Essentials

Day One Introduction Day 

Discussion Question: 

   A. What do you think is the most important book for understanding how the early church began?

   B. Without knowing much about the Book of Acts, what do you think are its central themes?

 Browse through the book looking for clues to question B.

WHAT YOU NEED

1.Bible – have it before the bell.  Our textbook.  

2.Take NOTES (label by chapter)

3.There will be content Quizzes AND a final paper on the book of ACTS.   Notes will make a big difference for you! 

INTRO to ACTS of the APOSTLES (NOTES below for Day One)

*One of a kind recording of some history of the early church following the ascension of Christ.

*Author: Luke

*Luke was a doctor.  Detailed intellectual.

Sir William Ramsay, one of the greatest archaeologists ever - “Luke is a historian of the first rank…this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.”  

*Date written: AD 62 (before Paul’s prison release or Paul’s hope to reach “end of the Earth” = Spain.). Date of events = 30-60 AD

*Purpose: How and why the Gospel Spread. Only “event oriented” book about Apostles activities.

*Emphasizes the fulfillment of a long-standing religion where God delivers on His Promises!  Added validity.  It is “new” but also “old” in its origins.

*Narrative cycle of A) Gospel preached B) converts/church growth C) Oppression D) Often intervention of God to protect and build up the church.

*Big Names: Peter and Paul AND Holy Spirit

*Summaries (early church events/rhythms), Speeches (10 major sermons), & cities being reached by apostles on mission.

  END of Day One Notes

Discussion Questions for Class:

1.     Why is it important that ACTS was preserved? 

2.     Having not read ACTS together yet, do you think the church in America (which is not the global church) reflects the same qualities that the early church displayed? 

3.     Have you ever studied an entire book of the Bible?  What benefits could that provide?  

4.     What can make it helpful to read God’s word effectively?  

5.     What will be our biggest challenge as we walk through Acts?