A Difficult Time for God’s Glory

At this point, Luke brings to Theophilus and all readers an inside look at the hearts and minds of the disciples 10 to 11 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. A persecuted group of people yet continuing to add to their number. A praying group of people yet wondering if God can answer. A faithful group of people yet their faith at times is weak. An ordinary group of people yet powered by the Spirit used by God to accomplish His extraordinary purpose.

Turning Point, Controversy, and Expansion

A watershed moment for the church occurred at the home of a Gentile Roman Centurian named Cornelius. Upon hearing the Gentiles had believed the word of God, some Jewish believers in Jerusalem confronted Peter for having been in a Gentile home and eating with them. Peter related the story, and all objections were settled with this group. A division in the church over this issue would grow into a major problem in years to follow. At the scattering of the believers from Jerusalem, a church was established in Antioch with a great number of people including Gentiles of the Greek culture and custom. Barnabus and Saul began to minister together in Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians.

From Persecutor to Proclaimer

The conversion and transformation of a Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus, from a lead persecutor of the disciples of Christ to the lead proclaimer of the gospel of Christ. This event is so significant for Luke that it is told three times. First, here in Acts 9, then from Paul himself, recorded by Luke in chapters 22 and 26 of Acts

The Gospel Spreads to Samaria and Ethiopia

The Biblical record often relates how God uses what is evil intended to go against His purpose, He uses to accomplish His purpose. God’s ability to use all things for His glory is demonstrated in the story of Philip’s activity after the death of Stephen and following the persecution of the church. Powered by the Holy Spirit, Philip preaches and teaches the gospel, opening the doors of the church to Samaritans and an official of the Queen of Ethiopia.

Men of Good Reputation, Full of the Spirit, and Wise

hurch growth created issues for the early church. A particular group, Hellenistic widows, in the church in Jerusalem were underserved. The apostle’s wisdom called for the people of the church to solve the problem by selecting men of specific character to serve in a special capacity. One of the men, Stephen, was called upon by God to be the first martyr of the church, setting the stage for the church to expand outside of Jerusalem.

A New Community Under New Authority

The community of believers was functioning as God intended to the point that the Jewish officials (the Sanhedrin) were losing the respect of the people for their position as religious authority. The Holy Spirit was working signs and wonders through the apostles that drew crowds to hear the gospel and establish the apostle’s authority in the rapidly growing church.

Challenge to Authority

The authority of the Jewish elders, priests, and scribes, known as the Sanhedrin, faced a challenge to their authority from the apostles. They were accused of rejecting and condemning the very Messiah prophesied by the prophets. The Sanhedrin attempted to stop the apostles from preaching, teaching in the name of Jesus, but their response not only failed, but promoted the spread of the name of Jesus as the Messiah.

Undeniable Restoration and Refreshment

The work of God, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus, moves to the gate leading to the temple where a no-name beggar, lame from birth, is healed to the wonder and amazement of the crowd. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus, which drew a crowd to hear Peter preach his second recorded gospel sermon, and many believed. The church now numbered 5,000 men.