Commentary on the Book of Acts

By Claudius Brown

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament in the Christian Bible. It deals primarily with the history of the early Christian Church, focusing specifically on the events that took place after Jesus' death and resurrection. The book is believed to have been written by the apostle Luke and serves as a continuation of his Gospel account.
The Book of Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles at Pentecost. The early chapters of Acts describe the growth of the early Christian Church, including the preaching of Peter and the conversion of Saul, who later became the apostle Paul.
Throughout the book, Luke describes the spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire, including the establishment of new churches and the persecution of Christians. The book also includes accounts of miracles and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
The Book of Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome, still preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ. Overall, the book deals with the growth and spread of Christianity in the early years after Jesus' death and resurrection, as well as the challenges and obstacles faced by the early Church.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claudius Brown
• Release date: Apr 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223757719

Claudius Brown

This book is about me and the struggles I go through to survive in this world. I hope that those who read my book will be encouraged to not quit on life due to the struggles they are going through.

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Chapter 1

Acts 1:1 Summary

This is a verse from the New Testament, specifically the book of Acts, chapter 1, verse 1. It is written in Greek and translates to: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach.

The author of the book of Acts is traditionally believed to be Luke, who was a physician and a companion of the apostle Paul. In this verse, Luke is referring to his previous work, which is the Gospel of Luke. He is addressing his writing to a man named Theophilus, which means lover of God in Greek, and letting him know that he is continuing his account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The phrase τὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον (ton men proton logon) can be translated to my former book or my first account. The phrase ὦ θεόφιλε (o Theophile) means O Theophilus, which is a way of addressing the intended reader of the book.

Acts1:2 Jesus' Instructions

The verse reads as follows in Greek: ἄχρι ἡς ἡμέρας ἐντειλάμενος τοῖς ἀποστόλοις διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου οὓς ἐξελέξατο ἀνελήφθη. In English, this can be translated as: until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

This verse comes at the beginning of the book of Acts, which is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. The author, traditionally identified as Luke, is writing to provide an account of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

In this particular verse, Luke is describing the time between the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension into heaven. He notes that during this time, Jesus gave instructions to his chosen apostles through the Holy Spirit. These instructions likely included guidance on how to continue his mission and spread the message of salvation.

The phrase whom he had chosen emphasizes the importance of the apostles in carrying out Jesus' work on earth. Jesus selected these individuals specifically to be his messengers and representatives, and they were entrusted with the task of spreading the gospel to the world.

The word analempsis (ἀνελήφθη) in the original Greek means was taken up or was lifted up. This refers to Jesus' ascension into heaven, which is described in detail later in Acts chapter 1.

In conclusion, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of the apostles in the early Christian church, and highlights the guidance and instructions that Jesus gave them before his ascension into heaven. It sets the stage for the rest of the book of Acts, which chronicles the spread of the gospel message and the growth of the early church.

The passage in question is from the book of Acts, which is a historical account of the early Christian church and its growth after Jesus' death and resurrection. In this particular verse, the author (traditionally believed to be Luke) is describing how Jesus presented himself alive to his disciples after his suffering, and provided them with many convincing proofs that he was indeed alive.

The phrase ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις δι᾽ ἡμερῶν τεσσαράκοντα (en pollois tekmēriois di' hēmerōn tessarakonta) is often translated as with many convincing proofs for forty days. This suggests that Jesus spent forty days with his disciples after his resurrection, providing them with evidence that he was truly alive and demonstrating to them the reality of his victory over death.

During this time, Jesus spoke to his disciples about the kingdom of God, which was a central theme of his teaching throughout his ministry. He likely spoke to them about how the kingdom of God had been inaugurated through his death and resurrection, and how it would continue to be realized in the lives of his followers.

It is important to note that the phrase τὰ περὶ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ (ta peri tēs basileias tou theou) can be translated in a number of different ways. Some translations render it as the things concerning the kingdom of God, while others translate it as the kingdom of God itself. Regardless of the specific translation, it is clear that Jesus was teaching his disciples about the nature and significance of God's kingdom during this time.

Pentecost Preparation Shown.

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.'

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

From these verses, we can see that after Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to his disciples over a period of forty days and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. He then gave them a command to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift that the Father promised, which was the Holy Spirit. The disciples obeyed this command and stayed in Jerusalem, constantly praying and waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit. This period of waiting took place between the time of Passover and the day of Pentecost, which was a feast day that was observed by the Jews. Therefore, it can be inferred from the text that Luke was showing that they were getting ready to observe the day of the feast which is called Pentecost.

In summary, Acts 1:3 describes how Jesus presented himself alive to his disciples after his suffering, providing them with many convincing proofs of his resurrection over the course of forty days. During this time, he spoke to them about the kingdom of God and its significance for their lives and the world.

What is the kingdom of God?

The term βασιλείας (basileias) is a Greek word that translates to kingdom or reign in English. It can refer to a monarchy or the period of time during which a monarch rules over a territory. It is often used in a religious context to refer to the kingdom of God or the reign of Jesus Christ in Christian theology.

Waiting for Holy Spirit.

These verses are from the first chapter of the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible. They describe a conversation that took place between Jesus and his disciples before his ascension into heaven.

Verse 4: And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, 'Which,' He said, 'you heard of from Me.'

This verse describes Jesus' instruction to his disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit, which he had promised to them earlier. He instructs them not to leave until they have received this promise from God the Father.

Verse 5: For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

Here, Jesus explains that while John the Baptist baptized people with water, his disciples will soon be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This baptism will happen shortly, within a few days of his departure.

Verse 6: So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, 'Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?'

The disciples ask Jesus whether he will restore the kingdom of Israel at this time. This question reflects their expectation that Jesus will establish an earthly kingdom, free Israel from Roman rule, and reign as king.

Verse 7: He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority.'

Jesus responds to the disciples' question by telling them that it is not for them to know the specific times or events that God has planned for the future. This is something that only God the Father knows and has control over.

Verse 8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.

Jesus tells the disciples that they will receive power from the Holy Spirit when it comes upon them. They will then become witnesses for him, spreading his message throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.

Verse 9: And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

This verse describes Jesus' ascension into heaven. After he spoke with his disciples, he was lifted up into the sky and disappeared into a cloud.

Verse 10: And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.

As the disciples watched Jesus ascend into heaven, two men in white clothing appeared beside them. These men are believed to be angels, who will later tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the same way that he left.

These verses are from the first chapter of the book of Acts in the New Testament. They describe the ascension of Jesus into heaven and the events that followed.

Verse 11: The verse describes the moment when Jesus was taken up to heaven in the presence of his disciples, who were looking up at the sky. Two men in white robes appeared and told them that Jesus would return in the same way they saw him go.

Verse 12: The disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, on foot. It was the Sabbath day.

Verse 13: When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying. The disciples who were present were Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

Verse 14: They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Verse 15: Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and addressed them.

Verse 16: Peter reminded the disciples that the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.

Chapter 2

Pentecost Day Arrives .

The text of chapter 2, verse 1. In English, the verse reads as follows:

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

This verse refers to a significant event in the early Christian church, the day of Pentecost. Pentecost is a Greek word meaning 50th day, and it refers to the Jewish festival that was celebrated 50 days after the Passover. The festival commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai and was also associated with the beginning of the wheat harvest.

In the New Testament, the day of Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. The disciples were gathered together in one place, and suddenly there was a sound like a rushing wind, and tongues of fire appeared over their heads. They began to speak in different languages, and people from many different nations were able to understand them.

The events of Pentecost are significant because they mark the beginning of the Christian church's mission to spread the gospel to all nations. The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, and many people were converted as a result.

In conclusion, Acts 2:1 is a brief but important verse that introduces the events of Pentecost, which marked the beginning of the Christian church's mission to spread the gospel to all nations.

Holy Spirit descends.

Acts 2:2. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

This verse describes the events of the Day of Pentecost, which is when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus Christ. The sound of a rushing wind and the filling of the house where they were sitting was a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's arrival. This event marked the beginning of the Christian church and the empowerment of the disciples to spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Tongues of Fire.

Acts 2:3 καὶ ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός ἐκάθισεν τε ἐφ᾽ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν

The passage describes an event that occurred on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus Christ. The verse reads:

καὶ ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός ἐκάθισεν τε ἐφ᾽ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν

This can be translated to English as: And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.

This verse describes the physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire that appeared above the heads of the disciples. These tongues of fire represented the gift of speaking in different languages, which enabled the disciples to communicate with people from various regions and nations. This event is considered significant in the history of Christianity, as it marked the beginning of the spread of the gospel to people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Holy Spirit descends.

This verse is from the New Testament in the book of Acts, chapter 2, verse 4. It describes an event that occurred on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus who were gathered together in a house in Jerusalem.

The verse states that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. This is a reference to the phenomenon of glossolalia, or speaking in tongues, which is the ability to speak in a language that one has not learned or does not understand.

The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to speak in different languages, allowing them to communicate with people from different regions and cultures who had gathered in Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost. This event marked the beginning of the Christian church and the spread of the gospel to people of all nations and languages.

Greek Translation Request.

Acts 2:5 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically from the book of Acts, which describes the events that took place after the ascension of Jesus Christ. The verse reads:

ἦσαν δὲ ἐν ἰερουσαλὴμ κατοικοῦντες ἰουδαῖοι ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔθνους τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν

This verse is written in Koine Greek and is translated into English as:

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

The verse is describing the scene in Jerusalem during the Pentecost, a Jewish festival that was being celebrated at that time. The Jews mentioned here were devout men from various nations who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival. The fact that they were from every nation under heaven highlights the cosmopolitan nature of Jerusalem at the time and underscores the universal message of the gospel that was to be preached to all nations.

Greek Translation Clarification.

This verse is from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically from the book of Acts, chapter 2, verse 6. The verse describes a scene on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and they began to speak in different languages.

The Greek text of the verse reads: γενομένης δὲ τῆς φωνῆς ταύτης συνῆλθεν τὸ πλῆθος καὶ συνεχύθη ὅτι ἤκουον εἷς ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ λαλούντων αὐτῶν.

A possible translation of this verse into English is: And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were confused because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. This verse describes how people from different regions and languages were amazed to hear the apostles speaking in their own languages, even though the apostles were Galileans and did not previously know these languages. This event is seen as a symbol of the power of the Holy Spirit to bring unity and understanding across cultural and linguistic barriers.

Galileans Speak Different Languages.

Acts 2:7 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It describes an event that occurred on the day of Pentecost when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages. The verse in Greek reads:

ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες καὶ ἐθαύμαζον λέγοντες πρὸς ἀλλήλους οὐκ ἰδού, πάντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες γαλιλαῖοι

This verse means:

And they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?"

The people were surprised because they recognized that the apostles were Galileans, and yet they were speaking in different languages that the people could understand. The event demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32 that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

Power of the Holy Spirit.

The event described in Acts 2:7 is a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity, and it highlights the power and importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The passage describes how the people who had gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Pentecost were amazed to hear the apostles speaking in their own languages, despite the fact that they were all Galileans.

This miraculous event was a sign that God had fulfilled His promise, as described in the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32, to pour out His Spirit on all people. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in languages they had never learned, allowing them to communicate the gospel message to people from all over the world.

The significance of this event cannot be overstated. For one thing, it demonstrated that the gospel message was meant for everyone, regardless of their background or nationality. It also showed that the power of the Holy Spirit was available to all believers, not just a select few. This was a radical departure from the way things had been done in the past, when only a small group of priests and religious leaders had access to the power of God.

The event also had profound implications for the apostles themselves. Up until this point, they had been somewhat uncertain about what their role would be in spreading the gospel message. But the Holy Spirit's presence and power gave them the courage and boldness they needed to proclaim the good news to a world that desperately needed to hear it.

In many ways, this event set the tone for the rest of the book of Acts. From this point on, the apostles were emboldened to share the gospel message with anyone who would listen, and the Holy Spirit continued to work in powerful ways to bring people to faith in Christ.

It's worth noting that the Holy Spirit's presence and power is still available to believers today. Just as the apostles were filled with the Spirit and given the ability to speak in tongues, so too can modern-day believers be filled with the Spirit and given the gifts they need to serve God and share the gospel message.

In fact, the Holy Spirit is often described as the third person of the Trinity, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. He is a constant presence in the lives of believers, guiding them, empowering them, and helping them to grow in their faith.

So, while the events described in Acts 2:7 may have happened thousands of years ago, their significance is just as relevant today as it was then. They remind us that the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives and in the world around us, and that His power and presence are available to us