Acts Study Guide
What two likely reasons does Horton give for Peter going to the house of Mark's mother after being released from prison?
Peter knew he would find people there He felt a special kinship to that group of people because Mark was his convert and one he gave special training to. (pg. 225)
Describe fully the significance of Peter's words in Acts 4:12, "there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." NOTE: Focus specifically on the word "must."
Peters words mean that there is no salvation in anyone other than Jesus. Must is a word indicating compelling necessity. If we don't find salvation through the name of Jesus, we will never find it. This is why we must be saved through the name of Jesus, the name above all names. (pg. 104)
How did the stoning of Stephen and the persecution of Christians affect the spread of the Gospel and the role of believers?
Prior to the persecution, the believers were receiving teaching and training from the apostles; now they were ready to move out. It took the persecution to make them do it. Then they traveled from place to place spreading the gospel. (pg. 159)
Why did Felix keep sending for Paul to come to him, why did Festus ask Paul to go back to Jerusalem for another trial, and why did Paul refuse? How did Paul avoid the trial?
Felix procrastinate his repentance, hoping Paul would offer him a bribe. Festus desired to gain favor with the Jews just like Felix Paul knew that every Roman citizen had the right to appeal to Caesar Paul refused because he knew about the plot of the ambush against him. (pg. 379-381)
What two things did God tell Annanias about Saul?
God chose Saul to be his own "Chosen instrument" to carry His name to the gentiles. Jesus himself would show Saul how necessary it would be for him to suffer for the sake of His name.
Who did Paul blame Jesus' death on, why did he say they did it, and what did they ask Pilate to do for which there was "no proper ground."
He blamed it on the Jews in Jerusalem who were actually involved they did it because they were ignorant of Him and the voices of the prophets read every Sabbath They asked Pilate to execute Jesus (pg. 243-244)
Explain how Luke follows the three-fold theme established by the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8 when he writes the book of Acts.
1-7 describe the initial growth and testing of the church in Jerusalem 8-12 reveal how the Spirit made a way into Judea and Samaria 13-28 show how the gospel moved towards the ends of the earth. (pg. 11)
Explain the symbolism or significance of the following: 1. Symbolism of the wind in the OT 2. Symbolism of fire and light in the OT 3. Significance of fire on the day of Pentecost 4. Significance of single flames resting on the heads of individuals at Pentecost
1. the Spirit 2. divine presence 3. God's acceptance of the Church Body as a new temple for the Holy Spirit. 4. accepting the individual as temples of the Holy Spirit. pg. (55-56)
Describe how the "mighty power" (dunamis) that comes in Spirit baptism is tied to the promise of Abraham, what followers of Jesus cannot wait for before spreading the Gospel to all nations, and what kind of conditions they should expect as they go into the world to preach the Gospel.
All the families/ nations of the earth would be blessed according to the promise of Abraham His followers could not wait for ideal conditions Expect wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution. (pg. 41-42)
Describe the feelings of both Paul and Barnabus in relation to John Mark accompanying them on their missionary journey and why they had those feelings, what their differing feelings caused, and how they settled it.
Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark and give him a second chance Paul did not think it was wise to bring a person who might not set a good example to young churches John Mark had left them abruptly at a critical juncture, when they needed him for the work. Paul and Barnabas had such heated feelings about this that they parted ways They would both divide the responsibility of encouraging the believers. Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus. (pg. 274)
What was the verdict of Paul's trial before Agrippa in Acts 26 and what implications were there regarding his upcoming trial before Caesar?
Everyone agreed that Paul had done nothing worthy of imprisonment it implied that Caesar would have seen Paul's innocence and set him free. (pg. 392)
What did Stephen not pray for and what two things did he pray for while he was being stoned?
He didn't pray for deliverance He prayed that Jesus would receive his spirit, recognizing that Jesus is divine, truly God Then he asked that their sin would not be held against them. (pg. 157)
When Peter performed the miracle of raising Dorcas from the dead, he followed the example of Jesus by doing what and demonstrated he had learned what lesson from Him?
He sent everyone out of the room because an atmosphere of unbelief is not conductive to the faith that sees miracles he spent time in prayer (pg.194)
What events of A.D. 64 brought a complete change in the relation between the Christians and the Roman Empire and what date does this event suggest for the latest date for the writing of Acts?
In AD 64, Rome burned and Nero began persecuting Christians No hint of the Jewish revolt in AD 66 No note of the destruction of the temple in AD 70 Therefore the latest date for the writing of Acts would be about AD 62-63. (pg. 18)
What was the problem of Festus that prompted him to bring Paul before Agrippa, why was it a problem, and what was his hope in taking him to him?
Jews in Jerusalem brought chargest against Paul and asked for a sentance of Condemnation Festus refused to give them Paul as a favor, but gave Paul the opportunity to defend himself. Festus desired to consult with Agrippa possibly for political reasons, but probably because Agrippa followed Jewsih customs, and would be able to evaluate Jewish accusations. (pg. 382-383)
Why was it necessary to replace Judas as an Apostle but not James when he was killed by Herod, who were the candidates to replace Judas, who was ultimately chosen, and how was he selected?
Judging the twelve tribes required twelve apostles, so they needed someone to replace Judas Joseph/ Barsabbas/ Justus was one candidate, and Matthias was the other Matthias was chosen by prayer and casting lots. Judas became a lost soul, and needed to be replaced because he would not rise again to judge and rule with the Twelve. (pg. 51-52)
In what ways was Jesus like Moses?
Moses was used to bring in the old covenant, Jesus the new. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and to Mt Sinai where God made a covenant relationship with them, Jesus became the new way we can enter into the presence of God. Moses gave the command to sacrifice a lamb, Jesus was the Lamb of God sacrificed for us. God used Moses to perform many signs and wonders, and Jesus performed many more. (pg.97)
Why did Paul insist that Timothy be circumcised but did not want Titus to be circumcised?
Paul circumcised Timothy for the sake of his witness to his own people and to preempt the accusation of teaching against the law of Moses. (bringing an uncircumcised Jew into a synagogue would be like taking a traitor into an army camp Titus was not of jewish origin (pg. 277)
Why did Paul desire to go to Jerusalem, what did the Holy Spirit warn him about, and what was his response to that warning?
Paul desired to go to Jerusalem because he was compelled by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit warned him in city after city that prison chains and hardships awaited him. Yet Paul was willing, as he was always willing to risk his life for the gospel's sake. (pg. 339)
What does Paul emphasize in his first of five defenses permitted by the Romans and how does the language he chose to speak effect the crowd and why?
Paul emphasizes his heritage as a jew and his encounter with Christ when the crowd realised he was speaking hebrew, they became very quiet because it made them realise that he was a Jew, not a gentile. Gentiles carried on all their business with the Jews in the Greek language. (pg. 357)
What five proofs does the author give to show that the report of the false teachers that Paul was teaching "all the Jews who live among the Gentiles" not to circumcise their children and that he had instructed Jewish Christians to stop conducting their lives according to the Jewish custom, was slander?
Paul had timothy circumcised paul observed Jewish feasts He traveled far to observe the feast of pentecost his letters show that he did not ask jewish christians to stop observing their customs he had recently taken and fulfilled a vow. (pg. 351)
What was the purpose of Paul's question to Agrippa in Acts 26:27, what was his strategy in asking it, and how did Agrippa respond?
Paul was trying to convert Agrippa If Agrippa acknowledged that he believed the prophecies, he would believe in the Messiah, which would mean he should believe what Paul was saying about Jesus. Agrippa wouldn't respond, clearly rejecting Paul's efforts to convert him. (pg. 390-391)
What is the sign that likely attracted the attention of Simon and caused him to want to buy the Apostle's power?
Speaking in tongues caught his attention probably, but he wanted the authority to lay hands n people with the same result. (pg. 167)
Explain the following: what the speaking in tongues marked in Acts 2:4 The significance of the word "began" in Acts 2:4
Speaking in tongues marked a remarkable new phase in God's dealings with his people. "began" shows that was had began was going to continue, Speaking in tongues was a normal accompaniment to baptism in the Holy Spirit, and it continued to be a gift that brought blessing and edification on other occasions. (pg. 58)
When the Ephesian believers were baptized in the Spirit, what two things did it follow, what did Paul do to encourage their faith, and what sign gave them assurance that the Spirit's presence and power were real?
The Holy Spirit came n them with the same evidence given on the Day of Pentecost They began to speak in tongues and prophesied Paul laid hands on them, encouraging their faith, distinct from the Spirit's coming upon them. (pg. 319- 320)
Stanley Horton says that "The Acts of the Holy Spirit" might be a better title for the book of Acts. What four reasons does he give for this statement?
The Holy Spirit is more prominent than the apostles in Acts Acts talks about how Jesus focused attention on the Holy Spirit The outpouring of the Holy Spirit sets the action of the book in motion Acts refers to the Spirit 51 times. (pg. 10)
What was the three-fold role of the Apostles in choosing the first deacons?
The apostles laid down qualifications and the people looked over the congregation to see who met them. The apostles then trusted the Holy Spirit to give the congregation the wisdom they needed Then the people chose the seven through some kind of election. (pg. 135)
What convincing evidence did the Jewish believers receive that the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius had received the same gift that they had received at Pentecost?
The gentiles were speaking in tongues that magnified God, (pg. 207)
How did the Gentiles in Antioch respond to the ministry of Paul and Barnabus, how did the Jews of Antioch get Paul and Barnabus out of their region, how did Paul and Barnabus respond, and where did they go next?
The jews scorned the message and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. The gentiles rejoiced and glorified the Word of the Lord the jews incited God fearing women in high standing and Chief men of the City Government and stirred up persecution. Paul and Barnabus simply shook the dust off their feet as a testimony against them. (pg. 248-249)
What three things resulted from the Apostles' prayer in Acts 4?
The place where they gathered was shaken, indicating a mighty move of God They were all filled with the Holy Spirit They all continued speaking the Word of God with boldness. (pg 112)
What two reasons are given for naming the field where Judas died "Akeldama" or "field of blood?"
The priests bought it with Judas's money, which he got for betraying Jesus, which ultimately led to Jesus' death, meaning the field was bought with the price of (Jesus') blood, aka the 30 pieces of silver. Judas died a violent death there, so they named it in reference to his blood as well. (pg. 50)
The conclusions of Gamaliel in Acts 5 originated where and for what two reasons does Horton suggest he was, in a sense, a hypocrite?
The words he said were the conclusion of Gamaliel's own thoughts, aka human reasoning, not God's truth. He was a hypocrite bc he did not accept Jesus as Lord and Because he didn't acknowledge that the signs and wonders done by the apostles showed that Jesus was different from the former leaders who died. (pg. 130)
What moves, on the part of theologians and the Church, made the phenomenological and experiential dimensions of life in the Spirit for the most part extinct?
They tied baptism in water to baptism in the Spirit Then adult converts had their infants baptized infants, meaning that they "received the Spirit" (pg. 37)
What were the apostles' miracles not to be used for and what purposes did they serve?
They were not for display but rather to confirm the word of God They helped the faith of the new Pentecostal church to be established in the word and the power of God all missionary advances in Acts were accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders (pg. 84)
What proofs from other New Testament books indicate that Paul had a personal Pentecostal experience and spoke in tongues?
Titus 3:5-7 shows that the Holy Spirit was poured out on Saul and Titus profusely. He also told the corinthians that he spoke in tongues more than all of them in 1 corinthians 14:18 (pg. 186)
In discussing the severity of punishment God leveled against Annanias and Sapphria, Horton notes that "in times of beginnings, God is often more severe." What three Old Testament narratives does he use to illustrate this point?
When the sons of Aaron offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, fire came and struck them down when Israel first went into the promise land, Achan was made an example of. When david tried to have the ark of the covenant on a cart taken to Jerusalem, and Uzzah died when he touched it. (pg. 119)
Describe fully the agenda of the "wolves" that threatened the Ephesian church as explained by Horton.
even from among the elders some would rise up by distorting the truth, using half truths, or by twisting the truth they would seek to draw away the disciples from the members of local assemblies for themselves, meaning their true purpose would be to build themselves up rather than the assembly. they would attempt to draw away disciples who were already believers they would have little interest winning the lost for Christ they wouldn't desire to build up the churches already established. (pg. 341-342)
Why did Paul refuse to be released from Philippi quietly?
he knew the crowds still had the wrong idea about them and about both Jews and Christians He refused to sneak away like a guilty criminal In this way the city would know that the charges were false and that Paul and Silas were restored to good standing in the community. (pg. 289)
As the church continued to grow in Antioch, God raised up others besides Barnabus and Saul. How were these individuals identified, what were their distinct roles, and what did their diverse backgrounds say about the spread of the Gospel and the church at Antioch?
identified as the prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul. The prophets brought supernatural strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. The teachers received gifts from the Holy Spirit enabling them to teach the Word of God effectively. The church at Antioch was integrated, united in its worship, and service, well taught the word, and responsive to the Holy Spirit (pg. 232)
(A)Where was Paul when Christ appeared to him in Acts 23, (B) why did he appear to him (C) and in what ways did that appearance help them through the difficult events that were to come?
in the night in Jerusalem. Jesus made it clear that a witness in Rome was still God's will for him this encouragement upheld Paul in the trials still to come, (pg. 368)
What are the two elements of the Day of the Lord in the Old Testament?
judgement on the present nations of the world the restoration of israel with the establishment of the messianic millennial kingdom. (pg. 70)
Describe the primary expression of biblical prophecy, how the prophecy of Agabus was an exception, what his prophecy was, and how history records it was fulfilled.
prophecy was for edification, strengthening, extortion, awakening, encouraging, challenge them believers. His prophecy was a prediction prophecy. During the reign of Claudius, the famine took over (pg. 218)
Describe fully the two-fold call that Peter issued in Acts 3:19-21 and the result of obeying that call:
repent = to change their minds and attitudes about their sin and Jesus renounce their sinful ways and turn to God so that their sins might be wiped out In order that seasons of the presence of the Lord might come repent And God will send the appointed one/ the Messiah/ Jesus (pg. 94-95)
For what two reasons did Annanias tell Saul he had been sent?
so Saul might see again so Saul might be filled with the Holy Spirit
Fully explain what the views of Paul's release from prison in Acts 28 are, what specific evidence is for these views, and what tradition says about it.
some believe Paul was released two years when he was called before the emperor because the Jews had sent no accusations. others believe the case was automatically dismissed at the end of the two years because no charges were presented. Philemon 22 shows Paul expected to be released 1 Timothy shows he was released and went to the Roman province of Asia. Ancient tradition says he went to Spain as well, which was followed by his second imprisionement, and his death. (pg. 410)
What three elements of the Gentile Spirit-baptism in the house of Cornelius relate to what happened on the Day of Pentecost?
the verb describing the manifestation of the Spirit poured out their speaking in tongues Those tongues magnifying God (pg. 207)
What did the fact that there was no Jewish synagogue in Philippi likely mean, how did Paul and his company find out about the place of prayer, where was that place of prayer, and who was the key convert in that first Philippi gathering?
there was a lack of 10 Jewish men probably by making inquiries the place of prayer was about a mile outside the city gate on the bank of the Gangites river Lydia, a wealthy business woman, and an independent seller of purple cloth used by people of power (pg. 281-282)
When the people of Malta saw the snake on Paul's hands, what did they assume and why? When nothing happened, what did they change their mind to believe?
they assumed Paul was a murderer and though he returned safely from the sea, Justice had not allowed him to live. Then, when he shook off the snake and had no side effects, they thought he was a god. (pg. 402)
In what two ways did the Bereans respond to Paul's message and how was this a blessing to Paul's life?
they received the message with all kinds of eagerness, zeal, and enthusiasm they examined the scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true Paul did not have to correct them later, as he did so many other churches because they searched the Scriptures (pg. 295)
Aroused by the word of wisdom given by James, what few specific things did the Jerusalem Council determine that the Gentiles should abstain from as followers of Jesus?
to keep away from the pollutions/ polluted things of idolatry Keep away from all forms of sexual immorality abstain from the meat of strangled animals abstain from blood (pg. 269)
