A Study On The Book of Acts: The Preaching of Pentecost | Acts 2:22-40

Revival Continues | Acts 4:32-36

Important points to keep in mind:

Acts 4:32 ~ All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

The unity that is seen here is a wonderful evidence of God's work among the believers. Because of their unity, they regarded people as of more importance than anything else. 

The believers had all things in common. They recognized that God owns everything. Everything belongs to God and His people. Because God had touched their lives so deeply, they found it easy to share all things with those in need.

There was also probably an immediate reason for this significant sharing of all things in common. Since Pentecost there was a large number of those who believed and many of them were from distant lands. Without permanent homes and jobs in Jerusalem and Judea, those who stayed in Jerusalem to learn more about being followers of Jesus needed special support from the Christian community.

The great power that is mentioned in verse 33 is both the result and the root of the attitude we have seen in the previous verse (verse 32) - the believers put God first, people second, and material things a distant third.

Notice again the central place the resurrection of Jesus held in the message of the first Christians. They preached a resurrected Jesus.

Great grace was upon them all. Grace is God's favor. God's favor is evident everywhere.

Acts 4:34-35 ~ 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

This radical giving was absolutely necessary to meet the needs of this rapidly growing church. Remember, many of these Jerusalem Christians who responded to the Gospel on the day of Pentecost lived as refugees from abroad.

People didn’t wait for others to give. When a need arose, they gave what they had to help others.

They distributed to each as anyone had need: Unfortunately, this generosity of the early Christians soon began to be abused. Later the Apostle Paul taught regarding who should be helped and how they should be helped. Paul’s directions were that:

•             The church must discern who the truly needy are (1 Timothy 5:3).

•             If one can work to support himself, he is not truly needy and must provide for his own needs (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:11).

•             If family can support a needy person, the church should not support them (1 Timothy 5:3-4).

•             Those who are supported by the church must make some return to the church body (1 Timothy 5:5, 10).

•             It is right for the church to examine moral conduct before giving support (1 Timothy 5:9-13).

•             The support of the church should be for the most basic necessities of living (1 Timothy 6:8).

Remember: This is radical. There are people who only speak today about the power of the Spirit and how people speak in tongues and do miracles. But actually in Acts, the Spirit goes deeper than that. The Spirit transforms us from the inside so that we serve God gladly. We are then devoted to one another and we strive to meet the needs of others. There were a lot of very poor people in Jerusalem, and they wanted to make sure that everybody is taken care of. All of this took place as people started believing in Jesus and professing their faith in Him. Both in words and actions. 

"32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all" ~ Acts 4:32-33 (NIV)

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Prayer & Praise In The Face Of Persecution | Acts 4:23-32

Important points to keep in mind:

After their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

The people who received Peter and John lift their voices and praise God in one voice. They are praising God in the face of persecution. Remember what Jesus had said with regard to persecution: Blessed are you when people hate and insult you. 

In response to their release, they praised God and prayed. Important moments led them to prayer. The prayer was a spontaneous prayer.

•  They raised their voices together in prayer. They had mass prayer and maybe individual prayer.

•  They prayed in unity. They had no strife or competition among them.

•  They prayed to God, who made the heavens and the earth. The disciples had power in prayer because they knew who they prayed to.

•  Paul praised God in the same way. Acts 16:25 - About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

•  They prayed in light of the Scriptures.

•  The prayer had some quotations from Psalm 2.

God can even use the wicked to execute his own plan. The cross was his plan. God used Syria to discipline the northern kingdom of Israel. God even judged Syria for their arrogance after this.

•  God is so sovereign that he is able to accomplish his will even by allowing people a measure of free choice, so that people have responsibility for what they do with their life. But through this God accomplishes his purpose because God foreknows what we are going to do and works everything together for His plan. That is how sovereign God is. People may do evil to us but not a hair from our head will fall without God's knowledge. God’s will will prevail over all.

They prayed for more miracles and more opportunities to preach. God will continue to stretch forth his hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through his holy servant Jesus. They were asking for more miracles like this man’ healing, so that they will have more opportunities to for public preaching.

• God answered their prayer. Acts 4:31 - After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Remember:

• The early church went through persecution.

• They praised God and prayed in the times of persecution.

• They were united in God. Church community emphasis.

• God gave them boldness.

• God filled them with the Holy Spirit.

"31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." ~ Acts 4:31-32 (NIV)

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Honoring God’s Authority Above All | Acts 4:13-22

In this passage Peter and John are arrested by the Jewish Sanhedrin for the healing of a crippled man (healed in Jesus' name). Now, they are given with a choice to obey God or the Sanhedrin and they boldly choose to obey God.

Important points to keep in mind:

* The disciples were unschooled. They had no training in rhetoric speech. 

* “Unlearned:” Not trained in Greek rhetoric like the priests. Certainly they were uneducated in one sense – they, like Jesus, had no formal rabbinic education according to the customs and standards of that time. 

* Yet they were educated in two  important ways: they knew the Scriptures, and they had been with Jesus.

Looking at Acts 4:14-22 we understand that:

* Peter answered them boldly.

 * The reason for their uneducated boldness: They had learned from Jesus (Acts 4:13).

* Philosophers often stressed obeying God more than people. Socrates said that.

* Old Testament prophets modeled this boldness (Nathan confronted David, Elijah confronted Ahab, and Jeremiah confronted kings).

* Apostles were being witnesses here. They were just speaking what they have seen and heard.

* Temple authorities tried to suppress the truth using their power.

* The man who had been healed was a living testimony. No one can challenge your testimony.

* Peter and John were sent away with a threat.

The temple authorities were trying to work in their power to suppress the truth. They normally got their way because of their political power. They were not expecting Peter and John to speak back to them because they were considered unlearned.

What was the result of the trial that Peter and John had to go through?

* 2,000 more people came to believe in Jesus.

* Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit again.

* Peter got to preach about Jesus to the leaders of the Jews.

* Hostile examiners confirmed a miraculous healing.

* The enemies of Jesus were confused.

* Peter and John were bolder for Jesus than ever before.

* God was glorified.

Remember:

Let us honor God’s authority. The Scripture also gives us guidelines to obey earthly leaders as well. But God’s authority comes before any other authority.

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  ~ Acts 4:13

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ~ Acts 4:18-20

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Salvation In Jesus’ Name  | Acts 4:1-12

Important points to keep in mind:

The context for this chapter is seen in Acts 3. Peter and John had gone to the temple to pray. They come in contact with a crippled man. This crippled man is healed in the name of Jesus. Peter then goes on to preach to those who were watching what was happening. 

Acts 4:1-7 - Peter and John are confronted by by the temple authorities.

Why were they confronted by the temple authorities?

The reason is because they preached the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 4:2)

The Jewish religious leaders and sects during this time consisted of the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots.

The Pharisees talked and believed in the resurrection.

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection (Acts 23:8, Mark 12:18).

The Pharisees and the Sadducees disagreed on the resurrection.

The Temple authorities were afraid that they would lose their influence and authority over religious matters (Temple administration).

Acts 4:3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.

But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand (Acts 4:4).

Peter and John are then questioned by the religious leaders (which included the High Priest as well).

Peter's response is seen in Acts 4:8-12.

Peter boldly proclaims that it is in the name of Jesus Christ that the crippled man was healed. He also says that the religious leaders had crucified Jesus but God rose Jesus from the dead. 

Acts 4:11 - Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ (also seen in Psalm 118:22, Jesus also quotes this in Luke 20:17).

The real cornerstone on which the real temple of God is going to be built was not the temple establishment. It is the stone that the builders themselves rejected, Jesus of Nazareth. It is incidental that Golgotha the mountain Jesus was crucified on was a stone quarry. There were a lot of rejected stones there. Jesus was also the rejected stone which became the cornerstone.

Acts 4:12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Salvation in the name of Jesus:

Joel 2:32 - Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 2:21 - Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

When we reach out to others and share about Jesus we do not do so out of a position of superiority. We do not look down upon others. We were saved totally by grace and that is what God offers for others as well. So, when we reach out to people, we reach out to people as those who are broken but are welcomed by God. We have found something wonderful that we want to share with other people because we care about them.

Remember:

* Christ is the Cornerstone

* Salvation is found in Jesus’ name.

* We are saved by Grace.

* We need to be ready to pay the price for following Jesus (the disciples and those who followed Jesus faced persecution and rejection from the Jewish people as well as the religious authorities).

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” ~ Acts 4:8-12

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Times of Refreshing has come | Acts 3:10-26 

Important points to keep in mind:

Invalid beggar is healed in Jesus' name. He then goes into the temple courts (walking, jumping and praising God).

People in the temple were astonished at what happened to this man. Peter saw this as an opportunity to speak the Gospel and he gave another sermon. This is a repeat of what happened in Acts chapter 2. In Acts chapter 2, the people marveled at what happened at Pentecost and Peter spoke the word of God there. Now, in Acts chapter 3, the people were astonished at what happened to this invalid beggar and Peter again uses this as an opportunity to preach the gospel.

Jesus has been crucified but God has glorified his servant Jesus (Acts 3:13)

Jesus as the Holy and Righteous one (Acts 3:14, read Isaiah 53:11 also)

God exalted Jesus (Acts 3:15)

The irony seen in Acts 3:14 - the people accepted a murder Barabbas and pushed for his release and instead they killed the author of life.

What's even more ironical is that Jesus did not stay dead. He rose again on the third day!

The Israelites acted in ignorance (Acts 3:17)

Ignorance does not eliminate culpability (responsibility or a fault) in ancient law or thought but it does reduce it.

The promised Messianic restoration has come. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer (Acts 3:18).

All the messages of the prophets dealt with the Messianic era or Jerusalem’s restoration. Peter talks about this Messianic era.

The promised restoration/refreshing has come. What are we to do? Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord (Acts 3:19).

What was the restoration/refreshing that God promise? (Read Isaiah 11:6-9, 65:17)

Restoration of God's people - this is the central message of the Old Testament prophets.

Peter is asking the people to repent so that the times of refreshing promised by the prophets would come.

Repentance precedes restoration.

Keep in mind: 

Peter spoke about the times of refreshing to the Jewish people. He asked them to repent and turn to God so that their sins could be wiped out and they could experience the times of refreshing. Jesus is the expected Messiah of the Old Testament. Now, we who are gentiles, who are the children of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can also share in the blessings of God. These are times of refreshing for us.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," ~ Acts 3:19

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Peter Heals a Lame Beggar | Acts 3:1-10

Important points to keep in mind:

Acts chapter 3 deals with healing in Jesus’ name. 

The healing of the lame beggar is an example of what we have seen in Acts 2:43-44, 46-47.

This miracle leads to a preaching opportunity which we see in Acts 3:11-26.

Lets look at the healing of the lame beggar more closely:

* They find this man at one of the gates of the temple, the gate is called beautiful.

* Some think that the disabled were barred from entering the court of Israel (in the temple).

* The temple entrance was a profitable place to beg because people were going in and out by the gate. People were pious as they entered the temple. Judaism had a high work ethic and high charity ethics as well.

* The lame beggar askes them for money. They do not have money but they give him something more valuable than money. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk (healing in Jesus' name).

* In Jesus’ name: Probably “as his authorized agents.” They are acting on Jesus’s authority. They are acting for Jesus. Acts is about how Jesus continued to act and teach through the disciples.

* Peter gives the credit to Jesus.

* Acts 3:12 - When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

* Jesus does the work. He gets the credit. When God does the work through us, we are to give Jesus the credit.

Remember:

There is healing in Jesus’ name. We refute the health and wealth gospel, but we believe that Jesus Christ can heal people even today.

Give the glory to Jesus. Give the credit to Jesus.

Healing should provide a platform for preaching the gospel.

The lame man became a witness (a bold witness).

We have authority in the name of Jesus to pray for the sick.

"6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God," ~ Acts 3:6-9

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The Preaching Of Pentecost | Acts 2:22-40

Important points to keep in mind:

Peter wanted to tell the people that the one the crucified was the Son of God (The Messiah).

He helps them understand that they need to repent and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation from their sins.

Terms to describe Jesus:

• Jesus of Nazareth, Verse 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know."

• Approved by God, Verse 22.

• Jesus is the risen one, Verse 24

• The Lord is at the Father’s right hand. Acts 2:25, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 110:1

• Receiver of the Holy Spirit, Verse 33 "Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear."

• Giver of the Holy Spirit, Verse 33.

• Jesus is both Lord and Messiah, Verse 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Calling on the Lord’s name = Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to repent?

Repentance in Greek is to simply change your mind. Changing your mind to the conclusion that God is right and I was wrong.  Baptism is a symbolic act of the real cleansing which is the work of the Spirit.

Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 1:8 - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

We are sinners in need of forgiveness. We need Christ.

Acts 2:36-37 - “36 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

The people realized that the one they killed was the Lord and Messiah. When you believe in the Lord Jesus and know that he died for you, and appropriate it by faith you are saved.

Repent and be baptized.

We need to be baptized (Matthew 28:19-20)

In the ancient world water was used in connection with cleansing and also judgement.

Read Ezekiel 36:24-27. Water symbolized cleansing or purification in the Old Testament.

Baptism is a confession that you are in deep trouble. We need Jesus to cleanse us. 

When We Repent And Are Baptized Christ Makes His Home In A Believer.

When we turn to Christ, we are not condemned to live the Christian life alone. Not only would we have fellowship with one another but we would have Christ making his home in our lives. 

Questions to ponder upon:

Is the Spirit of Christ, the spirit of sonship in you?

Do you have a relationship with Christ?

Is your faith real, a real relationship with Jesus? Or is your faith just a religion?

Have you been baptized in water? 

Do not wait, this is the command of God.

Acts 2:37-38 - "37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

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 Acts 2:5-21 | People and Prophecy of Pentecost

Important points to keep in mind:

The People Of Pentecost - Acts 2:5-13

The Feast of Pentecost was 50 days after the Passover Festival. So, the Jews who had come to celebrate the Passover were there in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Pentecost.

Diaspora Jews “from every nation under heaven had come for the Passover and stayed back for Pentecost.”

The people of Pentecost foreshadows the mission to nations as said in Acts 1:8.

The Pentecost is also an allusion to Babel (Genesis 10, 11 & Acts 2:9-11).

In Act's God’s Spirit comes down and scatters languages to bring new cross-cultural unity in the Spirit.

Early Pentecostalism and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit:

Welsh Revival.

•             Location, Wales, UK

•             Happened in 1904-1905

•             Led by Evan Roberts

•             10 Lakh people received Jesus.

Pandita Ramabai’s Orphanage

•             Took place on June 30, 1905

•             It happened at the Mukti Mission in Maharashtra, India.

Korean Revival

•             Revival in Pyongyang (Now North Korea)

•             Happened in the year 1907

Azusa Street

•             Headed by William Seymour

•             This Pentecostal revival went international

•             It began on April 9, 1906

•             It took place in Los Angeles, California

When we really submit to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit will take us beyond racial prejudice, ethnic prejudice, class prejudice, and cast prejudice. The Spirit will unite us so that we can speak for God and work for God together and partner for missions in the world.

Prophecy Of Pentecost - Acts 2:17-21

The disciples speaking in tongues fulfilled Joel’s prophesy about prophetic empowerment (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:16-18).

Prophecy Of Pentecost:

•             Afterward/in the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. All people group's are included.

•             Sons and daughters will prophesy. No gender barrier.

•             Young men will see visions and old men will dream dreams. No age barrier.

•             Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The Holy Spirit is for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.

This is the same Spirit that empowered the prophets of the Old Testament. It is the same Spirit that is empowering us, God's people. 

The last days began when the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost and we are still in the last days.

In regards to prophecy one needs to be careful or else false prophets can totally deviate us from God's plan.

"19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good," ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

Don’t dismiss prophesies. Evaluate it together with a group of elders and mature Christians. Don’t dismiss every prophecy, God may speak to us through prophesies. We must always evaluate it.

Key verse of Acts: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ~ Acts 1:8

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Acts 2:1-4 | Pentecost: Preparation & Proof

Important points to keep in mind:

How did the Apostles prepare for the Pentecost?  (Read Acts 1:12-26)

* They re-established the leadership structure (Due to the falling away of Judas Iscariot)

* They prepared in faith that God will use them. 

They are preparing in faith. It is not time for them to go out yet, but they are preparing in faith and prayer.

* They prepared in unity.

Prayer is one of the foundations where the Holy Spirit will move. 

The disciples prepared in faith, unity, and prayer after which the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost.

An important way we can prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is to spend time in prayer. It is when we pray that we would see God moving in mighty ways. We are to ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit upon us so that we can carry out the mission of Jesus Christ in our generation. 

The Proof of Pentecost:

Jewish pilgrims would come from all across Israel and other lands for the Passover and stay for 50 days for the Feast of the Pentecost which is also called as the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of the first-fruits, especially of the wheat harvest presented to God. It was also roughly the day the Israelites received the law in the wilderness in Exodus 19:1, about 40 days after the first Passover in Egypt. Pentecost is at the beginning of the week. This is the first work before the work for the week begins. Jews from across the world would come for Passover and stay until the Pentecost. So Pentecost in Acts 2 was a strategic time when many people would be gathered there.

Evidence Of Pentecost | Acts 2:1-4

"1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." ~ Acts 2:1-4

* Wind - Acts 2:2

Wind was often used as a metaphor for the breath of God in the OT. The wind also represents the end-time resurrection life.

* Fire - Acts 2:3

Fire is associated with God in the Old Testament. The fire again evokes a theophany (visual manifestation of God to mankind) with God revealing his glory in the Old Testament. As the burning bush experience of Moses, fire denotes the divine presence of God - Exodus 3:2-5

Fire is also associated with the judgement of God - Isaiah 66:15-16 

* Tongues - Acts 2:4

Tongues is the most significant of the three signs for Luke.

Tongues provides the catalyst/agent for multicultural audience. Acts 2:5-13

There were Jewish people from all around the world there. They could hear them speak in their own language.

Tongues provides the catalyst for Peter’s message - Acts 2:16-17 

Tongues relate to Acts theme in Acts 1:8

Tongues is speech inspired by the Holy Spirit

Tongues is prophetic speech - Acts 2:17-18

It is also cross-cultural speech - to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the world.

We need the Holy Spirit for new birth, we need the Holy Spirit for empowerment. The disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit again and again in Acts. We need this continuous empowerment in our lives today.

God poured out his Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. It is very clear that the church and the believers need the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot do this on our own.

Application:

* Prayer and unity in church for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

* God still continues to pour out His Spirit upon individuals.

* Holy Spirit empowerment is for cross-cultural witness.

Key verse of Acts: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ~ Acts 1:8

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Ascension of Jesus & The Selection of Matthias | Acts 1:9-26

Pastor Shine Thomas will talk to us about the ascension of Jesus and the selection of the 12th apostle (Matthias).

Important points to keep in mind:

Jesus asked his disciples to wait to receive the Holy Spirit so that they would be able to be effective witness to the ends of the earth. After which He was taken up before the disciples into the sky.

7 Important facts about Jesus:

1. Jesus came into this world as God in Flesh. He inaugurated the Kingdom of God.

2. Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion according to the Roman Law and he died on the cross.

3. Jesus was buried.

4. Jesus rose again on the third day.

5. The resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples and other witnesses.

6. Jesus was taken up to heaven.

7. Jesus promised that he is coming back again.

If we believe in Jesus and what He has done we become a child of God. We become a part of the Kingdom of God. 

Apostles meet together to select another apostle who would replace Judas Iscariot.

We need to keep in mind that Jesus' selection of Judas Iscariot is not wrong. Luke chapter 6 helps us understand that Jesus selected His disciples after much prayer. It is Judas's love of money that made him take such a drastic step to betray Jesus. 

Judas Iscariot lost his way. He went after money and betrayed Jesus Christ.

The apostles cast lots to select the 12th apostle.

(Some think use of lots is sub-Christian. This is not using mere chance to determine the right choice. When we look at the Old Testament, in Chronicles, we find that the priests were assigned for their duties by casting lots.)

The selection of Matthias is not done just by casting lots but there was much prayer involved in the selection process as well.

Remember:

What do we think about Jesus? How much does Jesus mean to us?

John 12:6-8  helps us understand how Mary valued Jesus. Jesus was worth everything to Mary. Whereas Jesus was just like any other man to Judas. Hence, Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (the least cash value for human life as seen in Exodus 21).

Jesus had laid down His life for us. How much do you think He is worth?

Key verse of Acts: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ~ Acts 1:8

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