Bible Study Notes in Acts- Chapter 4

Acts 4

-The religious leaders again, as when Jesus was among them, came to the apostles and were greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus’ Name, and preaching the resurrection from the dead. They put them in jail for this proclamation until the next day, but many had believed in their message (5,000 in fact). The next day they examined them as to what power and name they were doing their work (Acts 4:1-4).

-Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, addressed these rulers, elders, and scribes including the high priest and all who were of high-priestly descent as a servant of Jesus Christ, the Stone which was rejected yet became the Cornerstone. He proclaimed that there was no other Name under Heaven given to humanity by which men may be saved. These uneducated and untrained men were amazing the religious leaders by their confidence and power, and they had nothing to say in reply (Acts 4:5-14).

-The Council conferred with one another and had a difficult time trying to figure out what to do with them because a noteworthy miracle had taken place that was apparent to all who lived in Jerusalem. They determined to command them not to speak or teach any more in the Name of Jesus, but Peter and John told them that they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:15-22). *Application* What about your life and your convictions? Do you fear God over man? In situations like these that we see here it would have been convenient to repudiate their convictions and dismiss the whole thing. The proof of the resurrection is right here in the text. They could not back down. If the resurrection had been a lie, exposure would have quickly come through this persecution. However, they had seen and heard the Risen Savior and would not denounce Him. This should be the same with us in our witness and testimony every day.

-They were released and rejoiced with holy praise. The Holy Spirit came again when they prayed together with a great shaking of that place and they were filled with renewed boldness to speak the Word of God. Confidence was gained through this whole episode. God’s healing Hand was upon His servants, and signs and wonders were taking place through the Name of Jesus Christ. The church was growing steadily and all had a giving spirit holding all things in common with a unified mind in Christ. They also had great power and abundant grace was upon them all as they were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (Acts 4:23-35).

-Now Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” who was also known as Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, is introduced in the narrative. He owned a tract of land, sold it, and brought his proceeds of the money to lay at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:36-37). This is simply a descriptive example of the generosity that was becoming more and more evident in the fledgling church of called out, Holy Spirit filled, saints.

-*Application* Sharing among believers should be a distinctive mark among us as Christians. We should do good to one another anytime there is a need, especially in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). God has given us all so much through His Son and Holy Spirit. Let’s be quick to send out what we have to others in appreciation and thankfulness. Let blessings abound and comradery be built.

Verses to Memorize: 4:11-12, 31

Bible Study Notes in Acts- Chapter 3

Acts 3

-Peter, along with John, heals a beggar and lame man from the womb (God considers people humans in the womb, God is pro-life) near the Temple. This man was praising the Lord for this miracle demonstrated by the apostles and all the people saw him with wonder and amazement. It was the faith of the disciples primarily that healed the man for a witness to the glory of God and an opportunity to share His resurrection message of salvation for the Jews that were there in the Temple area. *Application* What God has bestowed on us through faith in His Name must be given out everywhere we go with power and conviction. God is still in the business of performing miraculous demonstrations of His power when we act in complete faith and dependence on Him.

-Therefore, Peter takes this opportunity to preach the Lord Jesus Christ to those congregated from the Old Testament Scriptures. He stressed faith in the Christ crucified as the suffering servant, buried, and risen as eyewitnesses of these facts. His proposition was for them to repent from wickedness and return so that their sins could be wiped away in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19). He said some important things about where Jesus was currently in Heaven until the restoration of all things of which the prophets, starting with Moses, all spoke. These were incredible days! *Application* We are also living in incredible prophetic times if we care to observe. Don’t be aloof! Christ is coming soon to restore His Kingdom on this earth (Acts 3:21). This world is passing away (1 Corinthians 2:6-7; 7:31, Hebrews 1:10-2:10, 1 John 2:15-17), but a new time is coming with the Lord in control of all things in complete goodness and righteous. There will be tribulation in the meantime, but Christian brother/sister don’t give up hope. He is the power and glory for those of us who endure to the end and overcome (2 Timothy 2:12, Hebrews 12:1-2, James 5:11, 1 John 5:4, Revelation 3:21; 5:5; 12:11).

Verses to Memorize: Acts 3:13, 19, 24

Bible Study Notes in Acts- Chapter 2

Acts 2

-The Holy Spirit’s coming to indwell believers as Jesus had promised is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost as the believers were all together in the upper room in Jerusalem (John 14:16-26; 15:26; 16:7-8, Acts 2:1). The Holy Spirit came from Heaven with a noise “like a violent rushing wind,” and It filled the whole house where the disciples were sitting. There appeared to them “tongues of fire distributing themselves,” and “they rested on each one of them.” As they were all filled now with the Holy Spirit, each one began to speak with other tongues as the Holy Spirit was giving them utterance (Acts 2:2-4). *Application* This is the Spirit of Truth and Conviction that draws the whole world to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and gives believers the power over the enemy filling them with His fruits (Romans 15:13, Galatians 5:18-26). This same Holy Spirit is available to us as we receive the gift of Him at the point of trusting in Jesus Christ to save us (Acts 2:38). He wants complete control of our lives to do His will. We can grieve or quench Him, but never lose Him (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Have you received the gift and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)? Have you been baptized (immersed, totally controlled and consumed) by this awesome fullness of God (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 2:16, Acts 1:5; 2:38)? This is the key to eternal and triumphant living.

-The amazing and miraculous events of Pentecost draw a huge international crowd during this common Jewish festival in which many attended in Jerusalem. They were hearing the disciples speaking to them in their own language, which was in itself a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. These people were amazed, astonished, and in great perplexity asking, “What does this mean?” Some were there mocking these Spirit filled believers saying, “They are full of sweet wine.” Peter is now empowered to take his stand with the eleven and declare the fulfillment of prophecies and the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:5-36). The response was incredible. When the message was heard along with these miraculous demonstrations, they questioned the apostles about what they should do to be saved. The apostles’ response was to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Then, they also would receive this gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for them, their children, and all those far off into the future, “as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself (Acts 2:39). The church age had begun with the ingathering of all the nations to the Lord (Genesis 18:18, Psalm 22:27, Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:37-41, and many more).

-The early church had all things in common. They were continually devoting themselves to prayer and the apostles’ teaching. There was a sense of awe and many signs and wonders were taking place through the apostles. God’s power was definitely on them. They had one mind, the mind of Christ, and there was sweet communion, provision, and fellowship with each other. The Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47). *Application* There is no reason why this can’t be the case in the church today. We can be of the same mind only if we all are obedient and conform to the image of Christ (Philippians 2). Our hearts need to be generous and in total worship as we abide in His presence together as the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5, Colossians 3:12-17). This is the kind of church God wants and uses as He leads and directs without interference.

Verses to Memorize: Acts 2:32-33, 39

Bible Study Notes in Acts- Introduction and Chapter 1

Acts 1

-Introduction: This fascinating historical book chronicles the period of time from Christ’s ascension back to Heaven in the mid-30s A.D. until about the mid-60s A.D. shortly before the martyrdom of the Apostle Paul. Luke, the physician, is the well-educated author of this work, and he is a Gentile, which is abnormal but shows the inclusive nature of God’s newly formed church in this new covenant age. The area covered in the narrative stretches from Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives from where Christ ascended all the way to the seat of the Roman Empire in Rome, where the work concludes (Acts 28:11-31). The key verse that would summarize this book can be found in Acts 1:8, where Luke states the words of Jesus Christ, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” This verse lays out the structure basically for the book. The apostles start in Jerusalem waiting for the Holy Spirit, which comes upon them in mighty power and miraculous signs to establish the church with the authority of Christ. The church then expands as Peter takes a leading role, along with James and John, there in Jerusalem. But the church expands outward to Judea and Samaria with the diaspora created by persecution in the church by the religious establishment. The Gentiles encounter the Holy Spirit at His leading the Apostle Peter on the west coast of the land of Israel by chapter 10. In the meantime, and even before this happened, Saul, who had persecuted the church, has a dramatic conversion to Jesus and is called specifically to the Gentiles as a minister of God’s reconciliation. As the gospel spreads and the work begins to focus on the Apostle Paul’s (Gentile name for Saul), we are treated to many early accounts of the victories and challenges of Christianity as it spread into Asia and Europe. As we read through this journey, notice the themes of church (ekklēsia- the assembly) beginnings, the Holy Spirit’s work, church growth principles, Evangelistic fervor, the nuances of spiritual warfare with the demonic by mighty people of God filled with His Holy Spirit. This book is sometimes called “The Acts of the Apostles,” but I prefer “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” in early church formation.

-Chapter 1: Luke continues his historical narrative into the accounts of the early church to Theophilus and all lovers of God everywhere (Acts 1:1). He ties the work together in brilliant fashion and brings up an important theological point by verse six where the disciples ask Christ if this is the time when the Kingdom of Israel will be restored. They had been under foreign domination and subjection for many hundreds of years (back to approximately 586 BC). This is the time of the Gentiles, and we are still living in it to a degree. The interesting modern day fact in regards to this is that the modern state of Israel became a sovereign nation once again in 1948. Although, it can be argued that the United Nations, and in particular America, have had a major voice in how Israel has conducted her affairs. This is the first step in the literal fulfillment of Israel becoming the eternal Kingdom under Christ Jesus’ rule (2 Samuel 7, Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6).

-The disciples rightly recognized that some incredible prophetic events were taking place in their time and wondered what would be happening next in God’s timetable. Jesus reminded them that it is not for us humans to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority (Acts 1:7). Then Jesus gives them a contrasting statement that will set the course, for them and the church, for the present age in which we live. He tells them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them to be witnesses of Him in their locale of Jerusalem spreading out to Judea and Samaria (the local region near them), and even to the furthest and most remote parts of the world. Much could be said about this verse. In fact many sermons could be preached from it, but for the purpose of this work it is suffice to say that this is the clarion call to go and make disciples in His strength (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8).

-The ascension takes place now as Jesus goes back to His Heavenly realm from the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. The promise of His return is given by two angelic men robbed in white standing beside them as they watched Him depart (Acts 1:9-11).

-The command for the disciples was to go back to Jerusalem and wait until they were endowed with power from on high by the Holy Spirit. While they were there praying and continually devoting themselves to the work of the Lord, Peter stood up in a role of leadership and summoned them to select another apostle to add to the office of the eleven since Judas had become the apostate. Matthias was selected by prayer and finally the drawing of lots (Acts 1:12-26). *Application* This is evidence that sometimes decisions are simply too difficult to make in our own strength and power. They turned the matter over to God who knows all hearts of men (Acts 1:24). Providential devices (such as the lots here or maybe a coin toss in our age) should become the governing guide only after all thinking and prayer based on the Word of God has been done. Don’t be flippant in making decisions, seek God and His answers. This is what the apostles did.

Verse to Memorize: Acts 1:8

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 10

Esther 10



-The last chapter is a nice, albeit, brief wrap-up with the emphasis on the dominion of King Ahasuerus and Mordecai’s enduring legacy as the second most powerful man in the Medio-Persian Kingdom. Ahasuerus laid tribute on the land and coastlands of the sea to raise tax dollars rather than the gain he would have received from Haman’s wicked and sinister plan. His accomplishments of his authority and strength along with that of Mordecai the Jew were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai remained great among his people and a very powerful and influential person in the kingdom all his life. His kinsmen adored him as “one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation (Esther 10:1-3).”

*Application* What an epitaph that would be in honor of a truly inspired life. We note that the process was harrowing and arduous, but the end result saw him doing truly remarkable things for his earthly kingdom and the Heavenly Kingdom. His courage is what set him apart from the rest. His character was impeccable. We can surely be people like this too with all the fortitude and resolve that Christ’s life inspires in us. Be willing to take a stand and faithfully allow God to orchestra the process for a truly fulfilled life!

Verse to Memorize: Esther 10:3

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 9

Esther 9



-This chapter now details the events of this 13^th day of Adar, which was intended for the destruction of the Jews but turned into a day of great victory for God’s people because of His sovereign plan. It also details the creation of the holiday of Purim, which is still very much celebrated by the Jews even to our present time. When the enemies of the Jews had hoped to gain mastery over them, “it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.” They assembled in their cities throughout all the kingdom of Ahasuerus to lay hands in defense of those whom may try to destroy them or do them any harm. No one could stand before the Jews now, for the tide had turned with the king’s support and the LORD’s dread upon all the peoples. None of the leaders dared to support the uprising purported by Haman for the destruction of the Jews. The princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and everyone doing the king’s business all became allies and assisted the Jews because the dread of Mordecai had come upon them. “Indeed, Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai became greater and greater.” Because of all of this, the Jews were able to strike all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying; and they were able to do what they pleased to those who hated them. At the citadel in Susa, 500 men were killed and destroyed by the Jews including Haman’s ten sons. However, in an act of kindness, the Jews did not lay their hands on any plunder in this vindication. This was totally antithetical to the plans and purposes of their enemies who wanted to profit at the Hebrews’ expense (Esther 3:9, 13). On that day when it was reported to the king the number of those that the Jews had killed in his capital city, Ahasuerus asked his queen what had gone on in the other provinces and what else she might want to have happen. He promised to abide with whatever she desired in further requests. Esther only asked that, if it pleased the king (continued mark of respect here for her authority figure), Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows, which was done presumably to deter anyone else from wanting to rise up against her people ever again. The edict was quickly issued and carried out. The next day on the 14^th of Adar, 300 more men were killed in Susa as enemies of the Jews, and again no plunder was taken. In the rest of the kingdom, a whopping 75,000 men were killed that had hated the Jews, and no plunder was taken from them as well. For those in the far reaches of the kingdom, all the action did take place on the 13^th day of Adar, with the 14^th being a day of rest with feasting and celebration. It was a bit different in Susa, since there were still some conflicts going on, but they rested, feasted, and rejoiced by the 15^th day of Adar (Esther 9:1-18).

-The issue of commemorating this monumental event was next dealt with in the text. In rural areas, it was immediately celebrated on the 14^th day of Adar as a holiday for rejoicing and feasting and sending portions of food to one another in generosity and thanksgiving. Mordecai recorded these events as a prominent man in the kingdom and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces both far and near. In these letters he obliged them to celebrate on both the 14^th and 15^th days of Adar respectively and annually, “because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.” The Jews readily undertook all that Mordecai purposed to do in his writings to them, for Haman, the Agagite and enemy of the Jews, had schemed against their people and had cast Pur, that is “the lot,” to disturb and destroy them. When the matter had come before the king’s attention, because of the love he had for his queen and Divine providence, Ahasuerus had commanded by letter that this wicked scheme in opposition to the Jews be returned upon the head of this evil villain along with his ten sons by hanging on the gallows. These days became known as “Purim” after the name Pur (the lot). Because of the instructions in this letter by Mordecai, and what they had seen in this regard and what had happened to them, the Jews readily established and made a custom for themselves, their descendants, and all who allied themselves with them this as a perpetual holiday of celebration according to regulation and appointed time annually. Every generation and every family would remember this occurrence so as to not let the memory of this miraculous event ever fade. Queen Esther ratified this with a second letter herself in full authority to confirm this celebration of Purim. She, with her cousin Mordecai collaborating, sent these letters to all 127 provinces of the kingdom with words of peace and truth to establish these days of Purim with all its instructions for their times of fasting and lamentations (crying out to God). This indicates their willingness to never forget to stop, praise, and exalt their God for helping them in a time of severe crisis. So, the commands of the elevated Queen Esther established these customs for Purim, “and it was written in the book (Esther 9:19-32).”

*Application* What we should take from this Scriptural lesson today is the long-term effects and remembrances of God’s Divine work in helping us escape and prosper. He has set us free from the enemy and given us victory unto victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). We should never go back into slavery of sin as believers in His redemption. He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Feasting, rejoicing, worship, giving, peace, and truth should all flow out of us as citizens of the Divine Kingdom.

Verses to Memorize: Esther 9:1, 22

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 8

Esther 8



-On the day that Haman, the enemy of the Jews, was hanged on the gallows he had vindictively built for Mordecai, King Ahasuerus gave the entire house of Haman to his Queen Esther. Plus, Mordecai came before the king for now Esther had fully disclosed their relationship as cousins and the man who had properly raised her after she had been orphaned. The king took the signet ring off, which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it now to Mordecai as a token of respect and honor (Esther 3:10 is when Haman received the signet ring). Esther quickly set Mordecai over the house of Haman, which meant that he had full charge over his servants and attendants and such. Then, in submission, Esther spoke to the king once more on behalf of her people. She fell at his feet, wept, and implored him to avert the evil scheme Haman had concocted against her people that was an irrevocable law of the Medes and Persians. The king gracious extended his golden scepter to his wife and queen, giving Esther the opportunity to rise and stand before him for her petition. She spoke thus, “If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him and the matter seems proper to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces.” She pleaded because she would not be able to endure to see such calamity and destruction befall her people, her kindred. Moved, King Ahasuerus remarked, “Behold, I have given the house of Haman to Esther, and him they have hanged on the gallows because he had stretched out his hands against the Jews. Now you write to the Jews as you see fit, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for a decree which is written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s signet ring may not be revoked (Esther 8:1-8).”

-Therefore, the king’s scribes were called together in the third month of Sivan (May/June in our calendar), on the 23^rd day, and they wrote everything that Mordecai commanded them. This was for all the Jews, satraps, governors, and princes of the provinces which extend from India all the way to Ethiopia. There were 127 provinces all together, and this message was written in the script and language of all involved. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s own signet ring making it irrevocable. These letters were to be sent out by couriers on the royal steeds sired by the royal stud. These must have been some magnificent looking horses with world-class strength and power for the day. In the letters, the king granted the Jews who were in each and every city the right to assemble and defend their lives. They could destroy, kill, and annihilate the entire army of any people or province which might be emboldened to attack them, including women and children, and they could take as plunder their spoil. This was specifically for the 13^th day of the 12^th month of Adar (February/March in our calendar), the day assigned for the destruction of the Jews by Haman previously (Esther 3:13). A copy of this edict to be issued as law in each and every province was published to all the peoples for the purpose of readiness by the Jews so that they could defend themselves from any of their enemies. These couriers, hastened and impelled by the king’s command, ventured out on their beautiful horses, and the decree was made public starting at the citadel of Susa (Esther 8:9-14).

-Mordecai, now a national hero and man of great distinction, proceeded out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white with a large crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple. Upon seeing this and with all that was going on, the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. Mordecai was a very popular figure by this time. A lighthearted spirit prevailed. “For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor.” Everywhere that the edict went forth produced the same kind of gladness and joy for the Jews. There were feasts and holidays with celebration in all places of the kingdom. In fact, many among the peoples of the land actually became converted Jews, “for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them (Esther 8:15-17).”

*Application* Awakenings and revivals occur at the strangest of times and in the most bizarre of ways. Who could’ve seen this coming? When all seemed so dark and disparaging, God sent His light through some courageous people and some unusual circumstances. He certainly works in mysterious ways, that sometimes, if we are receptive, leave us amazed, baffled, honored, rejoicing, jubilant, and in sublime ecstasy. This should absolutely get us fired up for the wondering-working culmination of God’s great and mighty works among men. He still produces miracles today! Are we ready, willing, and able to see a few?

Verse to Memorize: Esther 8:16