In Acts 7:1-53, we consider Stephen’s speech, the longest speech recorded in Acts, as a response of the gospel to traditional religion.
Acts 6:8-15 and 7:54-60 Stephen’s Arrest and Death
In Acts 6:8-15 and 7:54-60, we begin the second major section of Acts (6:8-9:31) with a clash between the gospel message of the New Covenant community and first-century Jewish orthodoxy.
Acts 5:17-6:7 Further External and Internal Conflict
In Acts 5:17-6:7, we consider another external threat from the establishment and another internal threat concerning the distribution of goods among believers. Tension heightens in Jerusalem as we reach the end of the first of six major sections of Acts.
Acts 4:32-5:16 Internal Threat of Hypocrisy
In Acts 4:32-5:16, we consider the sharing of common property among the first Christians and take note of how seriously and severely God deals with the internal threat of hypocrisy.
Acts 4:1-31 External Threat from the Jerusalem Establishment
In Acts 4:1-31, the leaders of Jerusalem strike out against the new, vibrant Christian community. We consider these questions. What motivates the antagonism of the establishment? What enables Peter to stand so boldly in witness? How does the Christian community respond?
Acts 3 A Sign of Healing and Witness to Jesus Christ
In Acts 3, Luke reports on one of the many miraculous signs being performed by the Apostles during the Jerusalem Awakening, giving us a second opportunity to consider Peter’s gospel message as he again follows up the miracle by speaking to the gathered crowd.
Acts 2:22-47 Pentecost and Witness to Jesus Christ
In Acts 2:22-47, the Church is born through Peter’s witness to Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit. The result is a transformed community devoted to the Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.
Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
In Acts 2:1-21, the Church is born in fire and Spirit at the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, and Peter takes his stand to speak to the multi-cultural assembly of Jews and seekers who gather at the sight.
Acts 1:12-26 The Replacement of the Twelfth Apostle
In Acts 1:12-26, we consider how the small community of believers prepared themselves for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We also identify the overall structure of the book.
Acts 1:1-11 The Commission of Jesus Christ
In Acts 1:1-11, Luke records Jesus commissioning the apostles and ascending into heaven, emphasizing the two major themes of Witness and Power in the Holy Spirit.
John 21 The Journey of Faith
In John 21, the epilogue of the Gospel, John directs our attention to the journey of faith, highlighting the restoration of Peter and the commission Jesus gives every believer, “Follow me.”
John 20 The Empty Tomb and Risen Lord
In John 20, the responses of believers to the empty tomb and news of Jesus raised from the dead suggest principles of faith in line with the two great themes of John’s Gospel.
John 19.17-42 The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
In John 19:17-42, Jesus reverses the shame of the cross to magnify the glory of his name, providing for us not only forgiveness but also a new status of honor free from guilt and shame.
John 18.28-19.16 The Trial of Jesus
In John 18:28-19:16, the trial of Jesus turns into an honor/shame struggle between the Roman governor and Jewish officials who both misunderstand who is truly in control of events.
John 18.1-27 The Arrest of Jesus
In John 18:1-27, we begin the story of Jesus’ final hour with John’s depiction of his arrest and first trial. Adding to the witness of the other Gospels, John reminds us that Jesus may go to the cross meekly, but he is absolutely not weak. Jesus maintains control throughout.