Westminster Presbyterian Church West Chester, PA

Transcription

1 Devotional Reading Plan ACTS The Beginning of the Church Westminster Presbyterian Church West Chester, PA

2 The focus of our devotional reading will be the Book of Acts So, why the pictures of old Westminster and new Westminster on the cover? Later this year we will be celebrating a milestone for Westminster Presbyterian Church 20 years in our facility here on South Pleasant Grove Road. It will also be 120 years since the first groundbreaking for Westminster a chapel at the corner of South Church and East Barnard Streets in the borough. What a wonderful history to celebrate. Yet we are one very small part of the history of the church of Jesus Christ. Acts of the Apostles (or as some suggest, Acts of the Holy Spirit) tells the story of the beginning development and growth of the church. It tells how, in 20 short years, Christianity spread from Jerusalem to Rome. In the first chapter (1:8) Jesus tells His disciples, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth. Throughout the book of Acts you will read again and again, so the word of God spread. The churches were strengthened in faith and grew daily in numbers. So here we are, about 2000 years later. We have a spirit-filled history to encourage us, and God s promise to be with us and to continue to guide us today and into the future. What will the church of the 22 nd century look like? Join us on this journey of learning. Grace and Peace, Adult Spiritual Growth Ministry Team Front Cover: Westminster Presbyterian Church, on Church and Barnard Streets. There were very few cars back in those days - but the picture captures one Westminster on Pleasant Grove Road, three buildings are shown in the picture. Groundbreaking for the fourth building occurred on this day in 1998.

3 The Book of Acts Historical Background: Author: No author is named. However most credit the writing to Luke, the physician who joined Paul on some of his journeys. We assume the same author wrote both the Gospel according to Luke and the Gospel according to Acts. Date: Acts was probably written between A.D In 30 short years, the early church grew from what was considered an insignificant Jewish sect to a major force in the Roman Empire. The infant church was slow to realize what was the extent of their commission. They confined their preaching to Jerusalem until persecution drove them out. 1 Purpose of the writing: The Book of Acts was written to provide a history of the early church. Luke demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit in the building up of a spiritual kingdom. Luke focuses on two apostles, Peter and Paul. Peter is the apostle to the Jews (Chapter 1-12). Peter often encourages the Jews to repent. He is calling for a change specifically to increase their understanding of the Messiah. Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles (Chapter 13-28). Acts provides background information about the churches Paul founded and to whom he wrote his letters. Paul s main message is Believe. Reading the book of Acts, we hope you will be amazed at the passionate witnesses of these Apostles. May their boldness encourage you to learn more about Jesus. 1 Adapted from the Serendipity Bible, Zondervan Publishers, and What the Bible is all About by Dr. Henrietta Mears

4 Support for your Reading Teaching on the Book of Acts Sunday Scripture /topic Teacher May 19 Introduction to ACTS Rev. Dr. Robert Young 9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning A teaching series on the Book of Acts will begin on May 19 and continue through July. Rev. Dr. Robert Young will facilitate the first class on May 19, Pentecost Sunday. The class will provide an introduction to the Book of Acts. Other class facilitators will include Dave Ingalls and staff members. In addition to the teaching series on the Book of Acts, you can also be supported through the following: Westminster s Devotionals You can receive an several days a week that contain the reading plan as well as the daily scripture reading. Subscribing is easy - just 3 short steps 1. Go to our website: 2. Select Grow/Spiritual Practices/Devotionals 3. Enter your address and press submit.

5 Invitation to Read Scripture When we read God s word, we fill our hearts with His words, and God speaks to us. Through scripture we come to recognize God s love for us and His purpose for our life. Start with the book of Mark Although we recognize the importance of reading scripture, many of us do not know where to begin. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are recommending that you begin with the Gospel of Mark. Mark is a short, fast paced Gospel. It is full of action, and includes many of the miracles of Jesus. Throughout this Gospel, you will hear the disciples and crowds declare that they were amazed. May you also begin to feel a sense of wonder and awe as you read this Gospel. A copy of the devotional reading of the Book of Mark can be picked up in the church office or downloaded from the website. Continue your study with the Book of Acts Acts of the Apostles (or as some suggest, Acts of the Holy Spirit) tells the story of the beginning development and growth of the church. It tells how, in 20 short years, Christianity spread from Jerusalem to Rome. Reading Plan This booklet is being provided as a suggested reading plan. Supporting the plan are ideas to deepen your understanding and questions for reflection. 1 Please consider making a commitment to increase your knowledge of scripture by reading the Book of Acts. We pray that as you read about the power of the Holy Spirit you too will be filled with His love. Adult Spiritual Growth Ministry Team 1 Many of the concepts presented to deepening your understanding are adapted from the Serendipity Bible, Zondervan Publishers.

6 Reading Plan Week of May 13 Day Reading Plan Highlights This Week Introduction and Chapter 1 Monday Background on the Book of Acts History, author, purpose Tuesday Chapter 1: 1-8 Appearance of the Resurrected Christ Wednesday Chapter 1: 9-11 Ascension of Christ Thursday Chapter 1: Anticipation of the Holy Spirit Friday Chapter 1: Appointment of Matthias Sunday, May 19, 9:45 a.m. Rev. Dr. Robert Young teaching the Introduction on the Book of Acts

7 Deepening your understanding Week of May 13 Acts 1 If you were one of the disciples, how would you have felt about Jesus leaving? A. Terrified B. Confused C. Abandoned D. Excited about what was ahead? What do you think the disciples did during the 10 days they waited for the Holy Spirit to come? What do you think is the key point of this passage? A. God s kingdom includes the whole world. B. Jesus will return, but don t stand around waiting for Him. C. Jesus mission and ministry continue through His followers. D. The power of the Holy Spirit is crucial to every Christian s life. Reflect: In verse 8, Jesus says you will be my witnesses. Where do you feel called to be Christ s witness? What holds you back from spreading the word about Jesus? A. Lack of knowledge? B. Lack of concern? C. Lack of courage? D. Lack of non-christian friends or acquaintances? E. Nothing - I m doing it! F. Other? Please note: Multiple choice questions have no correct answers. Most of the answers could be correct, depending on your perspective. Study questions are excerpts from the NIV Serendipity Bible for Groups, Zondervan Bible Publishers

8 Reading Plan Week of May 20 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week: Chapter 2 The Holy Spirit Monday Chapter 2: 1-13 The Day of Pentecost Tuesday Chapter 2: Peter references the prophet Wednesday Chapter 2: Peter talks about Jesus Thursday Chapter 2: ,000 repented and were baptized Friday Chapter 2: The Fellowship of Believers Practices of the early church Saturday Review and Reflect They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2: 3-4

9 Deepening your understanding Week of May 20 Acts 2: The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost Pentecost - "the Fiftieth [day]" is the Greek name for the Feast of Weeks, a prominent feast in the calendar of ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai. This feast is still celebrated. In today s Christian calendar, we recognize it as a feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the twelve Apostles of Christ. What would you say is the most impressive evidence of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? A. The sudden, mysterious wind that filled the house. B. The tongues of fire that came to rest on each of them. C. The believers all speaking in unknown languages? D. The crowd hearing the disciples speak of the wonders of God in their own languages? E. The giving of prophesies, visions, and dreams to God s people? F. The response - 3,000 converts in one day. Chapter 2: 38 - Peter says to repent and be baptized. To repent means to turn away from your sins and affirm your allegiance to Jesus. From Peter s sermon, what facts about Jesus would be key for the non-believers to understand? Chapter 2: What made the early church so appealing to others? Reflect: How would you describe your experience with the Holy Spirit? When are you most aware of the Holy Spirit? What is the closest you have come to experiencing the kind of close fellowship described in Acts? If Peter had invited you to be a part of this community, what would have been your reaction?

10 Reading Plan Week of May 27 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapters 3 and 4 Witness in Jerusalem Monday Chapter 3: 1-11 Peter Heals the Lame man in Jesus Name Tuesday Chapter 3: Peter speaks about the power of Jesus Name Wednesday Chapter 4: 1-12 Peter and John are put into Custody. Thursday Chapter 4: Sanhedrin commands Peter not to Preach Friday Chapter 4: Apostles pray for boldness. Early church share Saturday/Sunday Review and Reflect Devotionals You can receive an of the daily scripture reading. Subscribing is easy - 1. Go to our website: 2. Select Grow/Spiritual Practices/Devotionals 3. Enter your address and press submit

11 Deepening your understanding Week of May 27 Acts 3 Chapter 3 begins at the Temple gate, called Beautiful. Peter heals a crippled beggar. The miracle attracts attention, and Peter preaches boldly about Jesus Christ. Many believed and turned and became followers of Jesus. Peter says in 4:12, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men, by which we must be saved. On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) how confident are you of Peter s statement? What has built your assurance the most? What doubts still linger? How has knowing Christ shaped your character? Acts 4 Think about Peter, the one who was afraid and denied Jesus three times. Acts 4:13 reminds us that Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men. Now Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit, and he preaches with courage. Reflect: Do you consider yourself ordinary? How does God see you? What could He be wanting to do through you with the power of the Holy Spirit? Why did the religious leaders object to Peter and John preaching? Acts 4: Why did the early church do such a good job of looking after each other? Where does most of the care giving take place at Westminster? A. In our Sunday Services? B. In small groups? C. Through our pastors and staff? D. By our Deacons? E. Others? If you were in need, where would you go?

12 Reading Plan Week of June 3 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapters 5-7 Witness in Jerusalem Monday Chapter 5: 1-16 Miracles Tuesday Chapter 5: Apostles are Persecuted Wednesday Chapter 6 Deacons are appointed Thursday Chapter 7: 1-53 Stephen s Speech Friday Chapter 7: Stephen is Martyred Saturday Review and Reflect Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. The Greatest Commandment Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these. Mark 12: 29-31

13 Deepening your understanding Week of June 3 Acts 5 The church became unselfish and many sold all they had and gave it to the apostles to distribute to those in need. Ananias and Sapphira sold some of their land and gave part of the proceeds to the apostles while claiming they had given it all. Where did Ananias and Sapphira go wrong? Why do you think God s punishment was so severe? What is your reaction to God s judgment on Ananias and Sapphira? A. I don t understand it B. It seems really harsh C. It scares me D. They got what they deserved E. Other? Reflect: God wants all of our life, not just a piece of it (Luke 14:33). Where are you tempted to hold back from God? In your time? Money? Heart? Acts 6: 1-7 The First Deacons Westminster has a group of people, called Deacons, that are elected to serve the needs of the congregation. The early church was not perfect, the needs of widows were being overlooked. So they choose seven people, full of the spirit and wisdom to fulfill this responsibility. These were the first Deacons. How could the widows be neglected? Are there people in our congregation who need assistance? How can we resolve this problem? Acts 7 Stephen was one of the Deacons. As we read through the passages, we realize that the time Stephen served is very short. It is not the length of time that is important, but rather how he lived each day. How are you living this day?

14 Reading Plan Week of June 10 Day Reading Plan Highlights This Week Chapters 8-9 Witness in Judea and Samaria Monday Chapter 8: 1-4 Saul Persecutes the church Tuesday Chapter 8: 5-25 Philip witnesses to Samaritans Wednesday Chapter 8: Philip witnesses to Ethiopian Treasurer Thursday Chapter 9: 1-31 The Conversion of Saul Friday Chapter 9: Peter heals Aeneas and Dorcas Saturday Review and Reflect The Great Commission Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16: 15 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

15 Deepening your understanding Week of June 10 Acts 8 The disciples had been witnessing in Jerusalem, but Jesus had told them to go into Judea, Samaria and to all creation. There were religious leaders in Jerusalem who thought they were doing God s will when they tried to wipe out this new sect by killing and imprisoning Jewish believers in Jesus. Cowardice did not prompt them to flee and stop sharing the Gospel. Everywhere they went, they continued to share the good news boldly. Given that the Samaritans were considered outcast by the Jews, why would Peter and John come to them? Reflect: What prejudices were you brought up with? How is the Gospel breaking through those prejudices? Do you believe that the Great commission was just for the early church or do you think Jesus commission is a message for our church today? Do you think Jesus commission is a message for you? Phillip asked a question, Do you understand what you are reading? Questions create an opportunity for additional conversation. How can you share God s message by asking questions? Acts 9 At Stephen s death, Saul is first mentioned. Saul was perceived as a moral and intellectual person who did a lot of harm to the early church. The story of Saul s conversion is one of the most thrilling accounts in history. Reflect: If you were to compare your spiritual journey to Paul s experience, where are you right now? A. On the road to Damascus B. Starting to hear God call out my name and wondering what God is saying C. Experiencing some of the emotions that Paul went through D. Trying to sort out what has been happening.

16 Reading Plan Week of June 17 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapters Witness in Judea and Samaria continue Monday Chapter 10: 1-23 Peter s Vision Tuesday Chapter 10: Peter witnesses to Cornelius Wednesday Chapter 11 Witness of the Antioch Church Thursday Chapter 12: 1-19 Peter s escape from Prison Friday Chapter 12: Herod s Death Saturday Review and Reflect Encouragement

17 Deepening your understanding Week of June 17 Acts 10 During the first century, many Orthodox Jews considered certain people unacceptable, in particular Gentiles, people who were foreigners and not raised in Jewish religious traditions. Eventually some of the followers of Jesus began telling Gentiles (non-jews) about Jesus. Why do you think the story of Cornelius is in the Bible? A. It shows that God doesn t care what Christians eat. B. It shows that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike are on equal terms before God. C. It teaches Christians not to put limits on God. D. It was a turning point in the expansion of the church. E. Other. Do you have a teachable spirit? What kind of person would you have the most trouble going to if God asked you to go to their house? Acts 11 Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman empire. What do you think the apostles felt as they heard that the Gospel was taking root in this city? The church sent Barnabas to Antioch. How do you see Barnabas s gift of encouragement being developed and strengthened in this passage? How has God been challenging you to develop your gift of encouragement? Is there someone outside your typical family of faith that you feel called to encourage and affirm? Describe a time when someone refused to give up on you, even when you were ready to give up on yourself. Spend time in prayer praising God for their investment in your life. You may also want to send this person a note of thanks.

18 List of Miracles Miracles Where Scripture Peter heals a lame man Jerusalem 3:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira struck dead Jerusalem 5:1-10 Apostles perform many wonders Jerusalem 5:12-16 Peter and John communicate the Holy Spirit Samaria 8:14-17 Peter heals Eneas of a palsy Lydda 9:33-34 Peter raises Tabitha, or Dorcas, to life Joppa 9:36-41 Peter delivered out of prison by an angel Jerusalem 12:7-17 God smites Herod, so that he dies Jerusalem 12:21-23 Elymas, the sorcerer, smitten with blindness Paphos 13:6-11 Paul converted Road to Damascus 9:1-9 Paul heals a cripple Lystra 14:8-10 Paul casts out a spirit of divination Philippi 16:16-18 Paul and Silas's prison doors opened by an earthquake Philippi 16:25-26 Paul communicates the Holy Spirit Corinth 19:1-6 Paul heals multitudes Corinth 19:11-12 Paul restores Eutychus to life Troas 20:9-12 Paul shakes off a viper Malta 28:3-6 Paul heals the father of Publius and others Malta 28:7-9

19 . LEAD WHERE YOU ARE You ve been given the gift of influence in your family, school, workplace, organization, community or church in which people are depending on you to lead. Learning how to maximize the positive impact of your influence is what leadership development is all about. Through The Global Leadership Summit, August 8-9, you have access to a world-class faculty that brings incredible depth and breadth of leadership talent, perspective, and insight. You will be encouraged, your skills will be honed and sharpened, your motivation to lead will be renewed and you ll be challenged in ways you cannot imagine. Everyone wins when a leader gets better. Commit now to set aside two days so that God can do powerful things in you and your community during the 2013 Summit experience. Westminster is hosting this event by live Satellite Register today, by picking up a form from our church office. We are pleased to offer members/attendees of Westminster a special discounted rate of $79 for this two day event. After July 1, rate goes up! So sign up today. Last year, we had over 50 members attend this event. Come join us!

20 Reading Plan Week of June 24 Day Reading Plan Highlights Sunday Chapters The first Missionary Journey Monday Chapter 13: 1-12 On Cyprus Tuesday Chapter 13: In Antioch Wednesday Chapter 14: 1-7 In Iconium Thursday Chapter 14: 8-20 In Lystera and Derbe Friday Chapter 14: Return to Antioch in Syria Saturday Review and Reflect

21 Deepening your understanding Week of June 25 Acts 13 Imagine the scene in the church at Antioch. How do you think the Holy Spirit spoke to them? How do we sense the spirit speaking to us today? In Paul s sermon (Chapter 13:16-41), he first lists all the things God has done, and then he speaks about Jesus. Note the variety of feelings and emotions Paul s sermon elicits. (vv42-51) Reflect: If you were to emphasize one central truth about Jesus and the gospel, what would it be? Acts 14 How does the experience of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium differ from the one in Antioch? How is it similar? Note the difference between Paul s sermon in Chapter 13:17-41 and in his speech in Chapter 14: Reflect: What can this teach us about sharing our faith with different people?

22 Reading Plan Week of July 1 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapter 15 The Jerusalem Counsel Monday Chapter 15: 1-5 Debate over Gentiles keeping the Law Tuesday Chapter 15: 6-11 Peter preaches Salvation through Grace Wednesday Chapter 15: James proves Gentiles are Free from the Law Thursday Chapter 15: The Council sends an official letter Friday Chapter 15: Report to Antioch Saturday/Sunday Review and Reflect Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses. Acts 15:5

23 Deepening your understanding Week of July 1 Acts 15 This chapter deals with a serious conflict that arose in the early church concerning how much of the law the Gentiles should be required to obey circumcision being the biggest sticking point. Peter, Paul, Barnabas and James make a number of important points in the defense of their position that circumcision of Gentiles should not be required. Their beliefs come from their experiences, their theology and practical considerations. If God makes no distinction between Gentile and Jew, why should we? Our own scriptures show that God also chose the Gentiles as His people a long time ago God has already been at work among the Gentiles Don t make it too hard for Gentiles to become Christians We do believe there are important laws that all should obey How could these areas of experience, theology and practical considerations be used in resolving conflicts within our churches today?

24 The Travel Areas of the Acts of the Apostles, also where Paul sent his letters.

25 Today s Mission Work Examples of Westminster s Outreach Activities When Paul went on his three missionary journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts, Chapters 13-28, the ends of the earth extended from Jerusalem to Rome via what is now modern Turkey. Today, through the Holy Spirit s actions guiding countless missionaries, the church has indeed spread to the ends of the earth. When our denomination reports about global mission that we support through our giving, it is truly global. If you walk up and down the streets of West Chester, you will pass some Habitat for Humanity homes built by Westminster volunteers and other homes repaired by members working with Good Works. You will pass the West Chester Food Cupboard, Safe Harbor, the Domestic Violence Center, Wentworth Home, West Chester Senior Center all supported through Westminster s Outreach budget. You will pass the Westminster Thrift Shop which is helping to provide funding for outreach efforts. Go a little farther afield and you will see Adult Care of Chester County in Exton and Kennett Square, Community Volunteers in Medicine, Chester County Migrant Ministry and Broad Street Ministries all supported through member giving. And then to the ends of the earth. Serving at the Crossroads in Honduras Estado 29 - an Orphanage in Mexico Hands Along the Nile in Egypt The Water Project - in Africa and Afghanistan P.C. USA Mission Co-Workers the Wrights in Honduras

26 Reading Plan Week of July 8 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapter 15: 30 - Chapter 16 Second Missionary Journey In Philippi Monday Chapter 15: 30 - Chapter 16: 10 Paul s Vision - the Macedonian Call Tuesday Chapter 16: Lydia s conversion Wednesday Chapter 16: Paul and Silas in Prison Thursday Chapter 16: The prison doors open Friday Chapter 16: Released from prison Saturday Review and Reflect He then brought them out and asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved you and your household. Acts 16: 30-31

27 Deepening your understanding Week of July 8 Since there was no synagogue in Philippi, it was common for Jews and those Gentiles interested in Judaism (worshipers of God like Lydia in this story) to gather outdoors. What do you find most impressive about Lydia? A. She was a businesswoman at a time when few women were B. Her eager heart was immediately receptive to the Gospel C. She convinced her household to be baptized D. She was willing to open her home to strangers Verses 16-40: Paul and Silas in prison. In spite of terrible circumstances, Paul and Silas continue to pray and give God praise. How would you have felt if you were falsely accused, beaten and put in stocks in a dark prison cell? A. Like quitting missionary work B. Like praying and singing C. Like crying my eyes out D. Like suing for police brutality E. Like thanking God for the honor of suffering for Him F. Other Considering what the disciples were put through, what is the lesson for us about dealing with hard times?

28 Reading Plan Week of July 15 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapter 17- Chapter 18: 22 Second Missionary Journey Monday Chapter 17: 1-9 In Thessalonica Tuesday Chapter 17: In Berea Wednesday Chapter 17: In Athens Thursday Chapter 18: 1-17 In Corinth Friday Chapter 18: Return trip to Antioch Saturday Review and Reflect God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out and find Him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live, and move, and have our being. Acts 17: 27-28

29 Deepening your understanding Week of July 15 Paul s teaching stirs up jealousy, and he is accused of defying Caesar s decrees and saying there is another King, one called Jesus. In Chapter 16, he is accused of Throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice. Since his conversion, this is the sixth time Paul has been forced by persecution to leave an area. How would you view your mission if this happened to you? A. I must be doing something right? B. I must be doing something wrong? Acts 18:5-17: What effect do you suppose Paul s vision of Christ had on him? A. It renewed his courage B. It took away all his problems C. It kept him going D. It gave him confidence that he was doing what God called him to do E. It reminded him that the Lord and other people were with him What impresses you most about Priscilla and Aquilla? A. Their tent making business partnership with Paul B. Their invitation and willingness to travel with Paul C. Paul s leaving them in Ephesus to start a new church there D. Their ability to teach Apollos E. Their hospitality toward Paul and Apollos F. Other

30 Reading Plan Week of July 22 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapter 18: Third Missionary Journey Monday Chapter 18: Strengthening the disciples In Galatia and Phrygia Tuesday Chapter 19 In Ephesus Wednesday Chapter 20: 1-12 Eutychus Raised from the Dead at Troas Thursday Chapter 20: Farewell to the Ephesians Elders Friday Chapter 21 Paul arrives at Jerusalem and is arrested. Saturday/Sunday Review and Reflect However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me the task of testifying to the gospel of God s grace. Acts 20:24

31 Deepening your understanding Week of July 22 What gifts do you feel you might have that God has given you for Christian service? A. Teaching B. Hospitality C. Evangelism D. Serving E. Music F. Listening G. Administration H. Other Success, money, and independence can be some cultural idols (values most people accept without question). What others come to mind? How has your faith affected your relationship to these idols? Chapter 20: These verses contain a very touching farewell by Paul to the elders at the Ephesus church. These are some points that Paul feels compelled to make to these and to other disciples along his way back to Jerusalem. A. He believes he won t see them again B. They will face many dangers and need to be on their guard C. He has always supported himself during his missionary travels D. It is more blessed to give than to receive E. God will give them His grace as they continue their work F. It is God s will that he goes to Jerusalem, even if it means arrest

32 Reading Plan Week of July 29 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapters Monday Chapter 22 Paul speaks to the crowd Tuesday Chapter 23 The plot to kill Paul Wednesday Chapter 24 The trial before Felix Thursday Chapter 25: 1-12 The Trial Friday Chapter 25: Paul Before Agrippa Saturday/Sunday Review and Reflect Then he (Ananias) said: The God of our fathers has chosen you (Paul) to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from His mouth. You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22: 14-15

33 Deepening your understanding Week of July 29 Consider that these chapters span more than two years of Paul s life as he is moved from prison to prison while the Romans decide what to do with him. At the same time, the Jewish leaders, Sadducees and Pharisees (of which Paul was once a valued member), are plotting to bring him to trial and have him killed. They even go so far as to plan ambushes to end his life. Why do you think he is seen as such a threat? Is he a threat? How does Paul use the fact of his Roman citizenship? Over the course of these several chapters, Paul tells his story and the story of his own conversion several times. Why? A. To show how he did and still does value and follow Jewish law? B. To explain his conversion to being a believer in Jesus? C. As a way of evangelizing to the listeners? D. As a way of remembering how God has led him? E. To show his innocence of the accusations against him?

34 Reading Plan Week of August 5 Day Reading Plan Highlights This week Chapters Witnesses in Rome Monday Chapter 26 Before Agrippa Tuesday Chapter 27: 1-26 Paul Sails for Rome Wednesday Chapter 27: Shipwreck Thursday Chapter 28: 1-16 Arriving at Rome Friday Chapter 28: Paul preaches in Rome Saturday/Sunday Review and Reflect Congratulations! You have completed the study on the Book of Acts. Please contact Gary ArnTessoni at [email protected] if you have feedback on this church-wide scripture reading initiative. Based on your feedback, we will determine whether to refine and continue this Scripture Reading Plan with another book of the Bible.

35 Deepening your understanding Week of August 5 These last three chapters of Acts tell an amazing story of Paul s journey to Rome by sea. Can you imagine your diary entries had you been one of his shipmates? What might you be thinking when he announced (Ch.27:10) the voyage would be disastrous, and then in the midst of violent storms announced you would all be safe (vv22-26)? How might your view of Paul be changing the more time you spent with him in these conditions? What about your feelings after the events of vv33-37? How do you see the Holy Spirit s leading in the...: A. Survival at sea B. Caring centurion C. Publius on Malta D. Remainder of the journey to Rome E. Last two verses of Acts Consider again why some say this book of the Bible should be titled The Acts of the Holy Spirit.

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