Women in the Word Acts 1 January 8, 2015 1. What was the best thing about your holiday season?

What was the hardest part of the holidays and how did you deal with it? Did past studies of God’s Word make a difference in the way you handled the holidays? Explain.

2. This study of Acts is entitled “To Be Continued …” Which book of the Bible is Acts a

continuation of and how do we know this? Read Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-3. So who wrote the book of Acts? List some details we know about him. Read Colossians 4:10-14, 2 Timothy 4:9-11 and Philemon 23-24.

3. Read Luke 24:36-56 as a review of how the book of Luke ends. Now read Acts 1:4-5 along with Luke 24:49. What is this promised gift Jesus is talking about? From these verses, what all does Jesus say will happen?

4. What word in Luke 24:48 is repeated in Acts 1:8? Define this word. Describe what it means

to you.

Women in the Word Acts 1 | January 8, 2015

Page 2 5. Read Acts 1:8 again and locate these cities and countries on your map.

6. What truth do we learn in verses 9-11 of Acts 1? Also read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

What adjective comes to mind as you consider this truth?

7. Read Acts 1:12-26 and summarize the events taking place in these verses.

8. What expectations do you have of this study of Acts?

Women in the Word Acts 2 January 15, 2015 1. Before Jesus’ ascension He made an amazing promise to His followers. What was it?

Read Acts 1:5. Earlier Jesus also promised a divine establishment that would come in the near future. What was it? Read Matthew 16:18.

2. Read Acts 2:1 and envision the people who had received these promises gathered together. Record some of the possible reasons these believers in the promises of Christ were in one place together.

3. The day of Pentecost (also called the Feast of Weeks) was an annual Jewish feast. Read

Leviticus 23:15-21 and summarize what you learn about this festival. What word does James use to describe the Church in James 1:18 that we see used in Leviticus 23:17 and 23:20?

4. Acts 2:2-4 brings to light the birth of the Church as the first fruits of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

How would you title this incredible occasion?

What were the physical manifestations of the arrival of the Holy Spirit? Read Luke 3:16 and record how John the Baptist’s prediction about the work of Jesus came true on this amazing day.

Women in the Word Acts 2 | January 15, 2015

Page 2 5. What is the connection between the Holy Spirit and the Church according to

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 and Ephesians 2:19-22? What is the most astonishing reality for us personally when considering the gift of God’s Spirit? Read 1 Corinthians 3:16.

6. Read Acts 2:5-13. What were the amazed bystanders hearing in their own languages from the lips of those who were gathered together? What were the two reactions from this crowd? What are the varying reactions in the world today to the proclamations of our mighty God? How did you first react to the truths of God and His mighty works?

7. Read Acts 2:14-21. Peter qualifies the arrival of the Holy Spirit by quoting the prophecy of Joel. Pentecost was a pre-fulfillment of this prophecy but it will be perfectly fulfilled at the Second Coming of Christ and His Millennial Kingdom. What was in the heart of God as He gave this prophecy to Joel that is also in the heart of Peter as he addresses the Jews that surround him? See verse 21. What must be foremost in our hearts when we are surrounded by those who are skeptical of our faith?

8. Read Acts 2:22-36. What are the proofs that point to the reality that Jesus is God’s Son?

Women in the Word Acts 2 | January 15, 2015

Page 3 9. Read what Jesus said about some of the works of the Holy Spirit in John 16:7-8. How do

we see this coming to pass when we read the response of the Jews to Peter’s preaching in Acts 2:37?

10. Read Acts 2:38-41. What promises did Peter confidently make to those who chose to repent

from their unbelief? What did the Jews do to display their new belief in Jesus Christ? Read verse 39 again. Who are those that are “far off” that can also be blessed by the mercy of God? Read Ephesians 2:11-13 and rejoice.

11. Acts 2:42-47 gives us the first insight into the characteristics of the early church. Read these verses and make a list of adjectives that come to your mind which describe the early church from each verse. Verse 42 Verse 43 Verse 44 Verse 45 Verse 46 Verse 47 What were the important elements that would provide a solid foundation for the church?

12. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?

Women in the Word Acts 3 – 4:31 January 22, 2015 1. Read Acts 3:1-11 and write down what we know about the lame man and what he is

requesting of Peter and John. What does Peter give by way of a command? By what authority does Peter make this command? List everything that happens to the lame man and how he responds. How might referencing the name of Jesus Christ affect the lame man in this pivotal moment?

2. Describe the public commotion that follows. Why was their amazement great?

3. Read Acts 3:12-26. According to Peter, what power has made this man walk?

Peter is trying to make Jesus known. Read his argument slowly and record the following truths he expresses about Jesus. What God did for Jesus What men did to Jesus

What the prophets said about Jesus in verses 18 and 22

Women in the Word Acts 3 – 4:31 | January 22, 2015

Page 2 4. Peter uses the word YOU often and powerfully in this argument. Write down some of the

uses and explain what Peter is trying to do.

From verses 19-20, what is Peter’s desire for these Jewish listeners? Look up the definition of repentance and record it here.

5. From Peter’s argument and from Colossians 2:13-14, 1 Peter 2:25 and Psalm 51:9-10, what

are some benefits that come to those who repent?

6. Read Acts 4:1-4 and record the two different responses to Peter’s testimony. Have you ever worried that your sins have alienated you too far from God’s love and reach? Explain. How far had these Jews gone to resist God? And yet, many who heard the message were restored. According to verse 4, what one thing was required of them? Read Romans 10:14 and 10:17 and describe our responsibility, demonstrated here by Peter, to participate in spreading the good news of Jesus.

Women in the Word Acts 3 – 4:31 | January 22, 2015

Page 3 7. The lame man serves as a symbol for what Jesus can do in every broken life. Make a list of

what Christ has done for you and take some time to reflect and thank God for these things. Prayerfully consider who might be impacted by hearing your testimony. Write their names down here and begin asking God for opportunities to make Christ known.

8. Read Acts 4:5-8. Describe the different people who are assembled to oppose Peter and John. What question are they asking? Describe the emotions that this setting might produce in the men who are being questioned and held.

9. Read Peter’s bold argument in Acts 4:8-12. List the things Peter declares about Jesus paying special attention to verse 12. How was Peter able to make this bold defense? Read Jesus’ instructions in Luke 12:11-12 for additional insight.

10. Acts 1:8 is considered the key verse for the entire book of Acts. How do you see the truths from this verse playing out in Peter and John’s experience?

Women in the Word Acts 3 – 4:31 | January 22, 2015

Page 4 11. Read Acts 4:13-22. Through their opposition, what are the religious leaders trying

to accomplish? What specific acts do they forbid? Describe the two clear choices that Peter and John must consider in verse 19 and what they decide. Again considering Acts 1:8, how would following the religious leaders’ orders be disobedient to God?

12. Read the summary statement in 4:21 and note the effect that these events have had on the people in Jerusalem. What are some possible reasons the leaders would want this stopped?

13. Read Acts 4:23-31. From their prayer, note the attributes and actions of God they emphasize. As they consider the opposition that Jesus experienced in Jerusalem, what important truth do they acknowledge in verse 28? Considering the opposition they are currently facing, what three things do they ask of God in verses 29-30?

Women in the Word Acts 3 – 4:31 | January 22, 2015

Page 5 14. The need to continue telling God’s story exists today. What specific things can you do to

continue God’s story of salvation? Opposition to this message continues also. What specific strategies can you employ when encountering opposition?

15. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?

Women in the Word Acts 4:32 – 5:42 January 29, 2015 1. Begin by reading Acts 4:32-37. What phrases are used to describe the early church in

verses 32-35? Why do you think the early church was so unified? Look at Acts 4:31 for insight.

2. In Acts 4:36-37 we are introduced to a man named Barnabus. How is he described? How is the action of Barnabus in verse 37 an example of the attitude of the believers in verse 32? Barnabus became an ambassador for the early church. What important information do you learn about Barnabus in the following portions of Scripture? Acts 11:22-24

Acts 13:1-2 Acts 13:50-14:3

3. Read Acts 5:1-11. What was the plan of Ananias and Sapphira? How did it differ from the action of Barnabus in 4:36-37? According to Peter in Acts 5:3-4, what was the sin of Ananias? What was the sin of Sapphira in verses 8 and 9? What do we learn about God’s view of lying from this story? See also Proverbs 12:22.

How would you describe the fear of the Lord as seen in Acts 5:11? How can this fear be a positive thing in your spiritual life?

Women in the Word Acts 4:32 – 5:42 | January 29, 2015

Page 2 4. In your own words, write a definition for the word “hypocrite.”

In what ways can you guard against hypocrisy in your life when considering the hypocritical actions and attitudes of Ananias and Sapphira?

5. In spite of the early church being attacked from the inside as well as the outside, it continued to thrive. Read Acts 5:12-16. What were the elements that defined the early church and its growth?

6. Read Acts 5:17-24. In verses 17-18, how did the high priest respond to the Gospel being taught by the apostles? According to verses 19-20, how did God respond to the arrest of the apostles? How did the apostles respond in verse 21?

7. Read Acts 5:25-32. Whose name and whose blood is the high priest referring to in verse 28? What is the truth the high priest does not want to admit? Refer to Matthew 27:22-26.

8. What truth about the Holy Spirit is Peter referring to in Acts 5:32? See Ephesians 1:13.

Women in the Word Acts 4:32 – 5:42 | January 29, 2015

Page 3 9. Throughout the Bible we see God using unbelievers to accomplish His plans. How is God

doing this very thing in Acts 5:33-40?

10. In Acts 5:41, the apostles rejoice in their suffering. What do the apostles teach us about the reasons we can rejoice in our suffering? What additional truths can we learn about rejoicing while suffering from Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 1:5? How does rejoicing in our suffering affect those around us?

Recall a time when you were able to use your suffering to comfort someone else.

11. Acts 5:42 concludes with the apostles continuing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Who will you commit to sharing the Gospel with this year? How will you make it a priority?

12. What truth from Acts 4:32- 5:42 spoke to your heart? What steps will you take to apply that truth to your daily life?

13. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?

Women in the Word Acts 6 & 7 February 5, 2015 1. What is your favorite way to serve people inside or outside the church?

2. Read Acts 6:1-7. Now that the early church has grown what is the problem that arises? List the different steps the 12 apostles take in developing a solution to the problem. Describe in your own words the qualifications needed in the seven men chosen to serve. What is the importance of each qualification? How do you see the events in verse 7 being a result of the plan put into action?

3. Read Acts 6:8-15. Who is Stephen according to verse 5? What all do you learn about him from chapter 6? What one word would you use to describe Stephen and why? List all the false accusations that are made against Stephen.

4. Read 6:15 again. Do you think our countenance can reflect our inner thoughts and feelings? What does Stephen’s face seem to tell us about him? Who else had a shining face? See Exodus 34:29-30. What does your face often convey these days?

Women in the Word Acts 6 & 7 | February 5, 2015

Page 2 5. Read Acts 7:1-53. Instead of answering yes or no to the high priest’s question, Stephen gives

a Jewish history lesson and an excellent defense of Jesus as the Messiah. What do we learn about Stephen with the way he addresses the council in verse 2? How might we use that same approach when challenged for our faith in Jesus or the truth of His Word? What important quality do you see in Abraham in verses 3-4? Record what you learn about God in verses 2-16.

6. Who are the patriarchs or the sons of Jacob mentioned in Acts 7:8? See Genesis 35:22-26. Although Joseph’s brothers reject him, what is God’s plan for Joseph as seen in Acts 7:9-15?

7. Read Acts 7:17-36 slowly and carefully. Stephen points out the Israelites’ long history of rejecting God’s prophets and deliverers. How did they first reject Moses? See verses 25-27 along with 35-36.

8. Now Stephen makes a case against the Israelites for disobeying God Himself. Who is the Prophet that Moses is referring to in Acts 7:37? See John 6:1, 14. As you read Acts 7:37-43, write down the different ways Stephen describes the Israelites disobeying or rejecting God. Sometimes we are tempted to reject God’s Word through disobedience. What verses or truths from the Bible encourage you to believe God and follow Him?

Women in the Word Acts 6 & 7 | February 5, 2015

Page 3 9. Keep in mind the accusation against Stephen in Acts 6:13-14 as you read Acts 7:44-50.

Stephen’s words are respectful of the temple in Jerusalem, but what does he also remind the religious leaders in verses 48-50?

10. After reading Acts 7:51-53, close your eyes and picture Stephen as he closes his defense with these powerful words. Of what does Stephen accuse the religious leaders and whom is he really defending according to verse 51?

11. Contrast the reaction of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council of religious leaders) with Stephen’s demeanor in Acts 7:54-60. Note the position of Jesus in verses 55 and 56. What is the position of Jesus in Luke 22:69? What could be the significance of this for Stephen? As they stone Stephen, record his final prayers. Who also prayed these prayers? See Luke 23:34, 46.

12. Although you might not be called to be a martyr for Christ, what are some ways your words and actions proclaim the truth of Jesus?

13. In what ways would you like to be more like Stephen? How has his story encouraged you?

14. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?