The Teachings of the Book of Acts
The Book of Acts serves as a profound testament to the early Church's mission to spread the gospel, guided by the Holy Spirit amidst persecution and opposition. It portrays the boldness of the apostles and early believers who, despite facing threats, imprisonment, and even death, faithfully proclaimed the truth of Christ. Acts captures the foundational truths of Christian faith: the call to repentance, the equality of all believers under God, the rejection of legalism, and the imperative to speak boldly against corruption and hypocrisy.
At its core, Acts highlights a battle not just against human authorities but against spiritual forces opposing God’s truth. Figures like Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and Peter, who fearlessly preached repentance, stood firm against religious leaders who prioritized their power and traditions over God’s will. These narratives reveal a stark warning: those who resist the truth are not merely fighting people—they are fighting God Himself.
As we explore key passages in Acts, we’ll draw comparisons between the behaviors of the religious leaders in that time—Sadducees, high priests, and others—and the actions of modern-day institutions like the Roman Catholic Church (RCC).
Acts 2:17 declares, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” This verse speaks of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, marking the baptism of the Spirit that regenerates and transforms the hearts of believers from within. This is not a superficial change or mere external ritual, but a profound inward renewal that breaks the dominion of sin over a believer’s life.
The same Spirit I experienced, which purified me with an intense heat so powerful that even my knuckles bled—a moment I have previously shared—raises a question: have Catholics truly felt the Spirit transforming them in such a profound way?
The early followers of Christ, those who heard the Word of God directly from the apostles, did not strive to earn God’s favour through works or religious rituals. Their salvation was rooted in faith, which led to the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Once filled, their hearts were transformed, and their lives were evidence of this transformation. As Paul wrote in Romans 6:14, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” This grace, made manifest through the Spirit, empowered them to live righteously, no longer enslaved to sin.
Furthermore, 1 John 3:9 reinforces this truth: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a true believer produces a new nature, one that cannot continue in sin because it is sustained by God’s seed. These early Christians didn’t rely on confession to priests for forgiveness—they understood that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, and through faith, their sins were forgiven.
So, why do Catholics continue the practice of confession to priests? This tradition is rooted in a misunderstanding of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement. Instead of trusting in the completed work of Jesus and the indwelling Spirit, they turn to human intermediaries, perpetuating a cycle of guilt and dependence on a system that cannot save. The early church demonstrated that true repentance and forgiveness come from a direct relationship with God through Christ, not from confessing sins to illegitimate priests.
The Catholic system of confession, while presented as an act of humility and contrition, contrasts sharply with the freedom described in the New Testament. True believers are not under the dominion of sin or reliant on human mediators. As Jesus Himself declared in John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
This raises a critical question: if the rituals of the Roman Catholic Church are claimed to lead to salvation and transformation, why are there so many cases of homosexuality and pedophile priests within the institution?
Much like the Sadducees and high priests of ancient Israel, the Roman Catholic Church fosters a dependency on its institution to maintain its wealth and power. This parallel becomes strikingly clear in Acts 4:1-22, where the high priests and religious hierarchy felt threatened by the apostles' proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ. These leaders weren’t concerned about the spiritual well-being of the people; their primary concern was protecting their own status, influence, and control. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached the truth of God’s Word, and in response, the religious authorities sought to silence them.
This behavior mirrors the actions of the RCC as a political and religious institution throughout history, particularly in its persecution of those who sought to translate and spread the Word of God. Men and women who dared to make the Bible accessible to laypeople were often branded heretics, imprisoned, or executed—acts justified under the guise of protecting doctrine but motivated by a fear of losing control. These so-called "holy men" were not driven by a desire to spread God’s truth but by a determination to preserve their institution’s dominance and their own privileged positions within it.
If the RCC had truly cared about the souls of the people and the truth of God’s Word, they would have celebrated the translation of the Bible, not condemned it. Instead, they actively shut the door to knowledge and salvation, much like the Sadducees, of whom Jesus said in Matthew 23:13, “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” The RCC’s actions reflect this same spirit, prioritizing institutional preservation over the souls of those seeking God.
Despite the RCC’s vast reach, with over a billion followers worldwide, this institution will not stand beside Catholics when they face God’s judgment. As individuals, they will answer for their own faith and actions. Salvation is not mediated by a religious hierarchy or secured through allegiance to an institution but is found in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Word of God, when freely accessible and understood, leads to liberation and truth.
The lengths to which the political-religious institution that institutionalized true Christianity and merged it with paganism, went to, are staggering—murder, genocide, and widespread persecution. This institution, the Roman Catholic Church, sought to maintain its dominance not by upholding the truth of the gospel but by silencing those who opposed its authority or sought to return to biblical Christianity.
It is critical to understand that the first church was indeed catholic in its original meaning: the universal body of all believers in Christ. However, it was not Roman Catholic as we see today, laden with pagan rituals, idolatrous practices, and hierarchical traditions that are far removed from the simplicity of the early Church described in the New Testament.
The atrocities committed to keep this man-made institution alive—whether through the Crusades, the Inquisition, or the execution of those who translated and distributed the Bible—reveal the extent to which power and control supplanted the true mission of the Church. The gospel of Jesus Christ, meant to bring freedom and salvation, was obscured by layers of man-made tradition and coercion.
The early Church, as described in the Book of Acts, bore no resemblance to the Roman Catholic Church today. The apostles preached a gospel of repentance, faith, and transformation through the Holy Spirit, not a system of rituals, sacraments, or dependence on a human priesthood. The practices we see today—such as the veneration of saints, the use of relics, and the elevation of the pope—are stark departures from the original faith, rooted more in pagan syncretism than in Scripture.
Now, let’s examine a striking parallel in Acts 4:32-37. In the early Church, believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, willingly sold their possessions to share with the community so that no one would go without. This selflessness exemplifies the Spirit of Christ—putting the needs of others above one’s own. However, in the very next chapter, we encounter Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), who, influenced by a deceitful and satanic spirit, withheld a portion of their wealth while lying to the apostles, pretending to give all. Their actions were rooted in greed and hypocrisy, and God’s judgment upon them was swift.
How is this different from the actions of the RCC? The parallels are undeniable. The RCC, with its vast wealth and opulent properties—palaces, cathedrals gilded with gold, and a portfolio worth billions—hoards its riches while projecting a facade of piety and charity. They claim to serve the poor and marginalized, yet the truth is clear: under this outward display of compassion lies a system built to sustain and grow its earthly empire.
True Christians around the world suffer persecution, hunger, and even death for their faith, while the RCC amasses wealth and influence. Instead of reflecting the sacrificial spirit of the apostles, who gave freely and lived humbly, the RCC mirrors the deceit and selfishness of Ananias and Sapphira, keeping back the riches they claim to offer in service to God. They sell prayer cards, books, and indulgences and charge exorbitant fees for pilgrimages, all to bolster their man-made institution. This is not apostolic succession—it is apostolic distortion.
The apostolic Church was characterized by humility, generosity, and truth. The RCC, by contrast, has built an empire that prioritizes power and wealth over the true gospel. Jesus Himself warned against such hypocrisy in Matthew 23:27, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”
Wouldn’t you agree that the cover-up of pedophilia is nothing short of filth?
The actions of the RCC not only betray the spirit of the early Church but also reveal a satanic influence, much like Ananias and Sapphira. While professing godliness, they exploit their followers to sustain an institution that sells salvation as if it were a commodity. This is not the gospel of Christ—it is a distortion designed to entrench their earthly dominion.
True Christianity is about the transformation of the heart, the sharing of burdens, and the selfless service to others in obedience to God. It is not about gilded altars, billion-dollar portfolios, or exploiting the faithful under the guise of religion. The early Church knew this and lived it. The question we must ask is this: will believers today recognize the hypocrisy of such institutions and return to the purity and truth of the gospel, or will they continue to feed into the wealth-hoarding, power-hungry system that calls itself the Church?
The choice is clear. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
In Acts 5:29, Peter boldly declares, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
This statement encapsulates the very essence of Christian faith: submission to God above all human authority. Yet in Roman Catholicism, we see a troubling contradiction. Catholics bow, kneel, and even kiss the ring of the pope, elevating him to a status that Peter himself would have utterly rejected. Peter, the humble apostle and servant of Christ, would be horrified by this absurd display of human idolatry.
Acts 5:32 further states, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” God gives the Holy Spirit to those who worship Him in truth and spirit. Yet Catholicism has elevated man-made traditions over the simplicity of worshipping God as outlined in Scripture. Through theological gymnastics, Catholic leaders have fabricated dogmas and retroactively sought justification for them in the Old Testament. These include doctrines such as the perpetual virginity of Mary, her assumption into heaven, and papal infallibility—concepts that are found nowhere in Scripture.
Instead of adhering to the gospel’s clear teachings, Catholicism constructs dogmas first, then attempts to twist or reinterpret Scripture to fit them. This method, driven by human reasoning and tradition, places burdens on believers and creates a system of bondage to men rather than freedom in Christ. Jesus warned against such practices in Mark 7:13 when He said, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
The Catholic Church, by fabricating doctrines that cannot be substantiated by Scripture, manipulates its followers into submission. Traditions become chains, keeping believers bound to a man-made system rather than the liberating truth of God’s Word. This is far removed from the simplicity and freedom that Peter and the apostles proclaimed. As Jesus said in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Consider the doctrine of papal infallibility. It is not only absent from Scripture but also contradicts Peter’s very character. Peter, the so-called "first pope," was rebuked by Paul in Galatians 2:11 for his hypocrisy. If Peter was fallible and open to correction, how can modern popes claim infallibility? This is a clear example of how Catholicism places man’s authority above God’s truth.
Furthermore, the elevation of Mary in Catholic doctrine, with titles such as “Co-Redemptrix” and “Queen of Heaven,” shifts focus from Christ, the sole mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary’s perpetual virginity and assumption into heaven are fabrications designed to elevate her status, creating a theology that diverts worship from God to a human figure. This is idolatry, pure and simple.
Catholicism binds its followers with rituals, traditions, and dogmas that are nowhere found in Scripture. From indulgences to Marian doctrines, from papal decrees to fabricated sacraments, the institution has built a system that prioritizes obedience to men over obedience to God. This is precisely what Peter warned against in Acts 5:29.
True freedom is found not in human traditions but in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who leads believers into all truth (John 16:13). Catholicism, by contrast, keeps its adherents in bondage to an institution that prioritizes its own authority over God’s Word. As Paul writes in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
The contrast is clear: Peter and the apostles proclaimed obedience to God and the truth of the gospel, while the Catholic Church demands submission to men and traditions.
The similarities between the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the Sadducees and high priests of the early Church go even further. In Acts 5:33, we see that the high priests, feeling threatened by the apostles' teachings, wanted them killed. That’s right—“holy men” conspired to commit murder simply because the apostles were proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ. These same leaders had earlier commanded the apostles not to teach in Jesus’ name, demonstrating their arrogance, self-importance, and utter disdain for the Word of God.
How is this any different from the actions of the RCC throughout history? Consider the case of John Wycliffe, known as the "Morning Star of the Reformation," whose efforts to translate the Bible into English for the common people were met with hatred by the Church. Though Wycliffe died of a stroke, the RCC later exhumed and burned his bones in a grotesque display of vengeance for his work in spreading the gospel. Others, like William Tyndale, were not so fortunate. Tyndale was executed—strangled and burned at the stake—for his role in translating the Bible into English and for proclaiming salvation through faith alone. These men, among many others, were hunted and killed by a so-called "Christian" institution for daring to bring God’s Word to the people.
Such actions reveal the heart of the institution. Like the Sadducees, the RCC viewed the spread of truth as a threat to its power and control. By murdering those who translated the Bible or preached salvation apart from its hierarchy, the RCC was not fighting man—it was fighting God. As Acts 5:39 warns, “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” And yet, this is precisely what the RCC has done for centuries, opposing the very gospel it claims to uphold.
Can those within this corrupt and pagan institution, veiled in a thin layer of Christianity, truly be saved? This is a question that must be asked. Despite their outward displays of piety—grand cathedrals, lavish ceremonies, and ornate vestments—the RCC has been plagued by greed, pomp, and a shocking blindness to its own sins. Homosexuality, pedophilia, greed, murder, and fraud have been tolerated within its ranks to preserve its aristocratic power and wealth. These are not the actions of a holy institution but of a worldly one clinging to its dominance at any cost.
What makes this even more troubling is the silent complicity of many Catholics, who go along without a murmur. They see the institutional sins—cover-ups of abuse, financial corruption, and the exploitation of the poor—yet they remain silent, perhaps out of fear, ignorance, or misplaced loyalty. This silence allows the RCC to continue in its hypocrisy, just as the high priests and Sadducees did when they sought to maintain their control over the people.
But let us not forget the words of Christ in Matthew 23:27-28: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
This is a perfect description of the RCC’s outward grandeur masking inward corruption.
The true Church of Christ does not hoard wealth, silence dissent, or persecute those who proclaim the truth. It does not cling to man-made traditions or pomp but instead points people to Jesus, the sole mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). The early apostles, though persecuted and martyred, stood firm in their faith, proclaiming the gospel boldly, as seen in Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Do Roman Catholic clergy truly believe they have the power to forgive sins? Perhaps not, as they themselves are likely products of the institution’s indoctrination, often relying on tradition rather than having deeply studied the Bible for themselves.
Will they enter the kingdom of God after death? Neglecting to study the Word of God and choosing instead to submit blindly to the hierarchy of popes and bishops is a serious failing. Willful ignorance is no excuse, especially when it results in leading others astray.
In Acts 6:4, the apostles, recognizing the growing needs of the early Church, chose seven helpers to assist with the daily ministry. Now, consider this: do you think they selected people who bowed down, kissed their rings, or sought their approval through hollow gestures of deference? Absolutely not. They chose individuals who were “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 6:5). These men were not concerned with displaying self-righteousness or running themselves ragged in an effort to earn God’s favour. Instead, they were chosen because their lives were a testament to their faith in Christ, their love for the truth, and their commitment to God’s Word above wealth, status, or power.
The apostles were clear about the type of people they wanted to assist in the ministry—those who lived by the Spirit, not by appearances or empty traditions. They sought individuals who were grounded in the truth, who prioritized the gospel and righteous living over the pursuit of earthly gain or recognition. This stands in stark contrast to many practices observed in the institutionalized religion of today, where outward displays of piety are often mistaken for true faith.
It’s also worth noting that at the time of the apostles, they adhered to the eternal law given by God, which prohibited the consumption of blood (Leviticus 17:10-14). They were not literally drinking the blood of Christ, just as Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:29-30—about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand—was metaphorical, emphasizing the need for spiritual purity and righteous living. The Lord’s Supper, instituted by Jesus, was a symbolic act of remembrance, not a literal drinking of blood, which would have contradicted God’s commands.
The early Church understood the profound symbolism of Jesus’ teachings. Drinking His blood and eating His flesh were metaphors for partaking in His sacrifice, accepting His life into ours, and living in spiritual communion with Him. It was about faith and transformation, not physical acts or rituals that would contradict God’s law. The apostles carried this understanding forward, preaching the gospel in its simplicity and truth, avoiding unnecessary rituals or practices that could cloud its message.
The self-righteousness and indignation of the high priests in Acts 6:14 is striking. They dragged Stephen before their "council," accusing him of threatening to change their customs. These men, steeped in their own traditions and blinded by their pride, could not tolerate the truth Stephen spoke, even though it was rooted in the inspired Word of God, the ultimate authority and fulfillment of prophecy. Their customs and human traditions, however revered, could never compete with the divine revelation of Scripture. Yet, such is the arrogance of men in positions of power.
This same arrogance led to Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7:51-60, where he boldly confronted them, saying, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” For speaking the truth, Stephen became the first Christian martyr, stoned to death by those who claimed to be holy men. But their actions revealed the satanic spirit working through them, a spirit that opposes the truth and seeks to silence it at all costs.
The parallels to the Roman Catholic Church are undeniable. Just as the high priests persecuted Stephen for exposing their hypocrisy, so too did the RCC persecute those labeled as "heretics"—men and women whose only "crime" was translating the Bible, preaching salvation by faith, and rejecting man-made traditions. The so-called "Vicar of Christ," a title claimed by the pope, authorized the burning of countless individuals at the stake, all to preserve the power and authority of the institution. These atrocities, stretching from the Inquisition to the corruption and abuse scandals of today, bear the unmistakable mark of the same satanic spirit at work.
Consider the RCC’s modern failings—pedophilia, financial corruption, and the systemic cover-ups that prioritize the institution’s reputation over the victims’ suffering. How can such actions possibly align with the work of God? If this is not the influence of a satanic spirit working through the institution, then what is? Instead of promoting the truth of the gospel, the RCC has often suppressed it, substituting rituals and dogmas for the Word of God and keeping its followers in spiritual bondage.
The question then arises: What kind of “hocus pocus” has blinded Catholics to the truth? Why do so many fail to read the Word of God for themselves or recognize the corruption within the institution? The power of deception is real, and as 2 Corinthians 4:4 warns, “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Satan’s influence is strong, and he uses institutions, traditions, and even the guise of piety to keep people from the liberating truth of Scripture.
Stephen’s martyrdom stands as a timeless example of the cost of proclaiming the truth in the face of institutional power. His death reminds us that those who resist God’s Word are not merely opposing men—they are fighting against God Himself. And just as the high priests resisted Stephen, so too does the RCC resist the transformative power of the gospel, choosing instead to preserve its traditions and authority.
The challenge for Catholics and all believers is clear: to break free from the chains of man-made religion and seek the truth in God’s Word. As Jesus said in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The light of the gospel exposes the darkness, but only those willing to see it will be transformed. The question is, will they open their eyes before it’s too late?
Comentários