THE BOOK OF ACTS: Week 2 – June 9-15
Acts 3-4 What emboldens them?
In this week’s reading a consistent pattern of life develops in the community both in their witness outwardly and also in their support of one another inwardly. Are they surprised? They surely begin to be emboldened.
- Acts 3:1-10 In the name of Jesus, Peter and John heal a man born lame
- Acts 3:11-26 Peter addresses the people
- Acts 4: 1-12 Priests & Sadducees arrest Peter & John and Peter’s reply
- Acts 4:13-22 The Council’s discussion on what to do with this boldness
- Acts 4:23-31 The community’s prayer
- Acts 4:32-37 The community’s pattern of life together. Barnabas joins them
Chapter 3: Interruptions on the way
What was Peter and John’s plan for the afternoon and what interrupted them? (3:1-3) Can you think of some different ways that Peter and John could have responded? Did what they say and do surprise you? Why or why not?
How did the healed man’s faith go public? How did Peter and John’s faith go public? How does our congregation go public?
Peter and John gave credit to God for the healing (3:12-13), told about Jesus and invited the bystanders to change their hearts and turn back to God. Put yourself in the crowd.
How would you respond?
Action Plan: Pray and ask God to interrupt your day by someone needing help in some way. When you help, will you have a chance to share why you are doing it---Jesus!? Ask God for courage.
Chapter 4: Arrested! (Or not?)
If you were the reporter for this event, what reasons would you give for Peter and John being arrested?
When does the Holy Spirit show up in this chapter? Why is the timing of the Spirit’s power significant? How does this insight about the Holy Spirit encourage us?
What do you think were the motives and fears behind the effort to stop the disciples? Were the disciples afraid? Why or why not?
Action Plan: Investigate one Christian organization working for social justice or relief in dire circumstances (Lutheran World Relief, International Justice Mission, Doctors without Borders, The Missionaries of Charity, Family Promise, Upbring). What roadblocks do they face?
What motivates them to care about the people they are trying to serve/ heal/ free/ feed/ house/ educate/ etc.? What might the Holy Spirit be doing here?
This week's Sermon:
