Studies in Acts–Lesson 6

Read Acts 10:1 – 11:18

1. Who was Cornelius? What kind of man was he?
   Comments: A centurion of the Italian cohort. He was devout, feared God, led his household, was generous and prayerful (vv. 1,2). He also had a close connection with the Jews. (10:22)
2. Why did the angel appear? What time of day was it?
   Comments: The angel appeared because of Cornelius’s prayers and generosity. (v. 4) It was 3 p.m. (3) Also see 10:31.
3. For what purpose was Peter to speak to him? (11:14)
   Comments: Peter had a message that would save Cornelius and his household.
4. Who did Cornelius send?
   Comments: Two slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks (7). These were men were would have believed in Cornelius’s vision – part of Cornelius’s household who also feared God.
5. What time of day was it when Peter had his vision? Describe the vision. Did Peter understand it?
   Comments: It was noon (9). Something like a sheet came down from heaven, full of four-footed creatures, reptiles, and birds, with a voice saying “Get up, Peter, and eat.” But Peter refused. The voice said, “Don’t call profane what God has cleansed.” This was repeated two more times, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
   Peter was still puzzling about this when the men appeared at the gate. He certainly understood it later (10:28). Laws forbidding the eating of unclean foods are in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
6. What did the Spirit tell Peter to do?
   Comments: To go meet the men at the gate, for the Spirit had sent them (19). Peter’s impulsiveness was an asset here. He impulsively obeyed – didn’t stop to wonder or deny what had just happened.
   From Lenski’s Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles, pg. 407:
   If God cleansed, Peter ought to be satisfied; if the Spirit said to go with these men, Peter ought to drop any misgivings about going. When we have God’s authority, any scruples on our part insult God. On God’s authority we must act even if we do not fully understand all that he commands or promises. Too often our trouble is that we invent his authority for what he does not want us to do; and when we do what he disapproves we refer it to him as having demanded it.
7. What did the men from Caesarea tell Peter?
   Comments: That an angel had told Cornelius to send for him (22).
8. Who accompanied Peter back to Caesarea? Why?
   Comments: Believers from Joppa (23). It doesn’t say here, so it could just have been curiosity. More likely, they went as witnesses. The witnesses mentioned in Matthew 18:16 aren’t gathered for the same reason, but the principle would apply.
9. What had Cornelius done in preparation for Peter’s arrival?
   Comments: He had gathered relatives and close friends (24).
10. What did Cornelius do as Peter arrived?
    Comments: Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet and worshiped him. Peter made him get up, saying “Stand up; I am only a mortal.” (10:25,26)
11. What did Peter tell Cornelius was unlawful for a Jew to do? Why then did Peter do it?
    Comments: To associate with or visit with a Gentile. Because God told him to. He did it because he was more than a Jew – he was a Christian (28).
12. When Peter asked Cornelius why he had sent for him, what did Cornelius reply?
    Comments: He had been instructed by an angel to do so (30-33).
13. Peter's sermon might be summarized as:
    The message of Jesus. (or birth, or power)
    The works of Jesus. (or death, or peace)
    The death and resurrection of Jesus. (or resurrection, or healing, or good news)
    Ordained to judge the living and the dead.
    Forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus as the Christ. (43)
    Comment: v. 36 – “You know the message.” The Gentiles had heard the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection – before this.
14. When the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles, what did Peter say and command?
    Comments: “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (47,48)
    

     

True or False

1. The angel told Cornelius what he must do to be saved. False. (11:14; 10:22)
2. Peter sent the Gentile messengers to stay with another Gentile. False. (10:23)
3. The demonstration of the Spirit convinced Peter that the Gentiles were accepted. True. (10:47)
4. Peter said, "Nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.” True. (10:14)
5. Peter took three times as many witnesses as the Law of Moses required (Deut. 19: 15). True. (11:12)
6. Four days passed after Cornelius's vision before he talked with Peter. True. To the hour! (10:30)
7. Before Peter finished his sermon, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles. True. (10:44)
8. Peter said, "Stand up; for I myself also am a man." True. (10:26)
9. In every nation, those who fear God are accepted of Him False. They must also do what is right. (v. 35).
10. It is said that Peter saw the heavens opened. True. (10:11)
11. The Spirit told Peter that three men sought him. True. (10:19, per the NRSV)
12. All the prophets gave witness of Jesus. True. (10:43)
13. Why was Peter questioned in Jerusalem?
    Comments: The apostles and believers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. (11:1)
14. What charge was lodged against Peter?
    Comments: That he had eaten with uncircumcised men. (11:2,3)
15. How did Peter explain the matter to them?
    Comments: He told them the story from his point of view, step by step. (11:4-17) Note Peter’s thought process in 11:15-17.
16. When they heard all these things, what did they do?
    Comments: They were silenced for a minute or two. Then they praised God for giving the Gentiles “the repentance that leads to life.” (11:18)
    

Studies in Acts–Lesson 5

Read Acts 9; 22:3-16; 26:9-18

1. What is meant by “breathing threats and murder”?
   Comments: To threaten and kill those who called themselves Christians. Saul’s over-riding purpose was to rid the world of these blasphemers who claimed this man Jesus had not only risen from the dead by was the Messiah and Son of God. Note that he went to the high priests to get permission to round up these people. (9:1)
2. Whom did Saul want to arrest? Why?
   Comments: Men and women of the Way. They claimed that Jesus was the Son of God and that after he was crucified, he rose from the dead. Was Saul one of those who rose up with the Libertines against Stephen in Acts 6:9? He was, after all, from Cilicia. Note: The Way is the only proper collective noun used in Acts to refer to those who were disciples. At my count, it appears three times:,in Acts: 9:2, 22:4, and 24:14. (9:2)
3. Briefly describe the conversation between the Lord and Saul.
   Comments: After Saul falls to the ground from being struck by a bright light[was he walking, or on a horse?], Jesus asks Saul why he is persecuting Him. [To persecute Christ’s people is to persecute Him, the other side of Matthew 25:40, 45, where Jesus says that to do good to others – or to neglect others – is to do the same to Him.] Paul asks, “Who are you, Lord?” Jesus answers, “Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Go into Damascus and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:3-6)
4. Describe Saul’s condition in Damascus.
   Comments: He was blind and stunned into silence and prayer, having no food or drink. He is also repentant, as indicated by the new direction his life takes after this. In his writings, he never seems to forget what he did to the disciples of Christ. In 1 Timothy 1:15, he refers to himself as the “chief of sinners.” In Romans 1:14, he calls himself a “debtor, both to Greeks and Barbarians, the wise and the foolish.” We cited examples of those we know who, having been entrenched in sinful lifestyles, have a fervor for God not seen in some of us who did have to leave as much behind when we became Christians. (9:9)
5. What instructions did the Lord give Ananias?
   Comments: To go to a house on Straight Street, and find the man praying, to restore his sight, and to instruct him of the Lord’s will concerning him. (9:11; 22:14-16) Note: God uses men to teach his gospel. 1 Corinthians 1:21 refers to it as “the foolishness of preaching.”
6. Why was Saul baptized?
   Comments: To wash away his sins. (22:16)
7. What was Saul’s mission?
   Comments: To carry the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and sons of Israel, and to suffer for Jesus’ name sake (9:15). To be a witness to all men (26:16-18); To open men’s eyes to the light – for the forgiveness of their sins (26:19-20).
8. What did Saul immediately begin to do?
   Comments: Preach Christ as the Son of God. (9:20)
9. How was he received?
   Comments: With amazement, distrust, apprehension. The Jews plotted to kill him. (9:21-25). Note: It is thought that at the comma in verse 23 (“when many days had elapsed,”) Saul went away to Arabia and spent three years there before returning to Damascus and facing the persecution by the Jews. Is it a coincidence that he spent the same time in Arabia as the other apostles spent in the presence of Jesus? (See Galatians 1:15-24.)
10. How did he escape from Damascus?
    Comments: Paul’s disciples let him down in a basket through a hole in the city wall after nightfall. This is similar to the ways Rahab helped the spies escape (Joshua 2:15), and Michael helped David escape from those wanting to kill him (1 Samuel 19:12).
11. How did the disciples in Jerusalem receive Paul?
    Comments: With suspicion and fear. (9:26) Note from Don De Witt, in Acts Made Actual, pg. 127:
    “What were the thoughts of this humbled Pharisee as he approached the city of Jerusalem, as he looked upon the city wherein he had been trained, where he had so zealously labored for the Law? He would come face to face with many of his old friends. What would they think? But away with these thoughts of retrospect! He must make himself known to the disciples and above all he must meet the apostles.”
12. Who vouched for him in Jerusalem?
    Comments: Barnabas, so-called by the apostles because it means “Son of Encouragement.” (9:27, 4:36)
13. Where did the brethren take Saul, and where did they send him?
    Comments: To Caesarea, to catch a boat (assumed) back home to Tarsus. (9:30)

True or False

1. Saul asked for authority to kill all Christians he found. False
   He gathered them to be put into prisons (9:2; 22:5; 26:10,11). In 26:10, he confessed to casting his vote against them when they were being put to death. He also said that he tried to force them to blaspheme.
2. Saul was stricken by the light halfway between Jerusalem and Damascus. False
   He was almost to Damascus when the light struck him. (9:3)
3. The men with Saul heard the voice, but saw no man. True
   (9:7; 22:9)
4. Saul fasted and prayed without food but did take a little water. False
   He took neither food nor water. (9:9)
5. When the Lord spoke, Saul said, “Here am I, Lord.” False
   This was Ananias’s reply to God (9:5, 10) – in the NASV and ASV. Other versions merely read, “Yes, Lord.” The original Greek leaves out the words “Here am,” and merely says “I, Lord.”
6. Saul lodged in the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea. False
   Saul was in the house of Judas, on Straight Street in Damascus, when Ananias found him. (9:11). Peter stayed in the house of Simon the tanner (9:43).
7. Ananias said, "Brother Saul, arise and be baptized, for you are now saved." False
   Ananias said, “Brother Saul, receive your sight!” in 22:13. In 22:16, he said, “And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
8. When Ananias placed his hands on Saul, it was as if scales dropped from his eyes. True (9:18)
9. Saul confounded the Jews at Damascus. True (9:22). Other versions read “baffled.”
10. Saul slipped out of the gate at Damascus to escape his enemies. False. He was let out through a hole in the wall. (9:25)

Studies in Acts, Lesson 3

Read Acts 5: 17 - 7:60

1. What caused the high priest and the Sadducees to “rise up”?
   Comments: Jealousy. They did not like all the attention Peter was getting. Note: Apparently, they jailed all the apostles. See 5:12 – All the apostles seemed to be at Solomon’s porch; 5:29 – It was more than just Peter and John.
2. How is the second arrest different from the first?
   Comments: 1) In verse 18, the high priest and his associates simply put them in a public jail. 2) In verses 26 and 27 – after the miraculous release of the apostles – the captain of the temple guard and officers went to the temple and brought them before the Council.
3. What two charges were made against the apostles? What was their response?
   Comments: 1) 5:28 – You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching; 2) You intend to bring this man’s blood on us. Note: The high priest was right! In 5:30, Peter and the apostles say just that. “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on the cross.”
4. What do the scriptures tell us of Gamaliel?
   Comments: 5:34 - He was a Pharisee, teacher of the Law, respected by the people. He may have been a member of the Council, since it says he “stood up in the Council.” It’s not clear whether or not there were some there outside the Council. Acts 22:3 tells us he also taught Saul of Tarsus.
5. What was Gamaliel’s advice to the Council?
   Comments: 5:28-39 – If this “plan or action” is not from God, it will be overthrown. If it is from God, you don’t want to oppose it. Note: How refreshing to hear these words of wisdom from a respected member of the community, to witness how he persuades them calmly, while appealing to their “better selves”: Surely you would not want to oppose God!
6. What shows the utter disregard of the apostles for the punishment from the Council?
   Comments: 5:41-42. They rejoiced that they had been worthy of suffering shame [and not shame alone, but a beating as well!]. They went right back teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. They were content to leave the situation in God’s hands, as Gamaliel had suggested.
7. List two problems that arose in the church at this time. (6:1 –
   Comments: 1) 6:1-2 An accusation of discrimination from the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews, that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2) 6:9 Members of the synagogue of the Libertines (Freedmen, or freed slaves) began debating with Stephen.
8. Who selected the seven men? What were their qualifications?
   Comments: 6:3-13. The congregation of the disciples chose them. The men were to have good reputations and to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Note: Another example of wisdom on the part of the apostles. According to their names, all the men were Hellenistic Jews. The apostles chose from their own number the men to take care of this responsibility.
9. What two-fold task did the apostles have in the Jerusalem church?
   Comments: Prayer and ministry of the word. Note: Prayer is mentioned first, and then ministry of the word.  Even if that has no significance, the two seem to be equal in importance.
10. What was the purpose of the laying on of hands?
    Comments: Endorsement, encouragement, ordaining their ministry. In this verse (6:6), the apostles seem to be the ones laying on the hands, for the purpose of ordination, setting these men apart for a particular service. Later, in 8:17, the apostles will lay hands on believers to pass on miraculous gifts of the Spirit. In 13:2-3, the church in Antioch will lay hands on Barnabas and Saul before sending them on a mission trip. Here, too, they are “set apart” for a particular work. Note: We do the same today when we hold a special ceremony before sending out missionaries. We “lay” our hands on them in hugs, pats, and handshakes as signs of our support and encouragement.
11. What are the thoughts conveyed in the phrase "obedient to the faith"? See also Jude 3 and Romans 6: 17-18.
    Comments: They turned (were converted) to Christ from Judaism. Jude 3 – “Contend earnestly for the faith…once for all delivered…” Romans 6:17-18 – Obedient to a form of teaching. When they obeyed the faith, they participated in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, they turned from sin to righteousness, from the old man to the new man.
12. Why do you think the Sanhedrin would be especially interested in the charge against Stephen?
    Comments: 6:11-13 – He was part of a movement, which preached Christ risen from the dead, which they hated, and couldn’t control (See 4:21-23). They perceived him as a threat to their way of life.
13. What was the specific charge made against Stephen?
    Comments: 6:13-15 He “spoke against this holy place”: Insurrection, blasphemy, wanting to destroy Jerusalem. They were afraid that Jesus would “destroy this place”? He was supposed to be dead!
14. Do you recall an incident similar to this? Describe the circumstances that are alike in the two incidents.
    Comments: The persecution and execution of Stephen resemble the trial and crucifixion of Christ:
    Matthew 26:61 and Acts 6:14 – Both were accused of destroying symbols of Jewish law. In Christ’s case it was the temple.
    Matthew 26:65,66 and Acts 6:11 – Both were accused of blasphemy.
    Matthew 26:67-68 and Acts 7:57-58 – Both suffered physical abuse.
    Matthew 27:20 and Acts 7:57 – Both were victims of a mob mentality
15. In chapter 7, Stephen gives a brief history of Israel's rejection of God's council. Make a list of the things Israel rejected which are mentioned here.
    Comments: 7:9 – Joseph; 7:25,39 – Moses; 7:51-52 – Prophets; 7:52 – the Messiah; 7:53 – God’s law
16. Which verses do you think best answer the charge that was made against Stephen?
    Comments: In 6:11, Stephen is accused of blasphemy. In 6:14, he is accused of plotting to destroy “this place.” Acts 7:55-56 may answer the first charge; Acts 7:47-50 answers the second: God does not dwell in a house made with hands. Men cannot destroy a house not made with hands.
17. Which of Stephen’s statements do you think caused the most anger in the council?
    Comments: Several answers on this one: 7:52 – “Your fathers killed the prophets”; 7:53 – You received the law but did not keep it;  and 7:56 – “I see the heavens opened….” Most likely, each statement brought them closer to the point of uncontrolled fury.
18. According to tradition, who probably cast the first stone?
    Comments: According to this passage, the witnesses were those who began to stone him. A good practice, if you think about it. If you’re the one who has to carry out the execution, you might think twice about making a false accusation – if you’re in your right mind. These men were not.
19. Was Saul a member of the council?
    Comments: It doesn’t say. The general consensus was that he was not – because 1) of his age – he was a young man.  2) In 9:14, he’s given authority by the chief priests to arrest Christians. Given his background (Philippians 3:4-6), however, he could have been.
20. Do Stephen's last words remind you of similar words spoken by another? What were they? Who else spoke them?
    Comments: Both Jesus and Stephen asked forgiveness for those who murdered them. Jesus, in Luke 23:34, cried "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Here, in 7:60, Stephen cried, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!”

Studies in Acts, Lesson 2

Read Acts 3:1 – 5:16

True or False

1. The lame man was healed at the third hour. False – Some translators render this 3 p.m., but the original language says it was the 9th hour of the day. The Jewish calendar days began at 6 a.m. 3:1
2. This healing took place at the Temple Beautiful. False – It was the Temple Gate (or Door) called Beautiful. 3:2
3. The lame man spoke to Peter and John before they spoke to him. True – 3:3. (Providential?)
4. Peter told the lame man to arise and walk. False, if this is meant to be a quote. 3:6: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
   Comment: When the crowd gathers, Peter asks them why they marveled so much. Why look at Peter and John as if they had done something by their own power? This was done by the power of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who glorified Jesus, and whom they had killed, sparing a murderer instead.
   Isn’t this true of us today sometimes? We’re surrounded everyday by the amazing evidence of the power of God, yet we’re still more attracted to the sensational.
5. Acts 3:19 and 2:38 compare favorably and generally teach the same thing. True. Both involve commandments to repent, and both give promises. 2:38 commands baptism, while 3:19 commands “turning again.” The promises in 2:38 are remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Promises in 3:19 are the blotting out of sins and seasons of refreshing.

Circle the letter of the most accurate word or phrase.

1. Moses said that:
   a) God would one day raise up the Messiah.
   b) God would one day raise up a prophet like himself. 3:22
   c) God would one day restore Israel.
   Comments: Note Peter’s readiness to preach. Surely this is a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to His apostles in John 16:13: “The Spirit of Truth…will guide you into all truth.”
2. Peter appealed to the heart of the Jew in the conclusion of his sermon by telling them of:
   a) The advantages of being a Christian.
   b) The terrible death of their Messiah.
   c) The blessing that God promised them through Abraham that was now to be found in Christ. 3:25,26
   Comment: Note in 3:26, Peter tells them that Jesus has been sent to the Jews first – an indication of the time to come when the Gentiles would have access to the kingdom.
3. The real reason for Peter's and John's arrest was:
   a) They taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 4:2
   b) They disturbed the peace.
   c) They had too large a crowd.
   Comment: Notice that the Sadducees were among those who arrested Peter and John. Since they didn’t believe in a resurrection from the dead, they would be particularly offended. Also note that Annas was a Sadducee. (See Robertson’s Word Pictures.)
4. The official or appointed high priest was:
   a) Ananias.
   b) Caiaphas – according to the Romans (Robertson’s Word Pictures)
   c) Annas 4:6 – according to the Jews (Robertson’s Word Pictures)
5. The Sanhedrin asked the following question of Peter and John:
   a) What have you done?
   b) By what power or in what name have you done this? 4:7
   c) By what authority have you done this?
   Note: The text does not specifically say this was the Sanhedrin, but it consisted of the same groups of men. The Sanhedrin was composed of 70 men: 24 priests, 22 scribes, and 24 elders.

Locate the following verses (Quoted from the NASB):

1. Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 4:13
   Note: Despite what we may want to believe, the apostles taught that Christianity is the one true religion of the one true God.
2. But Peter and John answered and said to them. "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard." 4:19,20. Note the boldness and confidence of the apostles. No matter the consequences, they preached what they knew to be true.
3. "He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the very corner stone." 4:11. See also Matthew 16:16-18; Isaiah 28:16; and Psalm 118:22.
4. "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all confidence.” 4:29 A “secret” of their boldness, perhaps? They prayed for it.
5. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. " 4:32-35. A model church, where love was primary midst the gratitude they felt for their salvation.

Correct any mistakes in the following:

1. Jacob, Joseph, called Barnabas, having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. 4:36
2. When Ananias and Sapphira laid the money at the feet of the apostles, they he lied to the apostles and the men of the church God. Comment: We may think we're lying only to men, but that’s not how God looks at it. Although Ananias spoke his lie to men, he was actually trying to deceive God by pretending to be more generous than he really was.
3. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was two-fold: the love of self the desire for esteem in the eyes of men (a love of praise) and the love of money. Comment: They wanted to be seen as sacrificial without actually having to sacrifice.
4. About one hour three hours later Sapphira joined her husband in death. 5:7.
5. The scriptures say that even Peter's shadow healed some some carried their sick out into the streets, hoping Peter’s shadow would fall on them. 5:15

Reason together:

Is being added to the Lord the same as being added to the church? How do you know? Comments: The term “added to the Lord” appears in the the American Standard and King James Versions. Others (NIV and NASB) say that believers in the Lord were “added to their number.”

Acts 5:11 is the first use of the word “church” in Acts. Previously, Luke had referred to the collective body of the saved as “their number” (Acts 2:47); those who believed (Acts 4:4) “multitude of them that believed” (Acts 4:32). Acts 2:47 points out, too, that the Lord does the adding

Ephesians 1:22,23 refers to this body of the saved as the church, of which Christ is the head.

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 15 and 16

1. 15:1-7 The shepherd looking for the lost sheep is a picture of whom? Who else might it be?
   Comments: Christ – and God. They love all their sheep. Note on verse 7: “…ninety-nine persons who need no repentance.” The Pharisees only thought they were righteous, needing no repentance, (Luke 5:31; 18:9). Hendriksen’s observations: Jesus was being consistent with his instructions (14:12-14); the publicans and sinners were following his instruction (14:35).
2. 15:8-10 What was the value of the coin to the woman? How useful was it while it was lost?
   Comments: The loss of it (worth a day’s wage in monetary terms) made her obsessive about finding it and needing to share her joy when finding it. The value? Priceless. Its use as long as it was lost? Nothing. Hendriksen: We can have four attitudes toward the lost: 1) hatred; 2) indifference; 3) welcoming; and 4) seeking.
3. 15:11-21 List some differences between the son who left home and the son who came back.
   Comments: The son who left was demanding (v. 12); wasteful (v. 13); extravagant (v. 14); rebellious (v. 13); hungry (v. 16). When he came back he was realistic (v. 17); repentant and humble – he had sinned against heaven (v. 19); willing to act (v. 20). The father described his son as dead, then alive; lost, then found (v. 32).
4. 15:20-32 The father in this parable is a picture of whom?
   Comments: God – who loves all his children equally (vv. 24 and 31) – the picture of forgiving love and divine mercy.
5. 15:25-32 How is the older son’s attitude a lesson for us?
   Comments: The older son was self-centered and jealous. Lessons for us? 1) We don’t begrudge the work we do nor do we expect a special reward. 2) We rejoice with those who rejoice. 3) We rejoice that one lost is found. 4) We are forgiving, trust in the repentance of others.
6. 16:1-8 For what did the rich man commend the steward?
   Comments: His shrewdness – not for his crookedness. As the steward made provision for his monetary future, so must we for our spiritual wellbeing. The master does not represent Jesus. Note: 100 measures of oil is equivalent to 800-900 gallons; 100 cor of wheat equivalent to 1000 bushels.
7. 16:9-12 What is Jesus’ example of “very little” in verse 10?
   Comments: Use money for good things to bless people; use your money for good works (v. 9). What is “very little” or “least” is material wealth (v. 10).
8. 16:13-18 Why did the Pharisees scoff at Jesus?
   Comments: Because they didn’t appreciate what he said about money. How could Jesus talk? He had no money! Note: Verse 13 repeats what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:24)
9. 16:19-23 How were the roles of the rich man and Lazarus reversed?
   Comments: The rich man received good things in this life, but was tormented after death; Lazarus was tormented in this life, comforted in the next (v. 25). The rich man became the beggar (v. 27). He had not made friends by mammon (16:9).
10. 16:24-31 What is more important than even someone being raised from the dead?
    Comments: Heeding what has been written. To illustrate what the actual response of his brothers may have been, note the response to the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. The chief priests wanted to kill Lazarus, to remove the evidence of the miracle (John 12:9-11).