“Luke / Acts Week 39 – Sept. 23-27”

Monday, September 23, 2024

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?

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