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?
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What were Jesus's instructions to the disciples?
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What were some early troubles that occurred within the Church?
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What did the disciples do between Jesus's ascension and the Holy Spirit's arrival?
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What is the difference between disciples and apostles?
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Who was Saul?
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What were some early troubles that occurred outside the Church?
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What happened during Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus?
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What happened during Saul's time in Damascus?
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How did Saul escape from Damascus?
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What kind of healings did Peter perform?
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What was Peter's dream?
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What is significant about Peter's dream?
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What happened in Peter's visit to Cornelius?
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What is the significance about Cornelius and Peter's meeting?
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How did Peter escape from prison?
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Talk about Jesus's ascension.
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Talk about Jesus's time on Earth.
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Talk about the details of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
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Talk about Peter's sermon.
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What is the comparison between the Pentecost and the Tower of Babel?
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Explain Stephen's arrest.
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Explain Stephen's trial.
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Explain Stephen's murder.
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Explain Stephen's speech.
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What is Theophany?
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What is Persecution?
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What is the Tertullian Quote?
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What is Civil Disobedience?
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Who was Peter?
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Who was John?
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Who was Simon?
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Who was Philip?
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Who was Stephen?
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Who was Barnabas?
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Who was Gamaliel?
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Who were the other 'basket cases'?
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What is the important relationship between all of these 'basket' cases?
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Who performed the first healing of the Church in Jerusalem?
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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.