CRS • SHS 1Term 3WAEC / WASSCE SyllabusVIP Lesson
The Early Church and the Holy Spirit in Acts
The Ascension, Pentecost outpouring, life of the early Christian community, Stephen's martyrdom, Paul's conversion, and the Council of Jerusalem.
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Real-World Context & Relevance in Ghana
Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations in Ghana draw their spiritual identity and missionary evangelism from the Book of Acts.
Key Syllabus Learning Objectives
- 1Examine the transformative impact of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost
- 2Describe the communal life, fellowship, and charity of the early Jerusalem church
- 3Analyze the historical decisions made at the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentile believers
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Comprehensive Syllabus Study Notes
• The Birth of the Church:
- Pentecost (Acts 2): 120 disciples praying in the Upper Room in Jerusalem; sound of a rushing mighty wind, divided tongues of fire, speaking in other tongues. Peter preaches with power; 3,000 souls converted and baptized.
- Fellowship of the Believers: Devoted to the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Shared possessions with the needy so no one lacked.
• Persecution & Expansion:
- Stephen: One of the seven chosen deacons; became the first Christian martyr when stoned to death by Jewish authorities while forgiving his executioners.
- Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9): Dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus; transformed from persecutor into Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles.
• The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15): Resolved the major controversy over whether Gentile converts had to undergo circumcision and adhere to Mosaic laws; affirmed salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
- The Birth of the Church:
- Pentecost (Acts 2): 120 disciples praying in the Upper Room in Jerusalem; sound of a rushing mighty wind, divided tongues of fire, speaking in other tongues. Peter preaches with power; 3,000 souls converted and baptized.
- Fellowship of the Believers: Devoted to the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Shared possessions with the needy so no one lacked.
- Persecution & Expansion:
- Stephen: One of the seven chosen deacons; became the first Christian martyr when stoned to death by Jewish authorities while forgiving his executioners.
- Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9): Dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus; transformed from persecutor into Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles.
- The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15): Resolved the major controversy over whether Gentile converts had to undergo circumcision and adhere to Mosaic laws; affirmed salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Practical Example:
Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations in Ghana draw their spiritual identity and missionary evangelism from the Book of Acts.
Core Takeaway:
At the Jerusalem Council, Peter and James played pivotal roles: Peter provided the theological testimony, and James gave the pastoral verdict.
WAEC / WASSCE Examiner Tips
- At the Jerusalem Council, Peter and James played pivotal roles: Peter provided the theological testimony, and James gave the pastoral verdict.
Common Candidate Pitfalls & Errors to Avoid
- Making Pentecost the birthday of the law rather than the outpouring of the Spirit that begins the church's witness
- Confusing the 120 in the upper room with the 3,000 added afterwards on the same day
- Calling the seven deacons priests equal to the apostles and forgetting that their office was the serving of tables
- Placing the conversion of Paul on the road before the stoning of Stephen rather than after it
- Naming the council of Jerusalem a decision on circumcision only, with no bearing on the table fellowship
- Dating the First Epistle of John to the day of Pentecost
Topic Mastery Checklist
- Examine the transformative impact of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost
- Describe the communal life, fellowship, and charity of the early Jerusalem church
- Analyze the historical decisions made at the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentile believers
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