acts of the apostles

This lesson covers what a Sabbath day’s journey is, an introductory to the 11 apostles of Yeshua (left at this time), and a balanced approach on Mary (Miriam) the mother of the Master. There is also a practical aspect on unified prayer that you don’t want to miss.

What was the last thing Yeshua told his disciples before he left this earth? This lesson centers in on how Yeshua being taken away from this earth (ascending into heaven) was unique yet at the same time a common theme from the Hebrew Bible. We can be assured that just as Yeshua physically left this earth, Yeshua will physically return to this earth.

Part 2 in the Acts series. In this lesson brother TJ discusses some chronology between Luke 24 and Acts 1, what it meant for the apostles to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, the kingdom being restored to Israel, a rightful perspective on eschatology, and what it meant to be a witness of Yeshua to the ends of the earth. It's packed with good information. I'd encourage you to listen to it at least twice.

Why does God give us his Holy Spirit? What difference does the Holy Spirit make in our lives and the church? In this podcast, we explore just two ideas: how the Holy Spirit energises us for mission and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to go out into the world in the name of God.

This lesson begins a series through the book of Acts. The author and recipient is explained, and the continuation of the ministry of Yeshua through his apostles is centered in on. The gospel of the kingdom was to continue to be preached.

Bishop Wack continues his teaching series on the Scriptures by focusing on the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.

To find out more information on the Sharing the Gift campaign:
https://ptdiocese.org/pastoral-letter

Christus Resurrexit! Alleluia!!
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!!

With Easter joy we greet our listeners this fourth Sunday of Easter and continue to wish everyone a joyous Eastertide as Christians continue to celebrate the good news of the Resurrection!

On this weeks podcast we are continuing a partnership with the WhatGoodNews.org website and with Fr Adrian Graffy to reflect and share about the Acts of the Apostles, presenting part 2 of his reflection (Part 1 is available HERE).

We have  our run through the saints of the week and a few other liturgical odds and ends. Of course we also have our reflection on the gospel from John (John 10:27-30) this week.

We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!

Acts of the Apostles

One New Testament book is reserved for Easter Day and the following fifty days until Pentecost, and is never otherwise read publicly in Catholic Sunday or weekday liturgies. This book is the Acts of the Apostles.

We share with our listeners the second of two part introduction to this particular book of the bible presented by Fr Adrian Graffy. Fr Adrian Graffy is the parish priest at the Catholic Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, and is also a Scripture scholar and member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. He directs the website WhatGoodNews.org which is a website containing an extensive collection of audio and video recordings of study days and faith talks. Many of the study days were given as part of the evangelisation outreach of the Catholic Diocese of Brentwood, England. 

As part of sharing the resources available on WhatGoodNews.org we wish to mention to supporters of the website and in particular to Independent Catholic News, the Diocese of Brentwood, and the Catholic Biblical Federation.

Christus Resurrexit! Alleluia!!
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!!

With joy we greet our listeners this third Sunday of Easter and continue to wish everyone a joyous Easter as Christians continue to celebrate the good news of the Resurrection!

In addition from west Limerick we celebrate the first day of Summer in Ireland on the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine (May Day) which is the start of the month of May, which in the Latin Catholic tradition is a month dedicated to Mary.

On this weeks podcast we are beginning a partnership with the WhatGoodNews.org website and with Fr Adrian Graffy to reflect and share about the Acts of the Apostles.

We have  our run through the saints of the week and a few other liturgical odds and ends. Of course we also have our reflection on the gospel from John this week continuing the account of the appearances of the risen Jesus to the community of followers and this week the appearance on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!

Acts of the Apostles

One New Testament book is reserved for Easter Day and the following fifty days until Pentecost, and is never otherwise read publicly in Catholic Sunday or weekday liturgies. This book is The Acts of the Apostles.

We share with our listeners the first of two part introduction to this particular book of the bible presented by Fr Adrian Graffy. Fr Adrian Graffy is the parish priest at the Catholic Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, and is also a Scripture scholar and member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. He directs the website WhatGoodNews.org which is a website containing an extensive collection of audio and video recordings of study days and faith talks. Many of the study days were given as part of the evangelisation outreach of the Catholic Diocese of Brentwood, England. 

As part of sharing the resources available on WhatGoodNews.org we wish to mentionn to supporters of the website and in particular to Independent Catholic News, the Diocese of Brentwood, and the Catholic Biblical Federation.

The sermon for St. Stephen’s Day 2021, Acts 6.8-7a, 51-60.

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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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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This is second part of the full series, which will be released for Patreon subscribers. You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

We launch another bible study at the beginning of the world, this time on the book of Acts, followed by a debrief with Stephen, Natasha Beckles and Christopher Marchand.

This is beginning of the full series, which will be released for Patreon subscribers. You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

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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In this episode we will be looking at Acts 1:8.

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  

Pastor Shine Thomas will help us look at 3 aspects of this verse: Ends of the Earth, Witness, & Power

Important points to keep in mind:

Acts 1:8 is a key verse to unlock the book of Acts. The whole book is connected to this verse.

Acts 1-7 - Witness in Jerusalem 

Acts 8-12 - Witness in Judea and Samaria 

Acts 13-28 - Witness to the ends of the earth 

* Ends of the earth

Acts has a geographical outline: Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.

The work of Jesus Christ moves through His disciples who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately the book of Acts closes with Paul making his way to Rome. Rome was considered the ends of the earth.

In terms of Biblical theology and in the lens of the Old Testament, Rome is in the end of the earth.

The people of God are warned by Moses to not rebel against God. If they do so curses would come upon them. 

49The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young. ~ Deuteronomy 28:49-50 

In terms of the New Testament experience, Rome is looked at as the ends of the earth. That is where the curse is coming from. In AD 70 the Romans destroyed the temple in Jerusalem.

The ends of the earth is not just Rome but it refers to all places that have not heard the Good News.

God blesses us so that we will be a blessing. God blesses Israel so that Israel will be a blessing to all the nations. 

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — 2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. ~ Psalm 67:1-2 

* Power

Power to witness

Power to speak the word

4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 

Power that backs up our speech with our lives

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 

Power for healing and casting out of demons

* Witness

God told Israel to be his witness in the Old Testament. 

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. ~ Isaiah 43:10 

You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? ~  Isaiah 44:8 

God has given us his power by the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness of the Kingdom now.

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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In this episode Pastor Shine Thomas will be taking us through Acts 1:4-8. It is in this passage that Jesus gives the promise of Pentecost. 

Important points to keep in mind:

Pentecost is a major theme in Acts 1-2.

"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." ~ Acts 1:4-5

Waiting for the Holy Spirit is more important than going out and sharing the gospel on our own.

We cannot succeed in Christ's mission without Christ's power.

God's work is too big for us to do in our own power. He never calls us to do anything by our own power.

In Acts 1:4-5 we see a wonderful example of the One God in Three Persons, which we call Trinity.

The promise of the Holy Spirit belongs to all God's children.

The idea of being baptized is to be immersed or covered over in something. The disciples of Jesus would be immersed in the Holy Spirit. The disciples will be influenced by the Holy Spirit.

Disciples ask about the restoration of Israel. They are confused about the end times. 

* Jesus has inaugurated the Kingdom of God (Matthew 4:17)

* The consummation of the Kingdom will come (Acts 1:7)

* The Spirit is given now to prepare the world beforehand (Acts 1:8)

* The Spirit is a foretaste of the age to come

The Kingdom of God has already come but not  in its fullness. In the meantime, we have the taste of the Kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit.

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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