THE BOOK OF ACTS

	The book of Acts is a history of events during the years after Christ’s resurrection, from about AD 29 to AD 64.  It records the development and expansion of early Christianity.  It reveals that Christianity was first a sect of the Jews, then later Gentiles were allowed to join that sect.  And finally, God pronounced a judgment upon Israel which totally changed the future of Christianity. 
            The purpose of this course is to help you discover the events that led up to God’s judgment and the change in Christianity. It is our prayer that you will also learn more of Christ as you see His working through the twelve apostles, and those He chose after He ascended. 	
             We suggest that you read as much as you can daily.  With every lesson, read the chapter first, and then answer the questions.  When you have returned your answers to us we will assess them and return them to you with a sheet of “Suggested Answers” to the lesson, and we will also include the next lesson.
         The answers we provide are by no means full and complete since space will not permit more and also because each question may lead to many other topics that are related and interesting. We encourage you to pursue all other Scriptures that you find related and add those to your notes. We encourage you to make any comments you may have on your findings in the Scripture. We can do no better than to quote Dr. E.W. Bullinger on this subject. Concerning one’s study of the Scriptures, he wrote in “The Two Natures in the Child of God,”
             “This Word of God is of value, only as we feed on it for ourselves; and as we properly digest it and assimilate it. No one can do this for us…True, we may be guided and instructed in this by others; and we may be stimulated by their labours and examples; but we must each one do it for one’s self, and we must learn it for ourselves from the Word….Everything that we can need for our spiritual health and strength is in the Word of God: and the Holy Spirit who inspired it there is with us, to teach us, and to inspire it in our hearts. Let all our dependence be placed on Him.”
         
QUESTIONS

Acts Chapter 1

1.  The writer of Acts had written before about what Jesus began to do and teach up to the time of His ascension. Vs 1,2; Lk. 1:1-4
A. Who was the writer of Acts?

B. To whom did he write?

C. Why did he write the first account?

D. Why then did he write the continuing account in the Book of Acts?

2. How many days did the Lord spend on earth after His resurrection? 

    What was He doing then? Vs 3,4; Lk. 24:44,45

3. What was the Lord’s last command to His apostles? Vs 4; Lk. 24:49

4. What was the promise of the Father?  V8; Lk.24:49

   To whom was it made?  Vs2-5; Joel 2:27,28

5. The apostles were to receive power for what purpose? V8;  Lk. 24:46-48

6. a. What one question did the apostles ask after 40 days teaching by the risen Lord?  

    b. What was His answer to their question? V7

7. Describe the return of Christ to earth.  What sights and sounds will accompany His coming? 
       Vs 9-11; Mt. 24:29-31; 1Thes. 4:16

8. To what place will Christ return? V12

     Who will see Him coming?  V12;  Zech. 14:1-4

9. After Christ’s ascension, who met together in prayer and supplication?  Vs 12-14

10. What Scripture did Peter recall and set about to fulfill?  Vs 15-20

11. a. What was the requirement for one to be an apostle in Judas’ place? 

      b. Could the Apostle Paul have met this requirement?    Why?  Vs 21,22

12.a.  By what means was Matthias chosen? 

     b. Who did the choosing between him and Justus?  Vs 23-26  Pro. 16:3

13.   Why was it necessary to fill the vacancy left by Judas’ fall?  Vs 16;  Mt.19:28