New Testament Acts and Early Christian Church Key Figures and Events

Luke

A Gentile and companion of Paul.

Theophilus

Luke's patron who likely supported his writing financially.

Matthias

Replaced Judas as an apostle by casting lots.

Pentecost

Means "fifty"; occurred 50 days after Passover.

Ananias and Sapphira

A couple who sold property and lied to the Holy Spirit.

Barnabas

"Son of Encouragement"; sold a field and gave the proceeds to the church.

Stephen

The first Christian martyr.

Philip

Preached in Samaria and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch.

Saul/Paul

Converted on the road to Damascus and became a follower of Jesus.

Simon the Sorcerer

A man known for counterfeit demonstrations of supernatural power.

Ethiopian Eunuch

A high-ranking Ethiopian official baptized by Philip.

Cornelius

The first major Gentile convert to Christianity.

Agabus

A prophet who predicted a severe famine.

Syrian Antioch

Paul's sponsoring church and launching center for missions.

Herod Agrippa I

Ruler who killed James and imprisoned Peter.

Rhoda

The servant girl who answered Peter's knock after his escape.

What did Jesus teach before His ascension?

The Kingdom of God.

How did Jesus answer questions about restoring Israel?

The timing is in God's hands alone.

Why was Judas replaced?

To maintain the symbolic number of twelve apostles.

Qualifications for Judas' replacement

Must have followed Jesus from John the Baptist's ministry through the ascension and witnessed the resurrection.

How was Matthias chosen?

Through prayer and casting lots.

Signs of Pentecost

Mighty wind, tongues of fire, and speaking in other languages.

Which prophet did Peter quote at Pentecost?

Joel.

What must people do to be saved according to Peter?

Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Meaning of baptism

Immersion in water.

Characteristics of the early church

Teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, and sharing with those in need.

Problem addressed in 1 Corinthians 12-14

Moral failings and disorder in the church.

Goal of the Holy Spirit

To glorify Jesus.

What did Peter tell the lame beggar?

"Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you."

How did Peter and John respond when told not to preach?

They obeyed God rather than human authorities.

Who sold a field and gave all the money to the church?

Barnabas.

Why were Ananias and Sapphira killed?

They lied about their offering and to the Holy Spirit.

What was Gamaliel's advice to the Sanhedrin?

Leave the apostles alone.

How did the apostles respond to persecution?

With boldness, prayer, joy, and obedience.

Why were seven deacons appointed?

Greek-speaking widows were being neglected in food distribution.

Why didn't the apostles handle the situation themselves?

They needed to focus on prayer and preaching.

Qualifications of the seven deacons

Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

Main point of Stephen's sermon

Israel repeatedly rejected God's messengers, including Jesus.

What did Stephen pray while being stoned?

That God would forgive his killers.

What is sorcery?

Counterfeit demonstrations of supernatural power.

What did Peter tell Simon the Sorcerer?

Repent and pray for forgiveness.

Why was the Holy Spirit delayed for the Samaritans?

So the apostles could validate their inclusion in the church.

Where was ancient Ethiopia?

North Africa.

What Old Testament book was the Ethiopian eunuch reading?

Isaiah.

Two types of conversion

Socialization and personal conversion.

What happened during Paul's conversion?

A bright light appeared and Jesus spoke to him.

Who introduced Paul to the Jerusalem church?

Barnabas.

Purpose of miracle stories in Acts

To validate the gospel and demonstrate God's power.

Jewish view of Gentiles

They worshipped idols and did not follow Jewish law.

Circumstances of Cornelius's conversion

An angel told him to send for Peter.

What was Peter's vision?

A sheet containing many animals with instructions to eat.

What lesson did Peter learn from the vision?

God accepts Gentiles as well as Jews.

Why did Cornelius receive the Holy Spirit before baptism?

To show that Gentiles were included in God's salvation plan.

Why is Antioch important?

It became the launching center for Christian missions.

Who went to Tarsus to get Saul?

Barnabas.

What does the name Christian mean?

"King Jesus' people."

Who carried the financial gift to Jerusalem?

Paul.

Significance of the gift to Jerusalem

Relief for the poor and unity between Jews and Gentiles.

What did Rhoda do when Peter arrived?

She left him outside while she ran to tell the others.

How did Herod Agrippa I die?

He died in a gruesome way after failing to give glory to God.