Downloads
Luke, the author of his account of the ‘Gospel of Jesus,’ wrote a second holy book called ‘The Story of the Disciples of Jesus’ or ‘Acts of the Apostles.’ The ‘Gospel of Jesus’ tells us what Jesus did during his life on earth. This second holy book begins where the other ends; it tells us what Jesus's disciples and all his apostles did to spread Jesus's teachings throughout the whole world.
Before Jesus sent his disciples out on a mission to preach his word to the whole world, he first breathed the Holy Spirit of God into them so that they would have the strength to do his work. When they received this Holy Spirit, they began preaching in Jerusalem. Many people believed their teachings and became Jesus's disciples. Many miracles happened so that people would believe in the teachings of Jesus's disciples.
As this preaching gained strength in Jerusalem, Jesus's opponents began to persecute the believers. Due to this Jesus's disciples were scattered beyond Jerusalem. They went preaching throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. This work is recorded from chapter 1 to chapter 12. Peter plays a very important role in this story.
Later, God called another disciple named Paul. Before God called him, he had been persecuting the followers of Jesus, in the name of the Jewish religion. But Jesus revealed himself to Paul and sent him as a missionary to other nations. In this way, Jesus's teachings spread beyond the borders of Israel to other countries, where other peoples lived.
Paul carried out this work in many places, from Jerusalem to Rome. The Jews made him suffer terribly, but they could not overcome him. He preached in the synagogues of the Jews and also to non-Jews. The purpose of his work was to make known to people all over the world what Jesus had done for them.
Through all of this, believers today can learn how Jesus's disciples lived on earth. May their work serve as a model for us. May God help us to gain wisdom through this holy book. Amen!
