The Early Church: Acts 1-12 : Discipleship Lessons from Holy Spirit

For sheer action, the first twelve chapters of the Acts of the Apostles rival any other book of the Bible. Indeed, the Book of Acts is foundational for serious disciples, for it lays out the patterns that lead to vital congregations and enthusiastic evangelism. We also meet powerful men and women who inspire us -- Peter, Stephen, Philip, Dorcas, and Saul of Tarsus.
Seven themes weave in and out during these early chapters of Acts.

1. The role of the Holy Spirit in the new church -- baptism, fillings, outpourings, anointing, tongues, and prophecy.
2. The characteristics of the early church reveal the character and values that underlie this new body -- unity, fellowship, teaching, breaking of bread, prayers, boldness to witness, and evangelism.
3. The church's early preaching of Messiah Jesus provide the basis for our own understanding of Christ's death and resurrection.
4. God preplanned Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. There’s a clear hint of predestination sprinkled throughout.
5. Evangelistic breakthroughs occur with signs and wonders combined with powerful preaching.
6. God's heart for all peoples -- Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles, and unreached people groups throughout the world.
7. Persecution and bold witness before enemies is a recurring theme.

Together with the author’s Apostle Paul: Passionate Discipleship (JesusWalk Publications, 2019), the present volume completes a study of the entire Book of Acts. Your faith will grow as you study what some call the "Acts of the Holy Spirit." And if you're a teacher, small group leader, or preacher, you'll find lots of material to share with your people.