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.

Monday – Acts 7:1-29 Stephen’s Speech prt. 1: From Abraham to Slavery
1. Stephen does not directly answer the accusations against him, rather he tells the history of a rebellious people from the perspective of how God is greater than their sacred traditions of the land, Moses, and the temple. How does he start to develop these themes with Abraham?
2. Moving from the Promise Land to Egypt, in what ways does Stephen's recounting of Joseph and Moses’ story contribute to his overall message?
3. What qualities of Stephen do you admire? What will you do to build those same qualities in your life? 

Tuesday – Acts 7:30-53 Stephen’s Speech prt. 2: Rejecting God’s Prophets
1. In the second half of Stephen’s speech, he starts with Israels wilderness wanderings and moves to the present. How does he outline a history of rejection of God’s prophets and the Holy Spirit by the Jews?
2. Stephen concludes with a direct, sharp attack of the religious leaders. What does he accuse them of? How does his speech, up to this point, condemn the leaders?
3. Stephen’s sermon is bold and blunt. When is it appropriate to speak hard words and be more confrontational in presenting the truth? Who in your life might benefit from such tough love?

Wednesday – Acts 7:54-60 The Stoning of Stephen
1. “Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.” Record what you see on the faces of these respected religious/political leaders as they listen to Stephen.
2. At the first threat of persecution, the believers pray for boldness to face the coming persecution, not relief from it (Act 4:23-31). In what ways do you see this prayer answered in Stephen’s life?
3. There is a depth of union with Christ that comes to us only through suffering (Rom 8:17; 2 Cor 1:5; Php 3:10; 1 Pet 4:13-14). Do you sense this truth in Stephen’s last moments of life? Have you ever experienced Christ sharing in your suffering, or yourself sharing in His? If yes, elaborate.

Thursday – Acts 8:1-4 Saul Persecutes the Church
1. The narrative of the early church in Jerusalem comes to a terrible climax with the introduction of a new person in the storyline. Describe Saul’s part in Stephen’s death and its aftermath.
2. When you read Luke’s description “Saul was ravaging the church” (v. 3), what images go through your mind when you read these words (ref. Act 22:4; 26:9-11; 1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13; 1 Tim 1:13)?
3. Saul’s persecution serves the progress of the gospel (cf. Act 1:8). To what degree, if any, does it amaze you that “those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (v. 4; cf. 11:19-21)? What does it take to keep preaching, teaching, and believing a message that is leading to persecution, even death?

Friday – Acts 8:5-8 Christ is Preached in Samaria
1. Luke now turns his focus to Philip (ref. Act 6:5), as he flees Jerusalem. With the historical tensions between Jews and the Samaritans in mind (cf. Mat 10:5-6; Luk 9:52-56; Jhn 4:9; 8:48), what is remarkable about his preaching to them and their response?
2. The signs Philip performs confirm his preaching (cf. Mrk 16:16-20; Heb 2:1-4). Do we need to see miracles today to confirm the validity of the Word? Why or why not?
3. How does Philip’s going to Samaria challenge you to step outside your comfort zones and share the Gospel with people who may be different from you or hostile to you?

Monday – Acts 5:17-26 The Apostles are Miraculously Freed
1. In the previous section, Luke illustrates how the apostle’s ministry is received by the people in Jerusalem and beyond. Why do you think the High Priest and Sadducees are jealous of the apostles?
2. The apostle’s divine deliverance is the first of three occurrences in Acts (cf. 12:6-11; 16:26-30). Looking forward, how does this angelic rescue contribute to the spread of the apostles' message and amplify the religious leaders' jealousy?
3. The angel tells the apostles, “Go… speak to the people all the words of this Life.” What does the phrase “this Life” signify in this context? What message do you envision the apostles delivering to the people?

Tuesday – Acts 5:27-32 The Apostles on Trial Again
1. Arraigned before the hostile Sanhedrin, the High Priest once again interrogates the apostles. What thoughts and emotions might be swirling within them as they face the leaders of Israel?
2. Summarize the key points of the exchange between Peter and the apostles with the High Priest. 
3. In what ways might Christians today face situations where they need to choose between obeying God and obeying human authorities? How can Peter's declaration in v. 29 guide your decision-making in such circumstances?

Wednesday – Acts 5:33-42 Gamaliel’s Advice
1. At the first trial, the Sanhedrin was “astonished” by Peter and John (4:13). Now they are consumed with rage and intent on killing the Twelve. What factors do you think account for this escalation in hostility?
2. Thankfully, wiser counsel prevails. Evaluate Gamaliel's advice. How does his influence in saving the apostles' lives exemplify the very truth he articulated?
3. While the Twelve are saved from death, they endure a beating and verbal threats. What do you make of their joyful response that “they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name”? Would you feel honored to be humiliated and physically harmed due to your faith in Christ? Explain.

Thursday – Acts 6:1-7 Seven Chosen to Serve
1. Despite hostility from the religious authorities, the church continues to grow but not without growing pains. Detail the conflict that emerges between the Hellenist (Greek) and Hebrew (Jewish) believers.
2. How do the Twelve respond to the latest issue facing the church? How does the Twelve's response demonstrate care for the community's needs while still focusing on God's primary calling for them?
3. The seven men chosen to serve share two things in common with deacons: the need for spiritual attributes and the nature of their work (ref. 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Why is there such a strong emphasis on spiritual qualifications, even for those serving in seemingly mundane roles within the church?

Friday – Acts 6:8-15 Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
1. Hostilities now move from the apostles to others in the church. Detail the circumstances surrounding Stephen’s arrest. What do these accusations say about why the religious leaders are so upset?
2. As the false witness’s level their charges, the religious leaders notice Stephen’s face is “like the face of an angel.” What message is this intended to convey to those who have arrested him (Exd 34:29-35)?
3. Previously, the church appointed Stephen to manage the daily distribution of food. Look closely at his spiritual qualifications (6:3), how did they equip him to face the false accusation, arrest, and persecution?

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?