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Acts Bible Study
Acts Bible Study
BIBLICAL EVANGELISM
CRU.COMM BIBLE STUDY CURRICULUM
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Continued on page 2
• When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, Help the people in your study
the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about see their need for the power
me. And you also must testify. (15:26,27) that the Holy Spirit can give.
• When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and Encourage them to read
righteousness and judgment. (16:7) through the article, “How
to Witness in the Spirit” and
• But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. receive the Spirit’s power by
(16:13) faith.
Keep that in mind and you’ll see that what Jesus is about to say isn’t anything
new. It’s just a recap of what He’d already taught the disciples.
Baptized with the Holy Spirit
Being baptized with the Spirit is synonymous with being filled with the Spirit.
Both terms describe a person who has surrendered his or her life to Christ and
is being controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
When that happens the power and ability to witness begins to flow. As we are
filled with the Spirit, He teaches us what to say, He gives supernatural power to
our words so they will actually have an effect, and He convicts the people we
are speaking to of their guilt and need for a savior. Only the Spirit can open a
person’s eyes to see his or her deplorable condition before God. As He does,
the gospel message comes with power to hearts He has prepared.
According to Jesus, the power that the Spirit provides is absolutely critical to
the success of the mission. Without the Spirit and His power, the disciples
were to do nothing. In fact, according to John 15:4-5, without His power they
couldn’t have done anything even if they wanted. Rather than try and fail, Jesus
told them to wait for the Spirit to come upon them.
In verses 6-7, Luke interrupts the logical flow of the passage to show how the
disciples’ focus was off. Jesus responds to their question about the Kingdom of
Israel by directing their attention back to the kingdom of heaven, and is more
explicit: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends
of the earth” (v. 8).
We are given that power so that we can tell people about Jesus, enabling them
to know Him, too. There is no point to having the power of the Holy Spirit, if
we aren’t sharing the gospel. And there is no point in sharing the gospel, if we
don’t have the Spirit’s power.
The critical thing for you to communicate is that great power is available to us
in the Holy Spirit. By faith, we can be filled with the Spirit and receive super-
natural power to be His witnesses as He has commanded. As we avail ourselves
of this power, God will use us as He changes people’s lives for all eternity.
End
Acts 1:1-8
LAUNCH
If I were to tell you we are going to cancel Bible study and go sharing right now, how would you feel? Excited, fright-
ened, intimidated? Why?
EXPLORE
APPLY
14. Have you ever felt powerless while talking to people 17. When was the last conversation you had with a non-
about Jesus? Christian concerning Jesus?
15. Jesus speaks of this power as a gift. Sometimes it may 18. What does that suggest to you about the reality of
feel like a gift we’d like to exchange. Do you want this the Spirit’s power in your life?
power? What is attractive or repulsive to you about
the gift?
16. How are you experiencing His power in your life right
now?
1. The former book is Luke. Father, the Spirit of truth who But you will receive power
goes out from the Father, He will when the Holy Spirit comes
testify about me. And you also on you; and you will be my
2. The name means “lover of God.” must testify. (15:26,27) witnesses in Jerusalem, and in
It was either a literal individual, or all Judea and Samaria, and to
a figurative way to address all who When He comes, He will convict the ends of the earth.
love God. the world of guilt in regard to sin
and righteousness and judgment. Acts 1:8
(16:7)
3. They were lacking something
necessary to accomplish the But when He, the Spirit of Truth,
task—namely, the Holy Spirit. comes, He will guide you into all
truth. (16:13)
4. The disciples had heard Jesus
speak of this gift in John 14-16 9. It is synonymous with being filled
among other places. with the Spirit. Both describe a
person who is yielded to Christ,
5. The gift is the Holy Spirit. and empowered and directed by
the Holy Spirit.
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
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Continued on page 2
Notice that it isn’t only the influence of the Spirit that gives them boldness. Look for opportunities to
What they believe and are convinced of also compels them. In 4:12 Peter be put in a position where
declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under radical faith and great power
heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” is required. Could it be that
That idea was no more popular in John and Peter’s culture than it is in ours. But you never experience the
it just happened to be true and they knew it first hand. They were there when thrill of the Holy Spirit’s
Jesus calmed the sea, healed the lepers and rose from the dead. They knew courage because you never do
that Jesus was who He claimed to be and that apart from Him all men are lost. anything frightening? Deter-
Knowing that He really is the only savior gave John and Peter boldness to speak mine to share your faith in a
and to suffer. way that will require you to
depend on the Holy Spirit’s
That kind of courage, and the compulsion to tell people about Jesus, is precisely power. Trust Him to fill you as
what the Holy Spirit produces. He can do the same for the students in your He promised.
group.
End
Acts 4:1-22
LAUNCH
What is the most frightening thing you have ever attempted for Christ? What happened?
EXPLORE
Read Acts 4:1-22. 6. In verse 12, Peter said, “Salvation is found in no one
1. What is the situation that has set up the events in else, for there is no other name under heaven given
chapter 4? to men by which we must be saved.” How do you
think this belief affected his message to the rulers?
APPLY
10. The religious leaders couldn’t refute that a miracle 12. What would it take to get you to stop talking about
had occurred. What is the evidence of the life- Jesus?
changing power of Jesus in your ministry? What steps
of faith have you taken that would astonish those
around you? 13. What does that tell you about what you really believe
about Jesus? What does it suggest to you about the
reality of the Holy Spirit’s power in your life?
11. Unable to intimidate, the leaders vainly order Peter
and John to stop talking about Jesus. They refuse
saying, “We cannot help speaking about what we have
seen and heard.” How closely does that parallel your
own desire to talk about Jesus?
1. Peter and John healed a crippled 6. Only the power that the Holy Salvation is found in no one
man and preached the gospel. Spirit gives to believers can else, for there is no other
produce that result. name under heaven given to
men by which we must be
2. Jesus condemned them for their saved.
outward righteousness, and 7. Allow the group to discuss. God
inward hardness of heart. As His does motivate us, and can give us Acts 4:12
followers grew, their influence unusual boldness, but we are still
was threatened. responsible to act courageously.
Courage implies that the task will
not seem easy.
3. Discuss the topic. Most would
likely imagine the ministry would
shrink, though the opposite 8. Allow the group to discuss.
happened here and throughout
the history of persecution in the
church. Persecution forces us to 9. He understood that apart from
walk by faith, which God honors. Christ, his opponents were lost.
Their only hope was forgiveness
in Christ. It was a small thing to
4. Discuss the topic. Peter and suffer so that they could hear the
John were remarkably bold and gospel and believe.
testified of the gospel, despite
knowing it would get them in
further trouble. 10.-13. Allow the group to discuss.
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
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Continued on page 2
verse they ask God to perform miraculous signs and wonders in the name of Evaluate the sorts of things
Jesus. you pray about. Determine to
In verse 31, we see the answer to both of these prayers. First, the building undertake efforts for which
shakes – clearly a supernatural response from God and an answer to their you will be desperate for
second prayer. Following that, they speak the word of God boldly, just as they God’s assistance. Pray in faith
had requested. As we’ve seen throughout Acts, they were able to speak boldly that He will meet you there.
because they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Think about how to escalate
Last, we see a demonstration of uncommon unity and oneness among the the intensity and participation
believers. This too is a natural outworking of radical and risky ministry and of group prayer on your cam-
fervent prayer. pus. How can you fuel what is
happening, or start something
Hopefully your group is beginning to see the picture Luke is painting. In scene if it does not exist?
after scene there is great power, bold evangelism, fervent prayer and sincere
affection. Our hope as you look at this each week is that it will whet your
group’s appetite to see the same dynamics at work on your campus and in your
ministry. Do your best to bring this to life and invite them to daydream about
what this could look like at your school.
End
Acts 4:23-37
LAUNCH
Let’s play a word association game. What are the first three adjective that come to mind when I say, “Prayer Meeting.”
Why do you think those terms came to mind?
EXPLORE
Read Acts 4:23-31. 7. Why was that appropriate to pray back to God?
1. What has been happening in Acts 4 prior to these
verses?
8. In addition to praising God for His power, they make
two requests. What are they?
2. How do you think Peter and John were feeling? How
were the rest of the believers feeling as they waited
for their release from prison? 9. How does God answer them?
3. When Peter and John were released, they went 10. These men and woman were obviously already
back and reported all that had happened. Luke says indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit. What is
that in response, they raised their voices in prayer. in view when it says that they were “filled” with the
This doesn’t sound like a boring prayer meeting they Holy Spirit?
went to because it was expected of them, but rather
it seems that they couldn’t help but pray. What is
different here from our common experience? 11. How is radical evangelism connected to powerful,
passionate prayer? Can they be separated?
APPLY
14. When has prayer been easiest and most natural for is currently lacking in this time – in contrast to what
you? you observe in this passage?
15. Why do you think we find prayer so difficult? 17. In what way can you contribute to bringing about this
kind of prayer on campus?
1. Peter and John have been arrest- 9. The building shakes in response Do not be anxious about
ed for preaching the gospel. Filled to their prayer for a miracle. anything, but in everything,
with the Spirit, they were bold They are filled with the Spirit and by prayer and petition, with
and didn’t back down. They were enabled to speak with boldness. thanksgiving, present your
then threatened and released. requests to God. And the
10. Apparently, this is a special peace of God, which tran-
2. Peter and John may have felt empowerment, which sometimes scends all understanding, will
exhilarated, scared, and in awe. God provides people. guard your hearts and your
The believers were likely very minds in Christ Jesus.
scared as they awaited the fate of Philippians 4:6-7
11. The two are joined together
their leaders.
– passionate prayer does not
take place without courageous
3. They were at a place where evangelism and ministry.
they were desperate for God’s
help. That turns prayer from a
12. The Spirit, besides empowering
monotony into the only thing that
believers to share the gospel, also
can satisfy the soul. Our problem
brings unity. It’s also a natural
is that we often don’t attempt
result of attempting great things
great things, or take great risks,
together and succeeding despite
so we don’t need great answers
great trials.
to prayer. A radical life of faith is
the cure for boring prayer.
13. Allow the group to discuss.
4. See “What Do I Need to Know
About the Passage?” Psalm 2 is 14. Usually when life has been hard
about the certainty that Messiah and we are aware of our need.
will reign victoriously despite the
world’s rebellion against Him.
15. Because we are rarely aware of
our deep need. Arrogance and
5. Jesus is the sovereign Messiah and choosing the easy path contrib-
King who rules the nations. utes to this.
6. They would gain assurance from 16. Allow the group to discuss.
God’s great power, sovereignty,
and the certain success of Mes-
17. Allow the group to discuss.
siah’s kingdom.
Decide to make radical decisions
to walk by faith and do things that
7. Allow the group to discuss. will fail miserably if God doesn’t
intervene. Take steps to see that
uncommon prayer is happening
8. In verse 29, they pray that they
on your campus.
could speak with great boldness.
In verse 30, they pray God would
perform miraculous signs and
wonders in Jesus’ name.
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be digitally reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, without the prior permission of Cru Press.
Again, the apostles did something totally counter to our natural impulses – they Please help your group
left rejoicing that they were able to suffer for Jesus. Being flogged is a wretched identify the forms of persecu-
affair. They would have been whipped across the back 39 times. Yet, there is tion you seek to avoid. Pray
no mention of them questioning God in this, or complaining. Rather, they were for boldness and grace to face
excited and praising God that they were counted worthy to suffer. And, they them and be a courageous
continued to preach the gospel. Day in and day out, they told all who would witness for Christ.
listen that Jesus loved them and would forgive them.
In this, we need to see that there is joy in suffering for the gospel, whatever
form that suffering takes. Rather than shrink from it, we should embrace it, and
boldly preach the gospel. Otherwise, there is a joy that we’ll never know. What
must it be like to put it all on the line for Jesus, suffer disgrace, and be found
worthy? Peter, in his first epistle commented on this, saying, “Dear friends,
do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something
strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings
of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (I Peter
4:12,13) Peter knew from experience that there is a sweetness to suffering,
when we suffer for doing good. Preach the gospel in season and out of season.
End
Acts 5:17-42
LAUNCH
When in your life have you experienced the most physical pain? What happened? How did you take it?
EXPLORE
Read Acts 5:17-42. 6. The Jewish leaders are enraged and want to kill him,
1. What has been going on to arouse the jealousy of the but are persuaded not to do so. How? What do you
Jewish leaders? think of this reasoning?
2. Their jealousy leads them to arrest and imprison 7. In verse 40, the apostles are beaten, and in verse 41,
the apostles. Then, in verse 19, Luke says something they leave rejoicing. Why? How?
totally bizarre. Do you think it really happened?
4. When the Jewish leaders discovered the apostles 9. When was a time you suffered disgrace for the sake of
were preaching again right in the temple courts, the Name?
the passage says that, “they were puzzled, wonder-
ing what would come of this.” Were they puzzled
because the apostles escaped, or because they were 10. From the study of Acts thus far, as the disciples’
preaching again? preaching grew in intensity, what other things intensi-
fied? How are they all related?
APPLY
11. Why do you think God intervened in their imprison- 14. What are you missing out on when you yield to that
ment, but allowed the beating to happen? Would pressure?
you question God’s goodness in that? Why didn’t the
apostles?
15. What would it take for your joy in the gospel to more
closely match the apostles’?
12. What have you experienced from Christ that would
motivate joy in persecution?
1. More preaching, miracles, and 9. Allow the group to discuss. Dear friends, do not be
the growth of the early church surprised at the painful trial
aroused the jealousy of the Jewish you are suffering, as though
leaders. 10. Persecution, jealousy, prayer, and something strange were
community were heightened with happening to you. But rejoice
the spread of the gospel. The that you participate in the
2. Let people discuss this and preaching of the gospel brings out sufferings of Christ, so that
grapple with something so incred- the intensity of the Christian life you may be overjoyed when
ible. But yes, it happened. and spiritual battle. His glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
3. Allow the group to discuss. The 11. God can and does sovereignly
natural thing would be search for protect His children, but that
a safe place to hide. They threw does not mean immunity from
caution to the wind and obeyed persecution or suffering. In fact,
the order to preach. we are told in Scripture to expect
both.
5. Give the group time to think 13. Allow the group to discuss.
of how they would present the
gospel. Share your answers.
14. We miss out on the joy of obedi-
ence, and the opportunities to
6. Gamaliel argues that if this is not influence people’s eternities.
of God, it will fail. If it is of God,
nothing can stop it.
15. You want to help your group
see that the dynamic experience
7. They rejoice that they were of being loved, forgiven and
counted worthy to suffer disgrace delighted in by Jesus is the only
for Jesus. They had come to value thing that can really fuel this sort
things very differently than the of response to suffering.
world does.
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be digitally reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, without the prior permission of Cru Press.
Continued on page 2
As the Ethiopian reads this, he wonders who the man in the passage is. Philip Encourage your group to look
is able to show him that it is Jesus, the Messiah. Isaiah was written more than for divine appointments this
600 years before Jesus was born and describes perfectly how our redemption week. Train yourselves to
was accomplished. It would be exciting to walk through this passage with your believe that God is setting up
group and observe how accurately it describes Jesus. such appointments around
In Acts 8:38, Philip baptizes the official who goes away rejoicing at his new life in you. You’ll be amazed at what
Christ. What a privilege we have to be used by God. Isn’t it plain from this text you see. Walk by faith into
that the God who oversaw all the details of this encounter, could have finished those situations, trusting God
it all by Himself? But, He didn’t! In His grace, He invited Philip to participate and to use you.
lead this man to faith in Christ.
In the same way He invites us to participate in the most thrilling, exciting
adventure the human spirit can ever know. He calls us to be His ambassadors
to take the gospel of hope to a lost and dying world. He ordains the circum-
stances, works in people’s lives, and lets us communicate the gospel to ready
hearts. What great fun to be a messenger of the gospel! Keep your eyes open
for opportunities he has prepared, and walk obediently into them.
End
Acts 8:26-40
LAUNCH
Have you ever been benched on a sports team? What was it like? How did it feel if and when the coach finally put you
in the game?
EXPLORE
Read Acts 8:26-40. 7. If all you had to draw from was Isaiah 53 how would
1. A new character is introduced in Acts 8: Philip. Who you communicate the gospel message to someone?
is he?
3. In verse 27, Philip leaves Jerusalem heading south for a 9. Did God need Philip’s help? Why did He use him?
Philistine city. Whose idea was this?
APPLY
11. Do you think God still directs our steps like this? 14. Have you gotten the impression from this series in
How would you know if He was? Acts that sharing the gospel ought to be central in the
lives of believers? How is our ministry doing in this
regard? How are you doing?
12. When was a time you felt particularly led by God to
share your faith? What were the circumstances?
15. Do you think if we threw a little teleportation into
the mix you’d be more motivated to share your faith
13. Why do you think God doesn’t lead this way all of the with castrated men?
time?
1. Philip is one of the apostles. He 7. Give the group time to formulate For we are God’s workman-
was introduced earlier in the their presentation of the gospel. ship, created in Christ Jesus
chapter bringing the gospel to to do good works, which
Samaria. God prepared in advance for
8. God called Philip on that journey, us to do.
coordinated the timing to match
2. A great persecution struck in perfectly with the Ethiopian’s Ephesians 2:10
Chapter 8, and the church was journey, and caused the official to
scattered. The focus in Acts shifts read a perfect passage at just the
from Jerusalem where Peter led right time.
the church, to the geographic
spread of the gospel led by
others. Philip is the leader we 9. No, God didn’t need Philip’s help.
are watching here. Soon it will be But, He graciously allows us to be
Paul. involved in His great work.
3. It was God’s idea. See 8:26. 10. Who knows? Teleportation would
be pretty cool though.
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be digitally reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, without the prior permission of Cru Press.
Continued on page 2
that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Please help the members of
Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for your Bible study think through
those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy who they most identify with
1:12-16). in this passage. Are they like
God still makes such examples. He may do it directly like he did with Saul, but Ananias, fearful and needing
He is more likely to use the people in your group as ambassadors to carry the prompting to obey? Or are
message of the gospel. they like Saul, forgiven a great
debt, and therefore compelled
Have you noticed that Luke seems bent on normalizing evangelism? To hear to share the gospel with all
him tell it, it just seems to be what Christians do. Ananias is terrified of this who will listen. In either case
antagonistic Christian hater, but Jesus tells him to go and he goes. Saul comes encourage them to take steps
to faith and immediately begins to preach the gospel. Help your group grapple of faith to make the gospel
with the normalcy of redeemed people talking about their Redeemer. known in the world around
them.
God can use you and the people in your group to lead the Sauls on your
campus to faith. They, in turn, can lead yet others to the Savior. Perhaps you could challenge
them to identify someone
on your campus, or in their
life, who they are tempted to
believe is beyond the reach of
the gospel. As a group, pray
for them, and ask God to
show you how you could lead
them to faith.
End
Acts 9:1-30
LAUNCH
Who is the most outspoken critic of Christianity that you know? What would it take for you to believe that they
might believe the gospel?
EXPLORE
Read Acts 9:1-2. 8. How did Ananias address Saul? What does that
1. Christianity at this time was known as “the way.” indicate?
What do you think is the origin of this name?
5. In verse 10, the focus shifts to Ananias. What does Read Acts 9:20-31.
God want him to do? How does he feel about this? 12. How did the Jewish leaders react to Saul’s
conversion?
APPLY
14. With whom do you identify more in this study? Saul 16. What would be the impact on your campus if you
or Ananias? Why? became an evangelist like Saul?
15. Saul’s behavior in verse 20 is totally unexpected. He 17. Why do you think Luke talks so much about
immediately begins to preach the very faith he once evangelism?
tried to destroy and people were astonished. Think
of the most outspoken critic of Christianity on your
campus. What would be the impact if they came to 18. How are his descriptions of the early church like or
faith? unlike things at this campus?
1. The name, “the Way” comes from persecuting Christians, Saul would But God demonstrates His
John 14:6 where Jesus said, “I am have greater ability to patiently own love for us in this: While
the way and the truth and the endure. Also, suffering goes hand- we were still sinners, Christ
life. No one comes to the Father in-hand with preaching the gospel. died for us.
except through me.”
Romans 5:8
11. The true nature of this world, is
2. Allow the group to discuss. He a battle between God and Satan.
had a misguided zeal for legalistic Preaching the gospel advances
righteousness, and thought God’s kingdom, and brings this
Christianity defiled God’s holy hidden battle to the surface.
laws.
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be digitally reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, without the prior permission of Cru Press.
Continued on page 2
Certainly, some had believed the gospel the first week, while others were still With your group, evaluate
questioning. But whatever their maturity or faith, the people who heard Paul’s your current ministry.
message were themselves becoming the messengers of the gospel.
Are you sowing the gospel
Similarly, in verse 49, Luke writes that “The word of the Lord spread through broadly, or only to a limited
the whole region.” Surely, this doesn’t mean that Paul and Barnabas themselves number of people? Choose a
shared with everyone in the region. The Word spread! From former unbeliev- group of people who aren’t
ers, to soon-to-be new believers, the gospel was carried throughout the region. being reached, and make
This “spiritual multiplication” is exactly what Paul directs in II Timothy 2:2. a plan to share the gospel
“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust with them. Think through a
to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” That is how the strategy. For example, an ad
gospel spreads. New Christians become messengers and carry the gospel to in the campus paper would
unbelievers, who come to faith and themselves become messengers to yet give everyone on campus the
more unbelievers. opportunity to hear, or read
the gospel.
Our obligation is not only to share the gospel, but also to equip new Christians
to share the gospel. Campus Crusade for Christ’s mission statement is to Are you practicing spiritual
“turn lost students into Christ-centered laborers.” The essence of this mission multiplication? Seek out one
statement is spiritual multiplication. reliable person to whom you
can entrust the gospel. Teach
them how to share their faith.
End
Acts 13
LAUNCH
Think of your favorite product – it might be a movie, computer, brand of shoes, anything. How did you hear about it?
From how many sources and how many times? Was it through professional ads or word of mouth? What implications
can you draw about effectively communicating the gospel based on that company’s ability to get news to you about
their product?
EXPLORE
Read Acts 13. 7. Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogues first. What
Pay special attention to the settings in which Paul and was the strategy in doing this?
Barnabas preach and the people with whom they share.
3. With what types of people do they share? 10. In verse 44, the whole city shows up. Why did they
come? How did they know Paul and Barnabas would
be speaking?
4. What seemed to be the type of person with whom
they had shared?
11. As the Jewish leaders stirred up trouble, Paul and
Barnabas went to the Gentiles and many believed.
5. What were some of the barriers they overcame to Verse 49 says, “The word of the Lord spread through
make the gospel known? the whole region.” How was this accomplished?
APPLY
12. Let’s say God has set you apart like Paul and Barnabas 15. Another strategy for exposing many to the gospel is
to reach an area of your campus. Where would you found in 2Timothy 2:2. Read the passage and explain
start? What would you do? What would be your how this approach would help spread the gospel.
strategy?
1. Allow the group to discuss. 9. They were thirsty to hear more. The things you have heard me
Perhaps some of the people had say in the presence of many
questions. witnesses, entrust to reliable
2. They visit: two cities in Cyprus, men who will also be qualified
in addition to the whole island to teach others.
(verses 4-6); The synagogue at 10. Apparently, the people who
Pisidian Antioch (verse 14); a were there the first week, spoke 2 Timothy 2:2
gathering of Gentiles in Pisidian broadly about what they had
Antioch; Iconium (verse 51) and heard.
other cities in chapter 14.
4. They shared the gospel with 13. Allow the group to discuss. Help
anyone at all. them get to the heart level of
what motivates their behavior.
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Continued on page 2
all the Freshmen for four years, you will have reached everyone at the school. As a group, evaluate how
They will be there the longest, which means they will have the maximum time strategic your ministry is.
to mature and lead. They are often the most open to new relationships and
new ideas. They generally live on campus. For these, and other reasons, Fresh- Seek to reach out to the
men are an incredibly strategic “synagogue” to reach. people who can best help you
win the entire campus.
Look now at verses 21-27. It would be helpful if you had a map to see this. Per-
haps there is a map of Paul’s first missionary journey in the back of your Bible. Evaluate the balance between
Paul has just left Lystra where he was preaching, and where the people mistook evangelism and discipleship
he and Barnabas for Greek gods. After persuading the people that they were in your ministry. Adjust as
just humans like them, some Jews came and stirred up a mob to stone Paul. He needed.
was dragged outside the city and left for dead. Miraculously, he survived and
continued on his journey.
The last point on their trip was Derbe, where they led a large number of
people to Christ. Take a look at a map and see where they now are in relation-
ship to their starting point in Antioch. (Note: They didn’t begin in Pisidian
Antioch of Galatia, but in Antioch, the large Roman city just inland from the
northeast tip of the Mediterranean Sea.) They’ve almost come full circle, but
instead of completing a relatively short over-land journey, they backtrack and
revisit most of the cities where they preached.
Their reason for doing this is stated in verse 22. They were “strengthening
the disciples, and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” They could
have spent additional time on the road going to new, unreached cities. Or, they
could have shortened their trip and gone home. Instead of either of these, they
returned to strengthen the new churches. There always needs to be a balance
between evangelism and discipleship. Both are necessary, neither can survive
nor thrive without the other. If we do no evangelism, there will be no one to
disciple. If we do no discipleship, there will be no one to do evangelism.
Paul loved his churches. He prayed for them, visited them and (fortunately for
us), wrote to them. He was constantly striving for their faith and strength in the
gospel. We, too, have an obligation to nurture and develop the people we lead
to Christ.
One final word. Some people may take issue with the way this study values
strategy, believing it’s ungodly. For that reason we suggest you launch the study
with a debate about that and air the topic. God can and does override strategy
and sometimes call us to do things that appear entirely nonstrategic. But in
general it seems He honors wisdom and invites us to think about how to best
accomplish the tasks He has given us. So while we should invest the energy to
make the best decisions we can, given what we know of our situation, human
nature and God’s ways of working, none of those things override obedience to
God’s specific commands, however counter-intuitive they may seem to us.
End
Acts 14
LAUNCH
Divide your group in half and have them debate this proposition: “Strategic thinking is ungodly. If we were actually
empowered by the Spirit we wouldn’t have to depend on strategy.”
EXPLORE
Read Acts 14. 7. Read 14:21-27. Look at a map in your Bible of Paul’s
1. Reread Acts 14:1-3. Where did Paul usually begin missionary journeys. Where were they in relation to
preaching the gospel when he would enter a new city? the Antioch where they started?
2. Why would Paul begin by preaching there? 8. We know from Paul’s second journey that there was
an overland route to connect those two points. Why
do you think they didn’t just finish the loop and go
3. Where are the places in our culture that are natural home?
starting places for outreach?
APPLY
10. If you were visiting a city where you had just preached 12. How would you initiate this relationship and process?
the gospel, what are some of the follow-up topics and
issues you would teach? Write down what you would
consider to be the 12 most important issues. 13. Few of us are naturally balanced in evangelism and
discipleship but we prefer one over the other. Which
are you inclined to neglect in favor of your natural
11. Who do you know in the ministry who could use preference? What steps could you take to let your
some “follow-up”? strength aid your weakness?
1. Paul would begin in Jewish 8. According to verse 22, they went ...We are bringing you good
synagogues. back through the cities they news, telling you to turn
visited to strengthen the disciples from these worthless things
and encourage them to remain to the living God, who made
2. Take time to develop this advan- true to the faith. heaven and earth and sea and
tage of synagogues. There were everything in them.
so many and it’s a key concept
in this study. People would be 9. Allow the group to discuss. Both Acts 14:15
aware of Old Testament promises are necessary.
and open to spiritual things. See
“What Do I Need to Know
About the Passage?” for a partial 10. Give the group time to come up
list. with what they feel are the most
important teachings a young
believer needs to hear. The “Walk
3. Allow the group to discuss. Col- by Faith” lessons in The Compass
lege campuses are one example are a good place to start.
of natural starting places. Be
prepared to help people discover
all the ridiculous advantages to 11. Discuss specific people.
campus ministry and why it’s so
strategic. See “What Do I Need
to Know About the Passage?” 12. Discuss the topic. Begin by simply
getting together for a meal or
coffee; look to make a regular
4. Allow the group to discuss. Fresh- time where you can meet, share,
men are one starting point. pray, and go through a mini-Bible
study on a topic.
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the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
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• Verse 24: Though Paul commends their religiousness, he does not There are so many good
commend their idolatry, but immediately affirms that the real God is not application points to choose
an idol. He avoids the temptation to point out that their sinful behavior from in this passage.
is wrong.
Help the members of your
• Verses 24-26: Paul affirms the majesty and sovereignty of God. This group think through the
is particularly important, given the lifeless rocks they were presently next step in their personal
worshipping. God is superior to everything people seek to fill His place attempts to reach out to
in their lives. Show them that He is better and can better meet their people. There should be at
deepest longings! least one principal from Paul’s
• Verse 27: He observes that God is personal, and wants a relationship methodology that can help
with us. Again, see the point above. them.
• Verse 28: Paul quotes their poets. He was well read and was able to
make a point by drawing from sources with which they were likely to
agree. Sometimes, a quote from “Friends” or “The Simpsons” may be
more persuasive than anything we would have to say.
• Verses 29-30: He condemns idolatry in general, without pointing a finger
specifically. He’s incredibly gracious, even as he critiques their behavior
honestly.
• Verses 30-31: He calls them to repent, and warns them that a judgment
is coming. He is not so concerned about being culturally relevant that he
removes essential parts of the message.
• Though he is drawing on Biblical knowledge throughout, he never
directly quotes the Bible. As it would not be perceived as authoritative,
or even accurate, it was better not to source it. With a Jewish audience,
he quoted the Bible constantly.
• Verse 32: Paul earns another hearing, where he can continue to tell
them about Christ, probably in more complete terms.
There is so much here from which to learn. Our task is so crucial, that it is
imperative we learn to be effective, not merely faithful. Connecting with the
culture, as Paul did, can help us share the gospel of life in such a way that more
will believe and be saved.
End
Acts 17:16-34
LAUNCH
As our culture shifts toward a pluralistic, post-modern worldview some have observed with frustration that ministry
is slower and harder than it used to be. How would you compare the difficulty of ministry today in our culture to
ministry in the Roman Empire during the first century (which Acts records)?
EXPLORE
1. Why was Paul waiting in Athens? 7. How is he able to demonstrate that with all of their
beliefs and ideas, that “deep down” they know they
are still missing something?
2. Why was he distressed to see the city full of idols?
APPLY
11. Which of these ministry principals that we’ve gleaned 13. Paul’s speech earned him another hearing. What can
from Paul can apply to your ministry on campus? you do to arouse people’s thirst to know more about
Jesus?
12. What are some specific ways you would explain the
gospel differently to a person without any church or 14. How did Paul’s message arouse your thirst?
religious background?
1. He was trying to avoid a violent 8. Allow the group to discuss. ...I have become all things to
mob that was following him on his all men so that by all possible
missionary journey. means I might save some.
9. It doesn’t contain the many
Scripture references employed in 1 Corinthians 9:22
2. Paul was distressed because only sermons to the Jews. Paul knew
God is worthy of worship. Mute that, unlike the Jews, the Greeks
idols ought not steal praise from would not have taken the Scrip-
God. ture to be authoritative.
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
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proclaim the gospel. Then the passage mentions after the man was baptized “the Lord Wisdom: Accumulated knowl-
suddenly took Philip away.” God seems to be moving the disciples around like chess edge of how God has worked in
pieces, with direction that has not been experienced in Israel since the Exodus. It is the your life thus far.
dawning of a new era.
Scripture: Unlike the period
The Jerusalem Council of Acts, where more direct
In Acts 15, one of the most significant issues to ever face the church is addressed by the revelation was needed, we now
godly leaders and disciples in Jerusalem. Should the Gentiles be forced to embrace all have the New Testament, as well
of the rituals of the Mosaic Law, as well as Christ? This would clearly be a hindrance to as the Old, to give us insight into
the spread of the gospel. While the outcome is interesting to note (they decided the God’s will.
Gentiles did not have to), it is the process that is of interest to this study. While clearly
God was leading the believers in many dramatic and miraculous ways, we don’t see Godly Council: Discerning God’s
any evidence of that here. They prayed, listened to testimony, and deliberated on what will requires detective work.
they should do. They pondered what God had been doing in the circumstances of Paul’s God leads us through the council
ministry, they prayed, counseled together, and used wisdom to make a decision. of others who have greater
experience discerning God’s
The point is just this: While God desires to lead His people through the Holy Spirit, ways, and who are experienced
that does not always, or even usually, involve miraculous visions. detectives.
The principal in this story, as well as Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, is the same. God Emotions: The Holy Spirit does
is now leading His people powerfully through His Spirit. The means may vary, and do, lead through our emotions. Our
but God desires us to know His will, that we may do it. emotions can be a “mixed bag,”
Romans 12:1-3 and often requires sorting out.
Christians are always seeking a sure-fire way to know what the will of God is for their However, we will often find we
life. The most foolproof method is found in Romans 12:1-3. The passage speaks to giving have a desire to do what God is
ourselves entirely to the Lord and His will, with no reservations; having our minds calling us to.
(thoughts, hopes, dreams, and aspirations) transformed by Christ; then, we will be able Mind: Prayerfully considering
to “approve what God’s will is.” what would be the wisest
The message of the passage is exceedingly simple, yet profoundly true. If we desire to stewardship of our time, gifting,
do God’s will with all of our heart, then He will disclose it to us. If, in the end, all we and lives, can be a reliable way to
really want God to do is simply bless what we want to do, then we will not have that discern the Spirit’s leading.
assurance. God gives us enough clues, that if we are looking for them, we will find them. Revelation: As in the Book of
But He also gives us just enough clues, so that if we don’t desire to follow Him, they will Acts, sometimes God leads
not be perceived, or will be interpreted wrongly. through mental impressions, and
How Does God Make His Will Known? even dreams, as we are prayerful
How do you find where you are going when you are lost? You use your senses. You over His direction.
might look for familiar things, or try to hear a local highway. In a similar way, we are to Circumstances: Operating from
use our spiritual senses to attempt to bring in as much information as we can, in order the assumption that God is
to discern God’s leading. A basic list of those senses appears in the sidebar of this page. already at work in our circum-
Looking For Alignment stances, we can get a sense of
What we are looking for is alignment among these senses: that our hearts would be where He might be leading us.
telling us the same things as our circumstances, and godly, mature believers. There are
many decisions we can make by wisdom and a knowledge of the Scripture; but often
the decisions that have the most gravity are not as clearly spelled out and need some
detective work. As we mature as Christians, we become increasingly better detectives.
Tell Me Now!
So why doesn’t God just make it immediately clear to us what we should do? Because
God has other objectives than simply having you carry out His will. He wants you to
know Him better, and rely on Him. He wants to bring out heart issues you are unaware
of. God uses major decisions to accomplish many purposes, purposes which could not
be realized by immediate disclosure of His will.
End
Acts
LAUNCH
How have you tried to discern God’s will in the past? How confident have you been that you were figuring out what
he wanted you to do?
EXPLORE
Read Acts 1:23-26. 5. Do you think God leads believers the same way
1. This passage gives us a picture of the disciples trying today?
to discern God’s will before they had received the
Holy Spirit. What did they do and why?
Read Romans 12:1-2.
6. What is the essential ingredient in receiving God’s
2. The following passages describe God’s leading after direction? Why is this so important?
the coming of the Holy Spirit. Read the passages and
describe how God gave direction and what He was
leading them to do. Share with your group the “Spiritual Senses” listed in the
sidebar on page 2 of this study.
Acts 6:1-7
7. Is there anything else you would add to this list?
Acts 5:17-20
Acts 8:26-40
Read Acts 15:1-21.
Acts 9:10-16 8. The Apostle must make an extremely critical decision
Acts 13:1-3 that will effect the whole direction of the church.
What is the issue? What did they do to discern the
Acts 16:6-10 answer?
3. What differences do you notice between how God
led in acts 1:23-26, and these passages? 9. Why do you think, for this critical decision, God does
not give them a vision?
4. In Acts 20:22-23, Paul says, “And now, compelled by
the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem…I only know that 10. On significant issues, why do you think it’s important
in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison to look for alignment from more than one of these
and hardships are facing me.” How do you think Paul “spiritual senses”?
experienced the Spirit’s compelling/warnings?
APPLY
11. With which of the senses we talked about earlier have 13. What is the biggest issue in which you are currently
you experienced God’s leading in your life? Describe trying to discern God’s will? In what ways are you
how it happened. seeing His leading?
1. They prayed, affirmed God’s follow all of the Mosaic Law. Therefore, I urge you, broth-
sovereignty, and cast lots, trusting They listened to testimony, and ers, in view of God’s mercy,
Him to give direction through the deliberated on what they should to offer your bodies as living
“lots.” do. They pondered what God had sacrifices, holy and pleasing
been doing in the circumstances to God—this is your spiritual
of Paul’s ministry, they prayed, act of worship.
2. Allow the group to discuss what counseled together, and used
they see in each passage. wisdom to make a decision. Romans 12:1-2
Cru.Comm is the small group material for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Campus Ministry. It was created by Centerfield Productions,
the field based division of CruPress. We’d love to hear your feedback on this study. Please write us at centerfield@uscm.org
©2007 Cru Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc . All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be digitally reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, without the prior permission of Cru Press.