Acts Study Handouts ALL (D.E.Cooke)

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 1: We Are His Witnesses

May 12th, AD 2006

www.eslbiblestudy.org © 2006, David T. E. S. Cooke

COMING EVENTS May 12th — New ESL Bible Study Series: Acts—Lesson 1 May 19th — Acts—Lesson 2 May 26th & 27th — Bruce Peninsula Retreat (no class) MOTHER’S DAY — SUNDAY, MAY 14TH Mother’s Day is a special day to remember and celebrate mothers. Mother’s Day is observed every year on the second Sunday of May. The Bible tells us that we must honour our mothers (Ephesians 6:1-3). Motherhood is a high calling from God. God has given women alone the privilege and responsibility of being a mother. Not every woman takes this call-ing seriously, but those who do are greatly blessed. What is so special about a mother?

A mother bring new life into this world. A mother loves and nurtures her children as no one else can. A mother shapes the thinking and attitudes of the next generation. A mother is pivotal in leading her children to the Lord Jesus.

1. What is your mother like? Describe her character. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Describe one important thing your mother did for you when you were a child. ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. How will you celebrate Mother’s Day? ______________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION TO ACTS The Book of Acts is the history of the Christian Church. It is an exciting, action-packed account. In Acts, we will learn about what happened to Jesus' followers after their Master returned to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit upon them. We will see how these first Christians took the Good News about Jesus Christ everywhere, and how the Church of God began to grow. People from every nation and language began to hear about Jesus and trust in Him. Lives were changed. Truth, righteousness, faith, and repentance were spreading all over this sinful world. Jesus was building His Church, and no one could stop it!


1. What is an “act”? What is an “action”? ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Why is this Book called “Acts”? ______________________________________________________________________________

Acts records the Acts of Jesus by His Spirit through His Apostles.

STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 1:1-11 (NIV) 1. Who is the author of Acts? See Luke 1:1-4. 2. What was the “former Book” (Luke) written about? 3. What is the “current Book” (Acts) written about? 4. Who are the apostles? What did these apostles see after Jesus’ suffering? 5. For how long was Jesus with His apostles? 6. What did Jesus tell His apostles to wait for? When will this happen? 7. What did the apostles ask Jesus? Did they understand? 8. What does Jesus mean when He says, “It is not for you to know the times…”? 9. What should the apostles focus on? What should they do? 10. Where should they go to tell people about Jesus? 1. __________________________________ 2. __________________________________ 3. __________________________________ 4. __________________________________ 11. What happened to Jesus after He spoke these things? 12. What were the apostles doing? 13. Who talked to the apostles? What did these “two men” say? 14. What did the angels say would happen to Jesus? See Revelation 1:7,8. MEMORY VERSE

Acts 1:8 (NIV) “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth.”

— Will you be Jesus’ witness? —

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 1: We Are His Witnesses

May 12th, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 2: Replacing Judas Iscariot

May 19th, AD 2006


NEW TESTAMENT TIMELINE 4 BC 27 AD 30 AD ...3 DAYS ...40 DAYS ...10 DAYS Incarnation Baptism Death Resurrection Ascension Pentecost Jesus comes down Jesus is Jesus Jesus rises from Jesus returns Jesus sends the from heaven baptized dies the dead to heaven Holy Spirit

QUALIFICATIONS Every worker has qualifications. A qualification is an ability, talent, or characteristic that makes a person suitable for a particular job. A person must have certain qualifications in order to do a certain job. 1. What is your current job, or the job you had in your homeland? ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. List five qualifications for this job: 1. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________ 4. _______________________________________ 5. _______________________________________ STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 1:12-26 (NIV) 1. Where did Jesus ascend? After Jesus ascended, what did His disciples do? 2. Which disciples were there? Who was not there? 3. What was everyone doing at that time? 4. Do you think it was good for them to do this? Why or why not? 5. Whom does Peter speak to? 6. What does Peter say about Judas Iscariot? 7. Was Judas a believer? Why or why not? 8. What happened to Judas? 9. Did Judas himself buy that field? See Matt. 27:3-10. 10. What does the Book of Psalms say about Judas?


11. Is it important for someone to replace Judas? Why? 12. What are the qualifications to be an apostle? 1. _________________________ 2. _________________________ 3. _________________________ 13. Can someone be an apostle today? 14. Who was qualified to be an apostle? 15. How did they decide on which man? 16. Who made the final decision to choose Matthias? 17. Why did they have to cast lots? 18. How should we make decisions today? MEMORY VERSE

Acts 1:14 (NIV) — “They all joined together constantly in prayer.”

Mount of Olives (1 km east of Jerusalem)

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 2: Replacing Judas Iscariot

May 19th, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 3: The Holy Spirit Comes

June 2nd, AD 2006


BRUCE PENINSULA RETREAT We praise God for a wonderful retreat up the Bruce Peninsula last weekend! The Lord gave us sunshine, safety, good fellowship, and an exciting adventure as we explored Cypress Lake, Tobermory, Port Elgin, Kincardine, and many other places. We learned a lot from the greatness and beauty of the natural world. We look forward to our next retreat and thank all those who came out! UNDERSTANDING THE NATURAL WORLD There are two different (and opposite) beliefs about nature: Evolution and Creation. Evolutionists and Creationists look at nature in completely different ways. Let’s answer the following questions based on these different beliefs. Evolution v. Creation 1. Where does nature come from? __________________ __________________ 2. What does nature teach us? Time-chance-death Romans 1:20 3. Why is nature imperfect? __________________ __________________ 4. When was nature formed? __________________ ~4004 BC; 2468 BC Overall, Creation (as we learn in the Bible) offers us a clearer, more logical, and more satisfying explanation of all that we see in nature. STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 2:1-21 (NIV) 1. What day is it? 2. Is there a day like Pentecost in Canada today? 3. What are the disciples doing on Pentecost? 4. What do the disciples hear and see? (Two things) 5. What happens when they see and hear these things? See John 14:16,17. 6. What does the Holy Spirit do? 7. Why are there different languages in the world? See Genesis 11:1-9. 8. Who else is in Jerusalem on Pentecost? 9. What did these foreigners do? Why? 10. What did they think? Why? What would you think?


11. Why are the foreigners so amazed? 12. What are the disciples saying in these different languages? 13. Why do you think the Holy Spirit is doing this? See John 15:26,27. 14. Do the foreigners understand why this is happening? What do some say? 15. What does Peter do? 16. How does Peter explain everything? 17. What is the purpose of this outpouring? 18. What will happen on the Day of the Lord? 19. How can we be saved? 20. What is the name of the Lord? See Philippians 2:9-11. MEMORY VERSE Acts 2:21 (NIV) — “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 3: The Holy Spirit Comes

June 2nd, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 4: Peter’s Pentecost Sermon

June 9th, AD 2006


VOCABULARY Pronounce and define the following. Indicate part of speech (v/n/adj/adv). 1. abandon 5. oath 2. accredit 6. patriarch 3. agony 7. sign 4. foreknowledge 8. wonder SENTENCE COMPREHENSION Read the following sentences aloud. Explain their meaning and emphasis. 1. I visited the disciples’ house. 2. I visited the disciple’s house. 3. I visited the house of the disciples. 4. I visited a house of the disciples. 5. I visited a house of disciples. 6. I visited the house for the disciples. 7. I visited the house from the disciples. 8. I visited the disciples at the house. 9. I visited the house where the disciples were. 10. I visited the house with the disciples. (2 meanings)


STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 2:22-39 (NIV) 1. Whom is Peter speaking to? 2. What type of Man is Jesus? 3. What happened to Jesus? Why did this happen? See Isaiah 53:10. 4. After Jesus died on the Cross, did He stay dead? Why not? 5. Who was David? Whom did David write about? 6. What do you think David was saying about Jesus? See Psalms 16:8-11. 7. How do you know David wasn’t talking about himself? 8. What Did God promise David? 9. After Jesus died, what happened to Jesus’ soul? What happened to His body? 10. How do we know what David wrote truly happened to Jesus? 11. If Jesus did not rise, would the Spirit have come? 12. What would it mean for us? See Romans 8:11. 13. What is another difference between David and Jesus? 14. Whom does God say Jesus is? 15. How did the Jewish people respond to Peter’s sermon? 16. What should they do? 17. What will happen if they do this? 18. Who else can have these benefits? MEMORY VERSE Acts 2:39 (NIV) — “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Remember: Quiz next week!

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 4: Peter’s Pentecost Sermon

June 9th, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 5: Living the Christian Life

June 16th, AD 2006


VOCABULARY Pronounce and define the following. Indicate part of speech (v/n/adj/adv). 1. warn 5. devote yourself 2. corrupt 6. possessions 3. plead 7. temple 4. awe 8. sincere STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 2:38-47 (NIV) 1. How do I become a Christian? 2. What are the benefits of becoming a Christian? 3. Who can become a Christian? 4. How does Peter warn and plead with the people? 5. Why is this generation corrupt? See Isaiah 5:20-23. 6. How can we “save ourselves”? 7. How many people were saved on Pentecost? 8. What are four things that the Christians did? 1. ______________________ 2. ______________________ 3. ______________________ 4. ______________________ 9. What happened as a result of all this? 10. Should we expect to see the same miracles today? 11. How did the Christians take care of each other? See 1 John 4:20,21. 12. Where did the Christians meet? 13. How did the Christians feel? 14. What did God do as a result? RELATIONSHIPS The Christian life is all about relationships. List four key relationships: 1. Me and ______________________ 2. Me and ______________________ 3. Me and ______________________ 4. Me and ______________________


MEMORY VERSE Acts 2:42 (NIV) — “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Thank you for attempting today’s quiz!

God bless you!

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 5: Living the Christian Life

June 16th, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 6: Jesus’ Name Heals Us

June 23rd, AD 2006


VOCABULARY Pronounce and define the following. Indicate part of speech (v/n/adj/adv). 1. alms 5. ankle 2. cripple 6. foot 3. attention 7. recognize 4. jump 8. beggar WOMB TO TOMB There are many different stages and conditions of human life. However, no matter what the stage or condition, every human life is a gift from God, and is loved by God! Provide the term for the stage or condition listed below: 1. A person before he is born. __________________ __________________ 2. A person who is three months old. __________________ __________________ 3. A person who is just learning to walk. __________________ 4. A male person who is between 0 and 12 years old. __________________ 5. A female person who is between 0 and 12 years old. __________________ 6. A person who is between 13 and 19 years old. __________________ 7. A person who is unmarried. __________________ __________________ 8. A person who cannot walk. __________________ __________________ 9. A person who learns slowly. __________________ __________________ 10. A person who has irrational thoughts. __________________ 11. A person who is between 35 and 45 years old. __________________ 12. A person who is over 55 years old. __________________ __________________ 13. A person who has passed on. __________________ STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 3:1-26 (NIV) 1. Who are Peter and John? What were they doing? 2. Describe the other person in our passage? How did he get to the temple? 3. Was he going to the temple to pray? 4. What do you think of this cripple? Is his life “a waste”? 5. What did the cripple do when he saw Peter and John? 6. What did he think they would give him? 7. What do you think they will do? 8. Why does Peter not give the cripple money? 9. What does Peter do for the cripple?


10. How did the cripple react? 11. What did the other people in the temple think? 12. What did the other people in the temple do? 13. What does Peter say to them? 14. Who healed this cripple? 15. Why would Jesus heal a cripple? Did Jesus think his life was “a waste”? 16. Was it good or bad that this man had been crippled? See 2 Cor. 12:9,10. 17. How did Jesus heal the cripple? 18. Who had faith in Jesus? See James 5:15. MEMORY VERSE 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV) — “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 6: Jesus’ Name Heals Us

June 23rd, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 7: Jesus’ Power in Pathetic

People — July 7th, AD 2006


VOCABULARY Pronounce and define the following. Indicate part of speech (v/n/adj/adv). 1. disturbed 5. captain 2. astonished 6. priest 3. proclaim 7. ruler 4. ordinary 8. elder LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT There are three levels of government in this country. What are they? Where do they govern? Who leads each government? Level Place Leader’s Title Leader’s Name 1. ______________: ______________ ______________ _________________ 2. ______________: ______________ ______________ _________________ 3. ______________: ______________ ______________ _________________ Next week we will learn about what each level of government does. STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 4:1-22 (NIV) 1. What were Peter and John doing after the cripple was healed? 2. Who came up to Peter and John? 3. What did they do to the two apostles? 4. Why were the apostles arrested? What was their crime? 5. Why do you think Jesus’ resurrection was a problem? 6. What did the people at the temple think about all this? See 1 Cor. 1:26,27. 7. How has the Church grown since Jesus’ resurrection?

____________ → ____________ → ____________ 8. What happened on the next day? 9. What did they ask the apostles? 10. Was it a fair trial? 11. How would you feel if you were on trial?


12. Whom did Peter say healed the cripple? 13. Was Peter afraid? How do you know? 14. Should we be afraid to tell anyone about Jesus? See Luke 12:11,12. 15. Who is Jesus? 16. How can we be saved and healed? 17. Are there other ways to be saved and healed? See John 14:6. 18. Why were the Jewish leaders astonished? 19. What made the difference in Peter and John’s lives? 20. What can make the difference in your life? 21. What did the Council say to Peter and John? Why? 22. What did the Council do? 23. What was their problem? 24. What did they decide to do to the apostles? 25. Will Peter and John stop telling people about Jesus? 26. Is it right for them to disobey the government? 27. What did the council do to the apostles in the end? MEMORY VERSE Acts 4:12 (NIV) — “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 7: Jesus’ Power in Pathetic

People — July 7th, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 8: Sovereign over Suffering

July 14th, AD 2006


DEFINITIONS For each definition choose the correct term out of the following list:

ruler, elder, older, pastor, priest, captain, consider, confuse, contemplate, conspire, report, relieve, release, describe, tremble, shake.

1. To let go or set free. ________________ 2. To give a complete description of what took place. ________________ 3. To violently jostle. ________________ 4. The leader of a clan. ________________ 5. A leader in the army or police. ________________ 6. A leader in the Jewish temple. ________________ 7. The leader of a country. ________________ 8. For a group of people to make plans against someone. ________________ 9. To evaluate a situation. ________________ FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT It is important to understand how the Canadian government works and what each level of government does. Identify which level of government has the following functions (below):

1. Federal 2. Provincial 3. Municipal A. Pays a person who loses his job. (Employment Insurance). B. Gives money to a poor person. (Welfare). C. Pays parents for having children. (Baby Bonus/Child Tax Benefit). D. Paves the roads. E. Allows you to go to the hospital for free. (OHIP). F. Takes away your garbage. G. Issues a baby’s birth certificate. H. Processes new immigrants. I. Issues drivers’ licences. J. Issues a licence to allow people to marry. K. Provides official weather information. L. Runs the army. M. Runs the police. STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 4:23-33 (NIV)


1. After they were released, what did Peter and John do? 2. How did the believers feel when they heard about what had happened? 3. What did the believers do? 4. How do the believers describe God in prayer? See Colossians 1:15,16. 5. How do the believers describe the nations and peoples of this earth? 6. What happened to Jesus because of the people? 7. Who was responsible for killing Jesus? 8. Are you and I also responsible for killing Jesus? 9. If Jesus died because of us, what should we do? 10. Was God defeated when Jesus died? See Romans 5:6-8. 11. What do the believers pray for? 12. Do you think they are asking for trouble? 13. What happened after they prayed? 14. Is this the first time that the Spirit filled the believers? 15. Describe the believers at that time. 16. What did the apostles do?

We will have a quiz next week!

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 8: Sovereign over Suffering

July 14th, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 9: A Father’s Discipline

July 21st, AD 2006


QUIZ ON LESSONS 5-8 All the best on your quiz today! God bless you! PRONUNCIATION, STRESS, & RHYME Practice your speaking skills using the famous children’s poem, “Three Lit-tle Kittens.” PARENTAL DISCIPLINE There are many different opinions over how to discipline a child. Every par-ent has his/her own ideas. Cultures vary concerning disciplinary techniques. Some believe discipline should never be used at all! How would you discipline your child if he/she did something wrong? The following are some disciplinary techniques used by Christians: 1. Reprimand — “No!”; “Stop!”; “Don’t do that!”; “That’s wrong!”; “That’s a sin!” 2. Convict — Lay guilt trip; “Nice people don’t do that”; “I’m so disappointed.” 3. Threat — “If you do that again, I’m going to punish you!” 4. Removal of privileges — No allowance for a week; no TV for a day; no dessert. 5. Assignment of chores — Must do some undesirable or difficult task. 6. Grounding or detention — Must stay in room; not allowed to go outside. 7. Corporal punishment — Spank; rap knuckles (not in anger). STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 4:34-5:11 (NIV) 1. How many disciples were poor? 2. Why were there no disciples who were needy? 3. How would you describe the Christians? See John 13:34,35. 4. Who is Joseph? 5. What did Barnabas do? 6. Did Barnabas have to sell his field? Must Christians sell their possessions? 7. Who are Ananias and Sapphira? 8. What did they do? 9. Is there anything wrong with what they did? 10. What did they do wrong? 11. Who is the Holy Spirit? Where is the Holy Spirit? 12. How could they lie to the Holy Spirit?


13. Why would they lie like this? 14. Why is it a sin to impress people with your giving? See Matthew 6:1-4. 15. How did Peter know that they had sinned? 16. What happened to Ananias after Peter reprimanded him? 17. Why do you think he dropped dead? 18. How did the other believers feel when this happened? 19. What does this teach you about God? See Hebrews 12:5,6. 20. What happened three hours later? 21. What did Peter want to know? 22. What did Sapphira tell Peter? 23. What happened to Sapphira? 24. How did believers and unbelievers react? 25. Can this still happen today? See 1 Corinthians 11:30-32. MEMORY VERSE Leviticus 19:2 (NIV) — “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 9: A Father’s Discipline

July 21st, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 10: The Unstoppable Gospel

August 11th, AD 2006


SYNONYMS Match up words that have a similar meaning. (Note: verbs go with verbs, nouns with nouns, adjectives with adjectives). natural confused puzzled normal believers supernatural miraculous disciples arrest accept believe wonder persecute imprison marvel harass THE GOSPEL 1. What does the word “Gospel” mean? 2. What is the Gospel? 3. Where do you find the Gospel? 4. Who is the Gospel for? 5. What should we do with the Gospel? STUDYING GOD’S WORD Acts 5:12-24 (NIV) 1. What were the apostles doing at this time? How did they do these miracles? Why did they do these miracles? 2. What is special about “Solomon’s Colonnade”? 3. What were the people’s two different reactions to the apostles? 4. What did the people do next? 5. What was special about Peter’s shadow? 6. Where did people come from to see the apostles? 7. Who were the high priests and his associates? 8. How did they feel about the apostles? 9. What did they do to the apostles? See 2 Timothy 3:12.


10. What happened during the night? 11. What did the angel want the apostles to do? 12. What is the message of this new life? See John 11:25,26. 13. What did the apostles do? 14. Why does it mention that they went at daybreak? 15. What did the Jewish leaders do? 16. What problem did they have? 17. What was so surprising about the jail? 18. How did the Jewish leaders react? How should they have reacted?

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 10: The Unstoppable Gospel


The Story of Alexander Duff’s Bible There was a Christian missionary by the name of Alexander Duff. In 1829, Duff set sail from Scotland to bring the Gospel to India. Along the way, his ship hit a reef only several miles away from his destination. The ship was totally wrecked. By the grace of God, Duff and his companions escaped with their lives – though just barely. All of Duff’s clothes and possessions were lost. Even his library of 800 books was swept out to sea. Later, Duff stood by the shore, feeling bad about his loss. He looked out with great sadness toward the reef where his ship was wrecked. However, as he was doing this, he spotted some-thing in the water. There was a small object floating to shore. Duff retrieved the object and discovered it was his Bible! Duff’s heart soared! God preserved the most important thing for Duff’s work – He preserved His Word. That Word was what the people of India needed most. God would not allow His Word to perish!

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 11: A Higher Standard



STANDARD What is a standard? Can you give some examples? ______________________________________________________________________________ STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 5:25-42 (NIV) 1. What were the apostles doing in the temple? Why is this surprising? 2. What happened when the apostles were discovered in the temple? 3. How were the apostles arrested? Why? 4. Could the apostles have refused to be arrested? 5. What are the two accusations against the apostles? 1. ____________________________ 2. ____________________________ 6. What would happen if you disobeyed the government in Canada? What would happen if you disobeyed the government in your homeland? 7. What do you know about Peter? What is he famous for? 8. What is different about Peter now? 9. What does Peter mean when he says we should obey God rather than men? 10. Why do the apostles feel so confident teaching about Jesus even though it is illegal? 11. How did the Jewish leaders feel about what the apostles said? 12. Who is Gamaliel? What does he do? 13. What advice does Gamaliel give the Council? 14. What did the Council think about Gamaliel’s speech? 15. What did the Council do to the apostles? 1. ____________________________ 2. ____________________________ 3. ____________________________ 16. After the apostles were flogged and released, how did they feel? 17. Why would they rejoice after facing so much pain and suffering? MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 55:8,9 (NIV) – “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.’”


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 11: A Higher Standard


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 12: Serving in the Church

September 8th, AD 2006


PEOPLE SERVING IN THE CHURCH What are some different ways that people can serve in the Church? ______________________________________________________________________________ There are two “offices” in the Church. What are they? What do they do? 1. _________________________ 2. _________________________ MEMORY VERSE REVIEW: Isaiah 55:8,9 (NIV) – “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” QUIZ: There will be a brief quiz next week! Please review lessons 9, 10, 11, & 12. STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 6:1-7 (NIV) 1. How many people believed in Jesus at this time? 2. How was the Christian Church growing at this time? 3. What was happening in the Church? What were the two groups? 4. Do you ever complain about anything? Is this good or bad? See Phil. 2:14,15. 5. What was the complaint in the Church? 6. Why do you think they were being overlooked? 7. Who are “the Twelve”? 8. What is it “not right” for the apostles to do? What does this mean? 9. How can they solve this problem? 10. What are the qualifications for these “deacons”? 11. Who chooses these “deacons”? 12. What was the main job of the apostles? (Two things) 13. What did everyone think of what the apostles suggested? 14. Who were the seven men that the Church chose? 15. What did the apostles then do for these men? 16. What does it mean to lay on hands? 17. Was this solution a success or a failure? Why? 18. What do you think Satan thought of this? Satan tries to stop Christianity, the Church, and believers using three tactics:

1. Violence, persecution, and suffering. 2. Corruption, immorality, and lies. 3. Distraction from goals and mission.


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 12: Serving in the Church


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 13: Christians Face Rejection



QUIZ: Thank you for taking part in today’s quiz and attempting all the ques-tions. Your studying, hard work, and faithfulness will pay off! God bless you all. STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 6:8-7:1 (NIV) 1. Who is Stephen? V. 5. 2. What did Stephen do? How did he do this? 3. Did everyone like what Stephen was doing? 4. Who were the people who opposed Stephen? 5. What did these men do with Stephen? 6. What was the outcome of this debate with Stephen? 7. What do you think the unbelieving Jews will do? 8. What did the unbelieving Jews do? 9. What is “blasphemy”? 10. What did they do to the people and the Jewish leaders? 11. What happened to Stephen? See Luke 21:12,13. 12. Who spoke in the Sanhedrin? 13. What did the false witnesses say? 14. Did Jesus come to change the Law? See Matthew 5:17,18. 15. Did Jesus come to destroy the Temple? See John 2:19-22. 16. What did Stephen look like? Why? 17. What did the high priest ask Stephen?

The Bible is like a lion. It doesn’t need anyone to defend it.

You just have to let it loose.


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 13: Christians Face Rejection


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 14: The First Christian Martyr

September 22nd, AD 2006


UPCOMING EVENTS Fri. Sept. 29th — No Class Fri. Oct. 6th — Special Lesson on Thanksgiving Fri. Nov. 24th — Movie on the Book of Acts Fri. Dec. 8th — Carolling in the City WORD PAIRS Identify part of speech and define: 1. Hatred/Hate 2. Murderer/Murder 3. Stoning/Stone 4. Crucifixion/Crucify 5. Persecution/Persecute 6. Martyrdom/Martyr PERSECUTION 1. What happened to the twelve apostles? 2. Case study of a martyr. 3. For more information on persecution and martyrs, see www.persecution.ca. STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 7:51-8:4 (NIV) 1. How does Stephen describe the Jewish people? What does this mean? See Deuteronomy 10:16. 2. How can this “heart problem” be fixed? See Deuteronomy 30:6. 3. Who are the Jewish people “just like”? How so? (Two ways). 4. How are the Jewish people worse than their forefathers? 5. What makes their rejection of God so bad? 6. What did the Jews think about what Stephen said? 7. How did Stephen feel? Was he scared? Why? 8. What did Stephen see? 9. Why do you think God showed him this vision? 10. When Stephen said that he saw Jesus, what did the Jews think? 11. How did the Jews stop Stephen from speaking anymore? 12. Could Stephen have prevented this situation in any way? 13. What would you do in this situation? 14. Why did Stephen not prevent this situation? 15. To whom did Stephen pray when he was being stoned? 16. What does Stephen want Jesus to do for him?


17. What is surprising about what Stephen prays for next? 18. Would you pray like this if you were being stoned? 19. What happened to Stephen after he prayed? 20. Why was Stephen willing to die for his faith in Jesus? See Mark 8:34-38. 21. What happened to the church after Stephen was stoned? 22. Who was Saul? 23. Was this persecution good or bad?

John Stott, a Bible teacher, writes, “Persecution will refine the church, but not destroy it. If it leads to prayer and praise, to an ac-knowledgement of the sovereignty of God and of solidarity with Christ in His sufferings, then – however painful – it may even be welcome.”

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 14: The First Christian Martyr

September 22nd, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 15: You Can’t Buy God!

October 13th, AD 2006


HEART IDIOMS Explain the following idioms. They all involve a play on the word “heart.” 1. A beggar holds out his hands and says, “Have a heart!” 2. That man wears his heart on his sleeve. 3. It was a heart-wrenching drama. 4. Mother prepared a hearty bowl of turkey soup. 5. He smiled and gave a hearty laugh. 6. His girlfriend suffers from a broken heart. 7. It was a heart-pounding race to the finish. 8. Mr. Smith is such a kind-hearted man. 9. She hurt him so much! How can she be so heartless! 10. Mrs. Jones has such a big heart! She thinks of everyone. 11. “I give you my heart,” the groom said to his bride. 12. My dad had a heart attack three years ago. STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 8:4-25 (NIV) 1. Who is Philip? Where did he go? 2. Who are the Samaritans? 3. What did Philip do in Samaria? 4. What did the Samaritans think about Philip? 5. Who is Simon? 6. What did Simon think of himself? 7. What did the Samaritans think of Simon? What did they call him? 8. Would you follow Simon? Why or why not? See 1 John 4:1-3. 9. What happened after the Samaritans heard Philip? 10. Did the people follow Simon or Philip? Why? See Luke 10:17-20. 11. What happened to Simon? How did Simon feel?


12. Do you think Simon is a real believer? 13. What happened in Jerusalem? 14. What did Peter and John do in Samaria? 15. What does it mean that “the Holy Spirit had not yet come”? 16. What did Simon offer Peter and John? Why? 17. Why do you think Simon wanted this ability? 18. Was this a sin or not? 19. How does Peter feel about Simon’s offer? 20. Is Simon a real believer or not? Why? 21. What should Simon do? 22. Why did Simon commit simony? 23. Does Simon repent and pray to Jesus? 24. What happened after this event? MEMORY VERSE Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 15: You Can’t Buy God!


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 16: The Ethiopian Eunuch



UPCOMING QUIZ There will be a quiz in two weeks — on November 3rd. Give it a try and improve your English and Bible knowledge! MEMORY VERSE Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” VOCABULARY Pronounce and define the following. Indicate part of speech (v/n/adj/adv). 1. angel 5. chariot 2. queen 6. deprive 3. eunuch 7. rejoice 4. prophet 8. humiliation STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 8:26-40 (NIV) 1. What did God’s angel want Philip to do? 2. Whom did he meet on this road? 3. Describe this Ethiopian eunuch’s job. 4. Why had the eunuch gone to Jerusalem? 5. Where was the eunuch going now? 6. What was the eunuch doing on his way home? 7. Who is the Spirit? 8. What did the Spirit want Philip to do? 9. Why do you think the Spirit wanted Philip to meet the eunuch? 10. Does the eunuch understand what he is reading? 11. Do you understand everything you read in the Bible? 12. How can we understand the Bible? See Romans 10:13-15. 13. Look at Isaiah 53:7,8. Whom is this talking about? 14. What do these verses tell us about Jesus? 15. Did the eunuch understand that Isaiah 53 is all about Jesus? 16. What was the eunuch’s attitude? 17. What did Philip do for the eunuch? 18. What does the eunuch ask Philip? 19. Why does he ask him this question? 20. Read v. 37 (in the footnotes). Who can be baptized?


V. 37: Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch an-swered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 21. What did Philip and the eunuch do? 22. What happened to Philip next? PHILIP “Philip was the second of the seven deacons appointed in 6:5,6. Two journeys by Philip are recorded in 8:5–13 and 8:26–40. During his first, the city of Samaria was evangelized with great success. On the second, he preached to the Ethio-pian eunuch on the road to Gaza before continuing on from Azotus to Caesarea.”

Source: Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 16: The Ethiopian Eunuch


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 17: The Conversion of Saul

November 3rd, AD 2006


QUIZ All the best on your quiz! Give it a try even if you think you don’t know all the answers. It’s a great chance to improve your English and get some input from your teachers. VOCABULARY Pronounce and define the following. Indicate part of speech (v/n/adj/adv). 1. instrument 5. arrest 2. regain 6. persecute 3. Jewish 7. murderous 4. Gentile 8. speechless STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 9:1-19 (NIV) 1. Who is Saul? See Acts 7:59-8:1. 2. What did Saul want to do in Damascus? 3. What is “the Way”? 4. Why is Christianity called “the Way”? See John 14:6. 5. What happened to Saul on the Road to Damascus? 6. Did Saul know who this was? See John 15:23. 7. Why does Jesus say Saul is persecuting Him? 8. What does Jesus want Saul to do? 9. How do you think Saul’s companions felt? 10. How do you think Saul felt? 11. What happened to Saul next? 12. Why was Saul blinded? 13. Who is Ananias? What happened to Ananias? 14. What does Jesus want Ananias to do? 15. If you were Ananias, what would you think? 16. Does Ananias want to meet Saul? 17. Why should Ananias not worry about Saul? 18. What was Saul chosen to do? 19. How does Ananias feel about Saul now? 20. What did Ananias come to do? 21. What happened to Saul?


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 17: The Conversion of Saul

November 3rd, AD 2006

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 18: Saul Preaches Christ

November 10th, AD 2006


REMEMBRANCE DAY Every year on November 11th, at 11 AM, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men who have served our country during times of war. We thank God for those who fought for Canada in the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as those who have served since then. We honour their memory. More than 1,500,000 Cana-dians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace and freedom.

Following the First World War a French woman, E. Guérin, sug-gested to British Field-Marshall Earl Haig that women and chil-dren in devastated areas of France could produce poppies for sale to support wounded veterans. The first of these poppies were dis-tributed in Canada in November of 1921, and the tradition has continued ever since. Poppies are worn as the symbol of remem-brance, a reminder of the blood-red flower that still grows on the

former battlefields of France and Belgium. (Taken from: Veterans Affairs Canada — http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers).

There are many Remembrance Day ceremonies held all across Canada. You can watch the national ceremony on CBC television (channel 5) at 11 AM on Nov. 11th. Many churches will have a Remembrance Day service this Sunday.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 10th — Lesson 18 Nov. 18th — Lesson 19 Nov. 24th — Movie: “Acts” Dec. 1st — Break Dec. 8th — Carolling — Warm up your voices as we bring some Christmas cheer to Toronto. Anyone is welcome to join us for this holiday tradition! VOCABULARY 1. synagogue 5. baffled 2. astonished 6. Damascus 3. basket 7. prove 4. havoc 8. conspire


STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 9:20-25 (NIV) 1. After Saul became a Christian, what did he begin to do? 2. Why did he preach about Jesus? See 1 John 4:7-11. 3. What did the people in the synagogues think? Why? 4. What would you think if someone totally changed their opinion? See Gala-tians 1:11-14. 5. What did Saul prove to the Jews in Damascus? 6. Did the Jews believe Saul’s message? How do you know? See 2 Corinthians 11:32,33. 7. What happened to Saul? 8. Why were the Jews so angry at Saul? See John 15:18,19.

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 18: Saul Preaches Christ


Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 19: Saul Joins the Church



CALENDAR OF EVENTS Next Week — Movie: “Acts” Dec. 1st — Break Dec. 8th — Carolling and Festive Treats SUMMARY OF ACTS 1-9 In small groups, take three of the first nine chapters of the Book of Acts and de-scribe what happened. Acts shows us what happened after the Cross — after Jesus died, was resur-rected, and ascended into heaven. Jesus gave His people a mission: to spread the Good News about Him to the ends of the earth. Acts is the exciting history of the beginning of that mission — the birth of Christianity. In Acts 1-9 we have learnt: 1. The Good News about Jesus is for all people everywhere; it is unstoppable. 2. The Holy Spirit lives in believers, teaches them, and empowers them. 3. The believers look after one another and share God’s love with the world. 4. The world often persecutes believers and rejects their message. CHRISTIAN TITLES When you become a Christian believer, you have a new relationship with God, with other Christians, and with the world. We use different titles to describe these new relationships: 1a. A Christian is a ____________: he is now accepted as holy by God. 1b. A Christian is a ____________: he is now a student of the Lord Jesus. 2. A Christian is a ____________: he is now a part of God’s loving family. 3. A Christian is a ____________: he now tells the world about Jesus. It is interesting that the Greek word for #3 in the Bible is martys. Martys is the root of a different word in English. Do you know what that word is? ____________ STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Acts 9:26-31 (NIV) 1. What did Saul do when he came to Jerusalem?


2. What did the believers in Jerusalem think of Saul at first? Why? 3. Who is Barnabas? See Acts 4:36,37. 4. What did Barnabas do for Saul? 5. Do you think that the believers in Jerusalem will accept Saul? 6. Should they accept Saul or not? See Galatians 3:26-28. 7. Did the believers in Jerusalem accept Saul? 8. What did Saul do in Jerusalem? 9. What was the response of the Grecian Jews? 10. What did the believers do for Saul? 11. Was there a lot of persecution at this time? 12. Can you describe the church at this time?

Jesus said: “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”

— Acts 1:8.

Acts: Spreading the Good News Lesson 19: Saul Joins the Church


Documents

Acts Study Handouts ALL (D.E.Cooke)