June

June 10 Bible Reading: Acts 1-4 No. 1: Acts 1:15-2:4 No. 2: What Future Blessings Will Be Enjoyed as a Result of the Ransom (rs p. 3101- 4) No. 3: Why can the Thinking of Many People Be Likened to Poisonous Air? (Eph 2:1,2) Bible Reading: Acts 1-4
*** w08 5/15 p. 30 Highlights From the Book of Acts *** Word Is Alive THE Bible book of Acts provides a comprehensive history of the establishment of the Christian congregation and its subsequent expansion. Written by the physician Luke, it presents a dynamic account of Christian activity over a period of some 28 years from 33 C.E. to 61 C.E. The first part of Acts is primarily about the activity of the apostle Peter, and the latter part is about that of the apostle Paul. Luke indicates that he was present when certain events occurred. Paying attention to the message of the book of Acts will heighten our appreciation for the power of 4:12) It will also move us to be selfsacrificing and will build up our faith in the Kingdom hope. authenticity: bt 210; si 200, 340-341; *** si p. 200 pars. 4-7 Bible Book Number 44 Acts *** 4 From the most ancient times, Acts has been accepted by Bible scholars as canonical. Parts of the book are to be found among some of the oldest extant papyrus manuscripts of the Greek Scriptures, notably the Michigan No. 1571 (P38) of the third or fourth century C.E. and Chester Beatty No. 1 (P45) of the third century. Both of these indicate that Acts was circulating with other books of the inspired Scriptures and hence was part of the catalog at an early date. same remarkable accuracy as we have already noted marks his Gospel. Sir William M. Ramsay rates the writer o historian is truth. What he says must be Illustrating the accurate reporting that so characterizes Edwin Smith, commander of a flotilla of British warships in the Mediterranean during World War I, writing in the magazine The Rudder, March were not steered as those in modern times by a single rudder hinged to the stern post, but by two great oars or paddles, one on each side of the stern; hence the mention of them in the plural number by St. Luke. [Acts 27:40] . . . We have seen in our examination that every statement as to the movements of this ship, from the time when she left Fair Havens until she was beached at Malta, as set forth by St. Luke has been verified by external and independent evidence of the most exact and satisfying nature; and that his statements as to the time the ship remained at sea correspond with the distance covered; and finally that his description of the place arrived at is in conformity with the place as it is. All of which goes to show that Luke actually made the voyage as described, and has moreover shown himself to be a man whose observations and statements may be taken as reliable and trustworthy in the highest
6 5

Archaeological findings also confirm

example, excavations at Ephesus have unearthed the temple of Artemis as well as the ancient theater where the Ephesians rioted against the apostle Paul. (Acts 19:2741) Inscriptions have been discovered that

Thessalonica. (17:6, 8) Two Maltese inscriptions show that Luke was also correct of Malta. 28:7.
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first and the essential quality of the great

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Further, the various speeches made by Peter, Stephen, Cornelius, Tertullus, Paul, and others, as recorded by Luke, are all different in style and composition. Even the speeches of Paul, spoken before different audiences, changed in style to suit the occasion. This indicates that Luke recorded only what he himself heard or what other eyewitnesses reported to him. Luke was no fiction writer. Kingdom highlighted in: si 205
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To convince another crowd outside the temple, Peter again called upon the Hebrew Scriptures, first quoting Moses and from Samuel on and those in succession, just as many as have spoken, have also the Sanhedrin, Peter quoted Psalm 118:22 in showing that Christ, the stone that they -24; 4:11) Philip explained to the Ethiopian eunuch how the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, 8 had been fulfilled, and on being enlightened, this one humbly requested baptism. (Acts 8:28-35) Likewise, speaking to Cornelius concerning Jesus, hets bear circumcision was being debated, James

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Kingdom, which runs like a golden thread throughout the entire Bible, stands out very prominently in the book of Acts. At the outset Jesus is shown during the 40 days prior to his ascens

the Kingdom that Jesus told them that they must first be his witnesses to the most distant part of the earth. (1:3, 6, 8) Starting in Jerusalem, the disciples preached the Kingdom with unflinching boldness. Persecutions brought the stoning of Stephen and scattered many of the disciples into new territories. (7:59, 60) It is recorded that Philip God

the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is -18) The apostle Paul relied on the same authorities. (26:22; 28:23, 2527) The evident ready acceptance by the disciples and their hearers of the Hebrew seal of inspired approval on those writings. 34 Acts is most beneficial in showing how the Christian congregation was founded and how it grew under power of holy spirit. Throughout this dramatic account, we boldness and joy of the early Christians, their uncompromising stand in the face of persecution, and their willingness to serve, a to enter foreign service and to go into Macedonia. (4:13, 31; 15:3; 5:28, 29; 8:4; 13:2-4; 16:9, 10) The Christian congregation today is no different, for it is bound together in love, unity, and common interest as it under guidance of holy spirit. 2:11, 17, 45; 4:34, 35; 11:27-30; 12:25. 35 The book of Acts shows just how the Kingdom should be carried out. Paul himself was an example, from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and thoroughly throughout the book, and it comes impressively to the fore in the closing
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Rome. All these early Christians set sterling examples of unswerving reliance on Jehovah and his sustaining spirit. (8:5, 12; 14:5-7, 21, 22; 18:1, 4; 19:1, 8; 20:25; 28:30, 31) Viewing their indomitable zeal and courage and noting how abundantly Jehovah blessed their efforts, we also have thorough witness concerning the kingdom of 28:23. WHY BENEFICIAL 32 The book of Acts adds testimony to that of the Gospel accounts in confirming the authenticity and inspiration of the Hebrew Scriptures. As Pentecost approached, Peter cited the fulfillment of two prophecies that 20; Ps. 69:25; 109:8) Peter also told the astonished Pentecost crowd that they were actually

Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32; compare also Acts 2:25-28, 34, 35 with Psalm 16:8-11 and 110:1.
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devotion to his preaching and teaching, even under prison bonds, is borne out in the by bearing thorough witness concerning the kingdom of God and by using persuasion with them concerning Jesus from both the law of Moses and the Prophets, from singlehearted in our Kingdom activity! 20:20, 21; 28:23; 2:40; 5:42; 26:22.
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Ephesus contains much practical counsel for overseers today. Since these have been appointed by holy spirit, it is most important derly and guarding them against oppressive wolves that seek their destruction. No light responsibility this! Overseers have need to keep awake and build themselves up on the labor to assist those who are weak, they

(17:11) Today, as then, this eager searching of the Scriptures in association with -filled congregation will result in the blessings of conviction and strong faith. It is by such study that one may come to a clear appreciation of the divine principles. A fine statement of some of these principles is recorded at Acts 15:29. Here the governing body of apostles and older brothers in Jerusalem made known that while circumcision was not a requirement for spiritual Israel, there were definite prohibitions on idolatry, blood, and fornication. 39 Those early disciples really studied the inspired Scriptures and could quote and apply them as needed. They were strengthened through accurate knowledge persecutions. Peter and John set the pattern for all faithful Christians when they boldly righteous in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves. But as for us, we cannot stop speaking about the brought again before the Sanhedrin, which teaching on the basis

happiness

in giving than there is in 20:17-35. 37 The other discourses of Paul also sparkle with clear exposition of Bible principles. For example, there is the classic argumentation of his talk to the Stoics and Epicureans on the Areopagus. First he

explaining that the one true God, the Lord of heaven and earth, who made out of one man

testimony resulted in a fine witness to the rulers, and it led the famous Law teacher Gamaliel to make his well-known statement in favor of freedom of worship, which led to 4:19, 20; 5:28, 29, 34, 35, 38, 39.
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showing how ridiculous it is to suppose that they sprang from lifeless idols of gold, silver, or stone. Thus Paul tactfully establishes the sovereignty of the living God. It is only in his concluding words that he raises the issue of the resurrection, and even then he does not mention Christ by name. He got across his point of the supreme sovereignty of the one true God, and some became believers as a result. 17:22-34. 38 The book of Acts encourages When Paul first preached in Beroea, the with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to TMS 2013

concerning his Kingdom, which runs like a golden thread throughout the entire Bible, stands out very prominently in the book of Acts. At the outset Jesus is shown during the

restoration of the Kingdom that Jesus told them that they must first be his witnesses to the most distant part of the earth. (1:3, 6, 8) Starting in Jerusalem, the disciples preached the Kingdom with unflinching boldness. Persecutions brought the stoning of Stephen and scattered many of the disciples into new territories. (7:59, 60) It is recorded that Philip

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Rome. All these early Christians set sterling examples of unswerving reliance on Jehovah and his sustaining spirit. (8:5, 12; 14:5-7, 21, 22; 18:1, 4; 19:1, 8; 20:25; 28:30, 31) Viewing their indomitable zeal and courage and noting how abundantly Jehovah blessed their efforts, we also have thorough witness concerning the kingdom of 28:23. *** w08 5/15 p. 30 - p. 31 Highlights From the Book of Acts *** Scriptural Questions Answered: 2:44-47; 4:34, 35 Why did believers sell their possessions and distribute the proceeds? Many who became believers had come from faraway places and were without enough provisions to extend their stay in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, they desired to remain there longer in order to learn more about their new faith and to bear
No. 1: Acts 1:15-2:4

witness to others. To help such ones, some Christians sold their property, and the funds were distributed to the needy. 4:13 Were Peter and John illiterate or uneducated? No, they were not. They because they did not attend rabbinic schools for religious training. Lessons for Us: 1:8. The worldwide work of witnessing accomplished without the help of the holy spirit. 4:36 5:11. Joseph of Cyprus was him the name Barnabas because he was warmhearted, kind, and helpful to others. We should be like him and not like Ananias and Sapphira, who resorted to pretense, hypocrisy, and deviousness.

No. 2: What Future Blessings Will Be Enjoyed as a Result of the Ransom

(rs p. 3101- 4)
*** rs p. 310 Ransom *** What future blessings will be enjoyed as a result of the ransom? Rev. 5:9, 10: worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule vital factor in opening the way to heavenly life for those who are to rule with Christ. Soon all the government will be on their heavenly thrones.) Rev. 7:9, 10: which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb [Jesus Christ, who died as if a sacrificial lamb], dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep on crying with a loud voice,

ifice is a key factor in the survival of this great crowd through the great tribulation.) Rev. 22:1, 2: river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its broad way. And on this side of the river and on that side there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is an important part of the provision made by God to cure mankind of all the effects of sin and to enable them to enjoy eternal life.) Rom. 8:21: [mankind] also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the

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No. 3: Why can the Thinking of Many People Be Likened to Poisonous Air? (Eph 2:1,2)

*** w08 8/15 p. 27 par. 4 Highlights From the Letters to the Galatians, the Ephesians, the Philippians, and the Colossians *** 2:2 How is the spirit of the world like the air, and where does its authority lie? the spirit of independence and disobedience is as pervasive as the air we breathe. (1 Cor. 2:12) Its authority, or power, lies in its persuasiveness, persistence, and relentlessness. *** lv chap. 5 pp. 53-54 How to Keep Separate From the World *** RESISTING
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(1 John

2:16;

1 Timothy

6:9, 10)

The

the sinful flesh, its subtlety, its relentlessness and, like air, its pervasiveness. Moreover, it in him ungodly traits, such as selfishness, haughtiness, greedy ambition, and the spirit of moral independence and rebellion. Simply put, the spirit of the world progressively causes the traits of the Devil to grow in the heart of a man. John 8:44; Acts 13:10; 1 John 3:8, 10. *** w07 6/15 p. 26 par. 1 Jehovah Values Your Obedience *** A SPIRIT of independence and disobedience permeates the world today. The apostle Paul explains why in his letter to walked according to the system of things of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 2:1, might say, infected the whole world with the spirit of disobedience. He was doing so in the first century, and he has been doing so even more intensely since being cast out of heaven about the time of World War I. Revelation 12:9.

SPIRIT

OF

THE

Another way that Christians keep separate from the world is by resisting its evil

wrote Paul. (1 Corinthians 2:12) To the according to . . . this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of Ephesians 2:2, 3.
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invisible,

impelling

force

irit, is an that incites

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