Study Guide and Notes for Acts 3Horton Road Church of Christ / Spring 2010

Connecting Themes (from Introduction to Acts)

1.The Holy Spirit [Theme #1] (seen in the sign of the kingdom and preaching)2.Evangelism [Theme #3] (seen in the sign of the kingdom and the preaching)3.Fulfillment of scripture & God's purpose [Themes #4 & #6] (in Peter's preaching)4.Prayer [Theme #5] (sets the stage for ministry and proclamation about God)

The Sign of the Kingdom (3:1-10)

1.As this scene opens, where were Peter and John going and why? Is thissignificant? Why or why not?

[Prayer created the context for the ministry andteaching opportunity.]

2.What did Peter and John encounter? How did they respond?3.Why is there a strong emphasis on "looking" (4 x in 3:4-5)?4.What was Peter's point in saying they had no silver or gold (3:6)? Would he havegiven silver or gold if he had it?5.Is offering a sign of the kingdom instead of giving financial help a validevangelism strategy? Does this override Jesus' commands to help those in need(i.e., Luke 12:33; 19:8; etc.)? Why or why not?6.How was the man healed? What was the result of this healing?

[The peopleexperienced wonder and amazement.]

Was this a common result for Jesus?(cf. Luke 4:36; 5:26; 7:16; 8:37; 11:14; etc.)

Explaining the Sign of the Kingdom (3:11-26)

1.So far in Acts, preaching has followed a sign of the kingdom (ch. 2; ch. 3). Why?Is this necessary? Why or why not?2.What was the people's response to the sign (3:11-12)?3.How does Peter attribute the man's healing (3:16)? How does the healingfunction as a main point of the sermon (3:12-16)?

[The man was healedbecause of Jesus' name and faith in that name; Jesus was God's man, the