From the second to the third Passover festival 3 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 1 study
The last day up to the crucifixion 2 studies
Peter's ministry 11 studies
- 7The Acts of the Apostles
- 8Luke's introduction
- 9The apostles' conversation with Jesus
- 10The disciples' return and wait
- 11The fulfillment of the promise
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER112
Jesus the Messiah’s departure for other towns
Pericope 112 analyses Jesus’ departure on a journey through the towns and villages of Galilee (Mt 11.1), dated to May–June AD31. Unlike John the Baptist, who remained in one place, Jesus actively travelled throughout the region to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven, guided by the Holy Spirit, so as to reach even the poorest, who could not travel to him.
Matthew 11.1 (King James Version) :And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER122
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
This article explores blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, an unforgivable offense discussed in the Gospels. Attributing the works of the Holy Spirit to an unclean spirit crosses a boundary beyond forgiveness. The crucial role of the Holy Spirit in forgiveness and conversion is emphasized. The article broadens the discussion to consider the possibility of such a sin in the contemporary context.
Matthew 12.31-32 (King James Version) :Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER130
Various instructions from the Messiah Jesus
The article examines Luke 12.1-12, where Jesus teaches about hypocrisy, the fear of God, and the importance of public confession. He warns against blasphemy against the Spirit and promises the help of the Holy Spirit in times of persecution. The central message is faithfulness and integrity in faith.
Matthew 5.1 (King James Version) :And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER225
The parable of the persistent friend
The parable of the importunate friend (Luke 11.5-13), unique to the Gospel of Luke, follows the teaching of the Our Father. In it, Jesus teaches perseverance in prayer: if a friend finally gives in to insistence, how much more generously will God give to those who pray to him in faith, even offering the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
Luke 11.9-13 (King James Version) :And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last day up to the crucifixion
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PER319
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
The article examines Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14.16-31. Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, promising the Spirit of truth as the living bond between Christ and the Church. This text illustrates Jesus’ perfect obedience to the divine plan and his love shown by sending the Comforter.
John 14.16-31 (King James Version) :And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER322
Warning About Persecution
The article explains Jesus’ warning to his disciples about the inevitable persecution they will face. Drawing on the Gospels, it shows that this hatred is bound up with their belonging to Christ. Yet Jesus promises the support of the Holy Spirit to help them go through these trials.
John 16.2 (King James Version) :They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Peter's ministry
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ADA000
The Acts of the Apostles
Introduction to a series of studies on the Acts of the Apostles, the natural continuation of the Gospel of Luke. The article presents the historical and theological approach adopted: placing events in context, setting them alongside the Pauline epistles, and establishing a chronology. The two central figures, Peter and Paul, will structure the study. The aim is to trace the birth and expansion of the Church from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean world, under the action of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2.14-41 (King James Version) :But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,Until I make thy foes thy footstool.Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?Then Peter said unto them, 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.For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA001
Luke's introduction
First commentary in the series on the Acts of the Apostles, this article analyzes Luke's introduction (Acts 1.1-3). It presents Luke as the author of the two works addressed to Theophilus, raises the hypothesis that Theophilus was the one who commissioned them, and stresses the forty days of post-resurrection teaching on the Kingdom of God. These verses provide the transition between the Gospel and the history of the nascent Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1.1-3 (King James Version) :The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA002
The apostles' conversation with Jesus
Luke reports Jesus' last conversation with his eleven apostles before the Ascension (Acts 1.4-8). Jesus commands them to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, refuses to reveal the eschatological times reserved to the Father, and entrusts them with a universal mission: to be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This passage forms the structural outline of the book of Acts.
Isaiah 9.7-8 (King James Version) :Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.Notejoin: Heb. mingleNoteopen: Heb. wholeKing James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA004
The disciples' return and wait
After the ascension of Jesus (May 12, 33), the disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a "Sabbath day's journey" away. They gather in an upper room, probably the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, and devote themselves unanimously to prayer, together with the women and the family of Jesus. This period of waiting foreshadows the characteristics of the nascent Church.
Acts 1.4-8 (King James Version) :And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA006
The fulfillment of the promise
The article details the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. One hundred and twenty disciples receive divine manifestations in Jerusalem and speak in languages understood by various peoples. This event marks the universality of the Gospel.
Joel 2.28-29 (King James Version) :And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA013
The defense of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin
Peter and John present a bold defense before the Sanhedrin after a miracle that surprises the authorities. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they show an assurance that astonishes their judges. Luke stresses the fulfillment of Jesus' promises, and the irrefutability of the facts strengthens their testimony.
John 6.68-69 (King James Version) :Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA017
Ananias and Sapphira
The article deals with the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, showing the dramatic consequences of their deception toward the Christian community and the Holy Spirit. Their story contrasts with the sincere generosity of Barnabas, underscoring the ethical demands of the Christian faith and offering a warning against hypocrisy.
Acts 5.1-11 (King James Version) :But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA018
The remarkable growth of the early Church
The ADA018 article comments on Acts 5.12-16, describing the growth of the early Church in Jerusalem in the spring of 33. The apostles perform miracles publicly in Solomon’s Portico, the Church grows in numbers, men and women alike, and the apostles’ reputation grows among the people, despite a fear aroused by the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. The passage establishes a strong parallel with the ministry of Jesus.
Luke 5.26 (King James Version) :And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA019
The arrest of the apostles
The ADA019 article comments on Acts 5.17-18: faced with the remarkable growth of the Church in Jerusalem, the high priest and the Sadducees, moved by jealousy, have the apostles arrested. Luke shows that despite the opposition of the religious authorities, the work of Christ continues through the action of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the promise of Acts 1.8.
Luke 22.52-54 (King James Version) :Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA025
The appointment of the Seven and the organization of the early Church
Acts 6,1-7 relates the first internal crisis of the Jerusalem Church, linked to the unequal distribution to the widows. To remedy it, the Twelve propose appointing seven men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. This foundational decision distinguishes the ministries while affirming their complementarity, and is accompanied by remarkable growth of the nascent Christian community.
Acts 2.42 (King James Version) :And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA029
The murder of Stephen
Analysis of the account of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7.54-60), the first Christian martyr. The article examines the anger of the Sanhedrin, the legally irregular character of the execution, the vision of the glorified Christ granted to Stephen, and the theological parallel Luke draws between the passion of the disciple and that of Jesus. The presence of Saul foreshadows the rest of the apostolic narrative.
Matthew 5.44 (King James Version) :But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org