Highlights In Today's Reading:
The purpose of the Church (1:8). Band together, be still, pray, then God moves (1:13-14).
The power of the Holy Spirit (2:1-21). The message: Jesus, crucified, risen, exalted as Lord and Christ (2:22-36); Altar call (2:37-40); Results — the 1st Church (2:41-47). The message we should all share (3:18-26).
Following the ascension of our Lord into Heaven, about 120 disciples met in an upper room. . . . all continued with one accord in prayer. . . . Peter stood up . . . and said . . . this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled . . . concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. . . . it is written . . . his bishoprick (position) let another take (1:13-20). On the Day of Pentecost, Peter also revealed to those devoted disciples that they were actually witnessing the fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Joel over 700 years earlier: In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh (2:16-17; Joel 2:28-32).
Peter went on to say of Jesus: David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face . . . Therefore did my heart rejoice . . . Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (sheol/grave), neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One (Jesus) to see corruption. . . . Therefore being a prophet . . . He . . . spake of . . . Christ. . . .This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses (Acts: 2:25-35; Ps. 16:8-11; 110:1). To another crowd, Peter again quoted the Old Testament, saying: Moses truly said . . . A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up . . . Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say. . . . God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities (Acts 3:22,26; Deut. 18:15,18-19). Later, Peter quoted Psalm 118:22, showing that Christ, the Stone which was set at nought (rejected) is become the Head of the Corner (the Cornerstone). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts: 4:11-12).
The Apostle Paul who wrote much of the New Testament confirms the importance of knowing the Old Testament if we are to understand the New Testament. The Holy Spirit led him to write: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . . That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17).
Thought for Today:
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16).
Word Studies:
1:3 after His passion =b> after He had suffered death; 1:12 a Sabbath day's journey =b> a little over one-half mile which was the extent a Jew was to travel from home on the Sabbath; 2:27 leave My soul in hell =b> forsake Me in the grave (Sheol).
Cross References:
For Acts 1:20: See Ps. 69:25; 109:8. Acts 2:17-21: See Joel 2:28-32. Acts 2:25-28: See Ps. 16:8-11. Acts 2:34-35: See Ps. 110:1. Acts 3:22-23: See Deut. 18:15,18-19. Acts 3:25: See Gen. 12:3; 22:18.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Government Official: Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) • Country: Kyrgyzstan (4.7 million) eastern central Asia • Major languages: Kirghiz and Russian • Religious freedom • 75% Muslim; 20% Russian Orthodox; 5% Other (Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant) • Prayer Suggestion: Exalt the Lord, for He is holy (Ps. 99:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:25
