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CANYOUBELIEVETHEBIBLE

Acts, Lessons 1-12

Lesson 1, Acts 1:1-11

An introduction to the book of Acts, including the author and the one to whom he wrote. Follow the discussion of the significance of the Jewish Day of Pentecost, Jesus' ascension into heaven, and His commission to the apostles. Consider what constitutes our priorities and our commission as Christians today.

Lesson 2, Acts 1:11-2:47

An examination of the events following Jesus' ascension. Is there a contradiction in the recorded accounts of the death of Judas? How do you discover the meaning of a textual passage? What is the significance of Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost? Why is "the fellowship" referred to in Acts 2 important?

Lesson 3, Acts 3:1-4:2

Peter and John meet a lame beggar at one of the temple gates and share what they have to offer: healing in the name of Jesus. Peter tells the crowd that gathers about Jesus' resurrection, and the apostles are confronted by Jewish priests and rulers, disturbed by this teaching. Are there teachings today that disturb and divide Christians within the church, and how should we approach differences of opinion?

Lesson 4, Acts 4:1-29

What was the reason behind the explosive growth of the early church? Peter and John are jailed following the healing of the lame man and must appear before the Sanhedrin. They give witness before the Jewish leaders that they cannot help telling what they have seen and heard, even when commanded not to speak in Jesus' name. The disciples pray for greater boldness after their release. What things does the Bible tell us to pray for?

Lesson 5, Acts 4:32-5:16

Did the early Christians practice Communism? What might cause that assumption? Five reasons are given why that is not the case. The account of Ananias & Sapphira's lie about their monetary gift to the church and the consequences they suffered is examined. The healing ministry of the apostles is discussed and what that meant for the ordinary person of the day.

Lesson 6, Acts 5:17-42

What was behind the Jewish leaders' animosity toward followers of Jesus? Did their jealousy make them happier and more contented? How can jealousy destroy our lives? A look at four instructions from God intended to bless our lives. The narrative follows of the apostles' arrest, imprisonment and divine release, having been told by an angel to return to the temple courts and keep declaring the gospel message to the people, since they "must obey God rather than human beings."

Lesson 7, Acts 6 & 7

A look at Orthodox Jewish prayers introduces the problem of ethnic prejudice in the early church. Stephen is one of the disciples chosen to minister to the needs of the Greek widows. Since he is described as being "full of the Holy Spirit," exactly what does that mean? As a capable apologist of the truth of Jesus' resurrection, Stephen is accused of blasphemy and must make his defense before the Jewish leaders.

Lesson 8, Acts 7 & 8

We begin with the trial of Stephen, the first Christian martyr of record. Stephen's prayer of forgiveness follows the example of Christ on the cross, which we are also called to emulate. The rage of the Jewish leaders as they sentence Stephen to death leads us to ask, How dangerous is it for us to allow anger to control our emotions? We see the apostle Paul's role in Stephen's death, Philip's spread of the gospel message to Samaria, and Peter and John's follow-up with the Samaritans.

Lesson 9, Acts 8:26-40

We follow the account of Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch reading the scroll of Isaiah. Background information is given as to the history of scroll-making and the great care taken by Jewish scribes to insure accurate copies of Scripture. Four important observations are drawn from this account followed by a discussion of baptism as presented in this passage and as implemented throughout Christian history.

Lesson 10, Acts 9

Saul, the Pharisee later known as the apostle Paul, is introduced. His background and life are explored by answering the question Who was this man? The account of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus and the transformation of his life are examined. The narrative switches gears, to Peter preaching in the area of Joppa where he heals Aeneas who had been paralyzed and raises Dorcas, a Christian woman dedicated to helping the poor, from the dead.

Lesson 11, Acts 10

This lesson covers the account of Peter's rooftop vision and his subsequent trip to Caesarea to present the gospel message to Cornelius, a Roman centurion who is considered the first Gentile convert to Christianity. Two take-aways from this Gentile's life are that God treasures and remembers each of our prayers and that giving to the needs of the poor is an offering to God Himself.

Lesson 12, Acts 11

The introduction reviews persecutions suffered by early Christians, including those attempting to translate the Bible from Latin to English. Bible translation issues are discussed, and the question is asked, Would you rather have a literal translation or one that best translates the meaning? This leads to a translation dilemma at the beginning of Acts 11, followed by Peter's testimony before Christians in Jerusalem about his involvement with the Gentile Cornelius. Barnabas, the future missionary companion of Paul, is introduced.

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