• ADA000 The Acts of the Apostles

    Introduction to a series of studies on the Acts of the Apostles, the natural continuation of the Gospel of Luke. The article presents the historical and theological approach adopted: placing events in context, setting them alongside the Pauline epistles, and establishing a chronology. The two central figures, Peter and Paul, will structure the study. The aim is to trace the birth and expansion of the Church from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean world, under the action of the Holy Spirit.

    Acts 9.15 (King James Version) :
    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA005 The choice of Matthias

    Analysis of Acts 1.15-26, which recounts the election of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. Peter, the natural spokesman of the disciples, bases the need for this replacement on the Psalms. The apostolic criteria are specified: to have followed Jesus since his baptism and to be a witness of his resurrection. Matthias is finally designated by lot after prayer, restoring the college of the Twelve, a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel.

    Matthew 19.28 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA016 The solidarity of the believers

    Luke, describing the first Christian Church in Jerusalem, shows a united and caring community. The believers shared their possessions freely, motivated by brotherly love and transformed by the Gospel. The management of resources by the apostles testifies to collective trust and contributes to the growth of the Church.

    Philippians 2.1-4 (King James Version) :
    If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA018 The remarkable growth of the early Church

    The ADA018 article comments on Acts 5.12-16, describing the growth of the early Church in Jerusalem in the spring of 33. The apostles perform miracles publicly in Solomon’s Portico, the Church grows in numbers, men and women alike, and the apostles’ reputation grows among the people, despite a fear aroused by the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. The passage establishes a strong parallel with the ministry of Jesus.

    Luke 7.16 (King James Version) :
    And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA019 The arrest of the apostles

    The ADA019 article comments on Acts 5.17-18: faced with the remarkable growth of the Church in Jerusalem, the high priest and the Sadducees, moved by jealousy, have the apostles arrested. Luke shows that despite the opposition of the religious authorities, the work of Christ continues through the action of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the promise of Acts 1.8.

    Acts 5.14 (King James Version) :
    And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA024 The surprising reaction of the apostles

    After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles react in a surprising way, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Far from being discouraged, they continue their ministry every day in the Temple and in the houses, teaching and announcing the good news. Luke shows that persecutions, far from stopping the Gospel, paradoxically contribute to its progress.

    Acts 5.38-39 (King James Version) :
    And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:But if it be of God, ye can not overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA025 The appointment of the Seven and the organization of the early Church

    Acts 6,1-7 relates the first internal crisis of the Jerusalem Church, linked to the unequal distribution to the widows. To remedy it, the Twelve propose appointing seven men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. This foundational decision distinguishes the ministries while affirming their complementarity, and is accompanied by remarkable growth of the nascent Christian community.

    Acts 6.4 (King James Version) :
    But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA031 The persecution

    Article ADA031 examines the great persecution of the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 8.1-3), around AD 34-35. After Stephen’s martyrdom, the repression extends to all believers, women included. Saul of Tarsus is its chief architect, driven by a sincere but misdirected zeal for the Jewish traditions. This text illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ warnings about persecution and foreshadows Paul’s future conversion.

    Matthew 27.20-25 (King James Version) :
    But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN001 The Gospel of Luke

    The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a two-volume work devoted to the origins of Christianity. Luke was not a witness…

  • ANN083 The family of Jesus the Messiah

    This article examines the importance of the family of Jesus in the development of the early Church. It highlights the roles of his mother…