In Acts 16:6-40, Luke begins Part V of Acts with a problem in Philippi that provides insight into the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a believer contrasted to the pagan experience of spiritism.

The post Acts 16:6-40 The Holy Spirit and the Powers of Darkness first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 15:22-16:5, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem send a letter to Gentile believers urging obedience to certain commands. Why? This is a 2nd question of covenant issue.

The post Acts 15:22-16:5 The Jerusalem Council – 2nd Question first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 15:1-21, the missionary expansion of the gospel among Gentiles forces the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem to address the theology of Gentile inclusion beginning with the first question of covenant.

The post Acts 15:1-21 The Jerusalem Council – 1st Question first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 14:1-28, we consider seven strategic actions that help us understand the missionary ministry of Paul.

The post Acts 14:1-28 Paul’s Strategy – Iconium to Derbe and Back Again first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 13:13-52, we consider in this unique example of Paul preaching in a synagogue the proclamation of promise fulfilled in Jesus and the response of both Jews and Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch.

The post Acts 13:13-52 Paul’s Speech in the Synagogue of Promise and Fulfillment first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 12:25-13:12, from the church of Antioch gospel mission to Gentiles begins, being initiated and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The post Acts 12:25-13:12 The Holy Spirit Initiates Gospel Mission to Gentiles first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 12:1-24, two stories sharing the common factors of King Herod and an angel present for us the ongoing struggle between the power of man and the power of God.

The post Acts 12:1-24 The Power of God, the Power of Man, and Angels first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 11:19-30, the first report of a church plant of Gentiles in the major urban city of Antioch provides a widow into an early, healthy Christian community suggesting principles to apply in our own communities.

The post Acts 11:19-30 The Healthy Christian Community at Antioch first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 11:1-18, Peter reports back to the believers in Jerusalem concerning the events at Cornelius’ household, raising questions for us about the modern day understanding of the gift of tongues and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The post Acts 11:1-18 Cornelius’ Household and Speaking in Tongues first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Acts 10:1-48, Peter is shaken by the implications of the New Covenant when God forces him to acknowledge the end of the ceremonial cleanliness code and to consider his own inner prejudice against non-Jews.

The post Acts 10:1-48 Culture, Covenant and the Inclusion of Gentiles first appeared on Observe the Word.