Acts is the sequel to the gospel of Luke and it tells the story of the witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit. It naturally divides into two sections. In the first twelve chapters, Peter is the main character and the church is just beginning to function. Beginning with chapter thirteen, Paul takes over and missionary work dominates the rest of the narrative. Acts is a dynamic action-packed book that forms the bridge between the Gospels and the epistles and it serves as the framework upon which the remainder of the New Testament is built.Some suggestions for a study Acts-
Character studies – If you like this type of study Acts has some great people to profile. Major characters like Peter and Paul as well as supporting folks like Stephen, Barnabas, Silas, Lydia, Cornelius all make great studies.
Key Words – witness, believe, baptism, resurrection, persecution. Keep track of each of these words and record your insights. I didn't realize how crucial the idea of the resurrection was until I tracked the key words.
Paul's travels – If you like history, geography and details, Paul's missionary journeys are worth a closer look. Note his successes and his failures and how he adapts his approach to best connect with the culture.
Holy Spirit – Jesus kept His promise to send another Comforter, and His presence pervades the book of Acts, empowering, strengthening and directing the believers at every juncture. As you see the mighty works accomplished in the early church, remember the Holy Spirit hasn't changed since those days.
What if your life were recorded as an account of how God moves and works? What "Acts" would you highlight?
Hmmm…interesting. I think I should try this after the study I'm doing right now. It sounds really cool–Acts is one of those books that I can't wait to read/study, but never get around to doing so. So I'll definitely try this.
As for the question at the end, I would just include all the times God really worked and I could definitely see it–and if He were writing it (which of course I know He's writing my story), He would include all the little things I miss and show me that He's really working in all things. (Which I think is something we know, but just don't recognize)
Great post! 🙂