Studies in Acts, Lesson 1

Read Acts 1 and 2, Matthew 18:18-20; Mark 16:15; and Luke 1:3; 24:26, 27

1. Who wrote the book? Why do you think so? (See Luke 1:3.)
   Comments: Luke. Because the writer mentions writing a previous book, and both Luke and Acts are addressed to Theophilus. Acts seems to be a continuation of the gospel of Luke.
2. Is everything that Jesus taught recorded in the New Testament?
   Comments: Certainly not every word he said was recorded. According to John 21:25, all the books in the world could not have recorded all he did. That must be true of the things he said, too. We have to believe, however, that the gospel writers wrote down everything he wants us to know. Acts 20:35 mentions a teaching of Jesus that is not found in the gospels: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
3. What question did the apostles ask Jesus on His last day on earth? Do you think there is anything strange about this question?
   Comments: v. 6 – Are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel? After Jesus’ emphasis that his kingdom was not of this world, they were still looking for the restoration of David’s physical kingdom. After all, Jesus was his descendant.

True or False

1. The filling of the office of Judas happened while there were 120 present.
   True – 1:15
2. Isaiah said, "Let his habitation be made desolate, and let no man dwell herein, and his office let another take." False – 1:20. It was David, in Psalms.
3. Judas pointed Jesus out to His enemies by kissing Him. True – Luke 22:47-48; Acts 1:16
4. There was but one direct qualification given for an apostle. True – 1:21,22
5. The apostles knew even before Pentecost that they were to preach the resurrection of Christ. True – 1:22; Mark 16:15
6. God was the one who chose Matthias. True – 1:23-26

Short Answers

1. Be able to recite from memory the names of the twelve Apostles.
   Comments: From Matthew 10:2-4 – Simon Peter and Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew; James the Son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. In the list in Acts 12:13-14, Judas Iscariot is not mentioned, and Thaddeus is called Judas son of James.
2. Where do you think the apostles were on the Day of Pentecost?
   Comments: In a room in the temple. It seems reasonable that that’s where they would have gathered on Pentecost. It would also accommodate all the Jews that gathered around the apostles.
3. What miraculous manifestations occurred at this time?
   Comments:1) The sound of a mighty (violent) wind filled the house;
   2) What looked like divided tongues of fire rested on each of them.
   3) They began to speak in other languages. (2:2-3)
4. What kind of Jews were present at Pentecost? In general, where were they from?
   Comments: They were devout (God-fearing) Jews from “every nation under heaven.”
5. Were there mockers in the group? How did Peter answer them?
   Comments: v. 13 – They accused the apostles of having drunk too much wine. v. 13 – Peter answered that it couldn’t be so; it was only nine in the morning! One commentary mentioned that it was too early even to have broken the fast from the night before.
6. In your own words, state the four points that Peter gave in the opening words of his sermon (vss. 22-24).
   a) Jesus of Nazareth proved he was from God by his miracles, wonders, and signs.
   b) He was handed over to you, just as God had planned.
   c) You, helped by wicked men, crucified him.
   d) But God raised him from the dead.
7. Why did the words of 2:36 cause such an impact upon those who heard? What was their immediate reaction?
   Comments: They realized they had killed the Messiah. They were cut to the heart – it was a painful realization. They asked if there was anything they could do about it.
8. What was Peter’s instruction to these men?
   Comments: Repent and be baptized in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of sin. He also made the promise that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which could include not only being sealed by the Holy Spirit, as in Ephesians 1:13-14, but also the fruits of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-24.
9. What is meant by the expression “as many as received his word”?
   Comments: Those who accepted his message – believed him.
10. List five things that happened to a group of the devout Jews on Pentecost that were the direct result of Peter's sermon. (2:37-41)
    a) They were cut to the heart – v. 37
    b)They repented – v. 38
    c) They were baptized for the forgiveness of sins – vv. 38, 41
    d) They received the gift of the Holy Spirit – v. 38
    e) They were added to the apostles’ number – they became disciples.
11. Do any of the scriptures in the remainder of the lesson set or establish a pattern that we today should practice? If so, what? List them.
    Comments: v. 42 – They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. vv. 44-45 – They shared what they had with each other; they were generous. v. 46 – They continued to meet together, praising God, and enjoying favor with the community.

Luke 23 and 24

1. 23:1-7 What were the accusations against Jesus?
   Comments: v. 2: Perverting the nation, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that he is a king. v. 5: Stirring up the people. In John 18:33-38, Jesus explains his kingship to Pilate. Their accusation that he forbid his disciples to pay taxes was clearly a lie, made clear to the chief priests and scribes in Luke 20:21-26. Other note: Pilate is looking for a way out, so when he hears Jesus is a Galilean, he quickly sends him to Herod, the Tetrarch of Galilee.
2. 23:8-12 What was Herod’s attitude toward Jesus?
   Comments: At first, Herod was curious and wanted to see a miracle (a “trick”). But when Jesus wouldn’t respond, and the chief priests and scribes accused Jesus, Herod treated him with contempt and mocked him. Jesus had no respect for Herod. In Luke 13:32, he calls Herod a “fox.” Other notes about Herod: He became Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea in 4 B.C., upon the death of Herod the Great (Luke 3:1). He was also the one who beheaded John the Baptist (Luke 3:19-20).
3. 23:13-25 Why did Pilate release Barabbas instead of Jesus?
   Comments: To appease the mob. Also see John 19:12, where the crowd tells Pilate, “If you release him you’re no friend of Caesar.” Hendricksen states the following possible reasons Pilate wanted to release Jesus: 1) A sense of justice; 2) Jesus was more noble than his accusers; 3) Hatred for the Jews; 4) Superstitious fear (John 19:7-8); 5) A combination of the previous reasons.
4. 23:26-43 What concern did Jesus have for the women of Jerusalem? For those who crucified Him? For the malefactors?
   Comments: vv. 27-31: He was concerned that the women of Jerusalem would suffer in the fall of Jerusalem; v. 34: He asked God to forgive those who crucified them, because “they know not what they do.” vv. 39-43: He forgave the thief that was penitent and asked to be with Jesus in his kingdom. Note: Sometimes we forgive people with the consolation that someday God will “get them.” Jesus asks for God’s forgiveness for his crucifiers. Also, in the case of the thieves, he didn’t offer forgiveness unconditionally; he didn’t promise paradise to the the unrepentant thief.
5. 23:44-49 What was happening around Jesus when He died?
   Comments: v. 44 – darkness for 3 hours; v. 45 – the sun was darkened, the veil of the temple was torn in two; v. 47 – the centurion declared Jesus a righteous man; v. 48 – the crowd beat their breasts and returned home. [When they saw the crucifixion, they began to realize what they had done. They had just killed a godly man – maybe even the Messiah! In the words of Lenski, the commentator: “They came to witness a show; they left with feelings of woe.”] v. 49 – his female disciples and other acquaintances stood at a distance, watching.
6. 23:50-56 How did some of the disciples serve Him, even in death?
   Comments: vv. 50-54: Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate, asked for Jesus’ body and laid it in a new tomb. (as prophesied in Isaiah 53:9).
7. 24:1-12 What did the women find at the tomb?
   Comments: The stone was rolled away, and the body was gone. Two men dressed in shining garments stood by, declaring that Jesus was risen from the dead, “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” Did their wanting to dress Jesus for his burial show their lack of faith that he would rise again? The consensus of the class was that his resurrection was beyond their experience; they were simply following custom and honoring the body of the one they loved.
8. 24:13-35 What did Jesus have to explain to the two men on the road to Emmaus?
   Comments: The Scriptures that prophesied about him and how what had happened to this “Prophet” was the fulfillment of those scriptures. They didn’t seem to realize this “prophet” was also the Messiah. He prefaced his teaching with “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!”
9. 24:36-43 What kind of resurrection body did Jesus have?
   Comments: v. 30 He ate; v. 36 – He appeared our of nowhere. They were in a room that was shut (John 20:19). They could touch him.
10. 24:44-49 The preaching of repentance and remission of sins was to begin where? How long were the apostles to stay there?
    Comments: Jerusalem, until they were endued with power from on high.
11. 24:50-53 What was the attitude of the disciples after Jesus left them?
    Comments:  They were no longer sad. They were joyful, continuing in the temple, praising and blessing God. They undoubtedly had a lot to talk about as they realized the significance of all that Jesus had taught them.

Luke 21 and 22

1. 21:1-4 How can it be that two copper coins was more than what the rich men gave?
   Comments: As a percentage, it was much more than they gave. They gave out of their abundance; she gave all her livelihood. This does not necessarily mean she had no means of living in a culture that may not have depended upon currency as much as we do. Nevertheless, it was obvious that she gave not out of show but out of a desire to give. Like the Macedonians of 2 Corinthians 8:3-5, she first gave herself to the Lord. Note: What she gave equaled 1/16 of a denarius, which was a day’s wage.
2. 21:5-33 When Jesus spoke of “the end” in verse 9, of what was he speaking? (See vv. 6, 20.) Would anyone escape? (v. 21)
   Comments: The destruction of Jerusalem (in AD 70). Jesus told some how they could flee when they saw the approaching Roman armies. Note in verses 10-16 the persecution that some would undergo before that destruction, including betrayal by their families. In light of this, it’s no wonder Jesus told them in 14:26,27 that they might have to choose between him and their families. Note also that, even during these last days of his life, he was thinking not of himself but of his disciples’ safety some 40 years later.
3. 21:9, 12, 20, 32 When would these things happen?
   Comments: v. 9 – When they heard rumors of wars; v. 12 – after persecution of the disciples; v. 20 – when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies; v. 32 – in the present generation.
4. 21:34-36 What warning would be given for “that day,” and how much of the earth would it affect? (See also Matthew 24:36-44)
   Comments: There would be no warning; it would come on them like a trap and would affect the whole earth.
5. 21:37-38 How did Jesus spend His last days on earth?
   Comments: Teaching in the temple during the day, and resting at night on Mount Olivet. Even with just a few days left in his ministry, Jesus still saw the need to rest – a good example for us.
6. 22:1-6 What characteristics do you see in the chief priests, scribes, and Judas as they conspired to end Jesus’ life?
   Comments: Deceit, conniving, betrayal, even delight as Judas presented them a way to carry out their murderous plot – characteristics of Satan. They were also fearful of the people.
7. 22:7-23 What were Jesus’ instructions to His disciples concerning the bread and the cup?
   Comments: To eat the bread in his memory, because it is his body; to drink the cup, because it is the new covenant in His blood, shed for us.
   Discussion: If this is important, why is Luke the only gospel writer to mention it? By insisting we do it every Sunday, does it become a sacrament? It seemed to be important to the 1st century Christians, as indicated in Acts 20:7 and in Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:23-28. In these examples, taking it in community with others and as a means to remember the sacrifice of Christ was what was important, not the bread and wine themselves. None of the class members were sure about the definition, purpose, or traditional number of sacraments, a subject for further research.
   Notes on the Passover: According to Hendriksen’s commentary, the traditional Passover followed a certain order: 
   1) Prayer of thanksgiving by the household head; a cup of (diluted) wine.
   2) Eating of bitter herbs.
   3) The son’s inquiry: “Why is this night different?” and the father replying with the Passover story.
   4) Singing the first part of Hallel (Psalm 113 and 114), washing of hands, a 2nd cup of wine.
   5) Carving and eating the lamb and unleavened bread. 3rd cup of wine.
   6) Continuing to eat – always the last of the lamb.
   7) Singing the last part of Hallel (Psalm 115, 116, 117, 118). 4th cup of wine.
   Which Cup? 1 Corinthians 11:25 mentions the cup that Jesus took after supper as the symbol of the new covenant: the blood He shed on the cross.
8. 22:24-30 In the kingdom of Christ, who is the greatest?
   Comments: The one who is as the younger, and as one who serves. This dispute seems to be a progression from the previous section. They begin questioning who would betray Jesus and progress to a discussion of who was the best person among them. They discuss this while Jesus is preparing to undergo the ultimate humiliation: death on the cross. Note in Luke 9:46-48 they had the same dispute.
9. 22:31-46 What kind of concern did Jesus show for His disciples, even as He was preparing Himself to die?
   Comments: v. 32 - He prayed for Peter’s faith; vv. 35-38 - He was concerned for their physical sustenance and protection (the sword); vv. 40  – He told them to pray for protection from Satan. Note: v. 32 – Jesus knew that Peter would deny him; he also knew he would repent, “return” to him and be able to strengthen the brethren.
10. 22:47-53 What concern did Jesus show even for those who came to arrest Him?
    Comments: He healed the ear of the priest’s servant that Peter cut off (See John 18:10-11). The swords he permitted them to have weren’t intended to be used for this purpose.
11. 22:54-62 What happened just before Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy of his denial?
    Comments: The rooster crowed, and Jesus turned and looked at Peter. It must have added to the Lord’s sorrows to watch Peter’s realization and the sorrow it caused him.
12. 22:63-71 What kind of treatment did Jesus receive after He was arrested?
    Comments: They mocked him, beat him, blindfolded him, struck him on the face, mocked him, and accused him of blasphemy.

Luke 19 and 20

1. 19:1-10 What two attributes of Zaccheus are good examples for us? Why did Jesus come to earth?
   Comments: He sought to see Jesus, he was determined, he welcomed Jesus, and he was repentant.
   Other notes: Zaccheus had faith and trust in God, if he could just get close enough to Him. Sometimes our “shortness” keeps us from seeing what we need to be doing. Zaccheus went out of his way to see Jesus. When Jesus called him, Zaccheus ran to him, even though Jesus knew his profession. Notice that Jesus initiated the contact: He came to seek and to save the lost.
2. 19:11-27 When the nobleman gave each of his servants ten pounds, what did he expect them to do with the money?
   Comments: To put the money to work, to increase it. Those who seek spiritual gain will become richer; those who squander it will lose what they have. If we speak of the money as the gospel, then it follows that those who use their opportunities to spread the gospel will receive even more opportunities.
   He punished the lazy servant who made lame excuses by taking away his money. He executed those “enemies of mine” (verse 27) who hated him and had sent a delegation after him because they didn’t want his leadership (verse 14).
3. 19:28-40 Describe the scene (Jesus, the multitude of disciples, the Pharisees) when Jesus entered Jerusalem.
   Comments: Jesus rode on a colt. The whole crowd of disciples began to joyfully praise God for all the miracles they had seen. Many spread their clothes on the road. The Pharisees were not jubilant; they told Jesus to rebuke his disciples.
4. 19:37-46 What kind of emotion(s) did Jesus have when He entered the city?
   Comments: He had a quiet sadness.
   v. 41 – As Jesus approached Jerusalem and looked over the city, he wept – an open sadness. In spite of the crowd’s  jubilation, Jesus knew they praised him for the wrong reasons. They were looking for an earthly, political kingdom that would free them from Roman oppression. It wouldn’t be long before they would reject him and be shouting for his crucifixion.
   v. 46 – He seemed to express anger when he drove the sellers out of the temple. “My house is a house of prayer, not a den of thieves.”
5. 19:45-48 Who were Jesus’ enemies?
   Comments: vv. 45-46 – The sellers in the temple; v. 47 – the chief priests, teachers of the law, the ruling Jewish council, and other leaders among the people.
6. 20:1-8 Why didn’t Jesus answer the question about his authority?
   Comments: He knew they were trying to discredit him. They had a hidden agenda, planning to use his answer against him, and he saw through it. If he had no credentials, the people wouldn’t want to listen to him. If he claimed divine authority, they could accuse him of blasphemy. Note: “These things” probably included the temple cleansing.
7. 20:9-18 Who do you think the owner, husbandmen, servants, and son represent in the parable Jesus taught? Who is the stone?
   Comments:
   Owner: God.
   Husbandmen (farmers, vinedressers): Israel, including the teachers of the law and chief priests (v. 19)
   Servants: Prophets
   Son: Jesus
   Stone: Jesus
8. 20:19-26 What was Jesus’ answer to the spies’ question?
   Comments: Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. If Jesus said “Yes,” it would alienate the Jews, who hated the tax. If he said “No,” he could be accused of rebellion against the Roman government. In this way, he said “Yes” to paying taxes to the government and “No” to giving Caesar divine honor. That belongs only to God.
9. 20:27-38 What logic did Jesus use to prove to the Sadducees that there is a resurrection?
   Comments: He referred to Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3), where God calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even though they were dead.
10. 20:39-47 For what does Jesus condemn the scribes? What lesson from the widow contrasts with the behavior of the scribes as Jesus has just described them?
    Comments: They showed off, liked being important, thought they were better than anyone else. They were hypocrites, for while they made a show, they were taking advantage of widows. They used fraud and schemes for selfish gain. Compared to the widow in the next few verses in Chapter 21, they were arrogant, while she was humble. She was quietly generous, while they were brashly hypocritical.