To Samaria

Despite persecution, or perhaps because of it, the disciple began to preach the gospel outside Judea, beginning in Samaria - Acts 8:1-25. 

Prior to his ascension, Jesus commanded the disciples to “tarry in Jerusalem” until they received the Holy Spirit. Thereafter, they would become his “witnesses” and proclaim the gospel in Jerusalem and Judea, and then “in Samaria…and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” The eighth chapter of Acts records the story of how the gospel came to Samaria - [Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash].

First Martyr

Under the guidance of the Spirit, and in fulfillment of Scripture, Stephen gave eloquent and effective testimony to the leaders of Israel. 

Early on, the church experienced conflicts between its Greek and Aramaic-speaking members over the care of widows. In response, the apostles instructed the community to select from among its members seven men “full of the Spirit and wisdom” to take charge of the matter, including a man named Stephen, who was “full of faith and the Spirit.” - [Photo by Emily Campbell on Unsplash].

Joel's Prophecy

The outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost signaled the arrival of the “last days,” just as prophesied by Joel – Acts 2:17-21. 

The application of Joel’s prophecy in Acts links the Spirit to the onset of the final age of fulfillment that began with the ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. As Peter declared, the arrival of the Spirit was according to that prophecy about the “last days” and the impending “Day of the Yahweh” - [Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash].

Boldness in the Spirit

In response to threats from the gathered priests, the fledgling church was filled with “boldness of speech” by the Spirit – Acts 4:5-31. 

After healing a lame man near the Temple, Peter and John were confronted by the priestly authorities who were disturbed because they were “proclaiming the resurrection.” The Sadducees rejected the doctrine of the resurrection. But Acts stresses that it now takes place “in Jesus,” and that made the doctrine of the resurrection taught by the church quite distinct - [Photo by Stephen Radford on Unsplash].

Signs and Wonders

The prophecy from Joel sets the tone for the book of Acts, including the “signs and wonders” that accompanied the gospel.

Jesus commanded the disciples to “tarry in Jerusalem” until they received the gift of the Spirit, and only then were they to proclaim the “kingdom of God,” starting at Jerusalem, then going on to Judea, Samaria, and to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” The book of Acts records how the early church, under the guidance of the Spirit, did this very thing - [Photo by Frank Zinsli on Unsplash].