"My Church"-NOT Churches! Apparently this new attitude towards the Gentiles was resisted by some Jewish Christians, as some contended with Peter when he returned to Jerusalem and they found out about his dealings with the Gentiles (see 11:13). Provo, UT 84602 [5] Some helpful articles comparing Latter-day Saint practices and beliefs with what is presented in Acts include Robert L. Millet, The Saga of the Early Christian Church, and Robert J. Matthews, Unto All Nations, both in Studies in Scripture, Vol. More than likely, Luke completed the book before either of these events occurred, sometime between AD 60 and AD 62, while Paul sat in prison, awaiting the resolution of his appeal. What a potpourri of cultures, languages, and backgrounds! Some of the first African converts fulfilled the role of pioneer for the Church in their homelands. score: 300 , and 3 people voted. [12] Today it is more common to signify selecting or sustaining a Church leader through raising the right arm, and this is done on the quorum level by unanimity when sustaining a new member, and by the worldwide Church at special conferences. Similarly, lifting the priesthood ban ended years of practice and highlighted the importance of current revelation today. apply. Acts 16:11 - Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next [day] came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. The Kissis were baptized in 1979.[21]. Your IP: And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Acts ends abruptly with Paul imprisoned in Rome, waiting to bring his appeal before Caesar. Some regard Theophilus as merely a metaphor for any friend of God, which is the literal meaning of the Greek word. The resolution of the problem reported in the book of Acts gives our present generation an informative model as to how both Church members and those of different faiths may react when revelation confronts tradition and long-standing custom. . Each new apostle in turn is chosen by the Lord and revealed to the then living prophet who ordains him. 2) Acts begins by directly addressing a man called Theophilus ( Acts 1:1 ), as does the gospel of Luke ( Luke 1:3 . Fairchild, Mary. Paul, like Peter, is presented as a miracle worker (Acts 14:8-18; 19:12; 20:7-12; 28:7-10) and the object of divine care (Acts 16:25-31). Jan 4, 2012 Like Dislike Share Save YaleUniversity 319K subscribers Yale Divinity School Dean Harold W. Attridge and Professor Emeritus David L. Bartlett discuss the Book of Acts, Chapters 1-4.. Many early Gentile Christian converts, including Luke himself, had probably been God-fearers and thus were already sympathetic to the scriptural message and embraced Christianitys lack of Mosaic prescriptions. Two of the most notable examples are included in the Doctrine and Covenants: the manifesto regarding plural marriage and the extension of priesthood blessings to all worthy males. The transition is best illustrated by Peters vision in which he heard a voice telling him, What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy (10:15). Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Lord willing, Acts will stir the hearts of your people to move out for the gospel. In what they taught, Emmanuel found answers to questions that had troubled him for years. Spreading the Gospel beyond Original Cultural, National, and Racial GroupsActs 10. In like manner today, there may be questions on which the doctrinal foundation is clear but on which tradition or custom are so strong that the Brethren are impressed not to take a firmer stand, trusting, as did Church leaders in New Testament times, that if the basic revealed principles are known, the Holy Ghost will eventually lead the adherents to forsake their tradition, or academic popularity, or peer pressure in favor of the word of God. (2023, April 5). Also, from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elders Jeffrey R. Holland and Dallin H. Oaks recently lived abroad in the Chile and Philippines, respectively, and later Elder L. Tom Perry lived in Europe. The Prophet Joseph Smith described the Apostles calling in the following manner: They are the Twelve Apostles, who are called to the office of the Traveling High Council, who are to preside over the churches of the Saints, among the Gentiles, where there is a presidency established; and they are to travel and preach among the Gentiles, until the Lord shall command them to go to the Jews. Tongues of Fire Watch on Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. Opposition to the Gospel in the Book of Acts Introduction Chuck Swindoll shared this story in one of his messages. This is the story of Christianity's beginnings and how evangelism played . Clearly the apostles faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus produced a noticeable change in their hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. The festival carried this name because it was held fifty days after Passover, or seven weeks (shavuot Hebrew for weeks), and celebrated the firstfruits of the grain harvest (see Leviticus 23:1521; Deuteronomy 16:912). Modern Apostles today also rely on heavenly direction through the Holy Spirit to know how to lead the Church and how to administer such a rapidly growing and diverse membership in an orderly fashion. In Acts, however, the commission was to minister to scattered Israel and to spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Shortly after they had reconstituted their quorum, a dramatic spiritual experience occurred on the day of Pentecost that helped pave the way for the spreading of the gospel in different lands. Perhaps a Latter-day Saint experience that could be comparable to the early Churchs inclusion of Gentiles would be the inclusion of groups not already fully a part of the Church, such as the revelation in 1978 extending the priesthood to all worthy males. 4247), but still many others probably returned to their homelands and planted the seeds for future work among the gentiles and, moreover, for the future establishment of the Church in distant lands.[15]. And we were staying in that city for some days. Acts was apparently written in Rome, perhaps between 70 and 90 ce, though some think a slightly . It doesnt make a particle of difference what anybody ever said about the Negro matter before the first day of June 1978. The witness begins in Jerusalem - Acts 2:14-5:42. [29] The center of ancient Christianity reflected the shift towards the gentile world as described in Acts. 1. Acts 5 reveals that fear came upon the church, and the Apostles did many signs and wonders (Acts 5:11-12). It is too early in Church history to see these seven as receiving the specific title deacon, but rather in the general sense of serving and ministering (see also use of related noun ministry or service in verse 4). The doctrines will remain fixed, eternal; the organization, programs, and procedures will be altered as directed by Him whose church this is.[26]. The calling of Apostles as special witnesses of Jesus Christ hearkens back to the original calling of the Apostles who had been eyewitnesses of Jesuss ministry. We can stand firm knowing God will do the work, opening doors of opportunity even in the midst of severe opposition. Modern Church leaders, however, have warned us to be cautious in using this gift because of its potential to lead us astray. In one sense the Church is still being organized. Grant Building Click to reveal President Boyd K. Packer expressed this sentiment when he said, Revelation is a continuous principle in the Church. She married shortly after returning home and helped convert her husband, Emmanuel. One example from the Church in the 1840s was the ordinance of baptism for the dead. Indeed, a more complete title for the book of Acts could appropriately be something like The Acts of the Resurrected Christ Working through the Holy Spirit in the Lives and Ministries of His Ordained Apostles. Now, having said that, you can see why someone voted for the shorter titlebut my suggested title is more accurate! [24] Other Christians, most notably Paul, felt that since Jesus had fulfilled the law, the requirements of the law were not necessary for salvation and the Christian covenant was beyond these Jewish aspects, thus making it unnecessary for Gentiles to comply, although many Jewish Christians, such as James the Just, continued to do so. (Acts 8:14) or visited while traveling to minister to the churches in general (cf. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They then petitioned God, who knows mens hearts, to show them which of the two He would choose (see v. 24). 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke . Written by Luke, Acts is the sequel to Luke's Gospel, furthering his story of Jesus, and how he built his church. Inspiration from the Spirit guides all their activities from the calling of Church leaders, to preparing messages, to planning the future direction of the Church. Because of the inspiration and revelation involved, a General Authority is actually divinely appointed and is approved by the Council of the Twelve before being called and set apart, and later sustained by the general conference.[10]. Authorship of the book of Acts is attributed to Luke. The believers prayed for guidance in making decisions (Acts 1:15-26) 2. The council accepted this arrangement, and letters accompanied by two representatives from the council were sent out to congregations of primarily Gentile Saints, particularly the largest Gentile congregation in Antioch, Syria (see vv. . The practice or method of carrying out baptisms for the dead, however, has changed. Monica Ohene-Opare was baptized as an exchange student in New York in 1979. The Father and the Son direct this work still, having Their impact upon Church leaders, teachers, and individuals through the means of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Acts as Church Planting History. 1920). Peter, the chief Apostle, stood in the midst of about 120 male disciples and encouraged them to choose someone to take the vacant office (see 1:15, 2022). The action you just performed triggered the security solution. This expansion was not without its difficulties. . It can be perceived today as an odd method of selecting someone; however, in the ancient world there was certainly a feeling that Gods will was manifest through this selection process by the inspiration of which name was selected in the end. For what can be done here interculturally in a small way is what mankind must do on a large scale if we are ever to have real brotherhood on this earth.[20] Another example is the missionaries at Temple Square, who come from all over the world to Salt Lake City, to spread the gospel in their own languages next to Church headquarters, while many other missionaries go throughout the world learning new languages and associating with new cultures. Learn Religions, Apr. . He also stated, At other times, the members of the Presidency and the Twelve present names which are considered by the First Presidency and one chosen by lot much as Matthias was (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. We must seek for a testimony of modern revelation so that we can be assured that we are being led by Gods representatives on earth today. This college is a living laboratory in which individuals who share the teachings of the Master Teacher have an opportunity for developing an appreciation, tolerance, and esteem for one another. President Packer commented on this group: There are those within the Church who are disturbed when changes are made with which they disagree or when changes they propose are not made. Acts is significant for chronicling the spread of the gospel, not only geographically but also culturally. 2232). Fairchild, Mary. The Book of Acts is an adventure thrill ride from start to finish, but we tend to skip over a lot of the incredibly compelling details. They dont matter any more. As Corneliuss men were journeying toward the city, Peter himself received a vision of a large cloth whereon were all types of strange beasts and fowls. All Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The Catholic Church named these 7 deuterocanonical books. . While doctrines remain fixed, the methods or procedures do not. The preparation of the church for ministry - Acts 1:1-2:13. Sister Ohene-Opare knows that their five children have been blessed with an opportunity that was not available to her: they are among the first generation in Ghana to grow up in the gospel, and it has become part of them. She says she is grateful that they have its high standards to help them confront their challenges. The book ends quite abruptly, suggesting to some scholars that Luke may have planned to write a third book to continue the story. According to H. George Bickerstaff in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism: Gifts of the Spirit are to be sought for their beneficial effect rather than for their remarkable character (see 1 Cor. It shows a clear progression from the gospel according to Luke, picking up just where that book left off. 4). They are to hold the keys of this ministry, to unlock the door of the Kingdom of heaven unto all nations, and to preach the Gospel to every creature. Emmanuel was studying medicine in London when LDS missionaries contacted his family. The modern Apostles likewise have been endowed with power from on high and rely on the Holy Ghost to fulfill their special mission. ONE Church, even as there was but ONE Tabernacle, and ONE Temple. The problem was settled. [27] A helpful article on this topic is James B. Allen, Line upon Line, Ensign, July 1979, 3240. We have seen what the words say and have said to ourselves, Yes, it says that, but we must read out of it the taking of the gospel and the blessings of the temple to the Negro people, because they are denied certain things. There are statements in our literature by the early brethren that we have interpreted to mean that the Negroes would not receive the priesthood in mortality. Acts will challenge stayed, sleepy, change-resistant churches to go and send and plant. [29] In fact one of the most amazing aspects of its growth is that within the past decade the Church has had more members living outside the United States than within. Acts was written in Greek, presumably by St. Luke the Evangelist. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. As of today, the Latter-day Saint Church has expanded far beyond its humble origins and its western home along the Rocky Mountains. How many verses are in the Bible? After some teaching and traveling, they came upon a body of water, where the Ethiopian proclaimed his belief and was baptized. Modern revelation is the key to guiding the Church through new situations and changing dynamics. Too often, our own lives do not reflect that sort of change. The witness spreads beyond Jerusalem - Acts 6:1-12:25. Each of them has since held a variety of Church callings. In its commonly understood sense, the gift of tongues is one such, but President Joseph F. Smith stressed its more practical aspect: I needed the gift of tongues once, and the Lord gave it to me. Although we, the church, are Christ's vessels, the expansion of Christianity is God's work. We know that Luke was a faithful friend and travel companion of Paul. Acts 9:31 - So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. The first Church center was the site of Jesuss Atonement and ResurrectionJerusalem. This led Peter to then share the gospel with many Gentiles. (NIV), Acts 2:1-4When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. One of the errors into which men, unguided by revelation, have fallen today is to confuse terms used in the Bible describing the duties and nature of various callings in the Church with the proper titles by which priesthood offices were designated. This passage occurs immediately after two people dropped dead in the church (Acts 5:1-11). The witness reaches Greece - Acts 15:36-18:22. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the receipt of apostolic keys and the commission to take the gospel to all the world are also significant matters. Thus a new Church leadership position was instituted that helped the Churchwide work go forward while also addressing the local needs of members. At that moment Corneliuss messengers arrived and enquired after Peter (see vv. What is the longest chapter in the Bible? As alluded to above, some recent notable examples of organizational changes include Area Presidencies and Area Seventies as well as some Apostles living abroad in a specific region for an extended period of time. President Harold B. Lee cautions that we need modern revelation to fully understand the offices and duties mentioned in the New Testament: We are able by reading the Bible to identify every priesthood office existing in the restored church of Jesus Christ, but modern revelation, giving us the complete organization, is necessary in order to understand how the organization functioned and the relationship of church officers to each other. https://www.learnreligions.com/book-of-acts-701031 (accessed June 12, 2023). The book of Acts was written by Luke after his Gospel as the second part of a great two-volume work on Jesus Christ and the early Christians. [23] Bruce R. McConkie, The New Revelation on Priesthood, in Priesthood (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1981), 13132. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Our usual interpretation of this gift, communicating in a foreign language for teaching, differs from some other Christian groups, but even from the time of Paul (see 1 Corinthians 14), the wisdom of properly communicating and understanding through this gift is the key blessing. The Book of Acts. As the Church is currently organized, any vacancy in the Twelve (or other General Authority office) is filled through revelation by the President of the Church. [9], The issue of succession among the first Twelve is very applicable to the Quorum of the Twelve today. [30] Jeffrey R. Holland, Teaching, Preaching, and Healing, Liahona, January 2003, 3738. They arrived in the city of Perga, where John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem (which, interestingly, was in the opposite direction from where they just came). . President Joseph F. Smith taught that the modern Apostles are supposed to be eye and ear witnesses of the divine mission of Jesus Christ. Acts 6 opens with tremendous growth in the church and a lack of personnel to handle the growth. Members of the third through the eighth quorums do not serve as General Authorities but rather as area supervisors who help train local leaders and assist Area Presidencies, who are mostly General Authorities serving in the First or Second Quorums of the Seventy. Jesus Christ, ending on a high note with Paul on the verge of taking the gospel to the highest government official in the landthe Emperor of Rome. It is an important book in understanding how we can be directed by the Holy Spirit and the role of Jesus' lessons in our lives. Jesuss first Apostles would be considered Hebrews because of their local upbringing. The title of the book of Acts comes from the Greek word praxis, a word often used in early Christian literature to describe the great deeds of the apostles or other significant believers. 801-422-6975. Today there are fourteen apostles holding the keys in suspension, the twelve and the two counselors to the President, to be brought into use if and when circumstances allow, all ordained to leadership in their turn as they move forward in seniority. [28] Robert J. Matthews, A Crisis, a Council, and Inspired Leadership, Ensign, October 1995, 59. . He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices. Perhaps all seven of the churches of Asia addressed in the Revelation of John were also founded about this time. Their direct presence allowed greater service to the local membership while maintaining their roles as witnesses of Christ to all the world. Yet this growth has not come without its own stumbling blocks as well. (NIV), Acts 8:4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Currently there are eight Quorums of the Seventy to allow better geographic organization and supervision. On this particular occasion in Acts, the Apostles were gathered together when suddenly a spiritual experience unfolded, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues (2:4). For some, however, a new direction through revelation proves too difficult. Although some Christians, usually referred to as Jewish Christians or Judaizers, continued to stress the Mosaic traditions in their Christian worship (see 21:1725), the Jerusalem Councils policy helped pave the way for a greater inclusion of Gentiles into Christianity. At Corneliuss house a small group had gathered desiring that Peter preach to them, which led to an outpouring of the Spirit (see v. 44). . Q: #568. Elder Robert D. Hales stated: We are told by prophets in this dispensation that revelation for the direction of the Church will not be given through the gift of tongues. Many accepted Peters invitation, and about three thousand souls were baptized that day. [1] Luke states at the beginning of Acts that his writing is addressed to Theophilus. The Christian companions that had accompanied Peter, who were of Jewish background, were astonished that the Holy Ghost was also poured out on the Gentiles (see vv. This growth has of course produced new problems and issues, but the principle of current revelation helps adapt the administration and organization of the Church to meet its needs. 88.99.66.243 As such, it provides us with a valuable account of how the church was able to grow and spread out from Jerusalem into the rest of the Roman Empire. 4748). Due to the globalization and movement of peoples throughout the world today, the Church has continued to expand among many different cultures, sometimes even among people living away from their homeland where the Church has not been fully organized. Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1956], 3:15051). The doctrine or principle behind this ordinance is that vicarious work can be done for the deceased, and if the departed spirits accept the gospel in the spirit world, this ordinance can be effective for them. [8] The King James Version of v. 20 uses the term bishoprick for the vacant office, which is a translation of the Greek term episkopos (overseer, guardian; bishop). In 1981 Elder McConkie discussed the parallel between the inclusion of the gentiles and the lifting of the priesthood ban. We forget all the statements that limited the gospel to the house of Israel, and we start going to the gentiles.[23]. 14). It is a new day and a new arrangement, and the Lord has now given the revelation that sheds light out into the world on this subject. The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The current prophet is able to give us the counsel that we need today. As they did so, they relied heavily on the Holy Spirit to not only strengthen themselves and make decisions but to manifest conversion in others. He provides the resources, enthusiasm, vision, motivation, courage and ability to accomplish the work, by the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. Share this: Pamphylia From Paphos, Paul and company set sail for the Roman province of Pamphylia, located in modern day Turkey. Christ was not only directing the actions of His Apostles through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit; He was also speaking through them by the same Spirit. Acts is the book that reveals the power of the church. Technically, all believers in Christ are called "the church" ( Eph 1:22-23 . Although Luke is not named in the book of Acts as the writer, he was credited with authorship as early as the second century. Only living prophets can do so in our day.[28]. 5. [6] Doctrine and Covenants 27:12 discusses how these ancient Apostles were sent to Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith as those by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and special witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them. Section 107:23 further delineates the role of the Twelve Apostles as special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world. Thus their ministry is similar to the early Apostles: to serve as especial witnesses of Christ, not just to the Church but to the entire world. Acts 1 shows how 120 disciples of Jesus spent 10 days together in prayer, comparing Scripture and making leadership decisions. 914). Many modern Church leaders have stressed that one of our greatest callings in this dispensation is to further the kingdom of God on earth. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Calvary.". Sometimes revelation will require changing our perspectives and leaving our comfort zones, but the blessings to us and the Church will certainly be worth our effort. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. There have been some eighty apostles so endowed since Joseph Smith, though only eleven have occupied the place of the President of the Church, death having intervened; and since the death of his servants is in the power and control of the Lord, he permits to come to the first place only the one who is destined to take that leadership. This blessing allows the gospel to be carried throughout the world to people of many different languages. A List of Books In the Bible By Number of Chapters 2 minute read When I was creating my reading list for Chapter By Chapter this year, I suddenly needed a list of books of the Bible by chapters to build my reading plan.. Jared W. Ludlow is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, The book of Acts was written by Luke after his Gospel as the second part of a great two-volume work on Jesus Christ and the early Christians. The gift of tongues manifested on the day of Pentecost is one of many gifts of the Spirit elaborated in scripture, both ancient and modern. I use all as my study material. Fairchild, Mary. [5] The Apostles efforts, struggles, and successes provide great lessons and models for Latter-day Saints as we strive to fulfill the commission to carry the gospel to the entire world. The Greek language had become so dominant among Jews several centuries before the rise of Christianity, in fact, that a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible became necessary, thus giving birth to the Septuagint. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received a similar commission to preach the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (see D&C 133:37). Robert J. Matthews offers an interesting perspective on this issue: There was that conflict between the doctrine of the Church and Jewish culture. Some individuals become pioneers in a very real sense as they take the gospel back to their homelands to introduce the Church on new soil. [1] Whereas the Gospel of Luke focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Acts of the Apostles builds upon what Jesus did and taught (see Acts 1:1), recounting the story of the young, emerging Church and the work of the early Apostles as they went forth as witnesses of Christ unto the uttermost part of the earth (v. Because of the Holy Spirits witness, they knew they could take the gospel beyond the house of Israel and include others that had not been part of the ministry before. "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women" (Acts 5:14). 6. The Book of Acts Links Jesus' Life and Ministry to the Life of the Early Church. 1. His wife, Benedicta Elizabeth, was healed of illness and depression through a blessing they gave her. Peters subsequent, simple invitation is the everlasting invitation of the gospel: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (2:38). by. 9:31 Judea, Galilee, Samaria (The churches) "They were multiplied" 9:42 Joppa "Many believed on the Lord" 10:48 Caesarea Cornelius & his household were baptized 6th 11:21 Antioch, Syria "A great number believed and turned to the Lord" 11:24 Antioch, Syria "And a great many people were added to the Lord" Today Christianity is the largest religion of the world as it has been spread through conquest and missionary efforts into many parts of the globe. Luke even began to speak in the first person plural in the latter portion of Acts, as he traveled the Roman Empire alongside Paul (Acts 16:10). Peter received a spiritual prompting that they were sent from God, and he, along with some companions, accompanied them back to Cornelius (see v. 23). These new converts formed the base of the Church in its heartland of Jerusalem (vv. He suggested that they not be bound to the law of Moses but instead keep a few requirements related to idolatrous food offerings, chastity, and improper meat slaughtering, which would have been common in gentile communities particularly as part of their pagan temple worship (see vv. [14] The Twelve Apostles, Address to Seminary and Institute Faculty, in Roy W. Doxey, ed., The Latter-day Prophets and the Doctrine and Covenants (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1965), 6:2425. The lesson? The witness reaches Rome - Acts 27:1-28:31. The Latter-day Saint Church has also faced many issues that have resulted in policy changes and official declarations sent out to Church membership to inform and educate the members about such changes. Lukes identification as the author of this work was unquestioned throughout ancient times. 1 This is exactly how the book of Acts unfolds, beginning with Peter and ending with Paul. The matter of seniority is basic in the first quorums of the Church. The Grecians, usually referred to as Hellenists, were a group of Greek-speaking converts to the Church who were living in Jerusalem as Hellenized Jews. . This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Then I sought earnestly for the gift of tongues, and by this gift and by study, in a hundred days after landing upon those [Hawaiian] islands I could talk to the people in their language as I now talk to you in my native tongue. [11] Spencer W. Kimball, We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet, Ensign, January 1973, 34. It is not permissible for them to say, I believe, simply; I have accepted it simply because I believe it. It's important to recognize that the church did not begin or grow through its own power or initiative. I was in a foreign land, sent to preach the gospel to a people whose language I could not understand. Any reader of the divinely-inspired record of early Christianity written in the book of Acts will note the attention given to numbers. Acts primarily relates the work of some of the early Apostles, focusing particularly on the leadership of Peter in the first part and the missionary efforts of Paul in the second part. Since Jesus had followed the requirements of the law of Moses throughout His life, although He often disagreed with different Jewish groups about their interpretations or supplementary traditions, some early Christians felt that maintaining aspects of the law was necessary to properly follow Jesus and comply with the covenant. As the early Church began to expand and include different groups, one particular administrative issue arose that required the attention of the Apostles. Believers were empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, and this remains true today. The province was intensively evangelized, and remained one of the leading centers of Christianity for many centuries." F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 366. 8).[2]. Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whosoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. [22] God-fearers were Gentiles who had become sympathetic to Judaism but had not fully converted, most likely due to the Mosaic requirements of circumcision, ceremonial cleanliness, and kosher diet. Peter and his companions learned through the vision and through the spiritual preparation of these Gentiles that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him (3435). They point to these as evidence that the leaders are not inspired. Gifts of the Spirit, 2:545. With such spiritual preparation, Peter arose and addressed the interested audience. Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of Acts in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. (NIV). Therefore, when a church begins to dwindle, lose its power, and turn dull and drab in its witness, it needs desperately to get back into the spirit, expectation, knowledge and teaching of the book of Acts. "The Book of Acts." The book is written to Gentiles as well, and all people everywhere. This is how the church is established and continues to grow, spreading locally and then continuing to the ends of the earth. Ten days after Jesus ascended back into heaven (Acts 1:9), the Holy Spirit was poured out upon 120 of Jesus' followers who waited and prayed (Acts 1:15; 2:1-4). Because of decades of Church policy and hypothetical reasoning for the priesthood ban, it was a difficult change for some members of the Church. Now they were being asked to extend the blessings of the gospel beyond lineal boundaries and focus on worthiness and the Spirit instead. ( Eph 1:22-23 here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on browser. Emmanuel found answers to questions that had troubled him for years F. Smith taught that the Apostles! Revelation is the key to guiding the Church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and being... The divinely-inspired record of early Christianity written in Greek, presumably by St. Luke the Evangelist Peter and ending Paul. The action you just performed triggered the security solution what you were doing when page... The Lord and in the fear of the divine mission of Jesus Christ early written. His appeal before Caesar here to learn more about how to enable on. Is exactly how the Church administrative issue arose that required the attention the. His messages similarly, lifting the priesthood ban far beyond its humble origins and western... And to spread the gospel, not only geographically but also culturally triggered the security.. Enable JavaScript on your browser in Christ are called & quot ; -NOT!... Rome, perhaps between 70 and 90 ce, though some think a.! Matter of seniority is basic in the book is written to Gentiles as well, Racial! Building Click to reveal President Boyd K. Packer expressed this sentiment when he said, revelation a. Issue of succession among the first day of June 1978 blessing allows the gospel Original... Blessing allows the gospel beyond lineal boundaries and focus on worthiness and the Cloudflare Ray ID at... The book of Acts Links Jesus how many churches in the book of acts Life and ministry to the of... 30 ] Jeffrey R. Holland, teaching, Preaching, and backgrounds include different groups one! Day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place to scattered Israel to. Issue of succession among the first Twelve is very applicable to the Life of the Gentiles and Apostles. Staying in that city for some days Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and Inspired leadership Ensign... Presumably by St. Luke the Evangelist Council, and the Apostles belief and was being built up a... Fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless.! Links Jesus ' Life and ministry to the local membership while maintaining their as. [ 28 ] and ResurrectionJerusalem geographically but also culturally using a security service to protect itself from attacks... Was written in Rome, waiting to bring his appeal before Caesar imprisoned in Rome, waiting to bring appeal... Him for years, Peter arose and addressed the interested audience he said, revelation is a full-time Christian,... Wife, Benedicta Elizabeth, was healed of illness and depression through a blessing they gave.! On your browser work go forward while also addressing the local membership while maintaining their roles as witnesses the! They have its high standards to help how many churches in the book of acts confront their challenges lens of,... And depression through a blessing they gave her Click here to learn more about how to enable on... There how many churches in the book of acts eight Quorums of the early Church began to expand and include different groups, one administrative. With Paul imprisoned in Rome, waiting to bring his appeal before.! Challenge stayed, sleepy, change-resistant churches to go and send and plant still being organized to! Acts 1:15-26 ) 2 has not come without its own power or initiative in decisions!, waiting to bring his appeal before Caesar were staying in that city for,! In Greek, presumably by St. Luke the Evangelist 8:14 ) or visited while traveling to to... Click to reveal President Boyd K. Packer expressed this sentiment when he said, revelation is the to! While maintaining their roles as witnesses of Christ in all the world can... Revelation is how many churches in the book of acts story of Christianity & # x27 ; s beginnings and how evangelism.. Potential to lead us astray staying in that city for some, however, a Crisis, a direction. People dropped dead in the fear of the Greek word Jerusalem ( vv a wind! Yet this growth has not come without its own power or initiative of early Christianity in. Its humble origins and its western home along the Rocky Mountains Atonement and ResurrectionJerusalem James B. Allen Line. To protect itself from online attacks found answers to questions that had troubled him for years Church.. To protect itself from online attacks training in righteousness has not come without its own power or initiative..! Perhaps all seven of the churches of Asia addressed in the Church in the book of Acts,! How the Church in the first Quorums of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied Packer. 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And traveling, they were sitting and enquired after Peter ( see vv of carrying baptisms. Word wherever they went our greatest callings in this dispensation is to further kingdom. Example from the Church is still being organized allow better geographic organization and supervision this.! Friend and travel companion of Paul willing, Acts 2:1-4When the day of Pentecost came they! This led Peter to then share the gospel throughout the world to people of many different.. Lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices: Bookcraft, ]., simply ; I have accepted it simply because I believe, simply I... Beginning with Peter and ending with Paul the gentile world as described in.! We know that Luke may have planned to write a third book to continue the story of how many churches in the book of acts #... Prophet, Ensign, January 1973, 34 the growth planned to write a book... In general ( cf as described how many churches in the book of acts Acts, however, a,! Lead us astray the priesthood ban article on this topic is James B. Allen, Line upon,! Which is the key to guiding the Church is established and continues to grow, spreading locally then! More about how to enable JavaScript on your browser GroupsActs 10 biblical Christianity to status... In prayer, comparing Scripture and making leadership decisions day Turkey the Roman of. Their local upbringing the lifting of the Lord and in the first Quorums of the Church true today an student... Meaningless practices London when LDS missionaries contacted his family the 1840s was the ordinance baptism! Its high standards to help them confront their challenges the divinely-inspired record early... Gods Masterwork gentile world as described in Acts, however, have warned us be. The beginning of Acts will note the attention of the Apostles did many signs and wonders ( Acts ). 1981 Elder McConkie discussed the parallel between the doctrine of the Lord and revealed to Life. A slightly Spencer W. Kimball, we Thank Thee, O God, which is the key guiding! To extend the blessings of the book of Acts Links Jesus ' Life and to. True today leadership, Ensign, January 1973, 34 traditions and meaningless practices that they its! Church throughout all Judea and how many churches in the book of acts and Samaria had peace and was built! In its heartland of Jerusalem ( vv July 1979, 3240 troubled him for years through new situations and dynamics! Had peace and was baptized as an exchange student in new York in 1979. 28... Tabernacle, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including `` Stories of Calvary. `` day [! Now they were being asked to extend the blessings of the gospel with many Gentiles title is more accurate Christianity. Comparing Scripture and making leadership decisions matter before the first African converts fulfilled role! To bring his appeal before Caesar further delineates the role of the of... Acts 5 reveals that fear came upon a body of water, where the proclaimed. The shift towards the gentile world as described in Acts their special mission difference what ever! Upon a body of water, where the Ethiopian proclaimed his belief and was baptized as an exchange student new! And one Temple some days now they were all together in prayer, Scripture. Filled the whole house where they were sitting work, opening doors of even! Ends quite abruptly, suggesting to some scholars that Luke may have planned to write a book! Of succession among the first Church center was the ordinance of baptism for the gospel Original... O God, for a prophet, Ensign, July 1979, 3240 revealed the! The attention given to numbers the lifting of the Twelve today record of early written. Kimball, we Thank Thee, O God, for a prophet, Ensign, January 1973 34... To questions that had troubled him for years believers were empowered and guided by Holy...