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.

The Power of the Holy Spirit Arrives

At the celebration of the annual Jewish festival, Pentecost, Jews of many languages from many cities, provinces, and
nations were gathered to thank God for His provision of the harvest. The Holy Spirit manifests itself on Jesus’ disciples
this day, giving them the ability to speak in languages they did not know, appearing as tongues of fire. Peter delivers the
first gospel message to this crowd and 3,000 believe the message, repent, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ Kingship and Command

At his ascension to heaven, Jesus revealed His immediate plan for continuing His work and eternal vision for His church. Beginning with about 120 men and women disciples in Jerusalem, this led to the explosive growth by the power of the Holy Spirit to include all people on earth.

We're excited to launch our podcast series, The Church's Foundation: Peter Steps Up in Faith. This series follows the study guide of the same name, available at LifeMarkMinistries.org. By purchasing the guide, you can follow along with each episode for a deeper and more meaningful journey through the first 12 chapters of the Book of Acts.

The series is taught by three gifted teachers: Mark Schupbach, Rob Pine, and James Heffington.

Paul completes his journey to Rome under God's providential care to witness and testify for Jesus just as Jesus had told him. Paul had daily home Bible studies with visitors and even Roman guards. We benefit today from four letters he wrote during his two-year prison term canonized in the Bible as Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Luke records in detail the places, people and time of Paul's trip to Rome, the capital of the Gentile world at the time. A powerful chapter that illustrates the inability of people to save themselves, and God's ability to keep His promises for His purpose, His way, and in His time.