← Acts of the Apostles

Peter's ministry

  • 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 1.8 (King James Version) :
    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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 1.10-11 (King James Version) :
    And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
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  • 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.

    Luke 22.31-32 (King James Version) :
    And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.
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  • 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.

    Matthew 3.1-6 (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.For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
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  • 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.

    Romans 6.3-4 (King James Version) :
    Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
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  • 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 3.1-11 (King James Version) :
    Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.And all the people saw him walking and praising God:And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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 4.21 (King James Version) :
    So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    Acts 4.6 (King James Version) :
    And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    John 6.68-69 (King James Version) :
    Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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 11.47-53 (King James Version) :
    Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    Luke 22.66-71 (King James Version) :
    And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
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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

  • 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.
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  • 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.

    Acts 5.1-11 (King James Version) :
    But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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  • 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.
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  • 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 5.19 (King James Version) :
    But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
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  • 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 5.12-16 (King James Version) :
    And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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 22.3 (King James Version) :
    I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
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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.

    Colossians 4.15 (King James Version) :
    Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate