Acts (2010): Recent Episodes
Dr. Robert L. Dean Jr.
This study covers the book of Acts. The title, "Acts of the Apostles," distorts the thrust of the book. Only two apostles are the focus of the book, Peter, then Paul. John is mentioned as is James, but the others are not. The more appropriate name should be "Acts of the Holy Spirit". Because the Holy Spirit is the one performing the Acts, by empowering the early church, specifically, through Peter, then Paul, to take the message of the risen Messiah from the Upper Room in Acts 1, to Paul's priva
How did a small rag-tag crew of Jewish men, cowering in obscurity, become transformed into bold, dynamic pacesetters of Christianity? What enabled them to move beyond their fears and spread the good news to the ends of the earth? Listen to this compact sketch of the book of Acts and learn that God, the Holy Spirit, was the agent of change, empowering the apostles to perform their difficult mission. Accept the challenge to carry on the work begun in the early Church of witnessing and teaching Scripture as you realize that the same power of the Holy Spirit is available to us today.
If you like a high-stakes true adventure story, then the Apostle Paul's life is a must-read. Burning with anger at the very name of Jesus, he was at the forefront trying to stamp out Christianity. Listen to this lesson to learn how this man, who went on to become one of the greatest witnesses of the risen Christ and the writer of many books in the New Testament, came to the end of his life on earth. Find out how Biblical and historical evidence points to his two imprisonments in Rome and his subsequent death by beheading. Begin an overview of the book of Acts including Luke's mission to explain the growth of the Church under the Holy Spirit and the purposes and distinctions that showcase the new dispensation of the Church Age.
Brace for a triumphant finish as we near the end of the book of Acts. Paul arrives in Rome and is held a prisoner under house arrest. Listen to this lesson to learn how he organizes meetings with the Roman Jewish leadership and presents Jesus' claims to be the Messiah. See how Paul must confront the disturbing question they had of why Jesus did not bring in the Kingdom of God. Discover the difference between Bible study methods and the communication of Bible truths. Understand how even in chains Paul continued to preach and persuade both Jews and Gentiles.
Who wouldn't like an all-expense paid trip to take you to fulfill your God-given destiny? Listen to this lesson to hear the gripping story of how God was true to His promise to Paul and he was transported as a prisoner on an adrenaline-charged journey to Rome. Marvel at how the intricate details recorded in Acts point out the accuracy of the Word of God. Learn about the faithfulness of God throughout the Word of God. Take time to see the treasure house of promises of God's faithfulness that we can memorize and use when we face difficulties.
How long does it take you to panic and have a brain freeze when devastating events swirl around you? Listen to this spellbinding account of how the Apostle Paul steps up to take charge in the midst of chaos and explains his confidence in God to the pagans with their false beliefs. Learn the meaning of blessing by association. See God's sovereign control over the life of Paul and how Paul uses the opportunity to wisely exercise his free will. Apply these lessons to the things that happen in your own life and continue to trust God through all the changing circumstances.
Cruise ship in trouble: Mass illnesses, blackouts, missing passengers. These stories have filled the headlines the last few years. Listen to this lesson to learn about the Apostle Paul's danger-filled, life-threatening cruise on his way to Rome as a prisoner. See how Paul points out that disaster is ahead as they face rough weather and strong headwinds. The crew ignores his warning and sets out. Encountering a typhoon, they frantically try to secure the ship. Hear how Paul relies on God's revelation to him and the doctrine he knows. Learn to apply the Word of God to your own experiences and adapt to changing circumstances even in desperate times.
Imagine standing before the President of the United States and the Queen of England and having a chance to tell them what you believe about God. What would you say? Listen to this lesson to hear how the Apostle Paul defended his faith before rulers and kings. Marvel as he lays out the story of his meeting with the resurrected Christ and how he turned from killing Christians to spending the rest of his life telling the good news. Hear the meaning of repentance and the new responsibilities that change brings. Just as God provided for all the details of Paul's life, be assured that He is protecting us and working out every aspect of our lives today.
Sounding more like a shadowy movie plot than actual events, the Apostle Paul arrives under heavily armed guards to Caesarea where his life converges with three kings. Listen to this lesson to learn that soon after his conversion, God promised Paul that he would give the good news of the Gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Learn about the evil machinations of Felix and Festus, the dark history of their lives, and the political climate at the time Paul was being held. Marvel at his skillful defense of what he believes and understand that, like the Apostle, we can learn to trust that God is always behind the scenes working out His promises to us.
When your life is caught up in a whirlwind of trouble, do you call on God to take away all the bad things? Or do you embrace God's plan for your life including the tests and suffering to help you mature spiritually? Listen to this hair-raising account of the Apostle Paul's arrest in Jerusalem where a rioting crowd spews out threats of dire consequences. See how the Jewish Sanhedrin Council accuses Paul and the high priest, Ananias, signals someone to slap him in the mouth. Hear Paul's heated defense as he gets to the heart of the matter by mentioning resurrection. Notice that God does not use a miracle to rescue Paul, but instead is behind the scenes directing the normal events. Realize that God is at work in our lives and is for us so nothing can be against us.
Angry mobs! Mistaken for an Egyptian troublemaker! Threats of torture! Listen to this hair-raising account of a time in the Apostle Paul's life when he faced the fury of fellow Jews. See how Paul speaking in Greek surprised the Roman arresting officer who allowed him to address the murderous crowd. Find out Paul's account of his remarkable conversion on the road to Damascus and the days that followed. See how he defended the gospel, using events and people familiar to his accusers, and find how how we can be relaxed under extreme pressure when we leave the results of our witnessing in the Lord's hands.
Clashing cultures are breeding grounds for chaos and violence. Listen to this lesson to learn how the Apostle Paul enters a whirlwind of rumors and false accusations when he comes to Jerusalem in A.D. 57. Hear how the Christian leaders there tell him he is being slandered for abandoning his heritage and encouraging new converts to do the same. Find out the plan the leaders devised for Paul to join a group of four men and take religious vows with them to prove he is not a traitor to everything Jewish. Hear seven possible reasons why Paul may have agreed to do this. Discover how we need to understand the priorities in the Christian life so cultural or traditional differences do not get in the way of sharing the message of the gospel. Click here to view the information Dr. Dean added pertaining to the Temple Mount that ties in with Acts 21:28.
"Tune in tonight to listen to the evangelist Philip's four virgin prophetess daughters." If there had been TV in the first century this might have been a program. Listen to this lesson to learn that women prophets in the Old Testament praised God through music. Hear the dire warnings given to the Apostle Paul as he prepares to go to Jerusalem. Discover four optional solutions to the seeming confusion over whether he was led by the Holy Spirit to make this trip and the one that has the most adherents. See how Paul was not swayed by fear for his safety but was willing to perform the will of God no matter the personal cost.
Note: Due to technical difficulties the video for this class may be out of sync with the audio.
Why would any young man turn down a chance for fame and fortune to follow a path that leads to suffering and persecution? Listen as the Apostle Paul delivers a stirring farewell message to pastors encouraging them to communicate the Word of God and not go off course or give up. See how he lays out the way that the pastor must address people in terms of their thinking and strengthen them to face the challenges of life. Discover that there is a colossal future inheritance for those who produce divine good that far outweighs the rewards of any career path in this world.
How do you pick a church? Inspiring music? Friendly folks? Lots of things to do? How about good Bible study? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Apostle Paul puts the emphasis on teaching the Word of God as the purpose of a church. Find out the eight communication words and how they relate to church organization. See how Paul chooses the next steps on his journey without regard for his safety and how our life should be directed at doing what serves God best as we make God's Word our first priority.
Ever wonder what's the worst thing that can happen to you if you fall asleep in church? Listen to this message to learn about a young man who not only fell asleep but sailed out of a third floor window with disastrous results. Brush up on your knowledge of the history of denominations. Discover the different words used to describe local church leadership and about some of the troubles the Apostle Paul faced as he traveled around with others ministering to the churches.
You think you have problems? How about having a hit man hired to do away with you? Listen to this lesson to learn some of the troubles the Apostle Paul faced as he spread the gospel message on his third missionary journey. Find out how Paul instructed the churches to take up offerings for the poor and how these gifts differ from socialism. See the Biblical guidelines for Christian giving and how tithes were a form of income tax under the Mosaic Law. Find out if we should give a certain percentage of our income and discover the importance of having a consistent pattern of giving in our own spiritual life.
"Don't come preaching that and take away my business," was the strident cry of a frenzied, mindless mob in Ephesus. This ancient city was renowned for its pagan worship of the goddess Diana and the practice of the occult black arts. Listen to this lesson to learn that many Ephesians, however, listened to Paul and accepted the Lord Jesus. Hear how they brought their expensive books of magic and incantations to be burned. See how cultures can change for the better or worse depending on what people believe. Find out how Paul took the time to train young men such as Timothy and Erastus for the ministry.
A man with a demonic spirit inside him leaps on seven sons and in a smack-down brawl leaves them battered and naked. No, this isn't the adrenaline-charged plot of an action movie. It's a true incident in the book of Acts. Discover the Greek words for demon possession and different categories of demons. See how Paul, through the power of God, was healing sicknesses and casting out demons, making the jealous exorcists in Ephesus try to copy him. Find out how demon possession was active during the two offers of the Kingdom of God to the Jews during the first century.
Can touching a handkerchief or sweat cloth of a holy man heal us of our sicknesses today? Listen to this lesson to learn how these healings and other signs and wonders took place during the transition time in Acts when there was a second offer of the Kingdom of God. Find out three factors that distinguish the Kingdom of God and when it will be established. Discover why it was postponed and the characteristics of the covenants which will be fulfilled during the coming Kingdom of God.
Want to know more about baptism? Listen to this lesson to learn the difference between wet and dry baptisms and about the one baptism that occurs for every believer at the moment of salvation. See how this baptism is the great equalizer, ensuring that gender, economic, and ethnic distinctions have no spiritual significance as we are identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. See how this enables us to live a new life in Christ and how water baptism is an affirmation that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ.
Imagine everything you believed being turned on its head! Jews who believed Christ was the promised Messiah were still connected to the Temple culturally and were just learning about the Holy Spirit and Christian baptism. Most of the rest of the world still worshiped pagan gods and goddesses. Into this maelstrom stepped the Apostle Paul who began leading people to Christ and forming churches. Dig into this riveting account of the history of baptism, the eight types of baptism, and what distinguishes believers' baptism from all others.
When did God hit the "pause button" on the role of the Mosaic Law in the lives of believers? Listen to this lesson to learn how the early years after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension were a transitional passage as Church Age doctrine was being circulated. See how the Kingdom of God was still being offered to the Jews during this time span. Find out how the Apostle Paul adapted his observances to be able to reach both Jews and Gentiles with the Gospel message.
What if you were an Old Testament believer living away from Jerusalem in the first century? How long after Christ died, rose again, and ascended would you have heard about the changes that had taken place? Listen to this lesson to learn that the book of Acts tells of a gradual transition that was being made from the Mosaic Law to the Church Age. See how the Apostle Paul in his exhausted state was given three personal promises by God. Find out about Paul's vow and possible reasons why he shaved his head.
Looking for a little fun and action in a party town? In the 1st century you would head for the bustling, wealthy port city of Corinth with its many temples, games, and sensual pleasures. Find out how the Apostle Paul received personal guidance from the Holy Spirit to go there. Learn how he arrived dead tired and found a tent-making couple, Priscilla and Aquila, and joined with them in their business. See how he presented the gospel weekly by going to the synagogue and reasoning with the Jews in Corinth. Also includes 1 Corinthians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9
Are you dreaming of an amazing world under one government where everyone speaks the same language? Listen to this lesson to learn that God, the Creator, did not design His world to function this way but instead established nations and oversees their rise and fall. Find out about the Divine institutions and how they provide protection and prosperity for people and nations who follow them. See how the Apostle Paul, without using experience, historical evidence or reason, witnessed to people who were suppressing what they already knew to be true about God.
"There's nothing new under the sun." Similar to many people today, the Athenians liked to dazzle everyone with grand words and brilliant insights. Listen to this lesson to see how the Apostle Paul bettered their arguments by tweaking superstitious beliefs so they could understand the gospel. Discover how all primitive religions believed that matter always existed which is a core belief of evolution today. See how clarifying the truths of the Creator God is a vital part of witnessing. Click here to access Dr. Dean's paper presented at the Conservative Theological Society referenced in this Bible class.
What gods do you worship? Success? Money? Happiness? The pagan Athenians worshiped all the gods, betting that some of them would come to their aid. Listen to this lesson to learn how the Apostle Paul used their worship of the unknown god to show there is only one true God, the God of Creation. Find out how everyone has enough evidence to know that God exists but suppresses that truth. Begin the fascinating study of the Chain of Being and see how evolution grew out of it.
Click here to access Dr. Dean's paper presented at the Conservative Theological Society referenced in this Bible class.
Why do some people get mad as a hornet when talking about God? Listen to this lesson to learn the vital need for listening to others as they talk about what they already believe. See how the Apostle Paul skillfully used his insight into the Athenians to reason with them in a logical manner. Find out how he challenged them to worship the Creator rather than the creature. Discover key elements to sharpen your Bible study methods.
Would it surprise you to learn you could probably ace a pop culture quiz? Every day, without even trying, we soak up pagan ideas like a sponge. Listen to this lesson to learn how the Apostle Paul countered the trends of his day by teaching logical, reasonable truths from the Scriptures. Find out how we can learn to clarify our beliefs effectively so we stop one-shot, "drive-by" witnessing. See what it means to search the Scriptures daily like the Bereans.
Don't be spooked into seeing demons around every corner. When you have someone on your side who is bigger than the bad guys, you have nothing to fear. Listen to this lesson to learn about God's promises to protect believers from evil spirits. Find out what it means for our bodies to be temples of the Holy Spirit. Discover the significance of Jesus' parable about the empty house and His priestly prayer asking that we be guarded from the evil one.
When it seems like our life is spiraling out of control into chaos, where should we look for help? Fortune tellers, astrologers, mediums, and new age gurus promise us all kinds of answers. Listen to this lesson to learn what happened to King Saul when he went to the Witch of Endor for help. Find out the difference between demon influence and demon possession. Discover how God is always in control and we should never be afraid of the powers of evil.
Demons! Fortune tellers! Witches! Are they real or just something in scary movies, TV shows, and books? Listen to this lesson in Acts to learn how the Bible describes a very real spirit world and God's warning against the occult. Find out how worshiping anything in creation rather than the Creator opens us to demonic thoughts and influences. Discover God's assurances that He is in control and we have nothing to fear.
Dreams and visions sometimes gave the Apostle Paul his marching orders on his second missionary journey. Can we depend on them to give us a helping hand? Listen to this lesson to learn how direct revelation has ceased but how the Bible has all the answers we need now. See how the Holy Spirit made it possible for a wealthy businesswoman to understand the good news of the gospel. Find out about Paul's run-in with a slave girl and a demon and how demon influence can impact all of us today.
Had Paul lost it and was he out of his mind when he had Timothy circumcised? Hadn't he just argued successfully that circumcision no longer mattered? Listen to this lesson and follow the timeline of Paul's thinking. See how Timothy having a Jewish mother was important in Paul's decision. Learn the significance of circumcision to God's covenant with Abraham and how it has ethnic and cultural values today, but never for salvation or spiritual life.
My way or the highway! Is that your attitude when you disagree with someone? Listen to this lesson to learn how to be gracious to others and seek the absolute best for them even when they don't deserve it. Discover five spiritual skills you need to practice so you can love others as Christ loves you. Find out how the early church handled people problems and how even a sharp controversy between Barnabas and Paul was handled graciously.
How did the early church use the Old Testament to settle disputes about the Gentiles' role in the body of Christ? James in Acts 15 goes to the book of Amos and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit uses a "fuller sense" of the text to apply to the Church Age. Listen to this lesson to learn how Christ now being seated at the right hand of God instead of on David's throne means the church does not replace God's promises to Israel. Find out how the Masoretes translated the scriptures in the early centuries to leave out any references to the Messiah.
Knockdown, drag-out fights make rousing TV shows but don't do much to change opinions. When the early church began to have verbal brawls over the role of Jewish rituals, they decided to convene a council in Jerusalem to resolve the issue. The Pharisees had forgotten to check their rules at the door when they became believers and they wanted to impose them on new converts. Listen to this lesson to learn the different approaches Peter and James used to arrive at the conclusion that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. Find out about the four rules decided upon to bring goodwill between Jewish and Christian believers.
After we're saved, do we have to work our heads off and follow a lot of rules to please God? This was the burning question being debated in the early church. Many of the Jewish-background believers demanded that new Gentile converts be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law. Paul stood his ground, keeping his eye on the central issue of grace for both salvation and spiritual life. Follow the chronology of Paul's trips to Jerusalem and see the development of this issue as it is resolved. Understand the difference between legalists performing certain rituals to give them special standing in God's eyes and legitimate practices that lead to spiritual growth.
Paul's first missionary journey ignites an explosion of new believers in Jesus Christ across Asia Minor. Not willing to leave these converts in their "diapers", he and Barnabas face extreme danger as they go back and teach doctrine to start these "baby" believers on the road to maturity. Meanwhile, some Pharisee believers insist that the Gentile believers must be circumcised. Listen to this lesson to see how Paul demonstrates the role of a pastor and how circumcision was not just a religious ritual but was an act of patriotism to the Jews. Find out what the political landscape was like in the 1st century and follow the dynamic timeline of the early church.
The Apostle Paul's first missionary journey ends with an exhibition of sheer spiritual courage. He and Barnabas endure the wild swings of the pagan crowd in Lystra as they first yell out their adoration of them as gods and then erupt in a wild rage. After stoning Paul, they drag him out of town, but rather than lying low and hiding out, he and Barnabas continue on to Derbe before retracing their steps to teach and encourage the new converts. Explore the role of repentance in salvation, how God blesses all through common grace, and how to witness to those who have suppressed the truth.
Paul and Barnabas Bear Witness to God’s Grace
Fleeing Iconium one step ahead of a murderous plot against them, Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra. There they heal a crippled man. The pagan crowds see this and go wild, wanting to worship them as gods with parades and sacrifices. Paul seizes the opportunity to tell them the gospel. Since the people have no Jewish background, Paul must start at ground zero with their innate understanding of God through creation. This lesson answers many questions relevant to our lives today. What does Paul mean when he says this man was crippled from his mother's womb? Is he implying that life begins at conception? Why isn't everyone healed? How should the gospel be presented to those who have no background in reference to the true God? How can creation be used as a tool when we are talking about God to multi-cultural, multi-religious people like the ones we encounter in our daily lives?
As the church expands, we see a trend toward the future disconnect of Christian Jews as a sect meeting in the synagogue. The move is from a Jewish framework to a Gentile framework. Great multitudes of Jews and Gentiles in Iconium responded to Paul’s message in their synagogue. The Jews who were not obedient to the message of God’s grace stirred up a serious division. Paul and Barnabas had to flee to Lystra and Derbe where they continued to preach the gospel. Study all that is understood in the word believe. Is the word here for unbelieving the opposite of believing? How is this word translated in other passages?
As we see Paul focus on the gospel with the Jews in Antioch in Pisidia, we should be aware of some modern evangelistic challenges seen through a comparison of Lordship Salvation and Free Grace. Those in Paul’s audience knew the scriptures, so it was effective for him to string together prophesies pointing to Christ. Review many of these Old Testament promises and see the familiar terms imputation, justification, forgiveness, propitiation, righteousness, and Christ the Servant. How does the resurrection seal the fulfillment of the Messianic prophesies? Do these Jews respond to Paul’s message?
In this section Paul continues the gospel message to these Jews by shifting to the Davidic Covenant, a promise which was very familiar to them. Review the Davidic Covenant which is an elaboration of the seed promise in the Abrahamic Covenant. Walk back through numerous Old Testament Messianic passages that address Israel’s future hope in turning to God, His restoration of the Land and promise to David of an eternal kingdom through his seed. See how directly Paul addresses these Jews on the basis of their well-known scripture and the unquestionable ways Paul presents to them, through recognition of the promise of the Davidic Covenant, that these things are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Scripture has seen many translations. The study of the origins of these translations is key to understanding their accuracy related to the inspired text. Here Paul presents Jesus to a Jewish audience, weaving Old Testament promises through his message which are fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Could a fuzzy translation compromise the fact that these verses are meant to be Messianic? Take a careful look at the clarity of promise in these Messianic passages. Develop the meaning of begotten, the shared natures of God and His Son, the timing of the Messiah’s reign on earth and the imagery in these passages which present Jesus as Messiah and clearly show His relationship to the Father.
Paul is giving the gospel to Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the local synagogue. Paul addresses them within the framework of their familiar as he anchors his message deeply within scripture, stressing their understanding of forgiveness of sin and justification. If it were only that easy to approach an unbeliever today, one who had such a deep knowledge of scripture. This is highly unlikely. Our approach must confront the realities of their position. The optimal starting point is for us to be profoundly familiar with the Word and to have a developed relationship with our audience. Paul will show us how to deal with a variety of circumstances so that we will have a pattern from which to launch our own approach and the assurance that rugged roadblocks aren’t necessarily terminal.
The gift of prophesy still existed in Acts before direct revelation ceased after the Canon was complete. The Holy Spirit, in specific divine guidance, actually called out Barnabas and Saul (who certainly had this gift), to take the gospel to these destinations. Learn the meaning of Saul’s name and the significance of his new name. Travel their path; encounter their resistance and the positive response. Learn about how the synagogue functioned. See how Paul spoke to these Jews, encapsulating Jewish history and focus in few words and introducing its long-awaited fulfillment through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We learn that evangelism may be most effective when the presentation is specific to the hearer.
Our scene is in Antioch in a well-established, conservative congregation, about 15 years after Pentecost. Antioch thrives with commerce and the decadent culture of the times. It also has a large Jewish population, within which are Christians, viewed as a sect of Judaism. Teachers and prophets gather to minister to the Lord and fast. What does it mean to minister to the Lord? What does fasting accomplish? Today a fast can be an initiation into a weight-loss program, a systemic purge, a social protest or a mystical manipulation of God. What was fasting about as it was practiced scripture? Is it a prescribed ritual for us? Is Biblical fasting an anachronistic term in our modern culture. Should we fast?
Acts is a transition, a historical narrative that is descriptive, not a prescriptive pattern of what happens in the Church today. The phenomena of the church growth movement in the late 60s based church growth on sociological issues and stressed experience as a validation of the Bible. As is often the case with Satan’s plan, this method seemed to work. But understand fully the instruction Jesus gives Peter to feed His lambs while He builds the church. Jesus doesn’t tell Peter to manage an organization through techniques in church growth, but instructs him to proclaim and teach. Review Paul’s journeys and allow instruction from his many discourses to teach us how we can maximize our approach with the message of God’s Word to people in our lives with differing backgrounds.
Also includes John 21:15-17
These Apostles fulfilled Jesus’ mandate to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. The focus of our documentation of the church, after it spread from Jerusalem, was to the west. We lose access to documents from the Eastern Church, but there are ancient records with information that can be considered, but not always reliable. Follow the biographical information available for these Apostles from scripture and historical tradition. Learn what we can know of their lives, the area of their ministries, confusions that may have been caused by names, relationships and martyrdoms. Erase any doubt with the understanding that Judas Iscariot was not a believer. As church age believers, what is our mandate?
An apostle is someone who is sent. Some who were commissioned as apostles were sent out by congregations. We rely on scripture, historical sources, geographical sources, tradition and legend to map their routes and follow their personal stories. Find out which sources are more reliable and why. We DO know these martyred Apostles had a faith so certain that they were willing to give their lives to testify to its truth. Sort out each James to clarify his identity and his role in scripture: James, the brother of John; James, the son of Alpheus; James, the Lesser; and James, the brother of Jesus. What is it about Matthew that would make it out of the ordinary that he was so quick to follow Jesus?
Disciple is not always a synonym for believer. It’s also used for a committed believer and other times it’s used for the original twelve apostles. There are early, non-scriptural manuscripts that give us an idea about the apostles’ lives and their martyrdom. Andrew, the first apostle Jesus called, was Peter’s brother. After Andrew heard from John the Baptist that Jesus was the Lamb of God, he told Peter they had found the Messiah. Andrew was the quieter of the two, usually mentioned as Peter’s brother. Learn about Andrew’s travels east and possibly north, his crucifixion on an “X”-shaped cross, the disposition of his remains and his connection to Scotland. Finally, discover evidence of Bartholomew’s identification with Nathaniel, his travels to India and his martyrdom.
A commentary on the election presents the sad state of our republic and its worldview shift away from the purposes of our founding fathers. The realization is we have come full circle into the final cycle of civilization. The solution is not a shift of circumstantial issues but a crisis-driven hope in the truth of God’s Word to shine as a light in the midst of a wicked and perverse generation. The apostles lived in a degenerate, hostile environment, and except for John, lost it all, were tortured, and died as martyrs. Peter was a commercial fisherman, living on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He met Jesus through his brother Andrew. Peter’s home was the base of operation for Jesus in the area and many miracles took place there. Peter is representative of many men, impulsive, assertive, loyal and prone to get his eyes on circumstance. But Peter spoke profound truths and Jesus set him apart as a leader. Learn about Peter as the small rock and Jesus as the chief cornerstone, and about Peter’s travels to Babylon and possibly to Britain. Witness his eventual torture and death in a barbaric dungeon in Rome.
It is Christ who builds the church through the Holy Spirit. If the pastor and congregation are obedient, the Church is protected. This doesn’t mean horrific things won’t happen. Our role in God’s plan is crucial and our focus may not always be clear, though His is. Our walk is one of faith. Our God will take care to preserve and protect us in spite of men’s accomplishments, personalities, methods and false success. As opposition to the Church in Jerusalem moves into the arena of government, look into the genealogy of the Herods, and how, in spite of their despicable rule and degenerate character, God grows His Church. The Church didn’t escape suffering, but in that suffering God performed miracles that gave no doubt who was in charge and who would persevere in Truth.
Our passage backtracks in time to the scattering of believers after the persecution of Stephen. It is God who expands His Church. Compare God’s progress report on the expansion of His early Church to today’s Church Growth Movement and the compromises necessary to post growing numbers as an indication of success. Is it human methodology or transforming Truth that grows God’s Church? Learn the history of Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch where the Jewish believers fled and evangelized to the Jews. Follow Barnabas, the encourager, sent from Jerusalem to Antioch where he summons Paul for help and where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. See how the Church supports its own when Jerusalem suffers famine. Understand the focus of real growth in God’s plan for His Church.
Hear an answer to claims of those who have “been to heaven and back” and write a book about it.
Jewish religious practice at this time observed strict separation from Gentile culture, even though the Jews did have a level of missionary activity. To disrupt centuries of tradition was truly revolutionary. Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, carefully orchestrated and revealed by God, signals a complete change of direction from strict observance of the law exclusive to the Jew, to universal inclusion of the Gentile in Grace. Peter had to contemplate the enormity of this change, but lost no time in obeying God and going to Cornelius in Caesarea. Cornelius and his family responded to Peter’s revelation of Truth. See how Cornelius and his family acted to fulfill God’s sign to the Jew of a judgment to come for national rejection of their Messiah.
Follow the geographical route taken to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham that through him all nations will be blessed. In these cities Peter makes it clear he is healing in the power of Jesus Christ. Peter is establishing his credentials with the same sorts of commands Jesus used to heal. The result was, “Many believed in the Lord.” Must you also ask Jesus into your heart? Does the fact that Peter is staying with Simon the Tanner reveal anything about Peter that shows he is accepting changes that are moving away from Jewish ritual? Meet Cornelius: his occupation, his home, his spiritual status, and his response to the angel he encounters.
This section of Acts shifts focus to Peter and his preparation to present salvation to the Gentiles. See how and where God leads Peter into Gentile territory armed with his apostolic credentials. In whose name does Peter use these credentials? Look at parallel passages where Jesus heals and why the Jews should have understood these miracles as signs revealing Jesus as Messiah. How does healing in the Old Testament become another link connecting the signs the Jews refused to see? How does Peter’s vision in chapter 10 reveal a new direction from Law to grace in an entirely new focus that reaches out to Gentiles who want to know God?
The conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus is the historical account of an event that had enormous consequences for the Church. Paul’s entourage witnessed this event on their way to round up and persecute believing Jews. Saul was blinded, emotionally stunned, and intellectually challenged. Intense prayer and fasting were the result of Saul’s narrowed focus on the ramifications of this event. After strengthening with food, Saul immediately preached Christ in the synagogues. What does it mean to “preach Christ?” What is the difference between preaching and teaching? What was the response? What are the parallels in Paul’s message and the first message of Jesus when He taught in Nazareth? What is the importance of our physical and spiritual strengthening to the message the Church carries to the world?
This class is taught on the eve of Yom Kippur. In recognition of that, Dr. Dean began class with a short video of Aveinu Shebashabaim, a Hebrew prayer for the State of Israel, sung by the Chief Cantor of the Israeli Defense Forces. As Christians we recognize the importance of supporting Israel and the Jewish people in light of Genesis 12:1-3 and we appreciate how God’s love for Israel lives forever in His covenants and promises. Understand the real threats Israel and the Christian world face today and the Christian’s role in support of Israel. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is an example of another witness for the faith shown throughout Acts. Was Saul, in his thorough knowledge of the scriptures, an Old Testament believer or was he covered in layers that suppressed the Truth in unrighteousness? How long after the crucifixion did this event take place? Did Saul’s commission include more than just the Gentiles? Get the sequence and significance of events that began on the road to Damascus and led to Paul’s baptism and the beginning of his ministry.
The study of Saul’s conversion is more than academic. It becomes a study of our own times and how the Holy Spirit works today to totally redirect lives we have considered a lost cause. This revelation to Saul is repeated in scripture as an objective account of a historical event which was witnessed, and not just an imagined happening within Saul’s head. Saul uses his background as the catalyst in a severe acting out of passion directed against the gospel which may also mask an over-zealous but positive inclination toward God. Learn the significance of the bright light, Jesus’ introduction in terms of His humanity, Paul’s blindness, why Paul and Jesus spoke Hebrew instead of Aramaic, Paul’s conversation with Agrippa and Paul’s commission from God as apostle to the Gentiles.
Before we study Acts 9, a biographical sketch of Paul is essential. His road to Damascus experience is so important that the Holy Spirit has chosen to refer to it several times in Scripture. Here we see the miraculous nature of Saul’s conversion and the power of God in transforming a life. Get to know Saul through events surrounding him as he was growing up, his family, his education, his extreme persecution of Christians, his Jewishness and his leadership involvement as he spread the Christian message to the Gentiles. God’s role through intervention in history and His determination of ultimate reality are so counter to our cultural beliefs that reaction to these events has been extreme and dismissive. Learn about political correctness and its function in the suicide of Western Civilization.
The conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch through Isaiah 53 is an evangelistic ministry of Philip. The Holy Spirit is in charge, but evangelism is not apart from human responsibility. The Ethiopian is as ready as one can be to believe. Compare that to Paul, the prime persecutor of the Christian faith. Who would think his hostility could be turned around? Is there someone in your periphery you have written off because of their strong defenses? Relax, persevere, befriend, pray and trust, but be ready to deliver the Truth that you know. This lesson focuses on substitution, a foreign concept in our culture, but the major theme found consistently throughout the Old Testament, occurring prior to Israel and developed throughout Israel’s history and worship. See how the person of Christ and God’s judgment of us through His substitutionary death is undeniably stated in this passage so that we can know that Israel’s Servant can be none other than Jesus Christ.
As these future Jews look back on who they rejected, the identity of the Servant becomes focused beyond question. No passage is so perfectly honed into the person and work of Jesus Christ as this Word given by God to His beloved Israel. By illumination and elimination the description becomes a driving force to steer the unbelieving world to Jesus Christ. Our grief, sorrows, transgressions, iniquities and chastisement describe our guilt deserving of the penalty. Stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, bruised, travail of His soul, describe the severity of the penalty. Borne, carried, offering for sin, put Him to grief, describe Him as our substitute. Justify many describes the completed atonement, and satisfy describes the Father’s approval. Righteous Servant, without deceit, who has done no violence, describes the offering – a righteous man, a sacrifice, Israel’s Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rejection of the Servant and Realization of Who He is. Isaiah 53:1-6. August 14, 2012. Learn the ways people have tried to read this as a non-messianic passage and how that is, at best, a stretch beyond evidence and reason. The perspective is a future believing Jewish remnant looking back with an element of confession on the One they failed to recognize and the nation’s rejection that followed. Compare the imagery in The Arm of the Lord, Tender Shoot and Man of Sorrows. See how historical relevance of these terms points to the Messianic view. Contrast the Jewish expectations from Messiah and the Servant who actually came. Rejection ultimately shifts to glory revealing the substitutionary atonement and affirmation of what the Servant has accomplished.
From Isaiah 52 we have eliminated two of the possibilities in answer to the Ethiopian eunuch’s question, “of whom does the prophet speak,” which leaves us with the third possibility, the future Messiah. What group is looking back to report these things about Messiah? Look closely to determine the focus of these verses – suffering or exaltation? Compare and contrast the New King James translation with those of 20th century Jewish translations to see where they differ and the theology those differences affect. Understand the considerations in translating the word “sprinkle,” and the possibility of the influence of theology on translation instead of correct translation of the particular word on one’s theology.
The Ethiopian eunuch has a lot to tell us about personal evangelism. But be careful; our age is not one of transition and the object of our message may be sorely lacking in information unlike the Ethiopian eunuch. What did he already know that is absent or distorted in our culture? What is the advantage that comes from the experience of failure in our efforts? Can we relax in our efforts to evangelize because we know who is ultimately responsible for bringing in the crop? Where are we responsible to be vigilant when we evangelize? Our challenge is, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to illuminate the truth surrounding “My Servant” as central in God’s message to the unbelieving world and to focus on Isaiah’s description in its uniqueness to Christ.
The Ethiopian Eunuch is reading from Isaiah 53 about "the Lamb" and asks Philip, "to whom does this refer?" Learn the enormous significance of this term for Israel. Consider the options for Philip’s answer: a historical figure, the nation Israel, or an individual who is Israel’s suffering Messiah? See when early Jewish Rabbis saw Isaiah 53 as a reference to their suffering Messiah and when and why that began to change. Learn about the different servant songs in Isaiah and the Servant who is the center focus, the delivering Servant of God who is fully God, fully man, the branch of David and eternal king. See the ongoing thread of the role of servant throughout Scripture that can be fulfilled by Jesus Christ alone.
The Holy Spirit is responsible for the expansion of the church, but His covert/indirect guidance is more common than His overt/direct guidance in Acts. Others, such as the angel in Acts 8:26 also give rare divine guidance. In this episode we learn of the spread of the gospel to Ethiopia through this one Ethiopian eunuch. Who was he? Where did he come from? What is the possible spiritual heritage of the Ethiopian and how is it that Philip hears him reading from Isaiah? From this episode we learn valuable insights on the spiritual life plus we learn something fascinating about Jews and Ethiopia.
There was a positive response to the gospel message in Samaria. In Acts 8:13 Simon the sorcerer also believed. When Peter and John came from Jerusalem to lay hands on the believing Samaritans, they received the Holy Spirit. Simon thought this was great and offered money in order to profit himself from this phenomenon. Was Simon really saved? What did it mean when Peter told Simon he had neither part nor portion in this matter? How can we know that Simon’s belief was sufficient for his salvation?
Confusion around the Baptism of the Holy Spirit includes a definition, questions about when it happens, who is the agent who accomplishes it, how is it different from water baptism, is it an experience which can be felt, is it manifested by tongues, and how does it relate to relatively new Christian movements? Does the church age begin on a definitive date? If not, how does that relate to occurrences in Acts which seem different from doctrines in the Church age today? These questions and more are answered concerning the essential and important doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Syria under the Assad regime is clearly an enemy of the US and the west. However, there is much to this situation that is not explained in our media. Hear other dimensions to this problem in this class.
After Philip's successful evangelism in Samaria, Peter and John are sent by the apostles in Jerusalem to Samaria. Only then, after they have believed and received believer's baptism, do they receive the Holy Spirit. Why didn’t the Samaritans instantly receive the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation? Pastor Dean explains the four Pentecosts in Acts and the role speaking in tongues has, or may not have, in each. What is the purpose of speaking in tongues? How is it related to the Jews? Why was speaking in tongues not necessary at the Pentecost in Samaria?
In Acts 1–7 we see the birth of the church, its growing pains and persecution by the Jewish leaders. By chapter 8, this persecution forces believers to leave Jerusalem and trust God to expand the church. The gospel spreads through Philip’s ministry. Saul is converted, but not trusted at first because of his history of persecution of the church. God leads Peter to the Gentile Cornelius who believed and received the Holy Spirit. Herod Agrippa instigates another reign of persecution but he soon dies and the Word of God “grew and multiplied.” It is God’s work to grow the church, not man’s accomplishment.
Passages in Stephen’s message are sometimes used by unbelievers as evidence of the Bible being full of contradictions. Inspiration and inerrancy of scripture is the cornerstone of belief in the Christian faith. Christians believe that the Bible is “God-breathed,” that the Holy Spirit supernaturally directed human writers in order that they “exhale” His Word exactly as God intended. This applies only to the original manuscripts. We no longer have these original documents, but Pastor Dean demonstrates how the discovery of what we do have can be discerned, compared and validated so that what might appear on the surface to be a discrepancy may be fit consistently with the inerrancy of the text without compromising the integrity of God's Word.
Resolution to the problem of distribution of aid to the widows introduces us to the seven men (more specifically Stephen), chosen by the new church on the basis of their qualifications of a Spirit-filled life resulting in wisdom. These qualities were manifested in their spiritual vitality, consistent walk and reputation among the body. Taking care of the less fortunate within a community is an individual responsibility, a volitional choice from the application of God’s Word which God doesn’t subvert by taking over the reins of our life. Leadership serves people not personal gain. Spiritual maturity discerns the difference. The result of the selection of these men was a division of authority which allowed pastors and administrators to focus on their number one priority.
The focus is the expansion of the church and how it was addressed by the apostles with the Holy Spirit working behind the scenes. This was not a smooth process. In fact, it led to hostile reactions, the death of Steven and persecution from the Jewish leadership. Ultimately, it forced upon the new church a scattering which led them to do what Jesus had commanded, to be witnesses in Judea and beyond. Does the process of legitimate growth sometimes bring growing pains and difficult change? In order to confront the problem of the inequity of distribution of aid to widows the apostles were challenged to become leaders whose skills were based on Biblical principles. What are essential leadership skills? The solution to this problem is the beginning of the idea of split roles in the church, the teaching ministry (spiritual) and the ministering to needs of the congregation (physical). In both, the key idea is service based on humility. A committee of seven was selected to minister to these physical needs. What do you think were the qualifications for those seven to minister to the physical needs of the new church?
As we complete our study of Chapter 5, we revisit our battlegrounds. Are we weary, fatigued, or full of energy? We are reminded of the importance of learning to love the battle because of what the end game is. In vs. 33 a shift occurs that foreshadows a division among the Pharisees and Sadducees and we learn more about the Pharisees during the period of history in Acts. In this lesson, we are introduced to one of the foremost Pharisees, a rabbi who showed some sympathy toward Christianity and to Peter and the Apostles. We also see Peter and the Apostles suffer shame in His Name, as they endure flogging. Yet we are told they went away rejoicing. This brings into focus an example of their enthusiasm for the Gospel and shows us how to love the battles we are in, keeping the end game in mind - glorifying God.
Was it the Jewish people? Was it Pilate? Was it the Romans? This lesson examines how myths, both ancient and modern, along with revisionism have played a role in a flawed understanding of the Scriptural Truth and reason for Christ's crucifixion.
With a quick review of our study of Acts so far, we are again reminded of the righteous and gracious provisions for the poor. As we move further into this lesson, we learn that the overall theme of Acts is the story of the Holy Spirit and the Apostles. And we learn that Acts 4:32 to Acts 5:16 can best be described as a progress report on apostolic authority.
Dr. Dean referenced a YouTube-based video on economics in this class. You can view the video by clicking here.
Note: Due to technical difficulties, the first several minutes of the video are not available. However, the audio file (MP3) contains the entire class.
In our study of Acts, we are currently looking at what the Bible says about managing our resources. We are reminded that although God allows for flexibility within different cultures, His absolute social structures are universal and embedded in all of creation. Part of our personal responsibility is providing for others. In this lesson, we learn more of the righteous and gracious provisions for the poor.
In our study of Acts, we are currently engaging in a side study of economics - what the Bible says about managing our resources. In this lesson, we are reminded that although God allows for flexibility within different cultures, His absolute social structures are universal and embedded in all of creation. As we look at the Divine Institution of individual responsibility, we learn that the emphasis is on accountability in the areas of personal responsibility, property, and value. We learn that value is imputed by God to His creatures, but the value of His Word, God, and Jesus Christ are the only values of an intrinsic nature.
In our study of Acts, we are currently engaging in a side study of economics - what the Bible says about managing our resources. In this lesson, we look at Genesis 1 and 2 where we learn that universal absolute social structures are embedded in all of creation, and how we are to manage the resources we are given. As we study more about the Divine Institutions designed by God, we learn about the economics tied to these institutions and how the Trinity itself is economic. We are introduced to the concept of value and whether the Bible determines value subjectively or objectively.
As we continue in our study of Acts, the Biblical concept of labor, property, and value are in focus. With the many issues regarding these concepts in the forefront of today's headlines, it is important that we are certain we have the ability to use proper discernment - to think in a Biblical way. However, this can be very difficult when we live in a society with so many Romans 1:19 people. In this lesson, we take a close look at the current events of the continued attack on the nation of Israel by the world. We learn the significance of Israel being the apple of God's eye. And we begin a review of the framework of society - the Divine Institutions created by God.
As we continue in our study of the Biblical concept of labor, property, and value, many questions arise. Is Christian socialism legitimate? How do we define value? The Bible clearly teaches that we are to labor, so how does the Bible relate to modern day economics? How we answer these questions determines how our society prospers.
Acts is a transition book. It is a narrative description of some very important concepts about the Christian life in the Church age, but it is not a prescription. We see the transition from the Age of Israel to the Church Age. We see the dispensation of the Mosaic Law transition into the dispensation of Grace. And we see the transition of the church from mainly Jewish to Gentile. In this lesson we learn the Biblical concept of money, labor, and profit. We find out if the Bible says that "money is the root of all evil" and why the early Christians in Acts sold all their resources and layed them at the apostles' feet. Is this the example of what Christians are to do today?
The Importance of Prayer. Acts 4:25-37. October 11, 2011. As we review the mechanics of effective prayer: confession, gratitude, thanksgiving, intercession, and petition, we see these components applied in a powerful way by the apostles in the way they pray. But as believers in the Church Age, are we to include each of these components every time we pray in order to have an effective prayer life? As we observe more of these early believers, their actions and decisions cause some questions to arise. What was their motivation? Were their actions in keeping with a form of socialism sanctioned in Scripture? As we learn more about the importance of prayer, we are reminded of the impact our prayers have when we are focused and properly motivated.
As we see Peter and John released from prison, they do something very interesting - they hold a prayer meeting. This brings us into a review of what the Bible says about prayer and what Scripture-based prayer is all about. When the Word of God says "pray without ceasing", what does that mean? In this lesson we look at the mechanics of effective prayer: confession, gratitude, thanksgiving, intercession, and petition.
As we begin to wrap up a side study on the issues of authority tied to our study in Acts 4, we gain more insight into how a Christian is to submit to authority and how to handle hostilities by applying spiritual wisdom in a pagan world. The book of Daniel gives us many illustrations on how we are to handle situations in our lives when the authorities over us may conflict with our beliefs. Should we obey God or man? As we see in this lesson, the real issue is to maintain our trust in God no matter what the outcome.
As we continue our study in Acts 4, we gain more insight into how a Christian is to submit to authority and how to handle hostilities by applying spiritual wisdom in a pagan world.
Is there any correlation between witchcraft and rebellion against authority? Are Christians a law unto themselves? The underlying issue in all of human history is really an issue of authority. Under what circumstances then, does a Christian have the responsibility to disobey authority? In the third lesson of this special side study on authority, we learn that there are limits to authority and look at passages that begin to explore these limitations. This is an extremely important area of study during our current times and begins to clarify exactly what a Christian's position should be in every area of authority in their life.
"What shall we do to these men?". This question was asked by the Sanhedrin, the legitimate Jewish governing authority. Because of Peter and the apostles' stand, the Sanhedrin lose face, and Peter is put in jail. This act was clearly uncalled for, yet it happened. How did Peter choose to handle this unjust act? As we begin this study, we are reminded that authority is established by God and that it exists in every area of our lives, from husband/wife, family, government, to the local church and our employer. As we learn more about God's mandates regarding how we are to regard authority, we will be able to apply these lessons to a current modern day issue many of us find ourselves faced with: obedience to our own governing authority.
Apologetics. What is that? Does it mean giving an apology for something or to someone? As we learn more about this doctrine, we discover the difference between an "evidentialist" vs. a "presuppositionalist". This lesson explains the Biblical approach for believers who encounter those who say "don't confuse me with the facts - my mind's made up!"
As we continue in our study of Acts, we see how Chapters 3 & 4 fit together. In our previous lesson, we saw Peter challenged by the Sandhedrin, a council of approximately 71 priests, temple guards, and Sadducees, and how he dealt with them. These Jews knew full well that there was proof of an empty tomb, yet their hostility toward Peter's message was evident. How did Peter handle them? Scripture says Peter was "full" of the Holy Spirit. Is this the same as walking by means of the Holy Spirit?
Peter boldly challenges the Sandhedrin, and we are introduced to Apologetics. In this lesson, we begin to learn how we believers in the Church Age can accurately apply the doctrine of Apologetics in our own lives.
As we wrap up Acts 3 and get into Acts 4, we look back at the first of the chapter with Peter healing the lame man. Catching the attention of the Jews who witnessed this, Peter begins his third message in vs. 19-21 admonishing them to change and drawing the parallel of the unique and distinct prophet Moses to the promised Messiah, reminding them that "Jesus is this prophet". As he reminds his listeners of the one specific aspect of the Covenant, the seed promise, and ties it to the physical resurrection of Christ, the Jews knew first hand this had happened. As we begin Chapter 4 of Acts, we see Peter meeting his next challenge - the Sanhedrin, a Council of approximately 71 priests, temple guards, and Sadducees. This wasn't the first time Peter had encountered this group. Did he handle them differently this time, and why? What was it Peter was teaching and preaching that had them so upset and hostile? As we start this section of Acts, the question arises: is it ever legitimate to violate the laws of the government under whose authority we find ourselves?
The large percentage of Jews in the church in Acts were well versed in the wording and vocabulary of the Old Testament and the Mosaic Law. They also had a great sense that some radical change was afoot, that something important was about to take place. So when Peter used specific, distinct vocabulary and phrases when he spoke to them in Acts 3:23, they were sure to have recognized immediately that he was quoting from Deut. 18:15 and comparing the prophet Moses to the Prophet to come. But what was so distinct and unique about Moses compared to other prophets? Who was this Prophet to come? In this lesson, we learn that these two prophets had in common the role of legislator, mediator, royalty, and leadership.
One of the most popular heresies today is that we are in some form of the Kingdom: a spiritual kingdom, an already-not yet kingdom, a partial kingdom. Yet none of this is based on the Bible. Acts 3:19-21 makes it clear that Jesus must be here for the kingdom to be in existence. Not only that, Israel must be all back in the land, or there is no kingdom. Moreover, Israel must be fully regathered, or there is no New Covenant yet. This is clear from this passage. Learn this issue because it is a root of much error in the church today!
Peter and John's healing of the lame man electrified the inhabitants of Jerusalem. An enormous crowd quickly gathered on the Temple mount, and Peter began to explain the significance of what happened. In this message, he again offers the kingdom to Israel. But first he begins by focusing on who Jesus is. He describes him as "My Servant" and "the Holy One," two terms loaded with Old Testament baggage. This lesson begins to explore this rich terminology.
When John the Baptist and Jesus appeared on the scene announcing that the Kingdom of God was at hand, their listeners knew what the Kingdom was. How? Because a Kingdom had been promised Israel throughout the Old Testament. Listen to this lesson and learn how detailed the prophecies were concerning the future kingdom of God.
Maybe the kingdom of God might seem to some to be just another abstract concept in the Bible, but they would be greatly mistaken. The kingdom of God is one of those concepts that is frequently misunderstood, much to the detriment of one's understanding of God, the plan of God, prophecy, Jesus, not to mention its misuse by various utopic schemes that impact social and political theory. In this lesson we step back to re-examine what the Bible teaches about this important truth, so that we can better understand the message in Acts chapters 1-8.
Is repentance a requirement for salvation? Is baptism a requirement of salvation? We don't believe so. We believe that salvation comes to those who simply believe in Jesus for salvation. But what about Peter's message in Acts 2:38? Didn't he call upon his audience to repent and be baptized in order to be saved? Sure he did, but you might be surprised when you find out what he was really talking about.
Click on the following links to find other materials associated with this Bible class:
Acts Intro Acts Outline Acts Chart