The New
Testament 212-Day 1
The Book of Acts - 30-62 AD- Written between 60-85 AD
"The
book of Acts is an inspired work of historical genius, mentioning no fewer than
54 cities and 34 countries, tracing the development of the Lord's true Church
from the small provincial capital of the Jews, Jerusalem, through the
Mediterranean world to the great seat of the Roman empire. The Roman Catholic
Church in particular would have wanted this record preserved. Perhaps that is
one reason the version of the book of the Acts of the Apostles preserved in our
KJV not only survived but triumphed over the other books of the acts of
specific apostles such as are found among the compilations of the New Testament
Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. (Ogden p. 27) It forms an important bridge
between the Gospels & the Epistles. It shows the problems encountered by
the Church when the teachings of Jesus came in conflict with Jewish traditions
and Gentile influences.
Unlike
the four Gospels, which share a large amount of similar content, the book of
Acts stands relatively alone; without it, the only information we would have
about the early history of the Church would be the small amount provided by the
New Testament epistles. In addition, Acts provides valuable historical context
for the epistles of Paul. Luke wrote more of the New Testament than any other
single author. He was a physician by profession. (Colossians 4:14). He wrote much about Paul as he served as a missionary
companion with him.
Acts
1-7- Work starts in Jerusalem; 8-9-Expands to Judea & Samaria; 10-28- The
World.
The word apocrypha means hidden
or concealed. The early church father Jerome first used this term in the 4th
century to address a collection of books written between 300 BC & 100 AD.
These 14 books were rejected by the Jews as not being inspired, & thus excluded
from the Hebrew Old Testament. It was not until the 16th-century AD that the
apocryphal writings received official recognition by the Catholic Church as
being equal to Scripture. However, Protestant churches as a whole, like the
Jews, reject the inspiration of the Apocrypha.
Pseudepigrapha-The word refers to certain noncanonical
writings purported to have come from biblical characters,& refers to books
of ancient Jewish literature outside the canon and the Apocrypha. The writings
purport to be the work of ancient patriarchs & prophets but are, in their
present form, mostly productions from about 200 B.C.
to A.D. 200. These writings have at times been
popular with some branches of Christianity, but by their very nature there is
no accepted fixed limit to the number of writings that are called Pseudepigrapha.
These include legends about biblical characters, hymns, psalms, and
apocalypses. Things relating to Enoch, Moses, and Isaiah are prominent.
Although not canonized nor accepted as scripture, the pseudepigrapha are useful
in showing various concepts and beliefs held by ancient peoples in the Middle
East. In many instances latter-day revelation gives the careful student
sufficient insight to discern truth from error in the narratives, and
demonstrates that there is an occasional glimmer of historical accuracy in
those ancient writings. (D&C
91:5). (Bible Dictionary)
Chapter 1
Vs. 1 & 2 - The Book of Acts is part 2 of Luke's
testimony. Theophilus means, "Beloved
or friend of God." Paul’s Epistle
to the Colossians implies that Luke was a Gentile Christian,
because in Colossians 4:7–11, Paul lists greetings
from those “of the circumcision” (Jewish Christians), then lists greetings from
others, including Luke (Col. 4:12–14).
Vs. 3 - The word “passion”
refers to the Savior’s intense suffering during the events of the Atonement,
particularly His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross. The Greek word translated as “infallible
proofs” is τεκμηρίοις (tekmēriois), a technical term from logic that refers to
that which causes something “to be known in a convincing and decisive manner, proof” Third Nephi shows a pattern for what the Savior may have
done during His 40-day ministry in the Old World. The Post-resurrection
Ministry - Kent Brown & Wilfred Griggs
Even though often spurious
in origin and detail, these apocryphal writings bear a united testimony of
missionary activity. They show the existence of some very interesting
doctrines, especially meaningful to Latter-day Saints with the perspective of
the restoration of the gospel.
Vs. 4-5- The promise of the
Father was twofold: 1. They would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; and 2.
They would receive a holy and sacred endowment. (DNTC 2:22)
Vs. 6- Would Christ restore
Israel as in the time of David. See
D&C 110:11-(Moses);
Vs. 8- The apostles are to take the
Gospel to Jerusalem (Acts 1-7); Samaria (8-10) the world (11-28). “The
gift of the Holy Ghost … quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases,
enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and
adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops,
cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred
feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness,
tenderness, gentleness, and charity” (PPPratt, Key to the
Science of Theology [1978], 61).
Vs. 9-11- The ascension. - The 2 men
were angels. All 11 apostles were from Galilee. Jeffrey R.
Holland observed that Joseph
Smith’s First Vision was one fulfillment of that promise: “[Jesus
Christ] and His Father, the God and Father of us all, appeared to the boy
prophet Joseph Smith in fulfillment of that ancient promise that the
resurrected Jesus of Nazareth would again restore His Church on earth and again
‘come in like manner as [those Judean Saints had] seen him [ascend] into
heaven’ [Acts 1:11]” (Ensign
Nov. 2006, 106). Another fulfillment of this prophecy will occur at the Second
Coming when the Savior descends and actually stands on the Mount of Olives,
from whence He ascended (Zechariah 14:4; D&C 45:47–53).
Vs. 12- A Sabbath day's journey=6
furlongs; 2000 cubits or 3,600 feet.
Vs. 14- This is the last Biblical reference to the mother of Jesus. Jesus' brothers are NOW
in the Church. (John 7:5) Jesus’s
brother James would later become a leader of the Church in Jerusalem (see Acts 12:17; 15:13) and an Apostle (see Galatians 1:19). His brother “Juda” (Mark 6:3) is likely the author of the Epistle of Jude.
Vs. 16 - Note that Peter
begins to teach from the scriptures. Look for this throughout his ministry in
Acts.
Vs. 21 & 22 -
Qualifications they set to take the seat of Judas Iscariot
Vs. 24- "In filling
Judas' vacancy in the 12, they prayed exactly the way the Quorum of the 12 and
1st Presidency pray today: 'Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men,
show whether of these thou hast chosen." (JRHolland, SM p. 174)
Vs. 26- "If they cast
lots, it was an instance in which the Lord chose the result. More probably,
they gave forth their votes=sustaining votes. (DNTC 2:32) See GBHinckley
Ensign, May 94 p. 53.
Chapter 2
Vs. 1- See BD p. 673 - Feasts,
Vs. 2-4 – A Pentecostal Experience- D&C 109:36-37. This plea was fulfilled, not just once, but several times
during the days following the initial dedicatory services. on one occasion, “a
noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the
[Kirtland] Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved
upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others
saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels, which
fact I declared to the congregation” (HC, 2:428).
Vs. 3 - The image of “cloven
tongues,” used to describe the divine fire on the day of Pentecost, symbolized
that the disciples had received the gift of the Holy Ghost, promised by the
Savior, with power to preach the word of God by the gift of tongues. Cloven tongues, taken literally refers to
tongues that are cloven or forked or that have the appearance of the flame of
fire. The divine fire can be described as the “everlasting burnings of God; for
God dwells in everlasting burnings” (HC, 6:317).
Vs. 5-11- Every man heard message in his own language! Proselyte-Gentile Convert to Judaism.
Vs. 16-18 - Moroni quoted these verses to Joseph Smith,
saying that they were not yet completely fulfilled but were soon to be. (JSH:
41)
Vs. 27 - See BD "David" p. 654 and D&C
132:39-
Vs. 37- The
crowd of people who heard Peter were “pricked in their heart, meaning that Peter’s words had “pierced”
them. As the people came to the terrible realization that they had crucified
their Messiah, they may have feared that they had lost hope of salvation. Thus,
they cried out to the Apostles in anguish, “Men and brethren, what shall we
do?” Calling the Apostles their “brethren” implies that they were already persuaded in their hearts of their need to
repent and have faith in the Savior.
Vs.
38- See Article of Faith #4.
Vs. 40- Would this message be applicable to us today? “Today I make you a promise. It’s a simple one, but it is
true. If you will listen to the living prophet and the apostles and heed our
counsel, you will not go astray” (MRBallard,
Ensign, May 2001, 66).
Vs. 44 - "All things common, did not mean that
everyone pooled all their resources and shared everything in common, all having
equal amounts. It meant that every person and family had an equality according
to their needs (see Acts2:45; 4:32, 35; D&C 51:3) (Ogden p. 37)
Chapter 3
Vs. 6 - Notice the difference between a prayer and a
priesthood blessing. Peter used his priesthood and said, " In the name of
Jesus Christ, rise up and walk!" Then he lifted him.
When you come to the Lord, you always get more than you
bargained for! You cannot lift a man
unless you are standing on higher ground. (HBLee) 7 day creation?
Vs. 12- Peter taught plainly that the power was no of
Peter.
Vs. 19- Peter did not invite these people who had
crucified Christ to be baptized. (DNTC
2:48)
Vs. 19-21- A nice prophecy of the restoration.
(refreshing)
Vs. 22- Peter preached from the scriptures!
Chapter 4
Vs. 12- The focal point of all scripture!
Vs. 13 - "Not one of the disciples possessed
sufficient light, knowledge nor wisdom, at the time of the crucifixion, for
either exaltation or condemnation; for it was afterward that their minds were
opened to understand the scriptures, and that they were endowed with power from
on high; without which they were only children in knowledge, in comparison to
what they afterwards became under the influence of the Spirit." (JFSmith,
Gospel Doctrine, p. 433) See D&C 35:13- "I call upon the weak things
of the world."
Vs. 32-35- Key to chapter 5-Law of consecration
Vs. 36-37 - Barnabas; Levite from Cyprus, sold land and
gave it to Church. Missionary Companion of Paul (Acts 13-14) and called an
apostle. 14:4, 14.
Chapter 5
Vs. 1 - 3 men call Ananias in Acts. (Acts 5); Leader of
Church in Damascus (Acts 9); and the High Priest in Jerusalem (Acts 23)
Vs. 1-10- “In
our time those found in dishonesty do not die as did Ananias and Sapphira, but
something within them dies. Conscience chokes, character withers, self-respect
vanishes, integrity dies. … We cannot be less than honest, we cannot be less
than true, we cannot be less than virtuous if we are to keep sacred the trust
given us” (“GBHinckley, Ensign, May 76, 61–62).
Vs. 11- The word church is
mentioned only three times in the Gospels ( Matthew 16:18; 18:17). However, it appears over 100 times in
Acts through Revelation. It seems likely that during the 40 days prior to the
Lord’s Ascension into heaven, His teachings to the Apostles about “the things pertaining
to the kingdom of God” included instruction about how the Church was to be
organized and how it should function (Acts 1:3).
Vs. 15-16 - Luke 8:44, touch of Jesus' garment; Acts
19:12, touching Paul's handkerchief.
Healings at Montrose when Wilford Woodruff was given Joseph's
handkerchief.
Vs. 34 - Hillel and Shammai- Gamaliel was the
grandson of Hillel
Vs. 29- We ought to obey God rather than men. - Any
latter-day application?
In the 1st century BCE, Babylonian born Hillel migrated to Israel
study &, eventually became the most influential force in Jewish life.
Hillel is said to have lived in such great poverty that he was sometimes unable
to pay the admission fee to study Torah, & because of him that fee was
abolished. He was known for his kindness,&, concern for humanity. One of
his most famous sayings, recorded in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers, a
tractate of the Mishnah), is "If I am not for myself,
then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if
not now, when?" The Hillel organization, a network of Jewish
college student organizations, is named for him. Hillel & his descendants
established academies of learning & were the leaders of the Jewish
community in the Land of Israel for centuries. The Hillel dynasty ended with
the death of Hillel II in 365 CE. Hillel the Elder’s friendly adversary
was Shammai, a native of the Land of Israel about whom little is known except
that he was a builder, known for the strictness of his views. He was reputed to
be dour and impatient. Both lived during the reign of King Herod (37-4 BCE), an oppressive period
in Jewish history because of the Roman occupation of the Land of Israel.
Shammai was concerned that if Jews had too much contact with the Romans, the
Jewish community would be weakened, & this attitude was reflected in his
strict interpretation of Jewish law. Hillel did not share Shammai's fear &
therefore was more liberal in his view of law. Hillel was the more popular of
the two scholars, & he was chosen by the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish court, to
serve as its president. While Hillel and Shammai themselves did not differ on a
great many basic issues of Jewish law, their disciples were often in conflict.
The Talmud records over 300 differences of
opinion between Beit Hillel (the House of Hillel) a& Beit Shammai (the
House of Shammai). The Rabbis of the Talmud
generally sided with the rulings of the School of Hillel, although the Sages
believed that both views were valid. 16th-century kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria (the “Ari”) said that not
only are both the words of the House of Shammai and the House of Hillel
enduring on the conceptual level, but each has its time and place on the
pragmatic level as well.
Chapter 6 - The
need for apostles and for adaptations in administration when there is growth in
the Church.
Vs. 15- The transfiguration of Stephen
Chapter 7
Vs. 45 - The name Jesus here refers to the ancient
Israelite , Joshua, & not to Jesus of Nazareth. (Jesus & Joshua are
different forms of the same Hebrew name: Yehoshua, or Yeshua.)
Vs. 55-56- A great verse showing that Heavenly Father
& Jesus are separate beings.
Vs. 58 - Luke's inclusion of the intriguing detail of
clothing being laid at Saul's feet may be a corroboration of the ancient
cultural setting of the Book of Mormon. Alma 46 tells us of Captain Moroni's
rending his coat and raising it as the "title of liberty" and it also
tells of the people making a covenant as "they cast their garments at the
feet of Moroni" (Alma 46:22). Among the covenant people of ancient times,
clothing appears to have been used to witness or to attest to something, as a
token or sign of one's testimony, or as a symbol of one's formal association
with an idea or an action. Paul seems to
have represented the "Sanhedrin in overseeing the official stoning of
Stephen-an action the Jews believed was supported by the Old Covenant, or
Mosaic law." (Ogden p. 47)
