Stories of the Jewish Church I: Acts 1-5

Course Info

Many people see the Book of Acts as a history of the early church. But too often, people forget that it was a Jewish Church. And when we say the Jewish Church - that is not something most people know. Though the book of Acts chronicles some historical descriptions of the times, it also preserves beautiful sermons and tells many inspiring stories of the early Jewish Christ-followers. Acts preserves a record of how early believers understood their own faith in the first-century context. This course focuses on these ancient stories of faith and relates them to the historical and cultural context, to the climate of first-century Jerusalem.  

This first part of the course focuses on Chapters 1-5 as disciples are emboldened by the Holy Spirit as they proclaimed their Messiah in the Temple daily. Explore the perspective of believers who worshipped in the Temple and met from home to home in anticipation of Yeshua's return. Re-discover the stories of this Jewish Church.

About Author

Pinchas Shir

Associate Professor of Ancient Cultures

Pinchas Shir, Israel Bible Center’s Associate Professor of Ancient Cultures, is nearing the completion of his Ph.D. studies in the Department of Religion at Groningen University in the Netherlands. His academic interests focus on ancient dining culture, culinary contexts of the Second Temple period, and particularly on the table interactions between Jews and Gentiles in antiquity. In addition, Pinchas is keenly interested in the archaeology of Ancient Israel and the Mediterranean.

Currently residing in North America, Assoc. Professor Shir lectures internationally and maintains a strong online presence where all can hear his teachings.