Bible Study Reminder Session 22

[Michael Crayne]

Hello All!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend and Divine Mercy Sunday (which was officially designated by Pope John Paul II, one of our two new Saints!).

This Wednesday we will continue to learn about the early days of the Church, this week focusing on the second wave of witnesses in Judea and Samaria. The reading for this week is Acts 8:5-15:35.

The Church - Part 2

The Gospel Begins to Spread (Acts 8:5-40)

1. Philip, like Stephen, was one of the seven deacons appointed in Acts 6. He was one of the believers scattered throughout Judea and Samaria by the persecution that followed Stephen's death. How would you describe his witness and ministry as recorded in Acts 8?

Saul's Conversion (Acts 9)

2. Acts 9 reintroduces us to the young man Saul, who was standing by and assenting to Stephen's death. Why was he on the road to Damascus, and what happened to him there?

3. Years late in his First Letter to Timothy, Paul (Saul) reflects on God's mercy. Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17. How does Paul's example give us hope?

Peter's Vision (Acts 10-11)

4. One day, Peter fell into a trance while he was praying and waiting to eat. Read Acts 10 - what was the vision that came to him, and what did it mean? How did Peter respond to the vision?

5. How did the believers in Jerusalem react to this news (Acts 11), and what was Peter's defense?

6. As the good news spread and took root in other cities, what was the response of the apostles (who remained in Jerusalem and anchored the expanding Church)? See Acts 8:9-25, 11:19-26, and 14:21-23.

Peter's Escape from Prison (Acts 12)

7. What happened to Peter while he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel, and how did Herod fare?

Paul's First Journey (Acts 13-14)

8. Chapters 13-14 describe Paul's first missionary journey into Galatia, where he established a number of churches. At each stop, he and Barnabas spoke first in the Jewish synagogue. What kind of reception did the get from the Jews? From the Gentiles?

The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15)

9. The conversion of the Gentiles led to a serious dispute among the believers. Read Acts 15. What was the nature of the problem? How was it settled?

As always, pray before you read!