Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1-11
Understand It
- What did Ananias and Sapphira do with the proceeds from the sale of their property? (5:1-2)
- What was Ananias’s sin? (5:3-4)
- What was the consequence of Ananias’s sin? (5:5)
Apply It
- What act of sacrificial giving can you do this week? How?
The Apostles Heal Many - Acts 5:12-16
Understand It
- What kind of work did the apostles do among the people? (5:12)
- Why did the people seek physical healing from the apostles? (5:13-15)
- What happened to all those who came to be made well? (5:16)
Apply It
- What are some of the ways you can serve those who are sick in your church?
The Apostles Persecuted - Acts 5:17-42
Understand It
- What made the Jewish elders furious? (5:29-32)
- Who intervened on behalf of Peter and the others? How? (5:34-39)
- How did the elders deal with the apostles? (5:40)
Apply It
- What do you want to remember the next time you are challenged or hurt for your faith in Christ?
The Choosing of the Seven - Acts 6:1-7
Understand It
- What complaint did the Grecian Jews make? (6:1)
- What did the apostles—the Twelve—do in response to criticism? (6:2-4)
- How did the group respond to the apostles’ proposal? (6:5)
Apply It
- What could you do this week to help resolve a conflict between believers?
Stephen Seized - Acts 6:8-15
Understand It
- Who was Stephen? (6:8)
- What kind of charges did Stephen’s enemies make against him? (6:11)
- How did the false witnesses misrepresent Stephen? (6:13-14)
Apply It
- What can you do to copy Stephen’s example whenever you are falsely accused in some way?
Stephen's Speech to the Sanhedrin - Acts 7:1-53
Understand It
- Why did Stephen make this speech? (7:1-2)
- As he wove the history of the Jews, how did Stephen show a pattern of opposition to God and His plan for them? (7:2-4, 9, 23-29)
- How did Stephen compare the attitude of those in the Sanhedrin with that of God’s people down through the centuries? (7:51-53)
Apply It
- From what older, more mature believer can you learn? How?
The Stoning of Stephen - Acts 7:54-8:1
Understand It
- Why did the Jewish leaders respond to Stephen as they did? (7:54)
- Why was Stephen put to death? (7:56-60)
- What change in the church did Stephen’s death bring about? (8:1)
Apply It
- How can Stephen’s example help you be prepared to handle rejection?
