Acts: Lessons from Our Backstory

This session delves into the interconnected narratives of Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts, presenting them as part one and part two of a continuous story. The disciples and the early church, depicted in Acts, mirrors and extends Jesus' ministry and mission, encountering opposition and trials along the way. The geographical movement from Rome to Jerusalem echoes the continuation of Jesus' work. Various parallels, such as the anticipation of the Holy Spirit, mirrored miracles, discipleship journeys, Gentile inclusion, and facing opposition, illustrate the ongoing impact of Jesus' ministry in Acts. Reflection questions prompt contemplation on how Jesus' story has shaped individual and collective narratives, the significance of the historical resurrection, and the continuation of Jesus' mission through us.

In this teaching session by Jim Dalrymple from Ozark Christian College, the focus is on the empowering role of the Holy Spirit in the context of the Ascension and Pentecost, as depicted in Acts 2:1-41. The Ascension serves as a transitional fade effect in the narrative, concluding resurrection appearances and creating anticipation for the Holy Spirit's promised arrival. It symbolizes Jesus' glorification, enacts the passing of responsibility, and foreshadows His return. The backstory of Pentecost includes its strategic timing, popularity as a feast, and symbolic significance in undoing language division. Drawing parallels with the Luke-Acts narrative, the importance of waiting, descending, dwelling, and empowering through the Holy Spirit is highlighted. The teaching emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in empowering communication, re-creation, and validation. Peter's sermon underscores the importance of repentance and allegiance to God. Reflective questions prompt consideration of beliefs about Jesus' statement on the Holy Spirit, the Spirit's role in communicating the gospel, and the ongoing call to repentance and salvation.

In this insightful session by Jim Dalrymple from Ozark Christian College, Acts 2:42-4:31 serves as the backdrop for exploring three key aspects of a church resembling Jesus: Christian Community, Christian Renewal, and Christian Opposition. The review underscores the Holy Spirit's empowering role in communication, re-creation, and validation. The Christian community is portrayed as devoted and gathered, emphasizing prayer and active engagement in various spaces. Christian renewal is discussed through physical and relational dimensions, with miracles seen as signs of eventual ultimate renewal. The narrative addresses external opposition faced by the early church, drawing parallels to challenges encountered by Jesus. The session concludes with a reflection on how personal backstories shape one's involvement in the community and the broader world, urging a life lived in the likeness of Jesus.

In Session 4, Jim Dalrymple explores Acts 4:32-6:7, emphasizing the church's dual role in Christian Community and Christian Mission. Threats to both aspects emerge, with external challenges like silencing and suffering, and internal issues such as selfishness and neglect of service. Ananias and Sapphira's story illustrates the danger of selfishness, while Acts 5 portrays the church's resilience in the face of external threats, choosing obedience to God. Internal threats in Acts 6:1-7 highlight potential division and neglect, addressed through a comprehensive solution that includes service of the Word and the tables. The session concludes with a positive narrative summary in Acts 6:7, underscoring the continued growth of the word of God and the conversion of many priests in Jerusalem.

In Session 5, Jim Dalrymple examines Acts 6:8-8:4, emphasizing the theme "Opposition Brings Opportunity." The review outlines internal and external threats faced by the church. The narrative focuses on Stephen's trial, drawing parallels to Jesus' trial, and Stephen's powerful indictment of the audience for resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying the Righteous One. The responses to Stephen are divided, with rejection by the crowd and a heavenly reception as he sees Jesus at God's right hand. The session concludes by highlighting the transformative impact of the Resurrection and Ascension, leading to persecution and the scattering of believers who continue preaching the word.

In Session 6, led by Jim Dalrymple of Ozark Christian College, the focus is on Acts 8:1-9:41, highlighting the Gospel's transformative impact in unlikely scenarios. The narrative follows Philip's journeys north to Samaria and south toward Gaza, showcasing how opposition turns into opportunities for joy. The session then shifts to the transformative journey of Saul, emphasizing the roles of willing individuals like Ananias and Barnabas in his unlikely conversion. Ananias responds obediently to God's directives, and Barnabas, known for embracing the unlikely, supports Saul in his transformation. The session concludes by emphasizing Paul's unexpected testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

In Session 7 led by Jim Dalrymple from Ozark Christian College, Acts 9:32-11:18 is explored, focusing on the Gospel's unifying impact on unlikely individuals. The session reviews how the Gospel transforms characters like Saul and a Gentile Centurion, emphasizing the role of willing individuals such as Ananias, Barnabas, and Peter. The narrative highlights Peter's journey to Joppa, where he heals Aeneas and Tabitha, and his subsequent journey to Caesarea to meet Cornelius. The inclusion of the Gentiles becomes a major point of controversy, leading to Peter's report and opposition. The session concludes by emphasizing the repetition of two unlikely stories, cautioning against closing doors that God is opening.

In Session 8, Jim Dalrymple from Ozark Christian College explores Acts 11:19-12:25, examining how the followers of Jesus came to be known as Christians. The discussion focuses on the shift to Antioch, the city's diverse population, and the significance of the term "Christians." It emphasizes that Christians are called to mirror Jesus in mission, ministry, and responding to opposition. The session concludes by highlighting the sufferings of James and Peter, drawing parallels to Passover, and proclaiming Jesus as the true King, contrasting with the fate of Herod Agrippa.

In Session 9, Jim Dalrymple explores Acts 13:1-14:28, highlighting the sending-going church theme. Paul employs a strategic approach, transitioning from Jewish to Gentile audiences with co-workers like Barnabas and John Mark. The strategy involves reaching people in diverse settings, using available resources, and preaching the gospel with an emphasis on anticipating conflicts, embracing change, and acknowledging the time it takes for the gospel to spread, evident in their prolonged stays in Iconium and with disciples.

In Session 10, Jim Dalrymple delves into Acts 15:1-41, addressing threats to unity in the Jerusalem Counsel. The focus is on combating false doctrines, understanding the true nature of grace, and navigating interpersonal differences within the church. The session emphasizes the roles of apostles and elders in guiding doctrinal purity and raises important questions about potential obstacles to the gospel, the application of grace in Christian living, and the constructive handling of differences within the community of believers.

In Session 11, the focus is on the Going Church in Acts 16:1-18:22. The importance of discipleship during the journey is emphasized, advocating for taking people along, finding individuals along the way, and establishing hubs for sending disciples. The session discusses the discernment needed in choosing where to go and what to preach, emphasizing contextualizing the gospel for each community. It acknowledges that preaching through difficulties, including rejection and persecution, can be a powerful platform for making disciples. Participants are encouraged to consider the community's challenges and seek gospel solutions.

In Session 12, "The Going Church (Pt. 3)," covering Acts 18:23-21:14, the focus is on Paul's Farewell Tour during his 3rd Missionary Journey. It underscores discipleship lessons, acknowledging the sometimes mundane and time-consuming nature of ministry. The importance of visiting both familiar and new places for disciple encouragement and outreach is highlighted. The session concludes with Paul's Farewell Address, encouraging disciples to continue their mission and emphasizing the hope of the resurrection.

In Session 13, "The Persecuted Church" (Acts 21:15-24:27), Jim Dalrymple explores parallels between Jesus and Paul, emphasizing their shared experiences in Jerusalem, the Temple, and various trials. Both face opposition, deliver farewell addresses, and endure trials before authorities. The focus on the Temple highlights accusations mirroring Jesus' experiences. The session highlights the Persecuted and Proclaiming the Church's resilience in spreading the gospel amid adversity.

This summary focuses on Paul's unwavering proclamation despite trials. It draws parallels between Jesus and Paul, highlighting their trials before authorities and the ultimate verdict of innocence. The narrative includes Paul's proclamation during a shipwreck and his bold sharing of the Gospel while awaiting trial in Rome. The summary underscores the church's perseverance in proclaiming the Word of God despite persecution, echoing the theme of "The Word of God is not bound!" (2 Timothy 2:8).