Lesson 1—The Post Ascension Period
Remember the words of the angel at our Lord’s ascension? “Why stand here looking into the sky?” (Acts 1:11). Perhaps that was the first kick-start of the early Christian Church. I can remember my very first job when my boss asked me something very similar. It indicated that I was supposed to be doing something not just standing around doing nothing.
The purpose of this study will be to examine the early church and how, with God’s Holy Spirit, the Word was broadcast, and the seed scattered. Some seed bore more fruit than others and that’s to be expected. Yet, we know that God has promised “His Word will not return until Him empty” (Isaiah 55:11).
Read Acts 1:12-26: Post Ascension Activities
- Let’s set the background.
- Where were they _____________________
- Where did they go ____________________
- How far was it _______________________
- Who was present ________________________________________
- What was the first recorded activity of this group? And with what frequency?
One Greek word for “constantly” is diabebaioomai. Literally translated it means: to confirm thoroughly or asseverate (assert positively or solemnly).
The word “constantly” is a very important word in the text. How does this group gathering differ from the post crucifixion time?
Luke used the phrase “in those days” to indicate that sometime after Ascension but prior to Pentecost, Peter addressed the believers.
- According to verse fifteen, how big was the church? ________________
- Peter relives the disciples’ betrayal of Jesus. He quotes Psalm 109 concerning Judas’ replacement. What characteristics would this replacement have?
- _________________________
- _________________________
- What names were submitted for consideration?
- _________________________
- _________________________
- Nothing is known about either of the two men considered here. What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? (Note: Luke 6:13 tells us that Jesus chose the 12 from several and gave them the name “Apostles.”)
Read Acts 2:1-13: The New Testament Pentecost
Pentecost (Old Testament) also was celebrated on the fifteenth of the month and began fifty days after the presentation of the firstfruits—the day following seven times seven weeks.
- As you can see, Pentecost was already a religious event. Go back to Numbers 28:26ff and Deuteronomy 16:9ff. Pentecost was the culmination of what festival or feast?
- Deuteronomy 16:11 tells us that the Lord would tell them where they were to congregate for this special event. And the place was Jerusalem.
- Describe the scene in verses 1-4.
- From how many locations did Jews comes for the Festival of Weeks and the Pentecost culmination? ___________________
The table below provides a brief description of the various locations listed in Acts.
| Parthians | Central Asia. Now part of Iran |
| Medes (Media) | Media was a region south/southwest of Caspian Sea in the Zagros Mtns. N of Elam and W of Assyria. Capital: Ecbatana. |
| Elamites (Elam) | Western edge of ancient Persia, now modern Iran. Ancient capital Susa. Elam was later incorporated into Mede and Persian empires. |
| Mesopotamia | Area between Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. |
| Cappadocia | Asia Minor, south of Pontus and stretched 300 miles from Galatia east to Armenia. Modern day Turkey |
| Pontus | Province S of Black Sea. |
| Asia | Refers to Roman province west of Asia Minor. 1st. capital was Pergamun and later Ephesus. Location of the Seven Churches in Revelation. |
| Phrygia | Subregion of Galatia. Primarily inhabited by slaves/servants. Cities included: Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium and Laodicia. |
| Pamphylia | Province in Asia Minor now southern Turkey. Small coastal district. Cities included Perga and Attalia. |
| Egypt | Northeastern Africa |
| Libya | Between Egypt and Tunisia. Sometimes its people are referred to as “Chubs” in the Bible. |
| Cyrene | North African city, capital of Roman district Cyrenaica. Had large population of Greek-speaking Jews. |
| Cretans (Crete) | Island in Mediterranean Sea south of Greece |
| Arabs (Arabia) | Asian peninsula lying between Red Sea west and Persian Gulf east. 1.2 million square miles. |
Source: Holman Bible Dictionary
- Luke tells us that when the crowd heard the sound of the wind, they were bewildered. Verse eleven tells us that they heard the wonders of God. What does this mean to you?
Read Acts 2:14-38: Peter’s Sermon
- Peter uses Old Testament prophesy to begin his sermon. Joel 2:28-32 is quoted here, concluding with this statement: “and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
- He uses Joel’s words to spring forward to Jesus of Nazareth.
- Again, he uses the Old Testament that prophesied that Jesus’ body would not see decay. (See Psalm 16:8-11)
- Luke tells us that they “were cut to the heart.”
- Verse thirty-eight provides the answer to their question (and ours today). Can you find other Scriptural references to this phrase: “repent and be baptized?”
- Acts 2:41 reminds us how many were added to the Kingdom _________________________
Let’s do some math. Earlier we learned that there were about 120 in the church. Now it’s up to 3,120 in just ten short days. We do not know for sure, but many of these new 3,000 converts would return to their cities from the list above.
God used these ordinary men and women to begin His work here on earth: to preach the Good News of salvation. Now the Good News is going back in the hearts of many to their countries where the Word will be broadcast, and seeds planted.
Lord, we thank you for this lesson today as we see the early beginnings of the Christian Church. Help me to share the Good News of salvation to those who may not know of Jesus the Messiah. In your saving name, Amen.