The Book Of Acts

Question 1

Speaking tongues

Answer 1

Glossolalia

Question 2

What is Pentecostalism?

Answer 2

It is a religious movement that gave rise to a number of Protestant churches in the United States.

It emphases the gifts of the Holy Spirit, specifically speaking tongues, super natural healing and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecostal Christians consider the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. No use of tabaco, alcohol and drugs.

They believe we need to be saved by Jesus in order to go to heaven.

Faith is an experience, not just a way of living.

They love to dance.

Question 3

Acts 2:33 Peter says something that illustrates the spirituality of Pentecostalism.

And the stories of the book of acts illustrate this statement.

Answer 3

Exalted to the right hand of God, Jesus has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Question 4

How should we use the book of Acts?

Answer 4

The Pentecostal movement is growing rapidly. This brings responsibilities. We can use the book of Acts as an example to live by.

If we do exactly what they apostles did, the Pentecostal movement is as pure and powerful? I doubt it.

There was a rapid spread of the gospel in the first century and also during the Pentecostal revival in the 20th century. The Spirit is still working,

Question 5

The book of acts marks a new beginning. How?

Answer 5

• it starts with the resurrection of Jesus > nothing will ever be the same
• no idolatry anymore
• the outpouring of the holy spirit sets everything into action

Question 6

What were the initial titles of the book of acts?

Answer 6

1. None
2. The Acts of the Apostles
   > better to have called it The Acts of the Holy Spirit, it is mentioned 51 times

Question 7

What story does the Book of Acts tell us?

Answer 7

• it just gives brief summaries, important historical events like the growth of the Roman of Egyptian church are not even mentioned.

Chap 1-7 initial growth of the church
Chap 8-12 breaking boundaries in Judea and Samaria
Chap 13-28 the gospel moves too the end of the earth.

Acts is following up the gospel of Luke.
It shows that the service of Jesus did not end with the crucifixion, he continues.

Question 8

What do we know about Luke, the writer of Acts?

Answer 8

• first class historian and theologian.
• he is a doctor
• Luke wants to give a clear vision on how God the spread the Gospel, and how it is fulfilled.

Question 9

Was Luke there when the events happened, or did he accumulate all the information later on?

Answer 9

He probably was a witness in at least a few occasions
- Theophillis mentioned in the book is also mentioned in the Gospel of Luke.
- Paul mentions: “our dear friend Luke the doctor”
- There are we passages
- Luke catched the atmosphere of the many different situations he described very well, like he was there.

There are also prophecy’s included in his writings, which is one of the reasons people sometimes think he was not a witness.

He was obviously not a witness of Jesus birth. In the gospel of Luke he writes from Maria,s perspective. While Matthias writes it from Joseph.

Question 10

How is the book of Acts written?

Answer 10

• Luke used a few basic medical terms
• Luke deliberately placed his work in the context of Greek literature.
• the titles/ places/ dates etc that Luke mentioned are very accurate, He must have done a lot of research.
• he was selective in what he wrote down
• the book has an abrupt ending. By choice, or maybe Luke passed away? Luke closes his narrative with abruptness: a two-verse summary of Paul’s prison ministry in Rome.

Another explanation of the abrupt ending of Acts is that the Gospel needed to reach the end of the world, which obviously is not Rome. There for the taks was not finished, and an open ending suited.

Question 11

Paul evangelical tours/ speeches are always structured in the same way:

Answer 11

1 introduction
2 mayor report about one city
3 series of events

Question 12

When was the book of acts written?

Answer 12

Acts concludes with Paul’s imprisonment 60/62 AD, so it cannot have been written before

It is probably written before 64 AD, because that is when the Romans started to persecute the church. He would probably have mentioned that. But nothing is for sure.

Question 13

How was community life in the time of the new church?

Answer 13

• the Holy Spirt broke down all barriers and United the new church
• the church revived around the living Christ > Jesus, so not just a messiah that died on the cross

Question 14

Which four books are together the revelation of Christ?

Answer 14

• the Gospels
• Ephesians
• Acts
• Revelation

Question 15

The new church was built through the charismatic community with the 6 charismatic prophets:

Answer 15

• Stephan
• Philip
• Paul
• Peter
• Barnabas
• Agabus

Question 16

Is the book of Acts a historical book?

Answer 16

Many scholars agree that Luke as a historian provided mostly accurate accounts.

Even Christianity is considered as a historical religion. It is based of events that happened. Not a philosophy or idea.

Question 17

What was the important messages Luke wanted to get accross?

Answer 17

As a Gentile Luke stresses the universal scope of Jesus’ ministry as Savior of all humankind, not just the Jews; he frequently points out the ethnic-national background of persons. He focuses on the church as both an institution and an organisation and its relation with the state.

The promise of Abraham was not only so he and the nation of Israel would be blessed, but so all people on earth will be blessed through Him.

Question 18

Why is the Old Testament mentioned in the book of Acts?

Answer 18

By mentioning the Old Testament Luke wanted to show the new church was not a new sect, but a continuation of Judaism.

Question 19

The five thousand manuscripts of the New Testament can be grouped into four basic families representing early Christian centers of worship. The four textual families as currently defined are:

Answer 19

• Alexandrian. This family developed around the Christian center of Alexandria in Egypt.
• Caesarean. This family originated in Egypt, but was taken to Caesarea, possibly by Origen, and from there to Jerusalem.
• Western. This group was very widespread in Italy, Gaul, and North Africa.
• Byzantine. This text probably originated in Antioch of Syria, and was then taken to Constantinople, from whence it was distributed widely throughout the Byzantine Empire.

Question 20

The Alexandrian and the Western have the oldest representation among the manuscripts, though the Alexandrian is represented by a far greater portion of the oldest manuscripts than is the Western.

What is the difference?

Answer 20

The most apparent variance between the Alexandrian and Western texts occurs in the book of Acts, where the Western text is about 10 percent longer than the Alexandrian text. This extra length is not in the form of a piece that is added on, but occurs as additional words and information spread throughout the book. In addition to the extra length, there are other differences which affect the character of the text.

Question 21

Who was Theophylis?

Answer 21

He was the first recipient of the book of Acts, as wel as the Gospel of Luke.

Theophylis is a common name and its meaning is friend of God.

Maybe Luke was his slave, as many medics were?
It is more likely that he was a Roman official of high rank, that could read the book and spread copies.

Question 22

Luke 24:49
What instruction gave Jesus to His apostles before he resurrected?

Answer 22

And behold, I am sending the power of my Father upon you, but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit.
> Christs death and the shedding of His blood put the new covenant into effect.
> Jesus told the apostels to stay in Jerusalem. He was still helping people with their disbelief. Like Peter and Thomas.
After that they were restored with one mind united together.

We read that the apostels obeyed.

Question 23

What are apostels?

Answer 23

Send ones.

The Bible describes apostles as those who spread the word of the gospel as messengers of God, which includes Jesus Christ Himself. In contemporary interpretations, however, the definition of apostle applies more broadly as ‘someone who is sent on a mission. ‘

The 12 apostels were choses as primary witnesses. A special restricted group.

They were given the authority to drive out evil spirits and heal and had the promise of Jesus to sit on thrones and rule the twelve tribes of Israel.

The candidate was required to be someone who followed Jesus during his entire earthly ministry, beginning from Jesus’ baptism by John to Jesus’ ascension into heaven (1:21–22a). The candidate was required to have seen Jesus after His resurrection (1:22b).
At least, this criteria was used for chosing the 12 apostel.

Question 24

“Jesus did not ascend until after he gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostels he chose.”

For how long?

Answer 24

For 40 days Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, it’s resurrection, and about he presence in the world from now on.

I don’t understand this statement. It makes more sense to me that Jesus already ascended and came back. Even till this day.

Question 25

What do Gnostics believe about the secret teachings of Jesus before he ascended?

Answer 25

The Apostles wrote down what Jesus taught them during those eleven years, resulting in “The Pistis Sophia,” the most important Gnostic scripture. Includes an extensive commentary by Samael Aun Weor. “The Pistis Sophia” is a sophisticated and deeply mystical teaching given by Jesus about the suffering of Sophia as she attempts to ascend to the highest spiritual truth. This scripture is remarkable for its profound mysticism, its clear rebuke of unethical behavior, and its perspective on the spiritual role of women. Having read this text, it becomes very clear why the established religious powers attempted to obliterate the Gnostics, but failed. Study of this teaching also inspires a re-evaluation of how the Christian Gospels have been interpreted for centuries.

Question 26

What is the day of the Pentecost?

Answer 26

Pinksteren.
Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the Disciples, marking the beginning of the church’s mission in the world. Through the work of the church, God is active in the world. Pentecost comes from the Greek Word meaning 50 and is celebrated on the 50th day from Easter Sunday.

Question 27

What is the difference of the baptism of John and the baptism of the Spirit?

Answer 27

John baptised with water, Jesus with the Holy Spirit. From the day of the Pentecost onwards, people were baptised in the Holy Spirit.

The baptism of John is a personal sign of dedication to the future Kingdom whenever it might come. The baptism of the Spirit is the sign and wonder of the Kingdom already coming in the power and the presence of the Spirit.

Church history theologians tied the two Baptisms together, but Jesus clearly made a distinction. The Pentecostal revival brought restoration. The baptism is a gateway to a special cluster of Holy gifts.

We can find a lot of promises of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible.

Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on dry ground.

Receiving the Holy Spirit does not necessarily mean you are being baptised. Isn’t it just the same?

Question 28

What is exactly meant with the Kingdom of God?

Answer 28

A world ruled by God.

“Kingdom” is from the Greek basileia. It can mean a literal territory ruled by a king, but Jews also use it to mean the power and authority of the Messiah over Israel and the restoration of an independent Israel.

In Acts we find more about the Holy Spirit than the Kingdom of God.

Question 29

Why were the disciples questioning Jesus about the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel?

Answer 29

Because of Ezekiel’s prophecies and the promise to Abraham to bless his seed and all nations.

Question 30

Is there ever given a time spam about the second coming of Christ? And the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel.

Answer 30

No. Jesus said:
Matt 3:6 But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son. But the father alone.

Through the parable of the noble man he did let the people feel it could take a long time.

Jesus also mentions that His followers could not wait for ideal circumstances to spread the Gospel through the nations.

The second coming of Christ is one of the most important motivations for Christian living and service.

Question 31

What does it mean to be a witness of God.

Answer 31

The disciples were meant to receive power from the Holy Spirit is use this to show God’s grace.

Throughout the Bible God is often asking His people to be His witness. But fear is holding people back, and that is why the nation of Israel failed.

The translation for the word witness in Greek is martyr.

Question 32

What was the task of the Messiah? (And still is?)

Answer 32

Not to bring, but to BE God’s salvation.

Question 33

How does Luke see the Holy Spirit?

Answer 33

He sees it as the Spirit of prophecy, that enables people to participate in the mission of God.

Luke does not represent the Holy Spirit as as a necessity to be part of the Christian community, or to serve the Lord.

Question 34

In what ways do Luke’s Gospel and Acts complement each other?

Answer 34

The Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles together make up 27% of the content of the entire New Testament. These two works were authored by Luke, a Gentile believer (Colossians 4:10-14). Seeing that he only authored these two books, and that his writings comprise over one-fourth of the New Testament writings (making Luke the largest contributor), the study of their content and message is very important to us.

• Both books are addressed to one named Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1)
• Luke leaves off with the resurrected Lord being raptured into heaven, after commissioning His disciples to preach the message of the kingdom, and commanding them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father (Luke 24:47-51). The opening to Acts summarises this ending (1:1-2), and also mentions Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father (1:4); a clear connection to Luke’s summary in his gospel.
• Just as Luke’s gospel shows Jesus’ shift toward Gentiles when rejected by His own people, the Jews, Acts also shows the church’s shift from being predominantly Jewish to predominantly Gentile and the changes that occurred as a result.

Question 35

What instructions gives gave the Risen Jesus to his apostels?

Answer 35

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20).

Question 36

Facts about Christs ascension

Answer 36

• It climaxed Luke’s Gospel
• A cloud took Him up to the heavens
• 2 men in white promise His return. They are not called angels in Luke, but people assume they are. John does use the term angels in His book. These 2 men promise His return.

Acts 1:11 This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.

The angels emphases on Christ’s return. So His people on this earth will stay hopeful and sharp.

Question 37

What is the Great Commission?

Answer 37

The Great Commission refers to the commands the resurrected Jesus gives His eleven disciples before ascending to His heavenly throne. These instructions involve spreading the gospel and making disciples, or followers of Christ, among all ethnic groups.

Though directly given to the eleven disciples, the Great Commission is a command for all believers. In verse 20, Jesus promises to be with them “to the end of the age.” This phrase signifies the period of time between Christ’s ascension to heaven and His return to earth.

Question 38

What means Homothumadon?

Answer 38

With one purpose.
This was one of Luke’s favourite words to use.

Question 39

After Jesus His ascension the apostels gathered and praised the Lord joyfully with the expectation to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. How come?

Answer 39

In Luke 11:9- 13 Jesus is explaining:
So I say you . Ask, and it will be given to you.
> God is a loving father.

This is still important to keep in mind if we want to receive guidance and healing from the Holy Spirit.

Question 40

What happened with the family of Jesus after His acension?

Answer 40

In the gathering after Jesus His ascension was mother Mary. This is the last time she is mentioned in the Bible.

John was fulfilling Jesus’s request to take care of her. Did she go to Jerusalem or she went with John to Ephesus?

Although Jesus His brothers were not believing Him at first, they later supported Him. Jesus even made a special appearance to his oldest brother James.

His brothers James and Jude both became leaders in the new church.

Question 41

What was the role of women in the ministry of Jesus?

Answer 41

They were supportive:
- Took care of Him, looked out for Him
- Were present during the crucifixion
- Supported the ministry in material ways.

(In that time when someone referred to “brothers”, these could include women as well.

Question 42

What is the fulfilment of David’s prophecy in Psalm 69?
“May their camp be desolate”.
“May another take his place of leadership”

Answer 42

This is the field where Judas died.
Akeldama: Field of Blood.
Priests bought the field with the silver that Judas threw in the temple before he killed himself, to burry strangers.
Luke mentions Judas hanged himself in the Gospel of Luke.

Judas was given an important position as one of the 12 apostels. Since he fell away. Another person needed to take this place.
(The same did not happen when James the brother of John died, maybe because he was not fallen?)

Barsabas and Matthew were both appropriate candidates. The lot fell on Matthew.

Matthew was still included with the Twelve in Acts 6:2, but for the rest he is not mentioned, like many other apostels.

Question 43

How did people use lots in the Bible?

Answer 43

In the Old Testament they are used frequently.

In the New Testament people started to rely on the Holy Spirit. When the new 12th apostel needed to be chosen, that was the last time lots were mentioned.

Question 44

Should Paul not have been the 12th apostel?

Answer 44

Apparently not.
Paul was the apostel of the Gentiles.
He never considered Himself as part of the 12.