Table of Contents
- 1 Week 1: Overview
- 1.1 What is your understanding of how Acts relates to the storyline of the New Testament and of the whole Bible? How does it help you to better understand the cultures and people of other New Testament books?
- 1.2 What is your overall understanding of how Acts relates to Luke, knowing that this is part 2 of a two-part narrative? Do you have any sense of what Acts uniquely contributes to that narrative? Do you have any sense of similarities and continuities between Luke and Acts?
- 1.3 How do you understand the contribution of Acts to Christian theology? From your current knowledge of Acts, what do you think this book teaches us about God, the church, the gospel, and other doctrines?
- 1.4 What aspects of Acts have confused you? Are there any specific questions that you hope to resolve through this study of Acts?
Welcome to our 12-week Bible study, ‘Acts: We Are The Church,’ delving into the Book of Acts—a continuation of Jesus’ ministry through the early church.
Throughout this study, you’ll gain a profound understanding of how the early church carried forward the mission of Jesus, performing miracles, spreading the gospel, and facing challenges with unwavering faith. We’ll explore the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the formation of a vibrant community of believers.
Each week, we’ll dive into a different aspect of Acts, examining themes of faith, courage, and unity among believers. Together, we’ll discover what it means to be part of the body of Christ and how these early church experiences can inform our lives as modern-day Christians.
Discover a profound understanding of the Scriptures, relish the fellowship with fellow believers, and experience the delight of nurturing your faith while sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others. Don’t miss out!
Week 1: Overview
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered in week one using Justin S. Holcomb’s Acts: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible) as our weekly discussion guide:
- The connection between the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
- Luke addresses Theophilus and highlights the continuation of Jesus’ work and teachings.
- Explore the early days of the Church and the ongoing impact of Jesus’ ministry through His followers.
- How the expansion of the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth emphasizes Jesus’ significance.
- How God can use challenges and betrayal to advance His kingdom.
What is your understanding of how Acts relates to the storyline of the New Testament and of the whole Bible? How does it help you to better understand the cultures and people of other New Testament books?
The Book of Acts acts as a bridge from the Gospels to the early Christian Church, showcasing the birth and expansion of Christianity. It connects Jesus’ ministry to the Church’s growth, explores diverse cultures, and reveals theological developments. Acts also portrays the Church’s resilience under persecution and demonstrates God’s guidance through miracles.
In addition, the Book of Acts helps us in understanding the New Testament’s cultural contexts and how early Christians adapted the message to reach diverse audiences while maintaining Jesus’ teachings, contributing to the continuity of the Christian mission.
What is your overall understanding of how Acts relates to Luke, knowing that this is part 2 of a two-part narrative? Do you have any sense of what Acts uniquely contributes to that narrative? Do you have any sense of similarities and continuities between Luke and Acts?
Acts is the sequel to Luke, continuing the narrative from Jesus’ ministry to the early Church’s growth. It uniquely shows the apostles’ mission and the Church’s expansion, with continuity in authorship, theological themes, and the inclusion of Gentiles, emphasizing God’s ongoing plan and the disciples’ role.
How do you understand the contribution of Acts to Christian theology? From your current knowledge of Acts, what do you think this book teaches us about God, the church, the gospel, and other doctrines?
Acts contributes significantly to Christian theology by providing insights into God’s sovereignty, the work of the Holy Spirit, the growth of the early Church, and the spread of the gospel. It shows the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan.
Acts emphasizes the importance of preaching, prayer, and unity within the Church. The apostles’ experiences, trials, and teachings offer lessons on faith, discipleship, and the mission of proclaiming Christ to the world.
What aspects of Acts have confused you? Are there any specific questions that you hope to resolve through this study of Acts?
I’ve personally not been confused by the Book of Acts nor do I currently have any specific questions.
However, it’s common that readers of Acts often find confusion about historical details, chronology, the Holy Spirit’s role, apostolic relationships, the book’s purpose, and Saul/Paul’s conversion. Acts resolves these questions by providing historical accounts of the early Church’s growth, the Holy Spirit’s role, the gospel’s spread, and key individuals involved, bridging Jesus’ teachings with the Church’s establishment.
Take a few moments now to ask the Lord to bless you, change you, and help you understand and apply the unique light Acts throws on the gospel to your life.
We hope these notes have been helpful in catching up on what we’ve covered so far. We’re excited to continue our study of Acts together next week in week two!
In the meantime, explore a very engaging animation video from the Bible Project team that explains the first twelve chapters of the Book of Acts.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
