Key Verse: "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,"
- Acts 10:1 KJV
In Caesarea lived a Roman centurion named Cornelius, a Gentile, yet a devout man who feared God, gave generously, and prayed continually. One day, he received a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter, who was staying in Joppa.
Key Verse: "And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda." - Acts 9:42 KJV
As the church continued to grow, the apostles traveled to strengthen and encourage believers. Peter, moving from place to place, came to Lydda where he met a man named Aeneas. Aeneas had been bedridden for eight years, paralyzed and unable to help himself. Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” Immediately, Aeneas rose. The miracle was undeniable, and many in Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord.
Key Verse: "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."
- Acts 9:20 KJV
After his dramatic encounter with Jesus and the restoration of his sight, Saul did not waste time. Almost immediately, he began to proclaim in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. The very man who once tried to destroy the church was now boldly defending the truth he had once opposed.
Key Verse: "And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"
- Acts 9:4 KJV
Saul of Tarsus was a man driven by zeal. Convinced that followers of Jesus were a threat, he actively sought to silence them. With authority from the high priest, he traveled toward Damascus, intent on arresting believers and bringing them to Jerusalem. But on that journey, everything changed.
Key Verse: "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." - Acts 6:8 KJV
Stephen, one of the first deacons chosen to serve the early church, was described as “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” He did great wonders and signs among the people, boldly proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ. Yet his faithfulness stirred opposition. False witnesses accused him, and he was brought before the council.
Key Verse: "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?" - Acts 5:3 KJV
In the midst of the early church’s unity and generosity, a sobering moment unfolds. Ananias and Sapphira sell a piece of property, but secretly keep back part of the money while pretending to give it all. Their sin is not in withholding a portion, it was theirs to give, but in deception. They want the appearance of full devotion without the reality of it.
Key Verse: "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."
- Acts 4:32 KJV
As the early church continues to grow, something beautiful begins to take shape, not just in their message, but in their lifestyle. They are described as being of “one heart and one soul.” This unity goes beyond words, it is reflected in how they treat one another. They no longer see their possessions as their own, but as resources to be used for the good of the entire community. Needs are met. No one is lacking.
Bible Reading: Acts 10:1–8 KJV Key Verse: " There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band call...
