Acts 4 – Growth and Opposition
First, let’s read verses 1-22 and imagine how the defendants might have felt
Q1 What do we know about the Sadducees? Why do you think they reacted to Peter’s words in the way they did?
Q2 How did the apostles’ arrest affect the early church’s “electoral roll”? What would happen in a similar situation today?
Q3 Peter’s bold, Spirit inspired reply reminds us of Jesus’ warning and promise in Luke 21.12-15. This provision for Christian defendants is very reassuring, but is this the kind of Christianity we ‘sign up for’ today?
Q4 Is Peter right to insist on linking acts of kindness with claims about Jesus and the resurrection?
Q5 How do you evaluate the court’s decision? Should this precedent encourage us to be more bold today?
Now read verses 23-31
Q6 What was the church’s response to threats?
Q7 What is the significance of their calling God “Sovereign Lord”?
Q8 What does the way they prayed have to teach us? How do our public and private prayers compare?
Finally we turn to verses 32 to 37
Q9 Do you think God intended this experiment in Christian community living to be a model for all times and all places? Is this picture any different from the ideals of communist or humanist philosophers?
Q10 In what ways is the Christian gospel “good news for the poor”? How can we improve this area of our stewardship and witness?
Q11 In what ways does today’s session relate to the goals and purpose of St George’s Church? Do we need to make any changes?
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Andrew, Coincidentally I read the whole of Acts mid January as an amazingly exciting story in itself of courage, conviction, resilience and persistence of people totally committed to their mission. Makes one feel rather humble.
ReplyDeleteMichael
Yes, I find Acts very challenging too. It is a thrilling and inspirational read and there is so much we can learn from those early days of church history.
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