In this episode, I share seven key lessons I learned while completing a verse-by-verse study of the book of Acts. Also, Professor Sean O’Neill joins me for an interview-style discussion on the reliability of the book of Acts (and the New Testament generally), including the accuracy of official/government titles recounted by Luke; the interplay between Herod and Rome; Paul’s Roman citizenship, and the incredible details of Paul’s sea voyage in Acts 27. This Christmas (and all year round), we can be confident that our faith is rooted in real people and real places. And we can know that God‘s Word is a sure foundation for our lives and families.

Big Idea for the Series: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

Here are some of Professor O’Neill’s credentials:

• Bachelors, University of Michigan; — Masters and PhD, University of Cincinnati – Bronze age archeology. Egypt.
• Teaching at Hanover College since 2011 in the Dept. of Classical Studies (focusing on the archaeology, language, literature, and history of the Ancient Mediterranean world).
• Published scholarship on topics ranging from the archaeological site of Troy to the art and archaeology of Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt.
• Ancient Language and Literature studies have included working on (and teaching) texts in Latin, Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, Hieroglyphic Egyptian, and Demotic Egyptian.
• Can read and write 11 languages.

Key Lessons:

1. Christ is King.
2. We have Holy Spirit Power.
3. Don’t Do Ministry Alone.
4. The Gospel is for All People.
5. Expect Persecution.
6. The Church is God’s Plan A.
7. The Word does the Work.

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