Thoughts on Study Questions from Acts Ch 3 and Ch 4 from 8/19

My Sunday school class/Life Group is studying the book of Acts. I posted these questions this Monday and encouraged you to jot your thoughts down.

It's Wednesday. This post consists of some comments from the class discussion.

If you’d like a PDF file of the questions, email me at crd.author@gmail.com

Chapter 3

V11-26

What is the OT context of the quote from Moses?

Deuteronomy 18:15-18. This is more of a quote than some Old Testament quotes are. 

Moses is setting up the Law.

This quote points to the coming of Jesus as Savior and Messiah.

One commentary said various OT prophesies about Jesus name Him as PROPHET, PRIEST, KING, SUFFERING SERVANT, and SAGE.

What "big three" OT characters does Peter refer to in his sermon? Why is each chosen?

We decided to list all five OT characters mentioned. All references here refer to the LORD who is coming.

ABRAHAM. The Father of the Jewish nation. He gloried God.

ISAAC. The Son of Promise.

JACOB. Part of the lineage of Jesus. Is included when describing God as "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

MOSES. A Deliverer and Lawgiver.

SAMUEL. Represents the Prophets.

How does Peter end this sermon?

Jesus is the prophesized Messiah.

Calls the Jews ignorant because Jesus wasn't "the answer" they wanted.

Appeals to their national pride as the lineage of the Messiah for the whole world.

"Here's the promise. You have to accept it!"

Can you think of an example of God's power at work today/in your lifetime like it was in this chapter?

• Jews converting to Christianity and working to convert others - Jews for Jesus, Completed Jews, Messianic Jews.
• Miracles still happen.
• The Jesus film ministry's success.
• Billy Graham and other mass evangelists crusades.
• House churches in hostile countries.

Chapter 4

V1-4

What were Peter and John doing?

 Teaching about Jesus and the resurrection.

The people were amazed by Peter and John's activities. Who was not amazed but rather upset? Why?

Priests, specifically Sadducees. 

They don't believe in resurrection.

Why are the Sadducees specifically mentioned here? Think theology and escape.

See above. 

Why did they put Peter and John in jail immediately?

 To shut them up.

To get the audience to scatter.

They weren't supposed to have trials after sunset.

How effective has Peter (and the others) been?

They were effective to the tune of 5000 converts to Christianity!

            We got this far this week. 

For the rest of this month, Thursday Timeless Truth posts will be the 1st part of a two-part article. This Thursday, Timeless Truths: Baccalaureate Address. Does God Give Make-up Tests?

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