Christians learn from the words and example of Jesus to help the needy. But these verses are more than just a tale of such kindness in action in the church’s early years. They also contribute to Luke’s description of the
Gracious disagreement
If Jesus came to build God’s kingdom (Lk 4:43) and bring people into unity (Co 3:11), why have Christians formed so many different types of churches? Has something gone wrong? Our verses provide part of the answer, as they give
Baptism in the Spirit
What is ‘Baptism in the Spirit’? Is it, as some say, a personal experience given by the Lord to a Christian, in which he/she receives the Holy Spirit in a fuller way and is thus empowered to: pray better, know
A really useful complaint
It’s time for a new phase in the church’s life as Jesus takes forward the plan he outlined to his disciples (Ac 1:8). Their focus thus far has rightly been on Jerusalem in general, and the temple in particular. But
Crisis? What crisis?
A crisis is growing in first century Jerusalem as the 12 apostles play a dangerous game. Having already been arrested and threatened by the authorities (Ac 4:3, 5:18), they provoke them further by returning to the temple to preach (Ac
Bold living
When two groups live alongside one another, tensions can rise. In Acts 5 such tension is growing in Jerusalem as the number of Jesus’ followers grows rapidly in its midst (Ac 2:47). Especially, the accusation of murder (Ac 4:10) and
Choose your temple
When Jesus died, God ripped apart the magnificent curtains in the temple and its inner, sacred room was exposed as empty (Lk 23:45). That moment captured what was true about the religion that Jesus found in Judah: it had a
Inspiring words
On the day of Pentecost, Jesus used miracles and preaching to challenge Jerusalem’s sins (Ac 2:14-36). Now he is doing so again, with a dramatic healing and another bold sermon from Peter (Ac 3:1-8). The effect is powerful and, this
What were you thinking?
Acts is about a vital period in history when the foundations were laid upon which Jesus’ church has been built (Ep 2:19-22). Key to this task was the apostles’ teaching (2:42). They’d spent 3 years with Jesus, watching, listening, learning.
Who are we?
We identify ourselves in various ways: name, race, gender, job and so on. When that identity is disturbed then we may be upset, confused or uneasy. Western society often adds to that unease by encouraging us to decide who we