We are studying the Book of Acts together with the whole church this month. I've preached twice on this theme now and have studied this theme deeper. Here is a Bible study for those who want to dig deeper. Enjoy!
Five questions or keys to better understand and unlock the Book of Acts
Introduction: The Book of Acts is the earliest Christian church history that exists.
Date and author: The Book of Acts was written by Doctor Luke approximately 75 AD. Luke is also the author of the gospel that carries his name. He was a travel companion of the Apostle Paul for a while and has been an eyewitness to many of the stories told in the book (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-16, 21:1-18, 27:1-28:16). Luke is also telling the story of Paul, Philip, Barnabas, James the brother of the Lord and Mark.
Receiver and purpose: Luke writes to Theophilus, a high ranking Roman official, to inform him how the gospel has spread from Jerusalem to Rome and beyond, and how it has influenced the entire Roman Empire. This is the joyful and earliest missions history we have.
Key scripture: Acts 1:8
1) Which are the two main characters or key persons in the Book of Acts?
Apostle Peter
Acts 1:15-8:25, 9:32-12:19
Apostle Paul
Acts 9:1-31, 13:1-28:31
2) What is the message of the first believers in the Book of Acts?
Acts 2:22-24, 8:5, 10:38-40, 19:4-5
3) Which is the initial sign of the gospel breaking into a new people group or geographical region?
(Matt 16:18-19)
a) The Jews
Acts 2:14-47
b) The
Samaritans
Acts 8:1-16
c) The Gentiles
Acts 10:28-48
Acts 8:1-16
c) The Gentiles
Acts 10:28-48
4) Where did the Apostle Paul go on his three missions journeys?
Missions journey 1 - Cyprus and Turkey
Acts 13:1-14:28
Missions journey 2 - Turkey, Syria, Macedonia and Greece
Acts 15:36-18:22
Missions journey 3 - Turkey, Macedonia and Greece
Acts 18:23-21:14
5) What is supernatural in the first missions history in the Book of Acts? Let's make a list!
1. Angelical revelations
Acts 1:10, 5:19, 8:26, 10:3, 12:7, 27:23
2. Storm winds, tongues of fire and different
languages
Acts 2:1-13
3. Mass baptisms in water (3000 in one day).
Acts 2:41
4. A man lame from birth walks and jumps.
Acts 3:1-10, 14:8-10
5. Places shake physically after prayer and worship.
Acts 4:31, 16:25-26
6: Financial freedom and abundance in the church.
Acts 4:34-37
7. God judges, and people fall down dead.
Acts 5:1-11, 12:21-23
8. Peter's shadow heals and drives out demons.
Acts 5:15-16
9. Philip is moved from one place to another.
Acts 8:39-40
10. A physical Jesus revelation.
Acts 9:3-6
11. Prayer visions.
Acts 9:10-16, 10:9-21, 16:9-10, 18:9-10
12. Dead are raised.
Acts 9:40-42, 20:9-10
13. Peter walks through the prison walls.
Acts 12:10
14. Blindness and darkness fall upon a sorcerer.
Acts 13:8-12
15. Healing and freedom through cloths and garments.
Acts 19:11-12
16. Miraculous rescue of a ship's entire crew.
Acts 27:44
17. Paul shakes off a viper.
Acts 28:3-6
See ya!
