Chapter 1

1:4 - Where were the disciples supposed to wait for Jesus' return? Acts and Luke (24:49) say Jerusalem, but Matthew (28:10) and Mark (16:7) says Galilee.

* This passage is a quote from Jesus Christ.  He is telling His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were "baptized with the Holy Spirit."  He also said this would happen in a few days from now.  Jesus never mentioned His return.  Luke 24:48 and 49 correlate with this passage in Acts.

* This happened at Pentecost.  This event was 50 days after Passover; which was 50 days after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Jesus was in the grave for three days, then rose and walked the Earth for 40 days.  Therefore, Pentecost and the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" happened one week after Christ's ascension.

* Matthew 28:10 is a passage of scripture where Jesus tells some of His disciples to tell other disciples that He would also appear in Galilee before His ascension.  Incidentally, in verse 19, Jesus is telling His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations."  Jesus is clearly talking about meeting certain disciples in Galilee, before His ascension, and His disciples eventually going into the entire world and making more disciples.

* Mark 16:7 correlates with Matthew 28:10.  Right after Jesus' resurrection, some angels told some of His disciples that He would meet them in Galilee.

1:8 - Jesus tells his disciples to be witnesses in Samaria, contrary to his command in Mt.10:5.

* In this passage, Jesus is telling His disciples that after the Holy Spirit comes upon them (at Pentecost), they should go into all the world and tell people about Him.  Reading this entire verse will make this clear: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

* In Matthew 10:5, Jesus is telling His disciples to avoid Samaria.  He told them this because the message of salvation was to go to the Jews, first.  After the Jews rejected this message, then they were commanded to tell the Gentiles about Him.

1:9, 12 - According to these verses Jesus ascended from mount Olivet, but Luke (24:50-51) says that the ascended from Bethany.

* Mt. Olivet is in West Bethany.  I've been to Bethany and Mt. Olivet and there was no clear distinction between one ending and the other beginning.  

* Luke 19:29 clears up this alleged contradiction.  It reads, "And it came to pass, when He approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet . . ."  Luke makes a distinction between Bethany and Mt. Olivet, but clearly states they are in the same location.

1:13 - Here we are told that Judas the brother of James is an apostle and that Thaddeus is not, but in both Matthew (10:3) and Mark (3:18) Judas is not included as one of the apostles and Thaddeus is.

* In this passage, we are not told anything about Thaddeus.  We are clearly never told that he wasn't an apostle.  This passage is simply listing the people who were in the upper room.  Thaddeus' name was not mentioned.

* In this passage, we are never told that Judas, the son of James, is an apostle.  He is simply a person that is in the upper room.

* Mark 3:18 and Matthew 10:3 are clearly lists of the apostles.  This is shown by the phrase that refers to the twelve that Jesus chose.  This designation is not present in Acts 1:13 because this is not a list of the apostles.

* Lastly and incidentally, this Greek word for "brother" is not present in Acts 1:13.  It is completely absent.  Therefore, it has been inserted into the English text (in the KJV).  This Judas is the son of James and a follower, not an apostle, of Jesus Christ.  This fact is shown by many other passages of scripture.

1:15 - After the ascension of Jesus, there were about a hundred and twenty" believers. but 1 Cor.15:6 says that Jesus appeared to more than 500 believers before his ascension.

* This passage states that Peter talked to about 120 disciples.  It does not say that there were only 120 disciples.

1:18 - This verse says that Judas bought the Potter's filed, but Mt.27:6-7 says that the chief priests bought it.

* The money that Judas received to betray Jesus Christ was used to buy this Potter's field.  This Greek word for "purchased" doesn't mean that he literally gave the money for the Potter's field.  A better translation is: "acquired" or "owned."  This field was bought, by the priests, with Judas' money.  Therefore, it was his.

* This Greek word for "bought" in Matthew 27:7 indicates the priests literally bought the Potter's field.  

* This alleged problem may be better understood like this: Imagine I have $20 and tell you to go to the store and buy me some bread.  You do this and return.  Who bought the bread?  You did - but it was my money, so it could also be said that I bought the bread.  The priests bought the field with Judas' money.  Judas figuratively bought the field and the priests literally bought the field.

1:18 - Acts says that Judas died by falling down and "all his bowels gushed out." But Matthew (27:5) says that he committed suicide by hanging himself.

* These passages complement each other.  Judas hung himself, the branch broke, then he fell headlong and his entrails gushed out.

* Incidentally, Acts 1:18 never says that his fall was the cause of his death.  It reads, "Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out."

1:23-26 - Does the Bible condemn gambling?

* Gambling is traditionally defined as spending money while risking it and trying to gain more money. We never see this condoned in the scriptures.

* In this passage, we see God telling His people to cast lots. This was His way of determining who would receive what. Since God ordained it, then it was perfectly right. It surely had nothing to do with a worldly desire to get rich by risking money. In this case, they cast lots to determine the next apostle.

1:24 - According to this verse, God knows the minds and hearts of everyone. But several other verses (Dt.8:2, 13:3; 2 Chr.32:31) say that he doesn't know and so must test people to find out what is in their hearts and minds.

* This is a correct rendering of Acts 1:24.  

* In Deuteronomy 8:2, this Hebrew word for "know" is better translated "make known" or "reveal."  God wanted to reveal what was in their hearts; not to Himself, but to them, so they could see their need for Him.  This same word is used in Deuteronomy 13:3 and 2 Chronicles 32:31.

Chapter 2

2:4 - This verse says that the Holy Ghost was bestowed on Pentecost. But Jn.20:22 says that Jesus gave it to the apostles before his ascension.

* Before Pentecost, the Holy Ghost would come on people, then leave.  Jesus gave them the Holy Ghost, but this was only a temporary filling.  Acts 2:4 is correctly stating that the Holy Ghost came upon them and from now on it would continually dwell in believers (on and after Pentecost).

* For further study and proof, please see the following passages: Numbers 24:2, Psalm 51:11, Ezekiel 36:26 and 27, Joel 2:28-32, 1 Corinthians 6:19, etc.

2:13 - Those who heard the apostles speaking in tongues thought they were drunk. Maybe they were.

* Acts 2:15 also reveals that it was early in the morning and they were surely not drunk with wine.  Drunk people don't speak in other, literal languages.

2:17 - Peter says that their strange behavior (speaking in tongues, etc.) was to be expected since they were living in "the last days."

* This word "final" or the phrase "last days" is referring to the fact that Jesus Christ had come and gone.  They were now living in the last age: the church age.  The following days or ages had passed: the days of creation, giving the law, the prophets, and the fulfillments through Christ.

2:21 - Peter says that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. But Jesus disagreed in Mt.7:21 saying, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven."

* In Matthew 7:21, this Greek word for "saith" is referring to idle words and surely not trusting, believing, and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Note that this is the middle of a sermon by Jesus Christ that included information about deceivers and people who didn't truly love Him.

* In Acts 2:21, Peter is reciting a prophecy by Joel.  This Greek word for "calls" clearly refers to "invoking worship and declaring one's testimony."

2:22 - Peter claims that Jesus performed many signs and wonders. But Jesus said that he would not perform any (Mt.12:39, 16:4; Mk.8:12; Lk.11:29).

* Jesus performed signs and miracles for the people who needed His help and healing.  However, He would not do these things for the wicked priests who only wanted to destroy Him, bolster their ego, challenge Him, etc.  All of these gospel passages refer to priests that challenged Jesus' authority by requesting a special sign - just for them.  Jesus declined their offer and said they already had enough proof and would surely have enough proof after He rose from the dead.

2:30 - Peter claims that Jesus is the "fruit of his [David's] loins, according to the flesh." But this is denied in Matthew (1:18, 22:41-45) and Luke (1:34) where it is said that Joseph was not the father of Jesus.

* Jesus was "adopted" into David's line through Joseph: Mary's husband.  Joseph is called Mary's husband in numerous passages of scripture.  The fact that she was pregnant with Jesus before they were married simply fulfills prophecies regarding the Messiah's virgin birth.

2:31 - Jesus did a little time in hell.

* This passage never says that Jesus spent time in Hell.  However, it does say that His soul was not "left" or "abandoned" in Hell.

2:32 - Who raised Jesus from the dead?

* Since Jesus is also God, the second person in the triune Godhead, both Jesus and God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

2:38 - In whose name are we supposed to be baptized? "In the name of Jesus Christ," or "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Mt.28:19)?

* Jesus Christ commanded that people be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  Peter obeyed Jesus Christ.  However, in this passage, he simply shortened the full name of the triune God (trinity).

Chapter 3

3:14-15 - Peter blames the Jews for the death of Jesus.

* This is correct and correlates with scripture.  See Matthew chapter 27 (especially verse 20).

3:23 - Peter wrongly claims that Dt.18:18-19 refers to Jesus, saying that those who refuse to follow him (all nonchristians) must be killed.

* Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, and 19 refers to Jesus Christ.

Chapter 4

4:12 This verse implies that God will torture forever those who don't know the password to heaven.

* This verse never mentions a password.  Acts 4:12 reads, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  Peter is clearly saying that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.  This verse can be better understood by reading it with verse 11.

If the name Jehovah [or YHWH] is so important, why isn't it found in the NT? And why does it say in Acts 4:12 that there is only one name (Jesus Christ, v. 10) "whereby we must be saved"?

* Jehovah or Yahweh is a Hebrew word and the New Testament is written in Greek.  The word "God" ("theos" in the Greek) is mentioned many times in the New Testament.

* Jesus Christ is God's chosen Messiah.  After Jesus came to Earth, died on the cross, and rose from the grave, He became the one and only way to go to Heaven.

Chapter 5

5:1-10 - Peter and God scare Ananias and his wife to death for not forking over all of the money that they made when selling their land.

* Ananias and Sapphira deceived the disciples and God.  They pretended that they were acting under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and selling all of their land and giving the money to God.  However, after intending to give all of this away, they kept part of it for themselves and lied to the disciples.

5:29 - Peter says "we ought to obey God rather than men." But 1 Pet.2:13 contradicts this by saying that we should obey "every ordinance of man."

* In this verse, Peter is responding to the accusation of preaching the gospel.  In 1 Peter 2:13, he is referring to liberties and good works.  This verse is better understood by reading the ones before and after it.  Peter is telling the people to abstain from using liberties to disobey the law because it sets a bad example for the Gentiles.  He is encouraging them to do good deeds and obey the law.

* This command to obey God before the laws of the land is seen all throughout scripture.  Daniel is one example.  When he was told that he could not pray (according to the country's laws), he did it anyway.  Clearly, God's laws come first, then we should obey the laws of the land; as long as they don't contradict God's laws.

5:30 - Once again, Peter accuses the Jews of murdering Jesus.

* The Jews demanded Jesus' death.  They shouted, "Crucify him," until the Romans did so.  See Mark 15-13-20.

Chapter 7

7:4 - According to Gen.12:4, Abraham was 75 years old when he left home. Yet this verse says he didn't leave until his father died, and his father lived to be 135 years old (Gen.11:26, 32).

* Genesis 11:28 says "Haran died before (his father) Terah in Ur of the Chaldeans."  There was clearly a person named Haran and a place called Haran because they later travel to and from a place called Haran.  Abram left the dead Haran, in Ur, when he was seventy five years old.  From this place he traveled to the place they called Haran.  Terah died here and Abraham left him.

* Genesis 11:31 states they "went out from Ur of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran."  Verse 32 states that Terah died (after the person of Haran had died) and he died "in" (the land) of Haran.  Therefore, the last verses in Genesis 11 and the first verses in Genesis 12 overlap.  Abram left the body of Haran at age seventy-five and he left the place of Haran once his father died there.

* In Genesis 12:4, the phrase "departed from Haran" is not so in the Hebrew.  This word "from" is implied by modern translations.  This phrase is the same one used later (vs. 5 - "went forth") and should be translated "departed for Haran."  It is clear from Acts 7:2-4 that Abram was called in Genesis 12:1-3, while he was in Mesopotamia (specifically, Ur) and not yet in the land of Haran.  Genesis 12:5 is correct in implying that they gathered all of their people and things from Haran, then continued to Canaan.

* This overlap is further seen by the fact that God called Abram in Ur, like it is stated in Acts 7:3, which is before he went to the place called Haran (also like it says in Acts 7:3).  Chronologically, God visited Abram between Genesis 11:29 and 31.  This account is revealed, in detail, in Genesis 12:1-3.  These situations and sequences are not unlike the telling of the creation account in Genesis 1 and 2.

1. If you're lost, here is a timetable of events:

2. Genesis 11:26 - Terah is 70 years old and has Abram and Haran.

3. Genesis 11:28 - Haran dies in Ur.

4. Genesis 12:1-3 and Acts 7:2, 3 - God calls Abram while he is in Mesopotamia (specifically, Ur) and tells him to leave home.

5. Genesis 11:31, Genesis 12:4 and Acts 7:4 - Abram leaves Ur at age 75 and comes to the land of Haran (this is where the modern translation, in Genesis 12:4, of the word "from" is wrong and "for" should be used, making this correlate with Genesis 11:31, Acts 7:4 and other usages of this term).

6. Genesis 11:32 - Terah dies in the land of Haran at 205 years of age.

7. Genesis 12:5 and Acts 7:3, 4 - Abram leaves the land of Haran after Terah dies.

7:5 - This verse admits that God's promise to Abraham was not fulfilled. (See Gen.12:7, 13:15, 15:18, and 17:8)

* This verse is explaining the history of God's dealing with Abraham.  Peter is explaining that even though Abraham didn't enter the promised land, God promised him that this land was given to him and would be occupied by his descendants.

* Genesis 12:7a reads, "Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, 'To your descendants I will give this land.'"  This was fulfilled.

* Genesis 13:15, 15:18, and 17:8 are similar to Genesis 12:7.  God keeps promising this land to Abraham's descendants.

7:6 - This verse says the Egyptian captivity lasted 400 years, but Ex.12:40 say it lasted for only 430 years.

* Their captivity was 400 years.  However, their "sojourn," as it says in Exodus 12:40, was 430 years.

7:14 - Here we are told that Jacob's family included 75 people. But in Genesis (46:27) and Exodus (1:5) is said that there were only 70 people in his family.

* Genesis 46:26 stated there were sixty-six of Jacob's relatives coming to Egypt.  Genesis 46:27 included Jacob, Joseph and his two sons.  Acts 7:14 includes five unnamed "kindred" of Joseph.

7:16 - Who purchased the sepulchre anyway? Abraham, as this verse says; or Joseph, as is said in Jos.24:32?

* Abraham bought this tomb (or sepulcher).  This is shown by the following scriptures: Genesis 49:30, Genesis 50:13 and Acts 7:16.

* This Hebrew word for "bought," in Joshua 24:32, is better translated "possessed."  A better rendering of Joshua 24:32 is: "The bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel had brought up out of Egypt, they buried at Shechem, in the plot of ground which Jacob had possessed, purchased from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for one hundred pieces of silver, and which had become an inheritance of the children of Joseph."  This word "inheritance" clearly indicates that this burial place was passed (from Abraham) to Joseph and his children.

7:48 - This verse claims that God doesn't dwell in temples. But according to 1 Kg.8:13 Solomon built God a temple for him to live in forever.

* This Greek word for "dwell" is better translates "dwell permanently."  God's residence is clearly in Heaven.  However, His presence would be made known in temples; especially in the Old Testament temple that was dedicated to Him (and commanded to be built by Him).

* The statement by Solomon was a desire of his.  He wished that God would always dwell in this temple.  However, this temple was destroyed.  It is obvious that Solomon's words were a declaration of his desire and not a statement of absolute truth or doctrine.

* Lastly, it should be noted that there are two, different covenants in these passages.  In 1 Kings 8:13, we see Solomon's desire for God to dwell in this temple.  God's Spirit came upon people and left.  In Acts 7:48, we see the beginning of the New Covenant where God's Spirit would live inside believers.  Therefore, we see the statement about God not living in temples, but inside of believers via His Holy Spirit.

7:51-52 - Stephen blames the Jews for persecuting the prophets and murdering Jesus.

* The Old Testament confirms that the Jews persecuted the prophets.  The New Testament confirms that the Jews demanded Jesus' death.

Chapter 8

8:7 - Philip made "unclean spirits" scream as they left the bodies of the people they possessed.

* This is true and doesn't contradict any passages of scripture.

8:16 - Is baptism to be performed "in the name of Jesus" or "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"? (Mt.28:19)

* Jesus Christ commanded that people be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

* This passage is better understood by reading verses 15 and 17, too.  These people had not received the Holy Spirit.  At this moment in time, they had not heard or understood that the Holy Spirit would come and dwell in them.  They were enjoying part of the Old Covenant and part of the New Covenant.  Peter cleared this up for them.

8:25 - Peter disobeys Jesus by preaching the gospel in Samaria (Mt.10:5).

* In this passage, Jesus is telling His disciples that after the Holy Spirit comes upon them (at Pentecost), they should go into all the world and tell people about Him.  Reading this entire verse will make this clear: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

* In Matthew 10:5, Jesus is telling His disciples to avoid Samaria.  He told them this because the message of salvation was to go to the Jews, first.  After the Jews rejected this message, then they were commanded to tell the Gentiles about Him.

Chapter 9

9:7 - This verse claims that the men who accompanied Paul didn't hear the voice. But later in Acts 22:9 Paul says that the men with him did hear the voice.

* This Greek word for "hear" is also used to convey the word "understand."  The people with Paul heard the voice, but they did not understand what it was saying to him.

9:22-23 - After Saul "increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews," the "Jews took counsel to kill him."

* This is correct and doesn't contradict any passages of scripture.

Chapter 10

10:10-13 - Peter has a dream in which God show him "wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls." The voice (God's?) says, "Rise, Peter: kill and eat."

* This is a partial translation of these three verses.

10:22 - Has there ever been a just person?

* Yes. There have been some just people.  The apparent confusion lies only in Ecclesiastes 7:20.  However, the writer is stating that there are no perfect people.  In his new "circle of friends," there surely weren't any godly people (and definitely nobody perfect).

10:34 - This verse claims that God doesn't respect anyone. But elsewhere (Gen.4:4, Ex.2:25, Lev.26:9, 2 Kg.13:23, Ps.138:6) we see that God respects lots of folks.

* God does not respect titles, worldly wealth, social status, etc.  God loves and respects people, though.  He is not a "respecter of persons."  A better translation of Acts 10:34 is: "God shows no partiality."

10:36 - This verse indicates that Jesus came to bring peace, but he denied this in Mt.10:34 and Lk.12:51.

* Peter is correct in saying that they were "preaching peace through Jesus Christ."  He brought peace to people who loved Him and to people who wanted peace with God.  In fact, one of His names is the "Prince of Peace."

* In Matthew 10:34 and Luke 12:51, Jesus is clearly saying that He has brought division into the world.  People and even families would be divided on their belief about Him.

10:38 - Peter says that Jesus healed "all that were oppressed of the devil." (Including Judas?)

* Jesus "cured" or "healed" all that were oppressed by the Devil because His sinless life, death, and resurrection was what people needed to have forgiveness and redemption.  This Greek word "all" is used within a framework.  All of the people who trusted, believe and accepted Jesus Christ are healed and cured.  Those that did not and will not sadly are not.

10:39 - The Jews are again blamed for the death of Jesus.

* The Jews demanded Jesus' death.

10:48 - Is baptism to be performed "in the name of the Lord" or "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"? (Mt.28:19)

* Jesus Christ commanded that people be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  Peter obeyed Jesus Christ.  However, in this passage, he simply shortened the full name of the triune God (trinity).

Chapter 11

11:5-7 - Peter describes the vision that he had in the last chapter (10:10-13). All kinds of beasts, creeping things, and fowls drop down from the sky in a big sheet, and a voice (God's, Satan's?) tells him to "Arise, Peter; slay and eat."

* Right.  This voice was Jesus' voice.  This is why Peter calls Him Lord.

Chapter 12

12:1-3 - Herod beheads James the brother of John and imprisons Peter "because he saw it pleased the Jews."

* This is correct.  Herod was the ruler over the Jews and he did not want the Jews to revolt, therefore he wanted to pacify them.  This is partly why he let Jesus be crucified.  See Matthew chapter 27.

12:20 - Ezekiel (26:14, 21; 27:36) prophesied that Tyre would be completely destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar, never to be built again. Yet it wasn't destroyed, as is evident from this verse.

* None of these passages indicate that Tyre would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (or Nebuchadrezzar).  This is because they did not prophesy about this leader.

* This very detailed prophecy was fulfilled by Alexander the Great in 332 A.D.  It was scraped to the ground and made a causeway; never to be rebuilt, again.

12:23 - The "angel of the Lord" killed Herod by having him "eaten of worms" because "he gave not God the glory."

* This is correct.  Scientists have guessed at the disease that tormented Herod.  Incidentally, ancient, historical records have been found that mention this disease and Herod's suffering.

Chapter 13

13:8-11 - Paul and the Holy Ghost conspire together to make Elymas (the sorcerer) blind.

* God worked through the Holy Spirit to have Paul judge Elymas for his wickedness.  His sin would not be tolerated any longer.

13:19 - The author of Acts brags about God destroying "seven nations of the land of Canaan."

* This is a historical account and bragging is not necessarily mentioned or implied.

13:21 - Gen.49:10 says that all of Israel's kings will be from the tribe of Judah, yet we see in this verse that Israel's first king was from the tribe of Benjamin.

* Genesis 49:10 states that the "scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh (Messiah) comes."

* Saul was Israel's first king.  However, he was not God's choice.  He was the Israelites' choice.  See 1 Samuel chapter 9.  The Israelites demanded a king and they wanted Saul.  God's first choice for them was David; who was from the tribe of Judah.

13:22 - Paul, with his usual humility, speaks for God saying that David was "a man after mine own heart." Which makes some sense, anyway, since David was nearly as cruel as the biblical god.

* Paul is quoting 1 Samuel 13:14.  This is the prophet Samuel's declaration from God.

13:23 - This verse says that Jesus is a descendent of David. But other verses (Mt.1:18, 22:41-45; Lk.1:34) deny this by insisting that Joseph was not the father of Jesus.

* Jesus was "adopted" into David's line through Joseph: Mary's husband.  Joseph is called Mary's husband in numerous passages of scripture.  The fact that she was pregnant with Jesus before they were married simply fulfills prophecies regarding the Messiah's virgin birth.  Joseph was still the earthly, adopted father of Jesus.

13:34 - The author of Acts talks about the "sure mercies of David." But David was anything but merciful. For an example of his behavior see 2 Sam.12:31 and 1 Chr.20:3, where he saws, hacks, and burns to death the inhabitants of several cities.

* This Greek word for "mercies" is better translated "rights."  A better translation of this passage is: "I will give you the trustworthy rights of David."  The rights referred to the right to the throne.

* This is a prophetic quote about Jesus Christ from Isaiah 55:3.

13:39 - "All that believe [the right things] are justified from all things, " contrary to what Jesus said in Matthew (12:31-32) and Luke (12:10).

* Acts 13:39 reads, "and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses."  The writer is making a distinction between the justification by faith, that believers can now have, opposed to justification by the law of Moses.  They were now under a new and better covenant.

* Matthew 12:31 and 32 refer to "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" as the only unforgivable sin.  This is simply unbelief.  The same thing is repeated in Luke 12:10.

13:45-46 - The Jews of Antioch, after seeing Paul's success in preaching, were envious and blasphemed God. Paul then declares them to be "unworthy of everlasting life."

* Acts 13:46 reads, "Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles."  The unbelieving Jews rejected the one way to Heaven (through faith in Jesus Christ).  Therefore, they declared themselves unworthy of everlasting life.

13:48 - God chooses those who will believe [the right things], and only they will go to heaven.

* Acts 13:48 reads, "Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."  This passage is recognizing God's role in eternal life.  God has offered it to all people.  He knows who will accept it because He knows all things.  Therefore, the people who responded to His offer were revealed as the ones that were "appointed" to receive eternal life.

13:50 - Once again "the Jews stirred up" trouble and "raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."

* This is correct and correlates with many other passages of scripture that characterize the unbelieving Jews as persecutors of the believers in Christ.

Chapter 14

14:2-5 - "The unbelieving Jews" stir up trouble again for Paul and incite the people to try to stone him to death.

* This is correct.

Chapter 15

15:3, 7 - Peter and Paul disobey Jesus by preaching the gospel to gentiles and Samaritans. (Mt.10:5)

* If this logic is correct, then a father's command that his son shouldn't cross the street (when the child is 10 years old) should still be obeyed all throughout his adult life.  As you can see, this logic is very flawed because it ignores many passages of scripture and the context and timing of Matthew 10:5.  

* Like it was stated above, salvation was to be preached to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles.  In Matthew 28, Jesus specifically told His disciples that it was time for them to go into the whole world and preach the gospel.  Can the command in Matthew 10 still be applied after the command in Matthew 28?  Of course not.  The command in Matthew 10 was correct and should be taken in context; so should the command in Matthew 28.  The kids can cross the street, now!

15:10 - James (1:13) says it is impossible to tempt God. but this verse says you can by "putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples."

* In Acts 15:10, this "testing" is referring to testing God's patience.  God has the right to judge people after they commit only one sin.  However, He often uses His grace and mercy.

* In James 1:13, it is stated that God cannot be tempted by evil (to do evil).  These are two, completely different things.

Chapter 16

16:6 - This verse says that the gospel was forbidden by the Holy Ghost to be preached in Asia. But in Mt.28:19, Jesus says that the gospel is to be preached everywhere.

* This passage is referring to a certain people, at a certain moment in time.  It is not doctrine for all believers, everywhere.  

* The passage in Matthew 28 is for all believers.  However, in this case, these believers were forbidden from going to Asia.

16:16 - Paul meets "a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination."

* This is correct.

16:30-31 - If you "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ," then you and your whole family will be saved; Otherwise, God will send you to hell. But in Matthew (19:17), when Jesus was asked the same question, he have an entirely different answer. (See also Rom.2:6 and Jas.2:24)

* In this passage, a person and his household believed and were saved and baptized.  By reading verse 32, it is clear that the entire household heard, received, and believed the gospel.

* In Matthew 19:17, Jesus is telling a person how to be saved under the Old Covenant - they were to obey all the commandments.  He was leading up to verse 21 where He told the man to follow Him.  This surely would have involved believing and trusting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

* Romans 2:6 is talking about circumcision and obeying the entire law of the Old Testament (which nobody except Jesus could ever do).

* James 2:24 clearly says "you see."  This is following the foundational words in James 2:18: ". . . you show me . . . I'll show you . . ."  This clearly isn't talking about God's requirement of faith alone for salvation and pleasing Almighty God.  This is talking about showing other people that you are saved by your works.

16:31 - What must you do to be saved? Believe in Jesus.

* This is a summation of the gospel message that is consistent with the rest of the scriptures about salvation.  One must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved.

Chapter 17

17:5 - In Thesssalonica, "the Jews which believed not, moved with envy" stir up trouble for Paul and his friends.

* This is consistent with the unbelieving Jews' behavior that is recorded in other parts of the Bible (and already mentioned).

17:13 - The Jews hate the word of God and are always just stirring up trouble.

* This passage specifically (and only) mentions "the Jews from Thessalonica."

17:18 - The philosophers in Athens considered Paul a "babbler" who worshipped strange gods.

* The pagan Athenians, who worshiped many other gods, were interested in Paul's gospel.  Therefore, they took him to their council and Paul told them about Jesus Christ.

17:22 - Now this is funny. Paul, a guy who converted to Christianity because he heard voices, calls the Greeks too darned superstitious. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

* Acts 17:22 reads, "Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very superstitious.'"

* Paul wasn't converted simply because God talked to him.  Paul realized that Jesus Christ was the prophesied Messiah and the Son of God.  He also realized that he was a sinner and needed to be saved.

17:31 - This verse refers to Jesus simply as "a man," but Jn.1:1, 14, Col.2:8-9, and 1 Tim.2:5 all imply that Jesus is God.

* All of these statements are correct and complementary.  Jesus Christ is God's Son and came to Earth in the form of a human man; not a beaver, dog, or woman.  However, Jesus is a part of the trinity: the triune God.

Chapter 18

18:6 - "And when they [the Jews of Corinth] opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he [Paul] shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads." (Have a nice day?)

* In verse 5, it states that Paul was preaching to the Jews.  They blasphemed and would not trust Jesus Christ.  Therefore, he absolved himself from the consequences and told them about their impending fate.

18:12 - "The Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat."

* This is correct.

Chapter 19

19:5 - Jesus (Mt.28:19) told his disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." But Paul baptized only "in the name of Jesus."

* This was already addressed.  There is simply an omission here and another "non-argument" from silence.  Rest assured that Paul followed Jesus' instructions (as did Peter) from Matthew chapter 28.

19:9 - "The school of Tyrannus" is the only school that is ever mentioned in the Bible.

* Whether or not "school" is mentioned in the Bible, God's Word surely mentions teaching and learning all throughout.

19:12 - Sick people were cured by touching the handkerchief or apron of Paul. And the evil spirits when out of them."

* This was a way that God chose to use His power and heal people.

19:15-16 - Evil spirits know Jesus and Paul. They also jump on people and strip them of their clothes.

* Some people were trying to cast demons out of people without having the Holy Spirit within them (through faith in Jesus Christ).  Consequently, they were unprotected and hurt quite badly.

19:19 - The first Christian book burning occurs when Paul's converts at Ephesus burn 50,000 silver pieces worth of books.

* These books were used by magicians and were spell books and anti-god, pro-occult literature.  Therefore, many people who practiced magic willfully brought their books to be burned and they repented.

19:34 - A great multitude cry out "all with one voice" for two hours saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

* This is correct.

Chapter 20

20:9 - Eutychus was the first casualty of many long boring sermons.

* This young man died and Paul raised him from the dead.

20:19 - Poor Paul complains, once again, of being mistreated by "the Jews."

* This is consistent with the historical record.

20:28 - Jesus bought a church with his own blood.

* This is a symbolic and metaphorical statement.  It is consistent with the scriptures, though.

* We were "bought with a price."  "Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins."  The people were the church body of Christ.

* This Greek word for "church" is better translated "community of Christian believers."  Jesus didn't buy a literal building.  He purchased the salvation of believers through His shed blood on the cross.  The punishment of sin was the death penalty.  However, Jesus' sacrifice purchased the ones who want forgiveness and redemption.

20:35 - In one of the few times that Paul quotes Jesus, he attributes to him words that are not found in the gospels.

* This is a "non-argument" from silence, again.  The Bible doesn't record every word spoken by Jesus.  It would be awfully weird to assume that the gospels included every word spoken by a person who lived over 30 years.

Chapter 21

21:3-4 - Ezekiel (26:14, 21, 27:36) prophesied that Tyre would be completely destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar, never to be built again. Yet it wasn't destroyed, as is evident from these verses.

* None of these passages indicate that Tyre would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (or Nebuchadrezzar).  This is because they did not prophesy about this leader.

* This very detailed prophecy was fulfilled by Alexander the Great in 332 A.D.  It was scraped to the ground and made a causeway - never to be rebuilt, again.

21:27, 31 - The Jews, once again, incite the people to kill poor old Paul.

* This is consistent with the scriptures.

Chapter 22

22:9 - In Acts 9:7 we are told that the men accompanying Jesus heard the voice. But this verse says that the men with Paul didn't hear the voice.

* This Greek word for "hear" is also used to convey the word "understand."  The people with Paul heard the voice, but they did not understand what it was saying to him.

22:21 - In Matthew (10:5), Jesus commands his disciples to stay away from the Gentiles, yet in this verse he sends Paul "unto the Gentiles."

* If this logic is correct, then a father's command that his son shouldn't cross the street (when the child is 10 years old) should still be obeyed all throughout his adult life.  As you can see, this logic is very flawed because it ignores many passages of scripture and the context and timing of Matthew 10:5.  

* Like it was stated above, salvation was to be preached to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles.  In Matthew 28, Jesus specifically told His disciples that it was time for them to go into the whole world and preach the gospel.  Can the command in Matthew 10 still be applied after the command in Matthew 28?  Of course not.  The command in Matthew 10 was correct and should be taken in context; so should the command in Matthew 28.  The kids can cross the street, now!

Chapter 23

23:3 - Paul has kind words for everyone. Here he says, "God will smite thee, thou whited wall."

* This passage can be understood better by reading verse 1 and 2, too.  Acts 23:1-3 reads, 'Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, 'Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.'  And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.  Then Paul said to him, 'God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?'"

23:12-15 - The Jews form a grand conspiracy to kill Paul. They vow not to eat until the job is done.

* This is consistent with the scriptures.

23:27 - Claudius saves Paul from being killed by the Jews.

* Praise the Lord!

Chapter 24

24:5 - Paul, that "pestilent fellow," is described as a "ringleader of the sect of Nazarenes."

* This passage also calls Him the "creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world."

24:15 - Has there ever been a just person?

* Yes. There have been some just people.  The apparent confusion lies only in Ecclesiastes 7:20.  However, the writer is stating that there are no perfect people.  In his new "circle of friends," there surely weren't any godly people (and definitely nobody perfect).

Chapter 26

26:21 - Those pesky Jews caught Paul and tried to kill him. But he got away. Darn!

* Yes, he did.

26:22-23 - These verses claim that Moses and the prophets prophesied that Jesus would suffer and rise from the dead. But in what scripture is such a prophecy made?

* This passage is worded in such a way that it says: (Paraphrase of the passage in question) "Moses and the prophets predicted several things.  Among them were Jesus' suffering, death, resurrection, and light to the Gentiles."

* Genesis 12:3 predicts the gospel going to the Gentiles.  It reads, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you and through you all the families of the world will be blessed."

* There are many passages of scripture that predict the Messiah and His sufferings.  See Psalm 22 for some specific details.  Isaiah 53 is another specific chapter about the Messiah's suffering and death.

* Deuteronomy 18:15-19 records a prophecy of Moses about Jesus Christ.

* There are many types of Jesus rising from the dead after three days.  These include Jonah in the big fish and Isaac on the road to his sacrificial death.

* For specific prophecies about Jesus' resurrection, see Hosea 6:2, Psalm 30:3 and Psalm 16:10.

26:23 - Paul claims that Jesus was the first to rise from the dead. Yet according to the Bible, many others had done it before him. But elsewhere, the bible says that no one will ever rise from the dead.

* This Greek word for "first" is better translated "chief, foremost in importance," and "best."  A better translation of this passage is: "Christ would suffer and be the most important person that rises from the dead and will show light to the Jews and the Gentiles."

* See the "Special Questions" for more on this.

Chapter 28

28:3-6 - Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake and yet lives. The "barbarians" who were shipwrecked with him thought he must be a murderer since he was bitten; but then they changed their minds and thought him to be a god since he didn't die.

* This is correct.

28:22 - The Jews of Rome refer to Paul's religion as a sect.

* This is correct, but this Greek word for "sect" is also translated "heresy."  The Jews of Rome thought Christianity was a false religion because they didn't trust Jesus Christ or understand that He was the prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament.

28:28 - In Matthew (10:5), Jesus orders his disciples to stay away from the Gentiles. Yet here we are told that "the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles."

* If this logic is correct, then a father's command that his son shouldn't cross the street (when the child is 10 years old) should still be obeyed all throughout his adult life.  As you can see, this logic is very flawed because it ignores many passages of scripture and the context and timing of Matthew 10:5.  

* Like it was stated above, salvation was to be preached to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles.  In Matthew 28, Jesus specifically told His disciples that it was time for them to go into the whole world and preach the gospel.  Can the command in Matthew 10 still be applied after the command in Matthew 28?  Of course not.  The command in Matthew 10 was correct and should be taken in context; so should the command in Matthew 28.  The kids can cross the street, now!