Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts

There are many opinions about who Jesus Christ is. Of course, most people say they base their opinion on the Bible. If they do, it should be clear that he was raised from the dead and is seated at the Father’s right hand as Lord of all. Peter and the apostles spent at least a year with Jesus before he died and was raised. They also saw him in his resurrected spiritual body for forty days before he ascended. Then they preached to others about their risen Lord. Let’s see some of the things recorded in the Book of Acts where Peter, Paul, and others preached about Jesus.

First Person Witness: Jesus Himself

The obvious source for truth about who someone is, is the person themselves. Here’s what Jesus said about himself after he was risen from the dead [key points in capital letters]. The first record is with two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Luke 24:15,27,32:
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, JESUS HIMSELF drew near, and went with them.
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, HE EXPOUNDED UNTO THEM IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while HE OPENED TO US THE SCRIPTURES?

When I studied the Psalms and wrote a book about them, I was amazed at the prophecies about Jesus Christ in almost every psalm. The same is true of all other Bible books. He is the subject of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus BEGAN at Moses and the prophets. That is the natural starting point, from God’s promise to send a redeemer in Genesis 3:15. And then to go to all the prophets. But Jesus didn’t stop there. He expounded to these two men IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES about himself. That covers every written truth about him. We can understand why their hearts burned inside them.

These two men went to the eleven apostles and some disciples with them to share the good news of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus decided to come in person and back up what they were saying.

Luke 24:36:
And as they thus spake, JESUS HIMSELF stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Jesus had taught them while on earth many truths about what the scriptures foretold of himself. The Old Testament was divided into three sections in the Jewish Canon: the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Writings (Ketuvim). Jesus told them that all these prophecies about him must come to pass. And now he helped them to understand what was written.

Luke 24:44,45:
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the LAW OF MOSES, AND IN THE PROPHETS, AND IN THE PSALMS, CONCERNING ME.
Then opened he their understanding, that THEY MIGHT UNDERSTAND THE SCRIPTURES.

Then Jesus told them what he would do for them after he ascended to the Father.

Luke 24:46-49:
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until YE BE ENDUED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH.

He instructed them to preach forgiveness of sins in his name. AND they would soon be endued [clothed] with power from on high. They would be filled by the Holy Spirit. We see these same truths at the end of the other three gospels.

Matthew 28:18-20:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in…MY NAME [according to quotations from the first century].
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Mark 16:14-20:
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and PREACH THE GOSPEL to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized [spiritually in the name of Jesus Christ] shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be judged.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, HE WAS RECEIVED UP INTO HEAVEN, AND SAT ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

John 20:19-23:
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, RECEIVE YE THE HOLY SPIRIT:
WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Peter and the Apostles

The Book of Acts records from where Luke left off in his gospel and continues with God working mightily in the early church. It opens with Jesus in his resurrected body, teaching his disciples.

Acts 1:3-9:
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Peter and the other apostles waited in Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed them. Since it was the Feast of Pentecost, they were all together in the Temple. We learn that it was the third hour of the day or 9 a.m. That was an hour of prayer when the apostles were in the Temple along with thousands of others. The “promise of the Father” spoken of by Jesus became a reality.

Acts 2:1,4:
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The miracle was that, although the apostles didn’t know the languages they spoke, some people in the crowd did understand.

Acts 2:8
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Now we are ready to see Peter’s first sermon about Jesus Christ.

Peter’s Witness:

Peter explained to the crowd in the Temple that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfilled a prophecy by Joel. He concluded by quoting that “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Acts 2:14-21:
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Joel referred to calling on the name of the Lord God. Peter brought it into the present by referring to Jesus Christ as the risen Lord, sitting at the Father’s right hand. That is the Lord we call upon today. Paul made this clear in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 10:8-13:
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [Jesus Christ] shall be saved.

Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah. God revealed it to him while Jesus was still on earth. Jesus foretold that Peter was to be a foundational leader in the Christian church, and that he would have the authority to speak for God and make available forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16:15-19:
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Continuing his sermon about Jesus Christ on Pentecost, Peter explained that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead. That is how a person is saved.

Acts 2:22-24:
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

What are some truths that Peter taught about Jesus Christ?

Jesus was a man from Nazareth.
God approved Jesus by miracles, wonders, and signs.
God worked in Jesus by the power of the holy spirit to do those things. Matthew 9:8 says the people marveled when Jesus miraculously healed people, that God had given such power [authority] to men.
God knew in advance that the Judean religious leaders would turn Jesus over to die at the hand of the Romans.
God raised Jesus up from death, because death could not keep him.

Acts 2:25-32:
For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell [the grave], neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ [the Messiah] to sit on his throne;
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Here are more truths that Peter taught about Jesus Christ.

David prophesied that God would not leave the Messiah in the grave.
David prophesied that God would not allow the Messiah’s body to decay.
David is dead and buried in a tomb that all could see.
God promised David that the Messiah would come from his bloodline [2 Samuel 7:12-16] according to the flesh. Jesus’ mother Mary was a direct descendant of David through Solomon. She supplied the “flesh” with a human egg. But God was Jesus’ literal Father. He supplied the life that impregnated Mary’s egg.
David prophesied that the Messiah would be resurrected.
God raised up Jesus, and the apostles were witnesses of that.

Acts 2:33-38:
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Peter taught the thousands in the Temple area HOW to be saved [make Jesus Lord and believe God raised him from the dead]. Here are more truths about Jesus.

Jesus is exalted and ascended to the Father’s right hand.
Jesus received the promise of the Father.
Now the holy spirit is shed forth and can be seen and heard [speaking in tongues].
Peter quotes Psalms 110:1. The Hebrew text is very revealing. The Lord [Jehovah, God] said to my [David’s] Lord [adon, the Messiah] that he would sit at God’s right hand.
Israel had Jesus crucified.
God made Jesus both Lord AND Messiah [Christ]. Jesus did not exist as Lord until God MADE him Lord [Philippians 2:9-11].
People need to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Then they can receive [Greek lambanō, to manifest forth] the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Thousands believed the words of Peter and the apostles that day of Pentecost. Believers fellowshipped together in the Jerusalem area. One day, while entering the Temple, Peter and John healed a lame man. The people were amazed. Peter taught them more about Jesus Christ. His emphasis was on God’s care for Israel in sending the Messiah to them.

Acts 3:12-26:
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

What are some truths about Jesus that Peter told the people in Jerusalem?

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob glorified His Son, Jesus.
Those of Israel denied Jesus, the holy one, and asked for a murderer, Barabbas, to be released.
They killed, with the help of the Romans, the prince of life [Jesus].
God raised Jesus from the dead.
The apostles are witnesses of the resurrection.
The lame man was healed through faith in the name of Jesus.
The prophets foretold Jesus’ suffering, and it came to pass.
If they repent [believe on Jesus], their sins will be blotted out.
Jesus Christ will return after a time for the restitution of all things.
Jesus fulfilled Moses’ prophecy for he was a prophet like unto Moses.
Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that all nations would be blessed in Abraham’s seed.
God raised His Son, Jesus, and sent him to bless those who turn from their iniquities.

After the healing of the lame man, Peter and John were taken captive by the priests, captain of the temple, and Sadducees. They were brought before Annas, the high priest, Caiaphas, and other religious leaders. Peter again taught many truths about Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:8-12:
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:24-28:
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Peter taught the religious leaders about Jesus, even though they had orchestrated his murder.

The lame man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
They crucified Jesus.
God raised Jesus from the dead.
Jesus was the rejected stone that became the cornerstone [Psalms 118:22].
There is salvation in none other than Jesus.
Jesus is the only name whereby a person can be saved.
Earthly kings stood up against God and His Messiah.
God anointed His holy child, Jesus.
Herod, Pontius Pilate, the gentiles, and people of Israel gathered to carry out what God had foretold.

These religious leaders took the apostles and put them in prison. An angel of the Lord released them. They were again brought before the counsel, and Peter and the apostles taught more about Jesus.

Acts 5:29-32:
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Peter obeyed God and continued to teach about Jesus. He told the religious leaders more truths.

The God of Israel’s fathers raised up Jesus.
They had slain Jesus and hanged him on a tree [via the Romans].
God exalted Jesus to his right hand.
Jesus is a prince and a savior.
Jesus gives repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
The apostles who had the gift of holy spirit witnessed to those things.
God gives His holy spirit to those who obey Him [Romans 10:9].

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Stephen and Philip

Later, Stephen was taken captive and eventually stoned to death. Prior to his death he taught an overview of the Old Testament, including truths about Jesus.

Acts 7:2, 51-53:
And he [Stephen] said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran.
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Stephen taught about Jesus.

The prophets foretold of the coming of Jesus, the just one.
The Israelites betrayed and murdered Jesus.

Philip taught the people of Samaria about Jesus as the Messiah.

Acts 8:5,12,16:
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Philip preached Christ, Jesus as the Messiah, to them.
They believed Philip’s preaching about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.
Men and women were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. They had not yet manifested the spirit.

Philip was directed by an angel to take the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. There he met a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians. Philip taught him about Jesus.

Acts 8:35,37:
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

The eunuch had been reading Isaiah 53, including verse 7 about the Messiah. Philip began from that scripture and preached Jesus.
Philip told the eunuch to believe on Jesus with all his heart.
The eunuch believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: the Apostle Paul Begins to Teach

After receiving a vision of Jesus on the Road to Damascus, Saul [later Paul] was healed by Ananias. Then Saul began to minister to others in Damascus, and to teach about Jesus.

Acts 9:19-22:
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Paul preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Saul increased in strength, confounded the Jews, and proved that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah].

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Peter Continues to Teach

Peter came to Lydda and healed a man named Aeneas.

Acts 9:33,34:
And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Peter taught Aeneas that Jesus Christ makes him whole.
He was healed in the name of Jesus Christ.

Later, Peter got revelation to visit a Roman Centurion named Cornelius. Cornelius received a vision to send for Peter. God made sure they both were ready to meet. Here is what Peter told Cornelius and his household [notice it includes that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead].

Acts 10:34-43:
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter told these Gentiles about the historical context of Jesus’ ministry in Judean culture and religion. Here are some more great truths about our Savior:

God accepts anyone of any nation who believes on His Son.
God sent His Word, the living Word, the Word in the flesh—His Son, Jesus.
Jesus preached true peace with the Father.
God anointed Jesus with holy spirit power.
Jesus went about doing good.
Jesus healed all that were oppressed by the Devil and his forces.
God was WITH His Son.
Peter and the apostles witnessed to what Jesus did during his earthly ministry in Judea, Galilee, and Jerusalem.
Judean religious leaders had Jesus crucified by the Romans.
God raised Jesus from death after three days and nights.
God openly revealed His risen Son when he ate and drank with some of his disciples.
Jesus commanded them to preach to the people about himself.
Jesus was ordained of God as judge—both of the living and the dead.
All the prophets witness of Jesus: that anyone who believes in this risen Messiah and Lord will receive remission of sins.

While Peter was telling Cornelius and his household these truths, they believed and were born again. They also spoke in tongues to show forth God’s power within them. Peter initially wanted to baptize them as a symbol of their new life in Christ.

Acts 10:48:
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

But after consideration, Peter remembered Jesus’ command. They don’t need to baptize like John did in water. Being filled with the holy spirit was the proof of salvation. And these people had spoken in tongues to show forth that they were filled with the holy spirit.

Acts 11:16:
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Believers from Cyprus and Cyrene

As news of Jesus as risen Lord moved out, people from the island of Cyprus and from Cyrene in North Africa preached the Lord Jesus. Many believed and turned to the Lord Jesus.

Acts 11:20,21:
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Paul and Barnabas

Antioch was a major city where many people believed on Jesus. The Judean Christian leaders in Jerusalem send Barnabas there to encourage them in their walk in Christ. He exhorted them to “cleave” to the Lord. To walk in who they were in Christ.

Acts 11:22,23:
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Paul joined Barnabas to preach Jesus. They came to Salamis, a Greek city-state on the east coast of Cyprus, at the mouth of the river Pedieos. There, they preached about Jesus along with a young man named John, who assisted them.

Acts 13:5:
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

At the city of Paphos on the island, they visited a political leader, who had requested to hear them preach about Jesus.

Acts 13:7:
Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Paul and Barnabas were interrupted by a devil-possessed sorcerer, a false prophet, a Judean, whose name was Barjesus. He tried to stop Paul from preaching, but Paul prophesied that he would be temporarily blind. Sergius Paulus was amazed at this.

Acts 13:12:
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Paul was able to preach the “doctrine of the Lord.” He taught about Jesus Christ. Paul and Barnabas next sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, while John returned home to Jerusalem. Paul spoke at the synagogue there.

Acts 13:15,16:
And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Paul opened his teaching by reminding his listeners of Old Testament history. Finally, he got to King David, the ancestor of Jesus Christ. He then taught great truths about Jesus:

Acts 13:22-39:
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
But God raised him from the dead:
And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Jesus is the Savior, from the seed of David.
John the Baptist said he was unworthy to remove the sandals from Jesus’ feet. He had great respect for his relative, God’s true Messiah.
The Judean religious leaders fulfilled the scriptures [like Isaiah 53] in condemning Jesus to death.
These religious leaders persuaded Pontius Pilate to crucify Jesus.
They took him down from the cross and buried Jesus in a sepulcher.
God raised Jesus from the dead.
The risen Christ was seen for many days [40] by those who came with him from Galilee.
God fulfilled His promise to the Hebrew fathers in raising Jesus from the dead.
That fulfilled prophecies in the Old Testament: Psalm 2:7 said God had begotten His Son; Isaiah 55:3 said that God would make an everlasting covenant with His people, even the sure mercies of David; Psalms 16:10 said God would not leave the Messiah’s soul in the grave nor would God allow His Holy One [the Messiah] to see corruption.
David was buried and has seen corruption. God raised Jesus, who saw NO corruption.
Through Jesus is preached the forgiveness of sins.
By Jesus, all who believe are justified before God. They cannot be justified by the law of Moses.

The Gentiles in Perga also wanted to hear about Jesus on the following Sabbath day. Almost the whole city came to hear Paul teach about Jesus. Despite jealous Judeans who contradicted Paul, he preached boldly about Jesus.

Acts 13:47-49:
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

Paul and Barnabas were sent to make known Jesus as a light to all nations. Salvation in Christ is available to anyone in the world. They continued to preach Jesus throughout that region.

In Iconium, they also taught great truths about Jesus. They stayed there a long time and boldly spoke of him. God supplied signs and wonders at their hands in the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 14:1,3:
And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

At Lystra, Paul healed a man crippled from birth. With such an open door, they preached Jesus in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.

Acts 14:20-23:
Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

After meeting with other leaders in Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas taught and preached about Jesus back in Antioch.

Acts 15:35:
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Paul and Silas

Paul now preached the truths of Jesus with Silas, and they were accompanied by Luke. They were called to preach in Macedonia and came to the city of Philippi. Paul taught women who prayed near the riverside.

Acts 16:13-15:
And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned after casting an evil spirit out of a “psychic” girl. God opened the prison and loosed their shackles with an earthquake. They then shouted to prevent the jail keeper from killing himself. This man then wanted to know about Jesus.

Acts 16:30-33:
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Paul and Silas taught this man and his family about Jesus. They then passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Judean synagogue.

Acts 17:2,3:
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Paul taught further truths about Jesus:

The Messiah needed to suffer, according to the scriptures.
God raised Jesus from the dead.
That same Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who is Lord of all.

Some of the Judeans refused the teaching and stirred up trouble. Paul moved on to Berea.

Acts 17:10-12:
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

The Bereans were wonderful believers. Paul taught them about Jesus, and they went to the Old Testament prophecies themselves to see that it was true. Many believed on Jesus. Paul next moved on to Athens and taught on Mars’ Hill, where many Greek philosophers resorted. He spoke of Jesus Christ.

Acts 17:30,31:
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Paul taught them truths about Jesus.

All men must repent [believe on Jesus] to be saved.
God ordained Jesus as Lord to judge the world righteously. That appointed day is coming.
God proved Jesus is the Lord in that He raised Jesus from the dead.

From there, Paul went to Corinth. He witnessed about Jesus.

Acts 18:4,5:
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Being spiritually motivated Paul taught about Jesus to the Judeans.

Jesus was the promised Messiah.

God told Paul to stay in Corinth and teach about Jesus because many would believe on him in that city. Paul stayed there for a year and a half.

Acts 18:8-11:
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Apollos

A man from Alexandria, Egypt, named Apollos taught about Jesus in Ephesus. He showed from the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus was the true Messiah. Apollos then went to Achaia and preached there.

Acts 18:24,28:
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Apollos showed from the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus was the true Messiah.
He also showed them that they could be saved by God’s grace through Jesus.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Paul Continues to Teach

Paul also came to Ephesus and found out about what the Christians there believed. He then spent two years and three months systematically teaching them about Jesus.

Acts 19:1,9,10:
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Paul taught them “the word of the Lord Jesus.” He systematically taught who their risen Lord was.

While visiting Troas, Paul preached until late into the night.

Acts 20:7:
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Paul visited Miletus and sent for the Christian leaders from Ephesus to join him there. He reminded them of two main parts of his teaching.

Acts 20:17,20,21:
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul said he taught publicly and privately to Judeans and Gentiles.
He taught about repentance toward God, which includes accepting Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead.
That brings the faith of Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:28:
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of the Lord [Jesus Christ], which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Paul also reminded them to care for the church of Jesus Christ.
Jesus purchased those in the church with his own blood.

Acts 20:35:
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul taught these leaders to remember what the Lord Jesus said, especially about giving, and service to others.

Paul was taken as a Roman prisoner. He taught King Agrippa about Jesus while in custody.

Acts 26:20,22,23:
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Paul again spoke to Judeans and Gentiles.
He taught about repentance toward God, which includes accepting Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead.
He taught that Jesus fulfilled what was spoken of him in the law of Moses and the prophets.
The Messiah suffered and was the firsts permanently raised from death.
Jesus shines as a light to Judeans and to ALL nations.

At the end of the Book of Acts, Paul lives in a hired house. While there, he taught a group of Judeans about Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:22-24:
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Paul again taught that Jesus fulfilled what was spoken of him in the law of Moses and the prophets. This is the central truth of the Kingdom of God.

Acts 28:30,31:
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

For two years, Paul taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught with all boldness and no one could prevent him from speaking the truth.

Teaching Jesus in the Book of Acts: Common Truths

What are some truths we learn about Jesus Christ in the Book of Acts? Here are more than 100 truths. Many are the same truths repeated to different audiences. The two greatest truths are that Jesus is Lord of all and that God raised His Son from the dead [Romans 10:9,10]. The early Christians taught others how to receive the new birth in Christ.

Jesus was a man from Nazareth.
God approved Jesus by miracles, wonders, and signs.
God worked in Jesus by the power of the holy spirit to do those things. Matthew 9:8 says the people marveled when Jesus miraculously healed people, that God had given such power [authority] to men.
God knew in advance that the Judean religious leaders would turn Jesus over to die at the hand of the Romans.
God raised Jesus up from death, because death could not keep him.
David prophesied that God would not leave the Messiah in the grave.
David prophesied that God would not allow the Messiah’s body to decay.
David is dead and buried in a tomb that all could see.
God promised David that the Messiah would come from his bloodline [2 Samuel 7:12-16] according to the flesh. Jesus’ mother Mary was a direct descendant of David through Solomon. She supplied the “flesh” with a human egg. But God was Jesus’ literal Father. He supplied the life that impregnated Mary’s egg.
David prophesied that the Messiah would be resurrected.
God raised up Jesus, and the apostles were witnesses of that.
Jesus is exalted and ascended to the Father’s right hand.
Jesus received the promise of the Father.
Now the holy spirit is shed forth and can be seen and heard [speaking in tongues].
Peter quotes Psalms 110:1. The Hebrew text is very revealing. The Lord [Jehovah, God] said to my [David’s] Lord [adon, the Messiah] that he would sit at God’s right hand.
Israel had Jesus crucified.
God made Jesus both Lord AND Messiah [Christ]. Jesus was not Lord until God MADE him Lord [Philippians 2:9-11].
People need to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Then they can receive [Greek lambanō, to manifest forth] the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob glorified His Son, Jesus.
Those of Israel denied Jesus, the holy one, and asked for a murderer, Barabbas, to be released.
They killed, with the help of the Romans, the prince of life [Jesus].
God raised Jesus from the dead.
The apostles are witnesses of the resurrection.
The lame man was healed through faith in the name of Jesus.
The prophets foretold Jesus’ suffering, and it came to pass.
If they repent [believe on Jesus], their sins will be blotted out.
Jesus Christ will return after a time for the restitution of all things.
Jesus fulfilled Moses’ prophecy for he was a prophet like unto Moses.
Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that all nations would be blessed in Abraham’s seed.
God raised His Son, Jesus, and sent him to bless those who turn from their iniquities.
The lame man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
They crucified Jesus.
God raised Jesus from the dead.
Jesus was the rejected stone that became the cornerstone [Psalms 118:22].
There is salvation in none other than Jesus.
Jesus is the only name whereby a person can be saved.
Earthly kings stood up against God and His Messiah.
God anointed His holy child, Jesus.
Herod, Pontius Pilate, the gentiles, and people of Israel gathered to carry out what God had foretold.
The God of Israel’s fathers raised up Jesus.
They had slain Jesus and hanged him on a tree [via the Romans].
God exalted Jesus to his right hand.
Jesus is a prince and a savior.
Jesus gives repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
The apostles who had the gift of holy spirit witnessed to those things.
God gives His holy spirit to those who obey Him [Romans 10:9].
The prophets foretold of the coming of Jesus, the just one.
The Israelites betrayed and murdered Jesus.
Philip preached Christ, Jesus as the Messiah, to them.
They believed Philip’s preaching about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.
Men and women were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. They had not yet manifested the spirit.
The eunuch had been reading Isaiah 53, including verse 7 about the Messiah. Philip began from that scripture and preached Jesus.
Philip told the eunuch to believe on Jesus with all his heart.
The eunuch believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Paul preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Saul increased in strength, confounded the Jews, and proved that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah].
Peter taught Aeneas that Jesus Christ makes him whole.
He was healed in the name of Jesus Christ.
God accepts anyone of any nation who believes on His Son.
God sent His Word, the living Word, the Word in the flesh—His Son, Jesus.
Jesus preached true peace with the Father.
God anointed Jesus with holy spirit power.
Jesus went about doing good.
Jesus healed all that were oppressed by the Devil and his forces.
God was WITH His Son.
Peter and the apostles witnessed to what Jesus did during his earthly ministry in Judea, Galilee, and Jerusalem.
Judean religious leaders had Jesus crucified by the Romans.
God raised Jesus from death after three days and nights.
God openly revealed His risen Son when he ate and drank with some of his disciples.
Jesus commanded them to preach to the people about himself.
Jesus was ordained of God as judge—both of the living and the dead.
All the prophets witness of Jesus: that anyone who believes in this risen Messiah and Lord will receive remission of sins.
Jesus is the Savior, from the seed of David.
John the Baptist said he was unworthy to remove the sandals from Jesus’ feet. He had great respect for his relative, God’s true Messiah.
The Judean religious leaders fulfilled the scriptures [like Isaiah 53] in condemning Jesus to death.
These religious leaders persuaded Pontius Pilate to crucify Jesus.
They took him down from the cross and buried Jesus in a sepulcher.
God raised Jesus from the dead.
The risen Christ was seen for many days [40] by those who came with him from Galilee.
God fulfilled His promise to the Hebrew fathers in raising Jesus from the dead.
That fulfilled prophecies in the Old Testament: Psalm 2:7 said God had begotten His Son; Isaiah 55:3 said that God would make an everlasting covenant with His people, even the sure mercies of David; Psalms 16:10 said God would not leave the Messiah’s soul in the grave nor would God allow His Holy One [the Messiah] to see corruption.
David was buried and has seen corruption. God raised Jesus, who saw NO corruption.
Through Jesus is preached the forgiveness of sins.
By Jesus, all who believe are justified before God. They cannot be justified by the law of Moses.
The Messiah needed to suffer, according to the scriptures.
God raised Jesus from the dead.
That same Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who is Lord of all.
The Messiah needed to suffer, according to the scriptures.
God raised Jesus from the dead.
That same Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who is Lord of all.
Jesus was the promised Messiah.
Apollos showed from the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus was the true Messiah.
He also showed them that they could be saved by God’s grace through Jesus.
Paul said he taught publicly and privately to Judeans and Gentiles.
He taught about repentance toward God, which includes accepting Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead.
That brings the faith of Jesus Christ.
Paul also reminded them to care for the church of Jesus Christ.
Jesus purchased those in the church with his own blood.
Paul taught these leaders to remember what the Lord Jesus said, especially about giving and service to others.
Paul again said he Judeans and Gentiles.
He taught about repentance toward God, which includes accepting Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead.
He taught that Jesus fulfilled what was spoken of him in the law of Moses and the prophets.
The Messiah suffered and was the firsts permanently raised from death.
Jesus shines as a light to Judeans and to ALL nations.
He taught about repentance toward God, which includes accepting Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead.
He taught that Jesus fulfilled what was spoken of him in the law of Moses and the prophets.
The Messiah suffered and was the firsts permanently raised from death.
Jesus shines as a light to Judeans and to ALL nations.
Paul again taught that Jesus fulfilled what was spoken of him in the law of Moses and the prophets. This is the central truth of the Kingdom of God.

Let’s remember what the early Christians taught about Jesus. That will help us discern between truth and error in modern Church doctrines.