In today’s passage we see that Jesus knows how to prepare and position his people for what’s next. That’s the big idea in this passage, but there are also some wonderful little lessons that we will learn along the way. Acts 9:32-43

By looking into these “hidden years” in the life of the Apostle Paul we can learn something about how God shapes and moulds human character. This story provides an illustration of God’s careful, slow and quiet Providence in the lives of those he calls into Christian service. Acts 9:26-31

It would have been hard to find a Christian in those days whose life had not been soured in some way by Saul of Tarsus. He was infamous. He was wicked. He was a lost cause. Saul needed a comprehensive, head-to-toe-to-mind-to-heart TRANSFORMATION! And that’s what happened on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:1-25

In our text this morning, Philip has this incredible encounter with a man whom God has singled out to hear the Gospel. This man did not belong in the covenant community and, yet, God specifically, intentionally, and with great care sends Philip to bring the light of the Gospel of Jesus to him. Acts 8:26-40

Thus far in the story, we have watched as the gospel of Jesus Christ has transformed the city of Jerusalem. But here, in Acts 8, the gospel is beginning its spread to the nations! Acts 8:4-25

Last week we learned about the martyrdom of Stephen. Instead of responding in fear, the Church grew both in numbers and resilience and, in doing so, testified to the truth of Jesus’ Words. Acts 8:1-8

In today’s passage, we find the longest sermon in the book of Acts, and we meet the first martyr of the New Testament church. Acts 6:8 – 8:1a

Last week we looked at two dangers that threatened the early church: Persecution from without, and scandal from within. This morning, we learn that in addition to those dangers, even the health of the church was making life complicated! Today, we’re going to learn about the challenge associated with growth. Acts 6:1-7

In the face of threats, and scandals, the gospel is proclaimed, and the church grows! The jealous religious and political leaders watch on with contempt, and we find their response in our passage for this morning. Acts 5:17-42

The story in this passage is amazing and it raise some difficult questions but before we unpack it, we need to keep in mind two simpler question: What do we see in this story? What are we to make of signs and wonders? Acts 5:12-16