Monday – Acts 13:1-3 Barnabas and Saul Set Off
1. From its brief introduction in 13:1-3, use several adjectives to describe the church at Antioch.
2. Once again, Luke emphasizes that communal prayer is a central part of the life of the church (cf. 1:13- 14; 4:23-31; 12:5b, 12). What does this teach you about the importance of the church praying together?
3. How does the way Antioch sends off Barnabas and Saul compare with how missionaries are sent off today (cf. Act 14:23 and the appointment of elders)? To what degree, if any, does the church of the 21 st century need to change to align with the example of the early church?

Tuesday – Acts 13:4-12 Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus
1. The missionaries first stop is Barnabas’ home island of Cyprus (cf. 4:36-37). How do you picture the mood among the missionaries as they set out on the first preaching journey?
2. Trace the conversion of the Cyprian proconsul (Roman governor) Sergius Paulus.
3. The Holy Spirit inspired blinding of Elymas prompts a name change from Saul (Jewish) to Paul (Greek) and establishes him as the leader of the group (cf. v. 13). Why do you think this event prompts these changes in Paul?

Wednesday – Acts 13:13-43 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch Pisidia
1. Sailing to the mainland, the missionary duo arrives in Antioch Pisidia where Luke records Paul’s sermon at the local synagogue. Outline the key events and applications he discusses in his discourse.
2. In his sermon, Paul shows God’s actions throughout history climaxing in the coming of Jesus. What will happen if his Jewish audience believes in Jesus? What will happen if they don’t?
3. At the end of the assembly Paul and Barnabas tell the new believers – both Jews and devout Gentile converts – to “continue in God’s grace”. Expound on what they mean by this (ref. Rom 5:2; Eph 2:8; 1 Pet 5:12).

Thursday – Acts 13:44-52 Blessing and Conflict in Antioch
1. At the request of the new believers, Paul and Barnabas come to the synagogue the next Sabbath to preach. How awesome would it be if “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord”?
2. In your own words, describe the reaction of the unbelieving Jews to the Gentile crowds and Paul personally (cf. Act 5:16-18). Why do you think they are acting this way?
3. In his rebuke of the jealous Jews, Paul cites Isa 49:6 to explain his work of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. To what extent does this express your and/or our congregation’s own mission of spreading the gospel? What steps will you take to better fulfill the mission of this command?

Friday – Acts 14:1-7 Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
1. After leaving Antioch Pisidia, the missionaries travel east to Iconium. Even there they once again face hostile opposition from unbelieving Jews. In view of this, why do you think they remain there “for a long time” (v. 3) before finally leaving?
2. What is the purpose of the signs and wonders that the Lord empowers Paul and Barnabas to perform (ref. Rom 15:18-21)? Do you think these signs and wonders are needed today? Explain.
3. Luke records, “the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.” Write down the name of someone you know whose mind has been poisoned by unbelievers. Next, enlist the help of your church to earnestly pray for this person.

Monday – Acts 11:19-26 The Church at Antioch
1. Recalling Act 8:1, 4, Luke details the movement of believers from Jerusalem to Antioch. It is not the apostles, but ordinary, nameless individuals who initially perform the work of evangelism in this predominately Gentile city. How does this fact empower your work within your local community?
2. When the apostles hear of the work in Antioch, they quickly dispatch Barnabas. Describe what he sees in the church there and how he helps the nascent group.
3. Luke records, “In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Why do you think the Antiochenes gave them this name? How do you think today’s meaning of “Christian” compares to its first usage?

Tuesday – Acts 11:27-30 Antioch Sends Relief to Jerusalem
1. Upon hearing from the prophet Agabus, the Antiochenes send relief to Judea. What do you make of the mostly Gentile Christians in Antioch expressing their love and concern for their Jewish brethren in Judea?
2. Later in his ministry, Paul will again deliver a collection to the needy saints in Jerusalem. Read 2 Cor 9:1-15, elaborate on the attitudes Paul wants Christians to possess regarding giving to needy brethren?
3. What is an immediate need among the saints that you and/or our congregation could meet? If you do not know of one, do some research, make some phone calls and present your findings to your elders. 

Wednesday – Acts 12:1-4 The Apostle James is Killed
1. A growing church is now suffering state-driven persecution by the egotistical king Herod. Using Mrk 10:35-45, how does this fulfill Jesus’ prophecy in v. 39?
2. One apostle is dead, another is about to be executed, and the disciples are gathered to pray. Picture yourself there, describe the mood in the room. Write out what you imagine they say in their prayers.
3. Luke describes the prayers offered for Peter as, “earnest” (ESV) or “fervent” (NASB). What can motivate you to pray this way more often? What can hinder you?

Thursday – Acts 12:5-19 Peter Freed from Prison
1. Miraculously, Peter escapes from execution by an angel of the Lord. Put yourself in Peter’s sandals and trace his escape from prison.
2. What do you make of the fact that God allows James and the guards to die but miraculously frees Peter?
3. Following his miraculous release, Peter is comically left standing outside by the very believers who are praying for his release. Why do you think they have trouble believing their prayers have been answered? Can you relate? Explain.

Friday – Acts 12:20-25 The Death of Herod
1. Unlike Saul, Herod isn’t motivated by religious zeal but the desire for acclaim. Trace the events leading to his death.
2. If you were telling a friend about this account, how would you explain why God punishes Herod by being “eaten by worms”? (consider: 2 Ths 1:5-12)
3. Contrast Herod’s end with what happens to the word of God because of his death. In what ways does this note give you hope for the power of the Gospel?

Monday – Acts 10:1-8 Peter and Cornelius
1. Luke moves from following Peter to profiling a centurion in Caesarea, the center of Roman power in Judea. Imagine you’re describing Cornelius to a friend, what adjectives and descriptors would you use?
2. According to v. 4, God takes notice of Cornelius because of his “prayers and alms.” To what extent are prayer (with fasting, cf. 10:30 NKJV) and giving to the poor priorities for you? Why or why not?
3. The angel could have simply communicated the gospel to Cornelius. Why do you think the Lord has Cornelius send for Peter to teach the gospel directly to him? (consider: Mat 28:18-20; Rom 10:5-15)

Tuesday – Acts 10:9-23a Peter’s Vision and Summons to Caesarea
1. Just as the messengers from Cornelius are on their journey and approaching the city, Peter has his own message from God. Outline the three-fold vision, noting Peter’s response each time.
2. Peter is staying with a tanner, an occupation that scrupulous Jews consider unclean because of their contact with dead animals, yet he seems untroubled by this. What connections is God making for Peter between the unclean animals in the vision and Cornelius and his household?
3. If God were to say to you, “What [I have] made clean, do not call common” (v. 15), what or whom might he be referring to in your life? How will Peter’s experience and conclusion influence you to change?

Wednesday – Acts 10:23b-33 Peter Meets Cornelius
1. On the next day, Peter, along with some Jewish brethren from Joppa, head off to Caesarea. What do you imagine is going through Peter’s mind as he walks toward the center of the Roman power of Judea?
2. Peter and his companions are met by a full house. Describe the enthusiasm that Cornelius and his friends have for hearing the gospel. What change(s) can you make to your life to reflect their enthusiasm?
3. How will Peter’s words, “God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean” (v. 28) transform your outreach to others who are different from you whether by skin color, race, economic or social status?

Thursday – Acts 10:34-48 Gentiles Hear the Good News
1. Now that Peter has the full attention of Cornelius and the others, what does he highlight about Jesus? Why do you think he selects these points for this audience?
2. In the middle of Peter’s sermon something unprecedented occurs, the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and the other Gentiles, and they speak in tongues. How does Peter account for this unique event?
3. Luke describes Cornelius as a devout, God-fearing man, who has been visited by an angel and who has experienced Holy Spirit baptism evidenced by tongue speaking, yet Peter commands that he be baptized. Why? What lesson(s) do you learn from this about the need for baptism (cf. Col 2:11-14)?

Friday – Acts 11:1-18 Peter Reports to the Church
1. Surprisingly, the Jerusalem church isn’t shocked about Peter baptizing Gentiles. Instead, what controversy awaits the apostle? Do you find this strange? Why?
2. What evidence does Peter present to prove that God indeed has welcomed Gentiles into the church? 
3. Enmity toward Gentiles is deeply rooted within the Jewish conscience (cf. v. 28), yet their hostility seems to melt away as Peter talks. What type of spirit lets go of deep seeded animosity toward others? How does the gospel of Jesus point us to unity between different people groups (cf. Gal 3:26-29)?

Monday – Acts 9:19b-25 Saul Proclaims Jesus in Damascus
1. Saul planned to persecute those who followed Jesus, but now he’s proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. Place yourself among the synagogue audience, describe the amazement at seeing and hearing him preach Jesus as the “Son of God”?
2. During the three days Saul is blind, Jesus shows him all that “he must suffer for the sake of My name” (v. 16). In what ways does Saul suffer in Damascus and throughout his ministry (2 Cor 11:23-33)?
3. Saul is not a likely candidate to become a Christian, let alone a leader in the church. Of the unbelievers you know, who seems less likely to become a Christian? How will you pray for and reach out to them?

Tuesday – Acts 9:26-30 Saul in Jerusalem
1. Going from Damascus, Saul eventually goes to Jerusalem (cf. Gal 1:18). Naturally, the disciples there are afraid of Saul. What lesson(s) do you learn from the way Barnabas intervenes on Saul’s behalf?
2. From a later speech to the Jews, Saul reveals some details of his visit to Jerusalem. Using Acts 22:17-21, assess his reasoning for staying in Jerusalem despite the dangers to his life.
3. Going back to the heart of Judaism as a follower of Jesus and the faith he sought to destroy must have presented its own difficulties. Using Php 3:2-11, summarize Saul’s feelings about what he had to leave behind to follow Christ.

Wednesday – Acts 9:31 The Church Prospers
1. Luke punctuates Acts with several summary statements: 2:47b, 6:7, 9:31, 12:24, 16:5, 19:20, 28:30-31. In what ways do these statements amplify the early church’s commitment to preaching the gospel?
2. Judeans generally looked down on Galileans (cf. Jhn 1:46; 7:52) and both looked down on Samaritans (cf. Jhn 4:9; Luk 9:52-56), yet in Jesus there is peace. How do you explain this?
3. In your own words, elaborate on how “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit” aids the church in multiplying in number? How can you apply this to your own congregation? 

Thursday – Acts 9:32-35 Peter Heals Aeneas
1. As Luke’s narrative shifts back to Peter, we find him going “here and there among” all the saints. In light of v. 31, what do you think he is doing on his journeys from place to place?
2. On his journeys, Peter “found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.” Why do you think it is important that Peter heals him in the name of Jesus Christ?
3. Again, people turn to the Lord following a miracle (cf. Act 5:12-16; 8:5-8). In this age of no miracles (at least on this scale), how might people see healing or renewal in us and want to “turn to the Lord”?

Friday – Acts 9:36-43 Peter Raises Dorcas
1. Shifting from Lydda to the town of Joppa, Luke tells us about a disciple named Tabitha. Use as many adjectives as you can think of to describe Tabitha? How can you become more like her?
2. Peter walks about ten miles from Lydda to Joppa to help a beloved saint. What does this tell you about Peter, the leader of the apostles?
3. Tabitha’s only claim-to-fame is that she was kind and helped the needy, yet she is an integral part of the church at Joppa. Who in your congregation reminds you of Tabitha? When and how will you recognize and honor them for their love and service to the church?

Monday – Acts 8:9-13 Simon the Sorcerer Faith
1. Luke pauses his account of the Samaritan’s faith and baptism to introduce Simon the Sorcerer. From this introduction, describe Simon.
2. Luke records, “they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized.” Whether it is Jews (Act 2:38) or Samaritans, why is baptism the appropriate response to belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. Rom 6:3-11)?
3. Based on Simon’s sin (which we will look at tomorrow), some in Christendom say he was not truly saved because if he were, he would not have sinned in such a grievous way. However, from his response to Philip’s preaching and Jesus’ words in Mark 16:15-16, was Simon saved or not? Explain your answer.

Tuesday – Acts 8:14-25 Simon the Sorcerer’s Sin
1. As word of Philip’s preaching reaches the apostles, Peter and John go to Samaria. What is the purpose of their visit? Why is it important for an apostle (or in this case two) to come to encourage the new converts?
2. Elaborate on Simon’s request to pay for the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. Why do you think Peter strongly rebukes Simon? What do you make of Simon’s response?
3. Simon’s experience teaches that just because you are saved, does not mean you cannot commit grave, wicked sins that could, without repentance, cost your soul. How is Simon’s story a wake-up-call for you? 

Wednesday – Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
1. Why do you think God calls Philip away from his thriving work in Samaria to preach to one lone person in the desert? What are the implications of this act for your life?
2. What is puzzling the Eunuch as he travels from Jerusalem back to Ethiopia?
3. Whether Philip is preaching the “good news” to the Samaritans or a lone Ethiopian, the response is always the same: baptism. Considering Rom 6:3-8; Col 2:11-16, why is this the appropriate response?

Thursday – Acts 9:1-9 Saul on the Road to Damascus
1. “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples…” When you read these words, how do you imagine Saul’s demeanor and vitriol fueling his actions (cf. 1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13; Php 3:6)?
2. Trace out the events of Jesus appearing to Saul on the road to Damascus.
3. Read Php 3:4-11; 1 Tim 1:12-17. According to Paul, why did Christ Jesus appear to him and save him? How do these same reasons resonate in your own life?

Friday – Acts 9:10-19a Ananias Baptizes Saul
1. Luke moves from God appearing to Saul to Him speaking to a disciple named Ananias. Specifically, what does God tell Ananias to do? Why is he understandably reluctant?
2. Again, baptism follows belief. How do you explain the fact that Saul needs to be baptized even though he has literally had a Damascus-Road-Experience (ref. Acts 22:16)?
3. Write down the names of two or three people you know (family, friends, co-workers) who are antagonistic to “the Way.” Begin to pray for the Lord to open their hearts to Him and that He will use you as their Ananias.