Acts 1:1)" The former ( Protos- first ) treatise ( Logos- discourse, account ) have I made O Theopilus ( Beloved of God ), of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,"
2)" Until the day in which He was taken up ( Analambano-received upward ), after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles ( Apostolos- one sent forth ) whom He had chosen:"
3)" To whom He shewed Himself alive after His passion ( Pascho- suffering and agonizing death) by many infallible (Tekmerion- indisputable ) proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining ( Peri- concerning ) to the kingdom of God:"
     In chapter one, verse one, of the book of Acts, Luke writes that the former or first trearise or account have I made O Theopilus (beloved of God), of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.
     Here he is obviously referring to The Gospel According to Luke , that he had written some time before, through the inspiration of God. The word Theopilus is left untranslated. Why the translators chose to leave it untranslated can not be known for certain. All of the schoolars and "experts", that I know of, agree, that it translates beloved of God. Some maintain that Theopilus was a popular name of that time period. This I do not dispute or confirm. However, they carry this a step futher by maintaining that both The Gospel According to Luke,   as well as The Acts of the Apostles were both written specificaly to one paticular individual by the name of Theopilus.
     Now I have trouble accepting that. In both these books, Luke, with great care and detail, covers events that spanned quite a number of years. It does not seem reasonable to myself that God, would inspire Luke to direct all of this information to any one individual. Especially when you take into account, that there was no character of that name, who was a central figure, (secular or Bibical) of that time period.
     Beloved of God could be any number of things, including God's people or anyone attempting to know or understand God. Ate any rate, both of these books contain much useful information, that is of use to us as Christians.
     He continues in verse two, that this account continues until the day in which Jesus Christ was taken up or ascended into heaven. He did this right after He, through the Holy Ghost, had given instructions or commandments to the apostles He had chosen. Verse three states that He had shown Hinself alive after His passion or suffering and agonizing death by many infallible or indisputable proofs, being seen of them for forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to or concerning the kingdom of God.
     In a reading of the Gospels, (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we find that Jesus Christ was beaten, tortured, and humiliated for about seventy two hours before He gave up His life on the cross. All of this so that we might have salvation through our belief in Him. One of the events in which He showed Himself alive, to His disciples, is recorded in Luke, chapter twenty four, verses thirty four through forty five. This is the first place He met with all of them togather, in one place, after He rose from the dead. Some of them had seen Him before this, but not all of them had.
     They were gathered togather in a room, discussing wherever He had indeed arisen from the dead. He had died such a horrible and gruesome death, that several of them, who as of yet, had not seen Him alive, had trouble believing that He had indeed arisen from the dead.
     Into the middle of this disscussion, He suddenly appeared before them. To begin with they were all startled, ( would not you and I be as well?), and frightened, thinking that they were seeing a ghost or spirit. He did convince them however, that it was Him, Jesus Christ, their Lord, Saviour, and teacher, alive and well after His horrendous death. Many times over the next forty days He met with them. He showed Himself alive to many others as well,(no doubt of which included Luke, who wrote this account). He proved that He was indeed alive, with many indisputable or infallible proofs. He also gave commandments to His disciples or apostles concerning the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:4)" And, being assembled ( Sunalizomai- gathered togather with ) togather with   them,  commanded ( Paraggel- gave instruction ) them that they should not depart ( Chorizo- seperate themselves ) from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "which"  saith He,  " ye have heard of Me.
5)" For John ( John the Baptist ) truly (Men- indeed ) baptized with water ; but ye shall be baptized with Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Meta- after this day)
6)" When they therefore were come togather, they ask of Him saying," Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"
7)" 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."
8)" But ye shall receive( Lambano- receive into use) power( Dunamis- abilty), after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you : and ye shall be witnesses( Martus- martyrs, to suffer pain or even death for one's beliefs) unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost( Eschatos- most distant or extreme) part of the earth."
9)" And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld,(Belpo- looked on) He was taken(Epairo- Lifted up) up; and a cloud received(Hupolam- to take or receive) Him out of their sight."( Ophthalmos- Eyesight)
10)" And while they looked steadfastly( Atonize- intently) toward heaven as He went up, behold,(Idou- look! see!) two men stood by them in white apparel;"(Esthos- garments or clothes)
11)" Which also said," Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, Which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner(Hos Tropos- in the same way) as ye have seen Him go into heaven." 
     In verse four, we find that being assembled or gathered togather with them, He gave them commandments or instructions that they should not depart from Jerusalem until they received the promise, which He said,"ye have heard from me." "For John ( John the Baptist) truely (mem- indeed) baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with Holy Ghost ( Spirit) not many days hence." (meta- not many days from this day) In verse six they ask Him would He at this time restore the kingdom to Israel.
     Many things had been promised to the Jews in the Old Testament. One of these things was that, He, (Jesus Christ) will set up and rule over a perfect kingdom. He will defeat all opposing forces and this kingdom will never be overthrown. It will be a perfect kingdom, as He will be a perfect ruler. At the time the disciples ask this question, the nation of Israel had been through many misfortunes. At that present time the were under the rule of the Roman empire, which was very oppresive. The people of Israel had long been awaiting this kingdom. For many that was the thing they had most looked for in His comming. Very few had searched the scriptures enough to reconize Him when they saw Him. Some of the people and a few of the leaders, who truely sought to serve God, had studied the scriptures enough to reconize Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. Very few however openly reconized Him for what He truley was. The leaders had all agreed that anyone who did would be put out of the synagogue.
John 9:22)" These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue."
     If you are put out of a church now days, it is no big thing. You simply go find another church. Being cast out of the synagogue was much worse. For one thing you could not buy or sell anything, including food. Everyone else would have nothing whatsoever to do with you. If they did and got caught, they too would be cast out. Being cast out of the synagogue, back then, made life very difficult, to say the least.
     Jesus answered them in verse seven, telling them that it was not for them to know the times nor the seasons, which the Father has put in His own Power. In the gospel of Matthew, the disciples had ask Jesus about several things which will occur in the future, including His return.
Matthew 24:46)" But of that day and hour knoweth no man,no not the angels of heaven, but My Father only." ( Also found in Mark 13:32 )
     In verse eight He continues, telling them that they shall receive ( Lambano- to receive into use ) Power ( Dunamis- abilty) " After the Holy Ghost is come upon you." He also states that they would become witnesses ( Martus- martyrs- someone who is willing to suffer much pain, even death, for their beliefs) unto or for Him, in Jerusalem, in all of Samaria, and unto the uttermost (eschatos- most distant or extreme) parts of the earth. Likely not the answer they were looking for in verse six! Yet after receiving this power, that's exactly what they became, along with many others.  This is one of the many things that makes the book of Acts so interesting and exciting. 
     In verse nine it states, that after He had finished speaking these things, that while they beheld (BLEPO- looked on) He was taken (EPAIRO- lifted up) up and a cloud received Him. out of their sight (OPHTHALMOS- eyesight). What a sight this must have been! Through the past several years, while traveling with and learning much from Him, they had seen many things of Jesus Christ. He, through the Power of God, had restored the blind their eyesight, healed countless sick people, restored wholeness to those maimed or crippled, and had even raised the dead, just to name a few of the mighty works He performed while walking amoung them. Now, this breath-taking experience of seeing Him ascend into heaven as they looked on! What a fitting way to end His time spent on earth!
     Verse ten states, that while they looked steadfastly (ATONIZE- intently) toward heaven as He went up, behold (IDOU- look! see!) two men stood by them in white apparel (ESTHES- white garments or clothes). As they took in this spectacular event, there appeared two men beside them in white clothes. Verse eleven states, that these two men ask them, " Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into heaven; this same Jesus, Which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner (HOS TROPOS- in the same way) as ye have seen Him go into heaven.
     These two men in white clothes were obviously angels. Angels sometimes appeared in white clothes. Also where did they come from? They just suddenly appeared as Jesus was ascending into heaven. What mere human would have asked such a question? I can not picture any human being,having just witnessed such an event, not being totally dumbfounded! However, what they told the disciples is most important. " This same Jesus, Which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner. (or in the same way. So, why is this so important?
Matthew 24:5)" For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall decieve many." ( also found in Mark 13:6 and Luke 21:8 )
     In this verse Jesus tells His disciples, that many will come in His name and decieve many. How will they decieve many? Because many people ingnore or overlook the HOW 
of His return. If a man comes into your life, claiming to be Jesus Christ, if you did not see him descend from heaven in this way, you will know he is one of the many imposters or anti-Christ, that Jesus spoke of. " Oh, but I did come in that way," he may claim," you must have missed it."
Matthew 24:26)" Wherefore if they say unto you, Behold He is in the desert; go not forth: behold He is in secert chambers; believe it not."
27)" For as lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the comming of the Son of man be." ( Also found in Mark 13: 26&27 and Luke 21:27.)
     In verse twenty six, Jesus tells His disciples, and us as well, that if someone tells you," Jesus is in the desert." Go not forth. Do not even bother to check it out! If someone tells you He is in secert chambers, do not believe it. In verse twenty seven He states," For as lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall the comming of the Son of man be." We have all seen lightning break in the east and shine across the sky to the west, light the whole sky up, so to speak. The return of Jesus Christ will be in such a manner. There is no way ANYBODY  will "miss it"! There are many other verses that give more detail about this spectacular event. If you are still alive when this occurs, it will be the most awesome thing you have ever seen!
     In the book, " ANSWERS FROM THE BIBLE " this subject is discussed in more depth. However, there is much more than is here or in there. I suggest that you at least get a Bible with accurate center refferences, if not a chain link Bible, as well as a quailty concordance, and research the most you can on this important subject. That way you will not be one of the many Jesus spoke of who are decieved.
Acts 1:12)" Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey."
13)"And when they were come in, they went up into a upper room, where abode (KATAMENO- lived, dewelled) both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother ofJames."
14)" These all continued with one accord (HOMO THUMADON- with one mind or likeminded) in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren. (ADELPHON- kinsmen, sibblings)
15)" And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples,(MATHETES- one who is taught or trained) and said, ( the number of the names togather were about an hundred and twenty,)
16)" Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost (PNEMUA- Spirit) by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."
17)" For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry."
18)" Now this man purchased a field with the reward (MISTHOS-wage) of iniquity (ADIKIA- wrongdoing); and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19)" And it was known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood."
20)" For it is written in the book of Psalms,' Let his habitation be desolateand let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take'. "
21)" Wherefore of these men which have companied ( SUNERCHUMIA- been with) with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out amoung us,"
22)" Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day He was taken up (ANALANBANO- to receive or take up) from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection."
23)" And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias."
24) And they prayed, and said, ' Thou Lord, Which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen,"
25)" That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.' "
26)" And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
     Verse twelve states, that after this they returned to Jerusalem, which was a sabbath days journey from mount Olivet, where they were at when Jesus ascended into heaven. In verse thirteen, we find that they went into a upper room,"... where abode (KATMENO- lived, dwelled) both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James." It appears that these men were living togather in a room. It was either very cramped or a good sized room, to have housed all these men. No detail is given about the room, other than it was a upper room and they lived there.
     In verse fourteen we find, that all of these men continued with one accord ( HOMO THUMON- with one mind or likeminded) in prayer and supplication, with the women, and with His brethren (ADELPHON-kinsmen, sibblings). The word brethren denotes kinship or sibblings. Jesus had four half brothers and at least three half sisters (Matthew 13: 55&56 and Mark 6:3). Some or all of these could have been present. For that matter, others, who were related to Jesus through Mary, His mother, could also have been there.
     In verse fiftheen it states, that in all there were about one hundred and twenty people. Some debate has been raised through the years as to where this group was meeting. Many adamently maintain that it was in the upper room, because that was the only place mentioned. The Bible does not say where they were meeting. If indeed it was the upper room, it had to have been a really big upper room. More like a small auditorium ! What needs to be considered here, is that in that day and time, it was a really big taboo for women to enter the living quarters of a man, unless they were married to him. In some parts of the world, to this day, it is still considered such. Verse thirteen states plainly, that these men were living there. It would stand to reason, that with women present, they were not meeting in the upper room.
     Verse fiftheen also tells us that Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples. Verse sixteen begins to record what he said," Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost (PNEMUA- SPIRIT) by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus." He continues in verse seventeen," For he was numbered amoung us and had obtained part of this ministry." He continues in verse eighteen, by telling us that this man purchased a field with the wage of his wrongdoing. He then fell, headlong in the midst of this field, burst asunder, and all his bowel gushed out. In verse nineteen he states that, this was known to all those who lived in Jerusalem, insomuch that the field is called the field of blood.
     Judas was a popular name in that time period. One man by that name is mentioned in verse thirteen. Also, Jesus Christ had a half brother by that name. (Matthew 13;55&56 & Mark 6:3) Neither the man mentioned in verse thirteen or the half brother of Jesus Christ, are the one this section of scriptures are reffering to. Judas Iscariot is the man being refered to here. He was one of the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ at the beginning of His ministry. Throughout the four gospels he is refered to as Judas Iscariot. Iscariot is a surname.
     Judas Iscariot was the disciple who betrayed the where-abouts of Jesus Christ to the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers for a price of money. He even led them to Him and signified which one He was, by embracing Him. This led to Jesus trial and death. Not long afterward, Judas, himself, died. How and when he died has been much disputed over the years. Though just what happened and how can be found by a carefull and accurate research of the scriptures, it does not pertain to the scriptures we are studying. That, in fact he did indeed die is the issue here.
     Years before, when the Spirit of God was upon king David, he made a prophecy concerning Judas Iscariot and the deed he commited. This prophecy had several parts. All but the last part had been fulfilled. "...and his bishoprick let another take." Peter rightly points out in this section of scriptures, that this had yet to be done. It needed to be done so that the prophecy would be completely fulfilled. Jesus Christ had not done this before He ascended into heaven. Therefore it was left for His disciples to do.
     Now most everyone would consider this to be a great honour. To be chosen to help fulfill one of the prophecies of the Bible! Would you not have been honoured to do this? Yet one must not allow one's head to swell over this. Great care had to be taken to insure that it was done in the right and proper way. Peter rightly pointed out in verse twenty two, just what the quailifications or requirements had to be.
     The ministry of Jesus Christ officially began when He was baptized by John the Baptist. It ended when He asscended into heaven. The person chosen had to have been there through it all and had to be able to testify of His resurection from the dead. Apparently, several men other than the original twelve disciples had been present through it all. In verse twenty three, they chose two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Mattias. In verse twenty four and twenty five, they prayed, saying, "Thou Lord, Which knoweth the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
     In verse twenty six, they gave forth their lots and the lot fell on Mathias and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Now, the last of the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ time spent on earth, (the first time), had been fulfilled. Jesus Christ had asscended into heaven, after rising from the dead and walking the earth for forty days. Everything was now complete and ready for the foundation of the church, which takes place in chapter two. Thus ends chapter one.

                Gary Jones posted 11/27/10   

1)" And when the day of Pentecost ( Pentekostos- the feast on the fifieth day after Passover) was fully come, they were all with accord ( Homothumadon- like-minded, or with one mind) in one place."
2)" And suddenly ( Aphno- all of a sudden) there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing ( Phero- driving) mighty ( Biaios- forceful or big) wind, ( Pnoe- blast of wind) and it filled ( Pleroo- to fill or make full) all of the house ( Oikos- temple?) where they were sitting." ( Oikos was translated temple one time in Luke 11:51)
3)" And there appeared (Optomia- to see or be seen) unto them cloven ( Diamerizo- divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon (Epi-on) each of them."
4)" And they were all filled (Pletho- to be filled completely) with the Holy Ghost ( Pneuma Hagion- Holy Spirit) and began to speak with other (Heteros- different) tongues, (Glossa- languages) as the Spirit ( Pneuma-Spirit) gave them utterance." (Apophthengomia- to utter or speak forth)
5)" And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout ( Eulabes- pious- having religious devotion- devoted) men, out of every nation under heaven."
6)" Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude ( Plethos- company, crowd) came togather and were confounded, ( Sunchuno- confused) because that every man heard them speak in his own language."
7)" And they were all amazed ( Existemai- Astonished, awed, dumbfounded) and marvelled, ( Thaumazo- to admire, wonder, hold in admiration) saying one to another, ' Behold, ( Idou- look! see!) are not all these which speak Galilaeans?"
8)" And how hear we every man in our own tongue, ( Glossa- language) wherein we were born?"
9)" Parthians, ( Persia- modern day Iran) and Medes, ( Mnooi- a rude and uncultivated race of men) and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, ( Mearanoraula- modern day Iraq) and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and in Asia, ( Asia Minor today)
10)" Phrygia, (modern day Turkey) and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya (Africa) about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes," (Pro- converts to the Jewish religion)
11)" Cretes (modern day Greek island of Crete) and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues (Glossa- langauge) the wonderful works of God'."
12)" And they were all amazed, (Existemai- astonished, awed) and were in doubt, ( diaporeo- no explaination) saying one to another,' What meaneth ( Thelo Eivai- what does this mean?) this?' "
13)" Others mocking (Chlelaso- to laugh, scoff, or deride) said,' these men are full of new wine.' " 
     Verse one states, that when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord or one mind, in one place. Pentecost is a feast that is held exactly fifty days after the last day of Passover. Verse two states that, all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, as of a driving, forceful, blast of wind. It filled all of the house where they were sitting. There has been some dispute, over the years, as to where they were sitting. The word house was translated from the Greek word, OIKOS. In at least one other place, ( Luke 11:51), it was translated temple. That is the first indication that it was in the temple. Later, as this chapter unfolds, you will see the vast number of people who were present. It will become clear that no place, other than the main temple or synagogue of Jerusalem, would have been big enough to accomadate all of these people.
     Verse three states that, there appeared unto them, cloven or divided tongues of fire, that sat on each of them. Verse four states that, they were all filled completely with Holy Ghost ( Pneuma Hagion- Holy Spirit ) and began to speak with other tongues or different languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Verse five states that, there were Jews, devout ( EULABES- devoted) men out of every nation under heaven who were present. Verse six states that, when this was noised abroad, or the people began to hear this, the multitude came togather and were confused or confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language! Devout or devoted Jews from all over the world were there. As this began to happen, the "... multitude came togather..." . There is not any place that could have accomadated this many people, other than the main temple or synagogue of Jerusalem.
     They were confused or confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language. They likely knew a common language, such as Hebrew, but each man heard them speak in the language of the country they were from. Verse seven states that, they were all amazed, astonished, or awed and that they marvelled or admired what was happening. They began to ask one another," Behold,( see here), are not all these that speak Galilaeans?"
     Jesus Christ and His disciples were from Galilee. The common language of Galilee was Aramaic, which is the oldest form of Hebrew. The difference being sort of like old English to modern English. That is not completely accurate, but it is as close as I can come to describing the difference. Many scholars believe Aramaic to be the oldest of all languages still in existence. It is reasonable to believe that some, if not all of the disciples could also have spoken Hebrew as well as Aramaic. It is also reasonable to believe that they could also speak Latin, the language of the Romans, who occupied Israel at that time. However, not all of the languages of the known world! Few, if anyone, could do that! That is what had all of these people awe struck. Verse eight states that, they all heard them speaking in the tongue or language of the country they were born in.
     Beginning in verse nine, the scripture tells us all of the places these people were from. Modern-day Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and what we know in today's world as Asia Minor. Also Egypt, Africa, and the Greek isle of Crete, which is still known by that name. They marvelled because, all of these men were from Galilee. These other countries, (in that time period), were far away from Galilee. So how could these Galileans know all of these many different languages? The answer simply is, they did not know all these langagues. So how were they able to speak all of these langagues they did not know?
     Verse twelve states that they were all amazed or awed. They were in doubt or without any explanation. They began asking one another," What meaneth this?" or " What does this mean?" Nobody could figure this scene out or what was meant by it. Verse thirteen states that others, said in a mocking, laughing, or derideing way," These men are full of new wine." Then, as now, there are always those who seek to make light of, or downplay a serious event that can not be explained. What a lame line of thinking! When was the last time you heard a pack of winos speaking langagues they had no way of knowing? How often do you hear someone who is drunk talking about the wonderful works of God? (Verse eleven) This also did not explain the tongues of fire that sat on each of them.
14)" But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them," Ye men of Judeae, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you and hearken ( enotizomio- attend closely or pay attention to) to my words:"
15)" For these are not drunken ( Methuo- soaked with drink) as ye suppose, ( Hupolambano- think) seeing that it is but the third hour of the day."
16)" But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;"
17) ' And it shall come to pass,' saith God,' I will pour ( Ekcheo- shed forth) of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, ( Horasis- act of seeing) and your old men shall dream dreams:
18) ' And on My servants ( Doulos- servants, slaves) and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: ( Prom- publicly expound)
19)  And I will shew wonders ( Mopheth- miracles) in heaven above, and signs ( Semeion- a mark or signal) in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
     In verse fourteen Peter begins to speak. The first thing he addresses is the lame line of reasoning that he and the other disciples are drunk. Verse fourteen records that he began to speak," Ye men of Judeae and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken (or pay close attention to) my words.
15) For these are not drunken (or soaked with drink) as ye suppose (think) seeing that it is but the third hour of the day."
     The Jews or Hebrews of that time period calculated time in a different way than we do today. The point at which the sun begins to rise was the twelveth hour of the night. The point at which the sun begins to set was the twelveth hour of the day. Thus, they still had twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of darkness. They just calculated or figured time different than we do today. Calculating time in this way, let's say for the sake of arguement, that the sun begins to rise at six a.m. When the sun had begun to rise for one hour, it was counted as the first hour. That is what we would call seven a.m., the second hour eight a.m., the third hour would be nine a.m. Peter states that it is only the third hour. That would be nine a.m. by our reckoning. This would not allow enough time for these men to be soaked with drink (verse fiftheen), seeing as how they had only been awake for three hours.
     In verse sixteen Peter states that this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel. In verses seventeen through twenty one, he quotes a prophecy made by the prophet Joel, years before. It must be noted that HE DID NOT  say that this prophecy was bing fufilled on this day. Some of these things happened later on in the book of Acts. Some is yet to happen. The speaking in tongues or other languages and the tongues of fire that sat on each of them , were a sign or signal to mark the occasion.(verse nineteen) There was no blood or vapour of smoke however. Throughout the book of Acts, many signs, miracles, and wonders were indeed shown, as you will see. Peter simply called to mind this prophecy, to reassure the people that what they were seeing was  indeed Godly, or from God. Though not everything in this prophecy was fufilled on this day or anywhere in the book of Acts, some of it was. The rest is yet to come.
22)" Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved ( Apodeiknumi- set forth or commended) of God amoung (Eis-unto) you by miracles (Dunamis-acts of power) and wonders (Teras- extraordinary happening) and signs, (Semion- mark or signal) which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves know:"
23)" Him being delivered ( Ekdotos- given forth) by the determinate ( Horizo- to plan out) counsel ( Boule- purpose, will) and foreknowledge( Progno- a knowing first or beforehand) of God, ye have taken, and by wicked( Anomas- lawless or without the law) hands have crucified(Propegnumi-nailed to the cross) and slain:"
24)" Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden( Krateo-kept) of it."
25)" For David speaketh concerning Him, ' I foresaw (Proorao- saw before me) the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  (Salelo- to shake loose or toss)
26)" Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh shall rest ( Shaken-( Hebrew word)- abide) in hope:"   
27)" Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell,  (Sheol- (Hebrew word)- the unseen state) neither wilt Thou suffer  (Didomi- to give) Thine Holy One to see corruption" 
28)" Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance."
29)" Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre( Mnema- tomb) is with us unto this day."
30)" Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath( Horkos- promise) to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according (kata- by) the flesh, (Sarz- of the flesh) He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne;"
31)" He seeing this before, (Proeidon- foreseeing or seeing it before it happened) spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, ( Hades-the unseen world) neither did His flesh see curruption."
32)" This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses."
33)Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, (Hupsoo-elavated) and having received (Lambano- to receive into use) of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, (Pneuma Hagion- Holy Spirit) He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear."
34)" For David is not ascended (Anabaino- to go up) into the heavens: but saith himself, 'The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on my right hand,
35)" Until I make thy foes Thy footstool.'
36)" Therefore let all of the house of Israel know assuredly, (Asphalos- of a certaintly) that God hath made that same Jesus, Whom ye have crucified, both Lord (Kurios- master) and Christ." ((Xpioros- (Hebrew) the anointed one or promised Messiah)
37)" Now when they heard this, they were pricked (Katanusso- to stab or pierce throughly) in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethern, what shall we do'?"
38)" Then Peter said unto them,' Repent, (Metanoeo- have a change of mind, or come to your senses) and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (Aphesis- a sending away, forgiveness) of sins, and ye shall receive (Lambano- to receive into usage) the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Pneuma Hagion- Holy Spirit )
39)" For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar (Makran- in distant places) off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
40)" And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying,' Save yourselves from this untoward (Skolios- perverse, crooked) generation."
41)" Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
     Having addressed the pathetic notion of he and the other disciples being drunk, Peter begins in verse twenty two to deal with the real issue at hand. Rewriting it after researching it would read as follows. ( Go back and check the researched verses I provided and see if you agree.)
     " Ye men of Israel, hear these words, Jesus of Nazerath, a Man sent forth from God walked amoung you. He, through the Power of God, did many miracles and other clear acts of power. You saw many wonders and extraordinary things that God worked through Him. You saw signs and signals which God did through Him, in the midst of you, as ye yourselves know, because you saw it all happen. You saw all of this happen before your very eyes and yet with wicked hands you took Him and nailed Him to a cross."
     Hmmmm, that likely got their attention, wouldn't you say? There is much more, we are just getting started. In verse twenty three the word wicked is translated from the Greek word Anomos- lawless or without the law. Jesus Christ was not guilty of anything by the laws of God. He also was not guilty of anything by the laws of men. ( The laws of the Roman empire, who occupied Israel at that time.)
     In Matthew, chapters twenty six and twenty seven, Mark, chapters fourteen and fiftheen, Luke, chapters twenty two and twenty three, and John chapter eighteen, tell of Jesus capture, His trial before the ruling Jewish council, His trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of the area that included Israel, and His death. All four of the Gospels give account of these things. They each give somewhat different accounts of these things, but they do not contradict one another.
     In Matthew 27:1, it states that when the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put Him to death. They had been up all the night before with a trial of their own. Though they could honestly find any way that He had broken any of God's laws, they still condemned Him to death. The problem they now faced, was that they could not legally execute Him. Why? Because, much as they did not like to admit, they were living under the laws of the Roman empire. The Romans had conquered them years before. Therefore they had no authority to do so. He had to be condemned to death by a Roman judge in order to be legally executed. This being the case, they bound him, (verse two) led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governer and judge of the area that included Israel.
     Pontius Pilate, by all the historical accounts that I know of, was not a nice person, to say the least! Nasty, despicable, and God-less would be a fitting description. Yet even Pilate knew that Jesus Christ had done nothing wrong and did not deserve to die. (Matthew 27:18 & 23) He had not broken any Roman laws, to Pilate's way of seeing the matter. He had broken no laws of God either, though Pilate was not judging Him by God's law. God's laws meant something to the Jews, but not to the Romans, and Pilate was a Roman. Jesus Christ was therefore cruicified by lawless or illegal hands. (Acts 2:23)
     It was by tradition, that at the feast of the Passover, the people could choose one of the prisoners, condemned to death, who would then be released. Matthew 27:20, states that the chief priest and elders persuaded the multitude (Ochos- crowd) that they should ask Pilate to release Barabbas and destroy Jesus. Verse sixteen of this chapter describes Barabbas as being a "notable prisoner". In John 18:40 Barabbas is described as a robber. In Mark 15:7 and in Luke 23:19 he is described as a murderer. Yet the PEOPLE ,NOT THEIR LEADERS in Matthew 27:21 ask Pilate to release Barabbas, a robber and murderer, rather than Jesus, Who had done no wrong. Even Pilate, nasty and evil as he may have been, had a problem with this, as we shall see a few verses later.
     In verse twenty two, Pilate ask them what to do with Jesus. They all said," Let Him be crucified." In verse twenty three, Pilate ask," Why, what evil hath He done?" But they cried out the more, saying," Let Him be crucified." In verse twenty four, Pilate finally realized he was not getting anywhere. He washed his hands in front of the people, which was a symbolic way of saying," I am finished with the matter." Today, in the U.S.A. when we are simply sick of dealing with an issue that can not be resolved, we say," I am washing my hands of the matter." Simply put," I refuse to deal with this matter anymore, as it is going nowhere." I have always been told, that is where this saying came from.
     After Pilate washed his hands, he told the people," I am innocent of the blood of this just (Dikiaos- righteous) Person; see ye to it." Even Pilate could see that Jesus was righteous or just! In verse twenty five all of the people answered him and said," His blood be on us and on our children." By telling Pilate this, they took the responsibilty from him, for the death of Jesus Christ.
     These were the same people that Peter was speaking to in Acts 2:23. Peter did not go into all the detail that we did here. As Peter stated in verse twenty two, they already knew these things. Therefore there was no need for him to go into all the details. We went through all of this for the benifit of you, the reader, if you were not familar with the trial and death of Jesus Christ, you know now the impact of what Peter said.
     The sum and jest of it was," You people took a Man, approved of God, Who only did great and mighty things before your very eyes. You took this Man, Who had broken no laws of God or man,(Roman law), who was innocent of any wrong-doing and you nailed this man to a cross! Whom God has raised up from the dead, because it was not possible that He should be kept in that state." (verse twenty four) In verses twenty five through twenty eight, Peter refers to a prophecy made by king David. ( The original prophecy is found in Psalms 16:8-11.) I saw before me, the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved or tossed aside. Therefore did my heart rejoice and my tongue was glad, moreover my flesh shall rest in hope. Because Thou will not leave my soul in the unseen state, neither will thou give Thy Holy One to see corruption.
     Jesus Christ was only dead for three days and nights. After that, God raised Him from the dead.That short amount of time did not allow for His body to begin to corrupt or decay. David states that his heart did rejoice, his tongue was glad, and his flesh could now rest in hope. Because God will not leave his soul in the unseen state, ( the state after life but before the new life), and God would not leave His Holy One, Jesus Christ, in the grave to face corruption or the decaying of the flesh.
     Peter continues in verse twenty nine," Men and brethern, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried and his sepulchre (tomb) is still with us today." David died and was buried. His flesh did see decay. The flesh of Jesus Christ however, did not see corruption or decay. From verse thirty we find that David, being a prophet, saw all of this before it happened. In verse thirty one, he spoke of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His body did not see corruption or decay, and His body was not left in the unseen state. In verse thirty two, Peter states that this same Jesus, Whom, they the people, unlawfully agreed to put to death, has God raised from the dead, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore being raised up to the right hand of God, and having received into use, the Holy Spirit, He hath shed forth this which you now see and hear.
     In effect, Peter told them in all these previous verses," Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God, who walked amoung you, doing nothing but good things, Who by the Power of God, did many signs, miracles, and wonders, that you were eye-witness to. He broke no laws of God or man,( Roman law), yet YOU insisted on His death, even though Pilate was willing to let Him go free. This same Jesus has God raised from the dead. He now sits on the right hand of God. Therefore, being raised up, beside the right hand of God, having received into usage of the Father, the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has brought forth this, which you now see,( the tongues of fire that sat on each of them), and hear. ( the speaking in toungues or other languages)
     From verse thirty four, we find that David himself, has not ascended into heaven, rather he is still in the grave or unseen state. Only Jesus has ascended into heaven. Peter continues in verse thirty six by saying," Therefore let all of the house of Israel know assuredly, or of a certainty, that God has made that same Jesus, Whom you crucified, both Lord (MASTER) and Christ. ( The promised Saviour or Messiah of the people) 
     Now I do not know about you, but if I found out that a Man I had insisted on being executed, had been raised from the dead by God, ascended into heaven to sit on the right hand of God, and that God had made Him my Master and declared Him to be the promised Msssiah of the people, I would have the wind knocked out of my sails, to say the least! Apparently, it had the same effect on these people. In verse thirty seven we find, that when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts. They quickly ask Peter and the other apostles, what shall we do? They realized they had made a major mistake and wanted to right the matter. In verse thirty eight Peter tells them to repent, which is to have a change of heart, or come to your senses. He also tells them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, every one of you, for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive into use the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Pneuma Hagion- Holy Spirit)
     He continues in verse thirty nine, telling them that this promise is to them and their children, and to all that are afar off or in distant places, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. "... even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Yes, that would include us! God called you to Him, did He not? Therefore this promise is to we "modern day" christians as well. The promise or gift of the Holy Spirit is still available to us! So much for those who teach that it is no longer available. We can plainly see from God's Word, the Bible that it still is! Still others teach that it is still available but the power that goes with it is not. That is absurd! Why would God give us something but not the power that goes with it? That would be like giving someone the peeling but not the orange that goes with it! Add to this the fact, that NONE of the people who teach such things can CLEARLY SHOW FROM GOD'S WORD,THE BIBLE, that the gift and the power that goes with it ARE NO LONGER available.
     In verse forty, it states that with many words did Peter testify and exhort them saying," Save yourselves from this crooked and perverse generation". In verse forty one it states that they that gladly received his words were baptized and the same day about three thousand souls were added to them. WOW!!! When was the last time you heard of a minister having that kind of success? Even in today's world of tela-commucations and the internet, I do not recall anyone having that kind of success! I am not saying that it has not or could not happen, just that I have not heard of it happening in today's world.
42)" And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine (Didache- teaching) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
43)" And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders (Teras- extraordinary happenings) and signs (Semeion- mark or signal) were done by the apostles."
44)" And all that believed were togather, and had all things common;"
45)" And sold their possessions (Klema- material things) and goods, (Huparxis- substance) and parted (Diamerizo- to divide throughout) to all men, as every man had need."
46)" And they continued daily with one accord (Homothumadon- like minded or with the same things in mind) in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat (Trophe- nourishment, food) with gladness and singleness ( Aphelotes- freedom from deception or double dealing) of heart."
47)" Praising God, and having found favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved"
     The church began or was founded on this day of Pentecost. We need to note, that according to God's Word, the Bible, that this occured in Jerusalem, not Rome, as some have believed or been taught. Jesus told His disciples/apostles, in Acts, chapter one, verse four, to not depart from Jerusalem until the promise of the Father, Which He had told them about had occured. 
     Verse forty two states, that they continued in the apostles' doctrine or teachings. Apparently, the apostles taught the people things that Jesus taught them. They also continued in fellowship and breaking of bread and in prayer. Breaking of bread is a Bibical way of saying that they ate togather or shared meals with one another. In verse forty three we find that many wonders or extraordinary things and signs were done by the apostles. Verse forty four that all that believed were togather and held all things common. In other words if someone had something that they were not using, and someone else had need of that item, they gave the item to them. Verse forty five states that they sold their material things and substance and divided throughout to all men, as every man had need. By doing this everyone had what they needed and nobody lacked anything they needed. This is made more clear in a later chapter when a couple set out to deceive God and were caught. We will explore that when we get there.
     Verse forty six states that they continued daily with the same things in mind in the temple and breaking of bread did eat their food with gladness and singleness of heart. If someone ask them over for a meal they had no concern for what these people might ask in return. They thought in this way because none of them had any ulterior motives. From verse forty seven we find that they were praising God, having found favor with all the people. This verse also states that the Lord added daily to the church, such as should be saved.

Thus ends chapter two.  Gary Jones posted 12/27/10 

1)" Now Peter and John went up togather into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour."
2)" And a certain man lame (Cholos- crippled) from his mother's womb( Koilia- belly) was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms (Eleemosune- kindness, kind act) of them that entered into the temple;"
3)" Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, ask an alms."
4)" And Peter, fastening (Atenizo- to fix the eyes intently on) his eyes upon him with John, said," Look on us."
5)" And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them."
6)" Then Peter said," Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
7)" And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." (Stereoo- were strengthened)
8)" And he leaping (Hallomia- literally leaping) up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God."
9)" And all the people saw him walking and praising God:"
10)" And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder (Thomlos- astonishment) and amazement ( Ekstasis- ecstay) at what had happened to him."
     We find from verses one and two, that one day Peter and John went up to the temple, at the hour of prayer. This being the ninth hour. Back in chapter two we discussed that in those days, time was calculated in a different way. What they knew as the ninth hour, would be 3 p.m. or three in the afternoon, by our way of calculating time.
     As they were about to enter a gate called Beautiful, there lay a man crippled from birth. He was laid at the gate by friends or family every day, to ask alms of those entering the temple. In verse three we find that he ask Peter and John for an alms. In verse four, Peter along with John, fixed his eyes upon him. Peter said,"Look on us." Verse five states that he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
     In verse six, Peter tells him," Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazarath rise up and walk." Verse seven states that Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up. Right away his feet and ankle bones were made strong. Being that he was born crippled, the bones in his feet and ankles had never fully developed, so up until now he had no strength in them. This enabled him to stand and walk for the first time in his life! Verse eight states that he leaped up! He did not just merely stand up, he LEAPED up and stood! He then began not only to walk, but leap as well!
     Apparently he was overjoyed at being able to walk for the first time in his life. I do not blame the man, I would have leaped too! Peter, by the Power of God, manifested by the name of Jesus Christ, gave unto this man his mobility. Now he no longer had to depend on others to carry him. He could now move about on his own power. I do not know about you, but I would rather have had this, if I were in his place, than silver or gold.
     This account never describes him as a beggar. However, anyone who reads this account should be able to see that. Others carried him to the temple gate every day, so that he could ask alms of those about to enter the temple. The term alms often is still used today to describe what we give to the needy. It was not always money that was given. Sometimes it was food, clothing, shelter, or other things of value. However, it could also be money. Remember in verse six, Peter tells him," Siler and gold have I none..." so money was one thing that was given.
     In those days there was no public or goverment assistance as there is today, in the United States and some other countries. When you were down and out, so to speak, you were reduced to begging. Being born crippled, this man had no other way to make a living. Nor had he ever had. That's the way things were for the blind, crippled, ect. in those days. Now, not only did he have his mobility, he could now work and provide for himself, rather than be reduced to the humiliating experience of depending on the pity of others. Now he could enjoy a quailty of life he had never known before, thanks to the Power of God, manifested by the name of Jesus Christ.
     After this he entered into the temple with Peter and John, leaping, walking and praising God. Verse nine states that all the people saw him, walking, leaping, and praising God. Verse ten states that they all knew that it was the crippled man, who sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple. They were all filled with wonder, astonishment, amazement, or ecstay at that which had happened to him.
     They had likely been seeing this man sitting for alms, at the Beautiful gate of the temple, for years. They had likely felt pity for him, as most people would. It is likely that some, if not all of them had given him something, from time to time. Now he was not only whole, but also walking, leaping, and praising God. They were all filled with wonder, amazement, and overjoyed for him, that he had been healed.
11)" And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran togather unto them in the porch that is called Soloman's greatly wondering." (Ektham-greatly astonished, amazed)
12)" And when Peter saw it , he answered unto the people," Ye men of Israel, why marvel (Thaumazo- to admire) ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly (Atenizo- intently) on us, as though by our own power or holiness (Eusebeia- godliness) we had made this man to walk?"
13)" The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified (Doxazo- honoured) His Son Jesus; Whom ye delivered (Paradidomi- to give over to) up and denied (Arneomia- disowned) in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let Him go."
14)" But ye denied the Holy One and the Just (Dikaios- righteous) and desired (Aiteo- to ask) a murderer to be granted (Iharizomai- to grant as a favor) unto you;"
15)" And killed the Prince of life, Whom God raised from the dead; whereof we are all witnesses."
16)" And His name through faith (Pistis- believing) in His name hath made this man strong. whom ye see and know; yea the faith (Pistis- believing) which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness (Holoklerria- wholeness) in the presence of you all."
     Verse eleven states, that while the crippled man who was healed, held Peter and John, all the people ran togather unto them in the porch that is called Soloman's, greatly wondering or astonished at what had happened. When Peter saw this, in verse twelve, he answered to the people," Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so intently on us, as through our own power or godliness, we have made this man to walk?"
     Here we are studying the account of the first recorded major miracle, after the day of Pentecost. After the miracle took place and the people who saw it began to realize what had happened, Peter and John encountered and addressed a problem. This problem happened throughout the book of Acts, when miracles took place. The people who witnessed this miracle thought that Peter and John had done this by their own power or godliness. Peter did the right thing. He addressed the issue right away. He begins in verse thirteen," The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus; Whom ye delivered up and disowned, in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go."
     The God of these people, their ancestors, and us as well, has honoured His Son Jesus, who these people had delivered up to Pilate to be crucified. When Pilate found no fault in Him and was determined to let Him go free, these people had disowned Him. They had also ask Pilate to let Barabbas, a murderer, go free rather than Jesus, Who was innocent of any wrongdoing, by God's law or the law of man,(Roman law). If you remember, this was discussed in chapter two.
     "But you denied the Holy One and the Just or Righteous One," Peter continues in verse fourteen," and desired or ask for a murderer to be granted unto you." Peter reminds these people, just like in chapter two, THAT THEY THE PEOPLE , had ask for Barabbas, a murderer, to be released, rather than Jesus. " And killed the Prince of Life, Whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses." Either some of these people had not taken the offer of salvation, when it was offered in chapter two, or they had not been present when it was offered. Also this is just yet another of the many awesome things that are available through the Power of God, Through His Son, Jesus Christ.
     " And His ( Jesus) name through faith or beleiving hath made this man strong, who you see and know; yea the faith or believing which is in Him(Jesus) hath given him this perfect soundness or wholeness in the presence of you all." Jesus name, through the believing in Jesus, made this man strong or delivered him from his infirmity. They all knew this man and the condition he was in. The believing of Jesus made this man whole or sound.
     Something needs to be properly understood at this point. Our faith or believing in Jesus alone does not accomplish what is done in a miracle or anything received from God. It is the faith or believing of Jesus, NOT US, that operates the Power of God. Jesus believed to a much greater extent than any of us could ever hope to. Because we belive in Jesus, the power of His believing is available to us. It is with the power of His believing that God's Power operates.
Matthew 21:19)" And when He (Jesus) saw a fig tree in the way, He came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it,' Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth: (Meketi- no more) forever. And presently (Parchrema- at once, on the spot) the fig tree withered (Xeraino- to dry up and die) away."
     So, how many fig trees have you withered lately? As for myself, none. Nor do I expect to. Why? Because we do not believe to the extent that Jesus did. It also needs to be noted here, that in verse six, Peter tells the lame man," In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazarath..." not in his own (Peter's) name. Therefore Peter did not do this by his own believing. In John 16:23, Jesus states to ask for things in His name. I Timothy2:5 states that Jesus is the mediator between God and Man. What we ask God for we need to ask in Jesus name. We must go through Jesus to get anything from God.
17)" And now brethern, I wot (Oida- know) that through ignorance (Agnoia- lack of knowledge) ye did it , as did also your rulers."
18)" But these things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fufilled."
19)" Repent (Metanoeo- to change your mind) ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted (Exaleipho- wiped out) out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence (Prosopon- face) of the Lord;"
20)" And he shall send Jesus Christ, Which before was preached unto you:
21)" Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution (Apokatastasis- restoration) of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began."
22)" For ( Gar- indeed) Moses truly said unto the fathers,' A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethern, like unto me, Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you."     
23)"  ' And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from amoung the people.' "   
24)" Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel, and those that followed after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days."
25)" We are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant (Diatheke- agreement) which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, ' And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.' "
26)" Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." (Porneria- evil, wickedness)
     Peter continues in verse seventeen, by telling them that he knows they killed Jesus Christ, not knowing that He was their promised Messiah or Saviour. At the time Jesus died, His disciples had pretty much figured out Who He was. A few, but very few others had also figured it out. The others were people who knew what to look for by studying the scriptures. The people, as well as their rulers, knew there was something different about Jesus, but had not realized Who or What He was. Jesus never made a direct claim to being the Messiah. He simply fufilled all the prophecies that the Messiah was supposed to fufill. A few of the leaders and a few of the people, who had really searched the scriptures knew. In verse eighteen Peter states, that all that God had spoken of by or through the prophets, that the Messiah or Christ should suffer, Jesus had so fufilled.
     Repent or change your minds and hearts as to how you feel about Him. In other words, come to realize and acknowledge that you made a mistake and be converted, so that your sins will be wiped out when the times of refreshing shall come, from being in the presence of the Lord. And He shall send Jesus Christ, which was preached before to you. This is from verses ninteen and twenty.
     In verse twenty one Peter continues by telling them, that heaven must receive Jesus, until the times of the restoration of all things, which God spoke of by the mouths of all His prophets. In verse twenty two, Peter tells them, that indeed Moses truly said, that the Lord their God, would raise up a Prophet from amoung them, ( which is where Jesus came from), like unto me, (Moses), Him shall ye hear, in all things, whatsoever He shall say unto you. Moses was one of the people, as was Jesus, from His mother's side of His heritage. God, however was His Father.
     Verse twenty three states, that all of the prophets from Samuel, and those who followed after him, all foretold of these days. Moses foretold of Jesus and so did Samuel, who was the next prophet after Moses. Indeed all of the prophets had spoken of these days and of the Messiah. Peter reminds them in verse twenty five, that they are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with their fathers.
     God said unto Abraham," In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." Peter continues in verse twenty six, telling them that unto them first, had God, raising up His Son Jesus,  sent Him to turn everyone of them away from their evil or wickedness.
     God sent Jesus as the Messiah for the Jews. Because they, as a whole, rejected Him, salvation through Him was also made available to we Gentiles. However, at this time, salvation through Jesus was only available to the Jews. God had promised the Jews a Saviour or Messiah for many years. Jesus was that Saviour or Messiah. Some of the Jews accepted him as the Saviour or Messiah. Most however, did not. Because most of them did not accept Him as the promised Saviour or Messiah, He became available to we Gentiles as well. This occurs later on and is recorded in the book of Acts.
     God gave the Jews many chances to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, while He was here on earth. He also gave them many chances through the next few years, after Jesus ascended into heaven. Finally, after many years of salvation through Jesus only being available to the Jews, salvation through Jesus became available to anyone who would accept Him as their Lord and Saviour. This is marked by signs, all of which are indisputable, that occur later. We will cover that in detail, when we get there.

                        Gary Jones Posted 1/23/11 

4:1)" And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain (Strategos- leader of the temple guards) of the temple, and the Sadducees,(a group of Jewish leaders that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead) came upon them,"
2)" Being grieved ( Diaponeomai- very annoyed, angery, exasperated) that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead."
3)" And they laid hands ( Cheir- grabbed or captured) on them, and put them in hold ( Teresis- prison, jail) unto the next day: for it was now eventide." (Hespera- nightfall)
4)" Howbeit (Alla-but) many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of men was about five thousand."
5)" And it came to pass on the morrow, ( Aurion- the dawn of the next day) that their rulers ( Archon- chief magistrates, the Sanhedrin) and elders, ( Presbuteros- aged person) and scribes," ( the Sopherim- those learned in the scriptures)
6)" And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphes, ( The high priest who presided at the trial of Jesus) and John ( Not known who he was for sure, but he was not John, the disciple of Jesus) and Alexander, and as many as were kindered (Genos- of the same race) of the high priest were gathered togather at Jerusalem."
7)" And when they had set them in the midst,(Mesos- middle) the ask,' By what power (Dunamis- abilty) or by what name, have ye done this?"
8)" Then Peter, filled (Pletho- being filled with) the Holy Ghost, (Spirit) said unto them,' Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,"
     When we got to the end of chapter three, Peter, through the Power of God, manifested by the name of Jesus Christ, had brought about complete healing to a man who had been lame or crippled since birth. When the chapter ended, he and John were on Solomon's porch, in the temple, speaking to the people.
     In verse one of chapter four, Peter is still speaking to the people on Solomon's porch, an area of the temple. As he was speaking the chief priest, the leader of the temple guards, and the Saducees came upon them. The Jews were made up of many groups of people, who believed different things. The one thing that held them togather was that they were all Jews. The leaders of all these different groups, came togather to form the ruling council of the Jews, which was also known as the Sanhedrin.
     In this group, which came upon Peter and John, while they were speaking to the people, were Saducees. The Saducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Verse two records, that they were annoyed or angered that they taught the people and preached through Jesus, the resurrection of the dead. Verse three records that they laid hands on them or captured them and put them into the hold.
     The Greek word Teresis is translated hold in this place. In other places it is translated jail or prison. Therefore, just exactly where they were put is unclear. It may have been somewhere within the temple. Wherever they were put, they were kept there until the next day, for by now, it was the end of the day.
     But many of the people who had heard Peter speak, believed, verse four states, and the number of these men were about five thousand. In chapter two, verse forty one, about three thousand had believed, when Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost. That brings the number to about eight thousand, not counting those that had been added daily,(chapter two, verse forty seven), between the day of Pentecost and this day. Thus, the number of people who believed was growing at a fast pace.
     Up until this point they had not had a problem with the Jewish leaders. However, that is about to change. In verse five it states, that at the dawn of the next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes,( who were learned in the scriptures), along with Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas who was the high priest that presided at the trial of Jesus, and many others were gathered togather at Jerusalem.
     While the Saducees were upset that the resurrection of the dead was being taught, they were all upset that Jesus was being taught period. None of them cared anything at all for Jesus, as what he taught was not what they taught or believed. They had tried numerous times to "trap Him", in the scriptures. Not only had they never been able to do so, but He had dared to point out the many errors in their preception of the scriptures. It does not sit well with the "experts" when they are proven, indisputabley, to be wrong. This was the same group of leaders or Shanhedrin who had met a couple of months before, and agreed to have Jesus put to death. When they had Him executed, they thought that was the end of Him and what He taught. Little did they know that this was only the beginning! Now His disciples, as well as many others, were claiming that God had resurrected Him from the dead. Add to that, a noteable, indisputable, miracle had just occurred, by the Power of His name. They were still being bothered by Jesus. Killing Him had done them more harm that good!
9)" If we this day be examined (Anakrino- investigated) of the good deed done to the impotent (Asthemes- without strength) man, by what means he is made whole;"
10)" Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom ye crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before ( Enopion- in your presence) you whole."
11)" This is the Stone Which was set at nought (Exoutheneo- treated with contempt) of you builders, Which is become the head of the corner." (Gonia- cornerstone)
12)" Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given amoung men, whereby we must be saved."
13)" Now when they saw the boldness (Parrhesia- not afraid to speak) of Peter and John and perceived (Katalambano- to fully understand) that they were unlearned (Agrammatos- untaught) and ignorant (Idiotes- unprofessional) men, they marvelled; (Thaumayo- to be astonished) and they took knowledge (Epiginosko- remembered) that they had been with Jesus."
14)" And beholding (Blepo- looking on or upon) the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it."
15)" But when they had commanded them to go  aside out of the council, they conferred (Sumballo- talked amoung themselves) amoung themselves,"
     Verse seven states, that when they had all gathered togather, they set Peter and John in the middle of them. They then ask them,' By what power or by what name have ye done this?' " In verse eight, Peter, being filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit), said to them,' Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we be investigated of the good deed done to the impotent man,' Peter continues in verse nine,' by what means he is made whole;' " And in verse ten,' Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom ye crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here in your presence whole." He continues in verse eleven, quoting a verse from Psalms 118:22, this is the stone, Which you builders treated with contempt, Which is now become the cornerstone." He finishes in verse twelve," Neither is their salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven, given amoung men, whereby we must be saved."
     To be called before the ruling council of Jews, or the Sanhedrin as it was known, was a really BIG deal. Most people would be scared to death, quaking with fear. That is what the Sanhedrin were used to and were expecting. Yet Peter and John stood in front of them, face to face, with boldness, not one bit afraid! Verse thirteen states that the Sanhedrin took notice of this. It also states that they fully understood that Peter and John were untaught in the scriptures. By profession Peter and John were fishermen. Unlike the scribes and rabbis their profession did not require a knowledge of the scriptures. It was uncommon for those whose profession did not require a knowledge of the scriptures to have a knowledge of them. The verse says that the Sanhedrin marvelled or were astonished by this. They well knew who Jesus of Nazareth was! They had several encounters with Him while He walked the earth. These encounters were not pleasant for them. When Jesus became too much for them to deal with, they conspired to have Him put to death. (John 11:47-53)
     Now, here were two men, who they knew had been with Jesus during His ministry, standing in front of them, telling them that God had raised Jesus from the dead. They were also telling them that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and that the only way to salvation was through Him!   
     Even more, here was another man standing in front of them. Until the day before, this man had never stood at all! They, like the people, well knew who this man was and that he had been crippled since birth. They knew that he had been laid at the Beautiful gate of the temple, every day for years, to seek alms. Now, here stood this crippled man in front of them, made whole and healthly as anyone else! No longer crippled, standing and walking in front of them! Verse fourteen states, that looking at this man, they could say nothing against it. The REALLY disturbing thing about all of this was, that Peter said that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that this man was made whole or delivered from his lame condition. The VERY SAME Jesus Whom they had despised, loathed, and rejected while He was alive and walked amoung them! The same Jesus, Whom they had conspired to kill!
     " Hmmmm, what have we here," these leaders must have been thinking. They then commanded them to go outside the council chambers, in verse fiftheen, and they discussed the matter amoung themselves. In verse sixteen they said," What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a known miracle has been done by them is apparent to all them that live in Jerusalem, and we can not deny it." But that it spread no futher amoung the people," Verse seventeen states," Let us clearly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name." 
16)" Saying,' What shall we do to these men? For indeed a notable (Gnostos- known) miracle hath been done by them is manifest (Phaneros- apparent) to all them that dwell (Kaloikeo- live) in Jerusalem and we can not deny it."    
17)" But that it spread no futher amoung the people let us straitly (Apeile- with a threatening tone) threaten them, that they speak henceforth (Meketi- not again) to no man in this name."
18)" And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus."
19)" But Peter and John answered and said unto them, " Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken (Akouo- to give ear) unto you more than unto God, judge ye."
20)" For we can not but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
21)" So when they had futher threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done."
22)" For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed."
     In verse eighteen, they called them back inside and commanded them not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered in verse nineteen, and said,' Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we can not but speak the things which we have seen and heard,' they finished in verse twenty. In verse twenty one they let them go, after they had threatened them some more, because they could find no reason to punish them, because of the people. For all of the people glorified God for what had been done. If they had punished them, there would have been an uproar from the people, because they had nothing but good. Also, Peter, John, and the people gave God the glory for what was done. Nobody could deny that a miracle from God had occured.
     Peter seems to have developed quite a lot of courage. The night that Jesus was betrayed, while Jesus went through a trial of sorts, in front of the Sanhedrin or ruling council of the Jews, Peter sat watching on the sidelines. Several times that night, several different people ask him if he was with Jesus. He denied even knowing Jesus. ( Luke 22: 56&57) He became very agitated in Mark 14:66-72, when ask did he know Jesus. A few days after Jesus arose from the dead, He found His disciples, including Peter and John, hiding behind closed doors, for fear of the Jews. (John 20:19) These were the same Jews that Peter and John had just faced with boldness! (Acts 4:13) So where did all this boldness come from?
II Timothy 1:7)" For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; (Deilia- cowardice, timidness) but of power, and of love, and a sound mind."
     They were filled with the Holy Spirit (Ghost) on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit (Ghost) is not of fear. They therefore were not timid or fearful. They were no longer afraid of the Jews or anyone else for that matter. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit (Ghost), you quickly discover that you have nothing to fear, if you are not doing an injustice to God or anyone else.
     Also, Peter seems to have developed some skill at public speaking. In Acts, chapter two, on the day of Pentecost, when he and the other disciples were accused of being drunk because they spoke in tongues, he stood up and addressed a large crowd of people. He spoke so well that about three thousand people were converted. In Acts, chapter three, after the power of God, manifested by the name of Jesus Christ, had worked through Peter, to heal a lame man, he again addressed a large crowd of people. He spoke so well that about five thousand were converted. Have you ever known a minster to have that kind of success?
     The Sanhedrin or ruling council of the Jews marvelled at what he said to them. They marvelled, because for the most part, he was untaught in the scriptures. The original or oldest known copies of the scriptures are on clay tablets. Copies, by this time period, had been transfered over to scrolls, pieces of parchment that were rolled up. The printing press had not yet been invented. Therefore all copies were made by hand. Copying scripture is difficult, as great care must be taken to "get it right". Thus there were limited copies and it was unusual, for common men, such as Peter, to have access to them. It was even more unusual for someone like Peter to have extensive knowledge of them. Peter was a fisherman by trade and that did not require a knowledge of the scriptures, like rabbis or scribes, who trades were based on the scriptures. When he spoke in Acts, chapter two, again in chapter three, and when he addressed the ruling council or Sanhedrin in chapter four, he referred to many different scriptures. This would seem to indicate that he had a knowledge of them. Yet knowing his background, they were astounded that he knew scripture as well as he did. Where did he get this knowledge?         I Corinthians 12:8-10, where the nine manifestations of Holy Spirit (Ghost) are listed, word of knowledge is one of them. This is knowing something that there is no way you could have known. Thus, God through the manifestation Holy Spirit (Ghost) could have told Peter what scriptures to refer to. When we were discussing these manifestations back in chapter three, we noted that prophecy is also one of them. If God was speaking through Peter via prophecy, then it was God who referred to the many scriptures, not Peter. God well knows His own Word, so He knew just what scriptures to use. God speaking through Peter, via prophecy, would also explain the public speaking skill that Peters seems to have developed and the amazing success that he had with people being converted back in chapters two and three.
     If this is getting a little "far-fetched" for you, consider the following account from the Gospel of Mark. In this account the disciples had ask Jesus about several future events. Jesus begins to tell of these events. He does not specify as to which event He is refering to as He speaks. He moves back and forth between the different events as He speaks. Thus, you have to figure out to which event He is refering to as He speaks.
Mark 13:9)" But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synogouges ye shall be beaten: (Dero- flayed, thrashed) and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them."
     What just happened to Peter and John? They were brought before a council. They were not beaten, flayed, or thrashed this time. It is about the only time I can think of that they were not! It is also the beginning of this sort of thing happening. Beginning in the next chapter, continuing through the book of Acts, as well as the rest of history from that time onward, the people trying to move the Gospel of Jesus Christ, have been brought before many councils, kings, rulers, ect. For the most part if all they got was a beating they got off light! Often, through the ages, not only the original disciples of Jesus Christ, but many others as well have been beaten, tortured, and killed in hideous ways, for His name's sake.
Mark 13:10)" And the gospel must first be published amoung all nations."
11)" But when they shall lead you up, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate (Meletho- to take concern) but whatever be given ye in that hour speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Spirit)
     This is what Peter did. He gave no thought beforehand, he just simply began to speak. Whatever came out was what needed to be said. It therefore was GOD who spoke, NOT Peter. It was God, therefore who formulated what to say, NOT Peter.
     This is only one of the many things Jesus spoke of when He answered the disciples questions. What Peter and John went through is only the beginning of the persecution, endured by many, for the name of Jesus Christ. SOME of the other things that Jesus spoke of in the thirteenth chapter of Mark have come to pass. SOME are yet to come.
     Verse ten states, that the gospel of the kingdom must first be published amoung all nations. At the time the persecution began, the gospel had only been published in Jerusalem and the surronding areas. Therefore, I believe in verse ten, that Jesus was referring to His second comming or the end of time, which were two other things the disciples had ask about.
23)" And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priest and elders had said unto them."
24)" And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, ( Momothurnmadon- like minded) and said,' Lord Thou art God, Which hast made heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all that is in them:"
25)" Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said,' Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine (Meletao- care for) vain (Kenos-empty) things?"
26)' The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered togather against the Lord and His Christ.'
27)" For of a truth against Thy holy Child Jesus, Whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered togather,"
28)" For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel (Boule- purpose, will) determined (Proorizo- to plan out beforehand) before to be done."
29)" And now, (Tanun- as to the present time) Lord, behold their threatenings (Apeile- meanace, intimidation) and grant (Didomi- give) unto Thy servants, that with all boldness (Parhesia- free utterance without fear) they may speak Thy word,"
30)" By stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy Child Jesus."
31)" And when they had prayed, the place was shaken ( Saleuo- to shake, agitate, or toss) where they were assembled togather; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and they spake the word of God with boldness."
     In Acts four, verse twenty three, we find that after they were let go, they went back to their own company, and reported all that the Chief priest and elders said unto them. This of course, would include the threats. When the people heard what had been said, verse twenty four states, that they lifted up their voice unto God, with likemindedness, and said," Lord Thou art God, Which hast made heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all that is in them. Who by the mouth of thy servant David has said,' Why do the heathen rage and the people care for empty things?' " The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered togather against the Lord and His Christ. For of a truth against thy Holy Child Jesus, Whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered togather to do whatever Thy hand and Thy will planned out beforehand to do.
     Verses twenty five and twenty six were taken from Psalms, two, verses one and two. This is a prophecy uttered years before by King David, while the Spirit of God was upon him. Notice that they gave God the credit for speaking through David, when His (Gods) Spirit was upon him. This explains prophecy yet again. This is an explaination of prophecy from the Bible. These people were acknowledging a prophecy that God had made through David, years before, and that it appeared that it was comming to pass. The Gentiles and their kings or leaders, as well as the Jews and their leaders, had set themselves against God and His holy Child Jesus, Whom God has raised up to be the Christ, Messiah, or Saviour of the people.
     In verse twenty eight, they acknowledge that God had planned all of this out beforehand. They also ask God to do whatever it was that He had planned to do. In verse twenty nine, they ask God to look at the present time, and see how they, who had accepted Jesus as the Christ, Messiah, or Saviour, were now being threatened. They ask God to give them boldness to speak His Word without fear of the consequences. Many today would ask God to " lighten our load a bit." These people did not ask God to take away the problem, they ask Him for boldness to deal with it!
     In verse thirty, they ask God to stretch forth His hand to heal, and that signs and wonders would be done by the name of His holy Child Jesus. Verse thirty one states, that when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken. The word shaken, translated from the Greek word Saleuo. The same word is used in Acts sixteen, twenty six, where an earthquake took place during another miracle. Acts, four, thirty one, DOES NOT state that an earthquake took place. However, the place where they were assembled was "shaken". It is possible that it was what today we call a tremor. Verse thirty one also states, that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit).
     Peter and John, as well as the other disciples had been filled on the day of Pentecost. Once filled, you are sealed till the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30) Therefore, once you are filled and sealed, it does not leave you. Now, rather than just Peter, John, the other disciples, and others who had been filled at various times since the day of Pentecost, now all of them were filled. Those who had not been filled now were. They all began to speak the Word of God with boldness (Parrhesia- free utterance, without timidness). Now, rather than just a few people speaking the Word with boldness, they all were!
32)" And the multitude (Plethos- the full number) of them that believed were of one heart and soul: neither (Oude- not even) said any of them that ought (Tis- any thing) of the things he possessed was his own; but they had all things common."
33)" And with great power (Dunamis- ability) gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace (Charis- divine favor) was upon them all."
34)" Neither (Oude- not even) was there any amoung them that lacked: (Endees- were in want or need) for as many as were possessers of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold,"
35)" And laid them down at the apostles feet: and distribution (Diadidomia- it was distributed) was made unto every man as he had need."
36)" 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,"
37)" Having land sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.
     Verse thirty two states, that the full number of them that believed were of one heart and soul. None of the things they possessed were their own, but they had all things common. With great ability gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Also great divine favour was upon them all, according to verse thirty three. Verse thirty four states, that there was not even any amoung them that lacked or were in need of anything. For as many as had land or houses sold them and brought the price of the things sold and laid it at the apostles feet, we find in verse thirty five, and it was distributed to every man as he had need.
     Verse thirty six states, that Joses, who the apostles had surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, had some land, and in verse thirty seven, he sold it. He brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet. Some believe he may have been the same Barnabas who replaced Judas as a disciple. If that is true, it may well explain why Luke took note of this one individual amoung so many others who did the same thing.   Thus ends chapter four.

                     Gary Jones Posted 2/22/11           

Usage of PNEUMA AND HAGION
       The Greek word PNEUMA was translated Ghost with a upper case G, in the New Testament. It is also translated Spirit, with an upper case S, as well as spirit with a lower case s. It is used with an upper case S when in reference to God or His gift of Holy Spirit that He gives to those who worship Him through His Son Jesus Christ. In lower case only, it is also used in reference to other types of spirit/spirits, other than God, or His gift of Holy Spirit. In common with the word Ghost, Spirit, when used in upper case only refers to God or His gift of Holy Spirit.
       The Greek word HAGION or HAGIOS, which is a diriviative of the word HAGION, is translated holy/Holy. It is defined as something that is seperate or set apart from anything else. The two words are used in the Greek text as PNEUMA,translated as Ghost, spirit/Spirit and HAGION holy/Holy. In the English translation the noun, Spirit/Ghost and the adjective Holy are reversed. Thus, in English we read it as Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. In the Greek it is read as Spirit or Ghost Holy. English is the only language I know of where the adjective Holy preceedes the noun Spirit/Ghost.
       One of the first things that needs to be considered, is that in the Greek text, that the King James was translated from, is that neither PNEUMA or HAGION/HAGIOS are capitalized. The translators chose where and when to capitalize the words, where and when THEY thought it to be approprite. This has no higher authority than the person or translator who chose to do so. It is therefore an interpretation rather than a translation, seeing as how it WAS NOT  capitalized in the Greek that it was translated from. By this, I DO NOT intend to belittle or criticize the translators! They carried out a very serious responsibilty, to the best of their abilities!
John 4:24)" God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."
       Jesus is speaking in this verse. He tells us that God is a Spirit. The first usage of the word Spirit is with an upper case S. I argee with this, as it refers to God, and should be with an upper case S, to give Him the respect and reverence He deserves. The second usage is with a lower case s. I agree with this as well, as it is referring to spirit other than God Himself. Thus when the word Spirit is in reference to God, it should always be with an upper case S, seeing as how God is greater than any other spirit, including the gift of holy spirit, that He gives to those who choose to worship Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ. PNEUMA is also translated spirit with a lower case s, when in reference to  types of spirit other than God or His gift. This is also correct.
Luke 24:36)" And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst (middle) of them, and saith unto them, ' Peace be unto you'."
37)" But they were terrified and affrighted, (EMPHOBOS- in fear) and supposed that they had seen a spirit."(PNEUMA)
       After Jesus was resurrected from the dead, not all of His disciples saw Him for a few days. SOME of them had, SOME had not. This was the first time they had all been togather, at the same time, and in the same place, since He had been resurrected. They were discussing His death, and whether or not He had been resurrected. He suddenly appeared in the midst or middle of them. They thought, to begin with, that they were seeing a spirit (PNEUMA). It is what we today would call a ghost, with a lower case g. A spirit, claiming to be the soul or spirit of a dead person. The translators chose to translate PNEUMA as spirit, rather than ghost. Could it be that such things were referred to in those times as spirit(s) rather than as ghost(s)? Either way, they were frightened, as would be most people today. However, in the next few verses, Jesus convinced them. that it was indeed, He, Jesus, resurrected from the dead.
Mark 1:23)" And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; (PNEUMA) and he cried out,"
       Here we see another type of spirit, translated from the word PNEUMA. This time it is in reference to an unclean or evil spirit. Neither this type of spirit or the one we saw in Luke 24: 36&37 refer to God or His gift. These types of spirits always belong in lower case.
       God is HAGION (Holy) PNEUMA (Spirit/Ghost). He, God, is seperate or set apart (HAGION/Holy) from all other spirits. He, God Almighty, is the greatest of all spirits. He created all the other spirits, so they, like the gift He gives us, are less than He, Himself, is. So as such, spirit, when in reference to God Himself, Should always be Spirit, with a capital or upper case S. When spirit refers to other types of spirit, or the gift God gives us, it should always be with a small or lower case s. Because God is greater than any other spirit and greater than the gift He gives us.
       PNEUMA is also translated Ghost. The translators thought it proper to use spirit/Spirit in some places and Ghost in others. No clear reason for this can be seen. It would be understandable, if they did so to distinguish between God, His gift, and other types of spirit. However, they use Ghost, spirit/Spirit in all the different ways. Today when we use the word ghost, it is usually in reference to an apparition claiming to be the soul or spirit of a dead person. The God I serve, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is no such thing! The gift, that God gives to those who serve Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is no such thing!
       In this study of the book of Acts, chapters one through four, When the Greek words PNEUMA HAGION are translated Holy Ghost, I have added the word Spirit in parenthesis, so the reader will know it was also translated Spirit. I do not want anyone to confuse the word Ghost, as we think of it today,( an apparition claiming to be the soul or spirit of a dead person), with God or His gift. That is why I felt the need to research and post this article. To clear up any confussion concerning this matter.
Matthew 1:18)" Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, She was found with child of the Holy Ghost." (PNEUMA HAGION)
       Holy Ghost, translated from hagion and pneuma, in this verse, is God. His gift, pneuma hagion, translated holy spirit, had not at this time been given, so it had to be God Himself. Holy has an upper case H and Ghost has an upper case G. This is correct, as the words are in reference to God.
Acts 8:18)" And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,"
19)" Saying,' Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost'."
20)" But Peter said unto him,' Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money'."
       From reading the whole chapter, you will find, that Simon was a socerer, who lived in Samaria. When he saw that by the laying on of the apostles' hands, the gift of holy (hagion) spirit (pneuma) was given, he offered the apostles money for this ability. Peter, in verse twenty, referred to what he was asking the ability to give as "... the gift of God...". That clairifies that Holy Ghost in verses eighteen and nineteen is the gift of God rather than God, Himself. Therefore, it should be in lower case, as it is not referring to God, Himself. In Matthew 1:18, it was used in refference to God Himself rather than His gift. In both verses it was rendered Holy with an upper case H and Ghost, with an upper case G. Thus you see there is no distinction between the gift or the Giver, God.
       Why the translators chose to translate pneuma hagion as they did is not clear. I DO NOT in any way take issue with, criticize, or belittle the translators! Simply researching the Bible, in the correct way, is tedious and meticulous enough. Translation from one language to another is even more of a challenge!

                     Gary Jones posted 4/03/11 

Apostles and Disciples

Disciple- MATTHETES- (Greek)- Taught or trained one
Disciple- LIMMUD-(Hebrew)- Instructed ones
Disciple- (Dictionary)- a pupil, follower, or adherent of any teacher, school of religiom, learning art, ect.
     Though the dictionary differs somewhat from the concordance in its difinition of a disciple, it still fits. You are not born, already taught, trained, or instructed. You become taught, trained, or instructed over a period of time. How much time? However long it takes to teach, train, or instruct you. 
Isaiah 8:16)" Bind up the testimony, seal the law amoung My disciples
     This is the first usage of the word disciple, that I can find in the Bible. It is translated from the Hebrew word LIMMUD. The difinition the concordance gives is, instructed ones. These disciples had already been instructed, trained or taught. By whom, the Bible does not state. Nor does it place any other tittle on them, ( such as Rabbi, Levite, Scribe, ect.) Seeing that this verse is from the Old Testament, we find that there were indeed disciples in the Old Testament.
Luke 6:13)" And when it was day, He called unto Him His disciples: and of them He chose twelve, whom He also named apostles;"
     From this verse we find that, Jesus called unto Him His disciples, and of them He chose twelve. This would indicate that there were actually more, seeing as how "... of them He chose twelve." How many more is not stated. Though there were others, He chose these twelve to work closely with. He also named them as apostles. Later on, after Jesus ascended into heaven, others were also named, such as Paul. However these twelve were the original apostles. There is no record in the Old Testament of there being any apostles. So, what is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?
Apostle- APOSTOLOS- (Greek)- one sent forth
Apostle- (Dictionary)- one sent forth
     Here we find that an apostle is one sent forth. You do not send someone forth who is un-imformed, or has not been taught or trained. Therefore, it would stand to common reason that they were disciples first. When Jesus had taught them enough, that they would be able to carry out the purpose He sent them forth to carry out, He sent them forth.
Luke 9:1)" Then He called His twelve disciples togather, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."
2)" And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
10)" And the apostles, when they were returned, told Him all they had done. And He took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida."
     Verse one states that He called His disciples togather and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. He sent them forth, in verse two, to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. Verse ten states that," When the apostles were returned..." Verse one records that He called His disciples togather. He sent out disciples. When they had finished what He sent them to do, they returned as apostles. To begin with they were His disciples. When He had taught them enough, that they could represent Him, He sent them forth. He knew when He chose them as His disciples, that He would send them out as apostles. That is why He also named them as apostles when He chose them as disciples.
     Jesus final words to them, before He ascended into heaven, are found in Acts 1:8.
" But ye shall receive power, (DUNAMIS- abilty)  after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses (MARTUS- martyrs) unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
     Jesus did not tell them they would become apostles in this verse, they already were. Though they were apostles, Jesus continued to teach them after they returned from the mission He sent them on. He continued to teach them right up until the minute He ascended into Heaven. Therefore they remained disciples while He was still here. He did tell them in Acts, one, eight, how they would spend the rest of their lives on earth.
     Not all disciples become apostles. Some become prophets, some become evangelist, some become pastors, and some become teachers. These different functions have become known as the Gift Ministries. They are listed in Ephesians, chapter four, verse eleven. Some remain as disciples, living out their lives, continuing to study, help others, and assist those involved in the Gift Ministries. They also help in what ever way it takes to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

                     Gary Jones posted 6/12/11