Search The Scriptures — Study 22 — Acts 12:1-24

Study 22 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 12:1-24

This study of Chapter 12 concludes the first part of the book of Acts. We will jump into the first part of the book of Exodus, from chapter 1-20 then go back to the book of Acts once again, to finish it.  

1.      Sum up Herod’s character from verses 1-4 and 18-23. How and why was his life abruptly ended? Are we living to the glory of God? Cf. 1 Cor. 10:31.

2.      Prayer was the church’s weapon to free Peter.  Note (a) its character, (verse 5), (b) its obstacles (verse 6-11), (c) its results (verses 12-17).  Those who had prayed did not believe that what had happened was true (verse 14, 15). Do you believe that intercessory prayer can do great things? Cf. 2 Cor. 1:8-11 and Eph. 3:20, 21

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Search The Scriptures — Study 21 — Acts 11: 19-30

Study 21 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 11:19-30

 The city of Antioch, capital of the Roman province of Syria, was one of the three largest cities of the Empire. It was famous for its commerce art and literature, and infamous for its vice and frivolity.  It was to become ‘the jumping-off point’ for Paul’s missionary journeys.

1. What was the distinctive feature that from the beginning marked the preaching of the gospel at Antioch, and with what far-reaching results?
2. What stages marked the establishment of the church there, and what part did Barnabas play? How can we teach and encourage young Christians?
3. Verses 27-30. A young Gentile church helps the older church at Jerusalem. Note the signs of this Church’s vitality, influence and Christian spirit. Cf. 2: 44, 45; 4: 34-37.  Does your Christian faith find expression in practical giving like this?

Note. Verse 26. The onlooking world, realizing that this clearly was not a synagogue of Jews, gave them a new distinctive name-‘Christians’

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Search The Scriptures — Study 20 — Acts 11:1-18

Study 20  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 11:1-18

The circumcision party (verse 2) was a conservative group in the church at Jerusalem, who insisted on the necessity of circumcision for all. Cf. 15:1, 5. Peter had to explain to them his action with Cornelius.

1. What main point does Peter emphasize when he recounts his meeting with Cornelius? Notice what Peter says about prayer; the vision and action of God; the part played by the angel and the Holy Spirit.  What was the result of God’s action upon (a) the Gentiles (verses 14, 17, 18), (b) the circumcision party (verse 18), and (c) Peter (verses 16,17)?

2. Compare 1:5 with 11:16, 17 and Eph. 3:6. Peter had to learn that there was more truth in God’s word than he realized at first, and that he must not keep up social, national and religious barriers when God has removed them.  Do you retain any such barriers between yourself and someone else which ought to be removed?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 19 — Acts 10:34-48

Study 19 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 10:34-48

1. What new truth had Peter learned from the vision? See verses 34, 35 and cf. verse 28. Notice that the work could not develop until Peter had learned this. Is our willingness to learn some divinely-revealed truth hindering God’s work in and through us?
2. When Peter addressed Jews, what truths did he use to awaken their conscience (cf. 2:36 and 3:13-15)?  What truth did he use now? Do you find any other indications in this address that it was spoken before a Gentile audience? What ought we to learn from these features concerning our presentation of the gospel to non-Christian?
3. Consider the character of Cornelius as revealed in this chapter. If he was such a devout man before, what did he gain by believing on Jesus? Cf. 11:13-15

Note. Verses 34, 35.  The meaning of Peter’s words is not that men can be saved by their own good works, but that men like Cornelius and his friends are not excluded from God’s favorable regard on the ground of their nationality.  Their devout spirit is just as pleasing in God’s sight as a similar spirit and behaviour would have been in a Jew.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 18 — Acts 9:43 – 10:33

Study 18  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9: 43 – 10:33

1.  See Notes 1 and 2. Contrast the two towns of Joppa and Caesarea, and the two men and Cornelius.  The scene is not set for the Gentiles to receive the Gospel. Whose intervention was necessary to bring it about? Whom ought we to thank for our reception of the gospel?
2. How did God teach new truths to both Peter and Cornelius? Notice the prejudice that had to be removed and the obedience that was shown. Are you also willing to obey God when He teaches you something new and different from your natural prejudice or preference?

Notes:

1. 9:43. This verse really belongs to the Cornelius story. Joppa was a very Jewish town, loyal to ancient tradition; Caesarea was a semi-pagan city, modeled on Rome.
2. 10:1. Cornelius was a Gentile and a God-fearer, who joined with the Jewish worship, without becoming a proselyte.
3. 10:4. ‘As a memorial’: the word is that used in Lv. 2:2 in connection with the remembrance offering. The angel’s message assures Cornelius that though, in his uncircumcision, he had no share in the sacrifices of the Temple, yet his prayers and alms were acceptable before God.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 17 — Acts 9:32-42

Study 17 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9:32-42

1. What evidences do you find in these verses that a widespread revival was going on at this time, and that Christ, dwelling in His people, still moved among men as Saviour, Teacher, Healer, and Friend? What prayer ought such a record to stir us to pray?
2. How do you picture Dorcas? What ideals of Christian character and service are exemplified in her? Can you find ways to go and do likewise?
3. Peter continues to heal in the name of the Lord Jesus, (a) Cf. Also 3:6, 7,16; 4:30; 5:12-16; 6:8 and 8:6,7 for other examples. (b) Compare what Peter did with the work of his Master. With verse 34, cf. Mk. 2:11 and Jn. 5:8; and with verses 40, 41 cf. Mk. 5:35-43. (c) Peter was experiencing what Christ had promised in Jn. 14:12. Peter believed the promises of Christ and experienced the co-operating power of God the Spirit. The question is---Do we? And if not, why not? 

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Search The Scriptures — Study 16 — Acts 9:19b-31

Study 16  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9:19b-31

1. How did Paul prove his sincerity from the very beginning of his Christian life? Cf. 1 Jn. 3:14; Acts 26:19,20.
2. Comparing verse 31 with 6:7, notice how the church had extended its boundaries. Notice, also the two marks of healthy spiritual life that are especially mentioned in verse 31. Are these marks, together with those seen in Paul’s life (Question 1), found in yours
3. Compare the Jewish opposition and the Christian fellowship that Paul experienced at Damascus (verses 22-25) and Jerusalem (verses 26-30). May becoming a Christian today still give a person new enemies and new friends?

Note. The visit to Arabia of which Paul speak in Gal. 1:17 should probably be fitted in between verses 21 and 22 of the story in Acts 9.  

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