Acts 28

As Paul meets with the chief of the Jews together in Rome, they knew nothing concerning the charges of the Jews in Jerusalem.  So Paul had the opportunity preach to them there for -

"...when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not."  (New Testament | Acts 28:23 - 24)

I loved Paul's response to them that did not believe.  Quoting Isaiah, which obviously these Jews would be familiar, Paul said -

"...Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it."  (New Testament | Acts 28:25 - 28)

Those same words are relevant even in our day.

Acts 26

As Paul defended himself before king Agrippa, one of Jewish lineage, he began explaining that he was a valiant Jew and lived of a Pharisee, and then speaking of Israel -

"...now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews."  (New Testament | Acts 26:6 - 7)

That hope of Israel was the coming of the Messiah for which he hoped, taught, and defended.  After again recounting his vision of the resurrected Savior and his conversion, Paul explained that he was instructed by the Savior -

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."  (New Testament | Acts 26:18)

Which by the way, Paul -

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles."  (New Testament | Acts 26:22 - 23)

In other words, the very things that Paul did teach and testify was the same as Moses and all the prophets which is what the Jewish leaders are accusing him of.

I love the results of Paul's testimony as he said to the king -

"For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."  (New Testament | Acts 26:26 - 28)

At that point, Paul would have been sent free had he not requested his case brought before Caesar.  But obviously, the Lord wanted Paul to go to Rome to testify of him.

Acts 24

As Paul was confronted with Jewish and Roman leaders, he testified twice concerning the truth of the ressurection.  First, as he defended his beliefs before Felix -

"...worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."  (New Testament | Acts 24:14 - 15)

And then before Agrippa when the Jewish leaders testified -

"...of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive."  (New Testament | Acts 25:19)

 I can just imagine how the Jewish leaders felt as Paul affirmed the Savior alive because he had seen Him.

The truth be had that all will be resurrected, not just the righteous. Paull would later write to the Corinthians -

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Acts 23

After Paul had testified to the Jewish leaders of his vision on the road to Damascus, the night after while in the Roman castle -

"...the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."  (New Testament | Acts 23:11)

Paul had previously mentioned that he felt that he should at some time,  go to Rome (Acts 19:25), but this time the Savior specifically instructed Paul that He must bear witness in Rome.

I have no explanation why...maybe because at that time, it was the greatest worldly kingdom on earth.  Someday I hope to understand why it was so important that Paul testify in Rome.

Acts 21

I believe one of the great challenges in the Church are so called traditions.  We find this in the early days of the restoration where types of worship and music traditions resembled much of the protestant approach.  As the Church grew as a Utah Church, many traditions and practices continue today and shouldn't be expected of members throughout the world.  One of these may be the involvement of women.  I am sure the brethren are always pondering and considering Church policy.

We see this same problem in the early Church -

"...when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come."  (New Testament | Acts 21:17 - 22)

I find it interesting how the brethren counseled Paul.  In order to minimize contention -

"Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law."  (New Testament | Acts 21:23 - 24)

I believe the counsel of the Savior of the Savior in the Americas should always be considered -

"...there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 11:28 - 30)

I believe that is why James recommended what he did.

Acts 20

I was touched this morning as Paul, on a return trip to Jerusalem, met with priesthood leaders of Ephesus in Miletus where he recounted the time he had spent with them in teaching and preaching the gospel.  He then tells them -

"And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."  (New Testament | Acts 20:25)

How hard this must have been.  Then Paul warns them -

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."  (New Testament | Acts 20:28 - 31)

Even though these must of been faithful men, I believe Paul understood that there eventually would be a great apostasy.  But His desire was that these brethren remain true and valiant.  I was touched by the scene as -

"...when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship."  (New Testament | Acts 20:36 - 38)

I believe this same experience has been had by many missionaries.

 

Acts 18

I think a great lesson is taught as Paul -

"...reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ."  (New Testament | Acts 18:4 - 5)

I seems apparent to me that Paul did everything he though possible in teaching these Jews and Greeks.  And finally -

"...when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles."  (New Testament | Acts 18:6)

Obviously, Paul thought the Jews were to steep in tradition and stubborn and basically moved on.  Then Luke writes the rest of the story as  Paul -

"...departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue."  (New Testament | Acts 18:7)

And while what appears living next door -

"...Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them."  (New Testament | Acts 18:8 - 11)

You just never know who will eventually repent and be converted.  The Savior taught in the Americas -

"...for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 18:32)

Acts 17

Luke records that -

"...after he [Paul] had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them...."  (New Testament | Acts 16:10)

In several following verses, he again wrote "we" and "us" which suggests to me the Luke now was with Paul.  In Thessalonica, Paul taught in the synagogue -

"Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ."  (New Testament | Acts 17:3)

Some Jews and Greeks believed.  But Paul was run out of town leaving Silas and Timothy.  From there Paul went to Athens were he gave one of his greatest speeches.  In that this speech is included in the Book of Acts, I wonder if Luke was with him as He spoke on Mars Hill.  Besides many great principles and doctrines that would taught in just a few words, there were a few that caught my attention including God -

"...made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation..."  (New Testament | Acts 17:26)

Which teaches us that we are all brothers and sisters and were pre-determined when and where we would live during our mortal experience.

"That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us..."  (New Testament | Acts 17:27)

One of the purposes of our mortal existence was to seek the Lord and develop faith in Him.  In other words, this is part of "proving" ourselves...to find Him.

"For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God..."   (New Testament | Acts 17:28 - 29)

We are literally His spiritual offspring in a pre-mortal existence.

And with that -

"...we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."  (New Testament | Acts 17:29 - 31)

We are taught that God is literally our Father being a real personage.  That there is a Godhead which includes His Son, Jesus Christ.  Two distinct personages and individuals.

Acts 16

As Paul was directed to teach in a vision to teach the gospel in Macedonia, we witness two conversions and the conditions of those conversions.  First -

"...a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And...she was baptized, and her household..."  New Testament | Acts 16:14 - 15)

Second was a Paul and Silas were cast into jail where -

"...at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house."  (New Testament | Acts 16:25 - 34)

I note that the Jailer asked "what must I do to be saved?"  Herein we witness the conditions of the  first principles and ordinances of the gospel where both the Jailer and Lydia with there households believed and were baptized.

The Prophet Joseph Smith explained -

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."  (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:4)

Acts 15

As time progressed from the beginning, the people moved further and further away from true doctrine and the commandments.  As Abraham continued to pursue greater righteousness, the Lord made a special covenant with him and his posterity declaring -

"...in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."  (Old Testament | Genesis 22:18)

As a remembering token of the covenant -

"...God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant."  (Old Testament | Genesis 17:9 - 14)

The circumcision token then was to apply to Abraham and his seed for remembrance.  It was not a saving ordinance. Much like the law of Moses, the token of temporal covenants ended or was fulfilled with the Savior as He commanded the gospel and all saving ordinances to be preached to the gentiles.  Mormon taught -

"...the law of circumcision is done away in me (Christ).  (Book of Mormon | Moroni 8:8)

As the work of salvation was now included with the gentiles, there was great disputations concerning the law of circumcision.  After much discussion, Peter, being the inspired president of the Church -

"...rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."  (New Testament | Acts 15:7 - 11)

I will add that though we are saved by grace...the Savior has also provided conditions for James added -

"...that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood."  (New Testament | Acts 15:20)

Not only commandments but also principles, ordinances and covenants such as faith, repentance, baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy.








































































































































































































































































































































































































































































 

Acts 13

After Paul recounted the testimony of the prophets concerning the coming of the Messiah, he teaches -

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."  (New Testament | Acts 13:38 - 39)

To the wicked priests of Noah, Abinadi also taught -

"...now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses.
28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.
29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God;
30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.
31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come.
32 And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God."  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:27 - 32)

The Book of Mormon addresses this topic on several occasions what Paul taught in Antioch.  Obviously, Paul had come to understand the purpose and mission of the Savior.

I find Paul's warning then to the Jews to one to all -

"Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you."  (New Testament | Acts 13:40 - 41)

There are even supposed so-called Christians today that are so steeped in tradition that they may be despisers who wonder and perish.

Acts 11

After Peter had baptized Cornelius and his household -

"...when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them."  (New Testament | Acts 11:2 - 3)

This included his fellow apostles.  Obviously these brethren were steep in Jewish tradition and they did not understand.  But Peter holding priesthood keys -

"...rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me.
12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost."  (New Testament | Acts 11:4 - 16)

And then Peter reasoned -

"Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?"  (New Testament | Acts 11:17)

I love the response of his fellow brethren whom I believe sustained Peter as a "prophet, seer, and revelator" for -

"When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."  (New Testament | Acts 11:18)

There are two great lessons here.  The first being that there have been times when certain groups of people have been withheld blessings as were the gentiles during the ministry of the Savior.  The second is that in His true Church, revelation is present and precedence can easy change according to the will of the Lord.

Acts 9

I had blogged several days ago (John 11) how the Savior received permission from the Father or in other words, learned it was the will of the Father to raise Lazarus from the dead.  Now Peter, and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, holding priesthood authority from the Savior visted Joppa where -

"...there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them."  (New Testament | Acts 9:36 - 39)

I can just imagine what was going through Peter's mind as he approached Joppa for -

"...When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth..."  (New Testament | Acts 9:39 - 40)

I find this significant as Peter asked them to leave the room.  It is then, following the example of the Savior as he -

"...kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise."  (New Testament | Acts 9:40)

Much as was done with Lazarus, it appears to me that in prayer, Peter learned the will of the Father and thus having faith and authority commanded Tabitha to arise.  Miracles always follow faith and the will of the Father.  The blessing was -

"...it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."  (New Testament | Acts 9:42)

Acts 9

We are taught by the Lord that  -

"...I am able to do mine own ...for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:20 - 21)

But even though the Lord has stated the He is able to do His work, the scriptures continually point out that He chooses to do it by authorized men on the earth.  After Saul was visited by the Savior, He instructed Saul -

"...Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."  (New Testament | Acts 9:6)

We are told that as Saul arose from this vision that -

"...when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus."  (New Testament | Acts 9:8)

It was then in Damascus that Saul -

"...was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink."  (New Testament | Acts 9:9)

Obviously, Saul was fasting and praying.  At the same time -

"...there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight."  (New Testament | Acts 9:10 - 12)

Ananias, knowing that Saul was out taking captive the believers of Christ, he strongly questioned this revelation.  But the Lord said to Ananias -

"...Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."  (New Testament | Acts 9:15 - 16)

And so in obedience -

"...Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."  (New Testament | Acts 9:17 - 18)

There is no question that the Lord could have done all this with no help from Ananias.  But there is no question that this work greatly blessed Saul with humility and Ananias in diligence and faithful obedience.  What a great lesson on how the Savior does His own work.

Acts 8

As the apostles called seven worthy men to assist in the work, we are told -

"...they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."  (New Testament | Acts 6:5 - 6)

It becomes apparent that the apostles had been given authority in order to lay hands on them.  Obviously, priesthood authority to call and set them apart in the work.

Sometime later, Philip -

"...Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed."  (New Testament | Acts 8:5 - 7)

For -

"...when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."  (New Testament | Acts 8:12)

It is apparent in my mind that Philip also held priesthood authority to baptize just like John the Baptist. We then read that after these Samaritans had been baptized -

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."  (New Testament | Acts 8:14 - 17)

It now becomes apparent that Phillip held a lessor priesthood and Peter and John held a higher priesthood that had authority to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  Simon, a sorcerer, also recognized this priesthood authority and even suggested -

"...Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."  (New Testament | Acts 8:19 - 20)

Obviously, not anyone can hold either of these priesthoods.  One of the articles of our faith in include -

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."  (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:5)

Acts 6

As the converts continued to increase in the primitive Church -

"...in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."  (New Testament | Acts 6:1 - 4)

For the first time, we see the need for additional officers in the Church.  In this case "Seven" which I believe were those that would eventually lead the seventy.  I note the condition for those to serve in offices of the Church include honesty, wisdom, and full of the Holy Ghost, for it is the Holy Ghost that will lead them in their calling to do the will of the Father.

Just another thought.  Stephen mentioned that -

"...when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them..."  (New Testament | Acts 7:23 - 25)

It appears to me that Moses, from prophecies of Joseph, already understood his mission and that he would deliver Israel for Joseph testified -

"...Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel.
10 And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:9 - 10)

Israel and Moses's mom were probably more than familiar with this prophecy.

Acts 5

Luke tells us that -

"...a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet."  (New Testament | Acts 5:1 - 2)

As many began to live the law of consecration, these two individuals professed that they too were living this law and donated all that was received with the sale of the possession. But Peter, knowing that this was not true confronted Ananias asking -

"...why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."  (New Testament | Acts 5:3 - 4)

The consequence for this representation seems rather steep as -

"...Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost..."  (New Testament | Acts 5:5)

But no only Ananias gave up ghost but -

"...when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband."  (New Testament | Acts 5:7 - 10)

I believe the issue here is not that they "kept back a part of the price", but an issue that they lied to their priesthood leader.  Though giving up the ghost is generally not result when those that lie to their priesthood leader, but they do die a spiritual death in doing so.  Remember the teachings of Jacob -

"Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:34)

Acts 3

As Peter and John passed a certain lame man at the temple gate, even as the lame man looked for some type of alms, Peter said -

"...Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee..."  (New Testament | Acts 3:6)

What Peter possessed was faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as well as His priesthood authority.  Many brethren today possess that same faith and authority.  Even though this was a physical healing, I believe it was symbolic to all that possess the priesthood that in exercising their priesthood authority, they not only possess the power to physically heal according to God's will, but they possess the power to spiritually heal through the atonment of Jesus Christ for Peter also explained when question of this power -

"...Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?"  (New Testament | Acts 3:12)

Obviously, it was the power of the priesthood bestowed by the Savior.

Peter then explains how these people of Israel could be also healed -

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord...."  (New Testament | Acts 3:19)

What better way could spiritually healing be described as by "refreshing".  This refreshing comes from the presence of the Lord or the Holy Ghost.  I know that to be true.

 

Acts 2

On the day of Pentecost -

"...suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."  (New Testament | Acts 2:2 - 4)

I note that there were also there -

"....at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven."  (New Testament | Acts 2:5)
"Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"  (New Testament | Acts 2:6 - 8)

And as a result -

"...they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine."  (New Testament | Acts 2:12 - 13)

Obviously, miraculous signs never persuade all men.  Though there are many that believe this testimony that took place in the days of the early apostles.  It happened in modern day as the Kirtland Temple was dedicated where the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed -

"Let it be fulfilled upon them, as upon those on the day of Pentecost; let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof.
37 And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:36 - 37)

And shortly thereafter, the Prophet testified -

“A noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels, which fact I declared to the congregation. The people of the neighborhood came running together (hearing an unusual sound within, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple,) and were astonished at what was taking place. This continued until the meeting closed at eleven p. m.”

And a day or two later -

“I left the meeting in the charge of the Twelve, and retired about nine o’clock in the evening. The brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until five o’clock in the morning. The Savior made His appearance to some, while angels ministered to others, and it was a Pentecost and an endowment indeed, long to be remembered, for the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world, and the occurrences of this day shall be handed down upon the pages of sacred history, to all generations; as the day of Pentecost, so shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of jubilee, and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God.” (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vol. 2, pp. 428 and 432– 433.)

There will always be those that are amazed, those that doubt, and those that mock.