LESSON 5 -11

Day 1: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 11 “The in Samaria” 1. In the description of persecutions, what can we learn about: a) Saul

b)

c) Why God permitted it

d) Philip in Samaria

2. In reading how the Holy Spirit used Philip to minister to the , what did you learn about: a) The Holy Spirit

b) How this experience is an example for us today

Day 2: Acts 9:1-31 3. Locate on a map. What are the steps in Saul’s conversion from bitter opposition to recognition of as the Messiah?

4. Read Saul’s own description of his conversion in Galatians 1:11-24. What does he emphasize?

5. Compare the way Saul enters Damascus with the way he had planned to enter.

6. How does the Lord use His Ananias of Damascus in Saul’s life?

b) How does the Lord prepare these two men to meet each other?

7. Consider the spiritual battle Ananias goes through. “The Lord said, “Rise and go”… but Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard about this man.”” Philip has a similar experience in vs. 8:26-27a . What makes these men useful in the spread of the gospel?

8. (Personal) Compare your life in terms of willing obedience to . How do you rate? How could you improve?

9. What immediate changes do you see in Saul?

b) Why isn’t Saul immediately accepted by the in ?

c) How does Saul’s conversion change the life of the church in general at this time?

Day 3:Acts 9:32-43 10. What impact has made upon her friends and neighbors?

b) What specific needs in your church and community require the services of a Dorcas today?

11. Describe the six Christians mentioned in this chapter and how each fulfilled his service to the Lord. a) d)

b) e)

c) f)

12. (Personal) What is your service to the Lord?

Day 4: Read :1-33; Locate Joppa and Caesarea on a Bible Map 13. What facts do you learn about Cornelius?

b) What strikes terror in the heart of this soldier of ?

c) What encouragement does he receive?

14. What is Peter doing when he falls into a trance?

b) What is Peter’s conflict?

15. The strict Jew would never have as a guest, or be the guest of any man who did not observe the Jewish law. How is Peter prepared for the men from Cornelius?

15. b) What is God’s timing here?

c) What barriers does Peter cross by his action in vs. 23?

16. What do the preparations Cornelius makes to accompany Peter to Caesarea indicate about the extent of his commitment and expectation?

17. What would be the effect on our church services if those in the pews came with the attitude expressed in vs. 33, and the one in the pulpit came with a message from God?

Day 5: Acts 10:34 to 11:18 18. What are the major points and central truth emphasized in Peter’s sermon?

19. What does this chapter have to say in answer to the question, “What about all the good people who don’t believe in Jesus Christ?”

20. What is the response of the upright and God-fearing man when he does hear the gospel of Jesus Christ?

21. How does Peter answer the criticism over his going to Cornelius’ home and eating?

b) What specific things does he mention wh ich reveal supernatural guidance?

22. What principles can you discern from Peter’s experience that will help you to recognize God’s guidance in your life?

Day 6: :19-30; Locate on a Bible Map 23. To what extent has the church now spread?

b) What authority does the church in Jerusalem seem to exercise? (see vs. 22)

24. What new role does play?

b) Why does he bring Saul to Antioch? See 9:26-30 for Barnabas’ previous contact with Saul some nine years before.

c) What makes Barnabas such an effective Christian? 25. What attitude do the Christians in Antioch have toward the Christians in Judea?

26. (Personal) What opportunities do you have to express God’s love toward fellow Christians who may be different?

27. What does the name Christian mean to you?

28. According to the book of Acts, it is a word with a limited, well-defined meaning (11:26). In the sense used in the book of Acts, who is a Christian?

© 2000 PJW / JB