Acts 1-3
Read these Chapters
Acts 1: The Ascension and Choosing a New Apostle
The Book of Acts begins with the resurrected Jesus appearing to His apostles over forty days, speaking about the Kingdom of God. Before His ascension to heaven, Jesus instructs them to remain in Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. The disciples, ever curious, ask if this is when He will restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus emphasizes the mysterious timing of God and reassures them they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses throughout the world. After this, Jesus ascends to heaven. While gazing skyward, two angels appear, telling the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner they saw Him ascend. The disciples then return to Jerusalem, where they continually pray together. In the midst of this, Peter emphasizes the need to replace Judas Iscariot. Two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias, are considered. After praying for guidance, they cast lots, and Matthias is chosen to become an apostle.
Acts 2: The Day of Pentecost and Peter's Sermon
On the day of Pentecost, as the disciples are gathered together, a sound like a mighty wind fills the house, and tongues of fire rest upon each of them. They are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other tongues. This miraculous event draws a crowd, and many are bewildered because each person hears the disciples speaking in their native language. Some mockingly suggest that they are drunk. Peter rises and addresses the crowd, explaining that this phenomenon is the fulfillment of the prophecy from the Book of Joel, where God promised to pour out His Spirit. He gives a compelling sermon about Jesus of Nazareth, His miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and exaltation, concluding that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah. Many are deeply moved and ask how to respond. Peter calls them to repent and be baptized in Jesus' name. That day, about three thousand people accept his message and are baptized, marking the explosive growth of the early Church.
Acts 3: A Lame Man Healed and Peter's Second Sermon
Peter and John head to the temple for afternoon prayer. At the gate called Beautiful, they encounter a man born lame, who is daily placed there to beg. The man expects alms, but Peter, invoking the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, commands him to walk. The man is instantly healed. He stands, walks, and even leaps while praising God. This miracle draws a large crowd. Seizing the moment, Peter delivers another sermon, attributing the healing to the power of Jesus and again emphasizing His crucifixion and resurrection. He calls the people to repentance, promising that their sins will be wiped out and that times of refreshing will come from the Lord. The chapter showcases the continued growth of the Church and sets the stage for the increasing tensions between the apostles and the Jewish religious leaders.
