AN 12 WEEK STUDY OF ACTS
DISCUSSION GUIDE
TIM LAUGER, CHRIS SCRUFARI & STEPHEN HAY
WELCOME
It is our expectation that this guidebook would
act as a resource enabling you to further
your knowledge and understanding of Luke’s
historical account of God’s work through the
Apostles
This resource will work most effectively within the context of a
community group and in conjunction with the sermon series that
Pastor Stephen preached through.
We recommend that you watch the sermon first and focus on the
questions later. Whether you decide to watch the sermon individually
or as a group, we suggest that you tackle the questions collectively.
The application of the Word happens in community, and it is better
to discuss these questions with others rather than contemplate them
alone.
wilsonfbc.com/acts
All of these sermons & sermon notes are available to watch and
download free of charge; they are our gift to you.
In this guidebook we will attempt to offer concise but effective
background information regarding the author, location and purpose
of this letter.
It is a passion of ours to be able to connect the dots of the Author’s
writings, not only to itself, but also to the larger picture of the Bible,
God’s redemptive plan.
Please enjoy what we hope to be an easy document to follow and
understand.
ACTS / BACKGROUND
INFORMATION COPIED FROM ESVBIBLE.ORG
Author and Title
Both the Gospel of Luke and Acts are anonymous, but the earliest discussions attribute them to Luke. The
name “Luke” appears only three times in the NT: Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24. All three
references are in epistles written by Paul from prison, and all three mention Luke’s presence with Paul.
Date
Some scholars date Acts c. a.d. 70. This assumes that Acts was written after the Gospel of Luke (Acts 1:1)
and that Luke used the Gospel of Mark as one of his sources (Luke 1:1–2).
Overview
History of Salvation Summary
Acts is unique among the NT writings, in that its
main purpose is to record a selective history of the
early church following the resurrection of Christ. It
is the second part of a two-volume work, with the
Gospel of Luke being the first volume. Both books
are dedicated to a person named Theophilus, and
Acts 1:1 explicitly refers back to Luke’s Gospel.
After his ascension (1:9; cf. Ps. 68:18; Eph. 4:9–10)
Jesus sends the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28–32) to
empower the apostles as witnesses (Acts 1:8),
to spread the message of the gospel (Isa. 52:7),
and to draw to himself people from the nations
(Matt. 28:19). (For an explanation of the “History of
Salvation,” see the Overview of the Bible.)
Themes
In Acts, believers are empowered by the Holy
Spirit to bear witness to the good news of Jesus
Christ among both Jews and Gentiles, and in
doing this they establish the church. In addition
to this, Acts explains how Christianity, although
it is new, is in reality the one true religion, rooted
in God’s promises from the beginning of time. In
the ancient world it was important that a religion
be shown to have stood the test of time. Thus
Luke presents the church as the fulfillment and
extension of God’s promises.
ACTS / TWEETABLE PHRASES
WEEK 01
Acts was written so that you could see, first hand, what happens
when the Power, Purpose & Plan that God has in mind, plays out the
way it’s intended to
WEEK 02
God’s not after our happiness, He is after our holiness.
WEEK 03
Some people will always find freedom, but other people will always
persecute.
WEEK 04
God is not a means to an end, God is the end.
WEEK 05
The dynamite life doesn’t come from doing more!
The dynamite life comes from resting more!
WEEK 06
Satan intends persecution to silence the church
But God uses it to advance the church.
WEEK 07
The moment the Church was persecuted was the moment the
Church exploded.
WEEK 08
What do you do when your gospel is challenged?
WEEK 09
There is no barriers that the Gospel can’t break down.
WEEK 10
Running hard, fighting against evil and pressing the Gospel into
uncomfortable situations is hard word but worth it.
WEEK 11
If you wait until you’re perfect, you will never seize any moments for
the Gospel.
WEEK 12
The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 01
Acts 1
Watch Sermon
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Sermon Summary
We are beginning a 12-week sermon series on the book of Acts. To ensure that we have a proper foundation to
proceed, we must first understand the purpose of the book. Acts is filled with awesome accounts of God’s power
and gifts, but they are not the point of the book. Verse 8 in chapter one identifies the point of the book; it is about
the “Power, Purpose, and Plan that God has in mind for His Children.”
God’s power comes from the Holy Spirit: We need to distinguish between the indwelling and clothing of the
Holy Spirit. Indwelling occurs when someone puts his or her faith and trust in Jesus at the moment of salvation.
Clothing occurs after salvation and only periodically for the sake of empowering or equipping for a certain task.
There are moments when our suffocating anxieties are gone in place of “an indestructible assurance so that you
know that God is real and that Jesus lives and that you loved, and that to be saved is the greatest thing in the
world.”
The purpose is to be a witness: “Without the Holy Spirit a person does not desire to live a life that reveals Jesus
as Lord, but with it people prayerfully fight the good fight to show the world who Jesus is through how they live”
(see 1 Cor 12:3). The Holy Spirit has been given to teach us to discern the truth of Christ/God’s word from the lies
of the world. We need the Holy Spirit to remind us that we need Jesus (John 14).
When we confess that Jesus is Lord and he is the greatest treasure, the church will multiply out of Joy. Nothing
has changed; the power he gave to them is given to us.
Discussion Questions:
1. Read through John 14. What does it say about the purpose and role of the Holy Spirit?
Are there parameters established here to help us understand how the Holy Spirit will influence our lives?
Are there situations in which we could misinterpret something as being from the Holy Spirit when it comes
from another source? Explain.
2. What should a body of believers that is influenced by the power of the Holy Spirit look like? How does this
answer relate to our church?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 02
Acts 2
Watch Sermon
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Sermon Summary:
Acts 2 tells the story of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit arrived during a community celebration and took place
among followers of Jesus. Verses 2 & 3 describe the Holy Spirit as being like a mighty rushing wind and fire,
two descriptions that are consistent throughout the Bible. The resulting demonstration of tongues functioned to
communicate with people who spoke different languages, which amazed nonbelievers and caused them to ask,
“what does this mean” (v. 12).
1. God and the truth of the Gospel meet us where we are: You don’t need to fix yourself before coming to
God.
2. God tells you the truth about yourself (v. 22-23 & 24-41): The Holy Spirit guided or emboldened Peter to
speak the truth and Gospel – Christ died because of us and for us. We are all at fault and all equal under the
Gospel.
We prefer the creation to the creator.
We believe that we are smarter than God.
God’s not after our happiness; he’s after our holiness, and refinement can be painful.
3. God Demands a response (v. 37-41). Accepting his gospel pushes us towards a softer heart while rejecting
it (or avoiding it) pushes us towards a harder heart. This is when the church began to live lives of confession,
repentance, and sacrifice.
4. God puts his family into community (V. 42-45):
Discussion Questions
1. How does our community look in comparison to vs. 42-45? How do we get to that point if we are not there?
2. The idea of a soft or hard heart is a convenient metaphor. What is this like in real life? How can we discern a
softening or hardening of our hearts?
3. What can cause us to not recognize that we are equal under the Gospel? How does the idea of equality under
the Gospel influence church life, especially when is comes to roles and gifts?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 03
Acts 3-4
Watch Sermon
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Sermon Summary:
Chapter four allows us to examine Peter and John’s response to persecution. They were arrested for healing
someone and answering onlookers’ questions by preaching the Gospel. The court did not deny the healing but
rejected the idea of Jesus. They are what Paul refers to as “insolent opponents to the Gospel” (1 Timothy 1:13).
They acknowledge the truth but do not want it because Jesus requires that they relinquish power and authority.
Christianity promotes Christ’s strength through our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The insolent resist this.
Acts 4 continues by giving us two responses to persecution:
1. They never apologized for Jesus or watered him down (v. 9-12; 18-20):
2. They prayed (v. 23-21): in community, by acknowledging their enemies, for boldness, and for God to
continue to work.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you experienced persecution? How have you handled it? How has the situation worked out?
2. What key truths about Jesus did they communicate to the court?
3. What does the prayer in versus 24-29 tell us about the perspective that we should take in times of persecution?
4. How did their persecution arise? Are there times when a person is needlessly persecuted because of his or
her conduct?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 04
Acts 5
Watch Sermon
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Sermon Summary:
Acts 5 contrasts the actions/attitude of Ananias and Sapphira with those of the apostles. Ananias pretended to be
generous by giving part of his profits to the church, but he presented himself as being more righteous (generous)
than he really was. Sapphira displays the same attitude when she lied about their giving to the church. By
contrast, the apostles displayed a singular focus and pursued God as an end and not a means to a better, more
comfortable life. The Apostles were again persecuted, though their actions were blameless. They were faithful
after an angel allowed them to escape jail and did not hide so that they could preach the gospel. When brought
in front of a counsel of experts on Jewish Law, the apostles preached boldly; they must obey God and not men.
Upon their release, the apostles rejoiced that they were worthy to suffer for Jesus, and they never stopped
teaching.
Discussion Questions
1. How is the apostle’s bold proclamation of the Gospel in v. 29-32 similar to their proclamation in chapter 4:
8-12? What are the key elements of their message?
2. What is the lesson to be learned by the story of Ananias and Sapphira? Isn’t God being too severe in this
circumstance?
3. The apostles rejoiced because they were counted to be worthy of suffering disgrace for Christ’s name. What
does this mean, and how does it apply to our lives?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 05
Acts 6-7
Watch Sermon
http://wilsonfbc.com/portfolio/acts-week-05
Sermon Summary:
The story of Acts testifies to the power (think dynamite) of living in the Holy Spirit and how it equips us, the
church, to be living witnesses to the rest of the world (Acts 1:8). Acts 6 describes Stephen as being full of grace
and power because Jesus was at the center of his ministry and was his motivation. The power of his ministry
brought attention and false witnesses who claimed he was blaspheming God and speaking against Moses, the
law, and the temple. These were the cornerstones of their faith, legalistic rituals that had become their God.
The modern application of this is if Jesus is not at the center of your life, something else has become your
god. Upon being accused Stephen, stands in front of experts in the law and offers a brief overview of God’s
faithfulness despite Israel’s rebelliousness in the time of Moses and in Old Testament times. He answers all of his
accusations, and then accuses the court of being disobedient and not understanding the heart of the law (they
have uncircumcised hearts), which Jesus fulfills. They are not living for God. Jesus must be the center.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do we know which God we serve? What else tempts us or attracts us?
2. What does God’s power look like in our lives?
3. What is the connection between Acts 7:1-47 & 48-53?
What are the major themes in Stephen’s historical account?
What are the key points in his accusations to the court?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 06
Acts 8-12
Watch Sermon
http://wilsonfbc.com/portfolio/acts-week-06
Sermon Summary:
The Gospel continues to spread in the early church despite widespread and severe persecution of believers.
God uses persecution to advance the church. We see this throughout Acts with early Christians whose focus
is entirely on Jesus and the gospel. The disciples spread the gospel regardless of the consequences. Saul
(Paul) converts and reenters his old working environment to preach the gospel. The message crosses racial and
ethnic boundaries with the conversion of the Ethiopian government official (8:25) and the inclusion of Cornelius,
who is not Jewish (10:1-2). This also indicates that God is in control despite the persecution – God promised
Abraham that he would give all nations access to the Gospel (Gen 12:3). The disciples also enter Samaria (8:5),
which Jesus foretold in 1:8. Yet the persecution only worsens, but the message also prospers. In this we must
remember that: 1) The mission of God to spread his message to the ends of the earth cannot be stopped, and 2)
What looks chaotic to us is not chaotic to God. The early church rested in the truth of Jesus, his Gospel, and the
fact that he had overcome the world (John 16:33).
We also find 1) the Gospel has built relationships that would never exist, 2) the early church is serious about
seeking and hearing the word of God from each other, and 3) the Gospel has made them a selfless community
(13:1-3).
Discussion Questions
1. So far in Acts we’ve seen a clear pattern of persecution: 1) disciples were blameless in their actions, 2) they
were persecuted, 3) they preached the gospel to their persecutors, 4) they prayed for boldness (sometimes 3 &
4 are switched).
Is this pattern consistent throughout Acts?
What happens when you take steps 1, 3, or 4 out of the process? Does the church still proliferate in the
face of prosecution?
What implication does this have for us?
What does or would this process look like in our lives if Jesus is not at the center of our lives?
2. How does our Church in Wilson become like the church described in the book of Acts? Is this what we should
aspire to?
3. What do we learn from Acts 8: 9-25, the story of Simon (to go off topic a bit)?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 08
Acts 15
Watch Sermon
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Sermon Summary:
The first 14 chapters of Acts reveal that the gospel message has never changed; it cannot change. God is Holy. Man is not.
Jesus is the answer. Believe and be saved. Yet in chapter 15 (v. 1) we see the first Biblical recording of something being
added to the Gospel/message of salvation. The church must respond to a crisis, which allows us to examine five important
themes:
1. Crisis: Some teachers were amending the gospel by either a) incorporating circumcision as a necessary ritual for
salvation or b) forcing Christians to prove salvation through circumcision. Teachers are presenting the Gospel as being either
incomplete or insufficient.
2. How does the church respond to crisis: The controversy produces “sharp dispute and debate” (v 2), but then Paul,
despite his credentials, experiences, and expertise, submits to the church and travels to seek counsel of the apostles. (v 2 &
3).
3. What is the answer to the crisis: James appeals to the authority of the Word of God (v. 13-18), and there is also unity
within both the local and corporate church about the decision (v. 22 & 25). The motivation that guides this process is a
concern for the protection of the flock (vs 24). The Holy Spirit was also present, as the church asked in prayer but heard in
the word. In this we are reminded that the Holy Spirit convicts in the world and church of sin, reminds the apostles of Christ’s
words, bears witness about Christ, guides all of God’s children in understanding the Word of God, and authored scripture
(John 16:8; 14:2; 15:26; 16:13; 1 Peter 2:21). In this chapter we see everyone coming together under the counsel of the Holy
Spirit, preserving the Church for fellowship (v. 28-30). 4. Response of the church: They received the word with celebration & joy (v. 30-35).
5. Our practice today: Anytime someone puts a word in front of the gospel, you don’t have the gospel. We should, however,
concern ourselves with how to now live so that we can have unity, glorify God, advance the kingdom of God, etc. We also
must be aware of false teachings. Supernatural experience is not authoritative. One can misinterpret destructive power as
coming from the Holy Spirit (subjective vs objective faith). We must be aware of false promises - Study your Bible, questions
so-called experts, and ask questions.
Discussion Questions:
1. What themes from above can we currently apply to church life in Wilson?
2. How do we determine when sharp dispute and debate crosses the boundary from being productive (edifying) into being
divisive or foolish? How do we disagree (at least initially) but remain unified? What if no consensus emerges? How does the
story of Paul and Barnabas fit into these concerns (v. 36-41).
3.How should a growing church protect itself being inundated with false teaching? What is the best way to teach Bible
literacy?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 09
Acts 16-18
Watch Sermon
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Sermon Summary:
The book of Acts documents the growth of the early church, and it reminds us of the power of the Gospel for
cultivating growth and establishing stability in the local body. There is no boundary that the Gospel can’t cross
and no barrier it cannot break down. We must realize that we do not save people; Jesus saves people. Acts 16
shows us how three very different people come to know Christ.
1. Lydia was a successful and wealthy religious woman (“worshiper of God”) whose heart was opened
to the Gospel when she heard Paul’s message (v. 14). By today’s standards, Lydia is a moral and kind
person who may describe herself as a Christian, but she lacks no real fruit to back her claims of knowing
Christ. We must remember to actively pursue these individuals with the Gospel, which has the power to
come into their lives.
2. The demonically possessed slave girl; when a demon moves out something (i.e. Christ, in this
case) moves in (Matthew 12: 43-45). Though most people are not demon slave girls, many people have
given themselves over to depravities that consume their lives. The Gospel can fill that void.
3. The Jailer is a cruel man who harshly and unnecessarily punishes Paul and Silas. Yet God intervenes
and the Gospel saves him.
Discussion Questions
1. What types of people do you naturally understand? How have your past experiences equipped you to minister
to specific individuals?
Can we effectively minister to people that we don’t entirely understand or empathize with?
What challenges may occur when we do this?
2. How can someone live a moral life and be kind but bear no spiritual fruit? What do we mean by fruit?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 10
Acts 19-20
Watch Sermon
http://wilsonfbc.com/portfolio/acts-week-10
Sermon Summary:
We’ve seen in Acts that the preaching of the Gospel in the early church coincided with both persecution and
acceptance. The spread of the Gospel was always met with praise and persecution; lives were saved and lives
were aggravated. In chapter 20, Paul addresses the elders of the Ephesians church (vs. 13-38) by providing a
description of his service and directives for their role in the future. In this address we see that a leader serves:
1. The Lord (vs. 18 & 19): Without Jesus as the sole focus and motivation we will never have the right
motivation for our actions. Our actions can quickly become problematic. A leader focuses on the Lord.
2. With humility (vs.19): Without focusing on Christ, a leader cannot serve with humility for any length of
time. Successes become a source of pride. Challenges are met with a sense of entitlement. Focusing
on Christ produces relationships based on grace - God has been gracious to us so we desire to be
gracious to others.
3. With a passionate heart (vs. 19): A leader is deeply invested in people’s lives so that we share their
pain, struggles, joys, fears, etc.
4. With perseverance (vs. 19 & 20): Leading believers is not easy and only the oblivious or the inept find
it to be that way. Leaders should understand the pulse of the people, which means “fighting wolves” and
dealing with difficult problems. The leader perseveres through this.
5. With clear conscience (vs. 20 & 21): The leader knows that God is always right and that he is not. The
leader adapts to what the Bible teaches and not what is popular.
6. By accurately pointing to Jesus (vs. 21): The leader always preaches the gospel. Nothing more.
Nothing less.
7. By working hard (vs. 35): Leaders commit to serving the church, which requires sacrifice.
Discussion Questions
1. How do we become the leaders that Paul is talking about?
2. How can we currently serve the church in a manner that is consistent with Paul’s vision?
3. Do we have to hold the formal office of elder to lead in a way that Paul describes?
4. What points on this list do you struggle with?
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 11
Acts 21-28
Watch Sermon
http://wilsonfbc.com/portfolio/acts-week-11
Sermon Summary:
Paul used every moment of life as a platform to proclaim the gospel.
Paul’s most powerful witness tool is the same witness tool each and everyone one of us have built into the DNA
of our relationship with Christ. It is our salvation testimony. Paul told the story of his conversion over and over
again. Let’s focus on the account in Acts 22:3-21 and develop the telling of our own salvation story. Each
believer should have a story that can be told in 5-10 minutes. About one page of narrative.
Preparation
Think through and write out you salvation story using Paul’s recounting as a template. Be ready to share your
story with the group on Saturday.
1. Acts 22:3-5 Recount your coming to an understanding of your lost sin nature.
You did not always see God as Sovereign Savior (Romans 1:18-3:20, Romans 5:10)
The fact of sin is important NOT the nitty gritty details.
(15%) of your story.
2. Acts 22:6-13 Describe your conversion experience.
Being born again (John 3)
Being made new, change of heart orientation (Acts 15:33, Matt 25:34-40, 2Co 5:17, 1 John 4:7-12)
Obedience in baptism (Acts 2, Acts 16:33)
Evidence of joy amid trials (Acts 16:30, 34)
(60%) of your story.
3. Acts 22:14-21 Talk about you present life as a Christian
How are you now active in the body of Christ (Heb 10:24-31)
How is the Holy Spirit using you in the body (1Co 12:1-27, Romans 8:9)
How is serving Christ growing your faith *Luke 17:5-10)
(25%) of your story.
ACTS / DISCUSSION
WEEK 12
Watch Sermon
http://wilsonfbc.com/portfolio/acts-week-12
Sermon Summary:
Christian life should involve a devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread (both eating together &
communion), and prayer (Acts 2:42). Fellowship involves the active and intimate participation in the lives of other
people within the church body. This requires unity in the body, which reflects the unity of the Trinity and is a
testimony to the unbelieving world (John 17: 20-26; see also 1 Cor 10; Eph 4:1-3 & 11-13; Phil 2:1-5). We live in
unity as his children by living out the Gospel with one another. This means living in humility (Phil 2: 1-11), in the
light of grace and forgiveness (Mat 18:15-35), and in celebration (Phil 2: 6-11).
Discussion Questions
1. What does Matthew 18:15-35 tell us about how we should deal with sin and forgiveness in the church?
Should we forgive people even when they do not apologize or seek forgiveness?
Should we confront all situations when a fellow believer sins against us?
How did Jesus treat pagans and tax collectors? What relevance does this have for verse 17?
2. How do we maintain unity in the church when disagreements exist and both sides have legitimate arguments?
How do we determine if someone or some group is creating disunity or if they have simply have a
genuine disagreement with another person or group?
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