Peter's ministry 33 studies
- 1The Acts of the Apostles
- 2The fulfillment of the promise
- 3Peter's speech
- 4Three thousand people convert
- 5The healing of the lame man
Word of a Friend 1 study
Peter's ministry
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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.
Luke 22.54-62 (King James Version) :Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilæan.And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA006
The fulfillment of the promise
The article details the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. One hundred and twenty disciples receive divine manifestations in Jerusalem and speak in languages understood by various peoples. This event marks the universality of the Gospel.
Joel 2.28-29 (King James Version) :And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA007
Peter's speech
The article deals with Peter's speech at Pentecost, detailing how he refutes misinterpretations and presents Jesus as the Messiah of the Scriptures. He calls for repentance and baptism, and promises the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1.22 (King James Version) :Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA008
Three thousand people convert
The article deals with the conversion of three thousand people following Peter's speech. It highlights the challenges for the young church, the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit, and the renewed meaning of Christian baptism.
Acts 1.15 (King James Version) :And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA009
The healing of the lame man
The article examines the healing of the lame man in Acts 3.1-11 by Peter and John, placing the miracle in the context of the Jerusalem Temple. It discusses the importance of this healing as an act of witness and underlines the action of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost in the ministry of the apostles.
Acts 3.12-26 (King James Version) :And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA010
Peter's second speech
The article explores Peter's second great speech, following Pentecost. Peter, accompanied by John, preaches in Jerusalem after the healing of a lame man, stressing Christology, repentance and the prophecies of the Messiah. The speech has an impact on the community but meets with opposition from the religious authorities.
Matthew 3.1-2 (King James Version) :In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA011
The arrest of Peter and John
Covering Acts 4.1-4, this article examines the arrest of Peter and John by the religious authorities of Jerusalem. Following the miracles performed by the apostles, the Christian community experiences strong growth, prompting a cautious but firm reaction from the Jewish leaders toward this new faith that proclaims the resurrection, a central concept that particularly offends the Sadducees.
Acts 2.5 (King James Version) :And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA012
Peter and John in prison
This article deals with the confrontation of Peter and John with the Sanhedrin. The apostles, arrested for preaching, must appear before this influential religious court. Facing the same authority that had condemned Jesus, Peter and John, supported by the Holy Spirit, courageously bear witness to their faith, illustrating the continuity of the message of Christ.
John 18.13 (King James Version) :And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA013
The defense of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin
Peter and John present a bold defense before the Sanhedrin after a miracle that surprises the authorities. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they show an assurance that astonishes their judges. Luke stresses the fulfillment of Jesus' promises, and the irrefutability of the facts strengthens their testimony.
Acts 4.7-14 (King James Version) :And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA014
The deliberation and sentence of the Sanhedrin
Faced with the Sanhedrin's embarrassment after a miracle performed by Peter and John, the religious authorities forbid preaching in the name of Jesus, hoping that threats will undermine the Christian message. Peter and John respond by affirming that obedience to God comes first, illustrating a spiritual transformation sustained by the Holy Spirit.
John 3.1-2 (King James Version) :There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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.
Ephesians 4.1-6 (King James Version) :I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;One Lord, one faith, one baptism,One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA017
Ananias and Sapphira
The article deals with the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, showing the dramatic consequences of their deception toward the Christian community and the Holy Spirit. Their story contrasts with the sincere generosity of Barnabas, underscoring the ethical demands of the Christian faith and offering a warning against hypocrisy.
2 Corinthians 9.7 (King James Version) :Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA022
The appearance before the Sanhedrin
Exegetical study of Acts 5.27-33, which relates the appearance of the apostles before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Faced with the accusations of Caiaphas, Peter declares with confidence that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to men, and announces that Jesus, crucified and risen, is exalted as Prince and Savior to grant repentance and forgiveness to Israel. A foundational episode of the apostolic mission.
Luke 21.12-15 (King James Version) :But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.And it shall turn to you for a testimony.Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA032
The Gospel in Samaria
After Stephen’s death, the persecution scatters the believers of Jerusalem, who proclaim the Gospel wherever they go. Philip goes to Samaria and preaches there with power. Luke shows that this scattering fulfills the missionary program announced by Jesus in Acts 1.8. Samaria, long separated from Israel, at last receives the Good News. Philip, one of the Seven, becomes the first officially appointed evangelist of the New Testament.
John 4.35-38 (King James Version) :Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA001
Luke's introduction
First commentary in the series on the Acts of the Apostles, this article analyzes Luke's introduction (Acts 1.1-3). It presents Luke as the author of the two works addressed to Theophilus, raises the hypothesis that Theophilus was the one who commissioned them, and stresses the forty days of post-resurrection teaching on the Kingdom of God. These verses provide the transition between the Gospel and the history of the nascent Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1.14-15 (King James Version) :Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA002
The apostles' conversation with Jesus
Luke reports Jesus' last conversation with his eleven apostles before the Ascension (Acts 1.4-8). Jesus commands them to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, refuses to reveal the eschatological times reserved to the Father, and entrusts them with a universal mission: to be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This passage forms the structural outline of the book of Acts.
Acts 1.6 (King James Version) :When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA003
The ascension of Jesus
The ascension of Jesus, which took place on May 12, 33, on the Mount of Olives, concludes his earthly ministry. Lifted up in a cloud, he is received into the presence of the Father while two angels announce his glorious return. This event, recorded only by Luke, marks the passage to Christ's heavenly ministry and grounds the eschatological hope of the early Church as it awaits the parousia.
Acts 1.9 (King James Version) :And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA004
The disciples' return and wait
After the ascension of Jesus (May 12, 33), the disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a "Sabbath day's journey" away. They gather in an upper room, probably the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, and devote themselves unanimously to prayer, together with the women and the family of Jesus. This period of waiting foreshadows the characteristics of the nascent Church.
Acts 1.14 (King James Version) :These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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.
Acts 1.14 (King James Version) :These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA015
The testimony of Peter and John
The article deals with the return of Peter and John to the believers after their arrest by the Sanhedrin. Faced with threats, the assembly unites in prayer, affirming the sovereignty of God and asking for strength to proclaim the Gospel, expressing an unshakable faith.
Matthew 10.19-20 (King James Version) :But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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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 6.17-19 (King James Version) :And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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 23.8 (King James Version) :For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA020
The miraculous deliverance of the apostles
This article examines the miraculous deliverance of the apostles (Acts 5.19-21) in Jerusalem in the spring of 33. Arrested by the high priest and the Sadducees, the apostles are freed from prison by an angel during the night. Luke relates this miracle with restraint, stressing its theological significance and its parallels with the Old Testament. The angel entrusts the freed apostles with the mission of announcing in the Temple 'all the words of this life', an expression referring to the message of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Acts 5.39 (King James Version) :But if it be of God, ye can not overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA021
The search for the prisoners
Analysis of Acts 5.21-26: after the miraculous deliverance of the apostles, the Sanhedrin discovers the empty cells. Luke highlights the perplexity of the religious authorities, the embarrassment of the captain of the Temple and the fear of a popular reaction. Despite the inexplicable, the religious leaders persist in their opposition and order a second arrest, illustrating God's sovereignty over all human opposition.
Acts 5.19 (King James Version) :But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA023
The intervention of the Pharisee Gamaliel
During a session of the Sanhedrin in the spring of 33, the Pharisee Gamaliel steps in to calm the Sadducees who want to put the apostles to death. By a pragmatic argument drawing on the precedents of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, he persuades the council to adopt a wait-and-see position. From Luke's perspective, his words illustrate a central theme of Acts: the work of God cannot be stopped by men.
Acts 5.36-37 (King James Version) :For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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 2.42 (King James Version) :And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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 6.3 (King James Version) :Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA026
The arrest of Stephen
The article analyzes the arrest of Stephen (Acts 6.8-12) in Jerusalem around AD 34-35. Although appointed among the Seven, Stephen carries out a remarkable apostolic ministry. His witness provokes the opposition of Hellenistic Jews who, unable to refute him, resort to false witnesses to bring him before the Sanhedrin. Luke highlights the parallels with the trial of Jesus and the gradual extension of the persecution to the whole Church.
Acts 4.1-3 (King James Version) :And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA027
Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin
The appearance of Stephen before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6.12-15), around AD 34-35, is initiated by Hellenistic opponents from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his wisdom, they resort to false witnesses. The accusations concern the Temple and the Law, recalling the trial of Jesus. Luke thus draws an intentional parallel between the Master and his disciple.
Acts 8.1-3 (King James Version) :And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles.And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA028
Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin
Before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem around AD 34-35, Stephen delivers the longest speech in Acts. Retracing the history of Israel from Abraham, he shows that God's messengers have always been rejected, culminating in the rejection of the Messiah. Far from defending himself, Stephen becomes the accuser of his judges, taking his place in the line of the prophets and of Christ.
Acts 7.1-53 (King James Version) :Then said the high priest, Are these things so?And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.Then came he out of the land of the Chaldæans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.But Solomon built him an house.Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?Hath not my hand made all these things?Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA029
The murder of Stephen
Analysis of the account of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7.54-60), the first Christian martyr. The article examines the anger of the Sanhedrin, the legally irregular character of the execution, the vision of the glorified Christ granted to Stephen, and the theological parallel Luke draws between the passion of the disciple and that of Jesus. The presence of Saul foreshadows the rest of the apostolic narrative.
Acts 7.55 (King James Version) :But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA030
Saul and the martyrdom of Stephen
Article ADA030 examines Acts 8.1-3: the first appearance of Saul of Tarsus, who approves of Stephen’s martyrdom, and the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. The scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria, far from being a defeat, providentially becomes the driving force behind the spread of the Gospel, fulfilling Jesus’ promise in Acts 1.8.
Acts 5.40 (King James Version) :And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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.
Acts 22.4 (King James Version) :And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Word of a Friend
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PDA010
Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved
The article discusses salvation in Jesus Christ, based on Acts 16.31. Using rescue metaphors, the author compares faith to physical rescue actions. He argues that believing in Jesus is essential for eternal salvation, even if this approach seems simple or naive. Warning against unseen dangers, the article recalls the importance of choosing faith to secure a life after death.
Luke 17.27-29 (King James Version) :They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org