_Introduction to the Book of Acts, for the Explorer Investiture Achievement
As part of the Explorer Investiture Achievement, we will be reading the New Testament book of Acts, also called The Acts of the Apostles. Written by Luke, the book of Acts picks up where the Gospel of Luke leaves off. The book traces the First Century rise of the Christian Church, from the time of Jesus Christʼs ascension into Heaven (Acts 1:4-9), to shortly before Paulʼs final trial and execution. The book of Acts tells an astounding story. From a group of just around 120 individuals (Acts 1:15) meeting together largely in secret in Jerusalem, we trace the rapid spread of the Gospel message through Jerusalem, out to Judea and Samaria, and beyond to the Jews and Gentiles in Greece and Rome. Christianity moves rapidly from what is at first appearance just a small sect of Judaism to a major worldwide religion.
Central to the book of Acts, and to the power of preaching and healing exhibited by the key Apostles being followed, is the bestowing of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter promised by Jesus. It is Jesus Christ himself, at the beginning of the book of Acts, who lays out the mission that the Apostles will accomplish through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) quotes Jesus as saying, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Good News is a message not for just the Jews in Jerusalem, or for a select few, but for the whole world.
The book of Acts introduces us to many of the early Christians, both faithful and not, but the two key figures that stand out in the narrative are Peter and Paul. These two, in may ways, are very different, almost opposites from a worldly point of view. Peter, one of the original Disciples, is a fisherman, a somewhat crude and temperamental individual, judging from some of the descriptions of his behavior and actions in the Gospels. But he has a very strong faith, and despite his occasional impetuosity, he is not afraid to proclaim his belief. Paul, whose name was changed from Saul, was a religious scholar, zealous to the extreme, fully committed to his faith, but misguided until he encountered in vision the slain and risen Jesus Christ. Paul undergoes one of the most amazing transformations; from seeking the imprisonment and even death of the Christians, to becoming one of the most powerful preachers of Christianity.
Despite their surface differences, both Peter and Paul are vivid examples of the change God can bring about through the power of the Holy Spirit when one truly believes in Jesus Christ. These two powerful figures form the backbone of the early mission work of the Church, and together their writings make up most of the books of the New Testament. In the book of Acts, we see a guide to mission service, to resolving differences of opinion amongst believers, and to the true power of the Holy Spirit working through God-fearing people. Amid persecution, ridicule and hardships, Peter, Paul and the other early Christians show us what perseverance and adherence to our faith really mean.
Central to the book of Acts, and to the power of preaching and healing exhibited by the key Apostles being followed, is the bestowing of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter promised by Jesus. It is Jesus Christ himself, at the beginning of the book of Acts, who lays out the mission that the Apostles will accomplish through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) quotes Jesus as saying, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Good News is a message not for just the Jews in Jerusalem, or for a select few, but for the whole world.
The book of Acts introduces us to many of the early Christians, both faithful and not, but the two key figures that stand out in the narrative are Peter and Paul. These two, in may ways, are very different, almost opposites from a worldly point of view. Peter, one of the original Disciples, is a fisherman, a somewhat crude and temperamental individual, judging from some of the descriptions of his behavior and actions in the Gospels. But he has a very strong faith, and despite his occasional impetuosity, he is not afraid to proclaim his belief. Paul, whose name was changed from Saul, was a religious scholar, zealous to the extreme, fully committed to his faith, but misguided until he encountered in vision the slain and risen Jesus Christ. Paul undergoes one of the most amazing transformations; from seeking the imprisonment and even death of the Christians, to becoming one of the most powerful preachers of Christianity.
Despite their surface differences, both Peter and Paul are vivid examples of the change God can bring about through the power of the Holy Spirit when one truly believes in Jesus Christ. These two powerful figures form the backbone of the early mission work of the Church, and together their writings make up most of the books of the New Testament. In the book of Acts, we see a guide to mission service, to resolving differences of opinion amongst believers, and to the true power of the Holy Spirit working through God-fearing people. Amid persecution, ridicule and hardships, Peter, Paul and the other early Christians show us what perseverance and adherence to our faith really mean.