Workers For Jesus Online Bible Study Table of Contents

About this Bible Study........The King James Version of the Bible is written in a beautiful form of the English language. It can be hard for modern English readers to understand.  In this study, you will find notes and summaries in brown just above the the verses from the Bible. We recommend that you read the notes and summaries first, and then read the verses in their KJV form. 



Timeline of the Bible


God creates the world. --- God destroys the world with the flood, but saves  Noah and his family.---
 God chooses Abraham and his descendants to His people. ---Abraham's grandson, Jacob, has 12 sons who lead the 12 tribes of Israel.--- The Israelites become slaves in Egypt.--- God helps the Israelites escape and leads them to Canaan. ---The Israelites fight in wars and take control of Canaan.---Judges lead the Israelites, but the Israelites want to have kings instead of judges. --- David is Israel's greatest king. --- Israel divides into 2 parts: Israel and Judah.--- The people of Israel and Judah continue to sin and worship false gods.--- God allows the Assyrians and the Babylonians to take the Israelites out of Israel and Judah.---   The Israelites (Jews) live in Babylonia and then Persia. --- When Persia defeats the Babylonians, the Jews go back to Judah.--- The Jews build God's Temple in Jerusalem again.--- Greece defeats Persia, and the Greeks control Judah (also now called Israel).--- The Jews become independent for 100 years.-- The Romans take control of Israel.--- Jesus is born. At age 30, Jesus begins his ministry. ---Jesus is crucified and then is resurrected.      This book of the Bible happens between theses times  A Roman named Saul is converted to Christianity and becomes Paul.--- Christianity spreads. --- ◄        Paul write letters to Christians in other places. In the year, 70 A.D., God's Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed again.

 

The Book of  Acts

Acts tells the story of the early Christian church and how Christianity spread to other parts of the world. It covers the first years of the Christian church. Most people who study the Bible feel that Jesus' disciple, Luke, was the author of Acts. They feel that the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts were meant to be together. They also feel that Luke may have planned to write a third book.

The 2 important people in the Book of Acts are Peter and Paul.  Some important events that happen in Acts are the coming of the Holy Spirit, the persecution of Christians, the conversion of Saul (Paul), and the spread of Christianity to other parts of the world.

 


Acts 4 -6

Peter and John are arrested.
Ananias and Sapphira lie about their money.
Seven men are picked to help take care of the disciples.
Stephen is arrested.

 


 

Acts 4


Peter and John are arrested
 

From FreeBibleImages.org

Peter and John were talking to the crowd. The priests, temple captain, and Sadducees came to them. They were mad because Peter and John were preaching about Jesus. They were telling people that Jesus was alive again.  The priests and all grabbed Peter and John. It was evening so they put them in jail until the next day.
[1] And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
[2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
[3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.


5,000 people had heard Peter and John and believed in Jesus.
[4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.


The next day, the rulers, elders, and scribes were there. The high priest, Annas, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander were also there. Several other family members of the high priest were there, too.

[5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
[6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.


They sat Peter and John in the middle of them. They asked them by what power or by what name they were preaching.
[7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?


Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost. He talked to them. He said, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if you are asking about us healing the disabled man, if you are asking how we healed him, we are telling you and everyone that we healed him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus Christ was who you crucified, then God raised him from the dead. It is by him that this man is standing here healed.
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
[10] 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.


Jesus is the stone which the builders didn't want. Now he is the most important stone.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.


There is no other way to be saved. There is no other name under heaven that will save. Jesus is the only name that will save.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.


They noticed that Peter and John were speaking boldly. They were surprised because they were not educated men. They knew that they had been with Jesus.
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.


They saw the man who was healed. He was standing with Peter and John. They could not say anything against it.
[14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.


After they sent Peter and John outside, they talked among themselves. They asked what they should do to Peter and John.  Everyone in Jerusalem had seen the miracle of them healing the man.
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.


They decided that they would tell Peter and John not to talk about Jesus anymore.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
 

From FreeBibleImages.org

They called Peter and John in and told them not to talk about Jesus. They should not teach anyone his name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.


Peter and John answered them. They said they will continue to tell about what they have seen and heard. They will obey God and talk about Jesus. They will not obey the council.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.


After the council threatened Peter and John, they let them leave. They did not know any way to punish them. They didn't know how to punish them because the other people glorified God for the healing.
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.


The man who was healed was 40 years old.  After Peter and John were let go, they went back to the other apostles. They told them everything that the chief priests and elders said.

[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
[23] And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.


When they heard what happened, they started to pray together. They prayed for Peter and John to speak boldly. Their prayer was:
Oh Lord, you are God. You made heaven, earth, the sea, and everything that is in them.  You gave words to David, and he asked why godless people get mad and imagine things that are not important. The earth's kings stood together against God and Jesus. They were against Jesus whom you anointed.  You anointed him to do whatever you wanted done. Now, Lord, see what they are threatening to do. Please give your workers boldness so that they can speak your word. They can heal through you and do signs and miracles in the name of Jesus.

[24] 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:
[25] Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
[26] The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
[27] 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,
[28] For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
[29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
[30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.


After they prayed, the place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They spoke God's word boldly.
[31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

 



Jesus' followers share their possessions with each other.


The group of people who believed in Jesus was large. They all felt the same. They shared what they had. None of them talked about what they owned, but they shared with everyone.
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.


The apostles told everyone that Jesus was alive again.  They had great power.  God gave them grace. They had everything they needed. Many sold their land and houses. They gave the money to the apostles. The apostles shared the money with everyone who needed something.
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.


A man named Joses (the apostles called him Barnabas (means someone who consoles other people) sold his land. He brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.  Barnabas was a Levite from the country of Cyprus.
[36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
[37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
 



Acts 5


Ananias and Sapphira lie about their money and are punished.


 
From FreeBibleImages.org

Ananias was a man, and his wife's name was Sapphira. They sold some land.  Ananias brought the money to the apostles, but he didn't bring it all.  His wife knew what he was doing.
[1] But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
[2] And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.


Peter talked to Ananias. He asked him why Satan had caused him to lie. Satan caused him to keep part of the money he earned from the land he sold. Satan caused him to lie to the Holy Ghost.  Before Ananias sold the land, it was his. After he sold it, the money was his.  He didn't need to lie and say he was bringing it all to the apostles. He didn't lie to men; he lied to God.

[3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.


Ananias heard what Peter said. Then he fell down and died. Everyone who heard this was very afraid.  Some of the young men got up, wound him in cloth, carried him out, and buried him.
[5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
[6] And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.


About 3 hours later, Sapphira came in. She didn't know what happened to her husband. Peter asked her if they sold their land or not. She said yes. Then she lied about how much they sold the land for. Peter asked her why she and her husband agreed to lie to the Holy Spirit. He told her that her husband was dead. He showed her the people who carried him out. He said the same people will carry her out. Then she died, too.  The same young men carried her out and buried her by her husband.
[7] And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
[8] And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
[9] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
[10] Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
[11] And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
 



The apostles do many miracles, then are arrested again.



The apostles did many wonderful miracles.  They met at the part of the Temple called Solomon's porch. People talked about how good they were. No one else tried to join with them.
[12] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
[13] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
 

Many more people began to believe in Jesus.
[14] And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
 

People brought sick people into the streets. They laid them on beds and couches (mats). They were hoping that Peter would walk past them. They felt that if Peter's shadow touched them, they would be healed.
[15] Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.


Many people came to Jerusalem from other cities. They brought their sick people. They brought people that had unclean spirits. All of them were healed.
[16] There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
 

Then, the high priest and the people with him (the Sadducees) became upset and jealous. They arrested the apostles and put them in prison.
[17] Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
[18] And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
 

From FreeBibleImages.org

The angel of the Lord came at night and opened the prison doors. The apostles escaped. The angel told them to go to the temple and preach. They should teach everyone about this new life.
[19] But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
[20] Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.


The apostles went to the temple early in the morning. They were teaching there.  When the high priest and the others met together, they asked for the apostles to be brought from jail.
[21] And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.


But when the officers went to the jail, the apostles were not there. They went to the priests and told them. The officers said that they had locked the jail doors and left guards there. But when they opened the doors, no one was there in the cell.
[22] But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
[23] Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.


The high priest and the others heard what the officers said. They did not know what had happened. Then, someone came and told them that the men they put in prison were now preaching in the temple.
[24] Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
[25] Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
 

The officers went and arrested the apostles at the temple. They did not use violence because they were afraid the people who supported the apostles would throw rocks at them and kill them.
[26] Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.


The officers brought them to the council. The high priest talked about how the men were told not to preach in Jesus' name. Now, they are filling Jerusalem with their beliefs. He said they are trying to make him responsible for Jesus' death.
[27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
[28] Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.


Peter and the other apostles answered. They said that they obey God and not men.  The priests killed Jesus and hung him on a tree (cross). God raised Jesus up to life.
[29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
[30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.


Jesus is on God's right hand. He is a Prince and a Saviour. He gives repentance to Israel. He forgives their sins.  The apostles said that they have seen these things.  God has given the Holy Spirit to the people who obey Him. The Holy Spirit is also a witness that Jesus was raised from the dead.
[31] 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.
[32] And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
 

The council heard what the apostles said. They were very upset and wanted to kill them.
[33] When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.



Gamaliel gives advice about dealing with the apostles.


One of the Pharisees was named Gamaliel. He was well-educated in the law. He was well-known among the priests. He told them to take the apostles away.

[34] Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;


Gamaliel talked to the council. He told them to be careful about what they do to the apostles.   He talked about some previous religious leaders.   One of the men was named Theudas. He said he was someone important. About 400 men followed him. After Theudas was killed,  his followers scattered and did nothing.  Another man was Judas from Galilee.  Many people followed him. He died, and all of his followers scattered.
[35] And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
[36] For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
[37] After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

 

From FreeBibleImages.org

Gamaliel told them to leave Jesus' apostles alone.  If Jesus was only a man, then nothing will happen. But if Jesus was God, then no one can defeat the apostles.  They would be fighting against God.
[38] And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
[39] But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
 

The men on the council agreed with Gamaliel. They called the apostles back in. They beat them and then told them they should not speak in the name of Jesus. Then they let them go.
[40] And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.


The apostles left the council. They were very happy because they felt honored to suffer for Jesus' name. 
[41] And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.


Everyday in the temple and in every house, they continued to teach and preach about Jesus Christ.
[42] And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
 



Acts 6


Seven men are picked to help take care of the disciples.


The number of Jesus' followers increased.  Some of the followers spoke Greek, and some spoke Hebrew. A situation happened between the Greek followers and the Hebrew followers. The Greeks complained that the Greek widows were not getting enough food to eat.
[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
 

From FreeBibleImages.org

The 12 apostles called all of the disciples (followers) to come to them.  They said they should not leave God's word to serve food to people. They told the disciples to pick 7 honest men to be in charge. The men should be wise and full of the Holy Spirit. The 7 men will take care of the food situation. The apostles will focus on prayer and telling people about God's word.
[2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
[3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
[4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
 

The disciples were happy about this. They chose the 7 men. The 7 men were:
Stephen -- a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit
Philip
Prochorus
Nicanor
Timon
Parmenas
Nicolas -- he was from the place named Antioch and had become a believer of Jesus
[5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:


The disciples brought the 7 men to the 12 apostles. The apostles prayed and laid their hands on them.
[6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

 



Stephen is arrested.



God's word increased. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly. Many priests also became followers of Jesus.

[7] And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
 

Stephen was full of faith and power. He did miracles among the people.
[8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
 

Some men from the synagogue argued with Stephen. But he won the arguments because the Holy Spirit gave him wisdom. The men were the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia.
[9] Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
[10] And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
 

From FreeBibleImages.org

The men from the synagogue got other men to lie. The men lied and said that they had heard Stephen say bad things against Moses and God.  They got the people, elders, and scribes angry. They caught Stephen and brought him to the council.
[11] Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
[12] And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,


They lied and said that he wouldn't stop saying bad things against the temple and God's laws.  They said they heard him say that Jesus will destroy the temple and change the laws that Moses gave them.

[13] And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
[14] For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.


The people in the council looked at Stephen. They saw that his face looked like the face of an angel.
[15] And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.