Acts 7

The Jews who slanderously attacked Stephen (6:11-14) believed that God’s salvation was restricted to Jewish ordinances, and that Stephen’s preaching about Jesus attacked God’s Word. Luke recorded Stephen’s response to equip and teach Christians how to witness for Christ (1:8).

Stephen first said that God’s salvation is not limited to the land (vv. 2-3). Abraham wasn’t saved while in the land (vv. 2-5), his descendants wouldn’t dwell in the land (vv. 6-8), God blessed Joseph while he was in Egypt and Jacob left the land and went to Egypt (9-16), Moses dwelt in Midian where God appeared to him (vv. 29-34).

Then Stephen showed how God’s salvation is not contrary to the Law (vv. 37-43). Israel was taught by God through the Law to worship God alone, but Israel disobeyed and rejected Moses for Egyptian idols (vv. 39-43).

Third, Stephen demonstrated that God’s salvation is not restricted to the Temple (vv. 44-50), for Israel worshiped God in the tabernacle which was given in the wilderness (vv. 44-45). Solomon built the temple, but he himself said that God is not restricted by the temple (vv. 47-50).

Stephen concluded by charging these unbelieving Jews of doing the same thing as unbelieving Jews of the past: just as Jews of the past rejected God’s Word through his messenger Moses, so unbelieving Jews of the present rejected God’s Word through his messenger Jesus (vv. 51-53).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. It is so easy to focus on the externals of true religion and at the same time disobey the God of true religion. The Lord commands the “externals” not as a means to be saved, but as the means through which the saved worship and serve him. Continually ask the Lord to help you to love him with all your being, and to show your love by faithful obedience.
2. Stephen was able to give good answers and make direct application because he knew the Scriptures. Know your Bible!
3. Learn from Stephen’s example how to respond to and view persecutors. Be filled with (controlled by) the Holy Spirit. Entrust yourself to the Lord (v. 59). Don’t curse persecutors, pray for them (v. 60). When living, speak of Christ; when dying, look to Christ. Faithfully serve the Lord, even to the death. The death of Christians is not the end, but is to fall asleep in Jesus (v. 60).

Acts 6

More people trusted Christ and were added to the church, but sadly some Greek speaking Jews (“Hellenists,” v. 1) felt their widows were deliberately neglected while other Jewish widows (“Hebrews”) were being taken care of. The apostles thus addressed the church body about the issue (v. 2) and gave guidelines to select godly men to take care of this real need (vv. 3-4). The church did so (v. 5), publicly and formally setting such men apart for this work (“laid hands on them,” v. 6). The result was the continued spread of the gospel (v. 7).

One of the men chosen to so serve, Stephen, powerfully preached the gospel (v. 8). Unbelieving Jews failed to biblically rebuke Stephen’s preaching (vv. 9-10), so they resorted to slander (v. 11), emotionalism (v. 12a), physical abuse (v. 12b), and lies (vv. 13-14).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. It is easy to allow attitudes and prejudices you had before you were a Christian continue to influence you as a Christian (v. 1). You must do your part to set such aside, and the church must do its part to minister to everyone in the body (vv. 2-6). Do your part!
2. The church must be involved in the work of the church. Leadership must inform the congregation of the issues and give Scriptural direction. When these things happen the church body is edified, and the gospel goes forth. Do your part!
3. Organization and structure exist for ministry to the body, not the other way around! While there sadly will always be problems in churches and leadership, the problem is not with Christ’s church as he established and ordered it, but with sinners.
4. Opposition to the cause of Christ never has a biblical “leg” to stand on, and never follows godly processes and practices. Don’t be surprised when attacks and slander come, and don’t respond sinfully. Be controlled by faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit. Be more concerned about the name and reputation of Christ than your own.

Acts 5

Following the church’s and Barnabas’ example (4:32-37), Ananias and Sapphira did outward acts that gave the appearance that what they did was the Spirit’s work in their hearts. That was a lie. They privately schemed, thinking no one would know the truth, financially and socially profiting while “helping the needy.” This public sin was publicly reproved, and their lie exposed.

“Solomon’s Porch” (v. 10) in the Temple was a large area perfect for public gatherings to learn about Jesus Christ. The circumstances surrounding the miracles of verses 15-16 simply demonstrate that God’s ability to show his power doesn’t depend on anything. The miracles showed that followers of Jesus and those who taught about him were not just another religious party—they were God’s people proclaiming God’s message.

Gamaliel’s counsel (vv. 35-39) was that movements die when their leaders die. The religious leaders’ attempts to squelch the preaching of Jesus failed entirely, despite imprisonment, threats, and physical beatings.

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. Jesus takes his church seriously (vv. 1-11), and so must you. Jesus hates lying and hypocrisy, and he knows your actions and motivations. Discipline protects the church, promotes a healthy fear and holiness, and provides the needed atmosphere for Christians to grow and labor.
2. The world hated Christ and the world still hates Christ. Note along this line John 15:18-21; Philippians 1:29; and 2 Timothy 3:12. Satan doesn’t have to send persecution to stop the spread of the gospel if its not spreading!
3. Christ builds his church through holiness, faithfulness, and witnessing. Pursue holiness and be faithful when persecuted! Fill our area with the teaching about Jesus!

Acts 4

Acts gives selected events and circumstances of the church’s early years to show how the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ was spread throughout the world. Chapter one gave Jesus’ instructions. Chapters two and three detailed the beginning of the church, its witness of Jesus, and miraculous signs confirming their message was from God.

This chapter details how the church, despite opposition from Jewish religious authorities, continued to boldly and confidently continue teaching and proclaiming that salvation was only possible by believing in Jesus (cf. 4:12).

As the church grew in number there were many among them with financial needs. The church was united (v. 32) so as one suffered, all suffered together. Needs among the church body were met as members of the church body voluntarily sold their own lands and gave the proceeds to the church to distribute accordingly (vv. 34-37).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (v. 12). This truth is the foundation and motivation for evangelism and Christian living. You must believe in Jesus alone, for there is no other way to be saved! If you do, he saves! Tell others!
2. The church’s resource for boldness to obey Jesus’ command to witness (1:8) is united prayer to a sovereign God (4:23-31). Be sure to note how they prayed and what they prayed for. Pray with the church for the cause of Christ!
3. The church shows its love for one another by meeting needs within the church (vv. 32-37). This springs naturally from union in Christ (v. 32), laboring together for the Cause of Christ (v. 33), and voluntary giving (vv. 32, 34). Are you “of one heart” with your church? Laboring together? Meeting one another’s needs?

Acts 3

The early church’s witness of Jesus necessarily began in Jerusalem, the city of David. Believers at this point still gathered in the temple (v. 1) but this would change over the years. This man who was lame from birth (v. 2) had to believe (exercise faith) in what Peter said about Jesus (vv. 6-7). The people thought this public miracle seen by all happened by Peter and John’s power (v. 12). Peter denied this, pointing instead to Jesus Israel’s promised Messiah (vv. 13-26). Israel’s prophets foretold that Jesus was their promised Prophet (vv. 22-23), had to suffer (v. 18), would rise from the dead (v. 26), ascend to heaven (v. 21), and would come again (vv. 20-21).

This miracle in and of itself did not result in conversions. Miracles were signs pointing those who saw it to a “destination”—they must recognize that those who spoke to them and what they said was from God. Miracles were very rare, happened quickly, and needed to be interpreted and explained (note that wrong conclusions were drawn, v. 12). The focus of Peter’s message was not on the miracle but Jesus Christ and the necessity of repentance (v. 19) and faith (v. 16).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation—every soul must heed Christ. Have you? When you witness of Jesus to others, make sure you emphasize this, urging that they believe and repent now.
2. God’s truth about Jesus Christ—not phenomenal experiences—must be the focus of faithful gospel ministry. Experiences will have different responses and interpretations, and are incapable of removing and rescuing one from sin (vv. 19, 26). In God’s truth you have everything you need for faithful, fruitful ministry.
3. Christ’s second coming is essential to the gospel message because it is essential to who he is. Don’t let others saying its unessential doctrine sway you from believing and proclaiming it! It is essential!

Acts 2

This is part of a Daily Devotional Orwell Bible Church prepares each week. You can get a copy from our Downloads and Literature page.

In 1:5 Jesus told the disciples that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. That is what happened in 2:1-4. Spirit baptism is not an experience but a new position or relationship. Spirit filling (2:4) is an experience that happens as a result of the believer’s new position in Christ.

These believers were enabled by the Spirit to miraculously speak languages they previously did not know (vv. 6-11). Peter answered the questions of “what does this mean?” (v. 12) and the charge of drunkenness (2:13) by quoting Joel 2:28-32, illustrating the connection between tongues (v. 17-18) and the salvation of whoever calls on the Lord for salvation (v. 21).

Peter then told them that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah and King of Israel, the anticipated Son of David who though crucified was raised from the dead (vv. 22-36). Peter told his hearers (vv. 37-39) to repent of their sins and then be baptized because their sins would be forgiven (this is the meaning of v. 38). As a result many did believe, were baptized, added to the church (vv. 40-41).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. The true church is not created by human beings but formed by Christ through the Spirit. It is entirely spiritual in nature, character, and entrance.
2. Without repentance and faith there can be no salvation from sin. What are you depending on for your sins to be forgiven?
3. Miraculous signs (in this case, tongues) need teaching from Scripture to correctly understand them. Note that the miracle of tongues here was misunderstood and misinterpreted (vv. 12-13)! Signs were useful but they were rare and were never intended to be permanent. Don’t heed those today who emphasize and seek after miracles.
4. The pattern of verses 41-42 exactly follows Jesus’ commands after his resurrection (Matt 28:19-10)—believe the gospel, be baptized and added to the believers, and learn the Word.

Acts 1

This is part of a Daily Devotional Orwell Bible Church prepares each week. You can get a copy from our Downloads and Literature page.

The book of Acts was written by Luke and he begins Acts by referring to his gospel (vv. 1–2); he then summarizes Jesus’ ministry to the disciples (v. 4). The disciples would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” (v. 5), by which every believer in Jesus would be put into the body of Christ (cf. 1 Cor 12:13), forming the church (this is relayed in 2:1–4). Having been taught by Jesus the last 40 days about the kingdom of God (v. 3), the disciples asked “when” it would be established (v. 6). Jesus did not change their understanding of the kingdom (the “what”) but told them what they must do until he returned (v. 11) and established the kingdom (cf. Daniel 7:13–14; Luke 21:27, 31).

After Jesus ascended into heaven two angels informed them that Jesus would return again just like he departed from them (v. 11). Note that after they returned to Jerusalem and gathered together for prayer that Jesus’ brothers were with them (v. 14). During Jesus’ ministry before his death his brothers did not believe in him (John 7:5); evidently sometime after his resurrection they did.

In verses 15–26 Peter led the other disciples to recognize whom Jesus had chosen (v. 24) as Judas Iscariot’s replacement. Such a one had to meet two criteria (vv. 21–22) and would have a special position and role (v. 25).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. The kingdom is the future rule of Jesus on David’s throne from Jerusalem in Israel (v. 6). It is not present now but will come when the Lord Jesus returns (vv. 6–8).
2. Christians are not commanded to “build the kingdom” or “do kingdom work.” The Christian/church’s work until then is to tell the lost about Jesus, that he is the Christ, was crucified for sinners, rose from the dead, and is coming again. Tell the lost about Jesus! Be his witnesses!
3. Christians pray together (v. 14). Regardless of any external differences—social, financial, cultural, gender—Christians who pray together united in mind and purpose have sweet fellowship and do the Lord’s work. Gather regularly with the church to pray!

Matthew 28

This is part of a Daily Devotional Orwell Bible Church prepares each week. You can get a copy from our Downloads and Literature page.

The key events of Jesus’ resurrection involve: (1) discovery of the empty tomb, (2) angelic announcement that Jesus is risen from the dead, (3) the women and disciples learning of Jesus resurrection from the dead, (4) Jesus appearing to them, and (5) Jesus’ instructing them to preach the gospel throughout the world.

Matthew tells of how the Jewish religious authorities handled the news of Jesus’ resurrection in verses 11–15. For a Jewish readership, to whom Matthew wrote primarily to convince them that Jesus was their Messiah and King, they would have wondered how Jewish leaders responded to Jesus’ resurrection. The Jewish religious leaders’ continued hypocrisy and wickedness sadly continued.

Jesus’ commands to his disciples after his resurrection (vv. 19–20) are: (1) intentionally go to all the nations, (2) make them disciples (believers and followers) of Jesus, which involved (3) publicly testifying by being immersed in water (“baptism”) that they believed in and are following Jesus and (4) learning and obeying everything Jesus commanded. The disciples were to obey Jesus’ commands because he has authority over everything (v. 18) and would always be with them (v. 20).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was in a literal, physical body. Many deny this with a number of psychological or other explanations, but such are no different than the Jewish leaders’ lies (vv. 11–15). If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, there is no hope of salvation (1 Cor 15:14–19). However, “he is risen, as he said!” (v. 6) Rejoice! (v. 9)
2. Christians today are still responsible to obey every one of Jesus’ commands in verses 19–20 because of Jesus’ continued authority over everything (v. 18), doing so with confidence because of Jesus’ promised presence (v. 20). Go! Make disciples of all the nations! Baptize them! teach them to obey everything he commanded!
3. Christians’ and the church’s responsibility does involve preaching the gospel, but not just preaching the gospel. Baptism, learning, and discipline are essential to making disciples. All of Jesus’ commands are essential to making disciples. Jesus commands us to make disciples, not get decisions.

Matthew 27

This is part of a Daily Devotional Orwell Bible Church prepares each week. You can get a copy from our Downloads and Literature page.

Here Matthew tells of Jesus’ trial, condemnation on the basis of false witnesses, crucifixion, and death. Matthew gives more space to these events than the other gospels, and he along relates how these events fulfilled Scripture (vv. 9, 35). This was important for Jews to hear, for the death of their promised Christ and King was not what they expected. And yet, when Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered affirmatively, “It is as you say” (v. 11).

Matthew alone mentions Judas’s suicide and the thirty pieces of silver (vv. 3–10) and the resurrection of saints after Jesus’ resurrection (vv. 53–53). Relating Pilate’s annual release of a prisoner (vv. 15–26), Matthew alone notes that Pilate asked if the Jews wanted “Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” (v. 17) and that in response to Pilate’s plea of innocence in the matter the Jews said, “His blood be on us and on our children” (v. 25).

This account demonstrates to Jews that Jesus, their Christ and King, was unanimously rejected by Jewish religious leaders (v. 1) and the Jewish people (vv. 20–25) fulfilling OT Scriptures. Jesus followed this course in obedience to the Father, voluntarily sacrificed himself for sinners (v. 50), and through his death provided fulfill forgiveness of sins (v. 51) and victory over death (v. 52).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. Every gospel writer tells of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, giving the main points of such. Yet each gospel writer is selective in what they do and do not include to accomplish their purpose in writing. This is why their accounts have both similarities and differences, but no contradictions. Read them carefully, humbly, and thankfully.
2. Jesus’ cry “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” (v. 46) did not involve a disruption among or a break in fellowship between the Father and the Son. Jesus’ cry was that of genuine anguish and feeling of desolation for what he had been suffering for six hours. It was his expression of being judged by God. Jesus suffered for sinners.
3. Jesus didn’t die as a martyr for a cause but as the perfect sacrifice for sinners. He was innocent and blameless—no legitimate charge could be found against him. His death was that of the perfect, spotless Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world.

Matthew 26

The last section of Matthew’s gospel (chapters 26-28) relates the betrayal, lawless apprehension and trial, death by crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jews did not expect this of their promised Messiah and King, which is why Matthew tells how such events fulfilled Scripture. Matthew details how the religious leaders’ plans were characterized by trickery (v. 4), paying off faithless Judas to betray Jesus (vv. 14-16), and secured false witnesses against him (vv. 59-61).

In contrast, Jesus knew God’s will (vv. 2, 12, 18, 21, 23-24, 28, 31, 56; cf. Acts 2:23; 4:27-28) and never fought against it (cf. Isa 53:7), but rather faithfully and prayerfully submitted (vv. 36-44).

At the Passover meal (vv. 17-29), Jesus told the disciples that would be the last meal they would have together until he returned and established the kingdom (v. 29). Jesus initiated the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, where the bread and cup symbolized his substitutionary death for sinners (v. 26-28). Jesus’ death provided the basis for the new covenant, which included the forgiveness of sins.

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. Jesus died, not because he was a sinner, but because of God’s love for sinners (cf. John 3:16; Rom 5:8). God declared his love for Israel in the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-33:26), and Jesus’ death was necessary for sins to be forgiven (Jer 31:34). Dear friend, your only hope of God forgiving your sins is if you receive and rest on Jesus alone!
2. When Jesus was greatly distraught he prayed (vv. 36-44). You will never face a trial as difficult as Jesus did, yet you have the same resource of prayer. Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak!
3. Peter illustrates the weakness of human flesh. Despite his brave boasting (vv. 33, 35) and even though Jesus told him what would happen (v. 34), Peter’s strength wilted under pressure (vv. 69-75). Heed Jesus’ instruction (v. 41)!

Matthew 25

Jesus now closes his teaching to the disciples about what will happen in the future. He first teaches the importance of being ready in verses 1-13 (cf. 24:42-44): those who are wise do whatever is necessary so they are ready for when he will return, just like those in a wedding party. Such demonstrate their faith in what Jesus said, that he will come at an unannounced time.

Jesus then taught them in verses 14-30 that when he returns every person will give an account of themselves. If they lived for Christ, they will enter the kingdom, experience great joy, and serve the King. If they lived for themselves, they will be cast into hell and suffer greatly.

In verses 31-46 Jesus closed with more teaching about the judgment that will occur after he returns and before he establishes his kingdom. Jesus’ primary criterion of judgment then will be how professed believers cared for one another (v. 40), in other words, if their love for other believers was seen by care and support.

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. Jesus is coming again and at any time. Never believe anyone who sets dates for Jesus’ return! Always be ready (vv. 1-13), always faithfully serve him no matter who you are (vv. 14-30), and always love the lowest of his saints (vv. 31-46)!
2. Verse 40 is regularly mishandled by many believers today, who say that “inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these” refers to Christian aid that meets various physical and social needs of the down and out. Jesus clearly identifies who he means by “the least of these” when he immediately says “my brethren.”

Matthew 24

Here Matthew records “the Olivet Discourse,” Jesus’ last message to his disciples (Matt 24-25), answering two questions they asked him about (v. 3). Matthew and Mark’s accounts answer the second question (the signs of his coming and the end of the age), but only Luke answers the first (Luke 12:12-4, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple).

These events are more fully described in Revelation 6–19 and refer to the coming seven-year Tribulation, God’s judgment of the world and discipline of Israel. During this time there will be a number of Jews who will trust in Christ, and Jesus here describes the conditions and experiences they will have. Jesus’ teaching gives encouragement to not lose hope (vv. 32-35) but be faithful to him and not fall into sin (vv. 36-51).

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. It is important to keep in mind that here Jesus talks about Israel, not the church. Jesus does give teaching in the epistles about the relation of the church to these “end time events,” but not here.
2. Though there will be much false teaching (vv. 5, 24), disturbing events (vv. 6-7), godless living (v. 12), and people will continue on with their normal lives (v. 38), Jesus encourages true believers to be faithful to and keep waiting for him. Believe what he says! (v. 35) Be busy serving him, not sinful desires! (vv. 45-51)