Podcasts about Acts of the Apostles

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be? This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature.But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit. --- After the healing of the lame man outside of the Temple in Jerusalem, Peter and John face a familiar foe - the Sadducees. The battle is waged in a sacred place to the elitist Sadducees and their power comes face to face with the power of the name of Jesus Christ. Peter & John stand in bold opposition to the ruling council and hold their ground as they speak and work in the name of the only One who can save.

Acts 4: 11-12

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be? This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature.But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit. ___________________________ With the first group of Christians growing and still worshipping God in His temple, Peter & John encounter a lame man asking for mercy gifts but Luke shows us that the man's greatest need was not a mercy gift - or even physical healing - it was the mercy seat, the very presence of God in Jesus. The same is true for every human. Our greatest need is not a mercy gift to make this life palatable - it is the presence of God in Jesus to save our souls.

Overview of the Book of ActsThe Book of Acts is presented as the "History of the Early Church," documenting the events that occurred from the establishment of the church following Jesus Christ's ascension. It is also frequently referred to as the "Acts of the Holy Spirit" because it highlights the Spirit's central role in the ministry of the apostles.Key Background Details:• Author: It was written by Luke, the physician and historian, who also authored the Gospel of Luke.• Audience & Date: Written to Theophilus between 60–62 AD, ending just before the martyrdom of the Apostle Paul.• Scope: It contains 28 chapters and 1,007 verses, providing a historical bridge from the Gospels to the expansion of the global church.The Foundational Mandate: Acts 1:8The entire book is anchored in Acts 1:8, which serves as its primary outline: "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". The teaching emphasizes that being a witness (Sakshulu) is only possible through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, not through human talent or personality.Structural Framework: The "WITNESS" AcronymThe speaker uses the acronym "WITNESS" to categorize the progression of the early church's growth:1. W – Waiting for Power (Chapter 1): Before beginning ministry, the 120 disciples waited and prayed in the upper room for 10 days until Pentecost.2. I – Ignited at Pentecost (Chapter 2): The Holy Spirit was poured out, and the church was "ignited" with bold testimony, leading to the first 3,000 conversions.3. T – Testimony in Jerusalem (Chapters 3–7): The Gospel was preached with signs and wonders in Jerusalem, but this stage also introduced the first opposition and the martyrdom of Stephen.4. N – Nations Reached (Chapters 8–12): Due to persecution, the Gospel spread beyond Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, reaching the Ethiopian eunuch, Cornelius (a Gentile), and Saul of Tarsus.5. E – Expansion through Paul (Chapters 13–20): This section details Paul's three missionary journeys and the strategy of sending leaders to multiply churches.6. S – Suffering and Defense (Chapters 21–26): Paul is arrested and uses his trials as a platform to defend the faith before kings like Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.7. S – Sent to Rome (Chapters 27–28): Despite shipwrecks and imprisonment, Paul reaches Rome, proving the Gospel is unstoppable.Key Components of the Early ChurchThe sources highlight specific lists that define the early church's activity:• 8 Major Sermons: These speeches show how the Gospel was tailored for diverse audiences, including Jews, Gentiles, and philosophers.• 10 Powerful Prayers: The early church relied on prayer for everything from choosing leaders (Matthias) to seeking boldness during persecution.• Miracles & Conversions: Over 20 miracles are recorded, confirming the Word. Conversions spanned cultures, reaching Jews, Samaritans, Africans, Romans, and Greeks.Practical Spiritual LessonsA significant portion of the teaching focuses on the internal life of a witness:• Reliance on the Spirit, Not Personality: The speaker notes that Peter, though once impulsive, became a powerful orator when filled with the Spirit.• The Power of the Word: Using a counterfeit currency analogy, the speaker explains that by studying the "original" Word of God deeply, a believer can easily identify the deceptions and "fake" teachings of the world.• God Uses Your Background: Just as God used Paul's deep knowledge of the Law and his Roman citizenship for the Gospel, He can use any person's unique expertise for His glory.• Ongoing Acts: The speaker concludes that while the book ends abruptly, the "Acts" continue today through the lives of modern believers who live as witnesses.

Acts 4: 1-4

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be?This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature.But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected.This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit.---With around 3,000 new people in this new "church" much needs to be done. They find a rhythm with devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers. But not individually - all together. That kind of fellowship is foreign to our western way of life but it seems to be the plan of God to move His mission forward.

Acts 3: 12

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be? This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature. But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit. --- Moments after being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter delivers an incredibly insightful and powerful sermon. But what catches our attention is that 50 or so days earlier, Peter had the darkest night of his life and was ready to throw everything away. We see that when the Holy Spirit fills our brokenness, we are stronger than we have ever been.

Acts 3: 6-8

Dr. David wraps up this series by focusing on two more important themes from Acts. This exciting New Testament book is still relevant for us today and David provides several important applications that we can apply in our ministries.Resource Highlights- New Testament SnapshotsPeter and Paul in ActsDavid and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, Africa, Asia, and South America. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!Show credits:Opening music- Beach Bum Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Transition music- Highlight Reel Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Closing music- Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Romans 3: 22-23

Dr. David continues with his introduction of this exciting book! Acts is such a fascinating look at the early church. Have you spent much time in Acts? David will provide some excellent background, along with introducing the main themes that Luke writes about.Resource Highlight- Miracles in MarkMiracles in Mark Video CourseDavid and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, Africa, Asia, and South America. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!Show credits:Opening music- Beach Bum Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Transition music- Highlight Reel Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Closing music- Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be?This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature.But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected.This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit.---Suddenly the Holy Spirit descends upon the first followers of Jesus and the power of the presence of God overwhelms them and they begin to boldly witness the greatness of God in foreign languages. 

Dr. David continues with his introduction of this exciting book! Acts is such a fascinating look at the early church. Have you spent much time in Acts? David will provide some excellent background, along with introducing the main themes that Luke writes about.Resource Highlight- Peter and Paul in ActsDavid and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, Africa, Asia, and South America. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!Show credits:Opening music- Beach Bum Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Closing music- Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be?This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature.But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected.This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit.---As the apostles and first followers of Jesus wait for the Spirit, they take on the task of replacing Judas. In confusion and anxiety, they resort to doing what they know to do.

Dr. David introduces this exciting book! Acts is such a fascinating look at the early church. Have you spent much time in Acts? David will provide some excellent background, along with introducing the main themes that Luke writes about.Resource Highlight- Peter and Paul in ActsDavid and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, Africa, Asia, and South America. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!Show credits:Opening music- Beach Bum Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Transition music- Highlight Reel Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Closing music- Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be?This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature.But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected.This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit.---In Acts 1:1-11, the stage is set for the rest of the book and the plan is established for the work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles. But what is interesting is that the only command given by Jesus is to "wait". With the promise of power coming in the future, the way to get there was through patient, persevering waiting. And the same is true for us today.

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men. He also encourages us to remain courageous in the tribulations we face, finding strength in other believers, and running toward the eternal and imperishable goal of salvation. Today's readings are Acts 14, 1 Corinthians 9-10, and Proverbs 28:7-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, instructing us how to fast and empty ourselves to feel our spiritual need for Christ. He also discusses faithfulness in vocations and living out the life God has called you to. Today's readings are from Acts 13, 1 Corinthians 7-8, and Proverbs 28:4-6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Acts Of The Apostles: Wrap-up by Gospel Centered Mission Focused

Today begins with Acts 12 and the miraculous rescue of Peter from prison by an angel. Reflecting on this story, Fr. Mike helps us grapple with the mysterious reality that we are each called to say "Yes" to God's destination for us, even when we might not know the way. Lastly, Fr. Mike delves into St. Paul's hard teachings to the Corinthians on sexuality morality and excommunication. Today's readings are Acts 12, 1 Corinthians 5-6, and Proverbs 28:1-3. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike begins by explaining the confusion experienced by the early Christians as they struggled to integrate the Gentiles into the Church. We also hear more about Barnabas, missionary companion of St. Paul, who was named by God as the "Son of Encouragement." Lastly, Fr. Mike delves into the history surrounding paganism and hedonism in pre-Christian Corinth and the need to encourage the Greeks to leave their old ways of worship. Today's readings are Acts 11, 1 Corinthians 3-4, Proverbs 27:23-27. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In today's reading from Acts, the Holy Spirit guides Peter to initiate ministry to the Gentiles, beginning with the family of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Upon hearing Peter preach, Cornelius' entire household receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized. Commenting on today's second reading from 1 Corinthians, Fr. Mike reminds us to pursue Christian unity and avoid the dissension and infighting we see in the Church of Corinth. Today's readings are Acts 10, 1 Corinthians 1-2, Proverbs 27:21-22. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Acts 2: 43-47

Fr. Mike breaks down Saul's miraculous conversion, explaining the significance of Jesus sending Ananias to heal Saul, and how it reveals that Jesus works through his Church just as powerfully as he worked through the incarnation. Fr. Mike also reminds us that if we belong to the Lord, we will have to participate in his suffering. Lastly, as we conclude St. Paul's letter to the Romans, Fr. Mike leaves us with the exhortation that the Gospel advances primarily through family and friendship. Today's readings are Acts 9, Romans 15-16, and Proverbs 27:18-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and how it demonstrates the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture. Although God's Word is infallible, we can easily misunderstand it without proper interpretation, which is why we have the Magisterium of the Church. Lastly, Fr. Mike also touches on the role of persecution in the life of the Church, and St. Paul's encouragement to abide by the law of love. Today we read Acts 8, Romans 13-14, and Proverbs 27:15-17. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike reflects on Stephen's heroic martyrdom and points out how those around him refused to hear him and hardened their hearts, something we too can do with the Word of God. In the book of Romans, Fr. Mike also highlights the importance of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, responding to the call to love and to not be conformed to this world, and remembering that Christians have been grafted onto the tree of Israel. Today we read Acts 7, Romans 11-12, and Proverbs 27:13-14. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Acts 2: 41-42

Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the world with his Spirit and live in community and with devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the Eucharist, and prayer just like the first Christians. Today's readings are Acts 2, Romans 2-3, and Proverbs 26:27-28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Fr. Mike draws our attention to the Ascension of Jesus and encourages us to respond to Christ's call to participate in his mission. He invites us to be part of his story and not be ashamed of the Gospel. Today's readings are Acts 1, Romans 1, and Proverbs 26:24-26. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Revelation. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Acts Of The Apostles: Acts 28:17-31 by Gospel Centered Mission Focused

Acts 2: 32-33

In the final nine chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, Paul journeys across the Middle East, planting, encouraging, and supporting Christian churches. Among other places, he visits Macedonia, Greece, Ephesus, Jerusalem, Malta, and finally Rome. Along the way, he is relentlessly pursued by a group of Jews who, much like Paul before his conversion on the road to Damascus, seek to eradicate Christianity—particularly by killing Paul—as people turn toward the Good News and away from the temple and synagogues. During these travels, Paul wrote most of the New Testament via letters he wrote to the churches he founded. Show Notes Twitter | Rumble | BitChute | Spotify | Apple -------------------------------- Support the podcast by shopping at the Truth Quest Shirt Factory. Check out our "Christian Collection" of shirts inspired by this episode.

The Acts Of The Apostles: Acts 28 1-16 by Gospel Centered Mission Focused

Acts 2: 32-33

The Acts Of The Apostles: Acts 27 1-44 by Gospel Centered Mission Focused

In the next ten chapters of Acts, Paul and his companions travel widely across the eastern Mediterranean—modern-day Syria, Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece.   He begins in each city's synagogue, reasoning with Jews about Jesus. Results vary; many reject the message, so he turns primarily to Gentiles.   Along the way, he is beaten twice and imprisoned once, yet he presses on through years of missionary journeys.   Show Notes Twitter | Rumble | BitChute | Spotify | Apple -------------------------------- Support the podcast by shopping at the Truth Quest Shirt Factory. Check out our "Christian Collection" of shirts inspired by this episode.