Acts (9)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 10 (Lesson 9) by clicking here.

Meditate on Acts 10.44-48.
Peter doesn’t even get to the invitation before the Spirit does what only the Spirit can do – bring people to new life in Christ (Jn. 6.63; Gal. 4.4-6). Talk about surprise endings!

For reflection
1.  The Spirit fell upon those who were hearing, and they immediately began to speak in tongues. This demonstration served two purposes. First, it established identity with Peter and those who were with him, since this had been their experience as well. Second, it confirmed the moving of God’s Spirit to the Gentiles all at once. Should we always expect such a response to our witness? Explain.

2.  The leaders in Jerusalem would not have to send a delegation later on to see whether Peter’s preaching “took.” Here was the evidence of it, right in front of them. Peter rushed to bring the blessing of baptism to these Gentile believers. Baptism, as a sacrament, is a sign and seal of the Lord’s grace. In what ways? What does it “sign” and what does it “seal” to those who submit to it?

3.  Meanwhile, those who were with Peter were filled with wonder. Wow! Right in front of their eyes God saved those they would have regarded as the least likely people ever to come to the Lord. God is sovereign in the work of the Gospel. He doesn’t reveal everything to us, but He does give us clear instructions concerning our role in His work. Peter’s readiness, obedience, and discernment must be ours as well, if we are to fulfill our calling as messengers in the ongoing work of Christ. How does this apply to your witness for Christ?

4.  God is sovereign in the progress of the Gospel and His Kingdom. But we are responsible to hear God’s instructions and follow them explicitly, day by day. God doesn’t reveal His will through visions or dreams, not normally, anyway. But His Word is sufficiently clear: “You shall be My witnesses.” Now we know what that requires. Will you pay attention to where God is sending you each day? And will you make the most of every opportunity to talk with others about Jesus?

5.  What is one thing you could do, beginning today, to improve the consistency and effectiveness of your witness for the Lord, and to demonstrate your confidence in God, as sovereign over His Good News?

Summary
The curtain comes down to a house filled with joy, wonder, and anticipation. It’s the same story we’ve seen over and over again in the book of Acts. Why do we experience so little of this story in our day?

Closing Prayer
Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us!
Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us,
For we have been brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation,
For the glory of Your name;
And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins,
For Your name’s sake!
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”

Psalm 79.8-10

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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