How did Christianity become one of the most important religions in world history? To answer this question, we must begin with the book of Acts, which chronicles the tumultuous days of the early Church and the spread of Christianity in the years following Jesus’ death and resurrection. In this insightful volume, Pastor Hughes leads readers to rediscover the history of the New Testament Church, examining key events in Acts such as the bold preaching of Christ’s early followers, the dramatic persecution of Christians, and the perilous missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. This encouraging commentary on a central book in the New Testament will challenge you to walk with Christ and serve him more effectively through the power of the Holy Spirit. Following closely on the heels of the Exodus story, the book of Joshua recounts the mighty acts of God as he fulfills his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is, quite profoundly, a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Written by a pastor to aid pastors in their preaching, and for their churches in their reading, this accessible commentary guides readers through the history of Joshua’s rise to power in Israel and God’s leading of his people into their promised “rest” in the land of Canaan. With warmth and wisdom, David Jackman ultimately points readers to the true hero of Israel’s story: God himself. Part of the Preaching the Word series. R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and former professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He serves as the series editor for the Preaching the Word commentary series and is the author or coauthor of many books. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Spokane, Washington, and have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren. ,  Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois Acts The Church Afire By R. Kent Hughes Good News Publishers Copyright © 1996 R. Kent Hughes All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4335-3826-1 Contents Acknowledgments, A Word to Those Who Preach the Word, 1 "You Will Be My Witnesses" (1:1–11), 2 Expectant Prayer (1:12–26), 3 Pentecost (2:1–13), 4 Peter's Greatest Sermon (2:14–37), 5 The Church Where the Spirit Reigned (2:38–47), 6 When Life Is Jumping (3:1–26), 7 The Bliss of Persecution (4:1–22), 8 When the Church Is Great (4:32–37), 9 Keeping Things on the Up-and-Up (5:1–16), 10 The Liberty of God's Children (5:17–42), 11 Maintaining the Ministry (6:1–7), 12 Standing Tall (6:8-7:60), 13 God's Way (8:1–25), 14 Philip: The Touch of God (8:26–40), 15 Saul: The Hunter Hunted (9:1–18), 16 Saul's Preparation for Ministry (9:19–30), 17 Peter's Preparation for Greater Ministry (9:32–10:23), 18 Opening the Church's Arms (10:23–11:18), 19 The First Christians (11:19–30), 20 Getting Acquainted with Our Power (12:1–24), 21 Realities of the Church Militant (13:1–13), 22 Sticking to the Task, Regardless (14:1–28), 23 Grace Alone (15:1–35), 24 God's Guidance (15:36–16:10), 25 Beachhead in Europe (16:11–40), 26 God's Nobles (17:1–15), 27 Paul versus Athens (17:16–34), 28 Rejuvenating God's Servants (18:1–17), 29 The Missing Ingredient (18:22–19:7), 30 Assaulting the Castle Dark (19:8–20), 31 When the Leaves Fall Away (19:21–41), 32 Falling Asleep in Church (20:1–16), 33 Paul's Approach to Ministry (20:17–38), 34 Man's Word or God's Word? (21:1–16), 35 A Dangerous Heart (21:17–40), 36 Encouraged in the Night (22:30–23:24), 37 On Giving and Receiving God's Word (24:1–27), 38 The Accused (25:1–12), 39 Blessed Madness (26:1–32), 40 Anchors in the Storm (27:1–44), 41 Building an Indomitable Spirit (28:1–30), 42 The Twenty-Ninth Chapter of Acts, Notes, CHAPTER 1 "You Will Be My Witnesses" ACTS 1:1–11 ONE REASON I LOVE TO STUDY the book of Acts is its uniqueness. It is the sourcebook for the spread of early Christianity. Without it we would know little about the apostolic church except what could be gleaned from Paul's epistles. It is the chronicle of the spreading flame of the Holy Spirit. It is also a book with a splendid theme, tracing the work of the Holy Spirit through the birth, infancy, and adolescence of the Church. Its title could well be "The Acts of the Holy Spirit" or "The Acts of the Risen Christ through the Holy Spirit Working through the Church." Acts forms the perfect counterpart and contrast to the Gospels. In the Gospels the Son of Man offered his life; in Acts the Son of God offered his power. In the Gospels we see the original seeds of Christianity; in Acts we see the continual growth of the Church. The Gospels tell us of Christ crucified and risen; Acts speaks of Christ ascended and exalted. The Gospels model the Christian life as live