THE BOOK OF ACTS
Study Guide for Tuesday, September 26, 2023
In last week’s study we saw and heard again many things Jesus Himself had taught, and it was just as if He was actually speaking to us! We know this is done by the power of God through God the Holy Spirit. There’s the Trinity in action, working all things together for good.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4
Please read Acts 2:1-13 and prayerfully answer the following questions:
1. What external sights and sounds did the disciples experience to help them recognize a new reality?
What was the inward and unseen reality?
2. Share a time when you experienced the unity the Spirit brings.
3. Why were separate, clearly understood languages necessary on this occasion?
Please read Acts 1:14-21 and prayerfully answer the following questions:
4. Whom did Peter say would receive the Holy Spirit?
When would they receive Him?
5. On what basis did Peter make his claim about who would receive the Spirit?
(v.17; see also Joel 2:28-32 and John 7:37-39.)
6. Who receives the Holy Spirit?
7. If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, how does this passage encourage and compel you to share the truth and invitation of God?
“And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.” Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32
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Study Guide for Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Blessed assurance, hope in the Lord – Jesus is alive! Though not present on Earth in bodily form, His Holy Spirit has been given to us: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5. So began our study in Acts. Dunamis, dynamite, dynamic power, the very power of God is in us, His Holy Spirit power! Before beginning the lesson, take a look at some Scriptures that use the Greek word ‘dunamis’, translated for us “power”:In Matthew 22:29 Jesus tells the Sadducees, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
Jesus also said, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30).
In other words, the Lord has inherent power residing in Himself. Dunamis is part of His nature.
We do not live the Christian life in our own power, but in God’s. It is God’s ability that makes us able to accomplish anything of value, for apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
It is His strength that makes us overcomers. Amen!
Luke 4:36: “All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What words these are! With authority and power He gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!’“
Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
First Corinthians 1:22–24: “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Second Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Second Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Ephesians 3:20–21: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Second Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Second Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
(Excerpts from: https://www.gotquestions.org/dunamis-meaning.html)
Now that the living and powerful Word of God has reminded us of His power and His Spirit who is always in and with us, and always here to teach us,
Please review Acts 1:1-26 and Luke 24:13-49 and prayerfully answer the following:
13. How has this week’s study impacted your thinking and trust in the Lord’s will and timing?
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about.” – Acts 1:4b
At this point in this week’s study, take some time to meditate on this verse. Then answer these questions that will help you reflect on what God’s been teaching you:
14. Record how you have seen God’s activity during the study so far. (How has He provided, responded, comforted, reconciled, guided, etc.?)
15. What from the Scriptures, group sharing or personal study impacted you most?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help us to receive and believe in all the Holy Spirit power You give us,
by Your Spirit who dwells in us and with us,
and use it all for Your glory,
to share Jesus with the world.
Thank You. Amen.
*************************************************************************************
Study Guide for Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Blessed assurance, hope in the Lord – Jesus is alive! So began our study in Acts. He promised power to witness by His Holy Spirit and commanded us to “Go!”
Immediately as He ascended to Heaven the promise of His return was given.
This is history, not a mystery, preserved for more than 2,200 years for our faith and confidence to tell others about Him and to share His very Words with them. This is a red-letter Bible study!
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3, Jesus speaking.
Please read Acts 1:4-11 and John 14:1-3, 15-18; 16:12-15 and prayerfully answer the following:
7. Why was it necessary for Jesus to leave the apostles?
8. What truths about the return of Jesus Christ do you see?
If Jesus were physically with us now, what would you want to ask Him or talk about?
9. What comfort and assurance might the apostles have received through the promises of this passage?
Please read Acts 1:12-26 and prayerfully answer the following:
10. Who were the people who prayed together?
What do you learn from this?
11. What stands out to you about the replacement of Judas with Matthias? See Psalm 109:1-8 and 1 Samuel 16:7.
12. How do you see God at work in these verses?
"I still have many things to say to you. But you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He Who is the Spirit of Truth comes, He will lead you into all truth. For He shall not speak from Himself. But whatever He shall hear, He shall speak. And He will show you the things to come. 14 He shall glorify Me. For He shall receive that which is Mine and shall show it to you.” John 16:12-14, Jesus Speaking
*****************************************************************************************************************
Study Guide for Tuesday, September 5, 2023
The Book of Acts captures the joys and sorrows in the lives of first-generation Christians after Jesus ascended to Heaven. It describes the Holy Spirit’s empowering of believers' bold mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.
For the next few weeks we will experience the beginning of the early Church – from Jesus' instructions to His apostles before His Ascension, to the Day of Pentecost and the subsequent, amazing, rapid growth of Christianity.
This is just the beginning and so far it has no ending – that is why He’s sending us…
Please read Acts 1:1-4 and Luke 24:13-49 and prayerfully answer the following:
1. How did the Lord engage with His followers in the days after Jesus’ death and Resurrection?
2. Why was it important that Jesus spend time – 40 days – alone with the disciples after His Resurrection and before His Ascension?
If Jesus were physically with us now, what would you want to ask Him or talk about?
3. How could the proofs of Jesus’ Resurrection help you when life is difficult or doubts arise?
Please read Acts 1:4-8 and prayerfully answer the following:
4. What was Jesus’ command?
What would the coming Spirit empower the apostles to do?
5. What difference does the Holy Spirit make in a person’s life?
(For help, see Romans 8:9, 14-16; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 5:22-23)
6. If you have professed your faith in Jesus Christ, what difference has the Holy Spirit made in your life?
In last week’s study we saw and heard again many things Jesus Himself had taught, and it was just as if He was actually speaking to us! We know this is done by the power of God through God the Holy Spirit. There’s the Trinity in action, working all things together for good.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4
Please read Acts 2:1-13 and prayerfully answer the following questions:
1. What external sights and sounds did the disciples experience to help them recognize a new reality?
What was the inward and unseen reality?
2. Share a time when you experienced the unity the Spirit brings.
3. Why were separate, clearly understood languages necessary on this occasion?
Please read Acts 1:14-21 and prayerfully answer the following questions:
4. Whom did Peter say would receive the Holy Spirit?
When would they receive Him?
5. On what basis did Peter make his claim about who would receive the Spirit?
(v.17; see also Joel 2:28-32 and John 7:37-39.)
6. Who receives the Holy Spirit?
7. If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, how does this passage encourage and compel you to share the truth and invitation of God?
“And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.” Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32
*****************************************************************************************************************
Study Guide for Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Blessed assurance, hope in the Lord – Jesus is alive! Though not present on Earth in bodily form, His Holy Spirit has been given to us: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5. So began our study in Acts. Dunamis, dynamite, dynamic power, the very power of God is in us, His Holy Spirit power! Before beginning the lesson, take a look at some Scriptures that use the Greek word ‘dunamis’, translated for us “power”:In Matthew 22:29 Jesus tells the Sadducees, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
Jesus also said, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30).
In other words, the Lord has inherent power residing in Himself. Dunamis is part of His nature.
We do not live the Christian life in our own power, but in God’s. It is God’s ability that makes us able to accomplish anything of value, for apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
It is His strength that makes us overcomers. Amen!
Luke 4:36: “All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What words these are! With authority and power He gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!’“
Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
First Corinthians 1:22–24: “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Second Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Second Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Ephesians 3:20–21: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Second Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Second Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
(Excerpts from: https://www.gotquestions.org/dunamis-meaning.html)
Now that the living and powerful Word of God has reminded us of His power and His Spirit who is always in and with us, and always here to teach us,
Please review Acts 1:1-26 and Luke 24:13-49 and prayerfully answer the following:
13. How has this week’s study impacted your thinking and trust in the Lord’s will and timing?
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about.” – Acts 1:4b
At this point in this week’s study, take some time to meditate on this verse. Then answer these questions that will help you reflect on what God’s been teaching you:
14. Record how you have seen God’s activity during the study so far. (How has He provided, responded, comforted, reconciled, guided, etc.?)
15. What from the Scriptures, group sharing or personal study impacted you most?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help us to receive and believe in all the Holy Spirit power You give us,
by Your Spirit who dwells in us and with us,
and use it all for Your glory,
to share Jesus with the world.
Thank You. Amen.
*************************************************************************************
Study Guide for Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Blessed assurance, hope in the Lord – Jesus is alive! So began our study in Acts. He promised power to witness by His Holy Spirit and commanded us to “Go!”
Immediately as He ascended to Heaven the promise of His return was given.
This is history, not a mystery, preserved for more than 2,200 years for our faith and confidence to tell others about Him and to share His very Words with them. This is a red-letter Bible study!
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3, Jesus speaking.
Please read Acts 1:4-11 and John 14:1-3, 15-18; 16:12-15 and prayerfully answer the following:
7. Why was it necessary for Jesus to leave the apostles?
8. What truths about the return of Jesus Christ do you see?
If Jesus were physically with us now, what would you want to ask Him or talk about?
9. What comfort and assurance might the apostles have received through the promises of this passage?
Please read Acts 1:12-26 and prayerfully answer the following:
10. Who were the people who prayed together?
What do you learn from this?
11. What stands out to you about the replacement of Judas with Matthias? See Psalm 109:1-8 and 1 Samuel 16:7.
12. How do you see God at work in these verses?
"I still have many things to say to you. But you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He Who is the Spirit of Truth comes, He will lead you into all truth. For He shall not speak from Himself. But whatever He shall hear, He shall speak. And He will show you the things to come. 14 He shall glorify Me. For He shall receive that which is Mine and shall show it to you.” John 16:12-14, Jesus Speaking
*****************************************************************************************************************
Study Guide for Tuesday, September 5, 2023
The Book of Acts captures the joys and sorrows in the lives of first-generation Christians after Jesus ascended to Heaven. It describes the Holy Spirit’s empowering of believers' bold mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.
For the next few weeks we will experience the beginning of the early Church – from Jesus' instructions to His apostles before His Ascension, to the Day of Pentecost and the subsequent, amazing, rapid growth of Christianity.
This is just the beginning and so far it has no ending – that is why He’s sending us…
Please read Acts 1:1-4 and Luke 24:13-49 and prayerfully answer the following:
1. How did the Lord engage with His followers in the days after Jesus’ death and Resurrection?
2. Why was it important that Jesus spend time – 40 days – alone with the disciples after His Resurrection and before His Ascension?
If Jesus were physically with us now, what would you want to ask Him or talk about?
3. How could the proofs of Jesus’ Resurrection help you when life is difficult or doubts arise?
Please read Acts 1:4-8 and prayerfully answer the following:
4. What was Jesus’ command?
What would the coming Spirit empower the apostles to do?
5. What difference does the Holy Spirit make in a person’s life?
(For help, see Romans 8:9, 14-16; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 5:22-23)
6. If you have professed your faith in Jesus Christ, what difference has the Holy Spirit made in your life?
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8, Jesus Speaking
and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8, Jesus Speaking