“Luke / Acts Week 36 – Sept 2-6”

Monday, September 02, 2024

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.

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