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In this ninth installment expounding the book of Acts, John Ritenbaugh continues to reflect on Stephen's incendiary message to fellow Hellenistic Jews (ostensibly given in hopes of their repentance), chastising them for their perennial rejection of prophets and deliverers, including the greatest Deliverer ever sent (namely Jesus Christ), clinging instead superstitiously to the land, the law, and the temple. Stephen's 'untimely' martyrdom and his compassion on his persecutors, followed by the protest reaction against his brutal murder (all part of God's divine plan) resulted in a rapid spreading of the Gospel . The study then focuses upon the influence of Simon Magus, who is thought to be the father of Gnosticism (and by extension the Father of the Catholic Church and the first pope), as well as a noted practitioner of sorcery or magic who became impressed with the power of God's Holy Spirit, presumptuously offering Peter money to purchase this power for selfish purposes to control others rather than to serve them. Peter recognized the hypocritical, deceitful, impure motives of this request and responded appropriately.

Acts of Peter Anger Baptism Captivity Giving of the Holy Spirit Gnosticism God's sovereignty Grace Iranaeous Justification Justin Martyr Land Laying on of hands Law Messiah Persecution Pilgrim Protest march Receiving of the Holy Spirit Saul Simon Magus Spreading of Gospel Temple Trials

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