Spring Through-the-Bible Introduction

“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him,” Acts 28:30, 31. 

The end of a gripping movie or series can be disappointing if questions go unanswered or if a major character never achieves closure. I am eagerly anticipating a few sequels and new seasons to be released so I can see how character conflicts are resolved. We love good stories and deeply desire to see things made right. 

 
The book of Acts provides the most gripping historical account of the explosion and progression of early churches, beginning with a small congregation in Jerusalem. Similar to Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed which grows into a large garden tree and leaven which enlarges the dough through continual propagation (Matthew 13:31-33; Luke 13:18-20), God’s observable reign through the work of His churches began very small but has been slowly permeating the globe since the first century.  

This Spring, students of the Through-the-Bible Series will finish their journey through the book of Acts (Acts 15-28). The historical, biblical account of “Churches Starting New Churches” in Acts compellingly draws students in to observe how God’s power worked through His people to bring the peace of His gospel to the world. Luke recorded how the early churches multiplied even as God’s enemies heightened their persecution and pressure against Christians.  

This study will draw you in and encourage you to participate in God’s global purpose of bringing the gospel to the lost, but let me issue a spoiler alert: When you reach the end of the book of Acts, you will not find closure. Why is that? The work of the churches continues. 

Not only did Luke leave us without closure regarding the end of Paul’s life, but the story is even more open-ended, because the historical account of “Churches Starting New Churches” is still being written. At Bogard Press, we pray every student receives encouragement to join the global movement of God through His churches in taking the gospel to every creature. 

Mark Clements 
Editor in Chief