Week 2 Estudy March 30-April 4 Acts 7-10 ====================================== ====================================== ACTS CHAPTER 7 ====================================== ====================================== Directing Questions ====================================== STUDY 7 Acts 7 ====================================== STUDY 7 Acts 7 Stephen's speech seeks to show (a) that God's presence with His people is not limited to a particular place or building (verses 2,9,10, 30-34,38,44-49); and (b) that far from overthrowing Moses, Christ is the promised prophet like Moses of whom Moses himself spoke (verse 37). 1)God intended Joseph (verses 9-16) and Moses (verses 20-43) to deliver His people from bondage. Notice (a) the places in which they lived, (b) the work they had to do, (c) the treatment they received from their brethren, and (d) the results they achieved. In what ways do they foreshadow the work of the Lord Jesus Christ? 2)The tragedy of Israel's spiritual blindness is described in verses 25 and 35-43. How did it manifest itself first in thought, will and desire (verse 39) and finally in action (verses 40-43)? What was its penalty? Does God still deal with His people like this? 3)Consider the likeness between Stephen and his Lord in his life, character, and in his death. What did this likeness come from? How may we follow his example? Cf. 2 Cor. 3: 18. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Comments from Acts 6: --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1- Joseph and Moses were prophets living and ruling in Egypt. Both were sent by God to save the Jews from oppression. Ultimately, the people refused to obey the prophets and resisted the Holy Spirit. Jesus ran into the same challenges. His goal was to communicate God's purpose, so that those believers may have everlasting life. 2- Moses thought the Israelites would realize that God was using him to save them. Instead the people turned to idol worship and God penalized the Jews by sending all into exile beyond Babylon. 3- Stephen is certainly filled with the Holy Spirit. Verse 59 stood out to me " Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Even while going through such pain, Stephen was thinking of forgiveness and others. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao --------------------------------------------------------------------- What an example of God's presence transcending time and space, the eternality of God's principles and plan, and the continuity of OT fulfilled by NT. 1) Moses and Joseph were examples of different qualities that the Lord Jesus faced as well. Moses was not heeded as was Christ, and Joseph was wrongly persecuted as Christ was. 2) Spiritual Blindness starts with the attitude of the heart, then moves to the mind, and finally can manifest itself through action. We should keep ourselves in prayer and let God's peace "guard our hearts and minds" Phil 4:6-7 [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.[8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy --think about such things. Only then will we avoid spiritual blindness. 3) Stephen's likeness to the Lord can be attributed to several reasons all stemming from the same source => The Spirit and being Spirit Filled. He was: - Full of God's grace and power Acts 6:8 + Enabled to do signs and wonders - speaking in the Spirit Acts 6:10 + his face was like the face of an angel Acts 6:15 - full of the Holy Spirit - Acts 7:55 + Saw the glory of God 2 Cor. 3:18 [18] And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. May we follow such a bold example of a man committed to following Christ and not ashamed to speak the Gospel of Truth! --------------------------------------------------------------------- James Chao --------------------------------------------------------------------- Acts 7:55 - BUT HE, BEING FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (a), GAZED INTO HEAVEN AND SAW THE GLORY OF GOD (b), AND JESUS STANDING (c) AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. It shows us that for the suffering and perscuted ones they are full of the Holy Spirit; they see the glory of God and Jesus is standing there to watch what the persecutors are doing. I pay particular respect to the suffering and perscuted ones because they are full in Spirit; have the experience of the glory of God. The Lord is standing there to express His great concerns for His persecuted ones. Under normal circumstance, the Lord is usually sitting at the right hand side of the Father, Matt. 26:64; Hebl 1:3, 13. All the details in Bible give us better understanding of the Almighty God. -------------------------------------------------------- Paul Roos -------------------------------------------------------- A1) Certainly Jesus suffered poor treatment by his brethren, starting inside his own family. The Bible tells that he was rejected by his brothers and the people of His home town. He was also rejected by the religious leaders of His time, the learned ones who should have recognized Him. Christ did not live in a place that was the center of the world or even the center of Israel. Moses lived in land that was possessed by the ungodly as well and then he moved to a land that was barren and deserted. The work of Moses was the physical salvation of the people of Israel. With the power of God he delivered them out of bondage and to the doorstep of the promised land. Christ provides for our physical and spiritual salvation by his death and resurrection. In a way Moses provided for spiritual salvation by bringing the Law into the knowledge base of the Israelites and then they could see how "short" they were and seek God by faith. But, obviously, he was not the savior. Each achieved the result God would have them to achieve. The physical delivery of the Israelites to the promised land and the spiritual delivery of all who believe in Christ to heaven, our "promised land." A2) We constantly marvel at the stupidity of the Israelites. After all God had just performed a mighty miracle by bringing them out of Egypt with riches beyond imagination and now they are turning their backs on God. I submit that we do this today. They turned away in their hearts first and the result was a physical manifestation of the attitude of the heart. The penalty: loss of the promise and death in the desert. Still? While we are forgiven our sins we must suffer the penalty that the consequences bring about. Let's say we were operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. We got into an accident. While God forgives us for our drunkenness, He does not rescue us from the punishment that the court may administer. A3) His likeness came from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We can ask for the filling to keep up because the there is no limit to how much we can have, therefore, ask for a lot of "Holy Spirit." We can follow his example by learning the Scriptures (he must have been a learned man to deliver such a speech) and learn how to defend the faith when asked (as a matter of fact, Paul tells us to be ready for this in I Peter 3:15). And we can learn to count it a blessing, a privilege, an honor, to suffer for His matchless name. Directing Questions ======================== STUDY 8 Acts 8:1-25 ======================== STUDY 8 Acts 8:1-25 1)What were the results for the church of Stephen's witness (a) in suffering (see 8: I, 3), and (b) in expansion (see 8:4, 5; 11:19,20)? Notice what God can do through one man fully yielded to His service. 2)Measure the success of Phillip's ministry in Samaria by the difficulties-with which he had to contend Cf Ja. 4:9. To what was his success due? Cf Jn. 14: 12; Acts 1: 8. What results followed when the power of God was manifested? See verses 6, 18-21. In what ways should such a record make us give heed? 3)Simon was intellectually convinced of the truth and power of the gospel but his heart was unchanged. How did this come to light? In what ways is it right ~ wrong for us to covet the power of God's Spirit? -------------------------------------------------------- Comments from Acts 8: -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr -------------------------------------------------------- 1- The disciples mourned for Stephen, but carried on his legacy. Saul may have spread the apostles physically, however they were all one in their efforts to spread God's word. 2- Through the power of the Holy Spirit Philip was able to reach others through the various miracles that were performed. We can only reach people who through their own free will have an open heart. 3- Simon thought he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit. It is right for us to seek God's power in our lives to be more Christ like. However, it is wrong to use God's power to manipulate and control for one's own purposes. -------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------------------- 1) The early church suffered greatly, but also experienced a renewing zeal to preach the gospel, proclaim Christ, and eventually brought the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2) Phillip's ministry was greatly blessed because he was operating under the influence of the power of the Holy Spirit. The multitudes paid attention and great joy filled the city when God's power was manifested. 3) Simon thought he could purchase the power of God with money - a foolish notion. We should desire the power of God's Spirit, but not for our own personal gain, rather to build his body the Church. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 8:26-40 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Directing Questions =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ACTS 8:26-40 1)Note how much of active interest and response the Ethiopian was already showing before Phillip met him. What more did he need before he was able to go 'on his way rejoincing'? What similar aids may we we in order to find God and to discover more of His truth for ourselves? 2)Learn from Philip (a) the qualities needed and the methods used by, one man when leading another person to trust Christ. Are you willing to be sent on such an errand (verses 26, 29)? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 8:26-40 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1- The Ethiopian needed to be baptized. We can find out more about God through scripture, other believers, the church and the Holy Spirit. 2- To give up everything to follow Christ is one in which I hope I am prepared for. I need to "walk the talk." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) The Ethiopian was already very primed to hear the gospel. He was curious and anxious to learn. It makes me think that sometimes those in this world we meet are primed and ready too, but how many times do we hesitate to share the gift of the Truth we possess? The Ethiopian was lacking only one thing, and that was someone to let assist him in discovering the truth in the bible. When we lack understanding of scripture, we have so many resources to turn to especially in this day and age. I never cease to be amazed by the advanced technology of our age, yet with all of the technology we still have societal problems because people in this day and age have that God shaped vacucum in their lives that can only be filled by a relationship with Jesus Christ. 2) The qualities required to be used to lead another to Christ are: - Obedience to God's call and follow his directions v 26,29 - A proximity to non-believer's in our "world"/mission field. v 29 - An understanding of the basic principles of salvation This comes only through reading the word and wrestling with it daily. The methods used by Philip were: - allowing the unbeliever to ask him about the way of salvation - establishing some form of relationship with the unbeliever to make presentation of the gospel more readily accepted. My prayer and watchverse is this: I Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord (That I put Christ first in my life) Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (That I study and know His word so as to set my heart on Him and be ready) But do this with gentleness and respect. (That I know how to apply the word to different situations so as to gently deliver the "gift" without just throwing a wrapped box at someone's head and expecting them to get it and accept it, but rather establishing a relationship with that person to build a reason to be giving them a gift) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) BAC: It is interesting how the Ethiopian was hiimself already, obviously a seeker of God. That seems to be the key reason, in my opinion, that the Spirit directed Philip to approach him. (We also could look for those who are open-hearted to the Word, to witness an dminister Christ to them.) He needed not only salvation, but baptism as well to go on his way rejoicing. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. I think we need more of the Holy Spirit in our ministry of Christ. In this way, God will be the one working through and in us, and we will not "cramp His style", so to speak. Christ will be made known, an glorified, in the way which is pleasing to God and directed by His Spirit. 2) It is a daunting task, therefore we must use God's strength and not our own. our own strength is never, never has been and never will be sufficient. Though we are not able, GOD IS ABLE. We must put it in prayer; pray for those we would witness to, and ask God for the insight on how to do it. Also, study of the Word, like we're doing, is a major stepping stone, I believe. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 9:1-25 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Acts 9:1-25 1) What task was Ananias given to do? In what way is he an example of the help we can give to a recently converted person? 2) Comparing verse 31 with 6: 7, notice how the church had extended its boundaries. Notice, also, the two marks of healthy spiritual life that are especially mentioned in verse 31. Are these marks, together with those seen in Paul's life (Question i), found in yours? 3) Compare the Jewish opposition and the Christian fellowship that Paul experienced at Damascus (verses 22-25) and Jerusalem (verses 2&30). May becoming a Christian today still give a person new enemies and new friends? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 9:1-25 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -------------------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr -------------------------------------------------------------------- The story of Saul is one about someone who began as the bitterest enemy the gospel had. Saul/Paul was on his way to Damascus when the Lord struck him down and transformed his life. You just never know who the Lord will call on to carry on the great commission. I believe we all are part of God's plan in some way. I know many believers have said certain things and different situations that have helped confirm my faith and the direction I should be heading. --------------------------------------------------------------------- James Chao --------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 8 led us to know how the Lord allowed the persecution happened in Jerusalem so that salvation reached out to Samaria - a race that has no communication with Jews. Then, it reaches to the ones who have no hope in this life - the eunuch. Finally, even the persecutor will be persecuted, 9:25, to start his ministry. It is amazing that each one of them needs some believers to lay hands on them to receive Holy Spirit. AMAZING GRACE !!!!!! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Ananias was to be the one who would restore Saul / now Paul's sight and baptize him. We must be willing to accept any who have proclaimed Christ as Lord and Saviour and be willing to come along side them and lift them up and assist them in learning more about Christ. 2) In v31 the church is strengthened, encouraged, grows and experiences peace due to the Holy Spirit's power. In 6:7 there is a growth in the church and also a time of reformation/renewing of relationships among the priest back to Christ. 3) Becoming a Christian today does put many people 'against' us. It is our duty to respond with the love of Christ and to deliver the message to them with gentleness and respect. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 9:26-43 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Acts 9:26-43 1) What evidences do you find in these verses that a widespread revival was going on at this time, and that Christ, dwelling in His people, still moved among men as Saviour, Teacher, Healer and Friend? What prayer ought such a record to stir us to pray? 2) How do you picture Dorcas? What ideals of Christian character and service are exemplified in her? Can you find ways to go and do likewise? 3) Peter continues to heal in the name of the Lord Jesus. (a) Cf also 3: 6-7, 16; 4:30; S: 12-16; 6:8 and 8:6, 7 for other examples. (b) Peter was experiencing what Christ had promised in Jn. 14: 12. Peter believed the promises of Christ and experienced the co-operating power of God the Spirit. The question is-Do we? And if not, why not? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 9:26-43 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) These examples of healing show how the disciples had appropriated the great power of the Holy Spirit to perform work as Christ had performed while on Earth. We should be praying for an overfilling of the HS as well. Not for the miracles and wonders, but for the power itself to build the church, not edify ourselves. 2) She was always helping others and thinking of them before herself. A selfless individual who served out of love for Christ. In our "ME" first egocentric society we need to live lives such as Dorcas, in service to our fellow believers and those unbelievers around us as well. 3) I believe that we sometimes sell God short and have such a view of a 'tiny' God who can't do much. We need to change our view of God and see Him as the Awesome prayer answering, skill enabling, power providing, Majestic, powerful loving Father He really is. Perhaps the reason for this limited view is that we have little faith. Jesus said in Matthew 17:14-20 [14] When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. [15] "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. [16] I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."[17] "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." [18] Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.[19] Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" [20] He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. " -------------------------------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Saul/Paul was preaching that "Jesus is the Son of God", and it says he grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ! The church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria was strengthened and filled with the Holy Spirit and grew in number. Those who saw the healing of Aeneas turned to the Lord, as well as Dorcas' being brought back to life became known all over Joppa and caused many to believe. We should pray to be filled with salt and light that we might cause others to believe, not necessarily by healings and miracles, but by the attractiveness of Christ in us and the sincerity of our faith. 2) As a young woman, I feel Tabitha/Dorcas is a role model and hope to be like her in some ways. Doing good and helping the poor to me is a part of Christian life. Although perhaps I would not make robes an clothing like Dorcas, we each have our "called ministry" of service to the Lord. It is interesting to me that she actually died and yet was brought back to life! She must have been useful to The Lord. 3) It is absolutely amazing and AWESOME to me the power that God gave to Peter to heal in the name of THe Lord Jesus. People even wanted just his shadow to pass by them. That is being filled with God's power! If we are able to tap into God's power, what great things we could do too! If only we can stop worrying about our own strength being sufficient, and consider that GOD IS ABLE to work in us through the name of Jesus Christ. One reason we might not be able to believe and experience as Peter did is that we lack in faith and trust. Perhaps we have confidence in ourselves sometimes, but do we have confidence in God? My personal walk seems sometimes to be that of a "closet Christian". I rejoice in Christ in my spiritual comfort zone, but feel just stifled when I get out with unbelievers. However, this is just the place where the greatest difference should be apparent. I am praying to become a more effective witness, to be Christ's salt and light. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 10 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Acts 10 1)See Notes 1 and 2 Contrast the two towns of Joppa and Caesarea, and the two men and Cornelius. The scene is now set for the Gentiles to receive the gospel. Whose intervention was necessary to bring it about? Whom ought we to thank for our reception of the gospel? 2)How did God teach new truths to both Peter and Cornelius? Notice the prejudice that had to be removed and the obedience that was shown. Are you also willing to obey God when He teaches you something new and different from your natural prejudice or preference? 3) What new truth had Peter learned from the vision? See verses 34,35, and verse 28. Notice that the work could not develop until Peter had learned this. Is our unwillingness to learn some divinely-revealed truth hindering God's work in and through us? 4) When Peter addressed Jews, what truths did he use to awaken their conscience (412:36 and 3: j3-i5)?What truth did he use now? Do you find any other indications in this address that it was spoken before a Gentile audience? What ought we to learn from these features concerning our presentation of the gospel to non-Christians? NOTES 1 9: 43. mis verse really belongs to the Cornelius story. Joppa was a very Jewish town, loyal to ancient tradition; Caesarca was a semi-pagan city, modelled on Rome. 2 10: 1. Cornelius was a Gentile and a God-fearer, who joined with tile ]ewish worship, without becoming a proselyte. 3 10:4. 'As a memorial': the word is that used in Lv. 2:2 in connection with the remembrance offering. The angel's message assures Cornelius that though, in his uncircumcision, he had no share in the sacrifices of the Temple, yet his prayers and alms were acceptable before God. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 10 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -------------------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr -------------------------------------------------------------------- God brings together all races. Everyone becomes filled with the Holy Spirit if we have a heart for Jesus Christ. God said to Peter, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." From the ivory towers of corporate America to the jungles of Burkina, we all have the opportunity to receive the gift of salvation by accepting the Gospel. After we hear the Gospel, it is up to us to accept or reject Christ. God gave us free will to experience great joy. However, with free will there is also the temptation to turn to evil. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Joppa was a town steeped in tradition, versus Caesarea which was a "hip", with-it, fast paced city. The intervention of the Roman government was necessary for the Gospel to come to the Gentiles(all of us non-Jews). 2) God broke down the walls of learned traditions and ways of thinking that would have separated the two men. BOTH men were willing to break down the barriers and to be obedient to the calling they received. 3) Peter learned that God is not a 'respecter of persons' but accepts men from all nations. He also learned that sometimes Earthly laws/traditions must be crossed to reach people for the Lord. 4) Peter presented things in a way that was understood by his audience. We too must adapt our thinking to accomodate the understanding of non-Christians. From this chapter we see the Universality of the Gospel. It is for all men, to know and receive Christ as Saviour. We must accept all persons into the body of Christ with open arms. There must be no prejudices based on ethnicity, class, or education. We must reach out to those "undesirables" - as Dave Schroeder describes the ones whom we would not normally associate with in his "Follow Me" book. Only when we truly come together with open arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters bound together in the one true God through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ will we see the power of the Holy Spirit active and alive in the body of Christ. This unity as expressed in earlier chapters is once again stressed. It is a common thread throughout the book of Acts to this point. I imagine it will continue to be prevalent in the continuing chapters. It is an essential point for us to nail down and put into practice in our daily Christian lives. -------------------------------------------------------------------- James Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enlightening verses in Acts 9:26 through 10:48: Acts 9:27 - BUT BARNABAS TOOK HIM AND BROUGHT HIM TO THE APOSTLES, --- The Lord gave the first century church not only Peter, John and Paul but also Barnabas and others. While no one dared to take Saul as their co-worker, there is a man, 9:27, who has vision and loving heart to accept Saul/Paul and keep him in God's house. Later on, even Paul would not give Mark a second chance for the Kingdom service, Barnabas did, Acts 15:38-39. God honors Barnabas' decision, II Tim. 4:11. 10:47-48: CAN ANYONE FORBID WATER, THAT THESE SHOULD NOT BE BAPTIZED WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT JUST AS WE HAVE? ---------. The Gentile believers received and baptized in the Holy Spirit in Cornelius house just as the Jesish believers did on the day of Pentecost, 2:4. It signifies that Jews and Gentiles are serving the living God as one body. In Matt. 28:19-20, it is the Lord's instruction "BAPTIZING THEM INTO THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, -----