ACTS ~ IntroductionSample

God uses Sincere People 

The task of spreading the gospel was first initiated by the apostles who had been with Christ. We can divide the whole of Acts into three broad categories based on Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

· Acts 1–7 describes the preaching of the apostles in Jerusalem. The main character here would be Peter. In other words, the apostles connected with people who were like them and were near them.

· Acts 8–12 focuses on Judea and Samaria (and nearby Syria). The main character here is Philip. Here, the apostles connected with people who were like them, but were not near them.

· Acts 13–28 The focus area is to "the ends of the earth".  The main character here is, of course, Paul. In this section we find the apostles connecting with people who were not near them or were not like them.

God used people like Peter,Philip, and Paul and there were many others such as Stephen, Annanias, Barnabas, Timothy, and Titus.  But we cannot overlook the efforts of many unsung heroes. Though they are unknown and though there is very little information about them, the outcome of their efforts cannot go unnoticed. God used them. In fact, the apostles could not keep up with them. These unsung heroes spread the word even before the apostles did. (Acts 11:11-19):

We may not be a Peter or a Paul, but God can use us where we are. Let’s not forget the apostles were just ordinary men. 

Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Being with Christ and being in the power of His Spirit makes all the difference. Are we ready, willing and available? We may not be able, but God will make us able to do extraordinary things when we make ourselves available to Him.