BIB-502 The Book of Acts
In at least 750 words, at least 150 words per prompt, respond to the following prompts about the major themes in the book of Acts, such as the nature of the church and the significance of the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. Responses should be as concise as possible.
1. Explore the significance of the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2. Using Joel 2:28-32 (which Peter quotes in Acts 2:17-21), explain the meaning of the coming of the Spirit. What was new and different from the era of the Old Testament?
2. Analyze briefly Acts 2:42-47, and explore the implications for our concept of a healthy church.
3. Explain why the issue of circumcision was so important at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. What did circumcision symbolize? Ultimately, why did the Council decide the Gentiles did not need to be circumcised in order to be saved?
4. One of the major themes in Acts is the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ, as well as the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth. Explain the intersection of these themes. How does Jesus’ exaltation to the right hand of the Father serve as the basis for Christian ministry and missions today?
5. The book of Acts teaches that God is sovereign over all things. Using Acts 12 as a test case, explore how God manifests his sovereignty in the midst of Christian suffering (see the experience of James and Peter) and tyrannical rule (see Herod). Why is knowing God’s sovereignty encouraging in your ministry?
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