A Book I Read

It is filled with cultural and geographical interests. It also depicts man's search for reason and for God. It opens with the story of Christ's ascension after being 40 days upon the earth after his resurrection. This book opens, informing us that God has a purpose and a time regarding certain events to be reserved for His knowledge alone. With the pen of a ready writer, the author, under great inspiration, portrayed the early years of church history. In a most refreshing manner, this book, among other things, reiterated two things to me. 1. In the seemingly unprepared state that we often find ourselves, Jesus still believes in us. 2. God knows that through Him, we are able to do the things that He orders. Also, this is more than a review or summary. It is my attempt to recapture and internalize the totality of God's movement in the lives of both the clergy and laity. Just as Jesus promised, Acts records the mighty explosion of the descent of The Holy Spirit on The Day of Pentecost. It hides nothing, reveals prophesy and truth, neither accuses nor excuses anyone, exalting Christ alone. It reveals the massive power of God in fields of evangelism and missionary outreaches to all of the then known world. They, clergy and laity, went everywhere preaching the word. The Christians were rightly accused of one thing and falsely accused of many things as they stood before governors and kings. This book depicts the church's desire to respect and honor magistrates. It also demonstrates Rome's willingness to protect the rights of its individual citizens. It was also duly noted that the author gave special attention to the importance of people and places. They were people, although not totally immune from fear, yet they were bold, brave, courageous, and obedient. The Christians when made aware of Him, were submitted to The Holy Spirit. He was their commander, their director, their guide, their comforter. Oh, one more thing. Our lives may not end the way it begins. The book of Acts closes with Paul teaching with no one forbidding him. From morning until evening, Paul taught the Gospel of Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. Acts closes with Paul, having fought a good fight and finished his course. Not a novel, but history, Acts closes by showing that although Paul was under house arrest awaiting his trial, he was 'Free born'. He was born free as a Roman citizen, and born again as a citizen of heaven. Paul, having exhausted his appeals, at the end, he is shown awaiting execution by orders of Nero. 070521PS