October’s memory verse:

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4-11-12

Acts Chapter 6:

In chapter 6, as the disciples are increasing and the church is growing, we see that not everything is perfect and easy. There is persecution from the outside and dishonesty on the inside of the early church. There is tension among this community that must be worked out. Watch as we see the care and structure that is set in place to minister to others. And notice that the witness is not dependent on the twelve, but everyone, in order to get the gospel message out of Jerusalem.

Summary of chapter 4:

• The tension is escalating quickly among Peter, John and the Jerusalem council.

• With boldness, Peter and John proclaim to the council that they crucified Jesus of Nazareth and that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

• The council is greatly annoyed and Peter and John are placed in custody and charged to not teach in the name of Jesus anymore. Peter and John reply with a big fat, “NO!” and while the crowd of people are praising God for the healing of the lame man, they are released.

• The believers pray for the word to be spoken with boldness while the Lord does signs, wonders and miracles through them.

• The fellowship of believers are united as one heart and shared everything despite persecution.

Summary of chapter 5:

• One couple , Ananias and Sapphira discover that when the love of money and posessions take hold, evil is close at hand. Satan fills their heart and they lie to the Holy Spirit.

• Great fear falls upon the church and many signs and wonders continue to be done among the people by the apostles.

• The stong jealousy of the Saduccees and the high priest escalates even more, the apostles are arrested and put in prison.

• During the night an angel appears and brought then out, telling the apostles to, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

• The council, enraged, ‘disciplines’ them saying, “We told you not to teach in Jesus name!” But the apostles reply, “We must obey God rather than men.”

• They were beat and released, and continued rejoicing because they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. Everyday they continued from house to house preaching and teaching Jesus.

  Interactive Reflection Questions

October’s memory verse:

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4-11-12

Summary of chapters 3:

And together they went up to the temple to pray. Peter and John went to pray…as we began to read Acts 3, were any of you singing the old “Kids Sunday School” song? I certainly was. If you don’t know what I am talking about, look it up it is a fun one called Silver and Gold I Have None.

As they approach the Beautiful Gate, they encounter a lame man sitting at the gate. The lame man holds out his hand and asks for alms. With his eyes fixed in expectation on Peter and John, Peter reaches down and heals the man, in the name of Jesus Christ. This lame man begins leaping and praising God for he has received far more than the alms he asked for. He has been given eternal life and the ability to be a witness for Christ because all the people who recognized him were filled with amazement and wonder!

Peter is quick to explain that the power that healed the man was from Jesus of Nazareth, the man the leaders and people of Jerusalem had crucified. He explains to the Jewish audience, that Jesus is, in fact, the prophet that Moses promised would follow him, as well as the blessing to the nations God promised Abraham. In verse 19 Peter urges them to “repent and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” He tells them that they are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with their forefathers. It is a clear warning: they, who denied the Holy and Righteous One and killed the Author of Life, must repent and turn from their wickedness to receive the blessing.

Looking ahead at Chapter 4:

The spread of the gospel in Jerusalem is increasing as more people who have heard the word believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, not everyone is receiving the message with joy. In chapter 4 verse 2, we note that the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees are greatly annoyed and desire that they speak no more ‘in the name of Jesus’. This is the first incident of persecution that the early church encounters. Pay close attention to the specific reason for the persecution and the reasons behind the ‘annoyance’ at the message that is being spoken. How do Peter and John respond to the question, “By what power and what name did you heal this man?”

Last week, chapter 3 gave us our first glimpse into the signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit. This week, chapter 4 gives us our first glimpses into persecution. By the end of chapter four, we see the believer’s response to this persecution, their unity, boldness, and faith. God doesn't promise to keep the Church from harm, in fact, we can expect persecution, but just like the early believers and the Apostles, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can press on with boldness and continue to bear witness to Jesus.

Interactive Reflection Questions

September’s memory verse:

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

Summary of chapters 1-2:

When we open up the book of Acts, we find ourselves in the middle of a story. After Luke wrote his gospel account (Luke) about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when he was taken up, he provides us with part two, the rest of the story. This is the book of Acts.

Jesus, after having risen from the dead, comes back to the disciples and presents Himself to them with many proofs for forty days! As they inquire about when He will restore the kingdom of God, He tells them it is not for them to know when. However, He does promise them that they will receive power and be equipped to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. While the eleven disciples wait patiently, they are devoted to prayer. To fulfill the scriptures, and to replace Judas, they cast lots and Matthias joined them as an apostle, one who had witnessed the resurrection and spent time with Jesus. In Chapter two, the day of Pentecost has arrived and when they were gathered in one place, the Holy Spirit rests upon and fills each of them with power from on high. It is with this power that Peter stands up and addresses the Jews and all who lived in Jerusalem to give witness to Jesus and exhort the crowds. Those who received his word were baptized and 3,000 souls were saved. As Chapter two ends, the fellowship of believers is quite devoted to prayer, the apostles teaching, and the breaking of bread. They give generously, both of their earthly belongings and of their praise to God. They found favor with the people and every day more and more were added to their number. From Acts 1:8, Jesus has given them the purpose: to be His witnesses, and the plan: starting in Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria and finally to the ends of the earth. This is where we find ourselves today. It is the same for us. This same Holy Spirit has given us the same purpose and the same plan. By the power of the Holy Spirit in us, the witness continues today to the ends of the earth.

Looking ahead at Chapter 3:

Chapter three gives us our first glimpse and an awe into one of the many signs and wonders that were done through the apostles. As you read about Peter and John and the lame beggar, take special note at the message that Peter delivers in explanation for the miracle.

Interactive Reflection Questions