Acts Chapter 1

For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Ascension of Christ and Mission of Apostles, vs 1-11:

1. What do you think "after his suffering" means? vs 3

2. How many people do you think saw Him over the 40 days between His
resurrection and His ascension into heaven?

3. What do you feel "baptized with the Holy Spirit" means?

4. What did Jesus mean by "be my witnesses"?

5. Do you feel the emphasis in the word "witnesses" is something we are to do

or to be. Is it a type of life or something you are to say?

6. How can vs 8 be used as an outline to Acts and Church history?

7. How many people witnessed Jesus ascend to heaven?

Preparing for Pentecost, vs 12-26:

1. How many "Christians" were there in the upper room?

2. How could Judas, who hung himself, also fall headlong into his field? See Mt
27:5

3. How did the Apostles decide who God wanted to replace Judas?

4. Do you feel lots could be used to decide what God wants?

5. Have you heard of any Scripture that suggests God controls the outcome of
lots?

Acts Chapter 2
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Story Of Pentecost, vs 1-13:

1. From chapter one, can you figure out what the maximum number of people
might be in this house? How big do you think the houses were, then?
2. Can you think of any times in Biblical history that God appeared as a violent
wind? As fire?

3. How do you feel God fills us with the Holy Spirit, today?

4. What do you think the phrase "speak in other tongues" meant? What does it
mean today?

5. Look at verses 6-8…does this change what you feel "tongues" means?

6. Why do you feel some heard messages about God and others thought they
were drunk?

Peter's Pentecost Address, vs 14-41:

1. Compare Peter's quotation to Joel 2:28-32.

a. If Peter was right, were these "the last days"?

b. Is anything listed in this quote that hasn't happened, yet?

c. How does the word "prophesy" (v17) relate to vs 1-13? Does this change your
answer about tongues?

2. How do you get "saved"?

3. If Peter were exaggerating the miracles Jesus did, how do you feel this crowd
would have reacted?

4. Why wouldn't the people just mob Peter and have him arrested, since, by
saying a crucified criminal was the Messiah, Peter was dishonoring God?

5. How many people do you feel had seen Jesus since His crucifixion by this
time?

6. How do we get reconciled to God?

7. Who do you feel the Holy Spirit is promised to? Are you included?

Fellowship Of The Believers vs 42-47:

1. What were the early believers "devoted" to?

2. Based on the expenditure of time what do you feel your church is devoted to?

3. Where did the early believers meet and eat?

4. Compare your church's budget priorities with the early believers (vs 45), what
has changed?

5. Compare your church's mutual worship experience with the early church (vs
46-47), what has changed?

Acts Chapter 3
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Peter Heals The Disabled Beggar:

1. Many feel Jesus healed everyone around Him, yet, Jesus had entered the
temple many times. Do you think the crippled man had been there when Jesus
entered?

2. If so, why wouldn't Jesus have healed him?

3. How do you feel Peter knew to tell this person to walk?

4. Who does Peter say healed the crippled man? How does this compare to the
modern idea that only certain individuals have this ability?

5. What made the cripple strong? vs 16

6. Where does that faith come from? vs 16

7. What does repent mean?

8. How many of the Old Testament Prophets foretold Jesus' times?

9. What was the promise given to Abraham that applies to us, today?

Acts Chapter 4
Annas High Priest, vs 1-22:

1. Compare the authority priests had at that time with their authority in your
country, now. Who was in charge of all local, even statewide government?

2. Since Annas was the "High Priest" of Israel, what political office in your region
would have the same authority?

3. What do you think changed Peter from the man who, just 2 months before,
was so afraid of these same leaders he cowered and denied Jesus?
4. If Jesus is the only name by which we must be saved, how can those who
have never heard of Him and those who died before Him be saved?

5. Why do you feel it would take courage for "unschooled" men to speak to the
chief priests this way?

6. What is it about the man who was healed that made the rulers reconsider
Peter's punishment?

7. What if the Governor of your state, who could tax, imprison, or even have you
executed, told you to stop telling people about Jesus? What would you do?

Of One Heart Of One Mind vs 23-37:

1. The believers said David had prophesied what Herod and Pilate were doing.
Do you feel this is true?

2. They went on to say their government and country were only doing what God's
power and will had decided beforehand. Does this apply to both the good and
bad things that happen in your life today?

3. What response did they request from God for the conspiracy and threats of
their enemies?

4. What do you feel it would be like to be of one heart and mind with 100 other
people? With 10? With 1?

5. Who administered the giving to see that it was fair? Was there a committee,
charity or government involved? How does this differ from the various forms of
giving today?

6. Did the people donating the money know those receiving it? (see Acts 2:44).

7. Do you think those receiving it felt "entitled" to it?

8. Do you feel the people were told they had a "duty" to give or did they do so
without compulsion?

Acts Chapter 5
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Ananias and Sapphira Bible Story, vs 1-11:

1. How much of the money do you feel Ananias and Sapphira were required to
give? Why?
2. Did everyone sell their homes and land and give all the money to the
Apostles?

3. Was there anything wrong with keeping back part of the money?

4. Was his sin greed or lying? Why?

5. Why do you think fear seized those who heard about Ananias?

6. Why do you feel Peter asked Sapphira to tell him how much they got for the
land?

7. List the similarities and differences between this story and the one about Adam
and Eve in Gen 3.

Comment: Many a preacher, seeking to motivate his flock to give more, has
taught that this story is about what happens if you "hold back" something from
the offering plate. Those preachers are guilty of the same sin that Ananias and
Sapphira died for…testing God by lying to Him or in His name. This is the
saddest part of the story; instead of being honest and receiving a blessing from
God for giving a portion of their revenue, they decided to lie, probably for
recognition from people. In so doing, they brought upon themselves the
punishment of God and the scorn of people. Peter made it clear to Ananias that
the amount of his giving was a holy thing between him and God. Preachers that
try to get in between this process and manipulate larger gifts in God's name risk
the punishment and scorn received by Ananias and Sapphira. Here
at http://www.web-church.com we will never do such a thing. Your giving is
between you and God. If He leads you to offer something to support His work
here, praise Him. If not, praise Him, anyway. Glen

Persecution and Prophecy, vs 12-42:

1. What did it take to be "added to the number" of Christians?

2. Why did the high priest and other priests have the apostles arrested?

3. How did they escape jail?

4. The high priest was the highest religious leader in the country…how do you
feel it was taken when Peter said "we must obey God rather than" you?

5. Is the same true of us, today? Must we obey God rather than religious
leaders?

6. If what Gamaliel said about the Apostles is true, do you feel their mission has
succeeded or failed? Do you feel this was prophecy? Explain!
7. After being flogged and told not to preach about Jesus, what did the apostles
do?

8. What does today's Scripture tell us about the need to obey humans who tell
us do disobey God? Do we follow God, or man?

Acts Chapter 6
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Choosing The Seven Servants, vs 1-7:

1. Vs 1 is the first recorded episode of discord in the early church. It revolved

around cultural differences and around distribution of free food. How do you feel
the church handles cultural and financial issues today? Give examples.

2. Many "ministers" today use vs 2 to separate themselves from the physical

work of ministry…should they? Why or why not?

3. Why do you feel it was important for "waiting on tables" to be full of the Holy
Spirit?

4. What is the significance of "laying" on of hands.

Stephen Seized, vs 8-15:

1. Based on vs 5 and 8, what were Stephen's qualifications for ministry?

2. How does Stephen's relationship with the Jews compare with that of Jesus?
What are the similarities/differences?

3. What do you feel was the position and authority of the "Sanhedrin"? Is this the
same group that Had Jesus killed?

Acts Chapter 7
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Stephen's Speech to the Sanhedrin vs 1-50:

1. Why do you feel Stephen called the religious leaders "brothers & fathers"?

2. How believable would that vision be if It also said you'd have children after you
were 100?
3. How much faith would it take to continue to believe in God even after your
family sold you into slavery?

4. How can slavery, prison and famine serve the purpose of a God who is loving?

5. From the time Moses knew his calling to the time he actually began, how much
time elapsed?

6. If you were being forced to kill your children, why wouldn't you be interested in
being led to freedom?

7. How old was Moses when he began to lead Israel?

8. Why would Moses risk his life, family and freedom to return to Egypt?

9. Who is Moses referring to in vs 37 by saying "a prophet like me"?

10. What does Stephen mean by saying, "he received living words to pass on to
us"?

11. With all the miracles and having God visibly guiding them daily, what would
cause Israel to reject Moses' leadership and want to return to Egypt? Can you
think of any modern examples of the same thing? Can you think of any in your
own life?

12. Why would people reject God who was obviously present and worship,
instead, a piece of carved wood or molded metal?

13. Do you feel this behavior had more to do with how they felt about God or
about themselves? Explain your answer with examples.

Stephen Stoned by the Sanhedrin, vs 51-60

1. Do you feel this tone of speech was meant to help the audience accept Jesus?

2. Have you seen people recently use a similar tone to "reach the lost"?

3. Who do you feel Stephen meant by the Righteous One?

4. Who was Stephen saying he saw standing at the right hand of God?

5. Why do you feel they reacted to Stephen's last statement like this?

6. Who is the young man, Saul, and why was it important that his agreement be
recorded here?
7. Go back to Acts 1:8. How do you feel persecution works to promote God's will?
Give present day examples.

8. What do you feel motivated Saul?

Acts Chapter 8
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

The Apostles In Samaria, vs 1-3:

1. Who is this Saul, and why do you think he was worth mentioning?

2. How do you feel this persecution fulfills prophecy? (see Acts 1)

3. Has there ever been a time when you felt persecuted for your faith?

4. Do you feel these Christians deserved their treatment?

5. Considering the prophecy from Jesus in Acts 1, will this persecution end up
serving God or His enemies?

6. When bad things happen to you, do you wonder what you did wrong? Why?
Why not?

7. When you're persecuted, do you look for how God can be served or feel sorry
for yourself?

Simon The Sorcerer, vs 4-25:

1. Why do you feel we hear so little about people healed of demons, and
illnesses? Do you think it would capture the attention it did then?

2. What "power" was behind Simon's sorcery?

3. What happened to Simon's followers as they believed about Jesus?

4. What happened to Simon in vs 13?

5. Is it possible to believe, be baptized and not have the Holy Spirit?

6. Do you feel Simon's request to buy the Spirit was a natural one, given who he
was before he met these people?

7. Some say Simon hadn't truly received Jesus or he would never have asked to
buy the Holy Spirit…what do you think?
8. Do you feel Simon's prayer indicates repentance? Why/why not?

Understanding Philip And The Ethiopian Eunuch, vs 26-40:

1. What do you think meeting an angel would be like?

2. If the Eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, what religion do you think he
was?

3. How do you think he happened to be reading this passage in Isaiah when

Philip arrived?

4. Have you ever had "coincidences" like this involving other people?

5. How do you feel suddenly arriving in another town affected Philip?

6. How did he react?

7. What do you thing was the Holy Spirit's plan for teaching the Eunuch more
about Christian life?

8. Can the Holy Spirit provide Christian teaching for every Christian?

9. Do you need someone other than the Holy Spirit to teach you?

Acts Chapter 9
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Saul of Tarsus Conversion To Paul, vs 1-31:

Read vs 1-19a:

1. What do you think the writer meant by "the Way" in vs 2? Can you think of
any Scripture that would support this?

2. Why do you feel Jesus chose one of the biggest enemies of Christianity to be
an Apostle?

3. If the Lord spoke to you in a vision and gave you specific instructions, as in vs
11-12, would you obey without question?

4. Have you ever done what Ananias did...try to help God with facts He may not
know?

5. Why would Saul, a "Pharisee of Pharisees need to be baptized?

Read vs 19b-31:

1. How long was it between the time Saul was converted and he started
preaching?

2. Who was it that was trying to kill Saul in Damascus?

3. Who was it that was trying to kill Saul in Jerusalem?

4. What do you feel keeps us from speaking about Jesus to people?

Dorcas And Peter, vs 32-43:

Read vs 32-43:

1. Who healed Aeneas? Have you ever heard of a Christian being referred to as
a healer? Who is the healer, really?

2. What kind of lifestyle must a person lead to be known as "always doing good
and helping the poor"?

3. Why do you think Peter sent everyone out of the room?

4. Describe a miracle you've seen. If you feel you haven't seen one, pray to ask
god to reveal Himself and His will to you.

Acts Chapter 10
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Why Was Peter's Visit To Cornelius Controversial?

Read vs 1-23:

1. Why do you think it would be unusual for a Gentile to be a devout believer in

God at that time?

2. How would you react if, during your regular prayers, an angel appeared? Do
you have regular prayers other than at church and meals?

3. Why do you feel Cornelius called the angel Lord?

4. Notice how specific the instructions were to Cornelius. Have you heard of
anyone getting specific instructions from God, recently?
5. How do the visions of Cornelius and Peter compare with other visions you've
read about in the Bible? Were they all specific? What does that tell you about
how God speaks to people?

6. Do you feel that verse 4 is saying that prayers and giving will bring about
visions from God or was God just saying He knew Cornelius was devoted to
God? Explain.

7. Why do you think Peter said "no" to God (vs 14)?

8. What if you got a vision from God telling you to violate your religion...the very
things you practice to show devotion to God? How would you feel about it if He
told you to stop going to church, for instance? Would you tell God, no? Be
honest!

Cornelius Hosted Peter In Caesarea

1. How would you feel if someone bowed down to you or fell at your feet? Have
you ever seen Christian leaders accept other forms of worship, like being treated
better than others, receiving personal gifts, etc?

2. Why would it be against the Jewish law at that time to associate, eat with, or
visit the house of a Gentile? Can you think of any place in the Bible where God
instructs Israel to do this?

3. Have you seen Christians behave this way with non-Christians? Can you
think of anywhere the Bible tells us to do that?

4. How do you think Cornelius's friends and relatives reacted to hearing him say
God told him to send for this stranger?

5. How do you feel your non-Christian friends and relatives would react if you
told them God had spoken to you? How about your Christian friends?

6. Would you feel God had truly spoken to them if one of your Christian friends
said God told them to violate a Christian practice, like going to church?

7. Do you feel vs 44-46 suggests that everyone who receives the Holy Spirit
speaks in tongues? Explain.

Acts Chapter 11
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Peter Criticized For Preaching To Gentiles vs 1-18:

1. What did Peter do that brought criticism from the Apostles and other
Christians in Jerusalem?

2. Was Peter being disobedient to the church leaders in Jerusalem by going to

Caesarea?

2. Why would entering the house or eating with a Gentile be bad?

3. Do you feel it was right for Jerusalem Christians to criticize Peter?

4. What are some groups of people Christians are expected to avoid, currently?
Why?

5. Is it right for us to avoid certain people?

6. Read Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18-20 and answer question 5 again.

7. How did the Jerusalem Christians react once they heard the Holy Spirit came
upon the Gentiles in Caesarea?

8. How would you and the Christians you hang with react if you heard, for
instance, Osama Bin Laden had received Jesus and was now a Christian?

Barnabas And Saul In Antioch vs 19-30:

1. How did Christians end up going to Antioch?

2. Since they hadn't heard of Peter's experience, were the Christians in Antioch
disobeying the Jerusalem Church leaders by sharing the Gospel with Greeks?

3. What evidence of the grace of God do you feel Barnabas saw in Antioch?

4. How well do you think the term "Little Christ" (Christian) describes us, today?
How about you...does your life reflect Jesus so much that people would call you
little Jesus?

5. Why do you think Saul was not called Paul by now?

6. At this point, what was Saul's role in the Church?

7. From the time of Saul's conversion, can you think of any time the Bible says
Paul was not actively preaching and teaching about Jesus?

8. How does this compare to teachings you've heard about the time between
Saul's conversion and Paul's first missionary journey?
 Acts Chapter 12
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Acts 12 vs 1-19 Peter's Imprisonment:

1. Why do you feel Herod wanted to persecute members of the Church?

2. If killing James pleased Herod's constituency, why wouldn't he kill Peter as

soon as he was arrested?

3. What difference do you think it made that the church was earnestly praying for
Peter...can we change God's mind with prayer?

4. Were these earnestly praying people earnestly believing God would free
Peter?

5. If Peter wasn't dreaming, how was the angel able to sneak him past 16 guards
assigned to guard the one prisoner?

6. If God can send an angel to miraculously release Peter's chains, open locked
gates and sneak past 16 guards, what do you feel He can do about your
problems?

7. What did the earnestly praying people believe about Peter when they were
told he was at the door?

8. How does this account compare with what you understood about faith and
answered prayer?

9. Why do you feel Herod executed the guards?

Acts 12 vs 20-25 Death of Herod:

1. Was this the same Herod who had all the Jewish boys under 2 killed during
Jesus' childhood or the same Herod who had John-the-Baptist beheaded?

2. Since Tyre, Sidon and Israel were all part of the Roman empire, do you think
they would be allowed to war among themselves?

3. If they couldn't war, how much trouble could a quarrel be between the
governments...could Herod cut off their food?

4. Why do you think the people of Tyre and Sidon would call Herod a god?

5. Were there other societies that considered their royalty gods at that time?
6. If the rulers of Egypt, Rome and other cultures were considered a god without
punishment from The God, why do you feel Herod, the King of Israel would be
different?

7. If Herod was killed for not crediting the true God, what does that say about us
taking credit for God's work in our lives?

8. Since you were saved, have you ever prided yourself on your giving, good
works, godliness, or accomplishments? Be honest!

9. Considering how God reacted to Herod, how do you think He might feel about
people who say God answers prayer based on the giving, or good works of a
person?

Acts Chapter 13
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Acts 13:1-27, Barnabas and Saul Called:

1. How many prophets and teachers were there for the whole city of Antioch?

2. Has the Holy Spirit ever spoken directly to you or someone you know?

3. Why do you feel it was important for the Bible to mention they were fasting
when the Holy Spirit talked to them? Is it necessary to fast to hear the Holy
Spirit?

4. Why do you feel they were preaching in the Synagogues, weren't those
people already close to God?

5. What do you think a sorcerer did? What do you think this one did to turn
Sergius Paulus from the faith?

6. Do you feel it was wrong for Paul to blind the man? How about evil people
today? What do you feel should be done to people who, say, kill people because
they are Christian?

7. Verse 13 refers to Paul (also Saul) and his associates, but verse 2 refers to
Barnabas and Saul...why do you think Paul was now considered the leader and
Barnabas just an associate?

8. Why do you feel Paul went to such lengths to discuss Israel's history?, vs 16-
25?
9. When explaining Jesus to people, do you feel it's important to cover the
history and to apply Him to their experience of life?

Acts 13:28-52, The Other Events at Pisidian Antioch:

1. They accused Jesus of blasphemy when they crucified Him, why do you think
Paul said there were no proper grounds for a death sentence in vs 28?

2. Do you feel God really raised Jesus from the dead or was this a figure of
speech?

3. Can you think of ways you or others act as though there is nothing after this
life, like with the death of a loved one or excessive concern about things of this
World. Why do we feel this way if we believe in the resurrection?

4. Why do you feel Paul told them the forgiveness of sins is through Jesus (vs
38)?

5. What do you think Paul was referring to when he said there where things the
law of Moses could not justify them from? Does this include murder? Does he
mean Jesus can justify us from even these things?

6. Why do you feel the Jews were jealous of Paul? Does this happen in
Christianity toady?

7. How would jealousy indicate they did not consider themselves worthy of
eternal life?

8. What do you think it means in verse 48 by the phrase, "all who were
appointed for eternal life believed."

9. What is the significance of Paul shaking the dust off of his sandals?

Acts Chapter 14
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Paul and Barnabas In Iconium, Acts 14:1-7

1. Do you feel speaking effectively causes people to believe, or is this just the
writer's opinion?

2. If Paul and Barnabas spoke effectively in the Jewish Synagogue, how could
the unbelieving Jews poison the Gentiles minds against the brothers?
3. What do you feel it was about being rejected that caused Paul and Barnabas
to spend considerable time speaking boldly?

4. Can you think of any examples in your life, where opposition spurred you on
to greater effort?

5. How did God confirm the message Paul and Barnabas were preaching?

6. How do you feel God confirms the message of current preachers? Have you
witnessed this?

7. Verse 4 has a familiar ring to it. Can you think of a major issue where people
are not divided?

8. Do you feel, based on this Scripture, that it's possible to be right even if large
numbers of people disagree? Apply that to current issues.

9. What do you feel prompted the Jews to conspire against the Apostles?

Paul Stoned and Raised In Lystra, Acts 14:8-28

1. Why do you feel it was significant to say the man was lame from birth in vs 1?

2. How do you think Paul knew the man had faith?

3. What could have made the people want to worship Paul and Barnabas, rather
then just write the miracle off as some parlor trick?

4. What worthless things do you feel Paul was referring to in vs 15?

5. How do you feel the crowd could be so easily changed from worshiping Paul
to stoning him?

6. The Jews who convinced the crowd were from places Paul had been. Are
there people who are actively and purposefully working against the Gospel
today? Give examples.

7. If these people truly believed the miracle was done by God through Paul, do
you feel they could have had their minds changed?

8. After Paul got up and returned to Lystra, do you feel there would be anyone
left who was neutral about the gospel? Do you feel there are genuinely neutral
people today, why (why not)?

9. Seeing all the opposition they faced on their missionary journey, what do you
feel caused them to consider the journey a success?
10. Since we're all on a missionary journey of our own, can we stop focusing on
the opposition and start looking for what God is doing through us?

Acts Chapter 15
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

The First Council Of Jerusalem-Acts 15:1-21:

1. Why do you feel some people would think you need to be circumcised to be
saved?

2. Do you think the people who taught this were Christians? Why?/Why not?

3. How is it possible for someone to be a Christian Pharisee?

4. Do you think it's required for a Christian to follow the Law of Moses to be
saved? How about the Sabbath and Tithing?

5. What do you feel Peter meant when he said we would "test God" if we told
new believers they had to obey the Law?

6. What does it mean to have your heart purified by faith?

7. James said that they had been making it difficult for the Gentiles who are
turning to God by forcing them to obey the Jewish Law...can you think of ways
the modern church makes it difficult to turn to God?

8. Why do you feel James expected the Gentiles to obey the four things in verse
20?

The Jerusalem Council's Letter To Gentile Believers-Acts 15:22-41:

1. Why do you feel James wasn't specific in his letter and say the Gentiles need
not be circumcised or follow the Jewish Law?

2. What do you think James meant by saying "it seemed good to the Holy
Spirit"? Didn't he know?

3. With that wording followed by, "You will do well to avoid these things." is
James (the leader of the Christian Church) making an absolute law or a
recommendation?

4. What do you think was encouraging about the letter?

6. Paul and Barnabas had an argument that caused them to part company.
Does the Bible say either of them was right?

7. Some say Barnabas was wrong because he was never mentioned again in
the Bible. Does it say either of them was wrong?

8. Some say this is a Biblical lesson that we Christians should never

disagree...does the Bible say that?

Acts Chapter 16
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Paul And Silas in Phrygia, Galatia And Philippi-Acts 16:1-15:

1. Why do you feel Paul circumcised Timothy when the letter they carried says it
isn't required?

2. What significance does Timothy's circumcision have today for the church...for
people called to ministry?

3. How do you feel the Holy Spirit kept them out of Asia?

4. Have you had God intervene and stop you from doing things you wanted to
do? Explain!

5. Some people think God's Apostles always know God's will. How long do you
think Paul and Silas traveled on foot between Asia, Mysia and Troas before they
finally had a clue where God wanted them to go next?

6. Have you had situations in your life where you wanted to do God's will but
didn't know where to go next? Explain how His will was finally revealed to you.

7. Concerning Paul's vision, does the phrase, "concluding that God had called
us to preach the gospel to them." give you a sense that they were sure
Macedonia was where God wanted them?

8. They ended up in Philippi, can you think of any evidence from elsewhere in
the Bible that it was God's will that they be there?

9. Of all the thousands of men and women baptized, can you think of a reason
the Bible mentions Lydia so prominently?

Paul And Silas In Prison-Acts 16:16-40:

1. Why do you think a demon would want to promote the gospel (vs 17)?
2. If even a demon and reputed fortune teller is confirming Paul's message, why
would he be troubled?

3. Have you ever witnessed someone seeming to do good work but for an evil
purpose? Explain the situation and describe your reaction...did you oppose them
or let them continue for the "good" they were doing?

4. Do you feel the girl and her owners were promoting the gospel or using the
gospel to promote their product...fortune telling?

5. Paul and Silas were public ally stripped and beaten. How do you feel this
relates to the popular idea that bad things happen to you when you do something
God doesn't like?

6. Why do you think the jailer would kill himself if the prisoners had escaped?

7. What must you do to be saved? Did Paul give a lengthy set of instructions or
a prayer that the person must repeat?

8. Do you think the things today's Christians say you must do to be saved make
it easier or harder? Explain!

9. What was the jailer filled with when he came to believe in God?

Acts Chapter 17
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Paul In Thessalonica and Berea, Acts 17:1-15:

1. Since Paul received mostly rejection in the synagogues, why was it his
custom to always go there first?

2. Can you think of similar situations in your life where you endured rejection by
many to be accepted by a few?

3. Based on the complaint about Paul, vs 6-7, and previous readings, does it
seem that the Jews have a game plan to oppose Paul?

4. Is the complaint about Paul true? Why/why not?

5. Not learning his lesson, In Berea, Paul goes straight to the synagogue...how
was his experience different from the past?

6. What was it that made the Bereans "more noble" than the Thessalonicans?
7. What did the Bereans do every day that is a good model for us, today?

8. What percentage of Christians check the Bible to see if what their minister or
teacher is saying is true? Do you?

9. Based on today's Scripture, do you feel the Bereans were more or less
subject to "stirring up" by claims against Paul? Why?

Paul At The Areopagus, Acts 17:16-34:

1. How did Paul feel about all the idols he saw in Athens?

2. Do you feel philosophers disputing what Paul said was good or bad? Why?

3. What do you feel may be the difference between the dispute of philosophers
and the dispute of the Jews?

4. Considering your answer to question 1, why do you feel Paul complimented

them on their religiousness, vs 22-23?

5. Considering the second commandment against making idols, do you feel God
was displeased when Paul said Jesus was represented by their idol to the
"unknown God?" Why/why not?

6. Considering vs 24, what is a minister doing when he refers to the church

building as "God's house?"

7. Why did God create and provide everything for us? (vs 26-27)

8. Vs 28 contains a quote about a god (Zeus) in Greek Philosophy, does Paul

mean Zeus is the one true God?

9. What do you feel Paul means by using Zeus to explain God?

10. What can Paul's example in these Scriptures teach us about reaching people
today, for Christ? How should we treat their culture and beliefs?

Acts Chapter 18
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Aquila and Priscilla in the Bible, Acts 18:1-17:

1. Why were Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth instead of their home in Italy?
2. How do you feel this is an example of God using bad things that happen to do
good things?

3. Can you think of an example where God used a bad event in your life?

4. Why is it significant that Paul "shook out his clothes?"

5. Since most of the Jews did not accept Paul's teaching, what do you think life
was like for Crispus, the synagogue ruler?

6. Since Paul had served Jesus as an apostle for many years, why do you feel
God told him not to be afraid?

7. Do you feel today's servants of God ever experience fear?

8. If fear is a normal experience for servants of God, why do you feel so many
people let it stop them?

9. In verse 17, it lists Sosthenes as the Synagogue ruler, what do you think
happened to Crispus?

Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, Acts 18:18-28:

Review Acts 1-18: Paul had stayed in Corinth more than 18 months. In all that
time, Acts only records once when God spoke to him and no healings or other
miracles.

1. Why do you feel we get impatient if we haven't heard from God in a week?

2. Does it make sense for us to expect to see miraculous healings, prophecies

or other signs to know God is still with us? If so, why would we need faith?

3. Why do you feel people in modern times don't cut their hair off because of a
vow?

4. On his way back to Antioch, Paul passed through Ephesus. Why do you feel
he only taught in the synagogue one day even though they had asked him to
stay?

5. What do you feel it means by "John's baptism?"

6. Since Apollos knew only John's baptism, do you feel he was a Christian?

7. Why do you feel the Bible points out that Apollos had a "thorough knowledge
of the Scriptures?"
8. Is it important for us to have a thorough knowledge or can we just do what our
minister says? Why/why n

Acts Chapter 19
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Seven Sons Of Sceva, Acts 19:1-22:

1. What do you think prompted Paul to ask the disciples (vs 2) if they had
received the Holy Spirit?

2. What differences are there between John's baptism and being baptized in the
name of Jesus?

3. Do you feel everyone who is baptized in the name of Jesus will speak in
tongues and prophesy? Why/why not?

4. What is "the Way?

5. How long was Paul in Ephesus?

6. Who does the Bible say did the miracles attributed to Paul's ministry? How
does this account of miracles square with our modern idea that someone "has a
gift" and must be present or lay hands on those being healed?

7. Why do you feel the seven sons of Sceva were unable to drive out demons?

8. Is their use of the name of Jesus evidence that they believed in His power?

9. If a day's wages today is $ 100 and a drachma is worth a day's wages, what is
the current value of the sorcery scrolls (vs 19)?

Riot In Ephesus, Acts 19:23-41:

1. What do you feel was the motivation of Demetrius in opposing Paul?

2. Demetrius couched his opposition to Paul in religious terms "led astray" (vs
26). Can you think of any modern profitable organizations who use religious
terms to oppose new ways to spread the Gospel? What do you feel their motives
are?

3. Is it possible for a real God to be robbed of Divine majesty by a human?

4. How much of the economy of Ephesus do you feel was based on this Artemis
worship?
5. Look at vs 32. Can you think of any modern examples where most people in
a crowd don't know why they are there? Have you been one of those
people...just trying to see what all the commotion is about? Consider this story
when you see crowds gathered in news reports.

6. Does the idea of Artemis' image falling from heaven feel a little bit like the
story of the Locke Ness Monster?

7. It seems clear that the city clerk, who believed in Artemis, was used by God to
calm the riot. Can you think of modern examples of "non-believers" being used
to benefit God's kingdom?

Acts Chapter 20
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Paul in Macedonia and Greece, Acts 20:1-16:

1. Why do you think Paul sent the disciples on ahead of him?

2. What do you think the author means by the Feast of Unleavened bread?

3. How long did Paul stay in Greece?

4. Can you think of any modern-day evangelists that stay in an area for months
or years?

5. Why do you think it was necessary then, to stay so long, and not now?

6. How do you feel a sermon that lasted all night would be tolerated in most
churches today?

7. What do you do when the preacher goes "on and on"?

8. Why did Paul avoid Ephesus?

Paul's farewell to the Ephesian Elders, Acts 20:17-38:

1. If Paul avoided Ephesus to save time, why did he send for the Ephesian
Elders once he reached Miletus?

2. Why do you feel it was important for Paul to mention he had served with
humility...is it important still?

3. Paul proclaimed "the whole will of God." Name some modern preachers that
don't hesitate to proclaim even unpopular messages from God.
4. Paul predicted "savage wolves" who "distort the truth" even among Christian
leaders. Do you feel this is happening? Give some examples.

5. What do you feel it means to be sanctified?

6. How many people do you feel would still be ministers if they had to work for
their own support as Paul did?

7. Do you know people who really live Jesus' words "It is more blessed to give
than to receive."? Give some names.

8. How about you?

Acts Chapter 21
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Paul Returns To Jerusalem, Acts 21:1-26:

1. Why do you feel the writer uses the phrase "torn ourselves away from them?"

2. How do you feel someone would urge someone else "through the Spirit?"

3. Who have you seen recently, who prophesied accurately in such detail as
Agabus?

4. Do you feel God still uses people to give His explicit messages? explain!

5. Vs 13 contains a much-repeated statement by Paul, which turned out to be

what he had to do. Would you do the same?

6. Why do you feel Paul went to see James?

7. Was Paul's reason to take the vow of purification spiritual or political?

Explain!

Paul arrested and imprisoned, Acts 21:27-40:

1. If the temple was the place to worship the God of all, why would they feel
bringing Greeks in would defile it?

2. Can you think of any places where that same religious bigotry is practiced
today?

3. How does your church congregation feel about having non-Christians

worshiping and eating with you?
4. Why do you feel they tried to kill Paul?

5. Why was Paul arrested instead of those trying to kill him?

6. What do you feel would have caused the commander to let Paul address the
crowd?

Acts Chapter 22
For more information on the early church, see recent books on the Book Of Acts.

Paul's Testimony-Aposle Trained by Gamaliel, Acts 22:1-16:

1. Why do you feel Paul spoke to the crowd in Aramaic?

2. What do you feel was important about Gamaliel being Paul's teacher?

3. Mention some ways people establish their "bona fides" today.

4. Why would killing and imprisoning followers of the Way show zealousness for
God?

5. Why do you feel Jesus would accuse Paul (zealous for God) of persecuting
Him?

6. What do you feel kept everybody but Paul from understanding what Gos was
saying?

7. What kind of faith do you feel Ananias showed by visiting Saul...the

persecutor?

Paul-A Roman Citizen, Acts 22:17-30:

1. Who do you feel Jesus was referring to when He told Paul, "they will not
accept your testimony."?

2. Do you feel Paul was arguing with Jesus in verse 19-20?

3. Discuss some times you've argued with God.

4. Who were the "Gentiles" Jesus refers to?

5. Why do you feel this statement made the crowd angry?

6. Do you feel there are people in church today who would be angry at someone
called to ignore them and minister only to "sinners?" Why/why not?
7. Why was it significant that Paul was a Roman citizen?