Acts 1 - Capitol Commission
Tuesday, 2nd of May 2017
Capitol Commission Georgia
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
Extraordinary Ordinary many details regarding Barnabas or Silas, nor could you identify Peter’s succession as leader of the Jerusalem church.
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY
monthly (interim) schedule first Tuesday of the month
TUESDAY, 2 MAY 2017 12 NOON in 123 CAP Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Studies are held the first Tuesday of each month at 12 Noon, in accordance with the Public Service Commission devotional at 9:55am. The monthly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. The current Bible study is the beginning of an exposition in the first part of the book of Acts (chs. 1—12). You can find archives of past Bible studies (beginning with 2010) at http://www.capitolcom.org/georgia /studies. I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in this ministry is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. Please accept my study in the Word of God as evidence of my desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study is
Tuesday, 2 May 2017 Acts 1 – “Extraordinary Ordinary” Imagine you have read the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). You have just finished reading the last verse in the Gospel of John, and next you read, “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Rom 1:1). The assertion is startling? Who is Paul? The Gospel of Luke indicates that Jesus chose only twelve apostles (6:12-16), and Paul was not included among them. Continuing to read through the New Testament, you arrive at 2 Corinthians 11:28 where Paul expressed his “concern for all the churches.” You remember that Jesus promised, “I will build My church” (Matt 16:18), and gave instruction regarding discipline by “the church” (18:17). In both instances, “church” is singular, and the Lord indicated his work belonged to a future time (“I will build”). How and when did the church appear? Furthermore, when did “the church” become “churches”? The reason for your questions would be from not reading the book of Acts. You would not be able to identify Stephen, Philip the evangelist, or Rabbi Gamaliel. Furthermore, you would not have
When did Paul visit Galatia “the first time” and how was he “received as an angel of God” (Gal 4:13-14)? What did Paul intend by referencing his suffering and mistreatment in Philippi (1 Thess 2:2)? The answer to all these questions (and more) is provided in the book of Acts. Certainly, we can agree that Acts is a pivotal work in the New Testament because it reveals the history of the early church, and thus serves as a transition from Israel (and the Old Testament economy) to the church as God’s vessel through whom the Lord commissioned to proliferate the gospel message. Furthermore, as we consider the book of Acts in relationship to the Statehouse, we will quickly discover that the Holy Spirit revealed much that is valuable to the entire Capitol community. Some information will be directly relatable to the Capitol community, yet even those details that are of an inferential nature will be, nevertheless, a tremendous help. What is noteworthy is that of the thirteen individual conversions recorded by Luke in the book of Acts, seven are politically related individuals. The emphasis upon reaching capitol communities for Christ is vividly illustrated in the 28-chapter narrative. One should note that Luke wrote the book of Acts for the “most excellent Theophilus,” which was a title used to address governors. Luke, quite possibly, wrote the Acts record, in addition to his Gospel (cf. Luke 1:3), for the purpose of persuading a governmental leader to place his faith (trust) in Christ Jesus (which would explain why over one-half of the individual conversion accounts recorded in the book of Acts involve politically related people). The book of Acts demonstrates the progression of the “good news” of God’s grace – received by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – from one location to another by means of persons. In other words, the progress was not disordered, as there was a definite geographical pattern – particularly in reaching capitol communities – and a specific precedent in the selection of those individuals sent to accomplish the evangelistic outreach and missionary work. The cities of Jerusalem (the national capital of Israel) and Antioch (the capital of Syria) were the initial places for the expansion of the gospel message during the thirty years immediately following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel witness was to begin at Jerusalem and extend to Rome (the imperial capital). Jerusalem, therefore, is the geographical priority in the first 10 chapters of Acts. Antioch served as primary locale in chapters 11—21. The final chapters (21—28) in Acts relate the concluding progression from Jerusalem to Rome. The narrative of Acts is focused upon two key persons: Peter and Paul. Indeed, there is not a single chapter in Acts wherein the two men, or both, are not mentioned. In this regard only, the book could be titled, “The Acts of Two Apostles.” Peter’s acts (chs. 1—12) are associated with Jerusalem, and Paul’s acts (chs. 13—28) were based in Syrian Antioch (and Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia). The present interim Bible study will exposit chapters 1—12 (and reserve the final chapters for exposition at another time).
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study 1st Tuesday (2nd of May) from 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (friend sponsorship of Capitol Commission Georgia by Centerpoint Community Church)
Tuesday, 2 May 2017 – through their activities – they became united (“with one mind,” v. 14) for it is likely that there were times when they were not (e.g. Mark 8:33; 10:14; Matt 18:1-7). The listing of the disciples is the same as in Luke 6, although the order is different. Ordinary individuals constituted the group: no celebrities or superstars. All believers comprise the church and must operate in response to the Lord’s command. The outstanding aspect regarding those gathered in “the upper room” is that they were not exceptional. God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary undertakings.
WITNESSES OF THE LORD (Acts 1:1-11) Acts begins with a reference to Luke’s “first account,” the Gospel of Luke. Both Luke and Acts were written to Theophilus, a government official. Luke emphasized that the Gospel was only the beginning “that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). Acts narrates the acts of Jesus from heaven to which “he was taken” (v. 2). The apostles were chosen “by the Holy Spirit” (who proceeds from the Father and the Son), who soon would be sent to empower them (as promised in John 14:16-17). Notice also that it is the Lord who chooses, and thus who is entirely in control of those who are his servants (cf. Dan 2:21; Rom 13:1). What a great reminder not to hurry into fulfilling God’s commands without being adequately prepared or bolstered for the work given by the Lord (cf. Acts 1:4-5 where the disciples must “wait” for their empowering).
The disciples prayed together and “continually” (Acts 1:14). Women were also present with the disciples as were Jesus’ brothers. The content of the prayer is not important rather the fact and nature of the praying is significant. A decisive moment that was teeming with expectation and wonder was also an occasion for prayer.
John 14:16-17 – the Father . . . will give you another Helper . . . whom the world cannot receive . . . but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
GOD CHOOSES ORDINARY PEOPLE EXTRAORDINARY UNDERTAKINGS.
TO
ACCOMPLISH
Jesus affirmed his victory over sin, death, and Satan by his resurrection from the dead and his appearance to his disciples “over a period of forty days” prior to his ascension (Acts 1:3, 9-11). The Lord was active during that time in “speaking of the things concerning the kingdom.” The theme of “the kingdom” begins (vv. 3, 6-8) and concludes the book (28:31). The concept of the kingdom was both familiar and fundamental to Jesus’ disciples. Kingdom is a term that occurs a minimum of 126 times in the Gospels (primarily in the initial three). The disciple’s question involves two aspects: (1) the time of the coming kingdom; and, (2) the fact of it arriving.
Peter emerged as the natural spokesman for the “gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons” (v. 15). He explained that a replacement for Judas (who had apostatized, vv. 18-20) was necessary, and referenced Old Testament prophecies – which he certified as inspired by the Holy Spirit – as the evidence for his assertion (vv. 16-17). The death of Judas is important to mention for it demonstrates what may occur to a person who is besieged with anguish and guilt so that their heart becomes calloused and selfabsorbed, and would rather commit suicide than repent. Peter noted the qualifications for the new leader: a companion of Jesus, witness of the resurrection, and chosen by the Lord (vv. 2122, 24). The gathering of believers reverted to an Old Testament precedent (Prov 16:33) for discerning God’s will. The choice for a replacement would be the Lord’s not their own. In sovereign choice, God elected Matthias to become the twelfth apostle (Acts 1:23-26).
Based upon details revealed in the Old Testament and the Gospels, expectations of the kingdom involved a literal, political structure that would be inaugurated by God. The kingdom envisioned could also be called the single, unified, mediatorial kingdom that existed historically in the Old Testament and was prophesied to be restored in its former glory at Messiah’s coming; it is the same kingdom that John the Baptist preached and that Jesus offered to Israel. The “mystery form of the kingdom” is the present age, and is neither political nor limited to Israel (cf. Matt 13).
God’s Word – the Holy Bible – is always the believer’s lamp and light (Ps 119:105), and the Lord’s people must obey what it reveals. The guidance of Scripture (Acts 1:15-23) is what directs believers, when they are willing to heed it. Acting upon one’s merits rather than upon God’s provisions will always result in grave errors.
Jesus dismissed the time aspect of the disciple’s question. The present commission during the mystery form of the kingdom is to disciple the “nations” (cf. Matt 28:18-20, which means the Great Commission is first national, rather than individual, and has emphasis upon capitals, as evident in Acts 1:8). The strategy to fulfill this command involves reaching capitol communities with God’s Word. The kingdom message was declared historically in Acts to Samaritans (8:12) and Gentiles (14:22; 20:25; 28:31), kings (9:15), as well as to Jews (19:8; 28:23). The only way to enter the kingdom of God is to receive the life that God has made available in his Son (cf. John 3:3; Acts 8:12; 20:21, 25).
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
About Capitol Commission Capitol Commission’s mission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. In these communities, we purpose to reach every person with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to disciple them, and prepare them for a lifetime of ministry in whatever arena God chooses to place them. Our mandate is to see the hearts and lives of elected officials, their staffs, and lobbyists – the entire capitol community – transformed with the Word of God. Capitol Commission, Inc is a charitable and religious nonprofit corporation operating exclusively for charitable and religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
WITNESSES OF THE WORD (Acts 1:12-26) The apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives for the purpose of discussion and prayer, as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit (vv. 12-14). What is noteworthy is that
this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION (INTERIM) BIBLE STUDY:
Tuesday, 6th of June @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP (the 1st Tuesday of each month, during interim)
Capitol Commission Georgia
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
Extraordinary Ordinary many details regarding Barnabas or Silas, nor could you identify Peter’s succession as leader of the Jerusalem church.
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY
monthly (interim) schedule first Tuesday of the month
TUESDAY, 2 MAY 2017 12 NOON in 123 CAP Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Studies are held the first Tuesday of each month at 12 Noon, in accordance with the Public Service Commission devotional at 9:55am. The monthly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. The current Bible study is the beginning of an exposition in the first part of the book of Acts (chs. 1—12). You can find archives of past Bible studies (beginning with 2010) at http://www.capitolcom.org/georgia /studies. I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in this ministry is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. Please accept my study in the Word of God as evidence of my desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study is
Tuesday, 2 May 2017 Acts 1 – “Extraordinary Ordinary” Imagine you have read the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). You have just finished reading the last verse in the Gospel of John, and next you read, “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Rom 1:1). The assertion is startling? Who is Paul? The Gospel of Luke indicates that Jesus chose only twelve apostles (6:12-16), and Paul was not included among them. Continuing to read through the New Testament, you arrive at 2 Corinthians 11:28 where Paul expressed his “concern for all the churches.” You remember that Jesus promised, “I will build My church” (Matt 16:18), and gave instruction regarding discipline by “the church” (18:17). In both instances, “church” is singular, and the Lord indicated his work belonged to a future time (“I will build”). How and when did the church appear? Furthermore, when did “the church” become “churches”? The reason for your questions would be from not reading the book of Acts. You would not be able to identify Stephen, Philip the evangelist, or Rabbi Gamaliel. Furthermore, you would not have
When did Paul visit Galatia “the first time” and how was he “received as an angel of God” (Gal 4:13-14)? What did Paul intend by referencing his suffering and mistreatment in Philippi (1 Thess 2:2)? The answer to all these questions (and more) is provided in the book of Acts. Certainly, we can agree that Acts is a pivotal work in the New Testament because it reveals the history of the early church, and thus serves as a transition from Israel (and the Old Testament economy) to the church as God’s vessel through whom the Lord commissioned to proliferate the gospel message. Furthermore, as we consider the book of Acts in relationship to the Statehouse, we will quickly discover that the Holy Spirit revealed much that is valuable to the entire Capitol community. Some information will be directly relatable to the Capitol community, yet even those details that are of an inferential nature will be, nevertheless, a tremendous help. What is noteworthy is that of the thirteen individual conversions recorded by Luke in the book of Acts, seven are politically related individuals. The emphasis upon reaching capitol communities for Christ is vividly illustrated in the 28-chapter narrative. One should note that Luke wrote the book of Acts for the “most excellent Theophilus,” which was a title used to address governors. Luke, quite possibly, wrote the Acts record, in addition to his Gospel (cf. Luke 1:3), for the purpose of persuading a governmental leader to place his faith (trust) in Christ Jesus (which would explain why over one-half of the individual conversion accounts recorded in the book of Acts involve politically related people). The book of Acts demonstrates the progression of the “good news” of God’s grace – received by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – from one location to another by means of persons. In other words, the progress was not disordered, as there was a definite geographical pattern – particularly in reaching capitol communities – and a specific precedent in the selection of those individuals sent to accomplish the evangelistic outreach and missionary work. The cities of Jerusalem (the national capital of Israel) and Antioch (the capital of Syria) were the initial places for the expansion of the gospel message during the thirty years immediately following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel witness was to begin at Jerusalem and extend to Rome (the imperial capital). Jerusalem, therefore, is the geographical priority in the first 10 chapters of Acts. Antioch served as primary locale in chapters 11—21. The final chapters (21—28) in Acts relate the concluding progression from Jerusalem to Rome. The narrative of Acts is focused upon two key persons: Peter and Paul. Indeed, there is not a single chapter in Acts wherein the two men, or both, are not mentioned. In this regard only, the book could be titled, “The Acts of Two Apostles.” Peter’s acts (chs. 1—12) are associated with Jerusalem, and Paul’s acts (chs. 13—28) were based in Syrian Antioch (and Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia). The present interim Bible study will exposit chapters 1—12 (and reserve the final chapters for exposition at another time).
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study 1st Tuesday (2nd of May) from 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (friend sponsorship of Capitol Commission Georgia by Centerpoint Community Church)
Tuesday, 2 May 2017 – through their activities – they became united (“with one mind,” v. 14) for it is likely that there were times when they were not (e.g. Mark 8:33; 10:14; Matt 18:1-7). The listing of the disciples is the same as in Luke 6, although the order is different. Ordinary individuals constituted the group: no celebrities or superstars. All believers comprise the church and must operate in response to the Lord’s command. The outstanding aspect regarding those gathered in “the upper room” is that they were not exceptional. God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary undertakings.
WITNESSES OF THE LORD (Acts 1:1-11) Acts begins with a reference to Luke’s “first account,” the Gospel of Luke. Both Luke and Acts were written to Theophilus, a government official. Luke emphasized that the Gospel was only the beginning “that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). Acts narrates the acts of Jesus from heaven to which “he was taken” (v. 2). The apostles were chosen “by the Holy Spirit” (who proceeds from the Father and the Son), who soon would be sent to empower them (as promised in John 14:16-17). Notice also that it is the Lord who chooses, and thus who is entirely in control of those who are his servants (cf. Dan 2:21; Rom 13:1). What a great reminder not to hurry into fulfilling God’s commands without being adequately prepared or bolstered for the work given by the Lord (cf. Acts 1:4-5 where the disciples must “wait” for their empowering).
The disciples prayed together and “continually” (Acts 1:14). Women were also present with the disciples as were Jesus’ brothers. The content of the prayer is not important rather the fact and nature of the praying is significant. A decisive moment that was teeming with expectation and wonder was also an occasion for prayer.
John 14:16-17 – the Father . . . will give you another Helper . . . whom the world cannot receive . . . but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
GOD CHOOSES ORDINARY PEOPLE EXTRAORDINARY UNDERTAKINGS.
TO
ACCOMPLISH
Jesus affirmed his victory over sin, death, and Satan by his resurrection from the dead and his appearance to his disciples “over a period of forty days” prior to his ascension (Acts 1:3, 9-11). The Lord was active during that time in “speaking of the things concerning the kingdom.” The theme of “the kingdom” begins (vv. 3, 6-8) and concludes the book (28:31). The concept of the kingdom was both familiar and fundamental to Jesus’ disciples. Kingdom is a term that occurs a minimum of 126 times in the Gospels (primarily in the initial three). The disciple’s question involves two aspects: (1) the time of the coming kingdom; and, (2) the fact of it arriving.
Peter emerged as the natural spokesman for the “gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons” (v. 15). He explained that a replacement for Judas (who had apostatized, vv. 18-20) was necessary, and referenced Old Testament prophecies – which he certified as inspired by the Holy Spirit – as the evidence for his assertion (vv. 16-17). The death of Judas is important to mention for it demonstrates what may occur to a person who is besieged with anguish and guilt so that their heart becomes calloused and selfabsorbed, and would rather commit suicide than repent. Peter noted the qualifications for the new leader: a companion of Jesus, witness of the resurrection, and chosen by the Lord (vv. 2122, 24). The gathering of believers reverted to an Old Testament precedent (Prov 16:33) for discerning God’s will. The choice for a replacement would be the Lord’s not their own. In sovereign choice, God elected Matthias to become the twelfth apostle (Acts 1:23-26).
Based upon details revealed in the Old Testament and the Gospels, expectations of the kingdom involved a literal, political structure that would be inaugurated by God. The kingdom envisioned could also be called the single, unified, mediatorial kingdom that existed historically in the Old Testament and was prophesied to be restored in its former glory at Messiah’s coming; it is the same kingdom that John the Baptist preached and that Jesus offered to Israel. The “mystery form of the kingdom” is the present age, and is neither political nor limited to Israel (cf. Matt 13).
God’s Word – the Holy Bible – is always the believer’s lamp and light (Ps 119:105), and the Lord’s people must obey what it reveals. The guidance of Scripture (Acts 1:15-23) is what directs believers, when they are willing to heed it. Acting upon one’s merits rather than upon God’s provisions will always result in grave errors.
Jesus dismissed the time aspect of the disciple’s question. The present commission during the mystery form of the kingdom is to disciple the “nations” (cf. Matt 28:18-20, which means the Great Commission is first national, rather than individual, and has emphasis upon capitals, as evident in Acts 1:8). The strategy to fulfill this command involves reaching capitol communities with God’s Word. The kingdom message was declared historically in Acts to Samaritans (8:12) and Gentiles (14:22; 20:25; 28:31), kings (9:15), as well as to Jews (19:8; 28:23). The only way to enter the kingdom of God is to receive the life that God has made available in his Son (cf. John 3:3; Acts 8:12; 20:21, 25).
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
About Capitol Commission Capitol Commission’s mission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. In these communities, we purpose to reach every person with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to disciple them, and prepare them for a lifetime of ministry in whatever arena God chooses to place them. Our mandate is to see the hearts and lives of elected officials, their staffs, and lobbyists – the entire capitol community – transformed with the Word of God. Capitol Commission, Inc is a charitable and religious nonprofit corporation operating exclusively for charitable and religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
WITNESSES OF THE WORD (Acts 1:12-26) The apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives for the purpose of discussion and prayer, as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit (vv. 12-14). What is noteworthy is that
this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION (INTERIM) BIBLE STUDY:
Tuesday, 6th of June @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP (the 1st Tuesday of each month, during interim)
