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Listening to Acts of the Apostles [Holy Bible Audio]

Abide Meditation App・117 minutes read

Jesus taught his apostles, promising the Holy Spirit's arrival. The apostles spread the message of Jesus, facing persecution but continuing boldly.

Insights

Jesus instructed his apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, promising them power to be witnesses globally.
The apostles, including Peter and John, gathered in Jerusalem, prayed, and nominated Matthias to replace Judas among the apostles.
The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles on Pentecost, enabling them to speak in other languages, leading to 3,000 new believers.
Believers shared possessions, with Barnabas donating and Ananias and Sapphira facing consequences for deceit.
Despite persecution, believers spread the word boldly, with Peter and John rebuking Simon the sorcerer for his intentions.

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Recent questions

What did Jesus promise the apostles before ascending?
Baptism with the Holy Spirit and power to witness.

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Summary

00:00

"Jesus' Ascension and the Holy Spirit"

Jesus began to teach and perform miracles until he ascended to heaven after 40 days of appearing to his apostles.
He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, promising a baptism with the Holy Spirit.
The apostles questioned Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel, but he told them it wasn't for them to know the times set by the Father.
Jesus assured them they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.
After Jesus ascended, two men in white told the apostles he would return the same way he left.
The apostles, including Peter, John, and others, gathered in Jerusalem, praying with women and Jesus' brothers.
Peter addressed the group of believers, explaining the need to replace Judas among the apostles.
They nominated two men, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, praying for God to choose one through casting lots, which fell on Matthias.
On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were together when the Holy Spirit descended, enabling them to speak in other languages.
Peter explained to the crowd that this was the fulfillment of prophecy, urging them to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit, leading to about 3,000 people being added to the believers.

19:31

Early Church Growth and Persecution in Acts

Believers, including Gentiles and Israelites, conspired against Jesus as predetermined by God's will.
A prayer for boldness in spreading God's word was answered with a shaking place and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Believers shared possessions, ensuring no one was in need, with apostles testifying to Jesus' resurrection.
Barnabas sold a field, donating the proceeds, while Ananias and Sapphira lied about their donation, leading to their deaths.
Despite fear, believers gathered, with more joining, bringing the sick for healing by Peter's shadow.
The high priest, jealous, arrested apostles, but an angel freed them to continue teaching about Jesus.
Pharisee Gamaliel advised caution, as human efforts fail against God's will, leading to the apostles' release.
Disciples increased, prompting the selection of seven to aid in distribution, including Stephen and Philip.
Stephen performed miracles but faced opposition, leading to false accusations and his trial before the Sanhedrin.
Stephen defended his faith, recounting Israel's history, Moses' role, and God's deliverance, culminating in his rejection and stoning.

38:15

Stephen's Martyrdom and Philip's Miracles

The Sanhedrin, upon hearing Stephen's words, became furious and gnashed their teeth at him.
Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand in heaven.
The Sanhedrin covered their ears, rushed at Stephen, dragged him out of the city, and began stoning him.
Witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul while Stephen was being stoned.
Saul approved of Stephen's killing, leading to a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem.
Philip went to Samaria, preached about the Messiah, and performed miraculous healings, bringing great joy to the city.
Simon, a sorcerer, believed in Jesus after hearing Philip's message and witnessing miracles.
Peter and John prayed for the new believers in Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit, leading to Simon offering them money for the same ability.
Peter rebuked Simon for his intentions, warning him to repent of his wickedness.
Peter and John returned to Jerusalem after further proclaiming the word of the Lord, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

57:40

"God's acceptance, Jesus' miracles, and forgiveness preached"

Peter spoke about God not showing favoritism, accepting all who fear Him and do what is right.
The message of peace through Jesus Christ was shared, starting in Judea and Galilee.
Jesus was anointed by God, performed miracles, and was raised from the dead.
Witnesses testified to Jesus' resurrection and were commanded to preach about Him.
The Holy Spirit came upon Gentiles, surprising the circumcised believers.
Gentiles were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ after receiving the Holy Spirit.
Believers in Judea criticized Peter for associating with Gentiles, but he explained his vision and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Barnabas was sent to Antioch, where many believed in the Lord and were encouraged to remain faithful.
Paul and Barnabas were sent on a mission by the Holy Spirit, encountering opposition from a sorcerer.
Paul preached about Jesus to Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing forgiveness of sins through Him.

01:15:30

Gentiles spread Salvation, face persecution, appoint Elders.

Gentiles were told they were a light for the Gentiles to bring Salvation to the ends of the Earth.
Gentiles were glad and honored the word of the Lord, leading to belief in the region.
Jewish leaders incited persecution against Paul and Barnabas, expelling them from the region.
Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium, where they spoke effectively to Jews and Greeks, leading to belief.
Despite opposition, Paul and Barnabas continued speaking boldly, performing signs and wonders.
A plot arose to mistreat and stone them, but they fled to lonian cities.
In lisra, Paul healed a lame man, leading to the crowd mistaking them for gods.
Paul and Barnabas rejected the worship, emphasizing they were human and preaching the Living God.
They faced persecution, with Paul being stoned but miraculously surviving.
Paul and Barnabas appointed Elders in each church, preached in various cities, and reported their work in Antioch.

01:33:27

Paul's Journeys: From Athens to Macedonia

Paul and Silas were sought by a crowd, leading to Jason and other believers being brought before city officials with accusations of defying Caesar's decrees by proclaiming Jesus as king.
Jason and others were released on bond, prompting the Believers to send Paul and Silas to Berea, where they found receptive Jews who eagerly examined scriptures daily.
Many Berean Jews and prominent Greek women and men believed, but troublemakers from Thessalonica arrived, causing unrest and leading to Paul being sent to the coast.
Paul reasoned in Athens, engaging with Jews, Greeks, and philosophers, eventually addressing the Areopagus, proclaiming the unknown God and the resurrection of Jesus.
Some Athenians sneered at the resurrection, while others wanted to hear more, resulting in some becoming followers of Paul, including Dionysius and Damaris.
Paul left Athens for Corinth, where he met Aquila and Priscilla, reasoning in the synagogue and later devoting himself to preaching about Jesus as the Messiah.
Paul faced opposition in Corinth, leading to a disturbance and his departure for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila, where he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae due to a vow.
In Ephesus, Apollos, a learned man, taught about Jesus accurately but knew only John's baptism until Priscilla and Aquila instructed him further.
Paul encountered disciples in Ephesus who had not heard of the Holy Spirit, baptizing them in Jesus' name and imparting the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands.
A disturbance arose in Ephesus due to Demetrius, a silversmith, leading to an uproar over the worship of Artemis, with Paul eventually departing for Macedonia after encouraging the disciples.

01:51:06

Paul's Journey: Trials, Testimonies, and Triumphs

Paul set sail from Chios to Samos and then to Miletus, deciding to avoid Ephesus due to time constraints and his urgency to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.
Paul sent for the Elders of the church in Ephesus, emphasizing his humble service to the Lord amidst challenges from Jewish opponents and his unwavering dedication to preaching repentance and faith in Jesus.
Despite knowing hardships await him in Jerusalem, Paul is determined to fulfill his mission of testifying the good news of God's grace, warning the Elders of future challenges to the Church.
Paul bids farewell to the Elders, emphasizing his innocence in proclaiming the whole will of God and urging them to be vigilant in protecting the flock, emphasizing the importance of hard work and generosity.
After emotional farewells, Paul continues his journey, stopping at various cities like Tyre, Caesarea, and staying with Philip the Evangelist, before reaching Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, Paul reports his ministry among the Gentiles to James and the elders, leading to concerns about his teachings causing unrest among the Jewish believers.
To dispel rumors, Paul agrees to participate in purification rites with four men, demonstrating his adherence to the law, while also ensuring Gentile believers follow specific dietary restrictions.
Paul's presence in the temple leads to a riot instigated by Jews from Asia, resulting in his arrest by the Roman commander, who is surprised to learn Paul is a Roman citizen.
Paul defends himself before the Sanhedrin, highlighting his past persecution of Christians, his conversion on the road to Damascus, and his mission to the Gentiles, causing a division among the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Facing threats on his life, Paul is protected by the Roman commander, who plans to send him to Rome for trial, fulfilling the Lord's promise that Paul will testify in Rome.

02:08:52

Paul's Trial and Journey to Rome

Paul is to be brought before the Sanhedrin the next day under the pretext of needing more information about him.
Over 40 individuals are waiting in ambush to kill Paul, having sworn not to eat or drink until they achieve their goal.
The commander instructs 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to be ready to escort Paul to Caesarea at 9 PM that night.
A letter is written by Claudius Lissus to Governor Felix, detailing the situation and the need to transfer Paul safely.
Paul is escorted by soldiers to Caesarea, where he is handed over to Governor Felix.
Paul is accused before Governor Felix by the high priest Ananas, elders, and a lawyer named Tertullus.
Paul defends himself, stating his innocence and his beliefs, emphasizing his adherence to the law and his actions in Jerusalem.
Felix adjourns the proceedings, awaiting the arrival of Lissus to decide Paul's case.
Felix discusses Paul's case with King Agrippa and Bernice, hoping for a bribe but ultimately leaving Paul in prison.
Paul appeals to Caesar, leading to his journey to Rome with other prisoners, including a Centurion named Julius.

02:26:17

Surviving Storm: Paul's Courage and Faith

Majority decided to sail on to reach Phoenix for winter, facing a harbor in Crete with winds from Southwest and Northwest.
Caught in a hurricane-force storm, the ship faced severe damage, leading to throwing cargo and ship's tackle overboard.
Paul advised courage, assuring safety for all on board, as an angel promised their lives would be spared.
After 14 days of storm, sailors sensed land, dropped anchors, and attempted to escape on a lifeboat, but Paul warned against it.
Paul encouraged all to eat, took bread, gave thanks, and shared with others, boosting morale and survival.
Ship ran aground on Malta, where Paul healed the chief official's father and others, receiving supplies before continuing the journey to Rome.

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