“YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES” ACTS “YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES”

Acts: important features Volume 2 of the Gospel of Luke 2nd-Longest book in the NT (Luke is 1st) Covers approximately first 30 years of the church’s history Doesn’t tell about all of the apostles; mostly about Peter & Paul Traces the progress of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome Shows the conversions of Jews, Samaritans, Proselytes, God- Fearers, & Pagans

ACTS: MAIN CHARACTERS The Holy Spirit – nothing can happen w/out His coming & empowering Peter – Preaches the 1st sermon after Jesus’ resurrection Stephen – Longest speech in Acts Cornelius – Roman centurion; 1st Gentile convert Saul/Paul – Chosen by Christ to be “Apostle to the Gentiles” Barnabas, Silas, & Timothy – Traveling companions on Paul’s journeys Felix, Festus, & Agrippa – Roman & Jewish rulers who hear Paul’s case Luke – Part of the action in 3 “we” sections

ACTS: MAJOR THEMES Power & Guidance of the Holy Spirit The Witness of the Apostles – 1:8 Validation of Paul as an Apostle – chaps. 9, 22, 26 Universality of the Christian Faith – All are welcome through the gospel Jesus as fulfillment of Jewish Messianic Hopes The Church as the new Messianic Community The inevitable Triumph of the Gospel

ACTS: HOW TO BE SAVED Begins with the preaching of Christ crucified & risen Response to preaching = Repentance & Baptism (2:36-38) V. 37 shows the message was believed Repentance = a decision to turn away from sin & turn to God Note: “Every one of you” – not optional or only for some Holy Spirit received at time of baptism Forgiveness of sins takes place at baptism, by the power of Jesus’ blood (22:16) Results in being added to the church (2:47) Saved people worship & serve together (2:42-47)

ACTS: LESSONS FOR TODAY Salvation is available for ______ & ________________ needs it. The church today continues the task of being _____________ for Christ. God’s work is accomplished by the power of the _________ ____________ working through God’s people. Regardless of the opposition, _____________ can stop the spread of the gospel.

ACTS: KEY VERSE “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8