Acts (16)

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

This week’s video is presentation 16 in our study of Acts. In this video we review the ongoing work of Christ up to Acts 18, and consider the stages by which that work proceeds. You can view it by clicking here (scroll down to Lesson 16).

Read and meditate on Acts 17.10-15.
From 1 Thessalonians 1, we know that Paul’s ministry there was effective, even though the situation made it impossible for them to remain. They moved on to Berea and, as was their wont, went to the synagogue as soon as possible. There, as we have seen, they would have argued from the Old Testament Scriptures the teaching about Christ in support of their claims.

For reflection
1.  Paul’s dogged use of the Scriptures drove his hearers to search the Word for themselves, which was a good result. The living Word of God is powerful to penetrate the souls of men, but they must be exposed to it for this to happen (Heb. 4.12). How does Paul’s example counsel us in using the Word in the work of evangelism?

2.  Jot down what you consider to be the most important Scripture references you should include in your witness for Christ:

3.  We note Luke’s reference to Paul’s preaching as “the word of God.” Indeed it was, as his epistles would be also, and not simply because they were consistent with what the Scriptures teach. Paul was inspired by the Spirit of God (cf. Eph. 3.4, 5), and Luke seemed to recognize this even before Paul began writing. This is a hallmark of Paul’s ministry. He was grounded in the Word, made sure to use all of it (Acts 20.27), and was careful not to go beyond what was written there in any of his teaching (cf. 1 Cor. 4.6). How does his example counsel us as we bear witness to Christ in our Personal Mission Fields?

4.  Paul reminded Timothy that the Word of God was sufficient to prepare them for every good work (2 Tim. 3.15-17), especially the work of proclaiming the Gospel, building the Church, and advancing the Kingdom of God – the ongoing work of Christ. Can we expect to be effective in our witness for Christ – lived and spoken – if we are not also students of the Word, like Timothy? Explain.

5.  Whenever we ignore or go beyond that Word in any aspect of this ongoing work, we stray from the path marked out by Paul and his colleagues.How confident are you that everything in your church is being done according to the Word of God? In what ways does your church encourage its members to become steeped in the Scriptures?

Summary
Luke emphasizes the centrality of Scripture in the ongoing work of Christ for all aspects of life in the Kingdom of Christ. We cannot expect to fulfill our Kingdom-and-glory callings apart from reliance on and obedience to the Word of God. Can you see any ways your own approach to the Scriptures – reading, learning, and applying – can be improved?

Closing Prayer
Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD—
Your salvation according to Your word.
So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.

Psalm 119.41-47

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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