Studies 1 to 2
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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.
Matthew 26.69-75 (King James Version) :Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA030
Saul and the martyrdom of Stephen
Article ADA030 examines Acts 8.1-3: the first appearance of Saul of Tarsus, who approves of Stephen’s martyrdom, and the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. The scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria, far from being a defeat, providentially becomes the driving force behind the spread of the Gospel, fulfilling Jesus’ promise in Acts 1.8.
Acts 22.4-5 (King James Version) :And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org