Acts 1-12 Study Guide Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who wrote the book of Acts?

Luke

Who was the audience for the book of Acts?

Most Excellent Theophilus and new believers

What is its connection between Acts and the Gospel of Luke?

Luke leads up to the book of Acts

What is the Luke/Acts chiastic structure?

Jesus born in Roman Rule -> Jesus's Ministry in Galilee to Gentiles -> Jesus' Ministry in Samaria and Judea -> Jesus's Ministry in Jerusalem -> Resurrection and Ascension -> Early Church's Ministry in Jerusalem -> Early Church's Ministry in Samaria and Judea -> Early Church's ministry in Gentile Nations -> Gospel brought to Rome by Paul Signup and view all the answers

What were Jesus's instructions to the disciples?

To go and spread His word as they waited for the arrival of the Holy Spirit Signup and view all the answers

What were some early troubles that occurred within the Church?

Hypocrisy and complaints Signup and view all the answers

What did the disciples do between Jesus's ascension and the Holy Spirit's arrival?

They decided who should replace Judas by casting lots, and Matthias was chosen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between disciples and apostles?

Disciples are followers of Jesus. Apostles are missionaries who carry out the tasks of God. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Saul?

A persecutor of Christians Signup and view all the answers

What were some early troubles that occurred outside the Church?

Persecution Signup and view all the answers

What happened during Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus?

The spirit of the Lord came as a bright light, scolding him for persecuting His children and blinding Saul. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during Saul's time in Damascus?

He was healed by Ananias and baptized by him. He began to preach right away and continued for three years. Signup and view all the answers

How did Saul escape from Damascus?

Through an opening in the wall in a basket Signup and view all the answers

What kind of healings did Peter perform?

Physical and spiritual healings Signup and view all the answers

What was Peter's dream?

Animals coming down from heaven on a sheet for him to eat. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Peter's dream?

It showed that he was hungry and commanded to eat what he saw, but he didn't because they were considered unclean in Jewish law. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in Peter's visit to Cornelius?

Cornelius told Peter about an angel visiting him, and explained that God does not show favoritism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance about Cornelius and Peter's meeting?

It explained that even the most ugly and hated people of human history are still loved by God. Signup and view all the answers

How did Peter escape from prison?

His chains were removed and the doors opened so that he could walk right out, and he was unnoticed by all of the guards. Signup and view all the answers

Talk about Jesus's ascension.

Jesus walked outside of Jerusalem and gave the disciples their instructions before ascending up to heaven. Signup and view all the answers

Talk about Jesus's time on Earth.

Jesus preached and healed throughout the nations. Signup and view all the answers

Talk about the details of the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Peter and John were released by religious leaders, and as all the believers praised God, the room was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

Talk about Peter's sermon.

Peter explained the events of talking in tongues and the fulfillment of the Gospel in the Old Testament. Signup and view all the answers

What is the comparison between the Pentecost and the Tower of Babel?

Their intentions were to glorify God. The Tower of Babel was an example of the evil that separated people from God, but Pentecost undid this separation. Both incidents resulted in the change of languages. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Stephen's arrest.

Arrested for accused blasphemy Signup and view all the answers

Explain Stephen's trial.

Stephen stood up in argument against members of the synagogue, and they wanted revenge for that. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Stephen's murder.

Stephen was stoned to death by a mob, which was illegal by Roman law. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Stephen's speech.

Was a long speech that talked about their forefathers, Moses, and the Israelite's unfaithfulness to God. Signup and view all the answers

What is Theophany?

A visible manifestation of God to mankind. Signup and view all the answers

What is Persecution?

Hostility and ill-treatment towards believers, especially because of race and political and religious beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Tertullian Quote?

'The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church' Signup and view all the answers

What is Civil Disobedience?

The refusal to comply with certain laws or pay taxes and fines. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Peter?

Disciple Signup and view all the answers

Who was John?

A disciple who preached and performed healing with Phillip. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Simon?

Simon was a sorcerer who listened to the preaching of Phillip, and soon became a Christian and was baptized. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Philip?

A church deacon who preached in Samaria. He performed exorcism and healing, bringing joy to the city. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Stephen?

The first martyr. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Barnabas?

Was a disciple who became friends with Saul and introduced him to the Apostles. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Gamaliel?

Was a leading authority of the Sanhedrin and teacher to Saul. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the other 'basket cases'?

Joshua escapes from Jericho, David escapes from King Saul, Moses escapes from King Pharaoh's infanticides. Signup and view all the answers

What is the important relationship between all of these 'basket' cases?

In each case, God led the person who escaped to usher in a new time where God's Kingdom/People are being established and advancing. Signup and view all the answers

Who performed the first healing of the Church in Jerusalem?

Peter and John Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Authorship and Audience

Luke authored the book of Acts, also known as the Acts of the Apostles.
The intended audience includes "Most Excellent Theophilus" and new believers.

Connection to the Gospel of Luke

Acts serves as a continuation of the narrative established in the Gospel of Luke.

Chiastic Structure of Luke/Acts

Structured around the life of Jesus and the early Church, highlighting key events from Jesus’ birth to the spread of the Gospel to Rome via Paul.

Jesus's Instructions to Disciples

Disciples were instructed to spread the Gospel while awaiting the Holy Spirit's arrival.

Early Church Challenges

Internal issues included hypocrisy and complaints among believers.
External troubles manifested as persecution against Christians.

Apostolic Transition

The disciples cast lots to choose Matthias as a replacement for Judas after Jesus's ascension.

Disciples vs. Apostles

Disciples are followers of Jesus; apostles are tasked with missionary work and spreading God’s message.

Saul's Background

Saul, later known as Paul, was a persecutor of Christians before his significant transformation.

Encounter on the Road to Damascus

Saul experienced a divine encounter with a bright light, leading to his temporary blindness and confrontation for persecuting believers.

Saul’s Transformation

In Damascus, Ananias healed and baptized Saul, who immediately began preaching and spent three years in ministry.

Escape from Damascus

Saul escaped persecution by being lowered from the city wall in a basket.

Peter's Healing Works

Peter performed various physical and spiritual healings, showcasing the power of faith.

Peter’s Vision

Peter had a dream featuring animals on a sheet, challenging Jewish dietary laws and symbolizing God's acceptance of all people.

Significance of Peter's Vision

It emphasized that God's love transcends traditional Jewish laws regarding cleanliness.

Peter and Cornelius

Peter visited Cornelius, who shared a divine message about God's impartiality toward people.

Importance of Cornelius's Meeting with Peter

Their meeting demonstrated that God embraces all individuals, regardless of societal labels.

Peter's Prison Escape

Peter miraculously escaped prison when his chains fell off and doors opened, thought to be a dream by him.

Jesus's Ascension

Jesus ascended to heaven after instructing his disciples outside of Jerusalem.

Jesus's Ministry on Earth

He preached and performed healings across various regions before his ascension.

Coming of the Holy Spirit

Following religious leader's release of Peter and John, believers were filled with the Holy Spirit during praise.

Peter's Sermon

Peter articulated the events of Pentecost and connected them to Old Testament prophecies.

Pentecost vs. Tower of Babel

Both incidents involved languages; Pentecost reversed Babel's division, highlighting divine redemption.

Stephen's Arrest and Trial

Stephen was arrested for blasphemy and later stood against synagogue members, leading to their desire for revenge.

Stephen's Martyrdom

He was stoned to death, a violation of Roman law, marking him as the first Christian martyr.

Significance of Stephen's Speech

His long speech recounted Israel's history, underscoring their unfaithfulness to God.

Theophany Defined

Theophany refers to a visible manifestation of God to humanity.

Persecution Explained

Persecution involves hostility and mistreatment of believers due to their race or religious beliefs.

Tertullian's Quote

"The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church," signifying the growth of the Church through suffering.

Civil Disobedience Defined

Civil disobedience is the refusal to comply with certain laws or regulations perceived as unjust.

Key Figures

Peter and John were prominent disciples known for healing and spreading the Gospel.
Simon, a sorcerer, converted after hearing Philip's preaching.
Philip was a church deacon and evangelist in Samaria.
Stephen, the first martyr, stood up against opposition with courageous speeches.
Barnabas befriended Saul, facilitating his acceptance by the Apostles.
Gamaliel was a respected Sanhedrin authority and Saul's teacher.

Historical "Basket Cases"

Other figures in biblical history who escaped persecution, such as Joshua, David, and Moses, share thematic connections to God's deliverance and purpose.

Relation of Basket Cases

Each escape led to pivotal moments in biblical history where God's mission and people advanced.

First Healing in the Church

Peter and John are credited with performing the first recorded healing in the early Church in Jerusalem.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the book of Acts with these flashcards. This study guide covers key questions about authorship, audience, and the structural connection to the Gospel of Luke. Perfect for students or anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Acts of the Apostles.