Acts

Date Written: Between 63 – 70 CE

Author: Luke, a Gentile physician

Setting: Acts is the connecting link between Christ’s life and the life of the church, and between the Gospels and the Letters. Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off.

Key People: Peter, John, James, Stephen, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, Cornelius, Timothy, Lydia, Silas, Titus, Apollos, Agabus, Ananias, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, and Luke

Purpose: To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church.

Key Verses: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea & Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 1:8

Chapter Outline:

1-7 Jerusalem

8-11 Judea & Samaria

12-20 Paul’s Journeys

21-28 Paul Taken to Rome

Importance of reading Acts:

What we read: Acts gives us an eyewitness account of the birth and spread of the church. Beginning in Jerusalem with a small group of disciples, the message traveled across the Roman empire. Empowered by the Holy Spirit they preached, taught, healed the sick, cast out demons, and showed love to one another. They did this in synagogues, schools, homes, marketplaces, courtrooms, streets, hills, ships, desert roads, and wherever else God sent them. Lives were changed for the Glory of God. What we can learn: We can learn how church is supposed to be done, how it should look, and how it should function.

What we read: Once Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, he preached with boldness and performed miracles. Jesus told the apostles and disciples that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit. From that power they would be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The ministry they had been called to do could not be done apart from the Holy Spirit. This is what gave them the ability to go forward with the Gospel in boldness regardless of the consequences they faced.  What we can learn: We are no different. As believers the Holy Spirit dwells in us and equips us for the ministry and the places we are called to go. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness, teaches us, and strengthens us to do the work God calls us to do.

What we read: The first Christians shared their possessions with each other. They were generous givers. Instead of building up their own wealth they gave to see that the whole body of Christ had their needs met so that the work of evangelism could go forward. They wouldn’t let a brother or sister suffer when others had plenty.  What we can learn: How do you feel about your possessions? We should have the attitude that everything we have comes from God and we are only sharing what is already His. Be sensitive to the voice of God. When He tells you to give, give with a cheerful heart.

What we read: In chapter 6:12-15 Stephen, who was one of the deacons in the Early Church, was a man full of faith, boldness, and the Holy Spirit. He was a powerful man in God and that caused many religious leaders to rise up against him. They even paid bribes for false witnesses to file blasphemy statements against him. Even with all this Stephen stood firm for the Lord. What we can learn: We must always be willing to remain in God’s will, even though it may look crazy to others. Our greatest desire must be to please God and not men not matter the cost.

What we read: Paul was stoned, beaten, thrown in jail, faced riots, and faced death many times, yet he never stopped doing what God asked of him. God had given Paul a clear calling to plant churches throughout the Roman world. He was obedient regardless of what he faced. What we can learn: Paul shows us the importance of being obedient to God regardless of what man may threaten us with.

What we read: The early church discipled one another. They thrived by one on one relationships. They invested in the life of someone else, instructed, led, and journeyed together. They lived out the principle of discipleship – follow me as I follow Jesus. This is how the church grew not just in numbers, but also spiritually. They discipled one another, they gathered together often, and they did life together. What we can learn: The church will never thrive spiritually without discipleship. Evangelism isn’t enough. Once people get saved, they need discipled. And that can only be done by relationship—spending time together.

What we read: The early church spoke the truth at all costs. They spent many nights in prison, stood before courts, faced death threats, and even gave their lives. Yet, they never stopped. They knew the cost of sharing the Gospel and were willing to pay it. They walked with Jesus, they knew the truth, and they willingly gave their lives for it. What we can learn: Today’s culture will come at you if they think you said the wrong thing. Does that keep you silent? Does knowing that the majority won’t agree with you, may laugh at you, and even mock you, cause you to be silent? Should we allow the world to dictate the Gospel? No, we shouldn’t. We should speak boldly no matter the cost. It is worth the cost to speak boldly for Christ. We are called to pick up our cross & follow Him.    

Things to think about as you read Acts:

• What have you learned from Acts about the Holy Spirit and your responsibility to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ?
• Based on what you saw in the sermons that were preached & the personal witnesses which were given, what would you include in your witness? Where would the emphasis be?
• As you studied the lives of the early apostles and the commitment of the early church, how has God spoken to your heart? Think about how they lived and then think about how you are living. Do you have the Holy Spirit living inside you? What should be happening in your life because of this? What fruits are being produced in your life because of the Holy Spirit living in you?
• The apostles and disciples went where the Gospel was needed. They listened to the call of God and evangelized everywhere they went. You will be called out of your comfort zone to share the Gospel. Will you go willingly as they did? Will you serve as they served? They were willing to do the task, travel the roads, and sail across seas so that people would know the hope of Christ. You probably won’t be asked to cross the sea. God may only ask you to share Him with a neighbor or a coworker. Will you do that?

Video Link: https://youtu.be/J8SeRgZBO3c?si=dSL302W47yHuRc1i

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry