Encountering the New Testament, 4th Edition
A Historical and Theological Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Materials available for professors by request only
Chapter
14. Acts 1–7
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Acts being placed between the Gospels and the Epistles is significant?
- How can the literary quality of Acts be compared with that of the Gospels?
- There is an emphasis today on numbers: in evangelism, in church membership, and so on. How can this be assessed in light of the book of Acts?
- What are some ways contemporary Christians could be more like the early community of believers in Acts 3:1–7:60?
- How does Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7:2–53 have meaning for us today?
- How should the focus of Peter’s message lend direction to pastors today?
Assignment Ideas / Class Activities
- Have students trace the missionary journeys of Paul and place the relevant epistles of Paul with those cities and journeys.
- Have the class find verses in Acts 1 that illustrate what legacy Jesus left: his personal presence, his standing orders.
- Divide the class into small groups. Have each group find examples of conflicts and persecution faced by believers today. Conclude with a sharing session of these, one from each group.
- Study the book of Acts to find passages that are descriptive, prescriptive, and both descriptive and prescriptive. Prepare a table in which these passages are noted. Discuss these in class and provide each student with a copy.
- Present a round table discussion about the nature of Acts 1–12 versus Acts 13–28 giving a variety of illustrations from each section.
