Despite the persecution described in Acts 13:50, Luke tells us that the disciples were continually filled with joy. In Luke/Acts, joy is thematic and shows the presence on the scene of history of Messianic salvation. To help understand how this theme is developed we discuss the announcement of Joy that was given to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-11. To continue the theme of joy we examine the passage where the disciples rejoiced that the demons were subject to them and were told by Christ to rejoice that their names are recorded in heaven.

The passage in Luke 10 has been subject to various interpretation about what Jesus means by watching Satan fall from heaven like lightening. We explain the likely meaning of this, pointing out that this has not yet happened.

What most important in having eternal salvation and being filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit as a result. The scene in Acts moves to Iconium in Luke 14:1 and again there is synagogue preaching. Verse 2 speaks of those there who were “disobedient” which leads us to a discussion of how the gospel is to be obeyed. We strongly urge gospel preaching in churches and have an extended discussion of the horrible situation where pastors refuse to preach the gospel or content for the exclusive claims of Christ. This is lamentable and those pastors who compromise with the world will face judgment for that. Sadly, many of them do not even think there will be a judgment. The gospel must be preached with boldness and utter confidence in its truth.

Class slides and handout available under the Downloads tab.