Acts 8:1-9:30

Acts 8:1–8
John 4:6–42
- The apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1)
- Those who were scattered preached the Word wherever they went (Acts 8:4)

*Zondervan NIV footnote:

8:1 giving approval. See 22:20 and note. all except the apostles. For the apostles to stay in Jerusalem would be an encouragement to those in prison and a center of appeal to those scattered. The church now went underground. scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. The beginning of the fulfillment of the commission in 1:8 - not by the church's plan, but by events beyond the believer's control.

2 Kings 17:6–41

The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites (2 Kings 17:24). They worshipped the LORD, but also other gods (2 King 17:28-33).

Jesus and His apostles have already been there preaching the word. When Philip went down to Samaria, he performed miraculous signs and furthered his mission to proclaim the Christ. Many Samarians received Christ and were baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:4-8; John 4:34-42).


The Jews did not associate with Samaritans (John 4:9) and shunned them because the Jews did not consider Samaritans as “pure” Jews. We learn here that God does not discriminate who the Gospel is spoken to (John 4, Acts 11:1-18). We should therefore not discriminate between who we share the Good News with either! 

* Zondervan NIV footnote:

John 4:9 do not associate with. The point of the NIV text note (and probably of the text) is that Jews would become ceremonially unclean if they used a drinking vessel handled by a Samaritan, since they held that all Samaritans were "unclean".

Acts 8:9–40

Isaiah 53

- Simon previous previously practiced sorcery and amazed all people of Samaria (Acts 8:9)
- People followed Simon because of magic, and they called him “the great power of God”
- Simon then chose to follow Philip because of the miracles that Philip performed amazed him
- Simon eventually believed in the Christ and was baptized (Acts 8:9-13)

- Simon thought he could use money to gain the power to give the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-19)

- Simon was told by Peter of his wickedness and that he should repent and ask for the Lord's forgiveness (Acts 8:20-24)

The holiness of God’s Spirit is a gift, not something that can be bought with money. We receive the Holy Spirit because we receive God’s gift of salvation with our heart, not because we offer God our riches. For nothing we offer God can ever worth more than God’s greatest sacrifice: the death of His only Son, Jesus Christ.

By giving examples of individuals receiving the Word of the Gospel (Simon: Acts 8:9-24; the Ethiopian: Acts 8:26-39). Also note that Philip was instructed by an angel to travel very far just to preach the Word to just that one Ethiopian.

Isaiah 53:3–6

The passage is talking about Jesus because Jesus was the only person who fulfilled all the things mentioned in the passage:
- He was despised and rejected by men (Matthew 16:21; Luke 18:31-33)
- He was a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering (Matthew 16:21; Luke 18:31-33)
- He was despised, and shunned by the Israelites (Matthew 27:29; John 1:10-11)
- He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows (Matthew 8:17), yet we considered him punished by God (John 19:7)
- He was pierced for our transgressions (John 3:17)
- He was crushed for our iniquities
- The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed

Acts 9:1–19a; 22:1–16; 26:9–19

In regards to Paul's account of his conversion at his trials (Acts 22, 26) compared to Luke’s record of Paul’s conversion (Acts 9):

- the light: The light, brighter than the sun, was from Heaven that shone around Paul and his companions (Acts 26:13)

- the voice: The voice said, in Aramaic, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14)

- the words spoken by Christ: Jesus replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me (Acts 26:15-18). Paul will be Christ's witness and he is to spread the Word of the Gospel (Acts 26:16-18).

- Paul’s obedience: Paul went to Damascus, then to Jerusalem and all of Judea to preach the Word of God. Paul also preached to the Gentiles, telling all to repent, return to God, and prove their repentance through their deeds (Acts 26: 20-23). Paul was not disobedient to the vision from heaven (Acts 26:19).

Paul never lost sight of the Glory of Christ.

*From "Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Dr. Chuck Missler":

Saul was blinded by this vision of Christ, and he remained blind until he met Ananias and was baptized. But we know from the Galatian letter that Paul continued to have eye problems. He mentioned that the Galatians loved him so much they would have plucked out their eyes and given them to him (Galatians 4:15). Apparently his eyes were weak and very unsightly. That may be why Luke became his physician, to help treat his eyes, and the thorn in the flesh he spoke of may have been his eye problem.

Money, power, and status have no brilliance or glory when compared against the glory of Jesus Christ.

Paul had been persecuting followers of Jesus. He persecuted them because he was born a Jew and trained as a Pharisee, who up-held the Law to a point of legalistic righteousness and faultlessness (Galatians 1:14). And because Jesus and His followers did not obey the Law, Paul, a very religious Pharisee, persecuted them. Paul wrote in Philippians: “If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:4-11).

From God’s call to Ananias and his reaction to it, we learn that…
- We are all sinners: Paul said so himself that he perhaps is the greatest sinner of all, for he killed Christians who were devout follower of Christ!
- We are all given the chance to repent: Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, and Paul repented.
- We are all given a second chance when we make a mistake: Jesus forgave Paul for his wrongful persecutions. Not only that, Jesus gave him the mission to preach to the Gentiles.
- We should prove our repentance through works: Paul, having repented, worked diligently for the rest of his life to bring the Gospel wherever he went. Through his work, we can see how Paul had truly repented. And through his work, we can see how he rescued so many souls from the grasp of Satan

Acts 9:19b–30

Galatians 1:11–24

After escaping from Damascus, Paul went to Arabia for 3 years.

*Zondervan NIV map (Timeline of Paul's Life), p.1702

AD 35-38 Arabian trip (Gal 1:17). Fits in at Acts 9:23, during the "many days"

*Zondervan NIV footnote

9:23 After many days. Three years (Gal 1:17-18). It is probable that the major part of this period was spent in Arabia, away from Damascus, though the borders of Arabia extended to the environs of Damascus. the Jews conspired to kill him. Upon Saul's return to Damascus, the governor under Aretas gave orders for his arrest (2Co 11:32). The absence of Roman coins struck in Damascus between A.D. 34 and 62 may indicate that Aretas was in control during that period.

Paul went immediately to Damascus because Jesus told him to—Paul was meant to preach to the Gentiles. What I learn from this is that just as Jesus told the disciples in the Gospels, we need to follow Jesus with our whole heart, able to drop anything and just go and accomplish the Lord’s mission for each one of us, as Paul demonstrated here.

Paul’s first stay at Jerusalem:

Paul was praying at the temple, fell into a trance and saw the Lord tell him to leave Jerusalem immediately because people in Jerusalem will not accept his testimony about Christ. (Acts 22:17-18). The Lord told Paul that He will send him far away to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Paul got acquainted with Cephas (Peter) and stayed with him for fifteen days (Galatians 1:18). Paul did not see any other apostles - only James, the Lord's brother (Galatians 1:19).

Zondervan NIV footnote:

* Galatians 1:18 Peter. Or Cephas (see NIV text note), from the Aramaic word for "stone" (see Mt 16:18 and note). The name designates a like quality in the bearer (see note on Jn 1:42).
* Acts 9:26 he came to Jerusalem. From Gal 1:19 we learn that all the apostles were away except Peter and James, the Lord's brother. James was not one of the Twelve, but he held a position in Jerusalem comparable to that of an apostle (see Gal 2:9). 

Acts 3-7

Notes compiled from my study group:

Acts 3–4

John 10:10b

Romans 10:17

Ephesians 2:1, 5, 8

Inspirations from the physical and spiritual healing of the crippled man:

- The man was not only able to walk, but also jump! Likewise, God gives us not just life, but life to the full (Acts 3:8, John 10:10b).

- Physical healing comes from faith (spiritual healing) in Jesus Christ and His message: It is by FAITH in the name of JESUS that the man was healed. Likewise, it is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through us that will save us (Acts 3:16, Romans 10:17).

- Despite being crippled, God still healed him. Likewise, despite being dead in our transgressions, God still saves us (Acts 3:2, Ephesians 2:5).

- It is by grace ALONE that the man was healed. Likewise, we are saved through faith alone and NOT from our own works (Acts 3:12-13, Ephesians 2:8). God, in His mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we are dead in transgressions. (Ephesians 2:1). Jesus saves. By grace, we are saved. We are saved through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-10). Instead, we do good works BECAUSE we were created in Jesus Christ. We do good works BECAUSE we have faith in Jesus--NOT the other way around! We cannot defeat death without Jesus.

The name of Jesus is very powerful. It isn’t just the name though. His name is powerful only when we place our whole faith in Jesus. For when we do thing in the name of Jesus, we would be blessed with the Holy Spirit to accomplish our missions. These are some examples:- It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see (Acts 3:16)- This is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer (Acts 3:18)

Jesus is the only way of salvation. These are examples found within this chapter:- Peter said, “Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people” (Acts 3:23).- Peter said, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

The filling of the Holy Spirit astonished and confounded the rulers who arrested Peter and John. Peter and John were uneducated, yet they knew the Scripture. Furthermore, they were able to heal a cripple, who stood before their eyes (Acts 4:8-14).

Acts 4:24–31

The apostles prayed, “They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:28-30). This is a model prayer for me because I also need the Lord to enable me to speak the Word with great boldness, to not be afraid to share God’s Word with others, to not waver in sharing God's Word even when my earthly life is threatened--I'd give up my earthly life for my eternal life with God any time, anywhere!

Acts 4:32–37

When people are filled with the Holy Spirit, personal changes take place. These are examples:- All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.- There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Acts 5:1-11

Ananias and Sapphira were deceptive and cunning in sharing their financial wealth with their brothers and sisters in Christ. They lied about their actions even when Peter asked them to tell the truth, and so, they died in response to the righteousness of the Holy Spirit.

- When Ananias heard Peter's rebuke, "he fell down and died" (Acts 5:5).

- When Sapphira heard Peter's rebuke, "she fell down at his feet and died" (Acts 5:10).

We learn from Ananias and Sapphira that nothing can be hidden from God; no deeds go unnoticed by God. God does not tolerate evil deception.

Zondervan NIV footnote:

5:1 Ananias...Sapphirs. Given as bad examples of sharing (Barnabas was the good example; see note on 4:36). Love of praise for (pretended) generosity and love for money led to the first recorded sin in the life of the church. It is a warning to the readers that "God cannot be mocked" (Gal 6:7). Compare this divine judgment at the beginning of the church era with God's judgments on Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:2), on Achan (Jos 7:25) and on Uzzah (2Sa 6:7).

5:2 kept back part. They had a right to keep back whatever they chose, but to make it appear that they had given all when they had not was sinful.
5:3 Satan has so filled your heart. The continuing activity of Satan is noted (see Lk 22:3; Jn 13:2, 27; 1 Pe 5:8). lied to the Holy Spirit. A comparison with v. 4 shows that the Holy Spirit is regarded as God himself present with his people.

5:9 to test the Spirit of the Lord. If no dire consequences had followed this act of sin, the results among the believers would have been serious when the deceit became known. Not only would dishonesty appear profitable, but the conclusion that the Spirit could be deceived would follow. It was important to set the course properly at the outset in order to leave no doubt that God will not tolerate such hypocrisy and deceit.

5:11 church. The first use of the term in Acts. It can denote either the local congregation (8:1; 11:22; 13:1) or the universal church (see 20:28). The Greek word for "church" (ekklesia) was already being used for political and other assemblies (see 19:32, 41) and, in the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT), for Israel when gathered in religious assembly.

Acts 5:32

"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

Acts 5:29-32

John 15:26–27

- It was recorded in John that Jesus said, “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning” (John 15:26-27).

- The following verse about the apostles is a direct fulfillment of the above statement: “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!  The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him” (Acts 5:29-32).

Acts 5:33–42

The apostles demonstrated their love for Christ by standing firm in their faith to God, even when they faced death. Their love for Christ was so strong that they proudly suffered for Jesus’ name. Despite them being disgraced and beaten for their faith in Christ, they never stopped teaching the gospel, that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 5:41-42). 

Acts 6

- The number of disciples increased so rapidly, the apostles had troubles feeding them all (Acts 6:1).

- The apostles therefore delegated feeding of the people to men full of Spirit and wisdom, so that they can continue to pray and minister to the world (Acts 6:2-4).

- The apostles asked their brothers in Christ to choose 7 men to be in charge of feeding of the people. The whole group was pleased about this proposal, resulting in a great blessing through prayer (Acts 6:5-6).- Qualifications required of the first deacons of the church are 1) men, 2) full of Spirit, 3) and full of wisdom (Acts 6:2). Qualifications of deacons of the church in general are 1) men, 2) worthy of respect, 3) sincere, 4) not indulging in much wine, and 5) not pursuing dishonest gain. They must 6) keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience, and 7) first be tested. A deacon must be 8) the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well (1 Timothy 3).

Acts 7:1–38

This part of Stephen's rebuke summarized events of the Old Testament, describing fathers of Israel, from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob, and how Moses led Israelites out of Egyptian captivity.

Acts 7:39–50

This part of Stephen's rebuke summarized how Israelites rejected God. However, through Joshua, David, and Soloman, God continued to provide for His people.

Acts 7:51–53

This part of Stephen's rebuke summarized how Israelites betrayed and killed Jesus and continued to reject God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They received the law but they had not obeyed it with their heart.

Zondervan NIV foot note:

7:2-53 See Introduction: Characteristics, 5. Effective use of speeches. Since the author of Acts gives more space to Stephen’s speech than to any other, it is safe to assume that he considered it particularly important. Broadly speaking, it is not meant to be a personal defense with the hope of conciliating Stephen’s accusers (see vv. 51-52) but an attack on the foundations of Judaism by citing the history of failures. It deals with the three great pillars of Jewish piety: (1) the land (vv. 2-36), (2) the law (vv. 37-43) and (3) the temple (vv. 44-50), and ends with a resounding denunciation of Stephen’s accusers (vv. 51-52). The speech marks a decisive break between Judaism and Christianity and points forward to the vigorous explanations of the differences between the old faith and the new faith found in the writings of Paul and the author of Hebrews.

Stephen turned the Sanhedrin’s charge against him by saying, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it” (Acts 7:51-53). When the Sanhedrin heard Stephen’s rebuke, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him” (Acts 7:54).
Sanhedrin’s response to Stephen’s charges was to produce false witnesses to lie in their favor (Acts 6:11-14). Despite these false accusations, “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). That is, unlike the Sanhedrin who couldn’t do anything but get mad and gnash their teeth under Stephen’s rebuke, Stephen was shown to be righteous through the Holy Spirit despite Sanhedrin’s attempt to accuse Stephen of wrong-doing.

God comforted Stephen during this trying period by allowing him to see, through the Holy Spirit, the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen exclaimed, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” Acts 7:55-56).

I don’t think Stephen suffered much when he died. When he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). And when he cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” he fell asleep (Acts 7:60), suggesting that God saved him from suffering through the pain of being stoned to death.

Acts 2

Personal thoughts and notes compiled from my Bible study group:


Acts 2:1–13

On the day of Pentecost, 3 external signs revealed the indwelling of the Holy Spirit:

- The external sound was “like the blowing of a violent wind” (Acts 2:2).

- The external sight was “what seemed to be tongues of fire” (Acts 2:3).

- The external speech was to "speak in tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:4) and to "declare the wonders of God" (Acts 2:11)
- These events illustrate that as Jesus had promised them before He ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:5), the apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and it is the Holy Spirit that enabled them to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4). (When a person speaks in tongues, he/she is speaking in a language foreign to and unlearned by him/her--A feat that is impossible without the filling of the Holy Spirit.) 
- In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit allowed the apostles to speak in tongues that was understood by everyone in his/her own mother tongue. In Genesis 11, the Holy Spirit confused the people by making them unable to understand each other. In other words, in Acts 2:1-13, the Holy Spirit allow people speaking DIFFERENT languages to UNDERSTAND one another. In Genesis 11:1-9, the Holy Spirit caused people speaking the SAME language to NOT understand one another.
- When we are guided by the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish amazing feats. When the Holy Spirit is working against us, we have no chance of succeeding.

Acts 2:4-13

I think separate, clearly understood languages were necessary on this occasion because the people needed to feel and visualize the miracles of the Holy Spirit. I think this was an important event for the following reasons:

1) Jesus told His disciples to wait to start their mission until they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4).

2) The miracles that accompanied this permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the disciples could comfort the disciples who now need to move forward without the physical presence of Jesus. We say "seeing is believing", and by witnessing the coming of the Holy Spirit, that may have further solidified their confidence in moving forward with their mission.

3) To make obvious that this miraculous event is beyond man's capabilities and is made possible by a powerful being, which is God.

Acts 2:14–21

Joel 2:28–32

- When Peter stood up with the eleven disciples and addressed the crowd on their behalf, the unity of the twelve disciples is evidently strong.

- The Resurrection of Jesus marked the beginning of “the last days”. According to Revelation, we’re nearing the end of the last days.

Acts 2:17–20

- In the last days, God will pour out the Holy Spirit on all people (not just His people), and many of them will prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams. At the end of the last days, those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:19, Joel 2:30).

I think God has a plan for everyone, and He certainly has a plan for humanity as a whole, as the Bible clearly illustrates. And by this, we can see that everything God does, He does for a reason.

As Christians, we already have the Holy Spirit residing within us. As long as we maintain a personal relationship with Jesus, we will always be guided and protected by the Holy Spirit. And when necessary, we will receive the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish what is asked of us. I believe this is no different, whether we are evangelists, pastors, missionaries, or any other Christians. It may seem like evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and the likes are more “gifted”, but we need to remember that every member plays an important part in the body of Christ and that members receive different gifts (1 Corinthians 12). That is, evangelists, pastors, and missionaries excel at the jobs they do because that is their gift given to them by the Holy Spirit. They don’t excel because God outpours the Holy Spirit only onto them; they excel because that is their God-inspired mission. For those of us who are not doing missionary work, we still have the Holy Spirit residing within us, guiding us to accomplish our own missions in this life. We may not be led to preach in a church or evangelize in exotic parts of the world. Instead, we may be led to bring Christ to those around us—family member, colleagues at work, etc.

As I’ve commented in Acts 1, we need to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and do what is asked of us. We all have the tendency to do what we want to do, and when we don’t get what we want, we blame anybody else but ourselves, including God.

Well, as we’ve learned from the beginning of Acts 2, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we will see nothing but success. So, I would encourage that when we’re down, pray for guidance and place our trust in God, our Lord. Listen, listen, listen! For God protects His children and will always guide us toward His kingdom.

Zondervan NIV footnote:

*Acts 2:19-20 See notes on Joel 2:30-31; Mk 13:24-25

*Joel 2:30-31 These cosmic events are often associated with the day of the Lord (see Isa 13:9-10, 13; 34:4, Mt 24:29; Rev 6:12-13; 8:8-9; 9:1-19; 14:14-20; 16:4, 8-9).

*Mk 13:24-25 Imagery depicting the undoing of creation was commonly used by the OT prophets to describe God's awful judgment on a fallen world (see Isa 13:10; 24:21-23; 34:4; Eze 32:7; Joel 2:10, 30-31; Am 8:9 and notes).

13:24 in those days. A common OT expression having to do with the Messianic age, the time of Israel's final redemption (see Jer 3:16, 18; 31:29; 33:15-16; Joel 3:1; Zec 8:23; Heb 9:26 and note). distress. See v. 19 and note on Mt 24:21.

Acts 2:20

The future period described as “the day of the Lord” is the Thousand Year Reign under our King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:22–32

- Jesus was a man accredited by God via miracles, wonders, and signs (Acts 2:22).

- Jesus was a man handed over to the men of Israel by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge and put to death by being nailed to the cross (Acts 2:23).

- Jesus was a man who was raised from the dead by God (Acts 2:24); a man about whom David prophesied would take his throne, be resurrected and not see His body decay (Acts 2:27).

- I think the statement "handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge" is referring to the fact that Jesus predicted His own death and explained to His disciples that it is part of His fulfillment of all prophecies pertaining to the Christ (Gospels, e.g., Luke 22).

- Peter places full responsibility of Jesus' death on the men of Israel: "This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross" (Acts 2:23).
- I think Peter held them responsible because the men of Israel rejected Jesus, betrayed Him, and ensured His death on the cross. Furthermore, Pontius Pilate found no grounds for Jesus to deserve the death penalty, yet they insisted that Jesus be crucified (Luke 23:20-25). I think Peter also did that also because he felt guilty for disowning Jesus, as Jesus had predicted (Luke 22:54-62). He witnessed the entire string of events, from Jesus' arrest to Jesus' crucifixion, and wasn't able to stand for Jesus at that moment in time. Although the text doesn't say, I can only guess that as Peter wept when he found out he just disowned Jesus three times within a day, he remembered what Jesus had encouraged him earlier: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). Hence, with Jesus encouragement and having lived through that ordeal, Peter probably gained new-found courage to stand up for Jesus and be a pillar of strength for his brothers and sisters in Christ.


Acts 2:33–47

- Peter quoted Psalm 16:8-11 as the prophecy regarding Christ's ascension and exaltation to power.

- Christ is alive and in heaven (Acts 2:24, 31-32).

- We should realize that Christ fulfills ALL prophecies regarding the Christ. This should be our best evidence that God keeps His promises, and God is perfect. We should thus place our trust in our Lord and not ourselves.

- In response to "What shall we do," Peter said,"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:38-39).
- The believers lived as Christians by doing the following things: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). Specifically, they practiced the following:
1) They were together and had everything in common (Acts 2:44).
2) They sold their possessions and good and gave to anyone as they needed (Acts 2:45).
3) They met together in the temple courts everyday (Acts 2:46).
4) They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people (Acts 2:46-47).

Acts 1

Compilation of notes from my group: 

Acts 1:1–4

Luke 24:25–27, 36–53

AFTER Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus taught His disciples the following to prepare them to become true apostles.

1. Jesus rebuked them by reminding them the things about the Christ spoken by the prophets. Jesus went through the Scriptures and showed them how He was the Christ (Luke 24:25-27). When Jesus joined them for dinner, gave thanks and broke the bread, Jesus finally opened their eyes, and they realized that Jesus, our Lord, had truly risen from death, defeated death, and was very much alive (Luke 24:30-32).

2. Jesus showed them His hands and feet, allowed them to touch Him, therefore calming His disciples. Jesus also told them not to be troubled or to have doubts, for it was prophesied that the Christ must first suffer before entering into His glory (Luke 24:37-39). Jesus indeed suffered through the crucifixion, died, and was resurrected! The Jesus who reappeared was not a ghost. The Jesus who reappeared had flesh and bones. The Jesus who reappeared had conquered death and is very much alive today!

3. Jesus reminded the disciples again, “EVERYTHING must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” Jesus then opened the disciples’ eyes, and they finally understood what those Scriptures meant. And again, Jesus reminded them, “The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to ALL nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised” (Luke 24: 44-49). And that is the essential meaning of the word, “apostle”—the sent one. The 12 apostles of Jesus Christ were sent by Jesus to teach the world about repentance and forgiveness of sins.

4. Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, Jesus blessed His disciples, who are now ready to become full apostles of Jesus Christ (Luke 24: 50-52).

As Christians, we are to continue to carry out the same mission: to teach the world about repentance and forgiveness of sins. Just like Jesus fulfilled EVERYTHING that was written about Him in the Scriptures, so too would His Will. Before going back to Heaven, He told His disciples that repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to ALL nations. This will be done, and who better equipped to do so than us Christians? 


Luke 24

John 20:19–29; 21:1–14

The following are “convincing proofs” of Jesus’ bodily resurrection: 

- When they rolled the stone away from the tomb, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus (Luke 24:2-3).

- Two angels told them that Jesus is not in the tomb but has risen. They also reminded them that Jesus will be risen on the third day after He was delivered over to the hands of sinners. Peter looked into the tomb and saw strips of linen that was used to cover Jesus lying by themselves (Luke 24:4-7, Luke 24:12, Luke 24:22-24)

- Jesus appeared before them after His death. He then walked, talked and ate with them (Luke 24:13-35). He show them His hands and feet. They also touched Him and He ate in front of them (Luke 24:36:42). Also John 20:19-23.

- The resurrected Jesus bear the scars of His crucifixion; the resurrected Jesus had flesh and bones: Jesus appeared before Thomas. He told Thomas to reach out his hand and touch Him. He told Thomas to stop doubting and believe (Luke 24:26-27).

- Jesus appeared to His disciples and helped them with the miraculous catch of fish after He was raised from the dead (John 21:1-14).

The Bible does not directly reveal why Jesus waited with the disciples forty days after His resurrection before going to Heaven. Hence, we will never really know until Jesus tells us Himself when we see Him again in Heaven. However, there are some interesting correlations that have been taught by many Biblical scholars. Forty is a number used repeatedly throughout the Bible for a period of trials and testing. For example, Israel was tested for 40 years in the desert; Jonah was trapped in the belly of a fish for 40 days; Moses was tested on Mount Sinai for 40 days. Based on these events, we can correlate that the 40 days Jesus spent with the disciples was a period of time to test the faithfulness of His disciples—and indeed, their faithfulness was tested. Also, it may even be a period of time to test the "validity" of Jesus' resurrection and His claim that He is God! I think it is also an opportunity for Jesus to prepare His disciples before He sends them out to the world, preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins.

To sum up:

1. Forty days and forty nights in the bible usually represents a period of trial. The apostles were being tested for their faith in Jesus Christ. 

2. Jesus Christ is also protecting them from being tempted by the devil. Jesus Christ goes on to warn them to not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I think it is because the devil cannot enter the Holy City of Jerusalem. However, once they leave Jerusalem, the devil can harm or tempt them. The Holy Spirit will have the power to guide and protect them. 

Zondervan NIV footnote:

*Genesis 7:4 forty days and forty nights. A length of time often characterizing a critical period in redemptive history (see v.12; Dt 9:11, Mt 4:1-11)

*Matthew 4:2 forty days and forty nights. The number recalls the experiences of Moses (Ex 24:18, 34:28) and Elijah (1Ki 19:8), as well as the 40 years of Israel's temptation (testing) in the desert (see note on v.1)

*Matthew 4:1 led by the Spirit... to be tempted. This testing of Jesus (the Greek verb translated "tempted" can also be rendered "tested"), which was divinely intended, has as its primary background Dt 8:1-5, from which Jesus also quotes in his first reply to the devil (see v. 4 and NIV text note). There Moses recalls how the Lord led the Israelites in the desert 40 years "to humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands" (Dt 8:2). Here at the beginning of his ministry Jesus is subjected to a similar test and shows himself to be the true Israelite who lives "on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" (Dt 8:3). And whereas Adam failed the great test and plunged the whole race into sin (Ge 3), Jesus was faithful and thus demonstrated his qualification to become the Savior of all who receive him. It was, moreover, important that Jesus be tested/tempted as Israel and we are, so that he could become our "merciful and faithful high priest" (Heb 2:17; see not there) and thus be "able to help those who are being tempted" (Heb 2:18, see Heb 4:15-16). Finally, as the one who remained faithful in temptation he became the models for all believers when they are tempted. by the devil. God surely tests his people, but it is the devil who tempts to evil (see notes on Ge 22:1; Jas 1:13; see also 1Jn 3:8; Rev 2:9-10 and notes; Rev 12:9-10). Like the Hebrew for "Satan," the Greek for "devil" means "accuser" or "slanderer." The devil is a personal being, not a mere force or influence. He is the great archenemy of God and the leader of the hosts of darkness.

*Acts 1:8 A virtual outline of Acts: The apostles were to be witnesses in Jerusalem (chs. 1-7), Judea and Samaria (chs. 8-9) and the ends of the earth - including Caesarea, Antioch, Asia Minor, Greece and Rome (chs. 10-28). However, they were not to begin this staggering task until they had been equipped with the power of the Spirit (vv. 4-5). my witnesses. An important theme throughout Acts (2:32, 3:15; 5:32; 10:39, 13:31, 22:15). Judea. The region in which Jerusalem was located. Samaria. The adjoining region to the north. 


Acts 1:4–8

Jesus told His disciples to wait for the gift promised by God before leaving Jerusalem. His disciples would be baptized with the Holy Spirit before going out to the world to do God’s work as witnesses of Jesus Christ. 


John 14:17

Before Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit was WITH them in the form of Jesus. After Jesus' acension, the Holy Spirit was IN them.

Before, the disciples did not need the Holy Spirit in them because Jesus was physically with them and helping them. After Jesus ascended to heaven, the Father gave them another advocate to help them and be with them forever. This advocate is the Spirit of truth, which is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit know Jesus Christ who lives with them and is in them.

Hence, after Jesus’ ascension to Heaven, the disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, the disciples were able to remain connected to Jesus, for Jesus will always live in them, and they in Jesus. Thus through the Holy Spirit, the disciples were continuously guided by Jesus.

Zondervan NIV footnote:

* John 14:17 Spirit of truth. In essence and in action the Spirit is characterized by truth. He brings people to the truth of God. All three persons of the Trinity are linked with truth. See also the Father (see 4:24 and note; cf. Ps 31:5; Isa 65:16 and note) and the Son (see v. 6 and note). The world. Which takes no notice of the Spirit of God (see notes on 1:9; 1Co 2:14). But the Spirit was "with" Jesus' disciples and would be "in" them. Some believe the latter relationship (indwelling) specifically anticipates the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (see Ac 1:2, 2:4, 17, 38 and notes; cf. Ro 8:9)

For non-believers, it is possible for them to be surrounded by the Holy Spirit and have the Holy Spirit be WITH them. But, in order for the Holy Spirit to enter any one of us, we must first repent of our sins and accept Jesus' blood as a means to wash us of our sins. We will then be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will enter our bodies and dwell IN us. 

Therefore, when we accept that we are sinners and ask for Jesus to come into our lives, we are immediately baptized with the Holy Spirit. Hence, from that moment on, the Holy Spirit will always be “with” us. However, if we do not develop our abilities to LISTEN to the Holy Spirit and continue to behave based on our own selfish needs and wants instead, then we can be said to not have the Holy Spirit “in” us.

I think the most important decision any human has to make during his/her time on this world is the decision to follow Jesus. Why? Because this is the ONLY decision that affects our ETERNAL lives! We make a horrible economic decision and end up on the streets, BUT we die in Christ—Guess what? We die a rich man/woman BECAUSE OF CHRIST! Conversely, we make billions despite economic downturn, but we refuse to receive the Grace of God—We suffer eternal death because of the LACK OF CHRIST.

I would thus hope that all of us make the decision to follow Christ, for there is no one more gracious or more loving than God. There is absolutely no reason at all for not accepting the gift of Grace from God.

I also hope that once we receive this gift, we continue to grow and mature as Christians. Making the decision to become a Christian is just the beginning. Being a dutiful disciple, that takes a lifetime’s worth of learning and work. And so, I encourage us all that once we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, we continue to pray for guidance and to pray for God to SHOW us HOW to follow Him, HOW to listen to Him, HOW to learn from His guidance. We are God’s people doing God’s work, not God’s people continuing to satisfy our own selfish gains. And to do God’s work, we need to master our ability to LISTEN to the Holy Spirit with our hearts.

And so, I hope that we make that first choice to have the Holy Spirit be “with” us and that we continue to mature as Christians by keeping the Holy Spirit “in” us. 


Acts 1:4–11

Romans 8:9, 14–16

1 Corinthians 12:13

2 Corinthians 1:21–22

Galatians 4:6

Once we receive Christ, we become baptized with the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit testifies that we belong to Christ and we are God's children (Romans 8:9, 14-16). The Holy Spirit is God's seal of ownership on us; the Holy spirit is a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). 


Acts 4:8, 31; 6:3–4

Ephesians 5:18
Baptized with the Holy Spirit = washed of all our sins
Filled with the Holy Spirit = received the power of the Spirit

“Baptized with the Holy Spirit” happens when a person accepts Jesus Christ as his/her savior and asks for Jesus to come into his/her life. “Filled with the Holy Spirit” happens when a person is inspired. That is, when the Holy Spirit manifests in a person to guide him/her in an event or a decision or to reveal insight of what’s to come. Baptism with the Holy Spirit therefore happens once—at the moment when a person decides to let Christ into his/her life. Filling with the Holy Spirit can occur multiple times during a lifetime of a Christian’s life. Through prayers, we can ask for guidance. And when we receive the guidance we’ve prayed for, we are often filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and that they would be His witnesses throughout the world (Acts 1:8). The “proof” of power given through the Holy Spirit is exhibited through the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11): Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kind of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

When Jesus was taken up before their eyes, the disciples were probably stunned and could not believe that Jesus was really just taken up into Heaven. Whatever the reason, they could not stop looking intently up into the sky.


The two men in white came and encouraged the disciples that Jesus will come back. The disciples should therefore stop staring up into the sky and get going on fulfilling the mission Jesus had told them to: Be Jesus' witnesses and speak about repentance and the forgiveness of sins throughout the world. 


Acts 1:12–26

The disciples prayed together as a family, including the women family members. This shows that although personal prayers are critical to building a personal relationship between oneself and God, praying in a group with fellow Christians is just as critical. Group prayers are stronger than personal prayers, in the sense that 10 prayers in sync is "louder" than 1 prayer. (This does NOT mean personal prayers are therefore less important and ignored by God. All prayers are heard by God.) Group prayers also help build strong fellowship between Christians.

Groups prayers are often employed during great times of stress, such as prayers of healing for loved ones who might be dying of illnesses. Here, I think the disciples were praying for guidance in regards to their mission. They had just lost their most beloved leader and had been given a very difficult mission: To spread the Word of Jesus Christ in a hostile world, a world that readily killed (and still does) Christians for their beliefs. If I were in their shoes, I would be filled with excitement because I am ready to fight for Jesus and bring down Satan. On the other hand, I would also be very frightened because of what I am about to face. And so, I would need to pray for God’s guidance and protection and would certainly benefit much from the support of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Anything we do, including choosing people for leadership, should be guided by God, and this is shown through how the apostles chose their leaders. For example, the apostles PRAYED,"Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs" (Acts 1:24-25). The apostles didn't just went and took a vote on who they or the people thought should lead and named them leaders. They prayed to God for guidance and asked God to SHOW them who should be their leaders.

I thus don’t think we should lead God’s people if we are not inspired by God to lead. Human beings are flawed, and we can be very easily defeated by our emotions. Moses did not want to lead--He was ready to give up even before he began! But, he was chosen by God, and God wanted no one else. God had to convince Moses multiple times before Moses finally and reluctantly agreed to do what was asked of him. Similarly, Jonah did not want to preach to the people of Ninevah and had to endure so many hardships before he finally—and also reluctantly—did what was asked of him. Leading is very hard, and when things don’t go according to what "man" wants, the group is very likely going to rebel and turn on its leader. This happened quite a number of times to Moses, who had to pray time and time again for God’s support and guidance. From Acts 1 and also from other lessons taught throughout the Bible, I thus believe in order to effectively lead God’s people and do God’s work, we need to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we do God’s work without the Holy Spirit, if we TRY to do God's work by ourselves, we will very easily be defeated because we are not strong enough to face the difficulties on our own. And that's why I said "try" because we will fail without God. Without God's inspiration, we're not doing God's work! We would most likely be fulfilling our own selfish needs by using "doing God's work" as an excuse.