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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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