Repent and Return: Peter’s Sermon at Solomon’s Portico (Acts 3:11–26)
A crowd stares at Peter and John after the healing of the lame man. Peter refuses the credit, proclaims Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One whom they disowned, and then offers mercy: repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away and times of refreshing may come.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, Walk: The Healing of the Lame Man (Acts 3:1–10)
On their way to pray, Peter and John meet a man who has never walked. He asks for money. Peter has none, but he gives what he has: “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” The man enters the temple walking, leaping, and praising God.
The Day of Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Comes With Power (Acts 2:1–13)
On the Day of Pentecost, a sound like a rushing wind fills the house, tongues like fire rest on each believer, and the Holy Spirit fills them all. Visitors from every nation hear the mighty deeds of God in their own languages. Some ask what it means. Others mock.
Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost: God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:14–41)
Three thousand new believers needed more than a moment of decision. Acts 2:42–47 shows what the early church did next: it devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The result was awe, generosity, gladness, and daily growth.
The Choosing of Matthias: Waiting, Praying, and Replacing Judas (Acts 1:12–26)
Between the Ascension and Pentecost, the believers wait, pray with one mind, face the failure of Judas, and choose Matthias as the twelfth apostle. Did they act in step with God or move too soon? Acts 1:12–26 shows how Jesus prepares His church before He empowers it.
You Shall Be My Witnesses: The Promise of the Spirit and the Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:1–11)
Before He ascends, the risen Jesus gives His disciples forty days of proof, a command to wait, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and a mission that reaches to the ends of the earth: “You shall be My witnesses.” Then two messengers promise that this same Jesus will return.
Introduction to the Book of Acts: What Jesus Continued to Do and Teach
Luke’s Gospel recorded all that Jesus began to do and teach. Acts records what He continued to do, reigning from heaven and working through His people by His Spirit. This introduction covers the author, date, structure, and themes of Acts, and the wisdom of Jesus in forming His church.
That You May Believe: A Recap of the Gospel of John (John 1–21)
rom “In the beginning was the Word” to “Follow Me,” John wrote with one purpose: that we would believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name. This summary walks back through the seven signs, the “I am” statements, the Cross, and the empty tomb.
What Is That to You? Follow Me: Jesus’ Final Words to Peter and John (John 21:20–25)
Peter has just been restored when he turns, sees John, and asks, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus answers, “What is that to you? You follow Me!” The Gospel of John closes with a personal call, a corrected rumor, and a Savior too great for any book to contain.
Do You Love Me? Jesus Restores Peter (John 21:1–19)
Peter denied Jesus three times beside a charcoal fire. After the Resurrection, Jesus meets him beside another. Three questions—”Do you love Me?”—bring Peter’s failure into the light, but not to condemn him. Jesus restores the broken disciple, entrusts him with His sheep, and says again, “Follow Me.”
Peace Be With You: Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19–31)
Behind locked doors, frightened disciples encounter the risen Jesus. His first words are not condemnation but peace. He shows them His wounds, sends them into the world, and later meets Thomas in his doubt. The chapter culminates in Thomas’ confession: “My Lord and my God!”
The Empty Tomb: Why Are You Weeping? (John 20:1–18)
Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb carrying grief and discovers that the stone has been removed. What begins in confusion becomes the greatest announcement in history. Jesus Christ is alive, and when the risen Shepherd calls Mary by name, sorrow gives way to recognition, hope, worship, and resurrection joy.
The Burial of Jesus: Joseph and Nicodemus Step Out of the Shadows (John 19:38–42)
After Jesus dies, two previously hidden followers step forward. Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for Christ’s body, while Nicodemus brings an extraordinary amount of burial spices. When public discipleship appears most costly, these secret disciples finally become visible, lovingly preparing the Savior’s body for burial.
It Is Finished: The Death of Jesus Christ (John 19:28–37)
From the Cross, Jesus declares, “It is finished.” This is not merely the announcement that His suffering has ended. The mission given by the Father has reached its completion. Scripture is fulfilled, the sacrificial work is accomplished, and the Lamb of God gives His life for the sins of the world.
The Crucifixion: Jesus the King Is Lifted Up (John 19:17–27)
Jesus carries His Cross to Golgotha and is crucified between two others. Above Him Pilate places the title, “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.” Even in agony, Christ remains sovereign—fulfilling Scripture, revealing His kingship, and caring tenderly for His mother from the Cross.