Repeated Patterns and Themes

As we read through the scriptures, we will encounter repeated patterns and themes.

For example, we have so far looked at about 3 chapters in Acts. There are repeated patterns in these three chapters;

-miracle, wonder, or sign;

-amazement, confusion, marvel, and wonder;

-people come together

-a sermon is preached;

-people are chosen/converted.

Chapter 1;

-the miraculous ascension of Jesus into heaven with the clouds of heaven;

-there is amazement as they gaze into heaven;

-the disciples gathered in an upper room and prayed.

-Peter stands up and preaches;

-Matthias is chosen as an apostle.

Chapter 2;

-the miraculous baptism of the Holy Spirit with tongues of fire, sound, and miracle tongues;

-people are confused, amazed, they marvel or mock;

-a coming together

-Peter preaches a sermon;

-3000 people are converted/chosen for salvation.

Chapter 3;

-a lame beggar is miraculously healed in Jesus name;

-there is wonder and amazement;

-the people ran together to them.

-Peter preaches a sermon;

-many of those who heard the word believed (4:4).

There are additional common events, themes, patterns, etc. in these accounts; fulfillment of prophecy, prayers, being with one accord, Holy Spirit work, baptism.

Notice also when the lame beggar is healed in Acts 3:11, it says "all the people ran together to them,..." And in Acts 4:1 we read about a different gathering to them; "Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, ..." The living and preaching of the word of God brings people together; some out of love, others out of hatred, jealousy, anger.

It is good to be alert to these kinds of things. The Spirit of Almighty God has inspired the Holy Scriptures, and we should expect to be amazed at it, again and again and again.

DR