Lawrence DeMetrius

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Letter of Apostle Luke – Acts
An Intimate Review
Pt 1
By Lawrence DeMetrius

Apostle Luke’s Letter to Theophilus

In [Acts 1:1-14] Apostle Luke notes that he wrote this letter to Theophilus to account in part for events that happened after Christ’s triumph at Calvary. It was also to assure that he was a firsthand witness of Christ, His works, teachings, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. [Acts 1:9-11; Mt 24:23-28] He notes that Apostle Mathias replaced Judas Iscariot amongst The Original Apostles. [Acts 1:15-26] He reports that Christ revealed Himself to His disciples for forty days after His resurrection, speaking of things which pertained to Yahweh’s Kingdom. [Act 1:1-3] Christ reiterated that the disciples were to remain in Jerusalem until they were endowed with the Holy Ghost. [Act 1: 4, 5] The question arose as to when the nation of Israel would reattain their former glory and independence. This indicates that even amongst Christ’s disciples, as was the entire Hebrew nation, there was belief that Yahweh was going to send a leader who would deliver them from Roman Rule. Even the disciples had yet to understand that the kingdom Christ came to restore on earth was a spiritual one, composed of born-again mortals from many nations, tribes and tongues. [Acts 1:6; St Jn 3:16; Gal 3:8; I Pet 2:9; Rev 1:5, 6] However, Christ addressed this inquiry by informing them that it was not meant for them to know the exact date and times of certain occurrences, as Yahweh has reserved such knowledge for HIMSELF. [Act 1:6, 7; Mt 24:36; Mk 13:32]

The Purpose of the Holy Ghost in Gospel Ministry

In [Acts 2:1-5; 4:8, 31] Apostle Luke notes the Upper Room experience at Pentecost, where the presence of the Holy Ghost was accompanied with wind, noise and TONGUES of fire. [Act 2:2; Gen 2:7; Eze 37:7; Acts 17:27] The TONGUES of fire were figurative of divine communication that would proceed from the mouths of Yahweh’s Elect on earth. Cloven TONGUES OF FIRE appeared and sat upon each disciple’s head. They were then FILLED with the Holy Ghost and began to SPEAK with other TONGUES as He gave them UTTERANCE. [Act 1:5:32b; 2:16-18; 8:14-17; Jn 7:37-39; Mk 3:31-35; Rm 10:13-15]
As noted in this passage, the Holy Ghost is not a commodity that can be bought with money, as Simon the Sorcerer quickly learned. [Acts 9:18-24]

*tongues Gk #1100 glossa (gloce-sah) it is literally the tongue and implies an naturally unacquired language

*filled Gk #4130 pletho (play-tho) it means to…
1. literally or figuratively fill
2. imbue, which is to stain, impregnate or inspire as with feelings and opinions
3. influence, which is to sway, affect, move a person to some action or exercise one’s influence upon
4. supply, furnish or fulfill a time

*speak Gk #2980 laleo (lal-leh-o) it means to talk or utter words

*gave Gk #1325 didomi (did-o-mee) it means to give

*utterance Gk #669 apophtheggomai (ap-of-theng-om-ahee) it means to declare and plainly enunciate

The spiritual phenomenon was also witnessed by others who heard the disciples SPEAK divine words in their native languages. These witnesses knew the disciples were not natives of their particular countries and did not know their native languages. Christ made it clear that His disciples would receive power to witness for Him in every nation but only after being endowed with the Holy Ghost. This gives credence to the idea that one must a genuine disciple of Christ and endowed with the Holy Ghost to effectively proclaim His message. [Acts 1:8; 2:16-18] Apostle John notes that only those who believe on Christ as the scriptures have said could receive the Holy Ghost. [Jn 7:37-39] In [Acts 3:1-10; Mt 5:14-16] Apostle Luke writes about the public ministries of Apostle Peter and Apostle John. He notes why alms are given and of one who was miraculously healed at a place called The Gate Beautiful. He was lame from birth, which affected his ability to earn a living as did others. Because of this he relied heavily on the alms giving of others. His financial dilemma was not due to an addiction or laziness. In fact, Yahweh found him worthy of experiencing HIS greatness and used his experience to express HIS power before others.
Yahweh also used the man’s experience to begin establishing the credibility of those sent to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. Such miracles were instrumental in spreading awareness of Christ’s Testimony. [Acts 3:13-23] Apostle Peter and John used the occurrence of the man’s miraculous healing to address all who opposed Christ and supported His defamation and death. [Acts 3:11-21; Pro 8:17, 35, 36; St Jn 3:19; 8:12] However, the address was most specific toward the unbelieving Hebrews, as Yahweh was sure to send devastating consequence upon them for their crimes against HIS Christ. [See Eusebius’s Ecclesiastical History and Antiquities of Josephus Flavius]

Challenges of Effective Ministry

In [Acts 4:1-4; 17:5-9] it is noted that while effective proclamation of the Gospel of Christ is not embraced by all, nothing will keep it from reaching those predestined to hear, believe and be regenerated by it. [Acts 5:17-41] All who reject Christ and His Testimony will eventually be eternally banished from Yahweh’s delightful presence. [Jn 8:24] It requires empowerment from the Holy Ghost to effectively communicate this element of Christ’s Gospel on a continual bases, especially in times of extreme persecution. [Acts 4:5-13; 3:23; Jn 8:12; I Cor 1:18, 24; Rm 1:16; 3:23-26; Heb 7:25; 5:40, 41; Rm 8:11] Apostle Luke again notes miraculous events granted by Yahweh through the hands of HIS servants. He reiterates that such miracles were purposed to further the spread Christ’s Testimony and to strengthen faith in THE LORD. [Acts 4:30-35; 4:12; 5:12-16; I Cor 2:4]

The Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

In [Acts 5:1-12] Apostle Luke writes about the consequence of lying and hypocrisy. He notes the experience of a couple by the names of Ananias and Sapphira, who vowed to financially pledge in a certain manner, as did others of the new Christian movement. However, they failed to pledge as they said they would and lied about the amount they gave from a real estate transaction. Because they lied to the Holy Ghost resident within the Apostles and other Christian witnesses, both immediately dropped to their mortal deaths upon speaking their lies.


The True Church Is Ethnically Diverse

In [Acts 6:1-7; St Jn 3:16; Rm 2:11] Apostle Luke writes of the ethnic diversity of the early Christian Church. He also notes the origin of establishing offices of service within the Christian Assembly. He notes that many Hebrews, including Judeo priests became followers of Christ.

Apostle Stephen’s Story

In [Acts 6:8-15; 7] Apostle Luke writes about the power of the Holy Ghost working through Apostle Stephen as he boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In his final speech, Apostle Stephen gave a condensed history likening Christ to Moses. He reiterates how Israel’s forefathers persecuted and murdered Yahweh’s prophets as they did Christ. His decree angered the audience so that they tortured and killed him. His martyr exemplified divine empowerment needed to speak as strongly as he did even in the face of death. His experience was also exemplary of what can happen to those who effectively proclaim The Gospel of Jesus Christ. [Rm 8:11; Mt 5:11, 12] Apostle Stephen was full of faith and publicly performed wonders and miracles by the Holy Ghost. It is important to know that while the forerunners of The Christian Faith possessed immense power, they were also willing, ready and able to suffer great persecution and death as vessels of this power. Apostle Luke then notes in the passage that Abraham was a native of Ur, Charran. He, his wife Sarai with a few other relatives moved their families to Canaan after his father Terah died in Haran, Charron. Terah’s death took place shortly after the fall of the Tower of Babel. [Acts 7:4; Gen 11] The martyr of Apostle Stephen introduces Saul, who at the time terrorized Christians in many places. However, he at the appointed time encountered Christ, was converted to the Christian Faith as Apostle Paul and became one of the greatest witnesses of Jesus Christ ever known. In [Acts 8:1-5] Apostle Luke notes that one of the benefits of early Christian persecution was the scattering of Christian witnesses throughout the known world. He writes of Apostle Philip’s ministry in Samaria where many were BEWITCHED by SORCERY but eventually became Christian converts. This gives credence to the idea that while WITCHCRAFT and SORCERY is quite real and powerful, its influence does not supersede that of Jesus Christ in the minds of those who are predestined to become sons of GOD. [Acts 8:6-13]


*bewitch #1839 existemi (ex-is-tay-mee) it means…
1. to put or stand OUT of wit, which is…
• keen perception and ability to connect ideas with speech or writing, in a manner that awakens amusement and pleasure
• understanding, intelligence or astuteness
• acuteness of mental discernment and sound judgment
• power of intelligent observation, mental composure and resourcefulness
• senses and mental faculties

2. to or become overwhelmed with amazement or wonder

3. become insane, mentally deranged, utterly senseless and of unsound mind

*sorcery Gk #3096 mageuo (mag-yoo-o) it means to practice magic

*sorcery Gk #3095 mageia (mag-i-ah) it is magic, which is the…
• art of producing illusions, as entertainment by the use of sleight of hand and deceptive devices
• art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or forces of nature
• use of this art, effects and influence produced thereby
• any extraordinary or mystical influence, charm or power

BEWITCHMENT, SORCERY and SORCERIES all have to do with the ability to INFLUENCE one’s mental perception. Born-again believers are admonished to keep their minds focused on Christ and His words. In so doing they protect it from all lying persuasions. [Mt 24:24; Jn 8:31, 32, 36; II Tim 2:15; 3:16-18; Ps 1:1-3; 119:105] They are to continually nurture their personal relationship with the Holy Ghost, as no other is better equipped to help them maintain control of their minds. [Rm 8:14-18] In addition, the Holy Ghost reveals to them what they cannot perceive on their own. [Jn 16:13; I Jn 2:26, 27] Christ said,

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.
[Jn 16:13]
The Purpose of Water and Holy Ghost Baptism

In [Acts 8:14-18, 27-40] Apostle Luke notes that Christian converts are baptized with water and the Holy Ghost because they genuinely believe in Christ as the scriptures have said concerning Him, namely that He is the risen Son of Yahweh. They also do to openly decree that they are indeed disciples of Christ. They do so not to receive Christ but because they have already received Him in heart and are spiritually baptized into His Body. [Rm 10:8-10]

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