Comparison of the Apostles and Jesus
(Chart 2) Portrayal of the Apostles
The portrayal of the apostles in Acts is very similar to the portrayal of Jesus in Luke's Gospel.
| The Apostles in Acts | Jesus in Luke's Gospel |
| The Holy Ghost descends on the apostles at Pentecost (2:1-4) | The Holy Ghost descends at His baptism (3:21-22) |
| Peter preaches, quoting from the prophet Joel (2:16-36) | Jesus preaches after reading form the prophet Isaiah (4:14-30) |
| The apostles call people to join them (2:37-41,47b) | Jesus calls His first followers (5:1-11, 27-32) |
| Peter and John heal a lame beggar (3:1-10) | Jesus heals a blind beggar (18:35-43) |
| The High priest arrests some of the apostles and questions them before the council (4:1-22) | Jesus is arrested and interrogated by the council (22:47-71) |
| The "narrator" summarizes the "signs and wonders" of the apostles, especially the healings and deliverances (5:12-16; 8:6-7,13) | The "narrator" summarizes the healing and delivering activity of Jesus (4:40-41; 6:17-19) |
| The sick are healed through Peter's shadow and Paul's handkerchiefs or aprons (19:11-12) | A woman is healed when she touches the fringes of Jesus' clothing (8:43-48) |
| Jewish leaders want to kill the apostles, because of their teachings (5:17-42) | Jewish leaders plot to kill Jesus, partly due to His teachings (19:45-48) |
| Peter raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (9:36-42) | Jesus raises a widow's son form the dead (7:11-17) |
| The apostles encounter a pious Roman centurion) (10:1-48) | Jesus heals the son of a faithful Roman centurion (7:1-10) |
| Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, despite the dangers that await him there (19:21; 21:8-17) | Jesus is determined to go to Jerusalem, despite the dangers that await Him there (9:51; 13:33; 19:11-28) |
| Paul is welcomed in Jerusalem by the believers and soon goes to the temple (21:17-26) | Jesus is welcomed in Jerusalem by large crowds and soon goes to the temple (19:28-48) |
| Paul is seized by a Jewish mob that wants him killed, but later stands trial before Roman governors (21:30-36; 23:23-26:32 | Jesus is arrested by a Jewish mob, but is later turned over to the Roman procurator for trial (22:47-54; 23:1-25) |
| Paul argues against the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection (23:6-9) | Jesus is questioned by some Sadducees who dispute the concept of resurrection (20:29-38) |
| Paul takes bread, gives thanks, and breaks it, and eats (27:35: 20:7-11) | Jesus takes bread, says a blessing, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples to eat (27:35; 24:30) |
| As he is being stoned to death, Stephen hands his spirit over to the Lord Jesus and forgives his executioners (7:59-60) | As he is dying on the cross, Jesus forgives His executioners and hands His spirit over to God (23:34,46) |
No Comments