Possible Discussion Questions for Acts (June) Chapter 1 Just before Jesus ascends into heaven, he talks with his disciples. Even after his resurrection, they are still confused over what his purpose. Look at the question they ask Jesus in 1:6. Then look at Jesus response. Compare what the disciples expect to happen in the future to what Jesus is explaining to them. Chapter 2 This is when Jesus sends the Holy Spirit (the helper) to the apostles. Read through the chapter and write down all the things mentioned pertaining to the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 2:42-47. Describe the church based on those verses. What stands out to you about how Christians were living? Chapter 3 Peter uses a healing situation to provide the context to share with the crowd. How do you think that sermon was received by the crowd? What is the thesis of his teaching? Look at 4:4 to see what the effect of this preaching was. Chapter 4 Peter and John were called in before the religious authorities to be questioned. What was the response of these experts as they listened to Peter and John? (See 4:13-14.) Read the prayer that is listed in 4:23-30. What evidence do you see about how this prayer is already being answered in 4:31-37? Chapter 5 What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira? Peter and the apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin in chapter 4. Read 4:33-39. What is the advice given by one of the Jews, Gamaliel? Evaluate the truth of his advice. Page 1
Chapter 6 The apostles were the core leaders in the church. What things were not getting done? What was their solution? What did the apostles decide was the most important thing for them (the main church leaders) to spend their time doing? Chapter 7 As you read the story of Stephen, note his actions. What were his final actions before his death? How would you respond in that situation? Chapter 8 Look at 7:58, 8:1, and 8:3. Whose name is mentioned in these two verses? What do we learn about this man? What was he doing? Read the story about Philip and the Ethiopian (8:26-40). How does the Ethiopian respond to Philip s teaching? Chapter 9 Describe what happened to Saul? How did Ananias respond to the idea of meeting with Saul at first? When Saul because a Christian, how did the Jews respond to him? How did the Christians respond to him? What was happening in the church overall at this time (9:31)? How is the church described? Chapter 10 10:34 is a moment in time where Peter begins to realize the scope of the gospel. What revelation comes to him in this verse? Reading through the end of the chapter, what action of the Holy Spirit confirms what Peter is saying? How does this change the future of the church? Page 2
Chapter 11 Why would Peter be criticized when he went back to Jerusalem in 11:1-3? How was he received after he explained things to them in 11:18? How is this a point that changes the trajectory of the church forever? Read about the church in Antioch in 11:19-30. What was it that forced believers to scatter in 11:19? Write down how God used that negative for good. Can you think of examples from your life where he has done the same? Chapter 12 Peter was arrested by King Herod. What was the church doing when this happened? (See 12:5.) What happened when Peter was freed and went to the house where the church was gathering? Chapter 13 Paul and Barnabus visit a couple towns. How were they received in each of them? Chapter 14 In 14:21-28, Paul and Barnabus work to set up churches where groups of disciples are. What do they focus on when establishing churches? Chapter 15 What was the issue being discussed during the council at Jerusalem? What was the final decision? Why was this council such a big event? Chapter 16 Where were Paul and Silas in 16:25? What were they doing? What happened that eventually ended with the jailer believing in Jesus? Page 3
Chapter 17 As the missionaries move through Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, they have different experiences in each town. How were they received in various towns? Chapter 18 Paul began to be discouraged as he preached to the Jews in Corinth (18:6). What do you read in the next few verses that convinced him to continue serving in Corinth for another year and a half. Have you ever had your plans changed for you in such a way that it was clearly God s design? Chapter 19 In the second half of chapter 19, there is a riot (a great disturbance ) that breaks out in Ephesus. Who is the source of this? What is the core issue as to why they are so upset about Christians? How does this same issue impact the church? Chapter 20 20:17-38 is a long and meaningful farewell between Paul and the elders of the Church at Ephesus. What parts of this farewell are most meaningful to you? Chapter 21 21:10-16 is Paul s final stop on the way to Jerusalem. He knows there may be trouble waiting for him. What event happens in these verses to confirm that? What is Paul s response? How does that compare with how you would respond in that situation? Chapter 22 This chapter is Paul s speech. As you read it, what stands out as the main points he is trying to communicate? How is he received by the crowd? The centurion? Page 4
Chapter 23 Who was plotting to kill Paul? What was their plan? How was that spoiled? Throughout this entire story of difficult times, look at 23:11. What can we learn from seeing this verse in the context of his troubles? Chapter 24 What are Paul s main points when he testifies before Felix? How is he received? Chapter 25 What are Paul s main points when he speaks to Festus? How is he received? Chapter 26 What are Paul s main points when he testifies before Aggripa? How is he received? Chapter 27 Paul is traveling toward Rome, their ship hits a storm, and are shipwrecked. How does Paul live out his faith in these difficult trials? What storms and shipwrecks have you faced in your life? How have you used those as opportunities to live out your faith? What are times when you did not necessarily use difficult situations to live out your faith? Chapter 28 What is the meaning of 28:26-27? Why would Paul use this quote? Paul most likely died at the hands of Emperor Nero within a few years of when this book was written. What do you learn that his final few years were like as he was under house arrest? Read the last sentence of Acts. If someone were two write one or two sentences of how you have lived the past couple years, what would it say? What would you want it to say? What changes are needed in order for that to be a true statement? Page 5