Bible Studies Year 10 – Acts 1–12

Which books did

The two books written by Luke are The Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles.

Theophilus

The person to whom the Book of Acts was written.

What is the purpose of the book of Acts?

Written to explain how Jesus continued His work through the apostles and the Holy Spirit after His ascension.

Divisions of the Book of Acts

The three main divisions are:

1. The gospel in Jerusalem (Ch. 1–7),

2. The gospel in Judea and Samaria (Ch. 8–12),

3. The gospel to the ends of the earth (Ch. 13–28).

Feast of Weeks

A joyful celebration held 50 days after Passover, giving thanks for the first fruits of the harvest.

Signs of Pentecost

Accompanying signs included wind, tongues of fire, and the speaking of different languages.

Link between Pentecost and the Old Testament

Pentecost links to the Old Testament Feast of Weeks as a spiritual harvest when 3,000 were saved.

Characteristics of Early Church

Devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity, unity, daily worship, and bold preaching.

Comparison of Early Church to FRCA

Similarities include teaching, prayer, and fellowship; differences include formal structure and sacrament frequency.

Persecution Development (Acts 1–10)

Persecution of believers escalated from church favor in Acts 2-3 to apostles being arrested, flogged, and Stephen being stoned.

Saul's Early Life

Born in Tarsus, a Roman citizen, trained under Gamaliel, and a strict Pharisee.

Saul's Change on Damascus Road

Encountered Jesus in a vision, was blinded, healed by Ananias, baptized, and became a bold preacher.

How did Paul further God’s Kingdom?

Paul spread the gospel to Gentiles across the Roman Empire, fulfilling Acts 1:8.

Why was the gospel ‘for the Jews first’ and then the Gentiles? 

The gospel was initially for Jews as salvation was promised through them but intended for all nations.

Do Jews receive salvation differently than Gentiles? 

Both are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Do Jewish Christians have any privileges that Gentile Christians don’t? 

No distinction, as all are equal in Christ—members of God's family.

Cornelius

A Roman centurion, devout, God-fearing, and the first Gentile convert to receive the Holy Spirit.

Peter's Vision

Saw a sheet with clean and unclean animals; meant Gentiles are accepted by God.

Cornelius's Conversion

Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit and were baptized, showing Gentiles' inclusion.

Significance of Cornelius Receiving the Holy Spirit

Proved Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit without becoming Jewish, marking a turning point for the Church.

Redemptive Historical Approach

Sees the whole Bible as God's plan to save His people, with Jesus as the center.

The Old Testament is full of types, shadows, and promises.

The New Testament shows their fulfilment in Christ.

It reminds us that every part of Scripture points to God’s work of redemption.

How is the redemptive history approach evident from comparing the first 12 chapters of the book of Acts with the Old Testament? 

Pentecost fulfilled the Feast of Weeks—from a harvest of grain to a harvest of souls 

Jesus is shown the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The apostles preach that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

God’s salvation spreading to all fulfill the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed.

The story in Acts continues the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan seen throughout Scripture.