Discussion Questions

The Books of Acts, Chapter 1 to 12

Acts 1: Jesus ascends; apostles await the Holy Spirit.

Question: How do you think the apostles felt as they watched Jesus ascend? How does their waiting for the Holy Spirit have tested their faith? How it have affected their unity as a group?

Answer: The apostles felt a mix of awe, loss, and anticipation as they watched Jesus ascend. Waiting for the Holy Spirit tested their faith. It fostered unity as they prayed. They leaned on each other in obedience and hope.

Acts 2: Holy Spirit comes; Peter preaches at Pentecost.

Question: Why do you think the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was marked by such extraordinary signs? How do you see these events impacting the apostles and the early church?

Answer: The extraordinary signs at Pentecost highlighted the divine nature of the Holy Spirit’s coming. These signs emphasized the global scope of God’s plan. These events empowered the apostles, gave credibility to their message, and united the early church with newfound purpose.

Acts 3: Peter heals a man and preaches repentance.

Question: What does Peter’s healing of the lame man reveal about physical healing? How does it connect to spiritual transformation? What role does faith in Jesus play in this process?

Answer: Peter’s healing of the lame man demonstrates that Jesus’ power brings both physical restoration and spiritual renewal. The healing was a sign. It pointed people to faith in Jesus. This illustrated the connection between mercy and transformation through the gospel.

Acts 4: Apostles face opposition but boldly share Jesus.

Question: How did the apostles keep their boldness in sharing Jesus’ message despite opposition? How did they handle threats? What can we learn from their example?

Answer: The apostles’ boldness came from their conviction in the truth of the resurrection. They also relied on the Holy Spirit. They found strength in prayer. Their community reminded them of the importance of courage and persistence. This is essential in living out our faith.

Acts 5: Ananias, Sapphira judged; apostles persevere under persecution.

Question: Why do you think the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira was so severe? What does it teach us about honesty, integrity, and the seriousness of living for God?

Answer: The severe judgment of Ananias and Sapphira underscores the seriousness of honesty before God and the community. It also highlights the necessity for integrity in the church. Their actions have undermined trust and unity during a critical time.

Acts 6: Seven chosen to serve; church continues growing.

Question: How does the choice of the seven to serve show the church’s priorities? It addresses internal needs while continuing to share the gospel.

Answer: The choice of the seven shows that the church valued both spiritual and practical needs. By addressing these needs, the apostles ensured the church grow in unity. They focus on spreading the gospel. This highlights the importance of delegation and service.

Acts 7: Stephen’s defense and martyrdom for his faith.

Question: In Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin, how does he use Israel’s history? He challenges their understanding of God’s work with this history. Why do you think his message provoked such a strong reaction?

Answer: Stephen’s use of Israel’s history exposed the leaders’ resistance to God’s work. They did not recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. His speech challenged their pride, provoking anger but also leaving a powerful testimony of faith.

Acts 8: Philip spreads the gospel to Samaria and beyond.

Question: How did Philip’s ministry in Samaria show God’s plan? How did his meeting with the Ethiopian eunuch show that the gospel was meant to reach beyond the Jewish people?

Answer: Philip’s ministry shows how God’s plan extended beyond cultural boundaries. His work in Samaria and with the Ethiopian eunuch showed the gospel’s inclusive nature. It emphasized that salvation through Jesus is for all people. This is true regardless of background or nationality.

Acts 9: Saul encounters Jesus; becomes Paul, a transformed believer.

Question: How does Saul’s dramatic meeting with Jesus highlight the power of grace? How does it show transformation? What does it reveal about God’s ability to use anyone for His purposes?

Answer: Saul’s meeting with Jesus highlights the transformative power of grace. It shows that God can redeem and use those who seem unlikely for His work. This reminds us that no one is beyond His reach or purpose.

Acts 10: Peter preaches Jesus to Cornelius, a Gentile believer.

Question: What does Peter’s vision teach us about overcoming prejudice? What does his interaction with Cornelius teach us about expanding our understanding of who can belong to God’s family?

Answer: Peter’s vision and interaction with Cornelius teach that God’s family transcends human prejudices and traditions. This moment redefined inclusion. It challenged believers to embrace the truth. Salvation is open to all who seek God with faith.

Acts 11: Gentile inclusion celebrated; believers called Christians in Antioch.

Question: How did the early church’s response to the inclusion of Gentile believers show unity? How did it show adaptability when faced with new challenges?

Answer: The church’s acceptance of Gentile believers illustrates adaptability and unity in navigating change. Their response showed trust in God’s guidance. It is important to be open to new ways that God work in and through His people.

Acts 12: James martyred; Peter miraculously freed from prison.

Question: How does Peter’s miraculous escape from prison show the power of prayer? What do you think this event meant for the early church in a time of persecution?

Answer: Peter’s miraculous escape reveals the power of collective prayer and God’s ability to intervene in impossible situations. For the early church, this event reinforced their faith and encouraged them to trust God’s sovereignty amid persecution and uncertainty