Search The Scriptures — Study 15 — Acts 9: 1- 19a

Study 15 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9: 1-19a

1. What do these verses reveal of Christ’s power, majesty and glory and also of His compassion, love and grace? Cf. 1 Tim. 1:12-14.
2. What task was Ananias given to do? In what way is he an example of the help we can give to a recently converted person?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 14 — Acts 8:26-40

Study 14  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 8:26-40.

1. Note how much of active interest and response the Ethiopian was already showing before Philip met him. What more did he need before he was able to go ‘on his way rejoicing’? What similar aids may we use in order to find God and to discover more of His truth for ourselves?
2. Learn from Philip (a) the qualities needed in and (b) the methods used by, one man an when leading another person to trust Christ. Are you willing to be sent on such an errand (verses 26, 29)?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 13 — Acts 8:5-25

Study 13 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 8:5-25

1.  Measure the success of Philip’s ministry in Samaria by the difficulties with which he had to contend. Cf. Jn. 4:9. To what was his success due? Cf. Jn. 14:12; Acts 1:8.  What results followed when the power of God was manifested? See verses 6, 18-21. In what ways should such a record make us give heed?
2. Simon was intellectually convinced of the truth and power of the gospel, but his heart was unchanged. How did this come to light? In what ways is it right or wrong for us to covet the power of God’s Spirit?

Note.  Verses 14-17.  The reason, no doubt, why the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon the Samaritan believers was that, as this was the first extension of the Church beyond the borders of the Jewish people, it was fitting that the seal of the Spirit (Eph. 1:13) should be given through Peter and John, as the representatives of the apostles. In a similar way Peter was chosen to go to Cornelius (10:5), though Philip was probably in Caesarea at the time.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 12 — Acts 7:44-8:4

Study 12 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 7:44-8:4

1.   In his conclusion (7:44-53) how does Stephen teach the divine origin and yet the inadequacy of both the Tabernacle or ‘tent of witness’ and the Temple or ‘house’ which Solomon built?  What charges does he bring against his accusers?  To what positive truths here indicated or implied ought we to pay heed?

2.   Consider the likeness between Stephen and his Lord in his life, character, and in his death.  Where did this likeness come from? How may we follow his example? Cf. 2 Cor. 3:18.

3.   What were the results for the Church of Stephen’s witness (a) in suffering (see 8:1, 3) and (b) in expansion (see 8:4, 5; 11:19, 20)? Notice what God can do through one man fully yielded to His service.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 11 — Acts 7:9-43

Study 11 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 7:9-43

Stephen’s speech seeks to show (a) that God’s presence with His people is not limited to a particular place or building (verses 2, 9, 10, 30, 34-38, 44-49); and (b) that far from overthrowing Moses, Christ is the promised Prophet like Moses of whom Moses himself spoke (verse 37).

   1.   God intended Joseph (verses 9-16) and Moses (verses 20-43) to deliver His people from bondage.  Notice (a) the places in which they lived, (b) the work they had to do, (c) the treatment they received from their brethren, and (d) the results they achieved. In What ways do they foreshadow the work of the Lord Jesus Christ?

2.   The tragedy of Israel’s spiritual blindness is described in verses 25 and 35-43. How did it manifest itself first in thought, will and desire (verse 39) and finally in action (verse 40-43)? What was its penalty? Does God still deal with His people like this?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 10 — Acts 6:1-7:8

Study 10 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 6:1-7:8

     1.   How did the apostles deal with the incipient troubles mentioned in 6:1? What three results followed for the widows, the Seven, and the Twelve?  What lessons may we learn from their handling of the situation?

2.   Notice three things about Stephen’s life and ministry (6: 5-15): (a) the outstanding features of his life (verses 5, 8); (b) the nature of the persecution against him (verses 11-13); (c) the charges laid against him (verses 13, 14).  Cf. Mk. 14:57, 58 and Acts 21:27, 28.  What are the indispensable qualifications for, and the possible consequences of, faithful witness for Christ?

Notes

1.   6:1. ‘Hellenists’ denote Jews who had lived abroad and spoke Greek. ‘Hebrews’ were Jews of Palestine who spoke the Jewish language.

2.   Stephen’s ministry marked a vital stage in the growth of the early church. His teaching ‘first drove a wedge between Judaism and Christianity’

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Search The Scriptures — Study 09 — Acts 5:17-42

Study 09 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 5:17-42

     1.     In spite of persecution and warnings (cf. 4: 17-21) the apostles continue to witness.  Consider the different parts played by the angel (verse 19), the Holy Spirit (verses 20, 32), and Gamaliel (verses 34-40) in making this possible.  Do you know something of the same constraint—to speak to other about Christ?

2.     Consider the four different reactions of the religious opposition (verses 17, 24, 26, 33). Finally they beat the apostles. Cf. 1Pet. 2:20, 21. Are you afraid to suffer through faithful witness?

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