Study and Preach

The life study of the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 1:1-11

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

First Glance:
What things stick out to you in this passage?
Are there any prominent themes in these verses?
What verse encourages you from this passage?

Questions:

1. Discuss how the disciples might have felt now that Jesus was leaving them?

2. Which are the comforting words for them out of Jesus last conversations with them?

3. What does Vs 5 really mean? What is being baptised with the Holy Spirit?’

4. In Vs 8 Why do you think they need power?

5. What does the word ‘Witness’ Mean?

6. Ask yourselves ‘What kind of Church is this Holy Spirit filled church going to be like?’

7. What investments had Jesus given to these disciples, so that they might have a significant ministry?

8. What investment has God made in your life? What are your gifts, Skills, Talents and Abilities?

9. From Vs 11 What will the Second coming of Christ be like. Can you think of any other Verses that can help answer this question?

10. What is the main themes of Vs 1-11?

—————————————————————————————-

Acts 1:12-26:
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus– 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms,” `May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ” `May another take his place of leadership.’ 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

First Glance:
What things stick out to you in this passage?
Are there any prominent themes in these verses?
What verse encourages you from this passage?

Questions:

1. This young church returned to Jerusalem, to the upper room, the same room in which Jesus celebrated the Passover with them, the same room that he appeared t in after the resurrection. What memories might this room have held for them?

2. From Verse 14 how might they have prayed? How would you be praying if you were in this group?

3. From Vs 15 it seems that Peter had begun to take a leading role. In the light of his denial how might others feel about his leadership? How would the events of John 21:15-19 calm there fears?

4. In this passage what was the role of Prayer, Scripture, Discussion and trust in God when the disciples were selecting a replacement for Judas?

5. Are the lessons in the passage about decision making helpful and relevant for us today? If so How?

6. Compare Vs 14 with Acts 1:24, Acts 2:1, Acts 2:42, Acts 4 23-31. What was the early church’s thought on the issue of prayer? Important, Non-important?

7. Discuss. What does this statement in vs. 14 ‘, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, suggest to you?

8. FromVs23-26 How important was the outworking of Jesus’ Mandate from acts 1:8?

9. What have been you best experiences of Group prayer?

10. It seems that this young church begin to display some courage in responding to Jesus call to minister to the world. What holds you back from spreading the word of Jesus?
Lack of knowledge.
Lack of concern.
Lack of courage.
Lack of non-Christian friends or acquaintances.
Nothing – I’m doing it!
Other reason………