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 Rev Greenshields or contact him by phone - he will be delighted to help.
Week 3
Day 1 Read Acts chapters 5, 6 and 7
There is quite a lot of reading in these three chapters but it is important to try and grasp the flow of the events – the main one obviously affecting Stephen, who loses his life for his faith.
- What is it that strikes you most as you read these chapters?
- How does this equate with being a Christian today?
- Does a more powerful church mean a more popular church in our society?
Day 2 Read Acts 5:1-11
Does this passage disturb you? The deception is clearly in the first two verses – the husband and wife were under no obligation to give anything but they wanted to give the impression of being more generous than they truly were.
- What was wrong with what they did? After all, we are so used to even our politicians telling lies that it appears to be of no consequence.
It was important for the early church that standards were high –
- How does Peter describe what they did in verses 3 & 4?
- What was the effect on the church?
- Why was this effect good?
- What does this teach us about creating a false impression and at the same time being generous?
Day 3 Read Acts 5:12-42
There is a lot of healing going on in this early part of the church’s life –
- Why?
- What effect is this having?
- What was the response of the leaders? (v 17)
- What happened to the apostles and how did God intervene?
- What is the response of the disciples to the continued opposition of the leaders? (v29)
Gamaliel intervenes in verses 33-39 – this is the man who taught Paul before he became a Christian.
- What is the response of the disciples to their flogging and ill-treatment? (vs 40-42)
- How does this challenge our understanding of being a witnessing church?
Day 4 Read Acts 6:1-7
The young church was not perfect and soon there were jealousies and divisions.
- How do the leaders respond to these divisions?
The young church is strategic and sets apart different people to different roles, for the effective smooth running and witness of the church. Some of the disciples were set apart to preach and teach and others to carry out different roles. If the church was to be strategic it needed the right people to be doing the right roles according to their gifts – and only doing these things.
- Lesson for us???
Day 5 Read Acts 6:8 through to 7:60
This is a long passage but it concerns one man. Read the passage carefully and note what stands out about Stephen.
- How is his character described in chapter 6?
When he is accused Stephen takes his accusers on a historical journey – do you see how the Old and New Testaments link through what Stephen preaches?
- What does he accuse the leaders of doing? (vs 51-53)
The outcome for Stephen was tragic – or was it?
- How does Stephen respond as he is dying?
- What is the significance of the latter part of v58?