The first missionary journey (Acts 13, 14) was so successful that a church conference had to be called to handle the growth (15:1-35). Thanks to Peter’s testimony, Paul’s report, and James’ use of Amos 9:10, 11, the second missionary journey accelerated the success of the gospel (Acts 16-18). The new missionary team of Paul and […]
God likes things to grow: families (Genesis 1:28), gardens (v. 29), nations (11:8, 9), and churches (Acts 5:14). In fact, God expects his church to grow (Matthew 13:31, 32) and it is unnatural if she does not grow (vv. 8, 23). If “well begun is half done,” then the church is off to a great […]
Years ago Dr. Marshall Leggett was preaching on Acts 10, 11 at Broadway Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, and his opening line of the message was, “That door just keeps getting wider.” One cannot read the Book of Acts without being impressed with the wide embrace of the inclusiveness of God. Acts is the story […]
Acts 9 is a bridge chapter. The gospel had spread to the Samaritans, and, through the Eunuch, to Ethiopia as well (Acts 8). But for the gospel to spread to the Gentile world (Acts 10) leadership would be key. Acts 9 is about the two leaders of the early church, Peter and Paul. Peter was […]
Jesus geographically outlined the Book of Acts (Acts 1:8). He predicted the growth of the church would take place in Jerusalem (vv. 1-7), all Judea and Samaria (vv. 8-12), and to the ends of the earth (vv. 13-28). Acts 8 is the “near-far” chapter in the New Testament. The Samaritans were geographically near the new […]
