Acts
The Gospel Confronts and Comforts – Acts 8:9-40: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Simon the Magician – A man living in Samaria who had gained great recognition for the magic he performed; magicians in the 1st century operated most commonly by illusion, but the NT also suggests that Satan can empower people to perform false magic that distracts from Jesus (Mt 24:24; 1 Thes…
Read MoreA Surprising Way to Advance – Acts 8:1-8: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Saul (Paul) – Saul, who later goes by Paul, was first mentioned in the book of Acts to end chapter 7 as overseeing Stephen’s execution, and is now responsible for ravaging the church and imprisoning many men and women (v. 3). Paul later goes on to become a Christian, help spread…
Read MoreFull of Faith and Spirit – Acts 6:8-7:60: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Covenant of circumcision – A term used to refer to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 17 that Abraham would have a son with Sarah and become the father of a multitude of nations; circumcision was a sign to the people of this promise. Son of Man – A…
Read MoreHeroes in the Church – Acts 6:1-15: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Hellenists – Jews whose families had previously lived outside of Jerusalem, and therefore spoke Greek and were largely influenced by Greek culture, but who were now living in Jerusalem. Daily distribution – Only mentioned in Acts 6:1, but evidently a regular practice of the Early Church to care for widows, who…
Read MoreThe Hero of the Church – Acts 5:12-42: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms An angel of the Lord – Greek angelos kyriou (“a messenger of the Lord”); although the word angelos simply means “messenger,” in the New Testament the term angelos kyriou always refers to angels, not merely human messengers. Gamaliel – A prominent Pharisee who was a member of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish…
Read MoreBuilt Up or Broken Down? – Acts 4:32-5:11: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms The resurrection of the Lord Jesus – A historical event in which Jesus was raised from the dead. This event is central to the teaching of the apostles in the book of Acts (see Acts 1:22, 2:31, 4:33, 23:6, & 26:23). One heart and soul – The first century Greco-Roman hearer…
Read MoreBold Prayers – Acts 4:23-31: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Herod and Pontius Pilate – The two Roman officials men primarily responsible for questioning and executing Jesus. Herod was the ruler of Galilee, where Jesus was from, and Pilate was the ruler of Judea, where Jesus was arrested. Chief Priests and Elders – These were Jewish leaders who enjoyed a great…
Read MoreWhat Do You Believe About Jesus? – Acts 4:1-22: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees – Some of the most influential people in Jerusalem. The captain of the temple was the second highest ranking priest (after the Chief Priest) and was responsible for policing the temple. The Sadducees were a group of rabbis and priests who…
Read MoreLeaps of Faith, Last Hopes of Humanity – Acts 3:1-26: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms The hour of prayer – The time of the afternoon sacrifice (3 pm), which Israelites often set aside each day in order to pray and when many Israelites living in Jerusalem would go up to the temple in order to pray together. Alms – The practice of giving charitable gifts to…
Read MoreA New Day, A New Community – Acts 2:42-47: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms The apostles’ teaching – The Early Church gathered in public at the temple and in homes to hear the apostles (those who had been with Jesus) teach; we get a glimpse of what they taught in the various sermons in Acts (see Acts 2:14-40, Acts 7, Acts 13:16-41) as well as…
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