In the Beginning

May 1, 2021

The Acts of the Apostles This issue takes us through The Acts of the Apostles and the amazing transitions in the years following Jesus’ crucifixion. A start-up faith in the Roman Empire would be treacherous by any measure. But through the power of God, His resurrected son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the holy Spirit, the early church was born, never to fade away. These articles explore the events gracing each page of this remarkable record. Each article provides rich context and […]

Author and Origin of the Book of Acts

May 1, 2021

The Book of Acts “If none of those things is true whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Caesar” (Acts 25:11 RVIC). by Jim Parkinson Each book of the Bible was written with a purpose. The Gospel of Matthew shows Jesus Christ as the Messiah of prophecy.1 Mark emphasizes Jesus as servant of both God and man. John combats the much later Gnostic (salvation is by knowledge) apostasy.2 Luke writes to a Roman court […]

A City Set on a Hill

May 1, 2021

Acts 1-2 “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14 RVIC). by Todd Alexander If, as proposed in the previous article, the books of Luke and Acts are a two-part compilation of Paul’s legal defense before Roman authority, Acts chapters 1-2 unfold the critical proof of the endowment of power from Jesus Christ to his disciples. The most powerful evidence was the promise and descent of the holy Spirit. Paul’s work in […]

The Establishment of the Church

May 1, 2021

Acts 3-5 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence [face] of the Lord” (Acts 3:19 RSV). by Jeff Earl In one of the most beautiful and compelling accounts in Acts, the apostles, Peter and John went to the Temple in the ninth hour (3 PM), the hour of prayer. Every day, a man who was lame from birth was carried to the gate of the Temple, where he […]

Change, Adversity, and Sanctification

May 1, 2021

Acts 6-9 “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalemgreatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). by Joseph Ledwinka In the development of God’s precious disciples, change is the undeniable constant. God uses change as a tool to accomplish His sanctifying work. Change in relationships, responsibilities, direction, motivation, behavior, and ultimately change of heart, lead his people, sometimes through adversity, but always toward their sanctification. The thread […]