Usually I don’t have the time to sit through an entire basketball game, that is why I love highlights. Since the eleven o’ clock KTVZ news airs Portland Trailblazer highlights, a guy can keep up with the team. Fortunately, sports news and the statistics of my favorite team matter little to the modern church. But the book of Acts matters very much. William Barclay states that “In one sense Acts is the most important book in the New Testament. It is the simple truth that if we did not possess Acts, we would have, apart from what we could deduce from the letters of Paul, no information whatever about the early church.” Moreover, Barclay reminds us that it is written in a way which “opens a series of windows and gives us vivid glimpses of the great moments and personalities . . .” Therefore, knowing Acts is vital. To that end, I’ve highlighted three principles from Acts. They are listed and explained below and in this statement. When we have the presence of God, when the word of God is proclaimed, and we baptize those who believe we are serving him faithfully.
- God is constantly present with the church in power. From beginning to end Acts is a book about God and his people who are on his mission. He is the power and the strategy behind the function of the church and its growth.
- He is there to give his orders before the church began (Acts 1:3-1). He is there to cause people to repent and believe his gospel at the start of his church (Acts 2).
- He is at Peter and John’s arrest and trial (Acts 4).
- He is present and active in Annanias and Sapphira’s death (Acts 5:1-11). God refuses to be put to the test.
- He is at Stephen’s trial and martyrdom. God strengthened Stephen and revealed himself to him (Acts 7).
- He is undeniably presents himself to Saul, and calls Saul to himself for salvation and to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9).
- His presence and work was rather obvious in Caesarea, when the gospel was first preached among Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48, 11:15-18).
- He is powerful among his preachers and the listeners as the gospel is proclaimed in Iconium. Many believed yet many did not believe. The city was divided over God’s truth, yet His power and presence were so obvious that Luke is careful to note that the apostles were relying upon God (Acts 14:1-4). Even when people do not believe, God is present.
- His power and direction prevented the missions team from preaching Jesus in Asia ( Acts 16:6).
- His power and planning delivered a hardened man from his sin and delivered Paul and Silas from jail (Acts 18).
- He was present with Paul and spoke to him, so that he would continue his Corinthian mission (Acts 18:9-11). The apostle stayed for one and a half years. God was with him. Many were saved and baptized.
We could go further, but time and space will not permit. The second striking principle is how the word of God was frequently used in the ministries of the church, and was the content of most the sermons.
- The word of God, the gospel is important. It has been said that the true test of a church is whether or not the Bible/gospel is preached and whether or not the ordinances are observed. Whoever said that got it right. And since I don’t expect you to just take my word for it, take God’s. The sermons and speeches in Acts are packed with bible passages, that show the way of Christ. Also, often the sermons were followed with baptisms.
- Peter’s first speech in Acts showed how Judas’ death was fulfillment of the Scripture, and then Peter quoted Psalm 69:25 and 109:8.
- Peter’s famous Pentecost sermon employed numerous passages of Scripture (Acts 2:14-40). He quoted Joel 2:28-32; Psalm 16:8-11, 110:1 just to name a few. Right after his sermon those who believed were baptized and then they all continually devoted themselves to doctrine, fellowship, prayer, and communion (Acts 2:42).
- The gospel from the Old Testament is rather obvious in Peter’s second sermon where he goes all the way back to Abraham, showing his connection to Jesus. Peter also teaches us that all of God’s prophets had announced that “Christ would suffer” and that “He has thus fulfilled” those prophecies (Acts 3:18-19). Of course, Peter also mentions the truth of the resurrection, showing Jesus’ resurrection tied into the book of Deuteronomy (Acts 3:21-22, cf. Deut 18:15). Peter preaches on, showing his listeners how God’s covenant with Abraham would ultimately bless all nations in Christ (Acts 3:25-26, cf. Gen 22:18).
- As the first missionaries began their journey from Antioch it is extremely noteworthy how at every opportunity they speak out the gospel and the word of God. A quick search of the book of Acts for the ministry of the word turns up many verses. Here are some that I discovered in about five minutes:
- Acts 4:31 includes a prayer for the apostles to boldly speak the word of God.
- Some passages that include the ministry of the word are: Acts 6:2, 4, 7; 8:4, 14, 25, 35; 10:36; 11:1, 14, 19; 12:24; 13:5, 7, 44, 46, 49; 14:3, 25; 15:7, 35, 36, 16:6, 32; 17:2, 11, 13; 18:5, 11, 24, 28; 19:10, 20.
The citations here are not exhaustive, not even close. But one verse that stands out is the very last verse of Acts. It says “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered” (Acts 28:31). And now, it is up to us to carry on by preaching the kingdom and teaching the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Baptism is a must. There are no shortages of baptisms in the book of Acts. Acts 8:12, “But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.” Also, some other places where baptism occurs are Acts 8:13, 38; 9:18; 10:48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16.
Throughout vivid moments and great personalities God’s special revelation to us in Acts teaches us much. We are reminded that God always had a powerful presence with his people. His presence with believers is sure and constant. He is always with you. Secondly, we see that his people loved his word. Through it comes faith, and faith in Christ brings salvation to the world. Let us make the Bible a priority in life and in worship. Lastly, we see that his people were baptized. Thus, all who believe today must be baptized by the church. Since we are human, these things may become ritualistic and boring. Rather, when we remember where he is and how he wants us to serve him, we are set free from rituals and legalism. Since the only things that really matter in our faithfulness are the word and the ordinances (baptism and communion).
Dear Christian, you have all you need to faithfully grow in Christ. His presence always with you. It is often more powerful when we are gathered. His word is at your side and in your heart. It is proclaimed and taught when the church is gathered. His water baptism was either given to you after your conversion, or it awaits you now. If we keep these highlights in mind as we serve Christ together, I believe we will do well.
