This is a key chapter in that it introduces the role of the deacon or “servant” within the early church. From this point on, we’ll see church leadership separated into the roles of elders and deacons or shepherds and servants.
One of the first deacons, Stephen, had a remarkable ministry, which brought him to the attention of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council in Jerusalem. He was eventually brought before them where he was falsely accused.
Audio: Acts06.mp3
Notes: Acts06.pdf
Chapter 5 begins with the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira, a couple that the Lord struck dead for their hypocrisy. Ever wonder what it would be like if that happened more often? We’ll then see God working wonders through the apostles. That is followed by a confrontation between the apostles and the Sanhedrin led by the high priest, in the midst of which the twelve are released from prison by an angel. The chapter ends with the apostles continuing to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Audio: Acts05.mp3
Notes: Acts05.pdf
Today we’ll see the first miracle performed by Peter – the healing of a beggar who never walked and was now over 40 years old. When a crowd gathers as a result Peter will attribute the miracle not to himself – but to faith in the risen Jesus Christ. Peter will explain various ways in which Jesus fulfills Jewish messianic prophecy and then call the crowd to repentance.
Audio: Acts03.mp3
Notes: Acts03.pdf
Today we look at life in the earliest church. We’ll see how the earliest Christians spontaneously lived out their faith – right after Pentecost.
Audio: Acts0242-47.mp3
Notes: Acts02:42-47.pdf
Central Reflections 