gospel advancement from jerusalem to rome

A Study in the Book of Acts

Passage: Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Review and Introduction: 

In our previous studies we observed that the record of the life and ministry of Jesus as recorded in the gospels was only the beginning of his activity. This book of Acts records the continued activity of the now ascended Christ to build his church.  The commission he gave his disciples had a geographical focus to it and this book records the advancement of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, the chief city of the day.

Observe

1. What role did Jesus indicate his followers would fulfill?

2. In Acts 2:14, who did the witnessing?

3. From Acts 6:8 through Acts 7 who did the witnessing?

4. In Acts 8:4, who did the witnessing?  According to v.1 who did this not include?

5. In Acts 8:5, who did the witnessing?

6. In Acts 11:19-21, who were the witnesses that the Lord used to plant the church in Antioch? 

Interpret

1. What is an obvious and simple implication from a consideration of the various parties involved in witnessing as recorded in the book of Acts?

2. In Acts 8:4, the Greek word translated “preach” is euangelizo and means to bring or proclaim good news.  What English word does it resemble?

3. In Acts 8:5, the Greek word translated “preach” is kerysso and refers to proclamation like that of a herald.  Do you think of a herald functioning in a formal or informal capacity?

Apply

1. Preachers, whether they be pastors or evangelists or missionaries, are God called witnesses and vital to the advancement of the gospel.  Men, have you considered the possibility that God might have you serve in such a capacity?

2. The Lord Jesus intends that all His followers witness to others about him.  He sent the Spirit to empower all!  What are some forms of evangelism we can all be a part of?

3. What are some practical steps you can take to do more witnessing?