To The Ends of the Earth

Acts 1:1-11

Key Verse 1:8

1. The book of Acts is about the apostles witnessing about Jesus Christ (8). What do the following indicate about the contents of their testimony?

1) "all that Jesus began to do and to teach" (1);

2) "his suffering" (3a);

3) "convincing proofs that he was alive" (3b);

4) "He...spoke about the kingdom of God" (3c);

5) "he was taken up [into heaven] before their very eyes" (9); and

6) "This same Jesus...will come back..." (11). 

2. Verses 2,5 and 8 talk about "the Holy Spirit". What do the following expressions tell us about the functions (or works) of the Holy Spirit?

1) "giving instructions through the Holy Spirit..." (2)

2) "you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (5)

3) "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; (8a) and

4) "you will be my witnesses" (8b). 

3. Think about the expression "my witnesses" in verse 8. What does "my" indicate about the position of the apostles as witnesses? What is it like for one to live as a "witness"? 

4. Verse 8 describes the areas in which the apostles were to live as Jesus' witnesses. In what respect was it difficult for them to be witnesses in these specific places?

1) In Jerusalem;

2) In all Judea; 

3) In Samaria; and

4) To the ends of the earth.

5. Compare the apostles' question to Jesus in verse 6 and Jesus' answer to their question in verses 7-8. What does the expression "it is not for you to know" indicate about the errors which many commit in our generation? 

6. Read verses 9-11 and think about what the two men dressed in white (10) said to the "men of Galilee" (11). The promise of Jesus' return is yet to be fulfilled. What does this promise mean to you?