Women in the Word Acts 8 February 12, 2015 1. Read Acts 8. This chapter describes both the spreading of the gospel beyond Jerusalem and

the opposition to that message. After reading the chapter, summarize three or four main events that take place.

2. Reread Acts 8:1-3. Why do you think the death of Stephen caused greater persecution of the new Christians?

3. Imagine yourself as one of the new converts attacked by Saul. For further insight, read Paul’s own account of the events in Acts 22:19-20 and Acts 26:9-11. Describe the scene in your own words. What might you be seeing, thinking, feeling and doing?

4. Reread Acts 8:4-8. What do we know about Philip according to Acts 6:1-6? What is he doing now in Acts 8:4-8? Now look back at Acts 1:8. What are the specific events described in Acts 8:1-8 that God used to fulfill Jesus’ commission? Considering their difficult circumstances, does the willingness of the new believers to proclaim God’s Word surprise you? Why or why not?

Women in the Word Acts 8 | February 12, 2015

Page 2 5. Though the new believers’ situation surely caused suffering, great good resulted in the

spreading of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Record a time when you experienced either great or small opposition or persecution for your faith. What do the following verses teach us about God’s promises in the midst of opposition to the gospel? Matthew 5:10-12 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 1 Peter 4:13-16 How will these truths help you if you find yourself fearful of the world’s opposition to God?

6. Reread Acts 8:9-25. Record everything you learn about Simon in verses 9-13 and 18-23. What conclusions can you draw about Simon from these verses? How are magic, sorcery and similar practices described in Deuteronomy 18:9-14?

Women in the Word Acts 8 | February 12, 2015

Page 3 7. After reading Psalm 99:1-5, along with any other Scripture that comes to mind, what do you

know about God’s power and authority in contrast to other supernatural powers? How will these truths influence your life today? How can you keep these truths in the forefront of your mind? Also read Psalm 101:1-4.

8. Reread Acts 8:26-40. Take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God seen throughout this amazing story. Please jot down your favorite aspect of this story and why it speaks to you.

9. In verse 35, Philip used Scripture to explain the good news of Jesus Christ to the eunuch. Using Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and 10:9-10, write out the good news of salvation in your own words. After receiving Christ and being baptized, the eunuch rejoiced. How does your relationship with Jesus bring you joy?

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

Women in the Word Acts 9:1-31 February 19, 2015 1. Begin by reading Acts 9:1-9. Apart from the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the

conversion of Saul is one of the most important events in the history of the Christian church. Saul has called himself the “chief of sinners.” According to Acts 9:1-2 and Acts 8:1-3, what are a few of Saul’s sins? What other information do you learn about Saul in the following portions of scripture? Acts 13:9 Galatians 1:11-24 1 Timothy 1:12-16

2. What is Saul’s purpose for traveling to Damascus in verses 1 and 2 of Acts 9? While on the road to Damascus, how did God reveal Himself to Saul? What did God say to Saul?

Why do you think this question would have puzzled Saul?

3. In verse 5, how does God answer Saul’s question, “Who are You, Lord?” Describe how you imagine Saul must have felt upon hearing God’s response.

Women in the Word Acts 9:1-31 | February 19, 2015

Page 2 4. According to verses 8-9, how was Saul affected by his meeting with Jesus while on the road

to Damascus? Think of some ways this blindness could work for good in Saul’s life. Record your thoughts. How did Saul respond to being blind? Look ahead to Acts 9:11 for further insight. Recall a time in your life when you were isolated from the distraction of the world. How did you respond to that isolation? Did your isolation cause spiritual growth or regression?

5. Continue by reading Acts 9:10-19. We are introduced to Ananias in verse 10. What is the only information Luke records about Ananias?

How does Ananias respond when God calls him by name? What can you conclude about Ananias by his response? List the specific instructions God gives Ananias in verses 11 and 12. What do the concerns of Ananias in verses 13 and 14 tell us about the attitude of the Jewish leaders? Describe what God had planned for Saul’s future in verses 15 and 16. Reread verses 15-19. What is the significance of God using Ananias to carry out Saul’s transformation?

Women in the Word Acts 9:1-31 | February 19, 2015

Page 3 6. Read Acts 9:19b-25. After his conversion, Saul remained in Damascus for a period of time.

How soon did he begin to preach the gospel?

List the different responses to his message in Damascus.

7. After his daring escape from the angry Jews in Damascus, Saul travels to Jerusalem. Read Acts 9:26-31. How was he received by the disciples in Jerusalem? According to verse 27, who smoothed the way for Saul in Jerusalem? What did we learn about Barnabas in Acts 4:34-37?

8. God’s plan to send the gospel of Christ out to all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth is well on its way. Read Acts 9:31. In what two ways are Saul, Ananias, and Barnabas able to remain faithful to God’s call to action? Give some examples of how living in those two ways brings you peace and encouragement.

9. What truths in Acts 9:1-31 have encouraged you this week?

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

Women in the Word Acts 9:32 – 11:18 February 26, 2015 1. Read Matthew 9:18-26. List all the ways that you see the compassion of Christ in this story.

2. In John 21:15-17 we find a conversation that the risen Christ has with Peter before His ascension. How does Jesus want Peter to display his love for Him after He ascends and what does He mean by this? How does Jesus define His sheep in John 10:7-9 and 10:14-16?

3. Read Acts 9:32-35 along with 9:36-43. List all of the similarities in these two healing stories.

What was the result of Peter “tending Jesus’ sheep”?

4. Read Acts 10:1-8. What part did Cornelius play and what part did God play in connecting Cornelius to Peter to receive new revelation? Also read Jeremiah 29:13 and 2 Peter 1:3-4.

Women in the Word Acts 9:32 – 11:18 | February 26, 2015

Page 2 5. Considering the great gulf between the Jews and Gentiles at this time, why might God be

bringing Peter to Cornelius and not Cornelius to Peter?

6. Read Acts 10:9-16. The sheet in Peter’s vision was covered in the animals, birds and reptiles that the Jews were forbidden to eat according to the Law. Why had God given the Jews these restrictions according to Leviticus 20:25-26?

Why had the birth of the church changed the need for that restriction? Consider Leviticus 20:26 with Ephesians 2:19-22.

7. Peter’s vision will soon be made clear to him. Read Acts 10:17-23. What observations can you make about Peter’s response to Cornelius’ non-Jewish messengers? What had God told Peter about things “common” or “unclean” in Peter’s vision in 10:15? How might the vision of the sheet from heaven prepared Peter for these messengers and the ministry God had for him with “unclean” Gentiles?

8. Read Acts 10:24-29. What does Peter understand about his vision that leads him to enter the house of this Gentile named Cornelius?

Women in the Word Acts 9:32 – 11:18 | February 26, 2015

Page 3 9. Read Acts 10:30-48. How does this moment in Cornelius’ home illustrate the promise given

to Abraham according to Galatians 3:6-9?

List all of the truths that Peter shares with Cornelius’ household about Jesus in 10:38-43. Read 10:44-48 again. What were the visible proofs that Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ.

10. Read Acts 11:1-18. Why did the Jews go from criticism of Peter, then to silence and then to rejoicing?

How did remembering the Word of God impact Peter’s beliefs? Read 11:15-17.

What verse or verses from God’s Word first impacted your spiritual life and beliefs?

Consider when God saved you though you were also lost in your sins. What person or persons came to the door of your heart and shared the truth about Jesus Christ with you?

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

Women in the Word Acts 11:19 – 12:25 March 5, 2015 1. Consider a time in your life when your circumstances looked overwhelming and yet God was

at work. In what ways was God your Provider during your trial?

2. Read Acts 11:19. The good news of salvation in Christ was being spread throughout the region and beyond. But what did these evangelical Jews not yet understand about who could receive this gift of salvation? These Jews may not have been to Jerusalem to hear Peter’s news in Acts 11:18. Read Acts 11:20. The Hellenists in this verse were probably Greek speaking Gentiles. Who has decided to share the gospel with these Gentiles? What was their message?

3. Read about the thriving church in Antioch in 11:21-26. What are the evidences in these

verses that Antioch was a spiritually growing church? How do we see the church in Jerusalem specifically demonstrating authority and compassion toward the church of Antioch? What is the new name that was established for Christ’s disciples in Antioch? How would you summarize God’s provision for the spiritual needs of this new church?

Women in the Word Acts 11:19 – 12:25 | March 5, 2015

Page 2 4. Read Acts 11:27-30. What is another provision from God that we learn about in verse 27?

How will God provide for the future needs of the early church in light of a coming famine? How do we see the unity of believers in these verses? Summarize Jesus’ prayer for those that would become His church in the future. Read John 17:20-23.

5. Amidst the excitement of the growing church was also a growing persecution of this new institution from God. Read Acts 12:1-5. What were the different elements of persecution taking place in these verses? What were Jesus’ earlier teachings on persecution that would instruct His future church? Matthew 5:10-12 Matthew 5:43-45 Matthew 10:17-20 John 15:18-21 John 16:1-4 and 16:33 How did the church respond to Peter’s imprisonment according to Acts 12:5?

Women in the Word Acts 11:19 – 12:25 | March 5, 2015

Page 3 6. Read Acts 12:6-10 to see how God provided deliverance for Peter. Luke stresses the

thoroughness with which Peter was being guarded against escape. List all the precautions Herod’s soldiers had taken to prevent the apostle’s escape when you read this entire story.

What can we learn about Peter when observing him in this scene, considering James was recently beheaded by Herod and Peter was awaiting a similar fate? What was Peter doing here that he wrote about later in I Peter 5:7? Who did God send to deliver Peter? Describe his entrance and his exit.

7. Read Acts 12:11-19 to know the rest of Peter’s story. What does Peter realize about his deliverance according to verse 11 and verse 17? What would those who had gathered in prayer have realized about prayer and the power of God? What have you realized about prayer and the power of God personally?

8. Read Acts 12:20-23 to learn about the end of Herod and his evil reign. What would you say brings about spiritual death when considering Herod’s physical death?

9. In contrast to the death of Herod we read about the vibrant life of God’s church in Acts 12:24-25. What is the result of a people intent on bringing glory to God? Read Acts 12:24-25.

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

Women in the Word Acts 13 – 14 March 12, 2015 1. Have you ever been involved in a mission trip either as a participant, prayer warrior, or

financial supporter? Why did you want to be involved? Did you follow up to see what happened? Did it encourage you?

2. Acts 13 and 14 tell the story of Paul’s (who is also called Saul) first missionary journey. Read Acts 13:1-3 and describe the scene at the church in Antioch. What was the role of the Holy Spirit? Look back at Acts 1:8. How is it relevant here?

3. Read Acts 13:4-12. Look at the map included with your questions and find the beginning of

their journey. Summarize what happens as Saul and Barnabas’ travel around Cyprus. How does Saul describe the false prophet in verse 10? In what way is God’s superior power revealed in the midst of this opposition? What is the reaction of the Roman official in verse 12?

4. Have you experienced opposition when you were sharing your faith? How did you handle it? How does Paul’s example as he faces opposition give you courage? Read 2 Timothy 4:2 and Luke 12:11-12.

Women in the Word Acts 13 – 14 | March 12, 2015

Page 2 5. In Acts 13:13-52, Paul and Barnabas continue their travels. Follow them on your map from

Paphos to Perga to Antioch in Pisidia. What are they invited to do in Antioch in Pisidia according to verses 14-16? Paul’s message begins with a review of Israel’s history in verses 17-23. What truths does he point out concerning God’s relationship with Israel? In verses 23-41, Paul continues to preach boldly to his Jewish audience. Summarize what he shares with them about Jesus.

6. Describe how the people responded to Paul’s message in Acts 13:42-44.

Why do the Jewish leaders contradict Paul’s message in verse 45?

7. Even though Paul has preached the message of good news of salvation to the Jews first, what is the consequence of their rejection of Jesus in Acts 13:46-52? Why are the events of these verses significant in our lives today? Read Ephesians 3:6 and Ephesians 5:8.

8. Continue to follow the remainder of Paul and Barnabas’ journey on your map. Read Acts 14:1-7. What impresses you about Paul and Barnabas as they share the good news of Jesus in Iconium? In spite of the conflict, how does the Holy Spirit endorse their ministry in verse 3?

Women in the Word Acts 13 – 14 | March 12, 2015

Page 3 9. Read Acts 14:8-18. In Lystra, Paul and Barnabas encounter a man crippled from birth.

What is it that allows this disabled man to receive healing according to verse 9? Read Matthew 9:22 and Mark 9:23. Describe the scene in Acts 14:11-14.

What do Paul and Barnabas proclaim to the idol worshippers in Acts 14:15-16?

Reread Acts 14:17. How has God witnessed to the people despite their blatant idol worship? What are some of the false gods in our culture that blind people to the Truth. Name some ways God witnesses to the lost in our culture today.

10. Finish the story of Paul’s first missionary journey by reading Acts 14:19-28. He experiences both persecution and blessing in verses 19-20. Where do you see God’s hand of favor on him despite the persecution?

11. At the close of Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas return to the church in Antioch. Even though their

journey was difficult, both men remain faithful to the end. What evidence of their continued faithfulness do you see in verses 21-28?

What good news do they share with the church in Antioch upon their return in verse 27? 12. Look back on Acts 13 and 14 and consider all that Paul and Barnabas have experienced

during their journey. What words would you use to describe these two men?

Has reading their story encouraged you to consider being a part of a short-term mission trip that shares Christ and builds the church? Why or why not?

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

Women in the Word Acts 15 March 19, 2015 1. Acts 15 recounts a disturbing conflict that arose in the early church at Antioch. To better

understand the circumstances, read the summary in 14:24-28 and review the accounts in 10:44-48 and 13:44-49. What new development is being reported within God’s church?

2. Read Acts 15 in its entirety and note what familial term is used to describe the members of God’s church in verses 1, 3, 7, 13, 22, 23, 36 and 40. What ideas does the use of this term suggest about the members of God’s church and their unity?

3. From verse 1, what is the controversial idea being taught and who is teaching this? Consider and compare this new idea to Peter’s teaching in 4:12 and 10:42-43. Consider and share why agreement and clear teaching on the topic of salvation would be of utmost importance to the church. Facing this major controversy related to salvation, to whom do they turn for resolution in 15:2?

4. Describe the emotional response that was stirred at Antioch when discord and false teaching occurred. What possible consequences can occur when churches face disagreement over core doctrinal truths?

Women in the Word Acts 15 | March 19, 2015

Page 2 5. Acts 15:7-18 records the discussion and debate among the key leaders in Jerusalem. Read

Peter’s statement in verses 7-11. What is Peter’s firm conviction expressed in verse 11? Record the evidence that Peter presents to support his conviction.

6. Barnabas and Paul also address this controversy in verse 12. What evidence do they offer?

7. Lastly, James addresses the group in verses 13-17. As James reminds the group of Simeon (Peter’s) testimony of all that God has done among the Gentiles, what information related to this does James recall from their ancient history? What resource is James using to confirm his position?

8. Today, we often face conflicting ideas about truth. Following this example in Acts, what evidence can we look for and what resources can we rely upon to help us determine what is right and true?

9. Summarize in your own words, the arguments that were presented verifying the salvation available to the Gentiles as a result of grace instead of conformity to Jewish laws. If you had been present, what position might you have taken?

Read Ephesians 2:8 and write your own definition of grace.

Women in the Word Acts 15 | March 19, 2015

Page 3 10. Read 15:19-30. The decision from the leaders in Jerusalem confirmed that circumcision was

not required of Gentile believers but they did prohibit specific acts that were considered immoral, unethical and offensive to the Jewish brothers. List the prohibited acts.

How do you think these prohibitions would create peace and unity within God’s church and honor God’s name in the world?

11. What careful steps were taken to insure that this decision was communicated back to Antioch

with integrity?

Why do you think these measures would have been important? 12. The actual letter is recorded in verses 23-29. Unity and agreement among the leaders in

Jerusalem is communicated quite clearly, but what other influence is mentioned in verse 28?

Where do you see the influence of the Holy Spirit on these circumstances? 13. Read verses 35-39 and describe the next disagreement experienced between Paul

and Barnabas.

What might be some possible reasons this disagreement was settled by the individuals instead of by the leadership in Jerusalem? What was the outcome as it related to the gospel spreading throughout the rest of the world?

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