Assignments on Acts 2

Read Acts 2 then answer these questions:

1. Define “Pentecost” – 2:1. (Think: Study Old Testament cross-references and determine what day of the week Pentecost fell on.)

2. Describe the coming of the Holy Spirit – 2:2-4. (Think: Study the context and list evidences that show whether the Spirit came on just the apostles or on all the 120 — 1:15.)

3. Who was present in Jerusalem for Pentecost, and where were they from – 2:5-11?

4. List passages elsewhere showing that “tongues” can refer to human languages.

5. Special Assignment: List evidences that show the nature of the “tongues” in Acts 2 (i.e., were they languages or just meaningless, ecstatic emotional expressions)?

6. List other passages elsewhere that talk about supernatural “tongues.” 7. What did the people who received tongues talk about – 2:11,12?

8. What explanation did some of the audience offer for what had happened – 2:13?

9. Case Study: Some people claim to speak in tongues today just like the event described here. Summarize the characteristics of tongue-speaking as described here.

10. List reasons you can find (if any) that identify this event as the fulfillment of the promise of Acts 1:4-8 concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit. Add to this list as we proceed through the chapter.

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11. What reason did Peter give to show the apostles were not drunk – 2:14,15?
12. What Old Testament passage did Peter say was fulfilled by the events on Pentecost – 2:16-

21? Give book/chapter/verse.
13. List some of the things the prophecy said would happen.

14. Case Study: Some people claim “the last days” refers to the time shortly before Jesus’ second coming. Study passages where the phrase is used and explain its meaning.

15. Define “prophesy” and “vision.” (Think: How were the events of vv 19,20 fulfilled?)

16. What did the prophecy say a person must do to be saved? (Think: Study this expression. Does it always refer to prayer? Note v38 and Acts 22:16.)

17. Whom did Peter tell the people about beginning in 2:22?

18. Read 2:22-36 and summarize the theme of Peter’s sermon.

19. We will notice three main proofs Peter used to show Jesus is the Christ. What proof did he use in 2:22?

20. Special Assignment: What was the purpose of miracles? List other passages.

21. Despite the works Jesus did, what did the people do to Him – 2:23? (Think: To whom is Peter speaking here and whom is he accusing of having killed Jesus?)

22. List several passages confirming that God knew what would happen to Jesus even before He sent Him. (Think: Who were the “lawless men” by whose hands Jesus was crucified?)

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23. Despite the people’s treatment of Jesus, what did God do for Him – 2:24?

24. What prophet is quoted in 2:25-28, and where is this prophecy found? (Think: To what does “Hades” — “hell” in KJV — refer?)

25. Explain how Peter proved that this prophecy was not fulfilled in David himself – 2:29-31. Who and what did he say the prophecy was actually talking about?

26. In your own words explain Peter’s argument in 2:29-31. How did he connect the prophecy in vv 25-28 to his conclusion in v32?

27. What additional proof did he give in 2:32 to show that Jesus had been raised? (Think: How does this connect to the work of apostles and the coming of the Holy Spirit?)

28. Study the expressions “upon his (David’s) throne” (v30). What does this tell you about Jesus’ kingdom and when it began?

29. What passage is quoted in 2:34,35? What did it say about where Jesus is? (Think: Study the passage in the Old Testament and determine what Jesus would be doing at this place?)

30. Study other passages about Jesus at God’s right hand, and explain what this tells you about Jesus’ kingdom and when it began. (Think: Consider also 1 Cor. 15:20-28.)

31. What did Jesus send when He was exalted to God’s right hand – 2:33? (Think: Explain how this ties in with Acts 1 about the coming of the kingdom and of the Holy Spirit.)

32. Summarize Peter’s conclusion and list the three main evidences he used to prove Jesus was Lord and Christ.

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33. Describe the effect of Peter’s sermon on the people. What did they ask – 2:37? (Think: Why did the people ask this? What was their spiritual condition at the time?)

34. What did Peter tell the people to do – 2:38?

35. Define “repent,” and list other passages that show its importance in salvation.

36. Does “for remission of sins” mean baptism is necessary to receive remission of sins or because one already has remission? How does context help answer this question?

37. Case Study: Some people claim baptism is not essential to receive forgiveness of sins. How would you use v38 to respond?

38. Who may receive the promise of 2:38,39? (Think: What is the “gift of the Spirit”?)

39. What else did Peter say to the people – 2:40?

40. What response did the sermon receive – 2:41? Summarize what people did to be forgiven. (Think: What does the passage teach about the need to obey to be forgiven of sins?)

41. What did disciples do after conversion – 2:42? Find a passage elsewhere about each of these acts.

42. How did the disciples show care for one another – 2:43-47?

43. Where did the disciples break bread – 2:46? To what does this refer? Proof? (Think: Are common meals a church function or individual activity?)

44. How were people added to the number from then on – 2:47? (Think: How do people become members of Jesus’ church? Can we be saved outside the church?)

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Assignments on Acts 3

Read Acts 3 then answer these questions:

1. What two apostles were involved in this story, where did it take place, and about what time of day – 3:1?

2. What problem did the man at the temple gate have and how long had he had it – 3:2? According to Acts 4:22 how old was the man?

3. Why was he at the temple gate, and what did he ask the apostles for – 3:2-5?

4. Define “alms.”

5. How can we know the man was not faking but was genuinely lame?

6. What did Peter say to the man – 3:6? (Think: Some claim Peter was the first Pope. What is there here that is uncharacteristic of modern Popes?)

7. Describe the actions of the lame man in response to Peter’s statement – 3:7,8. What was amazing about this in light of the man’s problem?

8. Describe the effect of this on the people, and tell how we can be sure the man was really healed – 3:9,10 (cf. 4:16).

9. List characteristics of miraculous healing in the Bible as illustrated by this passage.

10. Case Study: Many people claim that Bible miracles happen today. Describe how this miracle is unique compared to so-called miracles today.

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11. List at least three passages that show the main purpose of miracles.

12. Where did Peter address the people and why did they come together – 3:11?

13. What did Peter say about how the man had been healed – 3:12?

14. How had the people treated Jesus – 3:13-15?

15. Whom had they asked to be released instead of Jesus? Run cross-references and find the name of the man who was released, and list some things he was guilty of.

16. What did God do to Jesus after He had been killed, and what assurance was given to convince the people that this was true – 3:15?

17. What explanation did Peter give in 3:16 regarding the healing of the lame man? (Think: Who was it that had faith in Jesus so that the man could be healed?)

18. What led the people and the rulers to kill Jesus – 3:17? (Think: In what sense was this true? Had any evidence been given them? Did ignorance excuse them for their deed?)

19. What other purpose resulted or was accomplished by Jesus’ death – 3:18?

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20. List a few prophecies that Jesus’ death fulfilled.

21. What did the people need to do about their sins – 3:19? (Think: How does this verse compare to 2:38? What are the “times of refreshing”?)

22. How long was Jesus to remain in heaven – 3:20,21? (Think: What was the “time of restoration”?)

23. Who predicted the coming of a prophet like himself, and what would happen to people who would not listen to that prophet – 3:22,23? (Think: Mormons say Joseph Smith fulfilled this prediction. Other groups claim other prophets. Who was it really and how do you know?)

24. How much of this prophet’s teaching must we obey? (Think: What applications can we make from vv 22,23?)

25. Who else prophesied regarding “these days” – 3:24? (Think: What “days” were these? What application can we make to people who say Jesus’ kingdom has not yet been established and Old Testament prophecies about it have not yet been fulfilled?)

26. What covenant was also being fulfilled (3:25) and what did that covenant say?

27. List other passages in the Old and New Testaments about this covenant.

28. In what way was this covenant fulfilled – 3:26?

Assignments on Acts 4

Read Acts 4 then answer these questions: 1. Who arrested the apostles – 4:1?

2. Run cross-references and describe the beliefs of the Sadducees.

3. Why did the priests and Sadducees want the apostles arrested – 4:2? (Think: In what specific ways would the apostles’ teaching upset these people?)

4. Where were the apostles placed, what effect did all this have on the people, and how many disciples existed at this time – 4:3,4?

5. What men conducted the meeting that questioned Peter and John – 4:5,6?

6. What question did these men ask – 4:7?
7. What answer did Peter give? What accusation did he make – 4:8-10?

8. What did Peter say God did for Jesus, and what did this have to do with the reason for Peter and John’s arrest (cf. v2)?

9. Special Assignment: Note phrases like “in what name” (v7), “in the name of” (v10), etc., in vv 7-10. What conclusion do you reach about the meaning of this phrase?

10. What Old Testament prophecy is quoted in 4:11, and what does it mean?

11. List other passages that use this illustration of Jesus as cornerstone.

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12. What can save us today? Can anyone else save us – 4:12?

13. Application: What applications can we make to other religious systems? What about the strictness and narrowness of the gospel?

14. What characteristics did the rulers observe in Peter and John – 4:13? (Think: What does this teach us about the importance of being with Jesus?)

15. In what sense were Peter and John “uneducated and untrained”?

16. Application: What should we learn about the education preachers need?

17. Why could the Jewish rulers not speak against the miracle done by the apostles – 4:14-16? (Think: How does this differ from modern “miracles”?)

18. What did they decide about the apostles? What charge did they give them – 4:17,18?

19. What response did Peter and John make to this charge – 4:19,20?

20. Application: What can we learn about the importance of gospel preaching?

21. Application: What lessons can we learn about the attitude we should have when we are persecuted or opposed for doing God’s will?

22. Application: What lessons can we learn about subjection to rulers and about how we should treat rulers who sin or misuse their authority?

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23. In the end, what punishment was given to Peter and John – 4:21?

24. What was the main concern that evidently motivated these rulers? (Think: What should they have been concerned about but evidently were not?)

25. How old was the man who had been healed – 4:22?

26. Where did the apostles go when released? What did they do – 4:23? (Think: What does this teach us about where we should go in time of temptation or spiritual hardship?)

27. What did the disciples do when they heard Peter and John’s report – 4:24?

28. What term is used in 4:31 that describes what they had done in vv 24-30? As you study the context, what do you conclude is the meaning of this term?

29. What did they first say to God? What does this show about the origin of nature?

30. What prophecy is quoted in 4:25,26, and where is this prophecy found?

31. Who put this prophecy in David’s mouth? What does this teach us about inspiration?

32. According to the disciples’ prayer (4:27,28), how was this prophecy fulfilled?

33. Case Study: Many Premillennialists say God did not know ahead of time that Jesus would be rejected, or this was an unforeseen departure from His plan. What can you say about this from the context of our study?

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34. What did the disciples ask God to do about the situation – 4:29,30?

35. What happened in response to their prayer – 4:31?

36. Special Assignment: Define “boldness” and illustrate it from Acts 2,3&4.

37. What can we learn from this example about the content of prayer — i.e., what we should pray about?

38. Application: What can we learn from this example about how to deal with persecution and opposition?

39. What attitudes did these Christians possess in 4:32? What should we learn?

40. What work, commanded by Jesus, were the apostles doing – 4:33?

41. How were needy people provided for? Where else have we read of similar activity – 4:34,35? (Think: What can we learn from this about how the church gets its income?)

42. Who was in charge of the distribution, and on what basis was distribution made? (Think: Again, who received funds from this collection — Christians, non-Christians, or both?)

43. What man in particular made a generous contribution – 4:36,37? What name did the apostles give him, and what did the name mean?

44. List other activities in which this man was later involved (use cross-references).

Assignments on Acts 5

Read Acts 5 then answer these questions:

1. What man and wife also made a contribution, but what error did they commit – 5:1-3? (Think: What can we learn from this about what influences people to sin?)

2. Application: What can we learn here about possessions and church contributions (note v4)? What distinction is made between individual possessions and church possessions?

3. What happened to the man who committed the sin? (Think: What is there in 5:3,4 that shows the Holy Spirit possesses Deity?)

4. Application: What lessons can we learn from this story about lying?

5. When did Sapphira come, and what did she say about the property they sold – 5:7,8?

6. What did Peter say they had done wrong – 5:9?

7. What happened to her as a result – 5:10?

8. What effect did this have on the church and other people– 5:11?

9. List other passages about lying and deceit.

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10. List other passages about discipline of erring church members (withdrawal, etc.). (Think: In what ways does this example differ from other passages about church discipline?)

11. Application: What can we learn about church discipline from this example?

12. Tell where the disciples met and describe how they increased in number – 5:12-14.

13. Describe the miracles done by the apostles – 5:15,16.

14 Application: How does this differ from modern so-called miracle workers?

15. Who caused the apostles to be arrested again, and what was their motive – 5:17,18?

16. How were the apostles released, and what were they told to do – 5:19,20? (Think: How does this compare to what the rulers had ordered them to do?)

17. What did the apostles do and where did they do it – 5:21? (Think: How does this demonstrate the apostles’ courage and conviction?)

18. When the council sent for the apostles in prison, what did they find – 5:22,23?

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19. What effect did this have on the rulers, and where did they locate the apostles – 5:24,25? (Think: What lesson should they have learned from this?)

20. What precautions did they take when they arrested the apostles? Why – 5:26?

21. What complaint did the high priest raise – 5:27,28? (Think: Have we accomplished in our day what the apostles did? How would we have reacted in their place?)

22. How did Peter respond? Where have we studied a similar response – 5:29?

23. Application: Explain the principle involved in Peter’s statement. List some other circumstances in life in which we must apply this principle.

24. What charge did Peter repeat? Who did He say Jesus really is – 5:30,31?

25. Who besides the apostles bore witness that these things were true– 5:32? (Think: Note the continued emphasis on witnesses, and explain how the Holy Spirit gave witness.)

26. What was the council’s initial reaction to Peter’s speech – 5:33? (Think: Does this prove Peter did wrong? Are we wrong just because people get angry at what we teach?)

27. Compare 5:33 to 2:37, and describe the different audience reactions.

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28. What man suggested a different course to the council, and what was this man like – 5:34? (Think: Find other references to this man.)

29. What man is described in 5:36, what did he do, and what happened to him?

30. What man is described in 5:37, what did he do, and what happened to him?

31. What conclusion is stated in 5:38? (Think: Is this conclusion valid? Should we follow this advice regarding false doctrine? Compare other verses about dealing with false doctrine.)

32. What conclusion is stated in 5:39? (Think: Is this the best advice? If a doctrine is from God, besides not opposing it, what should we do?)

33. What did the council finally do with the apostles – 5:40? (Think: How did this differ from the first hearing before the council?)

34. What attitude did the disciples have regarding this persecution – 5:41?

35. Despite the rulers’ commands, what did the apostles do – 5:42?

36. Application: What should we learn from the apostle’s conduct as they faced persecution?

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Assignments on Acts 6

Read Acts 6 then answer these questions:
1. Who were the “Grecians” and “Hebrews” – 6:1 (KJV; see other translations)?

2. What problem arose between them? (Think: What was the “daily ministration”?

3. What reason did the apostles give why they should not be in charge of this work – 6:2,4? (Think: Who had apparently been supervising this work previously — 4:35?)

4. Application: What does this tell us about the work of apostles and about the relative emphasis in the church on preaching compared to caring for needy members?

5. What solution did the apostles propose for the problem – 6:3?

6. List and explain the characteristics men needed to be appointed to this work.

7. Name the seven men actually chosen – 6:5. Use cross-references to identify which of them we are told more about elsewhere.

8. How were they appointed to serve – 6:6? (Note the laying on of apostles’ hands. Compare other passages where this is mentioned. We will study more about it later.)

9. Special Assignment: What can we learn from the Jerusalem church about how the church should care for needy members? Did it donate money to separate organizations to supervise the work? Did it care for destitute non-members? Proof?

10. Application: This is the second internal problem the church in Jerusalem had. What can we learn about how the church should handle internal problems?

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11. As the Jerusalem church resolved its problems, what happened to its growth – 6:7? (Think: What observations can you make about the conversion of priests? Cf. 4:1.)

12. Explain the connection between faith and obedience, and list other passages showing this connection.

13. What power did Stephen possess – 6:8? (Think: Prior to this, who did the miracles recorded in Acts?)

14. Define “dispute” and tell who disputed with Stephen – 6:9.
15. Describe their success in proving Stephen wrong – 6:10. (Think: Did Stephen compromise

or back down to avoid disputation?)

16. Application: What lessons can we learn about Christians today who participate in religious “disputes” or debates?

17. When opponents could not disprove Stephen, what did they do – 6:11,12? Define “suborn” (KJV).

18. List at least 3 charges made against Stephen – 6:11-14, and for each one explain in what sense it was or was not true.

19. Application: What can we learn about the tactics used by opponents of truth?

20. What happened to Stephen’s appearance before the council – 6:15?

21. What other disciples in Acts have been called before the council?

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Assignments on Acts 7

Read Acts 7 then answer these questions:

Note: To understand the points Stephen makes in his sermon, it will help significantly if you first read the whole chapter to get an overview.

1. Where did Stephen begin in making his defense – 7:1? (Think: Why was this a wise beginning point?)

2. Where did God appear to Abraham? What command did He give him – 7:2,3?

3. Give book/chapter/verse elsewhere that describes God’s call of Abraham, and explain why this was a difficult challenge to Abraham’s faith.

4. How much of the land of Canaan did Abraham personally possess – 7:4,5?
5. To whom did God promise to give the land, and what was difficult or confusing about this

promise (give book/chapter/verse where this is originally recorded)?

6. What did God predict about Abraham’s descendants – 7:6,7? How was this fulfilled?

7. Define “covenant” and “patriarch.”

8. Describe the covenant (7:8) made with Abraham and give book/chapter/verse from the Old Testament.

9. List Abraham’s descendants from Abraham to the twelve patriarchs.

10. Describe how Joseph ended up in Egypt and what happened to him there – 7:9,10 (give book/chapter/verse from the Old Testament).

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11. What problem occurred and where did it occur – 7:11? (Think: What connection did Joseph have with this problem?)

12. What problem did Jacob’s family have and what did they do about it – 7:11,12?

13. What happened to Joseph and his brothers as a result – 7:13 (give Old Testament reference where this is found)?

14. Special Assignment: From this story, what lessons can we learn about forgiveness and God’s providence (it may help to read the Old Testament story)?

15. How did Joseph provide for Jacob and his family – 7:14?

16. Where did Jacob die and in what tomb was he buried – 7:15,16?

17. Who had bought this tomb, when, and why (see the Old Testament references)?

18. What happened to the people in Egypt (7:17)? What promise to Abraham did this fulfill?

19. What change in the Egyptian government affected Jacob’s descendants – 7:18?

20. How were the Israelites treated as a result – 7:19? (Think: What modern practice is similar to that of v19, and what can we learn?) Note: keep in mind the overview of chap. 7. What is Stephen’s point, and what is this historical review supposed to prove?

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21. When Israel was mistreated, who was born and where did he first live – 7:20?

22. Special Assignment: Tell the story of how he came to be raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, and give Old Testament book/chapter/verse.

23. How is his education described – 7:22?

24. What event occurred when he was about 40 years old – 7:23,24?

25. What reason is given why Moses did this – 7:25? (Think: Why might Moses have thought this? How would he have known his connection to the Israelites? From human advantages did he have that might have led him to think he could help the Israelites?)

26. Where are the events of Acts 7:23-29 recorded in the Old Testament, and what other New Testament passage refers to them?

27. What problem did Moses next observe? How did he try to solve it – 7:26?

28. What reaction did he receive to his effort – 7:27,28? (Think: Stephen is beginning to bring out his main conclusion. What does this story show about the Israelites, and how does it support Stephen’s main theme?)

29. How did Moses respond to this treatment by an Israelite – 7:29? (Think: What can we learn from the fact that God did not at this time use Moses to lead Israel from bondage?)

30. Where did Moses go, and what happened to him there (use Old Testament passages to help you understand better)?

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31. Where and how did God speak to Moses, and how long was this after Moses had left Egypt – 7:30? (Think: Approximately how old would Moses have been at this time?)

32. Where is this event recorded in the Old Testament? What was unusual about the bush? (Think: Why would God choose such a method to speak to Moses?)

33. How did God identify Himself – 7:32? (Think: What is the significance of v33?)

34. What did God plan to do for Israel? What would be Moses’ role – 7:33,34?

35. According to the Old Testament account, how did Moses react when God gave Him this job? (Think: Contrast this to vv 23-29. What lesson can we learn?)

36. According to 7:35, how had the people treated Moses, but how did God view him? (Think: How did the attitude of the Israelites fit into Stephen’s main theme?)

37. How did Stephen describe Moses’ success in accomplishing God’s purpose – 7:36?

38. Special Assignment: List some of the signs and wonders done through Moses, and give b/c/v for them.

39. What had Moses predicted (7:37)? Where is this found in the Old Testament?

40. Where else in Acts have we read about this same prediction?
41. Special Assignment: List at least three ways Jesus was similar to Moses.

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42. What were the “lively (or living) oracles” that Moses received, and where did he receive them – 7:38? (Think: What does “oracle” mean?)

43. How did the people treat Moses during his lifetime (7:39), and how did this differ from how the first-century Jews viewed him?

44. What example illustrates the attitude of people in Moses’ day – 7:40,41?

45. Where do we read of this event in the Old Testament, where was Moses when it happened, and what punishment came on the people for it? (Think: What lesson did Stephen expect this to teach his audience?)

46. What are the “host of heaven” (7:42), and what was God’s attitude when His people worshiped them?

47. What passage is quoted in 7:42,43?
48. Special Assignment: Who were Moloch and Rephan (Remphan)?

49. What consequence did God predict would come – 7:43? How did this occur?
50. Name something else that Moses provided the people (7:44), and briefly describe it (give

Old Testament book/chapter/verse).

51. Who brought the tabernacle into Canaan? What promise did this fulfill – 7:45?

52. What did David ask to be able to do for God – 7:46? (Think: What is the significance of this request? Note 7:47 and run cross-references.)

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53. Who built the temple – 7:47 (give Old Testament book/chapter/verse)?

54. Acts 7:49,50 is a quotation of what passage?

55. What evidence is given to show that God does not dwell in physical buildings? (Think: What did this discussion of the temple have to do with Stephen’s topic?)

56. What did Stephen mean by calling them “stiff-necked and uncircumcised” – 7:51? (Think: why would these statements offend Jews?)

57. What does it mean to resist the Holy Spirit?

58. How had their fathers treated the prophets – 7:52? Name some examples.

59. How was Stephen’s audience like their fathers? What had they done?

60. What had they received and what had they done with it – 7:53?

61. Though Stephen was interrupted, what conclusions can be reached from his sermon?

62. Special Assignment: Explain in what sense Stephen had answered the accusations made against him.

63. Describe the initial reaction of the people to Stephen’s sermon – 7:54.

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64. List some similarities between Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 and Peter’s in Acts 2, then describe the difference in the reactions of the hearers. (Think: What explains the different reactions? Was it the preacher? The message?)

65. What did Stephen see – 7:55,56? (Think: What can we learn from the fact Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit?)

66. Where else have we read about Jesus being on God’s right hand, and what is the significance? (Think: Why would God allow Stephen to see Jesus at this time?)

67. How did people react to Stephen’s vision – 7:57,58? (Think: Why do people react like this?)

68. Application: In what ways are the reactions of people today sometimes similar to the reactions of Stephen’s audience?

69. What Bible character is introduced in 7:58? What role did he have later in Acts?

70. What reference did Saul later make to this event? What does this demonstrate?

71. What request did Stephen make in 7:59?

72. What request did he make in 7:60, and who else made a similar request?

73. Special Assignment: List at least 4 characteristics of Stephen that are worthy of our respect and imitation.

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