Lessons
Fellow Laborers
Saturday Bible Study Class 11-22-2025
Bible 101 – Lesson 13: The Acts of the Apostles
Presented by Israel Ministries
www.israelministries.org
Bible 101 – Lesson 13
The Acts of the Apostles
Israel Ministries | www.israelministries.org
The Continuing Story of Redemption
Yeshua's Work Continues
The ministry of the Messiah extends through His faithful disciples, empowered by divine presence.
Birth at Shavuot
The Assembly is born as the Holy Spirit descends with power on the day of Pentecost.
Spirit's Outpouring
The promise of the Father manifests in miraculous signs and prophetic utterance.
Restoration of Israel
The ancient faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob finds its fulfillment and renewal through the risen Messiah.
Gospel Expansion
From Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth, the message spreads throughout the diaspora.
Journey Through Acts
Twelve Essential Movements
01
Final Instructions
Yeshua's last words to His disciples before ascending
02
Ascension
The Messiah returns to the Father in glory
03
Matthias Chosen
Restoring the twelve apostles
04
Shavuot Outpouring
The Spirit descends with power
05
Peter's Message
The first proclamation of the risen Messiah
06
Early Assembly Life
Unity, fellowship, and devotion mark the community
01
Miracles & Boldness
Signs, wonders, and courageous witness
02
Challenges
Persecution, martyrdom, and internal trials
03
Paul's Rise
From persecutor to proclaimer
04
Gentiles Receive the Gospel
The Spirit falls on all who believe
05
Paul's Missions
Journeys across the Roman world
06
Paul in Rome
Bold proclamation from captivity
Yeshua's Final Instructions
Acts 1:1–8
The Kingdom Remains Central
Before His ascension, Yeshua spent forty days speaking to His disciples about the Kingdom of God. This wasn't abstract theology—it was the continuation of everything He had taught during His earthly ministry. The Kingdom was never abandoned; it was about to expand in unprecedented ways.
His final instruction was clear: "Wait for the promise of the Father." The disciples were not to begin their mission in human strength or wisdom. They needed the Ruach HaKodesh—the Holy Spirit—who would empower them to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses."
— Acts 1:8

Key Insight
The Kingdom message continues through Spirit-empowered witnesses, not human effort alone.
The Ascension of the Messiah
Acts 1:9–12 | Daniel 7:13–14
1
The Moment of Departure
As the disciples watched, Yeshua was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. This wasn't merely a disappearance—it was a royal procession into the throne room of heaven.
2
The Prophetic Fulfillment
Daniel 7 describes "one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven" who approaches the Ancient of Days and receives dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. What the prophet saw in vision, the apostles witnessed in reality.
3
The Angels' Promise
Two angels appeared, dressed in white, declaring that this same Yeshua would return in the same manner—visibly, bodily, gloriously. His departure was not an ending but a transition.
The Son of Man ascends to receive all authority in heaven and on earth. From the Mount of Olives, He departs in glory, taking His rightful place at the Father's right hand. His ascension is both departure and enthronement—He goes to prepare the way and to rule until all enemies are made His footstool.
Restoring the Twelve
Acts 1:15–26
The Significance of Matthias
After Judas's betrayal and death, the apostles faced a vacancy among the Twelve. This wasn't merely about filling a position—it was about restoring the symbolic representation of Israel.
The Twelve apostles correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel. Yeshua Himself promised they would sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes. To leave the number at eleven would be incomplete, a broken symbol of a broken people.
Peter stood among the 120 believers and explained the necessity: someone who had been with them from John's baptism through the ascension must be chosen to be a witness of the resurrection. They prayed, cast lots according to ancient custom, and Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Restoration Theme
The restoration of the Twelve foreshadows the restoration of all Israel through Messiah.
The Outpouring at Shavuot
Acts 2:1–21 | Joel 2:28–32
The Sound of Wind
Suddenly, from heaven, came a sound like a mighty rushing wind, filling the entire house where they were sitting. The Ruach HaKodesh—the breath of God—swept into the room with undeniable power.
Tongues of Fire
Divided tongues as of fire appeared and rested upon each of them. Fire—the symbol of God's presence from the burning bush to Mount Sinai—now rests upon ordinary men and women.
Speaking in Tongues
They began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them utterance. Jews from every nation heard the wonders of God proclaimed in their own native tongues—a reversal of Babel's confusion.
This was no random day. Shavuot—the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost—commemorated the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Now, fifty days after Passover, the Spirit writes the Torah on hearts of flesh. Joel's prophecy finds its fulfillment: God pours out His Spirit on all flesh, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people."
— Joel 2:28
Peter's Bold Proclamation
Acts 2:22–36
The First Gospel Sermon
Standing before thousands of confused and curious onlookers, Peter—the same man who had denied Yeshua three times—now boldly declares the truth. His message is clear, structured, and rooted entirely in Scripture.
He begins with Yeshua of Nazareth, a man attested by God through miracles, wonders, and signs. Though delivered up according to God's predetermined plan, lawless men crucified Him. But God raised Him up, breaking the bonds of death.

Peter's Three Proofs
  • David's Prophecy – Psalm 16 foretold the resurrection
  • Eyewitness Testimony – We are all witnesses of His rising
  • The Spirit's Evidence – What you see and hear is the proof
"Let all Israel know with certainty: God has made this Yeshua, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."
— Acts 2:36
Peter quotes David, Solomon, and Joel—showing that Torah and Prophets unite in testimony. Yeshua is the fulfillment, the one whom the Scriptures foretold. The response is immediate and powerful: three thousand souls repent, are baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Life of the Early Assembly
Acts 2:42–47
Torah-Centered Devotion
The believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching—instruction rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and the words of Yeshua. Their faith wasn't disconnected from the Law and Prophets but fulfilled through them.
Fellowship & Breaking Bread
They gathered regularly for communal meals, sharing food with glad and generous hearts. The breaking of bread was both a memorial and a celebration of Messiah's sacrifice and presence among them.
Constant Prayer
Prayer marked their days and nights—corporate intercession, personal devotion, and Temple prayers. They understood that their strength came from continual communion with God.
Unity in Action
All who believed were together and had all things in common. They sold possessions and distributed the proceeds to anyone in need. This wasn't mandated communism but voluntary, Spirit-led generosity.
Signs and Wonders
Many miracles were performed through the apostles, and awe came upon every soul. The power of the Spirit confirmed the message with tangible demonstrations of God's kingdom breaking into the present age.
Day by day, they continued in the Temple courts and from house to house. Their witness was winsome: praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Miracles and Boldness
Acts 3–4
1
The Healing
At the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth. Peter declares, "In the name of Yeshua the Messiah, rise and walk." Instantly, the man's feet and ankles are made strong.
2
The Sermon
A crowd gathers in Solomon's Portico, and Peter seizes the moment to preach. He explains that this healing happened through faith in Yeshua—the Holy and Righteous One whom they rejected but God raised from the dead.
3
The Arrest
The religious leaders are disturbed by the apostles' teaching about resurrection. Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin—the same council that condemned Yeshua.
4
The Defense
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly testifies: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." The council is astonished by their courage.
The authorities command them to stop speaking in Yeshua's name, but Peter and John respond with unwavering conviction: "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Persecution Begins
Opposition from religious and political powers will mark the apostles' ministry—yet boldness only increases under pressure.
Growth and Challenges
Acts 5–7
Ananias & Sapphira
A sobering lesson in purity and honesty—lying to the Holy Spirit brings divine judgment. The fear of the Lord falls upon the entire assembly.
Apostles Arrested Again
The high priest and Sadducees arrest the apostles, but an angel opens the prison doors at night. By morning, they're back in the Temple courts, teaching the people.
Gamaliel's Wisdom
When brought before the Sanhedrin, the apostles are beaten and ordered to stop preaching. But Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advises caution: "If this is of God, you cannot stop it."
Seven Deacons Chosen
As the assembly grows, disputes arise over the daily distribution to widows. Seven men full of the Spirit and wisdom are chosen to serve, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.
Stephen's Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the seven, performs great wonders and signs. But false witnesses accuse him of blasphemy. Brought before the council, he delivers a powerful sermon tracing Israel's history of resisting God's messengers.
His words cut to the heart—but not unto repentance. Filled with rage, they stone him to death. Yet Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, sees heaven opened and Yeshua standing at the right hand of God. His final words echo his Master's: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
"Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
— Acts 7:56
Scattering and Conversion
Acts 8–9
Great Persecution
On the day of Stephen's death, a great persecution breaks out. Believers scatter throughout Judea and Samaria—but wherever they go, they preach the word. What the enemy meant for harm, God uses for expansion.
Philip in Samaria
Philip goes to Samaria and proclaims the Messiah. Signs and healings accompany his message, and many believe. Even Simon the sorcerer is amazed. Later, an angel directs Philip to an Ethiopian official on the desert road, leading to another conversion and baptism.
Saul Encounters Yeshua
Meanwhile, Saul ravages the assembly, breathing threats and murder. But on the road to Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashes around him. He falls to the ground and hears a voice: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
From Persecutor to Proclaimer
Blinded by the light, Saul is led into Damascus. For three days he neither eats nor drinks. Then God sends Ananias to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit.
Immediately, Saul begins preaching in the synagogues that Yeshua is the Son of God. Those who hear him are astonished—isn't this the man who tried to destroy the believers in Jerusalem? But Saul grows more powerful, proving from the Scriptures that Yeshua is the Messiah.
This transformation is not merely personal—it's prophetic. God has chosen Saul (who will become known as Paul) to carry the name of Yeshua before Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel.

Divine Reversal
The greatest enemy of the gospel becomes its greatest advocate. Only God can orchestrate such dramatic redemption.
The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles
Acts 10 | Acts 15
Cornelius's Vision
In Caesarea, a Roman centurion named Cornelius—a God-fearer who prays and gives generously—receives a vision. An angel tells him to send for Peter, who is staying in Joppa. Cornelius obeys immediately.
Peter's Vision
The next day, as Cornelius's messengers approach, Peter goes up on the roof to pray. He falls into a trance and sees heaven opened: a sheet descends containing all kinds of animals—clean and unclean. A voice commands, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." Peter objects, but the voice responds, "What God has made clean, do not call common."
The Spirit Falls
Peter goes to Cornelius's house and preaches the gospel. While he's still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls on all who hear—Gentiles receive the same gift given to Jewish believers at Pentecost. Peter realizes that God shows no partiality.
The Jerusalem Council
As Gentiles continue to believe, questions arise: Must they be circumcised and keep the full Law of Moses? The apostles and elders gather in Jerusalem to discuss this crucial issue.
Peter testifies about Cornelius. Paul and Barnabas share reports of signs and wonders among the Gentiles. James, the leader of the Jerusalem assembly, gives the final word: Gentiles should not be burdened with the full yoke of Torah, but should abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, and blood.

Torah Upheld, Not Discarded
The council's decision affirms that salvation is by grace through faith, while maintaining moral standards rooted in Scripture. Gentiles are welcomed without becoming Jewish, yet holiness remains essential.
"God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us."
— Acts 15:8
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Acts 16–21
1
First Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Cyprus and Asia Minor, preaching in synagogues first, then to Gentiles. They face opposition, perform miracles, and establish assemblies in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
2
Second Journey
Paul revisits earlier assemblies, then receives the Macedonian vision: "Come over and help us." He travels to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth—planting assemblies across Greece.
3
Third Journey
Paul spends three years in Ephesus, where extraordinary miracles occur and the worship of Artemis is challenged. He revisits Macedonia and Greece before heading back to Jerusalem, despite warnings of suffering.
The Synagogue-First Strategy
Paul's pattern is consistent: he goes to the synagogue first, reasoning from the Scriptures that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. When Jewish leaders reject the message, he turns to the Gentiles—but the gospel is always "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Everywhere Paul preaches, assemblies are established. These communities are diverse, including both Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, slaves and free. They meet in homes, practice hospitality, support one another, and hold fast to the apostles' teaching.

Confronting Idolatry
Paul's ministry consistently challenges false worship—whether Artemis in Ephesus, Zeus in Lystra, or the unknown god in Athens. The gospel uproots paganism and establishes worship of the one true God.
Paul in Rome
Acts 22–28
Arrest in Jerusalem
Paul returns to Jerusalem, where he's falsely accused of defiling the Temple. A riot erupts, and Roman soldiers rescue him. He addresses the crowd in Hebrew, testifying about his encounter with Yeshua.
Before the Sanhedrin
The next day, Paul stands before the council and declares, "I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead." This divides the council between Pharisees and Sadducees.
Appeal to Caesar
After two years of imprisonment in Caesarea under Felix and Festus, Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen: "I appeal to Caesar!" This guarantees his journey to Rome.
Shipwreck and Survival
On the voyage to Rome, Paul's ship encounters a violent storm. After fourteen days adrift, the ship runs aground on Malta. All 276 people aboard reach land safely, just as Paul prophesied.
Preaching in Rome
Finally arriving in Rome, Paul lives under house arrest for two years. Yet he's far from silenced—he welcomes all who visit, "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Yeshua the Messiah with all boldness and without hindrance."
"The message had to be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles."
— Acts 13:46
Acts ends not with Paul's release or martyrdom, but with him preaching freely in the heart of the empire. The gospel that began in Jerusalem has reached Rome—and it continues unhindered.
Hebrew Word of the Week
רוּחַ
RUACH
Pronounced: roo-AKH
Meaning: Spirit
The immaterial essence of God, dwelling within and empowering believers to live holy lives and fulfill divine purposes.
Meaning: Breath
The life-giving force from God's mouth, the same breath that animated Adam and sustains all living creatures.
Meaning: Wind
The invisible yet powerful movement of God's presence, as unpredictable and sovereign as the wind that blows where it wills.

Theological Significance
Ruach appears throughout Scripture—from Genesis 1:2 where the Spirit hovers over the waters, to Acts 2 where the Spirit descends like rushing wind. It represents God's active presence in creation, revelation, and redemption. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is not an impersonal force but the personal presence of God dwelling within His people, transforming them from the inside out.
Homework Assignment
Reflect on Acts and prepare to discuss these three foundational questions:
1
Genre
What type of literature is the book of Acts? Consider its narrative style, historical details, theological themes, and intended purpose. How does its genre shape the way we read and interpret it?
2
Purpose
Why did Luke write Acts? What messages was he communicating to his original audience? Think about the book's themes of witness, expansion, Spirit-empowerment, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.
3
Where Acts Fits
How does Acts connect to the rest of Scripture? Consider its relationship to the Gospels, the Torah and Prophets, and the letters of Paul. What unique role does it play in the biblical narrative?
Come prepared to share your insights and discuss with the group. Your thoughtful engagement with these questions will deepen your understanding of Acts and its continuing relevance for believers today.
Reflection Prompts
Engaging with the Message of Acts
1
How does Yeshua continue His work after the ascension?
Consider the relationship between Yeshua's earthly ministry and the apostles' work in Acts. How does the Holy Spirit enable believers to carry on what Yeshua began? In what ways is the Assembly the "body of Messiah" continuing His mission today?
2
What does Acts teach us about unity?
Examine the early believers' commitment to fellowship, shared meals, and communal support. How did they balance diversity (Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor) with unity? What challenges to unity arose, and how were they addressed? What can we learn for our own communities?
3
How does Acts strengthen our identity?
Reflect on how Acts connects believers to the promises made to Abraham, the covenants with Israel, and the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures. How does understanding the Jewish roots of the faith shape your identity as a follower of Yeshua? What does it mean to be grafted into the olive tree?
Take time this week to journal your responses to these questions. Share your reflections with a friend or your study group. Allow the truths of Acts to transform not just your thinking, but your daily walk with God.
Quiz Time
Test Your Knowledge of Acts

The following questions will help you review key concepts from the Book of Acts. Take your time thinking through each one. Answers will be provided after all questions are presented.
Quiz Questions (1–5)
1
What Jewish feast was being celebrated when the Holy Spirit was poured out in Acts 2?
2
Who was chosen to replace Judas as one of the twelve apostles?
3
What was the name of the man healed at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple?
4
Who was the first martyr of the early Assembly, stoned for his bold testimony?
5
What was Saul's name changed to after his conversion?
Quiz Questions (6–10)
1
What Roman centurion was the first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit in Acts 10?
2
In which city did Paul spend three years during his third missionary journey, leading to a major confrontation with idol worship?
3
What did the Jerusalem Council decide Gentile believers must abstain from?
4
On which island was Paul shipwrecked on his way to Rome?
5
How did the book of Acts end—with Paul's release, his execution, or him preaching under house arrest?
Quiz Answers
Answer 1
Shavuot (Pentecost) – The Feast of Weeks, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, fifty days after Passover.
Answer 2
Matthias – He was chosen by lot to restore the number of apostles to twelve, symbolizing the restoration of Israel.
Answer 3
The text doesn't give his name – He is simply described as a man lame from birth who was healed by Peter and John.
Answer 4
Stephen – Full of faith and the Holy Spirit, he was stoned after delivering a powerful sermon tracing Israel's history.
Answer 5
Paul – After his dramatic conversion on the Damascus road, Saul began using his Roman name, Paul.
Answer 6
Cornelius – A God-fearing centurion in Caesarea who received a vision leading him to send for Peter.
Answer 7
Ephesus – Paul's ministry there challenged the worship of the goddess Artemis and led to extraordinary miracles.
Answer 8
Idolatry, sexual immorality, eating blood, and eating meat from strangled animals – These basic standards maintained holiness without requiring full Torah observance.
Answer 9
Malta – After a violent storm and fourteen days adrift, Paul's ship ran aground on this Mediterranean island.
Answer 10
Preaching under house arrest – Acts ends with Paul proclaiming the kingdom of God boldly and without hindrance for two full years.
Bible 101 – Lesson 13 Complete
The Acts of the Apostles
Thank you for journeying through the Book of Acts. May the Holy Spirit continue to empower you as a witness to the risen Messiah, just as He empowered the first believers.
Israel Ministries
www.israelministries.org
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
— Acts 1:8
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