Contents

Into His

Marvelous

Light

A Bible Study

By Kirk Bates and Galen Walters

In dedication to Pastor Ron Macey
for his prayerful support
and wise counsel in the
preparation of this Bible Study.

Scripture references are from the King James version of the Holy Bible

Let's continue !


Introduction

When walking out of a dark room into the sunshine, light can be blinding.  As our eyes become accustomed to the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us.  Likewise, when we look into the light of the scriptures, the brightness of truth can sometimes hurt.  However, as our spiritual eyesight becomes adjusted we can enjoy "walking in the light".

This Bible study is designed to allow us to "walk" into the marvelous light of the Word of God.  We will be journeying into the scriptures by imagining we are back in the days of Jesus and the Apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of salvation.  In order to do this, we will be careful to "rightly divide the word of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) by concentrating on the highlights of the three main divisions of the New Testament in chronological order, including:

1. THE GOSPELS - covering the words and works of Jesus Christ

2.  THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - covering the actions and preaching of the Apostles

3.  THE EPISTLES - covering the letters written by the Apostles to the churches which they started in the Book of Acts

Proceed into the Light


Entry
We believe the scriptures are divinely inspired and, "of no private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20-21).  Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God without adding to, or taking away from its teachings (Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6).  It is not our intention to diminish any personal relationship you may have with our Lord.  Neither do we desire to convince you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination.  We simply desire to share the truth as it is written.  Only by claiming the Bible as our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation,  for it is the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in the end.

Press here

to  read 2 Timothy 3:15-16 as we begin our journey into the Word of God.

When you see this symbol    press it to see other pertinent scriptures, if desired.

Let's go !


The Gospels
Part 1

INTO THE GOSPELS

* John 1:1-5 & 14

In the beginning, the ____________ was God and became flesh.

Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.

* John 1:11-13

If we believe in Him and receive Him, Jesus gives us power to become the sons of ______ by a supernatural birth.  He spoke further about this new birth one night to a ruler of the Jews....

* John 3:1-8

The Lord told Nicodemus that everyone who wanted to see or enter into the Kingdom of God, must be born again of ______ and the __________.

* John 3:16-21

Jesus also told  Nicodemus that whosoever ________ in Him should have eternal life.  Jesus mentioned two seemingly different requirements for salvation, one is being born again, the other is believing.  Yet, this is not a contradiction.  The next scripture explains how believing is related to experiencing the birth of the Spirit.

* John 7:38-39

Here, we discover that is we believe on Him (according to the Word) , we will receive the _______. We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way we think.  It also results in a scriptural experience.

* John 12:35-36 & 42-43

Today, just as in Jesus' day, many believe on Him.  But, they will not _____ Him for fear of what others will do or say.

* John 12:44-48

In response to their fearfulness, Jesus warns that His ________ will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it,  Rather, we should believe and obey it... no matter what others say or do.

* John 17:17-20

In Jesus' prayer for His disciples, just before His crucifixion, He said God's Word is ________.

He also prayed for us: and for all those who would believe on Him through the Apostles' word.

To find out what the Apostles' word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim.  The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49 is just after the Lord's death, burial and resurrection....and just before His ascension into heaven.

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it behooved 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 in Jerusalem.  And you are witnesses of these things.  And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high.

ø DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE MESSAGE WHICH JESUS COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM?

ø HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER FULFILLED?

Let us continue our journey into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at Jerusalem.


The Acts of the Apostles
Part 2

INTO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

* Acts 1:3-5

As  we enter the Book of Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is the baptism of the __________  _________________.

* Acts 2:1-7

When the Apostles were at Jerusalem, they, along with many others, were joyously filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other _______________ as the Spirit gave the utterance (ability to speak).  The amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with tongues asked, "What meaneth this?"  Then Peter explained the promised coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original Apostolic plan of salvation.

* Acts 2:36-39

When the people who heard Peter's words believed that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior, they were sorry for their sins and asked Peter and the Apostles what they should do.  Peter replied by preaching the message Jesus commanded to be preached in Luke 24: 45-49.  In light of this, consider the three elements of the Plan of salvation Peter preached in verse 38:

l. REPENTANCE

2. REMISSION OF SINS THROUGH WATER BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

3. RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

NOTICE:  Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of the two "new birth" requirements Jesus mentioned in John 3:5 that were necessary to enter the Kingdom of God.  Water birth = baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.  Spirit birth = infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Now, let's look at some more examples of people being "born again" of water and the Spirit as the Word Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of Acts....

PHILIP PREACHING TO THE SAMARITANS IN ACTS 8

NOTICE : Some people say when they experienced joy, or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were automatically filled with the Holy Spirit.  But what does the Word say?

* Acts 8:5-8
Did they have great joy?	yes ___  no ___

vs. 12Did they believe in Jesus Christ?	yes ___  no ___

vs. 14-17Were they baptized in His name?	yes ___  no ___

Did they receive the Holy Spirit as a separate and distinct experience? yes___  no___

PETER PREACHING TO THE GENTILES IN ACTS 10...

NOTICE: Some people say being religious is enough, or that the Spirit-

baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the Day of Pentecost.  If the Bible says this is true, then it is true.  But if the Word shows us through Cornelius' experience that this is not true...then it is not.

* Acts 10:1-2Was Cornelius a religious man?	yes___ no___

vs. 5-6Did God have more for him to do?	yes___ no___

vs. 44-46Did they receive the Holy Spirit and ppeak in tongues after the day of Pentecost?	yes___ no___

vs. 47-48Did they still have to be baptized in the name of Jesus? yes___ no___

PAUL PREACHING TO JOHN'S DISCIPLES IN ACTS 19...

NOTICE: Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Spirit that is promised to them.  Also, some people say it is not necessary to be baptized or re-baptized.  (If you were baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be re-baptized using a different method?)  Others say it does not matter what is spoken when you are baptized.  If the Bible indicates it does not matter, then it does not matter.  But...what if the Bible shows us it DOES matter?

See Acts 19:1-6

* Acts 19:1-2	They were believers, but had they heard of, or received the Holy Spirit?

yes___  no___

vs.3-5	Did those baptized by John the Baptist have to be re-baptized in the name of Jesus?

yes ___  no ___

vs.6	Was receiving the Holy Spirit accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues?	yes ___  no ___

We have found that the Apostles preached the following salvation message:

1.	The life of Christ and His death, burial and resurrection

2.	Repentance toward God and belief in Jesus Christ

3.	Baptism in water by immersion in Jesus' Name

4.	Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (which was accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues)

Now, let us read what the Apostles had to say about the message of salvation they proclaimed in the Book of Acts.  We can do this by reading the epistles (letters) they wrote to their converts.

Lets continue into the Epistles !


The Epistles

Part 3

INTO THE EPISTLES

As we read the Epistles, we will notice how strongly the Apostles felt about the gospel (good news) of salvation.  This is not because they were being judgmental.  It is because they knew the Word which Jesus had given them to teach, was going to judge all men.

 What Did Peter Say?

"You have purified your souls in obeying the truth...being born again ... by the word of God and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1Peter 1:22-25)

Obedience to God's Word purified our souls.

Peter Asked a Question:

"...What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17-18)

Paul Gave The Answer:

"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that Obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

It is eternally important to obey the gospel.

What Did Paul Say?

"I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-9)

What Did James Say?

"...Receive with meekness the engrafted work, which is able to save your souls.  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, (deceiving your own selves).  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." (James 1:21-24)

The Word is able to save our souls.

JAMES TELLS US THAT IS WE SEE SOMETHING WE HEED TO DO, AS WE LOOK INTO THE 'MIRROR OF THE WORD', WE SHOULD DO IT.

LET US NOW CONSIDER WHAT WE WILL DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE HEARD...

CONCLUSION ___________________

DO YOU BELIEVE the Word of God is true and that the Word will judge us?

DO YOU BELIEVE Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior?

DO YOU BELIEVE it is necessary to repent by determining to turn from sin and giving your life to God?

DO YOU BELIEVE  water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is the biblical way to be baptized?

DO YOU BELIEVE  the baptism of the Holy Spirit is fro you today, and when you receive it you will speak in other tongues, just as they did in the Bible?

IF YOU BELIEVE THESE THINGS, PRAY RIGHT NOW, ASKING GOD TO ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT HE HAS FOR YOU.

Thank you for giving this time to allow God to speak to your heart !

We encourage you to read through the Gospels, Acts and Epistles in detail, and continue to walk, "...Into His Marvelous Light".

The Bible supplies many witnesses for every basic doctrine which it establishes. Press here to study more scripture evidence for the issues presented in this short Bible study ...

To contact the authors

P.O. Box 90507

Houston, TX  77290-0507

© 1987 All rights Reserved

This Bible Study can not be reproduced in part or full except by the express

written consent of the authors.

For more information on where you can find a church which believes and teaches the original Apostolic plan of salvation, and the Christian life of victory which we have found in these scriptures, press here.


Supplimental Scriptures

SUPPLEMENTAL STUDY SCRIPTURES

(1) Matthew 7:13-24

NOTE: God's warning regarding false prophets and the importance of being a doer and not just a hearer of the Word.

(2) Matthew 16:15-19

NOTE: Peter was given the "keys of the kingdom" because of his revelation of who Jesus Christ was.

(3) Other "Great Commission" scriptures:

NOTE: In Matthew 28:18-20 the word "name" is singular in this command to baptize.  The Apostles obeyed this command when they baptized only in the name of Jesus, and did not use the titles mentioned here (See Acts 4:12)

Mark 16:15-18.  The importance of water baptism and the signs following believers.

(4) Matthew 16:15-19

NOTE: Peter, who was given the "keys of the kingdom", uses them to open the "kingdom door" by preaching the original apostolic message of salvation for the first time.

(5) Acts 8:35-39

NOTE: Philip must have mentioned baptism when he preached Jesus to the Eunuch, because the Eunuch asked to be baptized in water. The Greek root word for baptize is "bapto", which literally means "to cover wholly with fluid, to dip", (see also Romans 6:3-4).

(6) Acts 10:34-43

NOTE: Peter preached the life and lordship of Jesus Christ as well as His death, burial; and resurrection.

(7) 1 Peter 3:20-21

NOTE: According to Peter baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation.

James 1:21

 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Matthew 7:13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Matthew 16:15

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.

Matthew 28:18

 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 the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  [as Peter did in Acts 2:38]
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. Amen.

Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Mark 16:15-16

 15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  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.

Acts 8:35 -39

 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  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.  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Romans 6:3

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?   Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Acts 10:34

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.

1 Peter 3:20 -21

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:


Pervert: to alter or modify


2 Tim 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


2 Peter 1: 20  - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.


Deuteronomy 4:2  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.


Proverbs 30:5-6   Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.


And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

- 2 Timothy 3:15


John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:14

 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.


John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.


John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.


Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  - John 3:5


John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.


John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)


John 12:35   Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36  While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.


John 12:42 - 43

 42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:  For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.


John 12:44-48

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.


John 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;


Luke 24:45  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
 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.


Acts 1:3-5 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.


Acts 2:1-7

 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?


Acts 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37. 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? 38  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. 39  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.


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.
- Acts 2:38


Acts 8:5  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  And there was great joy in that city.


Lets look at the scripture again .... Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake ... And there was great joy in that city. - Acts 8:5-8


Sure they did. Here the Bible records that the people of Samaria believed the things about about Jesus Christ which Philip preached. In bringing knowledge about Jesus Christ to people, evangelists help for those people's faith to be focused on the truth. These people had only begun to believe, but what a difference it made to them. But wait, theres more ...


That is correct. The people believed the preaching of the truth, and through this faith the power of God was revealed to them. Many were healed, and helped in so many different ways. God has not changed, and the spiritual presence of Jesus Christ will bring inexpressable joy today !


Yes. Of course Philip preached the same gospel that Peter preached. One of the first things which he must have told the Samarians was that the Name of Jesus was the name which would release them from their sins, in baptism (just like Acts 2:38). The Samarians evidently didn't wait but readily responded to this message of grace, and were baptized according to Acts 8:12. Perhaps this is one reason for their joy !


Acts 8:12

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.


Yes, that is true. The Bible teaches us that many people had shown faith towards the Lord Jesus, repented and were baptized in His name, experienced healings and deliverance, and they received the promised Spirit in a definite occasion, as the elders laid hands upon them. Evidently Philip was not confused, or at a loss to know what to do next. It is important that EVERYONE receive the Holy Ghost, according to the Apostles, and the Word of God.


Acts 8:14  -

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.


Acts 10:1-2  There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,  A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.


Yes, Cornelius was a good man and served God just as much as he knew how. Religious duty and passionate service are very good and God sees them as worthy of mention.


Acts 10:5-6

 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:   He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.


Cornelius served God to the best of his ability, and yet God sent a message to him, telling him to send for Peter, the Apostolic preacher. Could it have been Peter's message which Cornelius needed to hear ? Evidently God wanted to bless him in hearing this message. Look again at the scripture ...

Acts  10:3  He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

 4  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

... see, God was pleased with Cornelius works, yet he said ...

 5  And now send men to Joppa, and call for [one] Simon, whose surname is Peter:

 6  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

God did not say He was displeased, on the contrary, it was Cornelius' love for the things of God which sent him to the "front of the line" of all gentiles ! Did God have more for Cornelius to do ?


That's right ! Peter was sent to Cornelius when it came time for gentiles be a part of the wonderful blessing of salvation. We ought to know what Peter preached. Do you think Peter decided to change his gospel message when he came to Cornelius ?


Acts  10:44-46

 44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

 45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,


Yes, thats right ! We have seen how Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit just like the original outpouring  on the day of Pentecost.

Do you know how Peter and his brethren knew that this had happened ? Clue: Look again at verses 45-46.


Acts 10:46

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,


Acts 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

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


Peter was certainly amazed and excited that this gentile household had received the promise of the Father, but that did not keep him from preaching the whole of the new birth message:

Acts 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

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


Yes, that is right - the baptism of Cornelius and his family in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the "birth of water" spoken of by Jesus in John 3:5. Peter did not neglect to preach the whole message, despite his great excitement is seeing Jesus baptize these precious souls in His Spirit.

Some say that baptism in water is unimportant today, and the "one baptism" taught in the Bible is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Notice that Peter found baptism to be a commandment from Jesus Christ. The one Christian baptism is the baptism into Jesus Christ made up of water AND Spirit. Believing this, you will confess all the scriptures true, and be in agreement with Peter and the Apostles.


Acts 19:1  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,

2  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.


The scriptures say ...

3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.


They certainly did. Like the people at Jerusalem, the Samarians, and Cornelius who we have already looked at, they received the truth with gladness, and responded to the gospel.


Look again at the scripture:  ... vs 2:  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.


Correct. They beleived the things which they had heard preached. They evidently were led to repentance by John the Baptist, or by his associates, but must have traveled out of the Jerusalem area in following months. They had not yet heard the message of salvation !


But, the scripture says:

Acts 19:6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.


Yes, that is correct. We are noticing the fact that the gospel message and it's effect upon believers is very constant, and made for everyone as Acts 2:39 tells us !


1 Peter 1:22  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.


1 Peter 4:17-18

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?


2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;


Galatians 1:6

 6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.


Church Info

If you have received this early copy of this Bible study, you do not have a comprehensive list of churches in your area, however, I invite you to contact me,  Mark W. Bassett,  at

Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church

70 Turnpike Square,  Suite 114

Milford, CT  06460

(203) 874-4864

Bethel Pentecostal Church

209 South St

Oyster Bay, NY  11771

(516) 624-7778

and ask for a reference to an Apostolic church in your area, or obtain more information on the truth of Pentecost. Learn how and where you can receive the experience of truth which God has prepared for every living soul!

Or, if you have access to e-mail, send a message to

mbasset@pcnet.com, or

mwb.f394.n141.z1.fidonet.org

Or call First Encounter BBS at (203) 783-1983


Matthew 7:13-24

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

NOTE: In God's warning regarding false prophets and the importance of being a doer and not just a hearer of the Word.


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.

NOTE: Peter was given the "keys of the kingdom" because of his revelation of who Jesus Christ was.


Other "Great Commission" scriptures:

Matthew 28:18

 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 the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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. Amen.

NOTE: In Matthew 28:18-20 the word "name" is singular in this command to baptize.  The Apostles obeyed this command when they baptized only in the name of Jesus, and did not use the titles mentioned here (See Acts 4:12):

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Mark 16:15-18.  The importance of water baptism and the signs following believers.


Matthew 16:15-19

 15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  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.

NOTE: Peter, who was given the "keys of the kingdom", uses them to open the "kingdom door" by preaching the original apostolic message of salvation for the first time.


Acts 8:35-39

 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  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.  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

NOTE: Philip must have mentioned baptism when he preached Jesus to the Eunuch, because the Eunuch asked to be baptized in water. The Greek root word for baptize is "bapto", which literally means "to cover wholly with fluid, to dip", (see also Romans 6:3-4).


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.

NOTE: Peter preached the life and lordship of Jesus Christ as well as His death, burial; and resurrection.


1 Peter 3:20-21

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

NOTE: According to Peter baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation.