Acts: Unlocking the Scriptures for You

Top Highlights

“God did will that Peter not be executed. Against God’s will four soldiers—even four thousand soldiers—could not stand.” (Page 125)

“Jesus’ ministry was two-fold—action and teaching. Christians today should ponder this. Action must be preceded by teaching or the action might be inadequate or inappropriate. On the other hand, teaching that does not lead to action is sterile. ‘Faith without deeds is dead’ (James 2:26).” (Page 13)

“Peter’s words make several things clear. Satan was behind the whole plot. The devil had sought to hinder the church through the threats of the Sanhedrin, but when this failed, he turned to subtler methods, using the weakness of Ananias and Sapphira to attack from within. Through the centuries, Satan has used threats and persecution to hamper the church. In many situations, these have worked very well. But his attacks from within that have divided the church and compromised its witness have, in the long run, proved far more devastating.” (Page 54)

“Yet the purpose of the coming of the Spirit was the same in both cases—to give evidence that God approved what was taking place. Along with their speaking in tongues, they also raised their voices in praise of God.” (Page 111)

“The proofs were convincing to those who approached the evidence with an open mind, but no amount of evidence is likely to bring conviction to one who is determined not to believe. We need to keep this knowledge ever before us as we witness to unbelievers.” (Page 14)