1997 Ford Explorer is not starting?

Just bought a 1997 ford explorer sport the next day
We went out sunday and the car left us stranded as it just decided not to start up
and out of the many times we tried starting it it did and when i put it into Drive
the car stalled and had to try again i don't want to kill the battery
the car will remain on but when i accelerate in drive there's no horse power
acceleration now the car doesn't start at all any ideas i'm willing to compensate!
i'm just really frustrated and worried

Low fuel pressure? Clogged filter? Have AAA take it in and get it estimated to fix. There are code readers you could use to get clues, but sounds like you did not get it checked by a tech before buying it.
That puts you in a spot. All I can think for you is take it to the Ford garage and have them give you a full report.

There are too many possibilities to make a diagnosis.

A mechanic has to examine the car.

Has really bad idles when its on as well feels like the car is not on then switching into reverse it stalls and dies out

Unfortunately your descriptions are vague and can be so many things impossible to tell you Best to take it to a shop Its a diagnosis of proses of elimination. Its a used vehicle no one knows how well it was taken care of
why it was sold etc. You can look up the VIN to find out if it was wrecked Also could have been one of those New Orleans flood vehicles that are being sold across the USA. Is the check engine light on? A code reader will tell you why All the codes for the OBO 2 scanner are the same for all vehicles.

hope it helps
Lr