TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

Acts 1:1-26

Key Verse 1:8

1. The book of Acts was addressed to Theophilus, which means “lover of God” (v. 1).  Why is it important to love God? (Isaiah 55:8-9)  The full title of this book is “The Acts of the Apostles.”  How does this title relate to ‘Theophilus’? (John 14:15)  Based on this, what attitude should we have as we study the book of Acts?

2. Verses 1-3 emphasize two points about Jesus’ ministry before His ascension: 1) convincing proofs that He was alive; and 2) the kingdom of God.  Why are these points important?

3. According to the conversation between the Risen Lord and His disciples in verses 4-8, there is a big difference between the disciples’ thinking and the Father’s thinking.  How are the two different?  Did Jesus ignore what the disciples had in mind?  What does verse 8 show about the position of the disciples in Jesus’ mind?

4. Verse 8 describes the way the Father will fulfill His work.  What does it mean to be Jesus’ witnesses: 1) in Jerusalem; 2) in all Judea; 3) in Samaria; and 4) to the ends of the earth?  Why does this mission require power from the Holy Spirit?  What does this show about God’s will for all people on earth?

5. Jesus’ ascension and the promise of His return in verses 9-11 are truly remarkable.  Compare this passage with Luke 24:50-53.  Who are the “two men”? (Hebrews 1:14)  What do you think God had in mind when He sent them to say the following words to the disciples: 1) Men of Galilee; 2) Why do you stand here looking into the sky?; 3) This same Jesus, who has taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him going into heaven.

6. Verses 12-14 describe the prayer meeting held by the followers of Jesus.  Why did they stay in the upstairs room in Jerusalem to pray?  Why might it have been difficult for all of them (including the women) to join together constantly in prayer?  What can we learn from them?

7. The remainder of the passage begins with “Peter stood up among the believers…”  What does the phrase “stood up” indicate about the change that took place in Peter?  Why is his decision to fill Judas Iscariot’s place with another witness important?