gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-wsc-q26-ac-e246

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: WSC Q26 ↔ Acts

# WSC Q26 and the Book of Acts ## Westminster Shorter Catechism Q26 **Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?** **A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.** ## Connection to Acts The book of Acts powerfully demonstrates Christ's kingly office in action through the early church. Here are the key connections: ### 1. **Subduing Us to Himself** Acts shows Christ subduing hearts through the Holy Spirit: - **Acts 2:37-41** - At Pentecost, "they were cut to the heart" and 3,000 were added to the church - **Acts 9:1-6** - Saul's dramatic conversion: "Who are you, Lord?" Christ subdued His chief persecutor - **Acts 16:14** - Lydia's conversion: "The Lord opened her heart to pay attention" ### 2. **Ruling and Defending Us** Christ governs His church and protects His people: - **Acts 1:2** - Jesus gave commands to His apostles "through the Holy Spirit" - **Acts 5:19-20** - Angel releases apostles from prison to continue preaching - **Acts 12:6-11** - Peter miraculously delivered from Herod's imprisonment - **Acts 18:9-10** - Christ promises Paul: "I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you" - **Acts 27:23-24** - Angel assures Paul of God's protection in the storm ### 3. **Restraining and Conquering Enemies** Acts demonstrates Christ's victory over opposition: - **Acts 5:38-39** - Gamaliel unknowingly prophesies that opposition to Christ will fail - **Acts 12:23** - Herod, who killed James and imprisoned Peter, is struck down by God - **Acts 13:11** - Elymas the magician is struck blind for opposing the gospel - **Acts 16:16-18** - Paul casts out the demonic spirit - **Acts 19:11-20** - Demons are subjected; magical practices abandoned; "the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily" ### 4. **The Ascended King's Reign** - **Acts 2:33-36** - Peter declares: "Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God... God has made him both Lord and Christ" - **Acts 17:7** - Opponents unknowingly testify: "There is another king, Jesus" ## Conclusion Acts is the historical record of the risen and ascended King Jesus executing His kingly office. He subdues enemies and converts them into subjects (Paul), rules His church through the Spirit and appointed leaders, defends His people against persecution, and progressively conquers enemy territory as the gospel advances "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).