Its title explains its purpose to detail the acts and deeds of the apostles and early believers in Christ. It is also referred to as the history of the early church. It is here that we find the true beginning of The Church of Christ. Even though some point to the restoration movement to explain the church’s history the true origin of the church begins in the book of Acts.
In this writingLuke, inspired by the Holy Spirit records an accurate account of the followers of Jesus after His resurrection. As he begins he makes it clear to Theophilus that the good news about Jesus is being proclaimed. Acts 1:1-8
This was all orchestrated by God’s divine plan before time began and fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach the good news and Peter used the power to unlock the door of eternal salvation for all who would call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 2:14-21
This did not come without resistance. Many found the message about Jesus to be offensive so they opposed it. But their attempts to sideline and silence the messengers were for naught. The early followers of Jesus had to let the world know about Him and even when they were severely persecuted they “Went about preaching the word.” Acts 8:4
As they preached the word walls of division were torn down and replaced with bridges.
Philip preached Jesus in Samaria and he was sent to teach an Ethiopian eunuch about Jesus. Saul the persecutor was transformed into Paul the preacher. Peter the Jew met with the gentiles. It wasn’t long until the early disciples were being identified as “Christians” Acts 11:26.
This brought TROUBLE with a capital T! People were imprisoned for preaching about Jesus. As their number increased complaints were made because some felt neglected. They also needed more servants. Stephen joined the forces but was stoned. James was beheaded. Controversial meetings had to be conducted. Tempers flared over personal choices. Riots broke out. Power struggles occurred. Plots were made to kill people. It wasn’t easy but the truth was embraced and it was said that they, “Turned the world upside down” Acts 17:6.
The objective of the early disciples was for everyone to become a “Christian” Acts 26:28-29.
To help us know how to become a “Christian” the book of Acts contains case after case of conversion. Acts 2:36-47, 3:17-25, 8:4-13, 8:26-40, 9:1-19, (22:1-16 & 26:1-20); 10:1-48, 11:19-26, 16:11-15, 16:16-34, 17:1-4, 18:5-8 and 18:24-28.
There is even a case where some thought they were saved but they were not Acts 19:1-7.
What about you? Does your conversion compare with the cases recorded in the book of Acts?
Do the SEARCH FOR TRUTH lessons and see how your conversion compares with what the Bible teaches.
About the author:
Don and his wife Brenda have been married 48 years. They have two married sons Jason/Crista and Nicholas/Heather and four grandsons Luke, Ryker, Blake and Drew. Don is a graduate of the Gateway School of Preaching, Fairview Heights, IL, the Bristol Roads School of Biblical Studies, Flint, MI and he has a bachelor’s degree in religious education from Michigan Christian College. He has been preaching since 1979. He has preached at Pacific, MO; Howell, MI; Arnold, MO; Festus, MO; Dexter, MO; and De Soto, MO where he has served since 2007. He also serves the congregation as one of the elders. Don has done campaigns and meetings in several states and mission work in Cuba, India, and Jamaica. Don refers to himself as a “Minister” because he loves ministering to others and helping them learn about Jesus and growing in their relationship with Him.
De Soto church of Christ 