Note for 20250714 - Acts - Part 1 - Acts 1 - Power
Acts
One
Introduction to Acts
The Book of Acts, also known as The Acts of the Apostles, is the fifth book in the New Testament and serves as a vital bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles. Here's a concise overview of its background, authorship, and purpose:
Author
Luke, the beloved physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, is widely accepted as the author.
He also wrote the Gospel of Luke, and both works are addressed to the same individual: Theophilus.
The writing style, vocabulary, historical accuracy, and internal evidence (especially the use of “we” sections in Acts) strongly support Luke’s authorship.
Date of Writing
Likely written around AD 62–64, during or shortly after Paul's first Roman imprisonment.
It ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome, which suggests it was completed before his martyrdom and before major events like the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.
Historical and Theological Purpose
Acts continues the narrative from the Gospel of Luke, shifting the focus from Jesus' ministry on earth to the work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
It chronicles the birth and expansion of the early Church, starting in Jerusalem, moving to Judea and Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the Roman Empire — fulfilling Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8.
A major emphasis is placed on Peter’s leadership among the Jews and Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles.
Key Themes
The Holy Spirit: Acts shows the Spirit actively empowering the Church.
Mission and Evangelism: The spread of the gospel is central.
Church Growth and Opposition: Includes miracles, conversions, persecution, and doctrinal challenges.
Unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
Witness: The apostles serve as bold witnesses of Christ’s resurrection.
Outline (Simplified)
Ch. 1–7: The Church in Jerusalem – led mainly by Peter.
Ch. 8–12: The Gospel spreads to Judea and Samaria.
Ch. 13–28: The Gospel spreads to the Gentile world – led by Paul.
Part 1 - Acts 1 - Power
Acts 1:1-26 KJV
[1] The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: [4] and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. [5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. [6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] 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. [9] And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. [10] And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; [11] 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. [12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. [13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. [14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. [15] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) [16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. [17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. [18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. [19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. [20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, And let no man dwell therein: and His bishoprick let another take. [21] Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. [23] And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. [24] And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, [25] that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. [26] And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.1.1-26.KJV
Note for 20250714
First of all, I want to welcome you to a short series on the Book of Acts. It is believed that the book of Acts was written by Luke in the time period of 60 to 64 AD, when he was with Paul in Rome, while Paul was under house arrest the first time. We see a common opening in both Luke and Acts, where the Books are addressed to Theophilus, who is a bit of a mystery. The Name itself means "GOD'S Love" or "Love of GOD," but I myself do not have this knowledge, that is a report of it.
Of course, two major elements of the first chapter are the Ascension of Jesus Christ and the election by the lot, the Apostle Matthias. But, as believers in Jesus Christ, and being of those who have read this Book before, we know of the greater part of the account, so for us, as the heading suggests, I want us to zoom right in on the following verses, but more specifically, the significance of one word in it.
Acts 1:7-8 KJV
[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] 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.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.1.7-8.KJV
Jip, the focus word is "power" and in verse 4 and 5, it hints to it as being a promise of the Father that was to be awaited. In the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with the goal of taking the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all people.
While we are on this focus verses, please also note the sequence in the Words of Christ. First, Jerusalem, then Judah, then Samaria (there is something about Samaria that many do not know) and then the ends of the earth; which of course includes the "work" that all believers are called to do. Samaria is also a reference of what would have known previously in the Old Testament as the main area of the seat of power of the Northern Tribes of Israel. Now while that is a teaching separate from today's teaching, it is still important to know that this points to the tribes that were separated from Judah in the time of Jerobeam, who made Israel to sin in serving Baal by the symbol of molten golden calves. Samaria's population was a mix of people (2 Kings 17) which led to a enmity between Judah and the people of Samaria. Indeed, they were also known as Galilians or as the two men, dressed in white, addressed them as "ye men of Galilee."
Now that a bit of background is done. Let us look at the concept of this promised "power" that was spoken of by Christ. And of course it points to the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon them (and us.) There are so many references that we will focus on only a few scriptures briefly from the Gospel according to John (The disciple Jesus loved.)
John 14:16-18 KJV
[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.16-18.KJV
"I will come to you." But, let's look at just a little earlier in this account:
John 14:12 KJV
[12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.12.KJV
It makes us wonder what has become of this power in the Holy Spirit, not? Will Christ find faith when He returns?
John 14:26-27 KJV
[26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.26-27.KJV
Peace, so our hearts will not be troubled. Many seem a bit bothered at the moment, not?
John 16:7-11 KJV
[7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. [8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [9] of sin, because they believe not on me; [10] of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; [11] of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.7-11.KJV
Focus on verse 8, friends. What will He do, that be the Holy Spirit?
John 16:13 KJV
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.13.KJV
"...and shew you things to come." It is a bit of a, "Wow!" moment, not? Now, what is “greater works” than what Christ has done? Why aren't we seeing evidence of that in the modern church?
Only 1 of two things can be true in this, either the Holy Spirit is not heard and obeyed, or, (and this is a terrifying thought) the Holy Spirit is not in those who claim faith without works to show the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Reminds me of that fig tree without fruit that Christ encountered. It is a terrifying thought, and yet, closer to the truth than many would admit.
Let us then remind us by the words of Christ of the beatitudes. What are the things that are important?
Matthew 5:3-16 KJV
[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. [11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. [13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.3-16.KJV
Are these true in your life?
Selah, Shalom
(PS: Please join me for the audio note on this on YouTube search for @houseofLechem it should be up by the 15th of July 2025)
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Romans 10:13 KJV
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.10.13.KJV
Short Note:
Absolutely true! But, I have a question for you: "Is it just about your own salvation, or do we long for others to be saved too?" Selah.
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Watchman Trilogy: A Prophetic Cry
(Lyrics Based on Isaiah 11–22 and beyond - References provided below)
By Matt
Part I – Watchman Over the Skyline
Watchman, what do you see?
Iron shields light up the night
But prayers fall silent in the fight
Steel and code, our modern might
Yet hearts grow cold beneath the light
Watchman, what do you see?
Smoke on the hills and no one on their knees
Cities built on trembling ground
But no one hears the trumpet sound
Babylon’s echo in trade and pride
Moab weeps where children hide
Egypt’s chaos, Assyria’s flame
Still we trust in man-made names
Watchman, what do you see?
Smoke on the hills and no one on their knees
Cities built on trembling ground
But no one hears the trumpet sound
There’s a root in Jesse’s line
A shoot that breaks the war-torn vine
Peace will come, not by our hand
But by the One who heals the land
Watchman, what do you hear?
The cry of the lost, the sound of fear
Lift your voice, let justice ring
Prepare the way for Zion’s King
Part II – What of the Saints of God?
Watchman, what do you see?
What of the saints of God?
Though the earth shakes, and kingdoms fall
There is a remnant known to God through all
Set apart in the shadow of His hand
A holy seed across the land
They do not trust in sword or spear
Their refuge stands, their Shepherd near
When the banners fall and altars burn
Still faithful hearts to Zion turn
From Egypt’s storm to Assyria’s flame
His chosen call upon His Name
Watchman, what do you see?
A fire refined, but not consumed
He gathers lambs within His arm
And shields His saints from every harm
Though nations fall and empires flee
His covenant stands, eternally
Watchman, lift your eyes above
The banner flies—His Name is Love
They dwell in tents, unknown by men
But they are seen, and kept, and hemmed
The outcast, the afflicted, and the poor
He lifts them up, He shuts no door
Watchman, what do you hear?
The quiet song of saints drawn near
A root from Jesse blooms again
Not by might, nor strength of men
He judges with a holy eye
And lifts the meek, the pure, the dry
The lion and the lamb shall rest
And Zion’s sons shall pass the test
He gathers lambs within His arm
And shields His saints from every harm
Though nations fall and empires flee
His covenant stands, eternally
Watchman, guard the ones He loves
Marked by mercy, crowned above
What of the saints of God?
They shine like stars in a darkened sky…
And He knows every one
Part III – They Refused to Return
Watchman… what of the wicked?
What becomes of those who would not turn?
Woe to those who mock the light
Who trade their truth for endless night
They call what’s evil good and pure
Yet their foundations cannot endure
Watchman, what do you see?
A harvest sown in iniquity
Their idols shine, but cannot save
Their pride is built upon a grave
From Babylon’s pride to Tyre’s gold shore
Their merchants weep—but weep no more
The Watchman cries, but none will hear
The trumpet sounds—yet none draw near
They refused to return
Though mercy called from dawn to dusk
They hardened their hearts
They silenced the prophets
They worshipped the works of their hands
Now the axe is laid to the root
And the fire burns the land
Desolation rides on every wind
And none repent, and none rescind
The Lord has stretched out His hand again
But they have chosen death, not Him
Watchman, what do you see?
Cities fall without remedy
He weeps for them, the Righteous One…
O Jerusalem… you stoned the Son
How often would He gather you in—
But you would not come… you would not come
They refused to return
Though warning pierced the veil of time
Now smoke ascends, the harlot falls
And kings lament her golden crimes
Watchman, sound the trumpet clear
The Judge is near… the Judge is near
And still… He waits for those who turn
But the hour is fading…
Watchman Trilogy: A Prophetic Cry
(With Scripture References – Isaiah 11–22 and more)
By Matt
Part I – Watchman Over the Skyline
Watchman, what do you see?
Isaiah 21:11 — “Watchman, what of the night?”
Ezekiel 33:7 — “I have made you a watchman…”
Iron shields light up the night / But prayers fall silent in the fight
Isaiah 31:1 — Trust in chariots, not in the Holy One of Israel
Isaiah 1:15 — “Even when you make many prayers, I will not listen”
Steel and code, our modern might / Yet hearts grow cold beneath the light
Isaiah 2:7–8 — Land is filled with silver, horses, idols
Matthew 24:12 — “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold”
Watchman, what do you see? / Smoke on the hills and no one on their knees
Isaiah 1:7 — “Your land is desolate… cities burned with fire”
Isaiah 17:10 — “You have forgotten the God of your salvation…”
2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If my people… will humble themselves and pray…”
Cities built on trembling ground / But no one hears the trumpet sound
Isaiah 28:16 — “Behold, I lay in Zion a tested stone… a sure foundation”
Jeremiah 6:17 — “I set watchmen over you… But they said, ‘We will not listen.’”
Babylon’s echo in trade and pride / Moab weeps where children hide
Isaiah 13–14 — Oracle concerning Babylon’s fall and pride
Isaiah 15:3–5 — “Moab shall wail… their hearts cry out”
Egypt’s chaos, Assyria’s flame / Still we trust in man-made names
Isaiah 19 — Confusion in Egypt
Isaiah 20:4–6 — Assyria takes captives
Isaiah 31:1 — Trust in man, not in God
There’s a root in Jesse’s line / A shoot that breaks the war-torn vine
Isaiah 11:1 — “A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse…”
Peace will come, not by our hand / But by the One who heals the land
Isaiah 9:6–7 — Prince of Peace
2 Chronicles 7:14 — “…I will heal their land”
Watchman, what do you hear? / The cry of the lost, the sound of fear
Isaiah 24:11 — “There is an outcry in the streets for wine… all joy grows dark”
Jeremiah 30:5 — “We have heard a cry of panic, of terror…”
Lift your voice, let justice ring / Prepare the way for Zion’s King
Isaiah 40:3 — “Prepare the way of the LORD…”
Isaiah 9:7 — “…with justice and with righteousness”
Isaiah 52:7 — “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet… who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
Part II – What of the Saints of God?
Watchman, what do you see? What of the saints of God?
Malachi 3:16–17 — “The Lord listened and heard… they shall be mine… when I make up my treasured possession”
Though the earth shakes, and kingdoms fall / There is a remnant known to God through all
Isaiah 11:11 — “The Lord will set his hand again… to recover the remnant”
Hebrews 12:26–27 — “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth…”
Isaiah 10:20–22 — “A remnant will return”
Set apart in the shadow of His hand / A holy seed across the land
Isaiah 49:2 — “In the shadow of His hand He hid me”
Isaiah 6:13 — “…the holy seed is its stump”
They do not trust in sword or spear / Their refuge stands, their Shepherd near
Isaiah 31:1 — “Woe to those who trust in chariots…”
Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my Shepherd…”
From Egypt’s storm to Assyria’s flame / His chosen call upon His Name
Isaiah 19:22 — “They will return to the Lord…”
Isaiah 30:15 — “In returning and rest you shall be saved”
Joel 2:32 — “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”
A fire refined, but not consumed
Isaiah 48:10 — “I have refined you, but not as silver…”
Daniel 3:27 — The fire did not consume them
He gathers lambs within His arm / And shields His saints from every harm
Isaiah 40:11 — “He will gather the lambs in His arms”
Psalm 91 — “No harm will overtake you…”
Though nations fall and empires flee / His covenant stands, eternally
Isaiah 24:20 — “The earth staggers like a drunken man…”
Isaiah 55:3 — “An everlasting covenant…”
The banner flies: His Name is Love
Song of Songs 2:4 — “His banner over me is love”
Psalm 60:4 — “You have given a banner to those who fear You”
They dwell in tents, unknown by men / But they are seen… and kept… and hemmed
Hebrews 11:13–16 — “They lived as strangers and pilgrims…”
Psalm 139:5 — “You hem me in, behind and before”
The outcast, the afflicted, and the poor / He lifts them up, He shuts no door
Isaiah 14:32 — “The Lord has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of His people find refuge”
Isaiah 61:1–3 — “Good news to the poor…”
The quiet song of saints drawn near
Psalm 27:5 — “He will hide me in the shelter…”
Isaiah 26:20 — “Come, my people, enter your chambers…”
A root from Jesse blooms again…
Isaiah 11:1–10 — Full prophecy of the coming King from Jesse’s line
The lion and the lamb shall rest… / And Zion’s sons shall pass the test
Isaiah 11:6–9 — “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb…”
Malachi 3:2–3 — “Who can endure the day of His coming?”
Part III – They Refused to Return
Watchman… what of the wicked?
Psalm 1:4–6 — “The wicked are not so…”
Isaiah 5:20 — “Woe to those who call evil good…”
Woe to those who mock the light…
Isaiah 30:10 — “They say… ‘Prophesy illusions’”
2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 — “They refused to love the truth…”
Their idols shine, but cannot save… / Their pride is built upon a grave
Isaiah 44:9–20 — The foolishness of idol-makers
Isaiah 28:15–18 — “Your covenant with death shall be annulled”
From Babylon’s pride to Tyre’s gold shore / Their merchants weep—but weep no more
Isaiah 13–14, 23 — Oracles against Babylon and Tyre
Revelation 18:11–19 — “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn…”
They refused to return… / They hardened their hearts
Jeremiah 5:3 — “They have made their faces harder than rock…”
Isaiah 6:9–10 — “…they will not understand”
Romans 1:18–32 — “God gave them up…”
Now the axe is laid to the root / And the fire burns the land
Matthew 3:10 — “Even now the axe is laid to the root…”
Isaiah 66:15–16 — “With fire… the Lord will enter into judgment”
Desolation rides on every wind…
Isaiah 24:1–6 — “The earth is utterly broken”
Jeremiah 4:7 — “The destroyer of nations has set out…”
O Jerusalem… you stoned the Son
Matthew 23:37 — “How often would I have gathered your children…”
Now smoke ascends, the harlot falls…
Revelation 18:8–10 — “She will be burned with fire…”
Isaiah 34:10 — “Its smoke shall go up forever…”
And still… He waits for those who turn
Isaiah 30:18 — “The Lord waits to be gracious to you”
Revelation 22:17 — “Let the one who is thirsty come…”
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