Acts

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT g Lessons from Acts 1-10 by Sue LeBoutillier Copyright © 2018 Sue LeBouƟllier Published by: Calvary Chapel — Ontario, Oregon g Walking in the Spirit g The First Days of the Last Days Dear Friend, It was during preparaƟon for our study in 1&2 Peter that the first ten chapters of Acts gripped me in a fresh way. I suppose the Apostle Paul had always seemed to be the central figure in the book of Acts; but studying Peter’s two epistles gave me a reason to stand back and look at his presence in the first days of the Church. I began to take a look at the book of Acts in a whole new way. Saul (the Apostle Paul) didn’t even enter the picture unƟl chapter 9, about 8-10 years into the growth of the new Church! Peter and John were the primary figures in those early days. My intrigue with God’s choice to use Peter so profoundly in the conƟnuing ministry of Jesus on earth, especially aŌer his failure during the Passion Week, is how this study was birthed. The book of Acts, aŌer all, is neither about Paul or Peter, nor any of the Apostles. It’s about God’s unfolding work of redempƟon—His grace, His plan, His work through the Holy Spirit! Peter warned us what would happen “in the last days…” (2 Peter 3:3). But what are the last days? The last days are easy to define — they encompass the enƟre chunk of history from the Ascension of Jesus in Acts 1 to His return.... whenever that happens. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit used Peter mighƟly in the first days of the last days. It is my ambiƟon and, I hope yours as well, that God would use us mighƟly in the last days of the last days. Jack Hayford says, “The book of Acts is the story of the disciples receiving what Jesus received — the empowering of the Holy Spirit — in order to conƟnue what Jesus did.” In the Gospels we learn what Jesus began to do and to teach. In Acts the Risen Lord conƟnues to do and to teach through the Apostles and His Church today.

Acts is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. If you feel quite ordinary, then this will be a perfect Bible Study for you. Here are some reminders as you approach each lesson: 1) Pray—Ask God to keep your mind on track and help you understand each passage. We can’t hope to understand spiritual maƩers without the illuminaƟon of the Spirit of God. 2) Read—If at all possible, read the enƟre chapter being studied each day—read it aloud if you can—we oŌen get a different sense of the passage by hearing it aloud. 3) Apply—Remember, our objecƟve is to ask ourselves... · What does it say? Comprehension · What does it mean? InterpretaƟon · What does it mean to me? ApplicaƟon If you’re diligent to read the passage and work through the quesƟons offered, you will gain insights into how God extended hope to His followers in that day, and vision for your own life and circumstances. Many of the quesƟons will also serve as a source of topics for your small group discussions. Sharing with other women and hearing their perspecƟve oŌen sharpens us for more purposeful Kingdom use! Are you ready? Let’s get started! Sue LeBoutillier sue@ccontario.com *The best translaƟon of the Bible to use is the one you understand the most easily—and using more than one translaƟon can be a great aid to study! This study guide was created using the ESV (English Standard Version), which may be a helpful tool as you work through your study. To watch the video teachings for this Bible Study go to: ccontario.com/womens-studies or YouTube.com/calvarychapelontario

Our introductory message is based on Acts chapter one. This space is provided for you to jot down notes, thoughts or quesƟons as we begin our study and unfold this passage. ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Introduction Acts 1

AŌer studying all of Acts chapter one in our introducƟon, we’ll slow down a bit and study chapters 2-10 more slowly. Before we do, let’s look back and record two of the most important verses in the enƟre book: Wٮ㛠Acts 1:1 _____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ (Circle the key words Jesus, began, do, teach) Wٮ㛠Acts 1:8 _____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ (Circle the key words Holy Spirit, power, witnesses) Jesus began to do miraculous signs and to teach about the Kingdom of God to those who would accept it. By the Holy Spirit, the Apostles would receive power to conƟnue that same work, as they became witnesses of Jesus Christ to any who would believe and receive. The key element in this Bible Study will be the work of the Spirit. The key element in our personal lives today is the work of the Spirit. g Let’s organize our first week of study into four parts that will be studied over four days: g v.1-13 — What Actually Happened on the Day of Pentecost? g v.14-36 — The Spirit Empowered Peter to Preach g v.37-41 — The Spirit Convicted the Crowd of sin g v.42-47 — The Spirit Enabled the Believers in a Lifestyle of Unity As a body without breathe is a corpse, so the church without the Spirit is dead. —John StoƩ1 Acts Chapter 2

Dƒù Oě: “What Actually Happened on the Day of Pentecost?” Read Acts 2 — All 47 verses. Now let’s focus on studying only the first 13 verses for today. This chapter begins with the casual statement, ‘When the day of Pentecost arrived’. Luke provided no explanaƟon. He assumed his audience understood the significance. But we may not know or understand. So, before we go any further, let’s learn what this seƫng is all about. In this parƟcular Ɵme we are reading about, we have had: 1) Passover—THE Passover when the REAL Passover Lamb was offered for the sins of the world. 2) Then, we had the Feast of First Fruits, which fell on ResurrecƟon Sunday—THE ResurrecƟon Sunday when Jesus rose as the First Fruit of all who would be raised. 3) Then, the next feast on the Jewish calendar was (in Greek) Pentecost —where tradiƟonally TWO loaves of bread were waved before the Lord. The fulfillment taking place in two stages—first, the Jews on the day of Pentecost and later, the GenƟles at Cornelius’ house. Now that we’ve dug a liƩle further into knowing When these events happened, let’s discover some other aspects from v.1-4: · Who seemed to be gathered together? (Check back to 1:15 also) · Where did they seem to be gathered? The day of Pentecost was the fiŌieth day aŌer Passover. It was cele‐ brated by offering the first fruits of the wheat harvest in the form of two loaves made of fine flour. On account of the seven weeks inter‐ vening between it and the Passover, it is styled, in the Old Testament, “the feast of weeks.” But the fact that it occurred on the fiŌieth day, gave it, in later ages, under the prevalence of the Greek language, the name of Pentecost, which is a Greek adjecƟve meaning fiŌieth. — A Commentary on Acts of Apostles2

· Describe what happened to them collecƟvely (all that you noƟce): NÊã›: To determine what is meant by speaking in other tongues, look ahead to v.6, 8 which explains it as: ____________________________ Now from v.5-11 let’s discover: · Who was in Jerusalem for this celebraƟon (v.5)? · What was the reacƟon or response of the people (v.6-7)? · What were the believers saying in the various languages (v.11)? · From v.12-13, we see two different reacƟons among the crowd. Describe the two responses: · · The Spirit couldn’t be given to indwell believers any sooner since Jesus had to die, be raised to life, and ascend to His Father in Heaven. Remember what we learned about the Jewish calendar: Passover => Feast of First Fruits => Pentecost As we wrap up, there are a couple of elements to noƟce: 1) This is the first of many fillings of the Holy Spirit that we’ll en- counter in the book of Acts. 2) NoƟce, in v.4, that ALL the believers gathered were filled with the Holy Spirit and ALL of them declared the mighty works of God to people who needed to hear it.

3) NoƟce that the language they began to speak was not their choice, but God’s choice FOR them. How do each of those elements relate to YOUR life? If the power of the Holy Spirit was removed from your life today, would you noƟce? Would anyone noƟce? Dƒù TóÊ: “The Spirit Empowered Peter to Preach” Read Acts 2, then focus on v.14-36. Today and tomorrow, we’ll dig into Peter’s words as he explained to the crowd what was happening! Peter’s understanding of Old Testament Scripture was incredible. For someone who spent his days neƫng fish, possession of these insights and this recall was truly admirable. Using prophecy so effortlessly in his speech is tesƟmony to: 1) the filling of the Holy Spirit—which comes with power, and 2) evidence that he spent Ɵme in the School of Ministry with Jesus! · Write a short account of who Peter was talking to (from v.8-14): We know the crowd was predominately Jewish because of Peter’s references to ‘men of Judea’ (v.14), and ‘men of Israel’ (v.22). However, they were certainly an internaƟonal, mulƟlingual crowd. Verses 17-21 are a combinaƟon of Old Testament prophecies from Joel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. · What are some of the key promises you see in this prophecy?

Verses 22-36 contain the meat of Peter’s sermon. He skillfully took his listeners through the life, ministry, death, resurrecƟon, and exaltaƟon of Jesus Christ, in order to arrive at salvaƟon and the giŌ of the Holy Spirit at the end. Let’s look at these elements: · V.22: Life and Ministry of Jesus: What was proof of His Godhood? · V. 23-32: Death and ResurrecƟon of Jesus: · How was Jesus’ death part of God’s plan? · What is the contrast presented between David’s and Jesus’ deaths and burials? · There is a super important aspect to v.32. What do you think it is? (See also 2 Peter 1:16) · V.33-36: ExaltaƟon of and SalvaƟon through Jesus: · How did Peter connect the exaltaƟon of Jesus to the events the crowd witnessed that morning? · Describe Peter’s summary in v.36. I’m not sure that ending an evangelisƟc message by blaming your audience for killing Jesus would be something found in any “Four Easy Steps to Save Souls” manual. And yet, this was the first evangelisƟc sermon preached! You may already know, but we’ll find out, in five verses, that it was tremendously effecƟve.

· Read Isaiah 55:8-9. How might these truths have something to teach us about the work God has for us to do? Dƒù T«Ù››: “The Spirit Convicted the Crowd of Sin” Read Acts 2, then focus on v.37-41. · How did the people respond to Peter’s message? · What did Peter tell them they needed to do? (v.38) A casual reading of verse 38 could lead one to conclude that bapƟsm is somehow a necessary part of the salvaƟon experience. Let’s read what our dear theologian Warren Wiersbe said about this passage: It is unfortunate that the translaƟon of Acts 2:38 in the KJV suggests that people must be bapƟzed in order to be saved, because this is not what the Bible teaches. The Greek word eis (which is translated "for" in the phrase "for the remission of sins") can mean "on account of” or "on the basis of." In MaƩhew 3:11 John the BapƟst bapƟzed on the basis that people had repented. Acts 2:38 should not be used to teach salvaƟon by bapƟsm. If bapƟsm is essenƟal for salvaƟon, it seems strange that Peter said nothing about bapƟsm in his other ser‐ mons (Acts 3:12-26; 5:29-32; 10:34-43). In fact, the people in the home of Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before they were bap- Ɵzed! (Acts 10:44-48) Since believers are commanded to be bapƟzed, it is important that we have a clean conscience by obeying (1 Peter 3:21), but we must not think that bapƟsm is a part of salvaƟon. — Bible ExposiƟon Commentary (BE Series) 3

· Since Peter, along with the eleven other Apostles, were eye witnesses to Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrecƟon, and since we have noƟced this was an internaƟonal crowd who was gathered, why do you think Peter emphasized what he did in v.39? · What potenƟal misunderstanding could he have cleared up? · How many were added to the Church that day? Dƒù FÊçÙ:“The Spirit Enabled the Believers in a Lifestyle of Unity” Read Acts 2, then focus on v.42-47. One way to view the events of the Day of Pentecost is a reversal of the judgement at the Tower of Babel. At that Ɵme, the whole earth had one language and the same words (Genesis 11:1) — man was set on exalƟng himself, so God came to confuse their languages and separate the people. On the Day of Pentecost, through the work of the Holy Spirit, God came upon those whose hearts were set on exalƟng Jesus and brought an understanding through language and a unity among the people. Verses 42-47 explain some addiƟonal elements of unity brought into the Body of Christ. · List the four acƟviƟes the believers devoted themselves to: (v.42) · · · ·

· Do you think those elements are sƟll important in the Church today? Explain why: · How were the lifestyles of the believers affected through these acƟviƟes and the work of the Spirit? · Since the young Church was conƟnuing the work of Jesus through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, what do we see in v.47 that the Lord did? T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› LƒÝã DƒùÝ: As we study the first days of the last days, we want to take what we observe and apply it to our lives, as we walk out our days on earth in the last days of the last days. Each week, we’ll devote the final day to the contemplaƟon and summary of how to apply each chapter to our own lives. These quesƟons may serve as great discussion material in your study groups as well. Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved! Acts 2:21

· Share with your study group what has inspired you most through your study this week. · Share some aspect of this chapter that you want to put into pracƟce in your life. The Day of Pentecost is a non-repeatable event with a specific purpose. But the filling of the Holy Spirit is a frequently repeated event and we’ll see the filling of the Spirit mulƟple Ɵmes in our study (Acts 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9). Our desire as believers in Jesus is to offer ourselves repeatedly for the filling of the Holy Spirit. · Have you repented of your sins and believed in Jesus for forgiveness? Where? When? How? · Have you sought the bapƟsm of the Holy Spirit in your life for power to be His witness? If not, perhaps this week’s study has given you the informaƟon and desire you need to make that simple request. · Have you made it a pracƟce to ask God for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit on a regular basis? N›ƒÙ 㫛 ›Ä— Ê¥ ã«®Ý Sãç—ù G算›, ùÊç ó®½½ ¥®Ä— ƒ ¥®ò›-փ¦› SçÖÖ½›Ã›Ä㠛Äã®ã½›—, “T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 Hʽù SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› L®¥› Ê¥ ƒ B›½®›ò›Ù” YÊç Ãù óƒÄã ãÊ Ù›ƒ— 㫃ã ݛ‘ã®ÊÄ ÄÊó, ƒÄ— ٛ¥›Ù ãÊ ®ã Ê¥ã›Ä, ƒÝ ó› óÊÙ» ÊçÙ óƒù ã«ÙÊ禫 ã«®Ý B®½› Sãç—ù

Date: ________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Chapter 2

At the end of chapter two, we read that “many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles” (v.43). Luke couldn’t have possibly recorded everything that happened, but chapters three and four direct our focus to one of those great wonders — the healing of a lame beggar. This event drew another five thousand souls into the Kingdom. There’s an important emphasis on the name of Jesus in these chapters and we also don’t want to miss the intenƟons of Peter and the other believers to exalt the Name and power of their Lord Jesus Christ among any who would hear and believe. Our four day outline for this week will be: g v.1-8 — Healing in the Name of Jesus g v.9-13 — Wonder and Amazement at the Works of Jesus g v.14-18 — Faith in the Name of Jesus g v.19-26 — Refreshing and Blessings from the Person of Jesus g Dƒù Oě: “Healing in the Name of Jesus” Read Acts 3 — And, if possible, read chapter four as well, since it’s a conƟnuing story. Now let’s dig into verses 1-8 for today. · Where were Peter and John going as this narraƟve begins? You may scratch your head a liƩle and think ‘hey, these guys believe in Jesus and live in Him now. What are they doing going to the temple at the usual Ɵmes for prayer as per the Jewish custom?’ One thing to keep in mind is the growth of the ChrisƟan Church was a gradual process that started with the Jews on the Day of Pentecost and conƟnued through the ingathering of the GenƟles in chapter 10 and went on to spread through the enƟre Mediterranean world. Acts Chapter 3

One thing to keep in mind, as we read about Peter and John going up the steps to the temple, is this simple encouragement, When you aren’t sure what to do next, or what direcƟon to take... · Just keep going on your usual path but observe your surroundings through fresh eyes... · Perhaps, God will use your ordinary course of life for HIS glory! · And that’s exactly what happened to Peter and John! Describe, from v.2-3, everything you noƟce about the lame man: Write out Peter’s response, from v.6, to the lame man: _________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ (Now be sure to underline, or mark in your Bible, this first menƟon of the ‘Name of Jesus’ — which is our emphasis for chapters 3-4.) · What did the lame man hope or expect to receive from Peter/ John? What did he actually receive? Does this speak to you about the things you may be asking to receive right now from your Heavenly Father in prayer? Consider what He may actually be desiring to give you. We oŌen ask for such temporary and fleeƟng giŌs, and find that God desires to meet a much greater need. Lastly, for today, note the lame man’s iniƟal responses aŌer receiving healing from the Lord in v.8: · How the lame man acted: · Where the lame man went aŌer his healing:

Dƒù TóÊ: “Wonder and Amazement at the Works of Jesus” Read Acts 3, then focus on v.9-13. Before we observe how the people at the temple reacted to this miraculous healing, let’s think about all of the ways in which the lame man is similar to each of us as sinners: · His infirmity: · His poverty: · His posiƟon outside the temple: Maybe you‘re not too keen on creaƟve wriƟng, or maybe you love it. Either way, try wriƟng a short paragraph from the perspecƟve of being in aƩendance at temple prayer and witnessing this event: Verse 12 tells us that Peter took in all that was happening (just as he had done at the Day of Pentecost), and saw the opportunity to tell the gathering crowd about Jesus. SomeƟmes, in the normal course of our daily path, we also have an open door to explain the work that Jesus has done in our lives. Some events are rouƟne — like grocery shopping. Yet, some are dramaƟc or even traumaƟc, but they are sƟll opportuniƟes, and we should be aware of them when they happen.

Let’s see what we can learn from Peter’s second sermon in v.12-13: · Based on Peter’s opening words, what type of people seemed to make up the main audience? · Do you think those people would have been acquainted with the Old Testament Scriptures? · Peter worked to shiŌ aƩenƟon away from himself and the lame man, and idenƟfy the Source of the miracle. How did he accomplish that? · Again, Peter’s approach was not something found in a ’winning friends and influencing people’ pamphlet. What did he say in v.13 that would have required much Holy Spirit boldness? Have you been in a situaƟon lately that required you to speak some direct words of truth to someone? Share your situaƟon. How did the Holy Spirit give Peter this boldness, and how can He do the same for us?

Dƒù T«Ù››: “Faith in the Name of Jesus” Read Acts 3, then focus on v.14-18, taking note of the Name of Jesus. · What addiƟonal Ɵtles did Peter use for Jesus in these verses? Write out Proverbs 18:10: ___________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Underline, or mark in your Bible, the emphasis on the Name of Jesus and the Power of that Name/Authority (v.16). Note that Peter implied there was an acƟon on the part of the lame man as well. What was it? God has a way of using the acƟons of people to establish His purpose on earth. Peter acknowledged that they acted in ignorance (v.17). Yet, how do you see that their acƟons fulfilled God’s purpose? Read Luke 23:34. What did Jesus Himself say about the acƟons of the Jews during His suffering and death? As a response to the realizaƟon of what they had done to God’s Son, what did Peter suggest that people now do? (v.19)

Dƒù FÊçÙ: “Refreshing & Blessings from the Person of Jesus” Read Acts 3, then focus on v.19-26, considering first what the words meant to the Jews who were there on that exact day. Now read them again, considering what they mean to you personally. TO THE JEWS: Peter gave the message they must repent of their sins and come to faith in Jesus — the very One they sentenced to death — but Whom God raised up. · What prophets and patriarchs did Peter menƟon in those verses? · Who was Moses speaking about in v.22? · Why was Jesus sent to the Jews (v.26)? TO ME AND YOU: The instrucƟon Peter gave about sins being bloƩed out doesn’t change from a Jewish listener to you and me. · What are the important truths given here for sins to be wiped out? · Once a woman has humbled herself before the Lord, admiƩed her sin and repented, what can she expect? (v.20, 26)

T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› LƒÝã DƒùÝ: Let’s recap this chapter to apply to our own last days. · It’s true that we can’t save the whole world. But, it’s also true that the whole world can be saved — one person at a Ɵme. God has placed you in a specific Ɵme on the human Ɵmeline as well as in a specific locaƟon on the earth. As you’re going about your normal rouƟne this week, ask God to fill you with His Spirit so that, when you stumble into a situaƟon similar to the lame beggar, you are prepared with God’s words, acƟons, expressions and power in the Name of Jesus. (Be prepared to share with your group) · The Jewish religious leaders were a tough crowd. They had already made up their minds. WE face tough people in our daily life, who have already made up their minds about spirituality, New Age thinking, Atheism, or other culƟc beliefs. What aspects of Peter’s speech inspires you to share with a tough crowd? · Our world is in desperate need of truth. What is obvious, someƟmes needs to actually be said aloud (as Peter did). Pray for boldness to speak words of truth as the Holy Spirit leads you. · Go back to Acts 1:8, and refresh yourself as to the purpose of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. · Consider how God used a well known person (like the lame man) to create an event that would cause people to stop, listen and ask quesƟons. How could this same situaƟon (perhaps less flamboyant) arise in your own context of life?

Date: _______________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Chapter 3

I had first thought we should cover chapters 3&4 in one week, but there are some wonderful treasures for us in this chapter— especially regarding The Name of Jesus; and it’s a great opportunity to observe the EvangelisƟc conflict the early Church experienced and apply any relevant concepts to our life. Our four day outline for this week will be: g v.1-7 — ConfrontaƟon due to the Name of Jesus g v.8-22 — Preaching in the Name of Jesus g v.23-31 — Prayer in the Name of Jesus g v.32-37 — Unity because of the Spirit of Jesus g Dƒù Oě: “ConfrontaƟon Due to the Name of Jesus” Read Acts 4. Now, go back to v.1-7, and read them again as we study the events that unfolded as a result of the healing of the lame man. · It seems that the Church had caught the aƩenƟon of the Jewish authoriƟes. List those who rose up in opposiƟon to Peter & John: · What was their complaint against them? · Find out, from Luke 20:27, the reason the Sadducees in parƟcular were annoyed: · The authoriƟes recognized that Peter & John were beginning to act in the same way that Jesus had—healing people and teaching about the Kingdom of God. So, by what acƟon did they began to treat them in a similar way? (v.3) Acts Chapter 4

· Go back to Luke 22:47-65, and idenƟfy any similariƟes you can find in how the chief priests handled Jesus a few months ago and how they treaƟng Peter and John now. · While the two men were in custody, what was happening in the hearts of thousands of others? · As we arrive at the morning inquiry in v.5-7, list the parƟcipants and how they opened the quesƟoning. We’ve circled around to the issue of authority, power, and name again. Be sure to mark or underline this quesƟon in v.7 in your Bible since Peter will provide a full-fledged answer in tomorrow’s verses. Read John 15:18-21. Note that a large part of hatred and persecuƟon was “on account of __________________” Dƒù TóÊ: “Preaching in the Name of Jesus” Read Acts 4, then focus on v.8-22. Luke didn’t merely record the answer to the Jewish leaders that came out of Peter’s mouth—he also told us something important about what happened to Peter. · What was it (v.8)?

· How do you think this affected his answer? Peter’s response in v.9-12 was certainly Spirit-led: · First, how did Peter account for a man, who was lame just a few hours ago, to then be walking? · Second, noƟce in v.10, Peter pointed out an uncomfortable piece of informaƟon to a Jewish audience for a third Ɵme. What was it? As if poinƟng out they have killed the Messiah wasn’t enough, Peter elaborated, with a propheƟc analogy, that Jesus Himself also quoted: Read Psalm 118:22. Read Isaiah 28:16. Read Jesus’ usage in Luke 20:17. Read Peter’s exhortaƟon in 1 Peter 2:6-8. Also, mark the two tributes to ‘the Name of Jesus’ in v.10 and v.12. Now, take a moment and write out v.12 here in your study guide: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

Jesus being the Chief Cornerstone, and the only authority by which men can be saved were very bold statements. Verse 12 told us the Jewish leaders recognized the boldness of Peter and John. · What aspects did the religious leaders observe about the men? (v.13) · What stark evidence to the Power of the Name of Jesus was hanging around—not to be denied? (v.14) When you’ve got a 40-year old man, who was well known to be lame and regularly begging at the temple, and he is now bouncing across the room on his newly restored legs, there’s not much you can do but clear the room, while you think of what to do next. · Once everyone was brought back in, how did the religious leaders threaten Peter and John? · From v.19-20, what was Peter and John’s response to the threat? As I’m wriƟng this study, a similar situaƟon is being played out in California. School authoriƟes visited the home of a boy, whose mother had tucked Bible verses into his lunch. He freely shared those verses with his classmates (as they had asked for a verse). The authoriƟes told the boy not to hand out Bible verses any longer at school. We can easily see that, being charged not to speak in the Name of Jesus, is just as relevant in these last days as it was in the first days.

Dƒù T«Ù››: “Prayer in the Name of Jesus” Read Acts 4, then focus on v.23-31. I love that Peter and John run right to their friends, their support system. They were probably excited to share with them everything that happened and to pray together. · AŌer reading through their prayer, what strikes you most about what’s on their mind and the nature of their requests? If we were to divide their prayer into three secƟons (as follows), what sort of Ɵtle or summary would you give to each secƟon? · V.24 · V.25-28 · V.29-30 Now, let’s look at those three secƟons again, and write down any inspiraƟon that you see for your own prayer life. · V.24 · V.25-28 · V.29-30

Certainly, we must all be facing some difficulty or area in our life, where we need boldness to speak the Words of Life. Take Ɵme right now to put this model prayer into pracƟce, and let’s humble ourselves in God’s presence and ask for HIS power to work through our lives. · In what tangible way did God respond to the praying believers in v.31? Lastly, go back to your Bible and mark both Ɵmes in this chapter, where Luke narrates that someone was filled with the Holy Spirit. Dƒù FÊçÙ: “Unity Because of the Spirit of Jesus” Read Acts 4, then focus on v.32-37. The writer of the book of Acts— Luke, stresses the oneness of Spirit, which was evident among the believers (1:14, 2:46, here, and 5:12). But, do you squirm a liƩle bit when you read about them having everything in common? There are a couple of reasons we may be uncomfortable with that lifestyle: 1) most of us have been raised in a independent, free- market culture, that encourages hard work and the tangible reward that follows; 2) we oŌen link ownership with personal responsibility—which is a character trait we want to insƟll in our children; 3) this sounds too close to socialism to sit well with us. Let’s postpone unƟl next week’s lesson, the aspect of having their stuff in common. But, for today, we do want to consider the phrase: those who believed were of one heart and soul. · Share what you think that means:

· How do you see, in these verses, that God answered the prayers from the former passage? With regard to meeƟng the needs of the Saints (v.34-35), we sƟll have ample exhortaƟon in the Word for this to be a lifestyle for us today. Read these passages, and make note of what you find: MaƩhew 7:12 Romans 12:13 1 Corinthians 10:24 Philippians 2:3-4 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Has the Lord brought anything to your mind that is within your power to help meet a need? Perhaps you need to aƩend to that today. Lastly, who is the man we are introduced to at the end of this chapter and what are some details about him? (v.36)

T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› LƒÝã DƒùÝ: In the First Days of the Last Days, anyone who was teaching in the Name of Jesus put themselves in the high-risk category for persecuƟon and arrest. In the Last Days of the Last Days (in our culture anyway), we are quickly moving back to that experience— anyone teaching salvaƟon in the Name of Jesus is at much higher risk than those who keep quiet. · On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your current risk level for sharing the Good News of Jesus and why? · How have these chapters inspired you to earnestly pray to be filled with the Spirit of Jesus for boldness to be a witness of God’s work in your life? · As we have read in these chapters about persecuƟon mounƟng and prayers rising, have you noƟced an absence of any blame placed on Satan for the Apostles’ difficulƟes? Contrast that with how some ChrisƟans oŌen speak today about Satan aƩacking them and creaƟng difficulƟes for them. What are some of your conclusions?

· Think about that lame beggar, who was not only healed, but whose regular rhythm of life was turned upside down. Where was he now? Was he part of the Body of believers, who devoted themselves to earnest prayer and learning about their Messiah? What impact do you think he had in this new circle? What type of impact do people, who experience a radical transformaƟon, have in our Body today? · Remember how the religious leaders noted that Peter and John were ordinary men who had been with Jesus? What will it take, in your life, for people to take note that you are someone who has been with Jesus?

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The opening of this chapter is difficult for modern readers to wrap their minds around, but the first days of the last days were a unique and formaƟve Ɵme in the life of the young Church, so we’ll do our best to see the Spirit’s desire for purity, power and preaching in the early days, all while under persecuƟon! Here’s our four day outline for chapter five: g v.1-11 — The Purity of the Early Church g v.12-16 — The Power of the Early Church g v.17-32 — The PersecuƟon of the Early Church g v.33-42 — The Preaching of the Early Church g Dƒù Oě: “The Purity of the Early Church” Read Acts 5. Did you noƟce the first word of this chapter — But? It’s actually a key word hinƟng that we should look for a contrast or comparison. A similar example from the final verses of chapter four would be Barnabas’ posiƟve generosity contrasted with the negaƟve example of Ananias and Sapphira. · Read 4:36-37 and 5:1-2. List any similariƟes/differences between the two. · From v.3-4, the violaƟon on Ananias’ part was not found in the fact that he kept back part of the proceeds from a business trans‐ acƟon for himself. What was it? · Luke seems to want to stress that the sin wasn’t against Peter. Who did Ananias lie to? Acts Chapter 5

There are two compelling lessons to be gleaned from this account: 1) the seriousness of hypocrisy, and 2) the importance of giving cheerfully. We can tell that the issue wasn’t in the amount they gave, but that they wanted everyone to think they were more commiƩed and generous than they actually were. In the Sermon on the Mount, we learn that the word hypocrite refers to someone who is an actor—someone who plays a part. Does it not seem like Ananias was aƩempƟng to act like Barnabas? · Read MaƩhew 6:1-18 and share how believers are to give, pray and fast to please God. · Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. Has your experience of giving always been cheerful? · From v.5-10 recap what happened to Ananias and later Sapphira. Does this shock you? A death sentence from God for merely lying? Why does God not deal with us in the same way today? Q. How much should a ChrisƟan give? A. As much as you can do cheerfully and honestly

· From v.11 what was the response of the Church? What would have been YOUR response if you had been a part of the young Church? Dƒù TóÊ: “The Power of the Early Church” Read Acts 5, then focus on v.12-16. What sorts of things were taking place at the hands of the Apostles? · v.12 · v.15 · v.16 Those must have been exciƟng Ɵmes—don’t you think? The Apostles were realizing the fulfillment of what Jesus said would happen when the Holy Spirit came upon them—POWER! Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. · In our Acts passage, which giŌs of the Spirit from this list do you see being employed? · Would any of this have been possible without the BapƟsm of the Holy Spirit? "Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all." — Oliver Wendell Holmes 4

Jesus said they would receive Power to be His witnesses. What indica‐ Ɵon do you see from v.14 that their Holy Spirit Power was effecƟve? There is another indicaƟon from v.12, of the effecƟveness of the lifestyle of the believers: ‘they were all together’ (I like the more poeƟc wording in some translaƟons: ‘with one accord’). Read John 17:20-22. · How do you see Jesus’ prayer from John answered in Acts 5? · Is there an element of this type of unity that you think we could improve on in your ChrisƟan experience? What would the Lord have YOU bring to the table to make that happen in your sphere? Dƒù T«Ù››: “The PersecuƟon of the Early Church” Read Acts 5 (focus on v.17-32). Do you remember our comment earlier that, if Satan could not destroy the Church from the inside through compromise and hypocrisy, he would aƩempt to destroy from the outside through persecuƟon? But God is sovereign and always has the victory. Let’s find out how… · From v.17-18, what happened and why? · From v.19-20, how did God respond to the threat? What instruc‐ Ɵons were given for the Apostles’ next move?

Unaware of what happened, v.21 says the Jewish leaders sent to the prison to have them (the Apostles) brought (to the council). · What was reported to the council? (v.23) · What was the response of the captain and chief priests? (v.24) So, the Apostles were brought into the council for a lecture! · In v.28, of what two things had the leaders accused them? · Were these relaƟvely true accusaƟons? (Read MaƩhew 27:22-25 before you answer) Can you imagine how inƟmidaƟng it must have been for Peter to be standing in front of that council? Just a few months earlier, Jesus was standing before that same group. Peter must have suspected this might not go well, and yet, how did he answer their quesƟons and accusaƟons: · With regard to his own intenƟons for the future (v.29)? · With regard to the Jewish leader’s acƟons in the past? (v.30)? · With regard to God’s acƟons on Jesus’ behalf (v.30-31)? · With regard to God’s acƟons on behalf of the Jews (v.31)?

· Lastly, what did Peter declare concerning the Holy Spirit (v.32b)? Well, that was the last straw. Peter basically said the believers had something the Jewish leaders didn’t have — the Holy Spirit! And he was right! But that must have stung quite a few egos in that room. In tomorrow’s text, we’ll study the effect of that statement. But, for us, we see another reminder and assurance of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Read John 6:29 and John 14:15, 21. · What obedience is required for the Holy Spirit to be given? · What connecƟon do you see between love of God and obedience to God? Dƒù FÊçÙ: “The Preaching of the Early Church” Read Acts 5, then focus on v.33-42. Write out v.42 since it’s our theme for today: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Observe the response of the council when Peter basically told them they killed the Christ and didn’t have the Holy Spirit (v.33).

· What was the name of the Pharisee who spoke his mind? (v.34- 39) (Read also Acts 22:3 for more informaƟon about him.) · How was he viewed among the Jews? (v.34) · How do you think God used his credenƟals? · Recap Gamaliel’s logic, argument, and advice: · What do you think about his statement, if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them? · Describe the council’s response to Gamaliel's speech (v.39-40): · Describe the Apostles’ response to the council meeƟng (v.41-42):

T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› LƒÝã DƒùÝ: This is where we want to specifically apply things the Holy Spirit may have taught us through Acts 5—things we see happening in the First Days of the Last Days that we want to apply to our Last Days! · Hypocrisy: Peter accused Ananias of lying to the Holy Spirit— basically, thinking God neither sees our acƟons or knows our thoughts, as we masquerade as a more pious person than we are. Is there any of this hypocrisy in your life that you need to con‐ fess? Repentance brings a great sense of peace! · Cheerfulness in Giving: Have you even been coerced into giving something or giving more than you wanted? Maybe, like Ananias, people around you were generous and you want to be perceived like them; but you weren’t cheerful and lost the reward. What might God be showing you to change in this area of your life? · Boldness in the Name of Jesus: As the old Gospel song goes, “There’s just something about that Name”. The religious leaders in Acts 5 did not want to hear any menƟon of the Name of Jesus. They had slightly different reasons than our culture — But, we do share this in common with the early Church.

· Go back through chapter 5 in your Bible, and underline or mark those instances regarding The Name (v.28, 40-41). Why do you think religious talk is acceptable to some people, but speaking the Name of Jesus is intolerable? · Since many corners of our culture now consider speaking the Name of Jesus a criminal offense, how can you prepare to share your faith (repentance and forgiveness in the Name of Jesus) and reconcile that with Romans 13:1-7? · How does this impact areas of your regular rhythm of life? No doubt the Sanhedrin thought they were the winners that day; but it was clearly the Apostles who won in terms of the building up of both their faith and ChrisƟan character. —Warren Wiersbe 3

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We noted last week that Satan was indeed bringing aƩacks upon the young Church. The first aƩack was corrupƟon of character from within the Body of Believers themselves, which God brought judgment upon. The next aƩack was persecuƟon, arrests, and threats from outside of the Church, which God delivered them from. Now we open this chapter with a more cunning approach — an aƩempted distracƟon for the Apostles. But we will, once again, see God’s provision and victory. We’re studying both chapters 6 and 7 this week since they form a united narraƟve. Here is our outline: g 6:1-7 — The Foiled DistracƟon g 6:8-15 — The Fabricated AccusaƟon g 7:1-53 — The Fool-Proof Defense g 7:54-60 — The First Martyr Dƒù Oě: “The Foiled DistracƟon” We have a whopping 75 verses to study this week—I know it’s a lot, but let’s begin today by reading all of Acts chapters 6 & 7. Each chapter has menƟoned the rapid growth of the Church and we see it again here. Even at Calvary Chapel, when problems have arisen because of greater numbers of people, someone would say, ‘but these are good problems’! Maybe so, but there are potenƟally good soluƟons to good problems, and bad soluƟons to good problems. · Explain the problem in v.1. · The Apostles realized and expressed what potenƟal bad soluƟon to this good problem? (v.2) Acts Chapter 6-7

· Then they proposed what good soluƟon to the problem? (v.3-4) · What do you think may have happened if the Apostles themselves had turned into administrators rather than teachers and prayer warriors? Let’s not use these verses to make administrators out to be second- class ciƟzens in the Church. If you study the life of Joseph, you’ll realize he was a master administrator as he was put in charge everywhere he went — and he was used mighƟly by God. Read 1 Corinthians 12:27-28. Did you noƟce the spiritual giŌ of administraƟon listed with prophets, teachers, and miracle workers? SomeƟmes administraƟon IS miracle working! Serving tables wasn’t beneath the Apostles, they simply understood that it wasn’t their giŌ to employ — God had given them a special task and they needed to sƟck with it. · Serving the needs of the widows was such an important task that seven men were commissioned in what special way in v.6? This is our first introducƟon to Stephen, around whom the remainder of our week’s study will be centered. · What do you learn about Stephen’s character through these verses?

Dƒù TóÊ: “The Fabricated AccusaƟon” Read Acts 6-7, then focus on 6:7-15. We see another reminder that the Church was growing! · Luke told of what specific group of people who joined the believers? (v.7) · V.9 told us about specific people, who did not like the teaching of the believers. What was their interacƟon with Stephen? Since these troublemakers didn’t seem able to win any arguments, (they were, as we like to say, on the wrong side of history), they changed their tacƟcs to lies. · Whom did they accused Stephen of blaspheming? (v.11) _____________________ and ____________________ · And what did they incite false witnesses to accuse him of speaking against? (v.13) _____________________ and ____________________ The reason we wanted to note these four elements of untruth is that it helps us make sense of Stephen’s long speech, as we observe him address and uphold each of these in an impressive way. But, about those troublemakers...what was up with them? Here was Stephen with the Spirit’s wisdom, grace and power, spending his Ɵme serving widows. Why all this trouble? Read these passages and take note of why situaƟons like these happen: · MaƩhew 10:16-20 · John 15:18-20 · 1 Corinthians 2:14

Lastly, even though Stephen was being unfairly accused, what do you note about his demeanor? (v.15) Maybe this strikes you as something you want to ask God to do in your own life...to prepare even your facial expressions for those random situaƟons when someone speaks in a very raw way to you. Dƒù T«Ù››: “The Fool-proof Defense” Read Acts 7, then focus on v.1-53. Today’s passage is a lot of reading, and a wonderful history lesson of the naƟon of Israel—but it’s more than that. Stephen wove important lessons into his speech to explain that, far from blaspheming God’s Law (given through Moses) and God’s temple (built by Solomon), there was a propheƟc fulfillment of those things, which Stephen had apprehended and they could too. Summarize Stephen’s account of… · Abraham: (v.2-8) · Jacob, Joseph and the patriarchs: (v.8-19) · What similariƟes do you see between Joseph and Jesus in what Stephen said? Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. — Romans 12:14,18 (NIV)

· The exiled Moses (v.20-29)? · The deliverer Moses (v.30-37)? · How did Israel regard Moses during the wilderness years? (v.38-43) · What do you think is significant about v.37, “God will raise for you up a prophet like me from your brothers”? AŌer Stephen shared his personal view about Moses (whom he’d been accused of blaspheming), he then turned to this holy place (6:13) meaning the temple. · What history did he present about the tabernacle? (v.44-47) · Even though the house of God is holy, what conclusion did he give about where God dwells? (v.48-50)

As you read Stephen’s summary and conclusion in v.51-53… · Do you think his accusers were actually guilty of the crime for which they accused him? Israel is oŌen described as sƟff-necked in the Scriptures. Do you know a sƟff-necked person? How would you describe someone like that? Dƒù FÊçÙ: “The First Martyr” Read Acts 7 then focus on v.54-60. · List the words and acƟons of the accusers: · List the words and acƟons of Stephen: We see in these accusaƟons that such an idolatrously high regard for Moses, The Law and God’s temple caused these men to fail to: · recognize the Christ whom Moses prefigured, · realize The Law represented God’s character, · understand God does not dwell in a temple made by men, but in the hearts of those who love and obey Him.

You probably listed Stephen’s final words from v.60. Read also Luke 23:24 and then write down all of the ways that Stephen’s and Jesus’ experiences were similar: Put yourself into that context. Stephen’s stoning must have had an impact on the believers, and yet we don’t hear of people turning aside from their faith. What would you have been thinking if you had been part of the early Church? V.55 tells us that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. We’ve come across mulƟple accounts of people being filled with either the Holy Spirit, or quite honestly, something else. Review these passages and make notes regarding choices people make for filling: · Acts 2:4 · Acts 4:8 · Acts 4:31 · Acts 5:3 · Acts 5:17 · Acts 6:5 · Acts 6:8 What are your conclusions? Your inspiraƟon? Your plan?

T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› LƒÝã DƒùÝ: Even though our text this week was centered on distribuƟng daily food to widows and a Church leader cast out of the city and stoned, neither of which we see done regularly, we can sƟll find applicable lessons from the First Days to apply to our Last Days. Calling and Spiritual GiŌs—These are both phrases we use when talking about ministry and ChrisƟan service. The Apostles knew their calling. They remembered the words of Jesus, “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48) and they knew that Jesus had given them the task of teaching all that He had taught them. They knew that engaging in a different ministry (serving the widows) would compromise their calling and mission. · Do you have a specific sense of calling for this season of your life? What is it? · Have you found yourself tempted to engage in another ministry that might be needful or interesƟng, but that might compromise your current calling? · Do you have an idea of one or more Spiritual GiŌs that God has given you through the bapƟsm of the Holy Spirit?

· Are you using those giŌs for the benefit of the Church Body? Forgiveness—Stephen echoed his Savior’s words of forgiveness as he was leaving this earth, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” This is evidence of the filling of the Holy Spirit. You’re not likely to face an angry murderous mob this week—yet... · Is there someone YOU need to forgive? · What is keeping you from this Christ-like act? Boldness—Stephen’s tesƟmony in word and in deed set a tone for the world-wide missions movement to come. · Where is your boldness meter right now? · Are there people who inspire you with their boldness? · How can Stephen be an inspiraƟon to you?

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One way in which the death of Stephen actually resembled the death of Jesus is that, it may have seemed like a victory for Satan in that moment. But we know that Jesus’ death provided a gate‐ way to eternal life for millions; and Stephen’s martyrdom opened the door for a great persecuƟon, which spread the believing ChrisƟans throughout the region and the Gospel along with them. These two chapters will give us an overview perspecƟve of the advance of the Gospel along with specific individual stories. Here’s how we will divide up chapters 8-9: g 8:1-13 — The Gospel goes to Samaria g 8-14:40 — The Holy Spirit falls in Samaria g 9:1-31 — The Gospel reaches Saul g 9:32-43 — The Gospel reaches Lydda/Joppa Dƒù Oě: “The Gospel Goes to Samaria” Read Acts 8-9. From v.1-5, note what the following people (or groups) were doing or where they were going: · Saul: · Devout men: · Apostles: · Believers in the Church in general: · Philip: Review Acts 1:8 and, with that in mind, summarize the significance of the events we’ve just read: Acts Chapter 8-9

· How is it significant, and what do you think was the moƟvaƟon for Philip, a Jew, to go to Samaria? · From v.6-8, describe the overall response to the Gospel in Samaria: · Now, describe how Simon the Sorcerer’s life was affected by the Gospel that Philip brought: Dƒù TóÊ: ”The Holy Spirit Falls in Samaria” Read Acts 8-9, then focus on 8:14-17. Word got back to Jerusalem that Samaritans were accepƟng the Gospel of Jesus! · Who traveled to Samaria to check it out? · What was their purpose in going? The hosƟlity between Jews and Samaritans began with the monarchy in the tenth century B.C. when ten tribes defected, making Samaria their capital. Only two tribes remained loyal to Jerusalem. It grew worse as Samaria was captured by Assyria in 722 B.C. Thousands of its inhabitants were deported, and the country repopulated by foreign‐ ers. When the Jews returned in Ezra’s day, they refused the help offered by the Samaritans in the rebuilding of the temple. Not Ɵll the fourth century B.C., did the Samaritan schism harden, with the build‐ ing of their rival temple on Mount Gerizim and their rejecƟon of all Old Testament Scripture except the Pentateuch. The Samaritans were despised by the Jews. —John R. W. StoƩ 1

· Before Peter and John arrived in Samaria, what was the spiritual condiƟon of the believers? What had and hadn’t happened to them? For more reading on the Holy Spirit falling on the believers— refer to the supplement in the back of this Study Guide: “The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Life of a Believer” One of the compelling insights in God’s choice for His unfolding story of redempƟon is that He seemed to prepare Peter years earlier for the part he would play in the expansion of His church. Read MaƩhew 16:13-19 which provides a hint that Peter himself would be acƟvely present as the Spirit of God would expand across the world. Peter was present as the Spirit of God fell on the believers in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Here in this passage, we see he was present in the laying on of hands, as the believers in Samaria received the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 8:18-25: · When Simon saw the work of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, what was his idea? · What were Peter’s observaƟons about Simon? (v.20-23) · What was Peter’s soluƟon to Simon’s business opportunity? · Peter made some preƩy bold observaƟons about Simon. Can you idenƟfy a Spiritual GiŌ that was employed?

Read Acts 8:26-40. AŌer faithfully spreading the seed of the Gospel to many people in Samaria, God called Philip to leave the acƟon and go to a remote place to share the Gospel with one person. · How did Philip receive his instrucƟons? (v.26) · Describe the man whom Philip ran into on the desert road: · What did the Spirit prompt Philip to do? (v.29) · What was Philip’s opening line to see if he could witness to this man? (v.30) It just so happened that the Eunuch was reading a propheƟc passage about Jesus, which offered a great segue for Philip to explain the Gospel. I admire people who can take just about any passage of Scripture, and use it to launch into a Gospel talk (Billy and Franklin Graham for example). Although it’s probably a specific spiritual giŌ to be able to do that effecƟvely, I think we could ALL benefit from look‐ ing for the Gospel of Jesus on every page of Scripture and pracƟce communicaƟng that to others. · What was Philip’s approach in evangelizing? (v.35) · Write the events that followed their conversaƟon: (v.36-40)

Dƒù T«Ù››: “The Gospel Reaches Saul” Read Acts 9. We now reach a familiar passage detailing the dramaƟc conversion of Saul. These verses could provide material for several pages of study. However, the focus of this Bible Study is the ministry through Peter and the other Apostles in the very First Days of the Last Days, and the establishment of the Church from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth — from the Jews to the GenƟles. The Apostle Paul’s presence is an important piece of that picture, but we are going to move swiŌly through this secƟon. Perhaps, in a different study, we can linger through these verses. · We know Saul approved of the persecuƟon in Jerusalem when Stephen was killed. Where was the persecuƟon headed now? (v.1-2) · Describe Saul’s state for three days in the city of Damascus: (v.9) Verses 10-19, in my opinion, are really more about Ananias than Saul. I can’t even imagine the personal fear this man had to overcome to be obedient to the direcƟon of the Holy Spirit. · Describe what God told Ananias to do: (v.11-12) · God wasn’t obligated to share inside informaƟon with Ananias, but how did He describe Saul’s ministry in the Kingdom? (v.15) · When Ananias laid hands on Saul, beside regaining his sight, what spiritual event happened?

Read Acts 9:20-25. Do you blame the Damascus ChrisƟans for being skepƟcal about Saul’s purposes? · Describe how Saul confounded the Jews in Damascus: (v.22) · Describe the ironic turn of events in v.23. Who now wants to kill whom? Read Acts 9:26-30. · Back in Jerusalem, the ChrisƟans were afraid of Saul. What brave soul befriended Saul and brought him to the Apostles? · Do you think maybe this was his own idea, or perhaps, like Anani‐ as, the Holy Spirit had prompted him? In this chapter, we read a foreshadowing of the Apostle Paul’s minis‐ try to the GenƟles. But the door to the GenƟles had not yet been opened. Dƒù FÊçÙ: “The Gospel Reaches Lydda/Joppa” Read Acts 9, then focus on v.31-35. · As you read v.31, what connecƟon do you see between Saul’s conversion and the peace that the Church was experiencing? · Since the Church experienced peace, the opportunity opened and “Peter went here and there among them all”. Describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Lydda: (v.33-35)

· What Spiritual GiŌ do you see employed? Read Acts 9:36-43. Now, the Gospel moved further west to the coastal city of Joppa (which you may remember from Jonah’s fame). · Summarize the account of Tabitha: · Comment on the result of the work of the Holy Spirit through mir‐ acles among the people of Joppa: T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› LƒÝã DƒùÝ: Jesus Changes People—Those three simple words were printed on a handmade sign that hung in our SeaƩle apartment in the early days. No change has ever been as famous, flamboyant, or funcƟonal as Saul of Tarsus. He was a changed man in those First Days and Jesus sƟll changes people in these Last Days. · Do you have an expectaƟon that people around you can change? Become born again? · What about someone who is an enemy of ChrisƟans?

· Do you acƟvely pray for the Gospel message to reach those who are enemies of the Church? Jesus Changes Circumstances—Look how quickly we went from great persecuƟon broke out against the church in 8:1 to the church through- out all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace in 9:31. · What elements of our society do you fear are spinning out of control? · Do you believe God can use even those situaƟons for His own purpose? · How do you think God would have you pray for cultural issues happening around you right now? Breaking the Grip of Fear—Ananias should be our hero! · Has/is God direcƟng you to do something you fear? · How can Ananias and Barnabas encourage you for your task?

Date: _________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Chapter 8-9

Our Bible Study has been building toward this grand finale, as the GenƟles enter the Kingdom of God. It’s taken about 8-10 years since the Holy Spirit first fell on the disciples at Pentecost. What we read in this chapter is probably the biggest water-shed event of that decade, since the ResurrecƟon Itself. Luke wrote a fabulous screenplay alternaƟng between a vision given to the seeker in Caesarea and a complimentary vision given to the preacher in Joppa. The two messages were intended to break down barriers and pave the way for Peter to use that third key of the King‐ dom in the GenƟle lock. Here is our outline of chapter 10: g v.1-8 — The Vision given to Cornelius g v.9-33 — The Vision given to Peter g v.34-43 — The Final Sermon of Peter g v.44-48 — The Holy Spirit Falls on the GenƟles Dƒù Oě: “The Vision Given to Cornelius” Read Acts 10, then focus on v.1-8, which introduce us to Cornelius. · What evidence do you see in Cornelius’ life that the Holy Spirit had already been with him? (You might want to review John 4:23, John 6:44 and John 14:17.) · Describe the vision that Cornelius saw and heard (v.3-6). Does it surprise you that someone, who was not already a ChrisƟan, would be the recipient of an angelic visit? One interesƟng similarity between the First Days and the Last Days is that we now hear about this happening in abundance in Muslim countries. It’s actually quite common for people, who are seeking God, to have a vision which points them in some way to Jesus Christ. Acts Chapter 10

· What acƟons did Cornelius take? (v.7-8) Read Hebrews 6:10. · How does it relate to Cornelius? · How might it apply to your life? Dƒù TóÊ: “The Vision Given to Peter” Read Acts 10, then focus on v.9-33. Like Cornelius, Peter was pausing at the Ɵme of prayer to seek God, but something was sƟrring inside him — a hunger for food! Our natural appeƟte is a God-given mechanism for our physical bodies to flourish. Our spiritual appeƟte is a Holy Spirit-inspired mechanism for God’s Kingdom to flourish. · Describe the vision given to Peter (v.11-13). · What did Peter find troubling about the instrucƟons given? (v.14) Read LeviƟcus 11 for more insights.

· How many Ɵmes was the vision of the clean and unclean animals on the sheet repeated? (v.16) · Why do you think this was significant? While Peter pondered the vision, God brought Cornelius’ servants right to his door—what amazing and perfect Ɵming! · What was the Holy Spirit’s instrucƟon to Peter? (v. 19-20) · God prepares His servants when He has a special task for them. How did God weave together Peter’s physical appeƟte for food with his spiritual appeƟte to see people repent and believe? This had to be both exciƟng and perplexing for everyone. Chapter 11 told us that six brothers accompanied Peter to Cornelius’ home, where a group of relaƟves and friends were waiƟng for them. It was probably wise of Peter to take addiƟonal witnesses, since he must have sensed something unusual was about to happen. Read Acts 10:24-33. · Describe the awkward greeƟng Peter was given. · How did Peter wisely deal with this?

· From v.28, explain how Peter applied his vision from the natural to the spiritual. Can you even imagine the excitement in the whole room when, not only Peter, but his men, Cornelius’ family and guests — everyone — realized that God had given the two men complimentary visions, which were culminaƟng in this moment in Ɵme. Don’t you love it? Dƒù T«Ù››: “The Final Sermon of Peter” Read Acts 10, then focus on v.34-43. Here was Peter’s last full-length message to people, whom God was reaching for His Kingdom. · What was the main point of v.34-35? Read also Colossians 3:11. · AŌer Peter declared that the Gospel of Jesus is available for ALL mankind, he reaffirmed its source in v.36. Read also John 4:22. What is that source? · Make a list of Peter’s key points from v.37-42 that express God’s heart toward mankind: · · · · · · · · Go back and mark/underline the words, witness or witnesses. Of what were the disciples witnesses? (v.39-41)

Read 2 Peter 1:16. How do you think those years with Jesus prepared the Apostles as the Holy Spirit moved them to write their accounts? Everyone loves to solve a mystery or finish a puzzle. It’s very saƟsfying to see the compleƟon of what previously were only clues. In a way, the Old Testament prophets held Ɵghtly to those clues and conƟnued to search, but it was not giŌed them to see the conclusion. · AŌer reviewing v.43, read Ephesians 3:4-7 and 1 Peter 1:10-12. Comment on the various epic implicaƟons of this day: Write out the last 12 words in v.43: _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________ Dƒù FÊçÙ: “The Holy Spirit Falls on the GenƟles” Read Acts 10, then focus on v.44-48. You know those twelve words that you wrote out above? In the King James translaƟon, that phrase begins with ‘whosoever believeth’. We get the sense that the enƟre household of people listening to Peter were holding their breath to hear those words: whoever, anyone, GenƟles included, even us! They were so ready to step into the Kingdom, since the Spirit of God was with them. · What happened to them as Peter was sƟll talking? (v.44) · What was the reacƟon of the Jews who came with Peter? (v.45)

· Why do you think the Holy Spirit’s work amazed them? · What was the evidence that the Holy Spirit had come upon them? · Go back and read Acts 2:4 (the occasion of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Jews). Why do you think this parƟcular evidence that the Holy Spirit had come upon them was important for both Jew and GenƟle occasions? · Do you think this passage proves that speaking in tongues will be the evidence for every person when they are bapƟzed with the Spirit? · What did Peter suggest the new believers do in Cornelius’ house (since they had already been bapƟzed with the Holy Spirit)? · What problems does this passage create for someone who thinks you must be bapƟzed to be saved, or to have the Holy Spirit? For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvaƟon to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (ESV)

T«› WÊÙ» Ê¥ 㫛 SÖ®Ù®ã ®Ä ã«› LƒÝã DƒùÝ: It’s probable that almost everyone reading this Study Guide is a GenƟle, and likely an American. As American ChrisƟans, we’ve become so accustomed to the whosoever will aspect of the Gospel that we almost need to stop and purposefully remember that in the first decade of the Last Days, it was only Jews being drawn into the Kingdom and it was a preƩy big deal for the first group of GenƟles to find faith in Jesus Christ. · In those days, the first GenƟles dared to believe that somehow God had made a way for peace with Him. And, they found out that He had! · In our days, there are many people who are holding on to a thread of hope that somehow God has made a way for peace with Him, but for different reasons. They don’t perceive being GenƟle as the barrier. But perhaps it’s a past mountain of sin—maybe sins they feel are unforgiveable, or a current lifestyle of sin, etc. You are not like the Apostle Peter, but perhaps, God will prepare and use you to reach someone who needs to understand God’s mercy and love for them and what it takes to make peace with God. Peter served his purpose in the day God placed him; and we are each serv‐ ing our purpose in the day that God placed us. I hope this Bible Study about the First Days of the Last Days has in‐ spired you to soberly consider how God wants to use your life and your circumstances to glorify Him in the Last Days of the Last Days! —Be Blessed! The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is paƟent toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. — 2 Peter 3:9

Date: _________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Chapter 10 g The Work of the Holy Spirit g In the Life of a Believer Since our study through Acts has a fairly quick pace and a chapter-per -week rhythm, there isn’t much wiggle room for pausing on subjects that might raise further quesƟons. So, it seemed beneficial to provide this addiƟonal secƟon on the Work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Believer. This secƟon is obviously NOT an exhausƟve study on the subject. If you are interested in listening to an enƟre series on the Holy Spirit, you can use this link for a seven-part series that Pastor Paul taught on the Holy Spirit: ccontario.com/teaching-series. What we hope to accomplish with this short secƟon is to organize our thoughts, present a fundamental understanding from the Bible, and get our terminology ordered to help demysƟfy the work of the Holy Spirit—and maybe even correct some misunderstandings. One way to understand the work of the Holy Spirit is to simply ob‐ serve the experience of the disciples over that 50+ day Ɵme period between the Last Supper and Pentecost. You’ll noƟce three different experiences with the Holy Spirit that are presented in Scripture by three Greek preposiƟons: para, en, epi. (It may sound complicated, but it’s not.) #1 (para) The Holy Spirit is with us: The night Jesus was betrayed, aŌer He shared a meal with His disci‐ ples, He explained many things to them including the reality of the coming Holy Spirit. John 14:16-17 I will ask the Father, and he will give you anoth- er Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

NoƟce He told them the Holy Spirit was at the moment with them. With is the Greek preposiƟon para, which means near or alongside. Jesus explained that the Spirit had already been near to them, along‐ side of them, with them, drawing them to fellowship with God. If you’re born again, perhaps you recall a Ɵme before your salvaƟon when you became interested in spiritual things, maybe you wanted to read a Bible, or felt a need to get right with God. This was the Holy Spirit alongside you, with you, persuading you. This is what Jesus meant in... John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. —but it was going to get beƩer! #2 (en) The Holy Spirit is in us: In that same statement (John 14), Jesus went on to explain that the Spirit would soon be in them — indwelling them. You may not use the term indwelling, but it’s not too mysterious—it simply means dwelling in, or living in. The Greek preposiƟon en, means, you guessed it, in, inside. A few verses later, Jesus put it this way... John 14:20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. When did that first happen? When did the first person experience the Holy Spirit in them? Well, the Apostle John recorded it this way... John 20:19, 21-22 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week... Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” When Jesus breathed on them, they received a new type of life, which we call the new birth, or as Jesus said in John 3:3 to Nicodemus, they were born again! This is the beauty for all of us on this side of the Cross. Jesus has ascended to Heaven and sent His Spirit to earth to dwell inside of those who believe on the Name of Jesus for salvaƟon.

We realize it’s God’s plan for us to have the Holy Spirit live in us and this happens when we believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. We become part of God’s Kingdom, we are born again. Here is a short list of what the Holy Spirit does in our life when He indwells us: 1. Gives us new birth—we are marked. 2. Gives us spiritual insights—we can understand. 3. Enables us to bear spiritual fruit—we have a changed character. Let’s invesƟgate those three elements from Scripture: New Birth — We get the Holy Spirit taƩoo! (I hope that’s not irrever‐ ent!) Ephesians 1:13-14 ...you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvaƟon, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance… Through the Holy Spirit, we are sealed, or marked, as belonging to God, guaranteeing our place in God’s family. Spiritual Insights — Jesus told His followers that having the Holy Spirit in them would give them understanding... John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 16:13-14 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually dis- cerned. (Note the natural person does not possess the Spirit of God and therefore lacks understanding in spiritual maƩers)

Spiritual Fruit — Once we possess the Spirit of God (called jusƟfica- Ɵon), and we yield ourselves to His work in our lives (called sancƟfica- Ɵon), we begin to see the results of changed character. We call these results the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. GalaƟans 5:16, 22-23 Walk by the Spirit, and you will not graƟfy the desires of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, paƟence, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control. #3 (epi) The Holy Spirit comes upon us: We’ve covered a simple list of the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer—those elements that every believer receives as a child of God. But, as we conƟnue our 50+ day observaƟon of the experience of the disciples, we should look carefully at what Jesus told them aŌer the Last Super and aŌer the ResurrecƟon Day en‐ counter (when He breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit). In Acts 1:5-8, He said... John bapƟzed with water, but you will be bapƟzed with the Holy Spirit not many days from now… You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth. As we return to our lesson on Greek preposiƟons, we understand our third relaƟonship with the Holy Spirit — epi, which means on or upon. Jesus said this to men who already received the indwelling Holy Spirit! He had breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit, so the addi‐ Ɵonal experience they were to wait for was the Holy Spirit coming upon them for power—which we have learned in our study, hap‐ pened in a very significant way on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. We learn from these events and conversaƟons that Jesus wanted the disciples to experience an addiƟonal work of the Holy Spirit, not yet experienced. He would provide the power they needed to be His witnesses. Jesus called it the bapƟsm of the Holy Spirit, making a comparison and contrast to John’s bapƟsm. It’s because of these Scriptures, which show different expressions given of the relaƟonship of the Holy Spirit to a believer (with, in and upon), that we believe in a subsequent work of the Holy Spirit that a believer may wait for, pray for, ask for, seek aŌer, that will provide the power of the Holy Spirit, through the giŌs of the Holy Spirit, to be witnesses of God’s love and His Kingdom on this earth. So, our conclusion is that every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit at SalvaƟon and, to every believer, the bapƟsm of the Holy Spirit is available. The BapƟsm of the Holy Spirit requires no special classes, no secret service, no specific qualificaƟons or preparaƟons, except a heart that desires to be filled with the Spirit of God, as we see in the early disci‐ ples . If you see in your life a need for the power of God, the operaƟon of the giŌs that the Holy Spirit gives for you to be a beƩer witness of His mercy and grace, then simply pray and ask God for the Holy Spirit to come upon you. We have been exhorted by the Apostle Paul to... Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual giŌs. 1 Corinthians 14:1 I hope you eagerly desire to be filled with the Spirit of God and spend your life, using whatever giŌs He chooses to give you, for the sake of His body which He loves. —Sue LeBouƟllier

RĊċĊėĊēĈĊĘ ESV Bible verses… Scripture quotaƟons are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV Bible verses… Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 1— John StoƩ. The Message of Acts, IVP Academic; Reprint ediƟon (March 13, 1994) 2— McGarvey, J. W. A Commentary on Acts of Apostles, with a Revised Version of the Text. Seventh EdiƟon ed. Lexington, KY: Transylvania PrinƟng and Publishing, 1872. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. 3— Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible ExposiƟon Commentary – New Testament, Volume 2. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2001. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. 4— Oliver Wendell Holmes Quotes.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2017. Web. 30 Nov. 2017. <hƩp://www.quotes.net/quote/43684>.

The following WOW Bible Studies wriƩen by Sue LeBouƟllier are available through the Calvary Chapel Ontario bookstore, and through our online store at www.ccontario.com. · Genesis—Divine Design, From Eden to Egypt · Exodus—Divine Deliverance, From Egypt to Sinai · Numbers—The Wilderness Way, From Sinai to the Jordan · Joshua —The Path of Promise, From the Jordan into Canaan · Judges — A Time of Turning · Ruth—Rescue and Rest · 1 Samuel— The Coming King · 2 Samuel— The Reigning King · 1&2 Kings (Part One)— Solomon and the House of the Lord · 1&2 Kings (Part Two)— Learning from Leaders · Jonah—The Call of Compassion · Esther— When God Works in the Shadows · The Way of Jesus —The Sermon on the Mount (MaƩhew) · Simply Jesus—The “I AMs” of Christ (John) · Acts—Walking in the Spirit, The First Days of the Last Days · GalaƟans—Finding Grace in a Demanding World · Ephesians— Finding Purpose in a Confused World · Philippians—Finding Joy in a Disjointed World · Colossians—Finding Stability in a Changing World · Titus—While We Wait · James—Real Faith for Daily Life · 1 & 2 Peter—Hope, Holiness and Humility in a HosƟle World · 1,2,3 John—Light, Love and Logic Women of the Word Bible Studies