Lecture Notes on "Passion For Truth Ministries"

Introduction

• Speaker: Jim Staley, Passion For Truth Ministries
• Greeting to audience worldwide
• Focus: Book of Acts, early church foundation
• Concern: 21st-century Western interpretation vs 1st-century Hebrew-Jewish context
• Goal: True understanding of the biblical text
• Event announcement: Passion for Tabernacles 2024

Hebraic Context of Acts

• Importance of understanding the early church through its Hebraic roots
• The influence of 21st-century perspectives skewing biblical interpretation
• Western, Protestant, Catholic interpretations often overlook original Jewish meanings
• The mission: uncover the truth as seen by Hebrew authors
• Focus on foundational aspects in the Book of Acts, particularly early events and challenges

Critical Events in Acts

1. Ananias and Sapphira (Chapter 5) Overview

   • Church unity: selling possessions and sharing
   • Their deception and immediate divine punishment
   • Emphasis on truth and fear of God within the early church

2. Purity and Fear of God

   • Fear of God is both reverence and actual fear
   • Historical examples, such as Mount Sinai: God instilled fear to demonstrate power
   • Fear acts as deterrent to sin

Apostolic Power and Significance

• Peter's Shadow: Healing power representing the image of God
  • Hebrew word for shadow/image (sellum)
  • The demonstration of God's power through faith and obedience

Conflict with Religious Authorities

• Apostles' Arrest and Miraculous Release
  • Sadducees' anger over resurrection teaching
  • Divine release from prison by an angel
  • Despite threats, apostles persist in teaching

Wisdom from Gamaliel (Chapter 5)

• Pharisee Gamaliel’s counsel to leave apostles alone
• Argument: If their work is of human origin, it will fail; if divine, it cannot be stopped
• Critique of religious zeal leading to internal conflict

Shift from Peter to Paul

1. Introduction to Paul (Saul)

   • Storyline shift from Peter to Paul from Chapter 7 onwards
   • Importance of Paul’s role in the spreading of early Christianity

2. Stephen's Martyrdom

   • Stephen, one of seven deacons, performs miracles
   • Falsely accused, stands ground, and outlines Jewish history and failures
   • Stephen's vision and statement against the temple ultimately lead to his martyrdom
   • Introduction of Saul (Paul) as a witness

Lessons and Closing Thoughts

1. Call for Commitment

   • Importance of prayer and ministry for God's power
   • Encouragement to increase daily prayer
   • The relation between obedience and the Holy Spirit's presence

2. Handling Conflict and Jealousy

   • Avoiding slander and maintaining unity
   • Dealing with religious and personal conflicts through prayer, not confrontation

3. Preparation for God’s Presence

   • Emphasis on maintaining personal holiness
   • Importance of clean heart and environment for God’s indwelling
   • Power through prayer or pain; the choice of personal willingness

Conclusion

• Encouragement to follow the early church's example in faith, unity, and fearless teaching
• The role of humility and service in receiving God’s glory
• Call to partner and participate in spreading the ministry’s message
• Final exhortation to live devotedly to God right in every aspect

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