Acts

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Reading Guide

Acts

Oct. 27 - Nov. 2

Author:  Luke, co-worker and sometimes travel companion with Paul, physician, Gentile

Theme: “Jesus leading his people by the Spirit to go out into the world and invite all nations to live under his reign” (Bible Project). Things to look for:

Mentions of the temple and what is happening there.

Mentions of Barnabas and what he is doing.

Chapter 1 - Introduction: Jesus instructions and ascension

What did Jesus do and say during the 40 days?

Why did Jesus tell them to wait in Jerusalem?

What did the apostles ask Jesus? What was his answer?

Compare Acts 1:9 with Daniel 7:13-15 and Revelation 5:1-10

Chapters 2 - In Jerusalem

Acts 2:1-4 - Where else did God appear as wind and fire? (Exodus 40:34-38, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3) Where doesGod’s fiery presence come to live now? (1 Corinthians 3:10-17)

Acts 2:5-13 - What people are being described by Luke here? How does this relate to the time of the Babylonian captivity?.

Chapters 3-5 - In Jerusalem (2:42 - chapter 5)

The new temple meets and serves God and neighbor in the old temple.

Chapters 6-7 - In Jerusalem

The old temple leaders persecute the new temple. Stephen’s speech shows how Israel’s leaders have always rejected the messengers God sent them, including his Son.

Chapters 8-12 - Judea and Samaria

The persecution in Jerusalem scatters the new temple, God’s people, and the gospel through Judea and Samaria. The reach of the gospel expands to the Gentiles: Philip in Samaria; the conversion of Saul (Paul); the conversion of Cornelius the Gentile.

A multi-ethnic, international movement

What part did Barnabas play in Paul’s early time as a believer? (Chapters 9 and 11)

Chapters 13-28 - To the ends of the earth 

Note how the author at different times uses  “we” and “he”/”they” to describe Paul’s actions. What is the significance of this?

Antioch was the largest city in this part of the Roman Empire.

Chapters 13-20 - Missionary Journeys - Make a chart listing the starting point, the ending point, and all the places that Paul visits on his three journeys: Ch 13-14; 16-18a; 18b-20

Chapter 15 - The Jerusalem Council - What was the controversy and how was it resolved?

Chapters 21-22 - Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem - What are the charges?

Chapters 23-26 - Paul on trial - How many trials/hearings does Paul have and before whom?

Chapter 27-28a - The journey to Rome

Chapter 28b - Paul in Rome

What did Paul do while in Rome?

What good came out of Paul’s time in jail and prison?