Monday – Acts 4:13-22 The Name of Jesus Forbidden
1. After Peter’s speech, the Jewish leaders are left speechless. Identify any underlying motivations or fears that might be driving the Sanhedrin's order to Peter and John to stop speaking about Jesus?
2. Evaluate the apostles’ response in vv. 19-20. How does their reply to the Sanhedrin’s order and threats serve as an example for believers today who face opposition or persecution for their faith?
3. Peter and John resolutely refuse to tone down any part of the gospel message. Identify elements of the gospel that tend to offend people today. How do you navigate the temptation to soften God’s truths?

Tuesday – Acts 4:23-31 The Believers Pray for Boldness
1. From the opening line of the believer’s prayer, we see that their focus is on God’s sovereignty. List the various phrases they use to repeat this theme throughout their prayer.
2. In their prayer, the believers quote from Psalm 2, how does this Psalm provide them with a context for understanding the persecutions and framing their petitions?
3. The early church spends much time in communal prayer. How much emphasis do you put on praying with others in your personal life? In what ways can you imagine more communal prayer positively impacting your daily walk of faith?

Wednesday – Acts 4:32-37 They Had Everything in Common
1. What do you think it would have been like - as a person in need and as a person with possessions - to be a part of such a generous community as described in this passage?
2. One person stands out from the rest, Joseph, a Levite and a native of Cyprus whom the apostle’s nickname Barnabas. This suggests he possesses qualities beyond mere generosity. What other characteristics might have contributed to this moniker (which Luke uses throughout Acts)?
3. To emulate the extraordinary generosity displayed by the early church, what attitudes towards personal possessions and those in need should you cultivate?

Thursday – Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira
1. For the first time since the defection of Judas, the community of believers in Jerusalem experience a serious internal problem. Detail Ananias and Sapphira’s transgression and delve into the possible motives behind their actions.
2. According to v. 11, “Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard about these things.” How do you see this episode affecting the church? Outsiders? 
3. Read Matthew 6:1-4. What guidelines does Jesus provide for how to do your good deeds? What promises are made for those who violate Jesus’ words? Conversely, for those who keep them?

Friday – Acts 5:12-16 Many Signs and Wonders Done
1. Having focused on the inner life of the church, Luke now highlights the public ministry of the apostles. What is the tangible evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit in the events Luke records in this passage?
2. Explain the role the many miracles the apostles perform play in spreading the gospel (cf. Act 14:3)? Do you think miracles would be helpful today in spreading the gospel? Why or why not?
3. Luke notes that the early Christians are held in “high esteem” by the general populace. What difference does it make in church’s efforts today to be regarded with such respect? How does a church garner admiration from its community? In what ways can this admiration be lost?

Monday – Acts 2:42-47 The Fellowship of Believers
1. Luke concludes his Pentecost narrative with a portrait of the inner workings of the first Christian church. In your own words, summarize the culture and activities of the early church?
2. Imagine yourself as an early Christian in Jerusalem. Describe a typical day, what activities would fill your time, and what interactions might you have with fellow believers and others in the community?
3. Why do you think a devotion to these activities is critically important to the spiritual health of believers and a congregation? What risks do Christians and congregations face if anyone of these is neglected?

Tuesday – Acts 3:1-10 The Lame Beggar Healed
1. Shifting from a focus on the early church, Luke now presents a day in the life of Peter and John. Place yourself at the Beautiful Gate and describe what happens between Peter, John, and the lame man.
2. The beggar asks for money, but Peter and John address a deeper need. What is the relationship between the lame man’s physical healing and spiritual healing (ref. vv. 11-16; Luke 5:17-26)?
3. The formally lame man’s response to his healing is a picture of pure joy; he went “walking and leaping and praising God” (v. 8). What role does joy play in the life of a Christian? How can we cultivate and maintain that initial joy of salvation throughout our journey of faith?

Wednesday – Acts 3:11-26 Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico
1. In the shade of Solomon’s Portico, Peter once again preaches Jesus. What key points about Jesus does Peter emphasize in his impromptu sermon?
2. Peter concludes his sermon by emphasizing the importance of repentance. Identify the blessing that comes to those who repent.
3. Reflecting on Peter's sermon, identify one specific thought that resonated with you. Why does this message hold significance in your life? Write down the name of a friend or family member who doesn't know Jesus and share with them what you've learned.

Thursday – Acts 4:1-4 Peter and John Arrested
1. The apostles heal a lame man and simply preach in the temple. Specifically, what actions or messages from the apostles upset the religious leaders, and how did the leaders respond?
2. As you picture the authorities approaching the two apostles, how do imagine the encounter? Identify the emotions or thoughts going through their minds as they are led away and spend the night in a cell.
3. Despite witnessing Peter and John’s arrest by the religious authorities, the crowd still embraces faith in Jesus. Why does persecution fortify the faith of some but destroy the faith of others (cf. Luk 8:6, 13)?

Friday – Acts 4:5-12 Peter and John Address the Sanhedrin
1. First Jesus was on trial, not it’s the apostles. The authorities demand to know, “By what power or by what name did you [heal the lame man]?” What do you think is the Sanhedrin’s motivation for their question?
2. How does Peter's Holy Spirit-inspired response (cf. Luk 12:11-12; 24:12-15), which boldly proclaims Jesus as the source of the miracle, challenge the authority and beliefs of the Sanhedrin?
3. Peter brings his speech to a dramatic conclusion with his declaration, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (v. 12). How does this truth shape your faith and your approach to declaring the gospel to others?

Monday – Acts 1:15-26 Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
1. As the group of about 120 disciples gather, Peter stands and announces that the apostle Judas must be replaced. Outline his justification for this action, qualifications for, and responsibilities of an apostle.
2. Judas is not replaced because he died, rather because he “turned aside to go to his own place.” Why do you think this is an important distinction to make?
3. The process of choosing Matthias by seeking the scriptures, praying, and casting lots provides great insight into Biblical decision-making when faced with a tough choice. How can you apply this process today in that decision you’re wrestling with?

Tuesday – Acts 2:1-13 The Coming of the Holy Spirit
1. Use five adjectives to describe the events surrounding the coming of the Holy Spirit.
2. Considering the apostles’ Jesus-given mission to spread the gospel to the whole world (1:8), what is significant that the Holy Spirit inspired tongues are not gibberish but understandable languages?
3. The coming of the Holy Spirit amazes and astonishes some people but causes others to mock. Why do the words/works of the Holy Spirit bring life to some and judgment to others?

Wednesday – Acts 2:14-21 Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost Prt. 1
1. Peter begins preaching around 9:00 in the morning in response to the claim that he and the eleven are filled with wine. From where in the Old Testament does Peter begin his message?
2. How does Peter connect the outpouring of the Spirit to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy? 
3. Peter discusses “The Great and Magnificent Day of the Lord,” and we recognize that a day of judgement is coming. Who can you love enough today to warn about the judgement that is coming?

Thursday – Acts 2:22-36 Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost Prt. 2
1. As he continues his message, Peter moves to make a direct application to the audience. How would you describe the tone with which the apostle characterizes the resurrection?
2. For the second time in this sermon, Peter quotes a Psalm of David, this time Psalm 110: the most quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament. How does Peter use David's prophecy to support the claim of Jesus' resurrection?
3. Peter testifies to Jesus as both Lord and Christ. What distinguishes these titles, and how does understanding Jesus as both Lord and Christ influence your decisions this week?

Friday – Acts 2:37-41 Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost Prt. 3
1. In response to Peter's sermon, the Jews are deeply affected. What emotions and thoughts do you believe Luke is conveying when he says they were "cut to the heart"? Why do you think Peter's
message resonated so powerfully with his audience?
2. The people cry out to the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Write out Peter’s response in v. 38. Drawing from passages such as Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:11-15; 1 Pet 3:21 explain why baptism is the right response of a believing heart.
3. Peter has come a long way since the night he denied knowing Jesus. What experiences do you think would be necessary for you to undergo a similar change and find the courage to proclaim your faith in Jesus with others?

Monday – Luke 24:36-49 Jesus Appears to His Disciples
1. No sooner do the two travelers to Emmaus return with the news that Jesus is alive than the Lord Himself appears to the group of disciples. Note they were “startled and frightened,” why do you think they reacted this way?
2. Luke compresses the timeline of forty-days from Jesus’ resurrection to ascension into one scene (Act 1:3). Outline the different proofs Jesus offers the disciples to prove He is resurrected and alive.
3. Look at vv. 36-49 as a seeker sincerely examining the facts about Jesus’ resurrection. Which facts or implications intrigue you? Which puzzles you?

Tuesday – Luke 24:50-53 The Ascension
1. Luke ends his gospel with Jesus’ ascension to heaven. What do you think the last walk together is like for the disciples?
2. As He ascends, Jesus blesses (prays) His followers. In your own words, write out what you imagine Him saying, the tone of His voice, and the look on His face.
3. Returning to Luke’s Dedication to Theophilus (1:1-4), how has reading the third gospel helped you have “certainty concerning the things you have been taught”?

Wednesday – Acts 1:1-5 Luke’s Prologue to Acts
1. Combining the prologues for the Gospel of Luke and Acts, what does Luke say his twin works are meant to do for Theophilus? In what ways do these purposes resonate with you
2. What is significant about the fact that Jesus shows Himself to the apostles and gives many convincing proofs that He is alive?
3. The mission of the apostles and early church is to take the gospel message to their neighbors and beyond. How well are you fulfilling your Jesus-given mission of spreading the gospel? Your local church? Reflect on what you hope to gain from reading Acts to better empower your evangelism. 

Thursday – Acts 1:6-11 The Ascension
1. Forty days following His resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven. Identify the mission He gives the disciples. What, according to the angels, should be their motivation for keeping Jesus’ command?
2. Picture yourself as one of the apostles witnessing Jesus’ ascension into heaven. What do you see, hear, think, say, feel, etc.? Using Dan 7:13-14; Rev 5:1-14, describe heaven’s jubilee when Jesus returns.
3. The primary way that Jesus equips the apostles is the promise of the Holy Spirit. What is going to be the result of the Holy Spirit coming on them (ref. John 16:5-15)?

Friday – Acts 1:12-14 The Disciples Gathered in Prayer
1. Instead of passively waiting, the apostles act, first through prayer. What do you think drove this small band of believers to devote themselves to intense prayer?
2. From your perspective, why is group prayer vitally important in the life of a Christian and a congregation?
3. Luke notes everyone in the room from the eleven apostles (sans Judas Iscariot) to the women (cf. Luk 8:1-3; 23:55-24:11) to Jesus’ mother Mary, and His brothers (cf. Mrk 3:20-21; Jhn 7:5). Reflect on the events that brought them to this room together. How amazing is it that they could pray together?

Monday – Luke 23:44-49 The Death of Jesus
1. Each gospel records the darkness over the land from the “sixth hour” (12:00 PM) until the “ninth hour” (3:00 PM). This is longer than any eclipse, so it is certainly miraculous! How can you imagine the difference between the sounds of nature and the crowd, during these three hours of darkness?
2. After Jesus breathes His last, the crowds who had come together to watch this seem to depart sorrowfully as they “beat their breasts” while leaving. Why do you think they are all so distressed?
3. Jesus' final words on the cross are "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” In His final moments, Jesus completely entrusts Himself to God. How will you place your full trust in God this week?

Tuesday – Luke 23:50-56 Jesus is Buried
1. Each of the gospels record Joseph of Arimathea asking Pilate for Jesus’ body and preparing His body for the tomb (cf. Mat 27:58-60; Mrk 15:42-46; Jhn 19:38-42). Consider, how might this conversation have sounded? How might his act have been interpreted by his fellow council members?
2. Before preparing the spices and perfumes, the women see not just that Jesus’ body is laid, but how it is laid. How might this small detail impact the memory they carry with them? 3. Joseph is described as someone “waiting for the kingdom of God.” At the same time, he is taking action to honor the body of Jesus. How can you, today, take care of the body of Jesus while waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God? (consider Col 1:24)

Wednesday – Luke 24:1-12 The Resurrection
1. The pinnacle moment of our faith is Christ Arose! In what ways does this great event elevate the importance of the “First Day of the Week”?
2. The fact that a man is resurrected cuts against the grain of ancient thinking (cf. Act 17:30-32). Read and outline Paul’s defense of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15.
3. Mary Magdalene, and the other women, have no special title, yet they play a crucial role in spreading the news of the resurrection. Why is it important we all share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection?

Thursday – Luke 24:13-27 On the Road to Emmaus
1. Only Luke and Mark (16:12) mention the fascinating narrative about two journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus. It is only a trip of seven miles, but given their mood how do you imagine the walk going?
2. Then the resurrected Jesus joins the travelers, how do you imagine the journey changing as He interprets for them from the “Scriptures the things concerning Himself”?
3. When have you found yourself “foolish and slow of heart” to believe the Scriptures? How did the Lord open your eyes to His truths?

Friday – Luke 24:28-35 The Disciple’s Eyes Opened
1. Jesus finally reveals Himself to Cleopas and his companion through the breaking of the bread. How is Jesus revealed to you and the church through His memorial supper? (cf. 1 Cor 11:23-26)
2. What is the immediate response of the two upon recognizing that it is Jesus explaining the scriptures to them? How do you imagine the return journey back to Jerusalem?
3. Though these two spent all this close time with Jesus, it isn’t until He is gone, that they recognize Him! When was a time in your life when, looking back, you recognize Jesus’ presence through it all?