24. Review

In Review

After studying a book of the Bible in detail, it is helpful to look at the book as a whole to gain an overview. Let’s revisit our journey to cement what we have learned in our minds and hearts.

1. A. Luke began Acts by recording Jesus' "marching orders" for his followers before He ascended to heaven. What was the task He gave them and us? (Acts 1:8)

In Review

After studying a book of the Bible in detail, it is helpful to look at the book as a whole to gain an overview. Let’s revisit our journey to cement what we have learned in our minds and hearts.

1. A. Luke began Acts by recording Jesus' "marching orders" for his followers before He ascended to heaven. What was the task He gave them and us? (Acts 1:8)

B. Acts 1:8 is an outline of the book. Review the following verses which indicate the spread of the gospel along these geographical lines. What happened in the verses?

6:7

8:1b

9:31

12:24

13:2-4

28:30

C. Name some methods and strategies Jesus' followers used in Acts to build the church? How could you apply these today?

2. A. Who is the major character early in Acts? (1: 15, 2:14, 3:1, 4:1, 5:29)

B. Who comes into the picture beginning in Chapter 9? What was his primary calling? (9:15) Who is the major character in Acts beginning in Chapter 13?

C. What happened in Chapter 10 to reveal the shift from a Jewish to a Gentile emphasis?

D. After Paul returned from his first missionary journey (Chapters 13 and 14), the Council at Jerusalem issued an important decree. What was it? (See Chapter 15, especially 15:19) What might have happened to Christianity if the Council had decreed that Gentiles must embrace Judaism to become Christians?

3. A. The first church was located in Jerusalem and is described in Acts 2:42-47. Describe it.

B. Glance back through Acts. Name some of the churches Paul birthed on his missionary journeys. What was the state of the Church by the end of Acts?

C. What happened in Acts 2:1-4 that was responsible for the incredible growth we see later in the book and from that time on? What can believers expect of themselves today?

4. A. What do you remember about these individuals?

Ananias and Sapphira (5: 1 -11)

Stephen (Chapters 6, 7)

Simon the Sorcerer (8:9-25)

The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-39)

Cornelius (Chapter 10)

Barnabas (Chapters 13, 14, 15:36-4 1)

Lydia (16:11-15, 40)

Priscilla and Aquila (18:1- 3, 18, 19)

Apollos (18:24-28)

Felix (Chapter 24)

Festus (25:1-12)

Agrippa (25:13-26)

B. Who was the most memorable to you and why?

5. A. In Acts we have observed Paul in a variety of circumstances. How would you describe Paul's personality and character to a friend? What qualities do you admire? Which do you need to imitate? How would your life change if you did?

B. What are the acts of the Spirit in your life this year? Have you seen any changes in your life as a result of the time you've invested?

C. What will you remember about Acts next year, 5 years, 10 years from now?

D. Has anyone in the group said or done anything that has particularly ministered to you this year? If so, please share.

6. Think back through your journey in Acts. Summarize key lessons God has taught you and share them with your group. How has this adventure enriched your life and changed the way you live for Christ?

(Future Activity) Now that you have completed the study of Acts, read through the entire book in one sitting. Focus on the highlights and major shifts. This exercise will help you get the "big picture" and fix what you have learned in your mind and heart.

Many who saw a Man hanging on a cross 2,000 years ago thought, “The Christian religion is dissolved.” But it was not so. It is true now as it was then. The end is the beginning. -Ian McCrae