Acts Outline part 2

CHAPTER 8

I. THE PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH: VS 1-4

A. This was the reality of that persecution. v 1 ("There was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem.") B. This was the sadness of that persecution. v 2 (Those Christians made great lamentation over the death of Stephen.) C. This was the degree of that persecution. v 3 ("Saul made havoc of the church.") D. This was the result of that persecution. v 4 (That persecution caused the word of God to be preached in other places.) II. THE CONVERSION OF THE SAMARITANS: VS 5-12 A. These were the causes for their conversion. vs 5-7 1. The crucified Christ was preached unto them. v 5, John 3:14 2. The authority of Christ was confirmed by miracles unto them. vs 6-7, John 20:30-31 B. These were the needs for their conversion. vs 9-11 1. The Samaritans were deceived by Simon, the Sorcerer. v 9, Matt. 7:15, l John 4:1 2. The Samaritans were deceived by sorcery. vs 10-11, Gal. 1:6-9 C. These were the ways of their conversion. v 12 1. The Samaritans believed. v 12, Mark 16:16 2. The Samaritans were baptized. v 12, 1 Peter 3:20-21 D. This was the result of their conversion. v 8 1. There was great joy in the city of Samaria. 2. Conversion brings joy in heaven and upon the earth. Luke 15:7 III. THE FALL OF SIMON, THE SORCERER: VS 13-25 A. This was the conversion of Simon as being an alien sinner. vs 13-19 1. These are the assurances of his conversion. v 13. a). Simon believed. v 13, Mark 16:16 b). Simon was baptized. v 13, Acts 2:38 c). Simon continued with Philip. v 13 2. This was the way of his fall. vs 14-19 (Simon wanted to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit with money.) B. This was the conversion of Simon as being an erring child of God. vs 20-25 1. These were the rebukes for his fall. vs 20-21 a). "Thy money perish with thee." v 20 b). "Thy heart is not right in the sight of God." v 21 2. These were the instructions for his fall. vs 22-23 a). "Repent of your wickedness." v 22 b). "Pray to God for forgiveness". vs 22-23 3. This is the proof of his conversion. vs 24-25 (Simon said, "Pray ye to the Lord for me.") James 5:16 IV. THE CONVERSION OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH: VS 26-40 A. This was the beginning of his conversion. vs 26-27 1. The Eunuch had to have a gospel preacher for his conversion. 2. We must have a gospel preacher for our conversion. Mark 16:15-16 B. This was the need for his conversion. vs 27-28 1. The Eunuch was worshiping God according the law of Moses which had been annulled. Col. 2:14 2. A Christian must worship God in spirit and in truth. John 4:24, Matt. 15:8- 9 C. This was the reason why he was converted. vs 29-34 1. The Eunuch was searching the scriptures. 2. Christians must search the scriptures. John 5:39, John 8:32-32 D. These were the ways of his conversion. vs 35-39 1. The Eunuch believed in God. Mark 16:16 2. The Eunuch confessed the Deity of Christ. Matt. 10:32-33 3. The Eunuch repented of his past sins. Luke 13:3 4. The Eunuch was baptized in water for the remission of his sins. Col. 2:12 E. This was the proof of his conversion. vs 39-40 1. The Eunuch "went on his way rejoicing." 2. Saints can go on their way rejoicing. Luke 15:10 CHAPTER 9

I. THE CONVERSION OF SAUL: VS 1-22

A. This was the need for his conversion. v 1-2 1. Saul was a sinner. 1 Tim. 1:13-15 2. All men have sinned against God. Matt. 18:3, Eph. 2:12, Romans 6:23 B. This was the motivation for his conversion. vs 3-6 1. Saul had to see the need for his conversion. Phil. 3:5-6 2. Sinners need to see the need for their conversion. Ezek 18:20, Romans 3:23 C. This was the purpose of his conversion. vs 15-16 1. Saul was to be a chosen vessel for the Lord. 2. Christians are chosen vessels for the Lord. 2 Tim. 2:19-21 D. These were the ways of his conversion. vs 5-6, 9, 18 1. Saul believed in Christ. v 5, Mark 16:16 2. Saul confessed the Deity of Christ. v 6, Matt. 10:32-33 3. Saul repented of his past sins. v 9, Luke 13:3 4. Saul was baptized for the remission of his sins. v 18, Acts 22:16, Mark 16:16 E. These were the assurances of his conversion. vs 19-22 1. Saul, who is called Paul, rendered immediate service unto the Lord. v 20, John 9:4 2. Paul was fully converted to the Lord. v 21, Matt. 6:33 3. Paul grew in spirituality. v 22, 1 Peter 2:1-3 II. SAUL ESCAPES TO JERUSALEM: VS 23-31 A. This was the reason for his escape. vs 23-24 (The Jews wanted to kill Saul.) B. This was the manner in which he escaped. v 25 (Saul was let down from a wall in a basket.) C. This was the refuge of his escape. v 26 (Saul went to Jerusalem.) D. These were the results of his escape. vs 27-31 1. Paul met a new friend in Barnabas. v 27 2. Paul boldly declared the truth. vs 28-29 3. Paul latter went to Tarsus. III. THE HEALING OF AENEAS: VS 32-35 A. The need for his being healed. vs 32-33 ("Aeneas was sick of the palsy.") B. This was source for his being healed. v 34 ("Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.") C. This was the condition for his being healed. v 34 (Aeneas had to arise and make his bed.) D. These were the effects of his being healed. vs 34-35 1. Aeneas arose immediately. v 34 2. Many people turned to the Lord. v 35 IV. DEATH, THE CONQUEROR OF MANKIND: VS 36-43 A. This was the power of death. vs 36-37 1. Death claimed Dorcas as his victim. 2. Death will also claim each person as his victim. Romans 5:12, Heb. 9:27 a). The righteous must die in a physical way, but they will not die in a spiritual way because the gift of God is eternal life. Number 23:10, Phil. 1:21, Romans 2:7 b). The sinner must die in a physical way, but they must also die in a spiritual way because the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23, Rev. 21:8 B. These were the effects of death. vs 38-39 1. Death causes concern because they sent for Peter. v 38, Amos 4:12 2. Death causes sadness because the widows were weeping. v 39, Rev. 21:1-4 C. These were the limitations of death. vs 40-41 1. Dorcas was raised from the dead. 2. The Lord has power over death. John 11:25, Rev. 1:18 3. The Lord will raise the dead from the grave. John 5:28-29, 1 Cor. 15:50- 57 D. This was the consequence of death. vs 42-43 1. The death and resurrection of Dorcas caused many people to believe in the Lord. 2. Our death and our resurrection should cause all people to believe in the Lord. Heb. 10:26-31 CHAPTER 10

I. THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS: VS 1-48

A. These were the needs for his conversion. vs 1-6 1. These were the traits of a lost man. vs 1-2 a). Cornelius was a devout man. v 2 b). Cornelius was a God-fearing man. v 2 c). Cornelius was a benevolent man. v 2 d). Cornelius was a praying man. v 2 2. These were the testimonies of a lost man. vs 3-4 a). Cornelius saw a vision. v 3 b). Cornelius had an angel to appear unto him. v 3 c). Cornelius had praises from God. v 4 3. These were the instructions for a lost man. vs 5-6 a). You (Cornelius) send for a gospel preacher. v 5 b). You (Cornelius) will be told what to do. v 6 B. These were the reasons for his conversion. vs 7-33 1. Cornelius followed instructions. vs 7-8 2. Cornelius received a gospel preacher. vs 9-23 3. Cornelius worked to have an audience. v 24 4. Cornelius wanted to know the truth. v 33 C. These were the ways of his conversion. vs 34-48 1. Cornelius heard the word of God. vs 34-44 2. Cornelius believe the world of God. vs 45-46 3. Cornelius repented of his past sins. v 48 4. Cornelius confessed the Deity of Christ. v 48 5. Cornelius was baptized into Christ for the remission of his sins. v 48 II. THE VISION OF PETER: VS 9-23 A. This was the nature of his vision. vs 9-12 (Peter saw the sheet of unclean animals which to the Jewish people in the Old Testament were unlawful for them to eat.) B. This was the purpose of his vision. vs 13-16 (This vision was to show Peter that the Gentiles were gospel prospects.) C. This was the effects of his vision. vs 17-23 (Peter went to preach to the Gentiles.) III. PETER PREACHED AT THE HOUSE OF CORNELIUS: VS 34-48 A. These were the characteristics of his sermon. vs 34-43 1. Peter revealed the plan of God. vs 34-35 a). All men can be saved. Matt. 11:28-30, Rev. 22:17 b). The law of Moses was a school master to the Jewish people. Gal. 3:19, 24-25 2. Peter explained the purpose of God. vs 36-37 a). This was the purpose of God's works in the Old Testament. Gen. 3:15, Gen. 12:1-3, Isa. 2:2-3 b). This was the purpose of God's works in the New Testament. Gal. 4:4- 7, Heb. 8:12 3. Peter unfolded the power of God. vs 38-41 a). Jesus demonstrated the power of God. v 38, John 20:30-31 b). Jesus personified the power of God. v 39, 1 Cor. 15:1-4 c). Jesus illustrated the power of God. vs 40-41, 2 Tim. 1:10, Rev. 1:18 4. Peter unraveled the purpose of God. v 42 a). All men will be judged by Christ. Acts 17:30-31 b). All men will appear before Christ. 2 Cor. 5:10 5. Peter exposed the provision of God. v 43 a). All men can have the remission of their sins. Acts 2:38 b). Christians can have the forgiveness of their sins. Heb. 8:12 B. This was the effect of his sermon. vs 44-48 1. They were converted unto the Lord. 2. They wanted Peter to stay with them for a few days. CHAPTER 11

I. THE CALLING OF THE GENTILES: VS 1-18

A. This was the opposition against the call of the Gentiles. vs 1-3 (The Jews contended with Peter.) B. This was the reason for the call of the Gentiles. vs 4-10 (The Gentiles were gospel prospects.) Gen. 12:1-3, Gal. 3:7, 27-29 C. These were the blessings of the call of the Gentiles. vs 11-18 1. The gospel was preached unto them. vs 11-15 2. The Gentiles could obey the gospel. vs 16-18, Romans 1:16-18 II. THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH: VS 19-30 A. These were the reasons why the church in Antioch had a beginning. vs 19- 21 1. The church at Antioch began because the gospel of Christ was preached unto them. vs 19-20, Acts 17:24-28 2. The church at Antioch began because the people were obedient unto the word of God. v 21, Romans 6:16-18 B. These were the successes of the church in Antioch. vs 22-24 1. The success of the church at Antioch was wide spread. v 22, 2 John 3 2. The church at Antioch was successful because its membership depended upon the Lord. v 23, John 15:1-5 3. The success of the church at Antioch became greater. v 24, Heb. 13:5-6 C. This was the approval of the church in Antioch. vs 25-26 1. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. vs 25-26 2. It is an honor to be called a Christian. 1 Peter 4:16 D. These were the effects of the church in Antioch. 27-30 1. The church at Antioch became an informed church. vs 27-28, 2 Tim. 2:15 2. The church at Antioch became a dedicated church. v 29, Acts 20:35 3. The church at Antioch became a working church. v 30, 1 Cor. 15:58 CHAPTER 12

1. HEROD PERSECUTED THE CHURCH: VS 1-4

A. This was his plan to persecute the church. v 1 (Herod planned to vex certain people of the church.) B. This was the reality of his plan to persecute the church. v 2 (Herod had James killed with a sword.) C. This was the effect of his persecution of the church. v 3 (The killing of James pleased the Jews.) D. This was the scope of his plan to persecute the church. vs 3-4 (Herod planned to put Peter to death after the Passover.) II. PETER WAS DELIVERED FROM PRISON: VS 5-19 A. This was the reason for his deliverance from prison. v 5 1. The members of church were praying for Peter. 2. God will answer our prayers. Luke 18:1-8 B. This was the manner in which Peter was delivered from prison. vs 6-10 1. The angel of the Lord delivered Peter. 2. The providence of God can work for our good. Romans 8:28, Phil. 2:13 C. This was the awareness of his deliverance. v 11 1. Peter became aware of his deliverance. 2. We can become aware of our deliverance. 1 Peter 4:10-12 D. This was the joy of his being delivered from prison. vs 12-17 1. The brethren rejoiced because of his deliverance. 2. We can rejoice because of our experiences with God. 2 Tim. 1:12, Jude 24-25 E. This was the consequence of his deliverance from prison. vs 18-19 1. The plan of Herod was defeated. 2. The enemies of God can be defeated. 1 Cor. 15:57, Romans 8:37 III. THE PERSONALITY OF HEROD: VS 20-23 A. This was the tempo of his personality. v 20 (Herod was usually displeased with people.) B. This was the motivation of his personality. v 21 (Herod loved to be in the spot light.) C. This was the nature of his life. vs 22-23 (Herod loved the praises of men more than he loved the praised of God.) D. This was the results of his personality. v 23 (Herod died as he had lived.) IV. THE EFFECTS OF THE CHURCH BEING PERSECUTED: VS 24-25 A. Persecutions caused the church to grow numerically. v 24 (The word of God grew and multiplied.) B. Persecutions caused the work of the church to expand. v 25 (Barnabas and Saul were able to complete their mission to Jerusalem.) CHAPTER 13

I. THE MISSION WORK OF THE CHURCH: VS 1-3

A. This is the need for doing mission work. v 1 (Most congregations have competent teachers who can teach the word of God.) B. This is the purpose of doing mission work. v 2 (It is the will of God that the church do mission work.) Matt. 28:18-20 C. These are the ways of doing mission work. v 3 1. The church should pray for their missionaries. v 3 2. The church should support their missionaries. v 3 II. THE REDEEMING POWER OF GOD: VS 4-13 A. These are the characteristics of God's redeeming power. vs 4-7 1. The redeeming powers of God begins with the preaching of God's word. vs 4-5, Heb. 4:12, Rom. 1:16 2. The redeeming powers of God begins with the desire to hear the word of God. vs 6-7, Matt. 18:3 B. This was the opposition against God's redeeming power. v 8 1. Elymas tried to turn the deputy away from the faith. 2. Some people are willing to turn other persons away from the faith. Gal. 1:6-9 C. These are the effects of rejecting God's redeeming power. vs 9-10 1. A person can become full of all subtlety and all mischief. v 10, 2 Tim. 3:13 2. A person can become a child of the devil. v 10, John 8:44 3. A person can become an enemy of all righteousness. v 10, 2 Tim. 3:7 4. A person can pervert the right ways of the Lord. v 10, Matt. 15:8-9 D. This was the result of rejecting God's redeeming power. vs 11-13 1. Elymas was punished for his sins. v 11 2. Each person will be punished for his own sins. Gal. 6:6-9 E. These were the results of receiving God's redeeming power. vs 12-13 1. The redeeming power of God caused the deputy to believe. vs 12-13 2. The redeeming power of God will cause us to believe. Romans 10:17, 2 Tim. 1:12 III. PAUL'S SERMON AT ANTIOCH: VS 14-43 A. These were the reasons for his sermon. vs 14-16 1. Paul was given an opportunity to preach. vs 14-15 2. Paul admonished them to listen to his words. v 16 B. These were the characteristics of his sermon. vs 17-40 1. Paul revealed the coming of Christ into the world. vs 17-22 a). Christ came into the world through Israel. vs 17-21, Gen. 12:1-3 b). Christ came into the world through the house of David. v 22, Isa. 9:7 2. Paul explained the reality of Christ coming into the world. v 23 a). Christ came into the world though the seed of David. Romans 1:1-4 b). Christ came into the world by being born of woman. Matt. 1:18-24 3. Paul confirmed the evidence of Christ coming into the world. vs 24-31 a). John, the Baptist, prepared the way for our Lord's work upon the earth. vs 24-25, John 1:29 b). The Jewish leaders rejected the Deity of Christ. vs 32-39, John 20:30- 31 4. Paul unfolded the purpose of Christ coming into the world. vs 32-39 a). The coming of Christ into the world fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament. vs 32-37, Luke 24:44-48 b). The coming of Christ into the world gives us the blessings of New Testament Christianity. vs 38-39, Eph. 1:3-7 C. These were the appeals of his sermon. vs 40-41 1. Paul gave them a solemn warning: "Beware". v 40, Heb. 3:13 2. Paul gave them a great admonition: take heed. v 41, Heb. 2:1-4 IV. RELIGIOUS ERROR: VS 44-52 A. These were the effects of religious error. vs 44-45 1. Religious error caused the deceived to be filled with envy. v 45, Matt. 7:15, l John 4:1 2. Religious error caused the deceived to contradict the truth. v 45, 2 Peter 3:15-17 B. This was the rebuke for religious error. vs 46-47 1. The deceived will judge themselves unworthy of eternal life. v 46, Col. 20- 23 2. The deceived were left alone. vs 46-47, Matt. 7:6 C. These were the consequences of religious error. vs 48-50 1. Religious error hinders the truth. 2 Cor. 4:3-4 2. Religious error appears to be the truth. 2 Cor. 11:14-15 D. This was the way to overcome religious error. v 51 1. Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust of their feet against them. v 51 2. We must refuse to accept religious error. v 52, 2 John 9-11 E. This was the results of religious error. v 52 (Those who believe the truth will rejoice.) Romans 8:37 CHAPTER 14

I. THE POWER OF THE TRUTH: VS 1-7

A. This is the influence of the truth. v 1 (The truth will cause some people to believe.) Romans 10:17 B. This is the effect of the truth. v 2 (The truth will cause the unbelievers to become angry.) 2 Thess. 2:11 C. This is the affirmation of the truth. v 3 (The word of God is true.) John 17:17 D. This is the motivation of the truth. vs 4-7 (The power of the truth makes us stand for truth, or for religious error.) II. THE POWER OF GOD: VS 8-18 A. This was the manifestation of God's power. vs 8-10 1. Paul used the power of God to heal the cripple man. 2. The power of God is used every day in a natural way. Acts 17:28 B. This was the abuse of God's power. vs 11-13 1. They worshipped Paul and Barnabas as being their gods. 2. Men can worship the creature more than the Creator. Romans 1:25 C. These were the mandates for God's power. vs 14-15 1. Each person must turn from his vanities. v 15, Eccles. 1:2, John 2:15-17 2. Each person should turn to serve the living God. v 15, Isa. 55:6-7 D. These were the blessings of God's power. vs 16-17 1. The Lord gives man the power of choice. v 16, Josh. 24:14-15 2. The Lord gives to the just and to the unjust. v 17, Jas. 1:17 E. This was the greatness of God's power. v 18 1. The power of God restrained the people. 2. The power of God can restrain us. Romans 2:4 III. THE WORK OF PAUL: VS 19-28 A. This was the hardship of Paul's work. vs 19-20 (Paul was stoned.) 2 Tim. 3:12 B. These were the characteristics of Paul's work. vs 21-23 1. Paul kept preaching the gospel. v 21, Phil. 4:13 2. Paul kept exhorting the Christians. v 22, Heb. 10:25 3. Paul kept working in the church. v 23, Matt. 6:33 C. This was the accomplishment of his working for the Lord. vs 24-28 (Paul returned to Antioch.)

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