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Acts - Interactive Questions
Whose acts does the Book of Acts record? - correct answer The Book of Acts records the acts of the apostles and also the acts of the Holy Spirit. Who wrote Acts? - correct answer Luke What three historical dates help determin when Luke wrote Acts? - correct answer (1) Paul's imprisonment in Rome (AD 60-63) was included in Acts, so Luke must have written after Paul's imprisonment. (2) The burning of Rome in AD 64 is not mentioned, indicating Luke wrote before AD 64. (3) Jerusalem's destruction in AD 70 is not mentioned, so Acts was written before that time. Luke wrote Acts around AD
How does Acts serve as a bridge between the Gospels ad the Epistles? - correct answer Acts fills a gap in the written history of the church. Acts introduces us to key figures and churches mentioned in the Epistles In what city does the Book of Acts begin? In what city does Acts end? What is the significance of this progression? - correct answer Acts begins in Jerusalem. Acts ends in Rome. This progression shows the geographic growth of the church. The church grew in an ever-widening circle. In what four ways did the early church grow in Acts? - correct answer The church grew (1) numerically, (2) geographically, it (3) expanded its mission, and it grew in (4) theology. On which location does the first part of Acts focus? Where does Acts next focus? By the end of Acts, where is the geographic focus? - correct answer Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria; and the whole earth What are three ways to organize the Books of Acts? - correct answer (1) Geographically, (2) by the ministries of Peter and Paul, and (3) by the messages and their speakers.
Memorize the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 - correct answer "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and woman, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." In what ways was it good for the disciples that Jesus go away? What is the benefit for believers today? - correct answer Jesus was one person in one place while on earth. But when He went away, He sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can be with every believer, thus multiplying the ministry and effectiveness of the church. Each believer can live with constant presence and infilling of the Holy Spirit. Summarize three reasons why it was important for the disciples to wait for the gift the Father had promised. - correct answer The task is bigger than we are, the task is too hard to accomplish without the Spirit's power, and the task is not yet finished. How is the Holy Spirit a gift from the Father? - correct answer The Holy Spirit is a precious gift that the Father gives to His children who ask. Being filled with the Spirit is not something that can be earned or purchased. Who baptizes believers in the Spirit? - correct answer Jesus What is the believer's part in being baptized in the Spirit? - correct answer The believer's part is to come to Jesus, ask Him for His Spirit, , receive the Spirit, and speak in the new language the Spirit gives us. What statement made by the apostles in Acts 1 shows they still hoped Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom right away? - correct answer "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6) What power enables believers to witness for Jesus? - correct answer The Holy Spirit gives believers power to witness. What did the disciples do to obey Jesus before Penecost? - correct answer They waited in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, as Jesus commanded.
The Feast of Firstfruits is fulfilled through what event as described in 1 Corinthians 15:20? - correct answer The resurrection of Christ Describe the relationship between the blessing and duty of Pentecost. Which do you believe is more important? - correct answer Pentecost involves both aspects. God pours out His blessing on His people and gives them power to work in the harvest. Both are important but must be kept in proper balance. In light of John 17:20-23, why is the unity of believers a necessary condition for the church's experience of Pentecost? - correct answer Without genuine love for the brothers and sisters, the whole Christian enterprise fails. One who would be used of God must want to experience and express His love at least as much as His power. God will not trust His power to a group of believers who lack unity, for they will only perpetuate their differences in the new believers. How does wind symbolize the work of the Spirit? - correct answer It symbolizes the bringing of new life. Does the sound like the blowing of a violent wind ever occur again in Acts when believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit? What can be inferred from this? - correct answer No. Rushing wind is not a normative or typical sign of being filled with the Spirit. What does fire symbolize in relation to God? - correct answer God's presence (Exodus 3:2), judgment, and purification (Luke 3:16-17). In light of the sign of fire, what is the importance of Luke 3:16-17? - correct answer Luke recorded John the Baptist's words that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, a symbol of judgment and purification. What is more important that the signs of the Spirit's presence? - correct answer The Spirit himself What is the difference between speaking in tongues in 1 Corinthians 12 and Acts 2:4? - correct answer 1 Corinthians 12 is speaking about a gift of the Spirit for use in corporate worship services. Acts 2:4 speaks of Christians praying individually to God in other languages.
How does praying in tongues benefit the individual? - correct answer It builds the believer up, or edifies him or her. How does it feel to know someone truly understands you? How does this relate to how the Holy Spirit communicates with God for the believer? - correct answer The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, communicating with God on a deeper level than we are capable of on our own. What are four purposes for speaking in tongues? - correct answer Speaking in tongues is (1) the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, it is (1) one of nine gifts of the Spirit, it is (3) a regular means of personal prayer, and it (4) is a sign to unbelievers. What drew the crowd on the Day of Pentecost? - correct answer The believers speaking in other tongues drew the crowd. The work of the Holy Spirit draws crowds to hear the gospel. Who was most likely to mock the believers, those who understood on of the fifteen languages or those who spoke only Aramaic? Why? - correct answer Those who spoke only Aramaic might be more likely to mock. Speaking in tongues would sound like nonsense to them, but it would convince those who understood the miracle of Pentecost. What was significant about Peter's bold stand? - correct answer He had only recently denied Jesus. Now the Holy Spirit gave him power to stand fearlessly. Who stood with Peter before the crowd? - correct answer The eleven apostles, including Matthias. Why was it important for people to see Jesus' twelve disciples standing together? - correct answer It gave strength and credibility to what Peter said. What gave Peter authority to speak? - correct answer The Holy Spirit illuminated God's Word to Peter.
public gathering for worship, (11) glad meal times, (12) favor with people, and (13) growth. How many healing miracles are recorded in the first seven chapters of Acts? - correct answer Just one, the healing of the lame beggar What new idea about suffering is introduced in Acts 3 and 4? - correct answer Suffering is often the consequence of doing right; certainly suffering is not always a consequence of doing. What happened when Peter and John reached out and touched the beggar? - correct answer He was healed. What was the man's to being healed (healed by Peter and John). - correct answer The man went with Peter and John into the temple courts, walking, jumping, and praising God. His life was transformed. What was the purpose of a miraculous sign like the healing of the lame man? - correct answer Miracles are signs, a doorway to reveal the nature and authority of Jesus Christ. Who was ordering Peter's opportunities to preach? - correct answer The Holy Spirit How did Peter exalt Jesus? - correct answer Peter gave God credit for the miracle rather than claiming it for himself. In what two ways did God glorify Jesus? - correct answer God glorified Jesus by (1) raising Jesus from the dead and by continuing to (2) do miracles in Jesus' name. What does Peter's sermon in Acts 3:17-26 tell us about the heart of God? - correct answer God's heart is willing to forgive even the worst sinners. What is the difference between sins of ignorance and sins of a high hand? - correct answer Sins of ignorance were unintentional. In the Old Testament, when a person repented and offered an acceptable sacrifice, he or she could be forgiven of such
sins. But sins of a high hand were intentional. No sacrifice could bring forgiveness. Such sins were to be punished severely. What type of sin had the Sanhedrin committed in killing Jesus? - correct answer The Sanhedrin had committed an intentional sin of a high hand. What word does Peter use to describe their (Sanhedrin) sin? What does his word choice indicate about how God is willing to treat those who killed His Son? - correct answer Peter uses the word ignorance to describe their sin. it shows that God is willing to offer pardon even to those who killed Jesus. Since God is willing to forgive even the worst sinners who repent, do we have any right or excuse not to forgive others - or ourselves? - correct answer Answers will vary, but God's willingness to forgive should spur believers to forgive also. What group of people caused trouble for Peter? - correct answer Peter's trouble came not from the irreligious, but religious leaders, the Sanhedrin. Retaliation is the normal human response to being unfairly attacked as Peter and John were. How did Peter and John respond instead? How difficult would it have been for you to respond as Peter and John did? - correct answer Some normal human responses would be to get defensive, get angry, or fight back. Peter and John were not bitter, violent, or defensive. Answers about a personal response will vary. What phrase in Acts 4:8 suggest the source of Peter's assurance and wisdom on this occasion? - correct answer "Filled with the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit gave Peter power to witness in spite of danger. What should you do when it seems another Christian is opposing you or working against what you are trying to do for God? - correct answer Answers will very, but Christians should first look at their own hearts and motives. Likely some in the Sanhedrin sincerely thought they were doing God's work. Some who identify with Peter and John might actually be more like the Sanhedrin. Christians who find themselves in conflict with other Christians for doing right should follow Peter and John's example. They should speak the truth boldly but with respect. They should not fear or back down from what is right not matter what the result or cost. They must leave the outcome in God's hands and trust Him to work it out for His glory.
Locate four times the words "sign and wonders" have already been used together in Acts 2 and 4. - correct answer (1) Acts 2:19, (2) Acts 2:22, (3) Acts 2:43, and (4) 4: How many were healed by the Apostles? - correct answer All. We are not told specific numbers, but all who came were healed. Identify the obstacles Peter and John faced in Acts 4:1-22. How did they respond? - correct answer Peter and John faced fear, doubt, and blame, but they overcame these. They praised God for what happened to them, trusting in God's sovereignty (Acts 4:24). Explaing how the church was challenged in Acts 5:1-11. How effective was it? Why?
- correct answer The church faced potential division through inroads of a selfish spirit. God's judgment of Ananias and Sapphira rooted out sin an selfishness and brought a healthy fear and reverence for God's holiness. Explain the source of the challenge against the church in Acts 5:17-40. How successful was this challenge? Why? - correct answer The Sadducees became jealous, bringing physical persecution against all the apostles. It was unsuccessful, for the apostles rejoiced in the persecution and continued their ministry. How is the challenge of 4:1-22 met with victory in 4:23-37? - correct answer The attempt to harass Peter and John unified the believers even more. They sensed a greater need for boldness, and they manifested great love for each other. How is the challenge of 5:1-11 met with victory in 5:12-16? - correct answer Satan should have left Ananias and Sapphira alone (Acts 5:2). By the time the incident is over, there is a greater fear and reverence for God in the church and population, signs and wonders are abundant, and more than ever believers are added to the church. How is the challenge of 5:17-40 met with victory in 5:41-42? - correct answer The public proclamation of the gospel is undiminished, the apostles are more popular than ever, and the church continues to grow.
Out of these thirteen times of trouble, how many times did God provide deliverance? - correct answer Four times What two examples does Gamaliel give to illustrate his belief in the sovereignty of God? - correct answer (1) Theuda, whose followers were scattered when he was killed; and (2) Judas the Galilean, whos revolt failed and his followers scattered when he was killed. Why was suffering a reason to rejoice for the apostles? - correct answer Because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. From Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15-17, what is the correct way to handle disputes with other believers? - correct answer Before a Christian can be right with God, he or she must first make things right with other Christians with whom he or she has a dispute. First, the offended must go alone to the offender and try to resolve things. If the latter will not listen, the offended should take along one or two others to witness what is said. If there is still no reconciliation, the problem should be brought to the church for arbitration. If that still does not work, the offender should no longer be regarded as a Christian brother or sister. How might the problem have become worse if the apostles had ignored it? - correct answer Answers will vary but might include that the feelings would have escalated. The Grecian Jews would have felt angry and embittered, whil their compaints might have alienated the Hebraic Jews or made them defensive. The end result would be greater division and more bad feelings. What were the tree qualifications used to select the seven leaders? - correct answer Those chosen were to have (1) good reputations, be (2) full of wisdom, and (3) full of the Spirit. What are five steps the apostles took to handle the conflict? - correct answer (1) The recognized the problem existed and took intelligent steps to solve it; (2) they did not condemn or accuse either sides; (3) they honestly faced their own limitations; (4) they were open to change; and (5) they delegated authority to others. How does the setting for Stephen's preaching ministry differ from the setting of the apostles' preaching? Compare Acts 6:9 with Acts 3:11-4:4; 5:12-21, 42. - correct answer Stephen's ministry was in the synagogue; the apostles' was in the temple.
What statement of Stephen shows he died consciously following the Lord in His death? - correct answer "Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit" and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." What does this reveal about Stephen's attitude toward the Sanhedrin? - correct answer He did not hate them, but forgave them. Read Matthew 23:27-37. How do Stephen's stern words and weeping heart mirror the behavior and attitude of Jesus? - correct answer Jesus sternly denounced the hypocrites, then wept, longing to embrace those who rejected Him. What notable New Testament figure is introduced at the death of Stephen? - correct answer Saul, who would later become the apostle Paul Who was scattered after death of Stephen? Who remained behind? - correct answer Acts 8:1 says that "all except the apostles were scattered." It seems reasonable that this refers to the mid-level leaders, such as the remaining members of the seven selected to oversee the church welfare system. Why do you think the apostles might have chosen to stay in Jerusalem when others fled? - correct answer Answers may vary. Flight had been an earlier sign of their failure. They may have felt pastoral responsibility toward those who remained behind. They might not have wanted the imprisoned believers feel abandoned. Are there any unimportant jobs in the kingdom of God? - correct answer Answers will vary but should indicate that all jobs done in the right spirit are important. Is Philip's casting out of evil spirits the first mention of exorcism in Acts? If not, locate a previous example. - correct answer It is not the first time. A previous example can be found in Acts 5:16. What two factors led the Samaritans to accept Philip's message? - correct answer The word he proclaimed and the signs he performed. What six results of Philip's ministry in the Samaritan city are mentioned in Acts 8:6- 8, 12-13? - correct answer (1) The people paid close attention to Philip (8:6). (2)
Signs followed - exorcisms and healing the lame (8:7). (3) There was much joy in the city (8:8). (4) Many believed the good news (8:12). (5) Men and women were baptized (8:12). (6) Simon the sorcerer (8:13). What two actions did Peter and John take in ministering to the believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit? - correct answer They prayed for them and laid hands on them. One thing occurred in Samaria at the puring forth of the Spirit that had not happened at Pentecost. What was it? - correct answer The apostles laid their hands on believers. Look at Luke 9:51-55 and John 4:27. Contrast Peter and John's attitudes toward Samaritans with those displayed in 8:14-25. - correct answer They seem to have overcome their prejudice against the Samaritans and embraced them as brothers and sisters. What characteristics did Luke give of the man to whom the angel of the Lord sent Philip in Acts 8:27-28? - correct answer (1) He was an Ethiopian; (2) He was a eunuch, castrated or born with physical defects; (3) He was the treasurer of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians; (4) He had gone as a pilgrim to Jerusalem; (5) He was reading from the Book of Isaiah. What does the distance the eunuch was willing to travel to reach Jerusalem by chariot say about him? - correct answer Answers will vary but should include the idea that the man seemed very determined or spiritually hungry to undertake such a long, difficult journey. Had the eunuch continued reading his scroll until he came to Isaiah 56:3-8, how would his joy have been even greater? - correct answer Isaiah 56:3-8 promises that God would draw the foreigner and the eunuch to himself. With these wonderful promises, the eunuch could look with joy toward the time of fulfillment, when he would be no longer an alien but a fellow citizen. What one command did the Lord give Saul, and how did Saul respond to it? - correct answer The Lord commanded obedience by instructing Saul to wait in Damascus for further instructions. Saul added to his obedience the sign of total remorse and repentance, abstaining from food and drink (and praying) until his orders come.
What is the significance of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles? - correct answer This clearly showed that non-Jews were accepted by God without first becoming Jews and being circumcised. It opened a whole new world of evangelism. Why did Luke give so much space to the story of Cornelius? - correct answer The implications of these events posed the single greatest theological problem of the early church - whether a Gentile could be saved without first becoming a Jew. How did some from the circumcision party respond to events at Cornelius' house? - correct answer They complained and discounted what God had done at Caesarea. What is one example of the different emphasis believers used to preach more effectively to the Greeks? - correct answer They preached Jesus as Lord, a term much more meaningful to the Gentile mind that Christ or Messiah, terms meaningful to the Jews. What was the difference between the first messengers of the gospel to Antioch and the second? - correct answer The first were unsucessful, not because they did not have adequate knowledge of the Lord, but because they did not have an adequate methodology to reach the Gentiles. The second group of believers not only knew the Lord, but also knew how to speack of Him to the Gentiles. Compare the ministry strengths of Barnabas and Saul from Acts 11:22-25. - correct answer Barnabas was an exhorter or encourager. Saul was a teacher. How many books of the Bible did the apostle James write? How many churches does Acts record him planting? How many sermons are we told he preached? - correct answer None Was James' life wasted? Explain your answer. - correct answer No. He was a significant leader in the early church. List some possible reasons for suffering: - correct answer (1) To make the victory sweeter; (2) discipline from the Lord; (3) so we can be a resource and example for others; (4) to change our direction; (5) we may never know.
What is one of the greatest lessons we can learn in deliverance or death? - correct answer The principle of trust in God. What are seven principles of missions activity found in Acts 13:4-12? - correct answer (1) Missionary work is a team effort. (2) Start with the familiar. (3) Start in the logical place. (4) Extend your reach. (5) Expect opposition. (6) Be full of the Spirit. (7) When the gospel is faithfully preached in truth and power, people will believe on the Lord. What were the two parts of Paul's sermon in Acts 13:14-43? - correct answer The first part traced God's sovereign acts in Israel's history. The second part was about Jesus - His life, death, resurrection, and provision for the forgiveness of sins. Why did the Jews talk abusively against what Paul said? - correct answer They were jealous. From Acts 14:20-22, describe the important role other believers play in the encouragement of struggling Christians. - correct answer After the disciples gathered around the wounded Paul, he was able to get up and return to the city. Paul and Barnabas returned to all the towns they had previously visited and encouraged believers to remain true to the faith. What six principles for overcoming difficulties in ministry? - correct answer (1) Don't give up when you meet resistance. (2) Keep a good attitude. (3) Be adaptable. (4) Be prepared for the worst battles after the greatest victories. (5) Fight the good fight. (6) Look at what God is accomplishing in and through you. Acts 14:22-23 lists four ways Paul and Barnabas followed through in establishing the new converts in the faith. What were these four ways? - correct answer (1) Strengthening the disciples. (2) Encouraging them to remain true to the faith and alerting them that "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). (3) Appointing elders in every place. (4) Being committed to the Lord with prayer and fasting. For how long had the underlying causes that produced the Jerusalem Council been building? - correct answer For twenty years
What were some unexpected benefits of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas? - correct answer Paul chose a new companion, Silas. Silas' Roman citizenship would prove an important asset on this trip (Acts 16:37). If Barnabas and Mark had been on the team, there might not have been room for Timothy (Acts 16:3) and Luke (Acts 16:10). Under the son of encouragement (Barnabas), Mark wold recover from his earlier failure (Acts 13:13). He would be a living example that God could use a person who had failed at first. Because of Barnabas' faith in his cousin, we have Mark's Gospel. Paul later realized that Mark was no longer a quitter and found him useful. In fact, he asked Mark to com to Rome at a time when Christian leaders feared for their lives (2 Timothy 4:11). How did the Holy Spirit keep Paul from going to Asia or Bithynia? - correct answer We do not know for sure, but we do know Paul was sensitive. When his rationality and the Spirit's checking were in conflict, he listened to the Spirit. Where did Paul start ministering in Philippi since there was no synagogue? - correct answer Paul went to a small group of Jewish women and God-fearers who met outside the city gate by the river Gangites. Who was the first recorded convert in Europe? - correct answer Lydia What does the diversity of the Philippian converts tell us about the power of God and the chance for unity in our own varied churches today? - correct answer Answers will vary. In Christ, the things that unite us are greater than the things that divide us. Summarize Paul's approach to ministry in Thessalonica. - correct answer Paul went first to the synagogue, where he debated and answered questions. He pointed them to the truth in the Word of God. What spurred the Thessalonians to reject the gospel? - correct answer Jealousy In what two places did Paul first minister in Anthens? - correct answer He spoke at the synagogue and in the market place.
What two philosophical groups did Paul meet in Athens, and what was their opinion of him? - correct answer He met the (1) Epicureans and the (2) Stoics. They said, "What is this babbler trying to say? and " He seems to be advocating foreign gods." How did Paul's serman to intellectuals differ from his sermons to Jews? - correct answer Paul used God's Word as His text when speaking to Jews. But when he spoke to the intellectuals, he did not quote the Bible, but Greek poets. His text ws the statue to an unknown God. He connected with them on their own wave length. What were the names of some in Athens who believed? - correct answer "Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others" (Acts 17:34). Contrast the response to the gospel in the cities of Thessolonica, Berea, and Athens.
- correct answer In Thessolonica, some responded positively, but others were jealous and stirred up a riot forcing Paul to leave. They even sent people to Berea to stir up people there against the missionaries. In Berea, the Jews nobly received the word with great eagerness. They tested what Paul said against the Scriptures. Many believed. In Athens, some mocked and others wanted to hear more, but a few believed. What did Paul have in common with Priscilla and Aquila? - correct answer Their nationality (Jewish), occupation (tent makers), and their faith in Jesus. What enabled Paul to start ministering full-time? - correct answer Silas and Timothy arrived with a favorable report from the churches in Macedonia and a gift of money. From 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, describe the type of people who were among those who believed in Christ at Corinth. - correct answer Those who were sexually immoral (pornoi - refers to sexual immorality of all kinds), idolators, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers. What did Apollos' teaching and personal life lack? - correct answer He knew only about the baptism of John, not of baptism in the name of Jesus or in the Holy Spirit. How did Priscilla and Aquila help Apollos? What was good about the way they handled the situation? - correct answer They took him aside privately and explained
