• ADA000 The Acts of the Apostles

    An introduction to a series of studies on the Acts of the Apostles, the natural continuation of the Gospel of Luke. This article presents the historical and theological approach adopted: placing events in context, drawing parallels with the Pauline epistles, and establishing a chronology. The two central figures, Peter and Paul, will shape 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.

    Luke 22.54-62 (King James Version) :
    Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilæan.And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA005 Matthias's Choice

    An analysis of Acts 1.15-26, recounting the election of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. Peter, the disciples' natural spokesman, bases the need for this replacement on the Psalms. The criteria for apostleship are specified: having followed Jesus since his baptism and being a witness to his resurrection. Matthias is finally chosen by lot after prayer, restoring the body of the Twelve, a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel.

    John 21.15-19 (King James Version) :
    So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA016 Solidarity Among Believers

    In describing the first Christian Church in Jerusalem, Luke portrays a united and supportive community. Believers shared their possessions freely, motivated by brotherly love and transformed by the Gospel. The apostles' management of resources reflects the community's trust and contributes to the Church's growth.

    Acts 4.32-37 (King James Version) :
    And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA018 The Remarkable Growth of the Early Church

    Article ADA018 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, including both men and women, and the apostles' reputation among the people increases, despite the fear aroused by the judgement of Ananias and Sapphira. The passage establishes a strong parallel with Jesus' ministry.

    Luke 6.17-19 (King James Version) :
    And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA019 The Arrest of the Apostles

    Article ADA019 comments on Acts 5.17-18: faced with the remarkable growth of the Church in Jerusalem, the high priest and the Sadducees, driven by jealousy, have the apostles arrested. Luke shows that despite opposition from the religious authorities, Christ's work continues through the action of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the promise of Acts 1.8.

    Acts 4.14-16 (King James Version) :
    And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we can not deny it.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA024 The Apostles' Surprising Reaction

    After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles react surprisingly, rejoicing that they have been considered worthy to suffer for Jesus' name. Far from being discouraged, they continue their ministry every day in the Temple and in people's homes, teaching and proclaiming the good news. Luke shows that persecution, far from stopping the Gospel, paradoxically contributes to its spread.

    Colossians 4.15 (King James Version) :
    Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA025 The Appointment of the Seven and the Organization of the Early Church

    Acts 6,1-7 recounts the first internal crisis in the Jerusalem Church, concerning unequal distribution to widows. To address it, the Twelve propose appointing seven men filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This foundational decision distinguishes ministries while affirming their complementary nature, and is accompanied by remarkable growth in the emerging Christian community.

    Acts 4.1-3 (King James Version) :
    And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA031 Persecution

    Article ADA031 analyses the great persecution of the early Church in Jerusalem (Acts 8.1-3), around the year 34-35. After Stephen's martyrdom, repression spreads to all believers, including women. Saul of Tarsus is its chief instigator, driven by a sincere but misguided zeal for Jewish traditions. This text illustrates the fulfilment of Jesus' warnings about persecution and foreshadows Paul's future conversion.

    Acts 9.13-14 (King James Version) :
    Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN001 The Gospel of Luke

    The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a two-volume work devoted to the origins of Christianity. Luke was not a witness…

  • ANN083 The family of Jesus the Messiah

    This article examines the importance of the family of Jesus in the development of the early Church. It highlights the roles of his mother…