Acts by Ben Foust (2025)

In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit begins to dwell in those who have put their faith in Christ. Through Peter's speech, he explains that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law. 

Acts 2 gives us a picture of what the early church looked like. This description gives guidelines of certain elements that every church should have, such as fellowship, generosity, evangelism, and a focus on God's word. 

In Acts 3 and 4 the first problems in the early church arise. God's people are faced with a choice of either following the authority of people or the authority of God. The church responds with spiritual confidence, proclaiming that they will not stop spreading the gospel. 

God so valued spiritual authenticity in His fledgling church that He took a hard stance on Ananias and Sapphira lying about the sale of their land.  God views the sin of hypocrisy as a clear and present danger to His church.

Ben Foust explains how the disciples were able to rejoice in spite of the terrible suffering they experienced as they were persecuted for proclaiming Jesus' message of the Gospel.

In Acts 6, a problem of inequality and disunity is introduced. As the church responds to this problem, leaders and disciples are raised up. 

Stephen gives a speech before the religious council. He makes a case that God cannot be contained within a temple, and that Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses. Afterwards, Stephen is stoned to death for his faith in Jesus. 

As Paul and Barnabas head for their first missionary journey, we are left with 3 lessons on adventuring with Christ: Christ's mission is led by the Holy Spirit, the essence of the mission is to proclaim the word of God, and the mission is work that is opposed by Satan. 

From the narrative of Peter and Herod, we learn multiple lessons on prayer: prayer is powerful, God answers prayers, it is a part of the normal Christian life, it should be our go-to in times of suffering, and we should pray together as a community. 

The gospel is a polarizing message. As Paul delivers his speech in Antioch, the gospel receives both rejection and joyful acceptance. God seeks out all who are willing to listen to His message, no matter who they are. 

God leaves evidence of Himself within his creation. Faith asks us to look at the evidence and make an informed decision about what we believe. 

Paul went through many trials on his missionary journeys, yet he displayed grit and perseverance. Grit can be developed by understanding God's mission for us, expecting problems, trying hard things, and getting back-up from fellow Christian workers. 

Paul shares the gospel with the people of Athens by contextualizing the gospel to their culture. Paul first finds common ground, understands their needs, and then shares how God can meet those needs through the gospel. 

As Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian leaders, we can gather six things about his leadership: he had genuine relationships, humility, a sacrificial attitude, he practiced what he preached, he shepherded others, and he sent others to follow in his work. 

As Paul is put on trial before King Agrippa, he gives his testimony about God's saving power and impact on his life. Sharing testimonies can be a powerful tool to share the gospel with others.