“Luke / Acts Week 37 – Sept. 9-13”

Monday, September 09, 2024

Monday – Acts 9:19b-25 Saul Proclaims Jesus in Damascus
1. Saul planned to persecute those who followed Jesus, but now he’s proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. Place yourself among the synagogue audience, describe the amazement at seeing and hearing him preach Jesus as the “Son of God”?
2. During the three days Saul is blind, Jesus shows him all that “he must suffer for the sake of My name” (v. 16). In what ways does Saul suffer in Damascus and throughout his ministry (2 Cor 11:23-33)?
3. Saul is not a likely candidate to become a Christian, let alone a leader in the church. Of the unbelievers you know, who seems less likely to become a Christian? How will you pray for and reach out to them?

Tuesday – Acts 9:26-30 Saul in Jerusalem
1. Going from Damascus, Saul eventually goes to Jerusalem (cf. Gal 1:18). Naturally, the disciples there are afraid of Saul. What lesson(s) do you learn from the way Barnabas intervenes on Saul’s behalf?
2. From a later speech to the Jews, Saul reveals some details of his visit to Jerusalem. Using Acts 22:17-21, assess his reasoning for staying in Jerusalem despite the dangers to his life.
3. Going back to the heart of Judaism as a follower of Jesus and the faith he sought to destroy must have presented its own difficulties. Using Php 3:2-11, summarize Saul’s feelings about what he had to leave behind to follow Christ.

Wednesday – Acts 9:31 The Church Prospers
1. Luke punctuates Acts with several summary statements: 2:47b, 6:7, 9:31, 12:24, 16:5, 19:20, 28:30-31. In what ways do these statements amplify the early church’s commitment to preaching the gospel?
2. Judeans generally looked down on Galileans (cf. Jhn 1:46; 7:52) and both looked down on Samaritans (cf. Jhn 4:9; Luk 9:52-56), yet in Jesus there is peace. How do you explain this?
3. In your own words, elaborate on how “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit” aids the church in multiplying in number? How can you apply this to your own congregation? 

Thursday – Acts 9:32-35 Peter Heals Aeneas
1. As Luke’s narrative shifts back to Peter, we find him going “here and there among” all the saints. In light of v. 31, what do you think he is doing on his journeys from place to place?
2. On his journeys, Peter “found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.” Why do you think it is important that Peter heals him in the name of Jesus Christ?
3. Again, people turn to the Lord following a miracle (cf. Act 5:12-16; 8:5-8). In this age of no miracles (at least on this scale), how might people see healing or renewal in us and want to “turn to the Lord”?

Friday – Acts 9:36-43 Peter Raises Dorcas
1. Shifting from Lydda to the town of Joppa, Luke tells us about a disciple named Tabitha. Use as many adjectives as you can think of to describe Tabitha? How can you become more like her?
2. Peter walks about ten miles from Lydda to Joppa to help a beloved saint. What does this tell you about Peter, the leader of the apostles?
3. Tabitha’s only claim-to-fame is that she was kind and helped the needy, yet she is an integral part of the church at Joppa. Who in your congregation reminds you of Tabitha? When and how will you recognize and honor them for their love and service to the church?

Share