Acts - To the ends of the earth (Page 3)

The book of Acts records the gospel advancing from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It reminds us of constant opposition to the message but the triumphant power of God to save Jews and Gentiles. After pausing the series in 2012, we recommence at Chapter 11 in 2020.

Who is welcome in the family of God? (Acts 15:1-21)

Questions arise regarding what a Gentile must believe or do to be welcome in God’s family. In the past, Gentiles who became Jews needed to be circumcised. Is this a reasonable expectation for those who now want to become Christians? This passage challenges us regarding our understanding of the gospel and what is helpful in…

What does gospel mission look like? (Acts 14:19-28)

In the final verses of chapter 14 we have Paul and Barnabas returning home to Antioch after two years on the road. They will report back what they have experienced and remind the sending church that missionary work requires (1) sacrifice, (2) sustained effort, (3) preaching a message of salvation, and (4) strengthening and sustaining…

Miracle of Healing point to message of Hope (Acts 14:1-18)

Paul and Barnabas move to Iconium and Lystra with the good news of Jesus Christ, and perform an amazing miracle of healing on a lame man. The crowd are amazed and begin to worship the Apostles, but they respond in despair and encourage the crowd to turn from worshipping vain idols to worship the true…

The Gospel provokes love and hatred (Acts 13:42-52)

The gospel of Jesus Christ has a polarizing effect on its hearers in Antioch Pisidia. From one group, it provokes love for Christ and a desire to hear more about Him. For another group, the gospel is a stench of death and there is active opposition to the message and the messenger. There is no…

The Gospel preached to Jews (& us) Acts13:13-43

Paul and his companions travel to Antioch Pisidia and are invited to speak in the synagogue. Paul’s message highlights key themes that the Jews need to understand from the Scriptures. Although the Apostle’s words are initially directed to Jews, they also have much relevance to those who have spent much time in Christian circles.

Sending Sacrificially and Preaching a Powerful Gospel (Acts 13:1-12)

Persecution, Prayer, Providence and Punishment (Acts12)

Luke takes our focus back to the church in Jerusalem and we witness 4 P’s. Persecution arises which in turn leads the church to Prayer. God then Providentially delivers Peter and justly Punishes Herod for his pride. As these things unfold, we are reminded that the Word of the Lord will continue to increase and…

Church at Antioch (Acts 11:19-30)

We are introduced to the very first Gentile church recorded in Scripture and this marks a pivot away from the gospel exclusively going to Jews but to the wider world. This is such a momentous event, it is in Antioch that believers are first called Christians.

God grants the gift of repentance unto life to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1-18)

We are restarting our series in the book of Acts some 7 years after we paused in Acts 10. As we recommence, we reflect on the significance of Gentiles being saved and added to the church. If Acts 10 is the Apostle Peter grappling with this foreign concept, Acts 11:1-18 is the church in Jerusalem…