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 2
Day 1 Read Acts 3 and 4
The dramatic events that took place at the birth of the church continue in these 2 chapters. Try and grasp what is at the heart of all these events and ask God to show you what we as a church might learn from the dynamic beginnings of the life of the early church.
Day 2 Read Acts 3:1-11
What a remarkable difference in Peter from the man who denied knowing Jesus and hid in fear for his life while his Lord was crucified.
- What do you think accounts for this fundamental change in Peter and what might we learn from his experience?
Read carefully this passage and see how it unfolds – the man’s only expectation was some money – verse 4 tells us that Peter and john looked at the man intently – why do you think this is? The man was obviously not looking at Peter and John – how do we know this? [see verse 4].
- What did Peter offer the man?
- How does his healing evolve?
- Does this miracle remind you of anything?
- What was the outcome of this miracle?
Day 3 Read Acts 3:12-26
- What does Peter do in verse 12?
- How does Peter describe the last events of Jesus’ life?
- What is it that Peter says the disciples are witnesses to?
- What, then, are we witnessing to as Christians?
- What does Peter point to in v 16 in relation to the healing of this man?
- How does Peter balance the acts of the Jews against Jesus with the will of God in vs 17 and 18, and what response does he call for from the people in v 19?
- What promise does he make in v20?
Notice that Peter believes in the immanence of Jesus’ return and that he proves his case about Jesus from the Old Testament.
Day 4 Read Acts 4:1-22
Again we see the remarkable transformation in Peter – look at the results of his preaching in v 41.What stands out in Peter’s words is the response of those who heard him at the council - see v 13.
Meditate on that verse and think through the consequences of it for our witness as believers!
Verse 12 seems to be a very stark reminder to us of who and what lies at the heart of the Christian message – what do you think this verse has to say to our multi-faith society?
Day 5 Read Acts 4:23-37
Notice that Peter and John went to share their experience with the other believers. See how important sharing can be and what it can lead to. The power of that early experience of the church lies in the fact that the people were united [see v 24]. There is a united prayer [and it is not long!]-
- What is the core of the prayer and the final request?
I wonder if verses 29 and 30 might not be a heart-felt prayer for all of us as we open our hearts to God and pray for ourselves, our witness and our world?
- What might we learn about being the church from the last section of chapter 4 – vs 32-37?