Acts - An Expositional Thrill Ride by the Hampton Roads Church

In Paul’s intimate address to the Ephesian elders we find the only moment in Acts where he is addressing Christians. He does so with vulnerability, discipleship, and concern. In this address we learn the secret of his strength: he does not get in the way of God’s grace or His Spirit, because he has no concern for self. There’s no limit to what one can do for Jesus if that disciple removes self from the endeavor.

As Paul and Priscilla and Aquila travel past Ephesus, they encounter both Apollos and some disciples of John of Baptist. Interestingly, both Apollos and John’s followers share a misconception about the baptism instituted by Jesus. This study of humility, courage, and even doctrine considers what it means to explain the way of God more adequately. Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1-7, John 3:3-5, Titus 3:5, Colossians 2:11-12, Acts 2:38

As Paul travels from city to city and from synagogue to synagogue along the Egnatian Way, we can marvel at the conditions arranged by God to make this second missionary journey such a success. Galatians 4:4, Daniel 2:24-45, Isaiah 44:28-45:1

As Paul enters Roman colonies on his second missionary journey, he begins to expand on the message of Grace. These colonies already knew of a societal Grace; it was the fabric that maintained connections and loyalties in the colonies. A clear understanding of Grace will help us marvel at the Gospel that changed both Paul and his hearers. Acts 15:36-16:12. 2nd Corinthians 8:9. 1st Corinthians 15:10-11

Pharisees entered the Church and looked to impose their sensibility on the Gospel message. The church and the Holy Spirit successfully delivered the Gospel from the potential limits of performance based religion. This was a major turning point for the early Church. It’s a major turning in our understanding of how we can live out Christianity without limits when we really get grace.

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After the Gospel sweeps through Psidian Antioch, the town is left to side either with angry Jews and persecuted but rejoicing Christians.

The Holy Spirit launches the first missionary journey for Paul and Barnabas from Antioch into Cyprus. The church now becomes proactive and deliberate about reaching the world for Jesus. Despite opposition from a gospel perverter, Paul through the Spirit brings the proconsul to faith.

What about James? What about the prayers of the saints for James? Is God not sovereign over suffering? Indeed He is, but He is also a Sovereign who underwent suffering. Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering informs some insights for the midweek lesson at Hampton Roads Church. Acts 12:1-8, 1Corinthians 15:54-56, Galatians 3:27

The Church prays earnestly for James and Peter, but James is executed while Peter is miraculously released. How does one reconcile the difference? Why didn't the disciples believe their own prayers when Peter was released? Why do we pray? And what about James?

The Gospel advances onto foreign (Gentile) soil as the reign of Yahweh is manifested in Antioch through Jesus

After the baptism of Cornelius, the Jewish Christians interrogate Peter for including "the nations" or the Gentiles in the New Covenant with Yahweh. This is a much bigger paradigm explosion than we can at first appreciate. This study looks at the first century Jewish worldview with a particular focus on the God and His Divine Council as well the Nations and their allotted "gods."  Scriptures considered on the Divine Council: Psalm 82:1-7, Psalm 89:5-7, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, Job 38:4-7, Genesis 1:26, John 10:33-36, Jeremiah 23:18 Scriptures considered on the Nations and their gods: Deuteronomy 32:8-9, Deuteronomy 4:19-20, 1Samuel 26:17-19, 2Kings 5:17, Daniel 10:12-14, Daniel 10:20-21, Daniel 12:1, Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20,  Scriptures on the Spiritual Battle: Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 3:10, 2Corinthians 10:4-5, Ephesians 6:10-12

Cornelius is an impressive, pious man, but he needs to be converted. Conversion start with God, requires humility, proceeds via the Word, and ends with God. 

Back to Peter in the Book of Acts as he being prepared (one step at a time) to encounter Gentiles. Peter now heads into Lydda and Joppa to heal both Aeneas and Tabitha. Oh, to be in the room where it happens!

After his baptism, Paul's life is a bit of mystery, but by piecing together his writings from Galatians 1 and 2Corinthians 11 and 12, we find a remarkable connection to Jesus. 

A "dried tree no more", this African Finance Minister finds God in a most unlikely manner and place. 

After Stephen's stoning scatters the believers, they first encounter Samaritans who receive the Gospel of Jesus. 

From busboy to courageous catalyst for world missions, Stephen preaches a brilliant and bold sermon in crucible of contention, that is, the Sanhedrin. While Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that they are "Just Like Your Fathers", he is unmistakably "Just Like Your Jesus."

Acts 6:1-15 reveals a community that responds to growing pains with unity and love

We need a hero. Peter preached about our Hero and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Sanhedrin speculated about self-proclaimed yet failed Heroes, including Theudas and later Judas the Galilean. Our Hero has not failed us. Our Hero cannot fail. Thus, in Him we cannot fail.

While Barnabas provides a beautiful example of a believer on whom was "great grace", Ananias and Sapphira contrast his Authenticity of Great Grace with the Duplicity of Dys-grace. Authenticity vs Duplicity; Generosity vs Complicity.

The disciples of Jesus were bold in the face of opposition because evidence was clear, irrefutable, and on their side. Plus, these men had been with Jesus! 

One of the most controversial aspects of Christianity is its exclusive claim that there is no other way to God except through Jesus. How will Peter, who had recently shrunk back in cowardice, handle this difficult doctrine in front of all the most intimidating men in Jerusalem?

As Peter boldly declares the source of the miracle (the 40 something fellow healed of a lifelong disability) he points decidedly toward Jesus. Now that it's plain, it's time to repent - an unparalleled blessing from God.

The fledgling church famously devoted themselves to the Apostles's teachings, to the fellowship, the breaking of bread and to prayer, as they celebrated many wonders and attesting signs performed by the apostles. One of those wonders is specified with the healing of the man born lame who rises to leap like a deer in praise of Jesus the Messiah. This devotion that undergirds all these events is no fuzzy sentiment. Devotion is discipline fueled by gratitude, diligence ignited by wonder, and duty bursting forth into significance. hamptonroadschurch.com/acts. Acts 2:42–3:11 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 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, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.  

The first sermon of the Church inaugurated and constituted an approach that guided the disciples throughout much of the Book of Acts. The sermon emphasized Jesus, His death, His resurrection, His ascendency, His gift of the Spirit, His gift of Life.

Pentecost meant so many things to the Jews. Here in Acts 2, the feast is co-opted by the Spirit to celebrate the clarity and security of Grace. Jesus offers a double cure: freedom from slavery to sin (repentance) and freedom from guilt & punishment of sin (forgiveness). Moreover, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and fellowship.This sermon takes a bit of an excursus to examine the Sinners Prayer, Altar Calls, and Biblical Baptism

Despite the empowering indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we allow inhibiters to limit the work of God through us. Fear of failure, lack of short term results, distractions, personal failings, and insecurity/pride all restrain the unlimited power of the Spirit in us. Acts 2:1-13, 1Corinthians 14:6-25, John 16:7-8, Ephesians 4:4-6, Ephesians 2:8-10, Ephesians 5:18

Filled the Holy Spirit, the disciples are mistakenly considered drunk, even though it's only nine o'clock in the morning

The eleven Apostles who gathered at Jesus' ascension are mentioned by name by Luke as they pray together before launching Jesus' world mission. We know a lot about Paul, but whatever happened to Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), Judas (son of James), Judas (Iscariot), and Matthias? Did they go and make disciples of all nations? Did they teach them to "obey everything they were commanded"?