Acts2-14-
If you had to give a twenty-minute speech in front of a large crowd, what topic would you speak on?
How would you prefer to give a speech—well prepared ahead of time, or impromptu? Why?
How would you feel just before getting up to speak to a large group of people?
If you were to ask your non-Christian friends to state the essence of the Christian message, what answers might they give?
When Peter stood up to speak, who stood up with him? (2:14) is that all?
Why did Peter quote from Joel 2? (2:17-21)
If you compare the Old Testament quotations in Acts with the same passages in your
Bible’s Old Testament, you will notice differences for several reasons why do you think?
1. New Testament writers and speakers often give “the general sense” of a passage
rather than quoting it word for word.
2. They often quote from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old
Testament which was used by many Jews.
3. A New Testament writer or speaker sometimes enlarges abbreviates, or adapts an
Old Testament passage or combines two or more passages to make his point. The Holy
Spirit has inspired these adaptations just as He has inspired the rest of the New
Testament.
Have you ever heard what you considered to be a genuine prophecy? Explain.
Peter says that the babble of languages is a sign of something greater than drunkenness. What does the sign demonstrate (2:15-21)
Next Peter recounts the key facts of Jesus’ life (2:22-24). How could the Jews have known that Jesus was a special person sent by God (2:22)?
What was the crucial event of Jesus’ career, and what did it prove (2:24)
What arguments does Peter use to convince the crowd that Jesus has been raised from the dead (Acts 2:25-32)?
What did Peter tell his audience to do? (2:38-40) What does it mean to repent?
The word indicates a change of direction in a person’s life rather than simply a mental change of attitude or a feeling of remorse; it signifies a turning away from a sinful and godless way of life. In one sense this is something of which man is incapable by himself, and therefore, although men can be commanded to repent, it can also be said that repentance is a gift of God
With the command of Acts 2:38 in mind what does Baptism mean to you?
How did the Resurrection affect the disciples? How has Christ’s resurrection changed your life?
Where is the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:20, 21)? How does a person become a member of God’s Kingdom?
What is the Church’s mission and message, the role of the Holy Spirit, etc.
This was the first Christian sermon at the first “Church” meeting. It had a profound impact.
Whose preaching challenges you most? Why?
How have you been changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
To whom is the power of the Holy Spirit available?
How does a person become empowered and led by the Spirit?
What keeps people from experiencing God’s power?
ACTS 2:42-47 The Fellowship of the Believers
1. What possessions do you have that you enjoy sharing with others?
2. Which of your belongings would you not want to share with anyone else? Why?
3. How would you describe your life-style: self-centered, family-centered, or others-centered?
What were the early believers actually doing when they "broke bread"?
How do the activities of the early church compare with the activities of our Home group ?
Reading into this a little, Describe the fellowship of the believers in this young church (Acts 2:42-47).
What were their priorities?
What can we do to be more like them?
When do you most enjoy spending time with other believers?
In what ways should your church be different from the early church? Why?
Why do you think the Bible refers to it in verse 42 as the Apostles doctrine or teaching? Isn't it Jesus'?
The sentence “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching” points to the fervor and dedication of the first converts to Christianity. They steadfastly turned to the apostles for instruction in Christ’s gospel, for Jesus had appointed his immediate followers to be the teachers of these learners (Matt. 28:20 "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.").
During his earthly ministry, Jesus taught with authority and “not as the teachers of the law” (Mark 1:22, NIV). Before he ascended, he delegated this authority to the apostles, who spoke in his name. Notice the double meaning of the term teaching. Extensively, the word refers to the good news of all that Jesus said and did. And intensively, the apostles were involved in the work of teaching an oral gospel to the converts, whom Luke calls disciples (learners) in Acts.72 We assume that this teaching was done especially at public worship services, where the apostles taught this gospel in their preaching.
in verse 43 it says"Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles." Why do you think that these wonders were not identified specifically?
What life-style did the early believers adopt? (2:44-45)What is good and bad about this life style?
What would be the benefit and why do you think they met every day as in verse 46
For what purposes did the believers meet together (2:42-46)? Why did they enjoy the "goodwill of all the people" (2:47)?
What is significant about the believers meeting in the Temple courtyards, then moving to the believers homes?
The Christian presence in the temple testifies not only to their remaining faithful to their Jewish heritage but also evidences their zeal for witness. In Jerusalem the temple was the primary place where crowds would be found, and there the Christians went to bear their witness (3:11–12; 5:21, 42). If the temple was the place of witness, homes were the place for fellowship.152 In the intimacy of the home setting, a common meal was shared together, probably including the Lord’s Supper as well. It was a time marked by rejoicing in their fellowship with one another and with the Spirit and by their own openness and sincerity
What attracted unbelievers to the church (2:46, 47)? What is attractive about your church? What would you change if you could?
In summary, what are all the ways you see the power of the Holy Spirit demonstrated throughout the chapter?
The Christians you meet in the Book of Acts were not content to meet once a week for “services as usual.” They met daily (Acts 2:46), cared daily (Acts 6:1), won souls daily (Acts 2:47), searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), and increased in number daily (Acts 16:5). Their Christian faith was a day-to-day reality, not a once-a-week routine. Why? Because the risen Christ was a living reality to them, and His resurrection power was at work in their lives through the Spirit.
The local church has been described as a laboratory where believers learn to love one another regardless of color, nationality, or financial status. Our common heavenly citizenship is the one dominant tie that binds our hearts together. One of the basic results of our weekly corporate worship should be the growing bond of love and unity that develops between believers. This bond of fellowship should result in God’s family members learning to care, honor, and serve one another in love. We should treat others with the same tenderness and understanding that we have experienced from God Himself. This determination to live in a love relationship with fellow believers is infinitely more important than the issues or differences that may separate us.
Christian unity does not mean that we must eliminate all diversities. We should be able to differ with each other while maintaining love, respect, and a warm, unified spirit. When our differences get out of hand and hard feelings develop, however, the communion service should always be a reminder that we must reconcile our differences and once more restore a spirit of unity within the body of Christ. The bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper should remind us of this truth each time we participate together
How has your life been affected by the gift of the Holy Spirit? The Gifts that God has given you.