Study Session #4 - Acts 9 - Saul
Background: The church is growing at a miraculous rate. The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, have been demonstrating the power of God through signs, wonders and miracles. Remember, the church is meant to branch out...so far most of the converts have been Jews. The leadership thinks this is a Jewish thing.
Study Questions: Read Acts 9:1-9 - Saul
1) Who is Saul? What is his attitude toward the fledgling church and its disciples?
2) What was Saul authorized to do? Why was it important for him to complete this assignment?
3) How is Saul's perspective concerning the church about to change: What will be the ultimate event that changes Saul's perspective?
4) How can we tell that his perspective has changed?
5) Read vs. 10-17. The gospel has spread with the first sermon preached by Peter at Pentecost. This meant once the holy season was over the pilgrims made their way back to their home towns. What impact were they having on the city they now lived in?
6) We are introduced to a disciple named Ananias. The resurrected Lord speaks directly to him and gives him an assignment? What is the assignment and what was so disturbing about it?
7) What would you do when the Lord gives us assignments that can take us out of our comfort zone?
8) Ananias is told to give Saul a message that will change his life mission. But he gies it to another disciple to tell Saul. What objections did Ananias have to going to see Saul? What is the importance of Ananias's obedience to the Christ? How would things have been different if Aananias had chosen not to obey the Lord?
9) What does that teach about obeying the leadings of the Lord through the Holy Spirit?
10) Read vs. 18-25. Describe what happens when Ananias does find Saul. What does Saul do once he receives the word through Ananias?
11) Saul is transformed from an enemy of the church to a friend of the church in one visit from the resurrected Lord. How is his transformation received by the church community in Damascus? By the Jewish community in Damascus?
Study Session # 5 - read Acts 10:1-7 - Peter
1) By now events at Jerusalem have ended. The people have gone home with the amazing news of what happened. Hos is Cornelius described in the passage?
Note: Peter was preaching and teaching throughout the region. He has witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit working through him. He is unaware of what is about to happen and how this will change the face of the church.
2) Read vs. 9-23. Describe what is happening with Peter? (vs.9)
3) What can we learn from his activities?
4) Describe what Peter saw in his vision (vs. 11-12). What is a vision?
5) What is Peter instruction to do in the vision? (vs. 13)
6) Describe Peter's response. Why would Peter think there were unclean animals unfit for consumption? (vs.14)
7) Peter was sent on an important mission. Why do you think the Holy Spirit was so specfic about what and whom, even if, why and how were not explained?
8) When we receive instruction from the Holy Spirit, how do they come?
9) How do we know these are direct from the Holy Spirit?
-will not defame or blaspheme name of CHrist. Always lifting Him up
-will not conflict with Scriptural teaching
-will edify the body (1 Corinthian 14)
- will be confirmed by witnesses
10) As the three men from Cornelius household explain why they are there and what they need from Peter, what is his initial response? How should we respond to those who come seeking?
11) Read 23b-33. Peter and Cornelius finally come face to face. Put yourself in Peter's shoes. What could've been going through his mind as he stands before a roman commander?
12) What could have been going through Cornelius's mind stand before Peter?
13) Peter makes a discovery that will change the direction of the church in vs. 34. Why would that be such a revelation to him (and his companions from Joppa)? What does he do as a result of the revelation?
14) Read 34-43 Decribe the main points of the sermon (teaching) Peter gives. Are these points still relevant to the sharing of the Gospel in modern times? How can we craft a Gospel message that will transform hearts?
15) What happens when Cornelious and his household hear the Gospel?
16) What was the reaction of Peter's companions?
17) Why would this be a source of amazement for his companions?
18) What does Peter direct them to do?
19) What are the implications for the fledgling church in what had happened to both Paul and Peter?
