the H.S. Paul called at his conversion

(22:21; 26:17). Barnabas, also, as the calling must come with the gift. Note

15:35; 16:1-3.

2. The Sending (13:3,4) A Dual Work:

b. The Church Recommends

3. The Ministry (13:1 - 14:28)

1. Evangelism (14:21) Note 13:5,16,44, 45,49; 14:1,3,7,21,25; 16:10. It is "to

the Jew first."

2. Discipling (14:22; 15:35,41;18:23).

3. Church Planting (14:23; 16:12,40; 17:4, 11; 17:32-34; 18:8-11; 19:5-7

4. Reporting Back (14:27)

J. Through Doctrinal Stability (15:1-32)

K. Through Local Church Authority (15:36-41; 20:17-35)

IV. The Church Instructed

A. Pauline Epistles

1. Church Epistles

1. Romans: The Sixth in order, written from Corinth during Paul’s third visit, in A.D. 60
2. I Corinthians written in 59 A. D., from Ephesus (Acts 20:31; Corinthians 16:5-8).
3. II Corinthians thought to be written in 60 A. D., from Philippi.
4. Galatians is dated about 60 A. D., written during Paul’s third visit to Corinth.
5. Ephesians was written from Rome, in 64 A. D., and is the first of the prison epistles.
6. Philippians is one of the prison epistles, but the date is difficult, and relates to whether Paul experienced one or two imprisonments. 64 A. D. is generally accepted as the date of authorship.
7. Colossians was sent at the same time as Ephesians and Philemon, and so shares their date, 64 A. D.
8. I Thessalonians, is the earliest of Paul’s letters, being dated in 54 A. D., shortly after leaving Thessalonica (Acts 16, 17).
9. II Thessalonians was written soon after the return of the bearer of his first letter to them.

1. Pastoral Epistles

1. I Timothy’s date also depends upon the number of imprisonments Paul endured—written during the interval, or otherwise, "shortly before (his) last journey to Jerusalem."
2. II Timothy was written just prior to Paul’s martyrdom (4:6-8), and so comprises Paul’s last words to this world.
3. Titus joins I Timothy in its date.
4. Philemon dates to 64 A. D., and is also one of the prison epistles.

B. General Epistles

1. Petrine

1. I Peter 60 A. D. is the generally accepted date, and Peter the author.
2. II Peter is dated in 66 A. D., with Petrine authorship.

1. Johanian

I, II, and III John reach the other end of the time line, being dated about 90 A. D. They obviously were written toward the end of John’s earthly sojourn.

2. Other

1. Hebrews—The date is prior to the destruction of the Temple (70 A. D.), and the authorship is without agreement. Evidence points to one with such knowledge as the Apostle Paul, and one must wonder who else would have had such insight into the scriptures, in that day.
2. James—The date appears to be the earliest of all the canonical books.
3. Jude—the brother of James, authored this epistle about 66 A. D.

C. The Apocalypse—John, exiled on Patmos, writes this final book of God’s Canon, the

date considered to be 96 A. D.