Acts Series: Bible Studies
by Rev Dr Iain Greenshields
In this series, we are studying the Acts of the Apostles – written by Luke to a friend in order to help him understand the growth of the church after the Ascension of Jesus. Each week a chapter will be chosen as we systematically work our way through the gospel. The Minister will take a section of that chapter to preach on, but over 5 of the 7 days in that week you will have the opportunity to read that chapter for yourselves as we explore together. If you have any questions as you study, please do not hesitate to either email the Minister or contact him by phone - he will be delighted to help.
Week 4
Here we see the growth and development of the young church as it gets beyond the borders of Israel and reaches out into the Roman empire and beyond. The two main characters are Peter and Paul as they lay down the roots of the new churches.
Day 1 Read Acts 9:1-19
Here is a remarkable incident and story – Saul, who acceded to the killing of Stephen and is out to “get” the Christian Church, is confronted by the Risen Christ. Try and imagine in your own mind the incident on the Damascus Road. Notice that Jesus indicates that to persecute His followers is to persecute Him. The impact on Paul is immediate [what we call immediate or sudden conversion], but instances like this are not normally how God works.
- Why do you think Jesus does choose this dramatic encounter?
- Notice the impact on Saul in verse 11 – what is he doing?
Day 2 Read Acts 9:20-31
Once the fear subsides, the believers in Damascus accept Saul. There is a real lesson in grace for us – when someone becomes a Christian, their past [no matter how colourful] becomes a matter of forgiveness as far as God and the Church is concerned.
- Are we good at letting people’s past go and forgiving them?
Saul’s witness through preaching became very powerful and the Jews wanted to do to him what he had wanted to do to the early Christians. Saul’s arrival in Jerusalem causes a stir and fear among the believers, but he is accepted.
Meditate on verse 31.
Day 3 Read Acts 9:32-43
Jesus did some remarkable things in His ministry – none more so than the raising of the dead and the healing of the sick. Notice how Peter has learned from Jesus. He is confident in the power of God.
“I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe in Him” was how Paul prayed for the Christians in Ephesus. Would that we had just a glimpse of what Paul prayed for and Peter exercised in his experience – and look at the outcome in verse 42.
Let us pray for days of Spirit Power!!!
Day 4 Read Acts 10:1-33
Here is one of the great turning points in the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community. Read carefully again the drama unfolding and remember that Cornelius was both a Roman [hated by the Jews], a soldier [even worse] and a Gentile [a heathen] – yet Peter is called by God to go to this man. We are so often apt to judge with prejudice and past impressions which have been handed down to us, without seeing God in the bigger picture. The unthinkable was happening – an influential Roman soldier was about to become a Christian!
- Think for a moment about our own prejudices and those people we have mentally excluded – what is God saying to us?
Day 5 Read Acts 10:34-48
Peter explains Jesus to all who are gathered, including Cornelius.
- What does Peter indicate is happening in verse 34?
Peter then goes on to clearly explain the Christian faith and it is through that simple explanation that something remarkable happens – the Holy Spirit’s power accompanies the message!
- Do you think it is possible that we are either too vague about proclaiming Jesus, or try to be too sophisticated, when all that is needed is a simple presentation of the Gospel, prayed over and accompanied by the Holy Spirit for that proclamation to be effective?
The message is simple but the power resident in it can make it truly compelling.