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Acts of the Apostles: The Journey of Unity, Mission, Ministry and the Holy Spirit to the World

Greg Witter| Ephraim’s Cry

Hebraic Mindset Study Series

The Book of Acts is critical to one’s understanding. If you are not grounded in the Old Testament”, it is very easy to get a twisted understanding of the book of Acts. As it is about the “Acts” of beliers echo had a very strong and deep understand of the Scriptures, (the Books of Moses) the prophets and the “Other Writings”. Who lived Walked and taught the instructions of the Covenant of Exodus 19 through 24.

Also known as “the Acts of the Apostles”, it is a fascinating account of the Early believers and Ekklēsia, its origins, and the spread of the Gospel of יהושׁוּע Yahûshûa HaMashiach. Written by Luke, a traveling coworker to Paul (Col. 4:14). It Spans a timeframe from 30 AD to somewhere around 61 AD. Acts is the second volume in the unified, two-part work that we know today as Luke-Acts. It provides a historical account of the early Body of believers (Ekklēsia) after the ascension of יהושׁוּע Yahûshûa HaMashiach (Jesus Christ). Written by Luke, it details the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome and highlights the significant roles of the apostles, particularly Peter and Paul.

The book begins with the Ascension of Jesus from Mt. Olivet near Jerusalem and concludes with the imprisonment of Paul in Rome. It provides a historical account of how the Ekklēsia grew and spread from Jerusalem into the rest of the Roman Empire. In just three decades, a small group of believers in Jerusalem transformed into an empire-wide movement of people who had committed their lives to יהושׁוּע Yahûshûa HaMashiach .

Acts can be neatly divided into two sections, “The Home Assembly or Congregation and Its Mission”, dealing primarily with the ministry of Peter in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 1–12) and the second, “Foreign Missions” following Paul on his missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 13–28). It records the transition from taking the gospel to an exclusively Jewish audience—with Peter preaching to a small group in the Upper Room—to the gospel going out among the Gentiles, primarily under the ministry of the Apostle Paul

In the Book of Acts the Old Testament is Directly quoted in at least 25 distinct writings There are many more indirect citations, and even more allusions. For instance, in the first few chapters of Acts, In Acts 1:20, Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 are quoted. In Acts 2:17-21, the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32 is cited. Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:34-35 quotes Psalm 110:1. These quotations show how the early believers’ saw Yahûshûas’ life, death, and resurrection as the fulfillment and importance of Old Testament prophecies and held to the instruction given in the covenant. The Book of Acts mentions the Sabbath a total of ten times, eight of which relate to worship. There are claims that the disciples kept the Sabbath 85 times in the Book of Acts, but this number is not directly mentioned in the text. It is an interpretation based on the various instances where the apostles and early believers are described as meeting or preaching on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is critical to the life of the early believers. And we should find it critical in our walk as believers today. 

The book of Acts is not just a history of the early believers, it is also a guide for the believers of all times. It shows how believers were empowered by the Holy Spirit, worked to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom, and serves as a model for the future believers. It is a testament to the power of faith and the Holy Spirit, and a guide to understanding the early Ekklēsia’s challenges and triumphs.

As we now delve deeper into the Book of Acts, we will find many important and interesting things and events that must be understood from a messianic perspective:

The book begins in 30 AD with the Ascension of Jesus from Mt. Olivet near Jerusalem (Acts 1:9-11). After He instructs the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, the apostles return to Jerusalem and choose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve (Acts 1:12-26).

We quickly see and learn that when יהושׁוּע Yahûshûa (Jesus), (40 days after His resurrection) was in the company of His apostles (Acts 1:2-3). They were curious about the future of Israel and asked Him about its restoration (Acts 1:6). Jesus responded with wisdom, explaining that the times or seasons are set by the Father’s authority and not for them to know (Acts 1:7). He further assured them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (Acts 1:8). This power would enable them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Following this profound conversation, a miraculous event unfolded. Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). This ascension marked His departure from the earthly realm and His entry into the heavenly realm (Acts 1:9). As the apostles were looking up, straining their eyes to catch the last glimpse of Jesus, two men dressed in white robes appeared beside them (Acts 1:10).

Men, identified as angels, appeared and addressed the apostles. They asked why the apostles were looking into the sky (Acts 1:11). The angels then delivered a promise that was both comforting and filled with hope. They said, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). This message from the angels reaffirmed the promise of Jesus’ return (Acts 1:11).

The Ascension ends Jesus’ earthly ministry and His return to be with God. Following the Ascension, the apostles awaited the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which would empower them for their mission. This mission involved being witnesses to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and sharing His teachings with the world. Thus begins the “Book of the Acts of the Apostles, disciples and followers of Yahusha HaMashiach.

We learn of how Holy Spirit descends upon the believers at Pentecost, and they speak in various languages (Acts 2:1-13). Peter delivers a powerful sermon, Using quotations from the “Old Testament” (Joel 2:28-32 & Psalm 16:8-11) and about three thousand people believe and are baptized (Acts 2:14-41).

We see that Peter heals a lame beggar in the name of Jesus at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10). Peter addresses the crowd, urging them to repent and turn to God (Acts 3:11-26). We find that Peter and John are arrested (for crimes against the man-made laws of Pharisees and their authority) and brought before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22). Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly testifies about Jesus (Acts 4:5-12). The believers pray for boldness and are filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:23-31).

As the book continues it recounts the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira, who lie about their offering and are struck dead (Acts 5:1-11) by the power of the Ruach HaKodesh. The apostles perform many miracles, and despite being arrested, they continue to preach (Acts 5:12-42).

Somewhere around 35 AD the apostles appoint seven men, full of the Holy Spirit, to oversee the distribution of food to widows (Acts 6:1-7). Stephen, one of the seven, performs miracles and is seized by the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:8-15).Stephen gives a lengthy speech recounting Israel’s history and accusing the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:1-53). He is stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr, with Saul (later Paul) standing by holding the cloaks and approving of the actions (Acts 7:54-60).
As we continue with the narrative, we have Philip preaching in Samaria, where many believe and are baptized (Acts 8:4-25). Simon the sorcerer believes but tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-24). And Philip baptizes an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).

At around 36 AD we are given the account, Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and is converted, taking the name Paul (Acts 9:1-19). And Peter heals Aeneas and raises Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:32-43).

We watch a significant shift as the Gospel is extended to the Gentiles taking place about 40 AD. Where Cornelius, a Roman centurion, has a vision in which an angel instructs him to send for Peter (Acts 10:1-8). Meanwhile, Peter has a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals, and a voice commands him to eat (Acts 10:9-16). This vision signifies that the Gospel is for all, without any discrimination. And contrary to popular belief it does not make the unclean and forbidden as “food” (Meat), clean to eat, as many believe. Peter goes to Cornelius’ house in Caesarea, preaches the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening (Acts 10:17-48).

Then in ~43 AD we hear the recounts of Peter’s defense of his actions to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. He explains his vision and how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles (Acts 11:1-18). And how the believers in Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:19-30).

We are informed of how Herod Agrippa I, persecutes the Ekklēsia (the body of believers), killing James and imprisoning Peter (Acts 12:1-4). But an angel rescues Peter from prison (Acts 12:5-19). How in 44 AD Herod dies suddenly, providing a stark contrast between human power and divine judgment (Acts 12:20-23).

We accompany Paul and Barnabas on their “first missionary journey” ~47 AD. Where they face both acceptance and opposition. In Lystra, Paul heals a lame man, and the crowd thinks they are gods (Acts 14:8-18). Jews from Antioch and Iconium come and stone Paul, but he survives (Acts 14:19-202).

We look into the Jerusalem Council that meets in ~50 AD to discuss whether Gentile believers need to follow the Law of Moses (Acts 15:1-21). Where James’ judgment is deeply rooted in the Torah (Exodus 22:20, Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17, 10:20-21, Numbers 25:1-3, Genesis 9:4, Ezekiel 33:25, 1 Corinthians 10:14), reflecting principles that apply to Gentiles as well as Jews. They conclude that they do not, and they write a letter to Gentile believers, encouraging them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood (Acts 15:22-29). “Therefore, I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from the defilements of idols, and from whoring, and from what is strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19-20) Where James concludes with “For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” (Acts 15:21)Where did James and the council get this? Obviously, they didn’t pull it out of thin air. Abstain from food polluted by idols comes from command in Leviticus 17:8-9 as also prohibiting the eating of any meat that had been offered in a prohibited manner. Jesus endorsed that interpretation in Revelation 2:14, 20.

From sexual immorality is from Leviticus 18:6-26.Meat of strangled animals Leviticus 17:13-15 as prohibiting the eating of strangled animals. And from blood is from Leviticus 17:10, 12. All from the law, the covenant and it’s instructions.

These instructions were given as the minimum requirements for Gentiles to be in congregation with their fellow Jewish believers. While this was already known to many Gentiles who attended synagogues and heard the teachings of Moses every Sabbath, indicating a continuity of moral and ethical standards rather than an introduction of instructions of the Covenant. James’ reference to the Torah and the Prophets shows the importance of these ancient texts in guiding the early Ekklesia’s (Assemble/Congregation) decisions.

We read the recount Paul’s second missionary journey from ~51 AD. How He and Silas revisit the churches from the first journey, and then travel to Europe, where they found Ekklēsia in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth (Acts 16:1-18:22).

We learn that during Paul’s third missionary journey (~54 AD), were he spends two years in Ephesus, where extraordinary miracles occur (Acts 19:1-20). In Ephesus, the silversmiths riot against Paul because his preaching against idols is bad for their business (Acts 19:23-41). Paul then travels through Macedonia and Greece and raises Eutychus from the dead in Troas (Acts 20:7-12).

We told of Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and his defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 21:1-23:35)(~58 AD). Despite a plot to kill him, he is taken safely to Caesarea (Acts 23:12-35). How Paul is on trial (~59 AD) before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 24:1-26:32). He shares his testimony and declares the Gospel. Agrippa is almost persuaded to become a Christian (Acts 26:28).

We are told of the harrowing sea journey (~60 AD) to Rome (Acts 27:1-44). Despite storms and shipwreck, all on board are saved, just as Paul had prophesied (Acts 27:21-26).

Finally, how Paul is shipwrecked on Malta, where he survives a snakebite and heals many people (Acts 28:1-10). He finally arrives in Rome, where he is under house arrest for two years (Acts 28:16). He welcomes all who come to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:30-31). Concluding the accounts of the book of the Acts of the Apostles around 61 AD.

Conclusion and Summary:

The Book of Acts provides us with the historical antecedents of our faith and how that faith came to be embraced from Jerusalem to Rome. It is significant for chronicling the spread of the gospel, over a 31-year timeline, not only geographically but also culturally.

The Book of Acts chronicles the dynamic and transformative early years of the believer, from the Ascension of Jesus to Paul’s ministry in Rome. It highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the spread of the Gospel, such as the Jerusalem Council, which addressed the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith. James’ judgment, rooted deeply in the Torah and the Prophets, ensured continuity in moral and ethical standards while embracing the diverse body of believers.

Paul’s missionary journeys demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit, overcoming opposition and expanding the reach of the Gospel. His unwavering commitment despite intense persecution serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith. The Book of Acts is a foundational text, showcasing the early believers’ dedication, the miracles they witnessed, and the spread of the Gospel across diverse cultures.

Join us for a deep study of the Book of Acts
https://ephraimscry.com/category/book-teachings/acts/

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