In Acts Chapters 1 – 7, we primarily follow of the journey of Peter and his ministry to the Jews in Jerusalem. Scholars believe that these chapters took place in A.D. 33-35.

Read Acts 1

Q: In Acts 1:8 what is Christ imagining and laying out for His church? Who are the people in our Jerusalem? Judea? Samaria? And the ends of the earth?

Q: What do you think His disciples knew about the known world? What may have been their thoughts when He told them that the gospel would be preached everywhere?

Q: How does the power of the Holy Spirit and the hope of Jesus’ return give us courage to be His witnesses?

Q: Why do you think they prayed together constantly? Are there people in your life you can gather with and pray with? Who would they be?

PRAY: Pray for your people in your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth today. We live to make Jesus make sense. Pray for life change which happens when we sacrifice to make the story of Jesus clear and accessible

Read Acts 2

Q: How did the Holy Spirit’s power enable them to carry out Jesus’ mission in this passage?

Q: What was it about Peter’s message that cut to their hearts? (Acts 2:37)

Q: What was the response of the community to what they saw the Holy Spirit enable the church to do?

Q: Describe the community of believers in this passage. How does a community of people committing to following Christ influence your picture of the gospel?

Q: How is the Holy Spirit enabling the church to carry out Christ’s mission today? Do you believe that the Holy Spirit can accomplish the same work today that He did in the early church?

Q: In Acts 2:47 it says the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. What is God’s part and what is your part in helping people come to Jesus?

PRAY: A healthy church is a growing church. Pray that God would be adding to the number of those saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus through the combined efforts of the Holy Spirit and his people choosing to give it away!

Read Acts 3

Q: What strikes you about the message that Peter gives in this chapter?

Q: What stands out to you about the one giving the message? Remember, he is the one who earlier denied that he knew Jesus.

Q: How did the man’s response to God’s touch in his life impact others?

Q: How have you seen the gospel bring hope and healing to those around you?

Q: Who is someone in your life that has a physical/spiritual need that God might want to use you to touch their life and meet that need?

PRAY: Pray and ask God to open your eyes to the needs of the people who are around you today and that others would be astonished as to how God works today. We do hard things, going where hope is hard to find. Pray the vision of Through All For All is captured by all to move the gospel further faster.

Read Acts 4

Q: Acts 4:12 is a great verse to commit to memory. What does it tell us about the message we are giving away?

Q: How did Acts 4:13 describe Peter and John? How could/should this verse give you confidence in sharing your faith?

Q: Why do you think they said they could not help but speak about what they had experienced in Acts 4:20?

Q: How did the early Church’s belief in God’s sovereignty and power affect the way they prayed? (Acts 4:23-31)

Q: Acts 4:32 says they were one in heart and mind. What are the things that cultivate this kind of unity? What are the things that jeopardize and destroy this kind of unity?

PRAY: Ask God for boldness to tell others the good news about Jesus despite persecution and rejection. Pray that you would be emboldened to share that salvation is found in no one else.

Read Acts 5

Q: What is the difference between a movement of God and a movement of men? (Acts 5:33-39)

Q: Why do you think God dealt so severely with Ananias and Sapphira? What does this tell us about God, sin and His heart for His church?

Q: In what are areas of your life can it be challenging to obey God rather than men?

Q: How can opposition and the way we handle it become a tool to point others to Jesus? Are there any areas in your life where opposition is opening an opportunity?

Q: Why do you think they rejoiced at being counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus?

PRAY: This church gave generously and extravagantly. Pray and ask that God would move Grace Church to be people who give back because God first gave to us. Pray that we would grow as a body in giving sacrificially and extravagantly.

Read Acts 6

Q: What does this chapter tell us about challenges in and on the church?

Q: Why did the apostles find it important to mobilize other people to meet the needs of the widows and how did it affect the impact of the church? How is this instructive for us today?

Q: In Acts 6:3, it says the disciples turned over this responsi-bility. Are there responsibilities of ministry that you could begin training and turning over to others so that they can share the joy of serving with you?

Q: What happened as a result of others being involved in the ministry? (v.7). Do you believe the same thing would happen today if more people became mobilized for ministry? Why or why not?

PRAY: Ask God to spread the impact for Jesus through Grace Church by the mobilization of more people in our church body! We have no spare parts. Pray each person would catch the vision for the next four years during the course of Through All For All and find where they fit in the movement.

Read Acts 7

Q: Stephen understood the story of God’s people. How well do you know the broad story of the Bible? What is one step that you could take to learn the overall story better?

Q: How does understanding how God acted in the past help us to understand Jesus Christ today?

Q: How did Stephen respond when he was stoned (v. 59-60)? How do you respond when people hurt you?

Q: Are there people in your life that you can share stories with of how God worked in your past? Who? PRAY: That we, as a Grace Church family, would be aware of God’s involvement in our lives and readily share with one another how God is mightily working through our lives.

In Chapter 8 we see the persecution has brought about movement and the church is being scattered. We are introduced to Phillip who is ministering to the Samaritans and the gospel is being spread outside of Jerusalem. Chapters 8 -12 take place around the years A.D. 35-48 over the span of 14 years.

Read Acts 8

Q: Why did Simon want to follow Jesus? How could you begin to discern your motives for following Jesus?

Q: Simon saw the power of God in the apostles and realized he needed to follow Jesus Christ. How is the power of God in your life obvious to others?

Q: Describe the Holy Spirit’s interactions with Phillip in sharing with the Ethiopian? What was the Holy Spirit’s role? What was Phillip’s?

Q: Can you think of a time when you felt a prompting similar to Phillip’s? What was it like?

Q: How can you grow in discerning and responding to the Holy Spirit as it relates to giving it away?

PRAY: In Bill Hybel’s book Walk Across the Room he says, “The key to “success” in evangelism is walking when the Spirit says to walk, talking when the Spirit says to talk, and falling silent when the Spirit tells you that you’ve said enough. This is what it means to stay attuned to and cooperative with the movement of the Spirit!” Pray that you would be attuned to the Holy Spirit in evangelism.

Read Acts 9

Q: What was Saul (Paul) like before he knew Jesus? What was he passionate about?

Q: God changed Saul drastically. How does that help you deal with those in your life that are currently living in sin apart from Jesus?

Q: How long did it take for Saul to begin preaching to others that Jesus is the Son of God?

Q: What obstacles did Saul face in preaching about Jesus (v.23, 29)? What role did Barnabas play in Saul’s life and thus in the spread of the gospel? What may have happened to Saul without Barnabas?

PRAY: Barnabas was a huge encouragement to Saul. Who is someone in your life that could use encouragement? In addition to praying for them, what is one thing that you could do for them today?

Read Acts 10

Q: What do Cornelius and Peter have in common in v. 2 and v. 9? What did they experience through their prayers?

Q: Jews were not supposed to interact with non-Jews. God was conveying to Peter that he did not show favoritism. Why was this such a big deal to the early church?

Q: Is God calling you to share the truth about Jesus Christ with any people that are different than you? Who?

Q: What was the first thing the new believers did after they believed (v. 47-48)? Do you believe? Have you been baptized? If not, why not?

Q: What does our baptism demonstrate to those who know us and watch us?

PRAY: That Grace Church would seek to break down barriers of sharing the gospel with those that are different from us. Pray personally that God would give you His perspective for all people.

Read Acts 11

Q: Why were some of the Jews unhappy with Peter?

Q: How did the critics respond to Peter’s story?

Q: Acts 11 is a pivotal point in the Church’s view of community and inclusivity. What barriers do you think God broke down in Peter and the Church in Chapter 11?

Q: What new audience (v.20) began hearing the news as a result of those being persecuted?

Q: In what practical ways did the Church in Antioch show their concern for those in Judea? How did they decide to give?

PRAY: The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for those that were far away from them. One of our desire and hopes in Through All For All is to invest in kingdom partners. Pray as a church body that we would be able to give as we are able to further the spread of the gospel.

Read Acts 11

Q: Why were some of the Jews unhappy with Peter?

Q: How did the critics respond to Peter’s story?

Q: Acts 11 is a pivotal point in the Church’s view of community and inclusivity. What barriers do you think God broke down in Peter and the Church in Chapter 11?

Q: What new audience (v.20) began hearing the news as a result of those being persecuted?

Q: In what practical ways did the Church in Antioch show their concern for those in Judea? How did they decide to give?

PRAY: The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for those that were far away from them. One of our desire and hopes in Through All For All is to invest in kingdom partners. Pray as a church body that we would be able to give as we are able to further the spread of the gospel.

Read Acts 12

Q: Whenever God allows someone to be put into a difficult situation, He does so with the intention of showing His power through their perseverance and/or their rescue. Why do you think God allowed Peter to be put in prison?

Q: What can we assume about Peter’s demeanor while in prison from verse 6? What aspect of Peter’s faith probably caused him to be so calm? How would you react if put in prison?

Q: While Peter was being kept in prison, what were the Christians doing through the night? (vv. 5 and 12). When someone is in a difficult situation, what is the best thing we can do for them?

PRAY: That individuals who are facing difficult situations and circumstances would be able to trust that God is sovereign and in control. Pray that He would give them a peace that transcends all understanding.

Read Acts 14

Q: In 14:1, we find that Paul and Barnabas would usually start evangelizing “in the synagogue.” Why do you think they usually started here?

Q: Paul and Barnabas are clearly taking the gospel to danger-ous areas in chapter 14. List out all of the cities mentioned in the chapter and mark them on the map inside the front cover.

Q: Paul gives a difficult teaching in verse 22. Does this verse give you courage when thinking about opposition you have received from sharing your faith?

Q: After spreading the gospel in a new area, what provisions did Paul make for the new church to ensure it’s future?

PRAY: We seek ministry partnerships. Pray for our ministry partners around the world that we support to spread the good news of the gospel. Pray that during Through All For All, the gospel would be spread through our partners Feed My Starving Children, Restore Addiction Recovery, and Shoulder to Shoulder.

Read Acts 15

In v.39 Paul begins his 2nd missionary journey. This journey takes place until Acts 18:22. Over the next few days, trace the cities he visits on the map in the front of this guide.

Q: Chapter 15 of Acts clearly shows that Peter had a strong knowledge of God’s Word. What does verse 10 tell us about Peter’s beliefs about the “works of the law?” What does verse 11 tell us about his views on how people are saved?

Q: Throughout the New Testament, Paul clearly teaches that Christians are saved by grace alone through faith alone. Why do you think that he and the Jerusalem council still gave the Gentiles the requirements listed in verse 29?

Q: Christians are frequently tempted to try to earn God’s favor. List three ways a person can live by faith instead of works.

Q: The Christian walk is about living in response to grace. Who is someone you know that is undeserving of grace, yet needs it from you?

PRAY: Grace means unmerited favor. Grace can be hard for others to embrace because it means we humbly admit that we cannot earn salvation ourselves. Pray that Grace Church would understand grace, live by grace and exhibit grace to others.

Read Acts 16

Q: As Christians, we usually think that God would allow the gospel to be preached anywhere and at any time. What role did the Holy Spirit play in Paul’s plan to spread the gospel?

Q: In verse 31, Paul and Silas preach about one of the central doctrines of Christianity: justification by faith. Why is this a core doctrine for us to embrace?

Q: After they were thrown into prison, what did Paul and Silas do that caused the jailor to ask about salvation? (vv. 25-28)

Q: Do you think your attitudes, actions, and lifestyle draw people to Jesus? What are some things you could ask God to do in your heart to open these doors for people?

Q: If someone were to ask you, what must I do to be saved? How would you respond?

PRAY: In Through All For All, our desire is that the gospel would continue to be spread through the ministry of the Norton Campus. Pray that you and others would actively pursue those that have not said “Yes” to Jesus with the good news of the gospel.

Read Acts 17

Q: How can you live like the Bereans and examine the scripture to understand and learn the truth? Q: What is it that Paul knew to tell the people meeting in the Areopagus?

Q: How did Paul bridge the introduction of the gospel to these people?

Q: What suggestions does Paul’s approach lend to our view of evangelism (sharing the good news of Jesus)?

PRAY: We do our best with everything we have. Pray that we stay committed to excellence for the gospel, making an impact here, there and everywhere. Pray that we could interact with culture and others in a way that introduces the good news of the gospel in ways that helps to make Jesus make sense.

Read Acts 18

v.23 describes the beginning of Paul’s 3rd missionary journey. Mark the key cities he ministered to on the map found in the front of the guide.

Q: Describe Paul’s new friends? What did they have in common? Why would he need friends along his journey?

Q:As we read Acts 18 it says that Paul reasoned in the synagogues. Why do you think he made this a regular part of his ministry?

Q: What do we learn about Gallio? How did God use him to further the spread of the gospel?

Q: Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos to their home. What can we learn from this couple about ministry and Christian fellowship?

Q: Following Christ can be tiring. While Paul was in Antioch he traveled around and strengthened all the disciples (Acts 18:23). How can you strengthen other disciple-makers today?

PRAY: That God would help us as Grace Church to share life together well. Pray that others would value and see the need of biblical community and how essential it is in furthering the gospel.

Read Acts 19

Q: From reading this passage, what did the believers in Ephesus do when Paul told them to believe in Jesus?

Q: What did God do through Paul to help the sick? How would this have been a testament of the power of God?

Q: Describe how Paul may have felt through the riot in Ephesus? What do you think would have been your reaction?

Q: Does believing in the power of the Holy Spirit change the way you approach your day? How should it?

Q: What are ways in which you need to trust in the Holy Spirit daily? If you don’t have any, how should you respond? P

RAY: This chapter mentions supernatural forces at work against the spread of the gospel. Pray that God would specifically open the eyes of people around you that Satan has blinded (2 Cor. 4:4).

Read Acts 20

Q: What traumatic incident occurred at Troas? What would have been the people’s reactions?

Q: Why did Paul want to speak to the elders of the church in Ephesus (v.17-35)?

Q: Paul warned them of false teachers. How can we keep ourselves from listening to and following false teaching?

Q: Describe how you think the elders felt about Paul leaving? How did Paul feel about leaving?

PRAY: That Grace Church, as a group of people, would be committed to furthering the gospel as the elders of Ephesus and Paul were. Pray that we would be unified and united on the vision God has given us in Through All For All.

Read Acts 21

Q: Paul learned what would happen to him if he went to Jerusalem. If you were in Paul’s sandals and you knew that’s what was waiting for you if you went on to that destination, would you still go? Why or why not?

Q: When Paul landed in Tyre he sought out disciples and eventually prayed together with them. (Acts 21:3-6) Why is it important to have others to pray with? Who can you seek out at your school, work place or home group, who are disciples of Jesus, and pray together?

Q: When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, what did he do? (Acts 21:19)

Q: What are things you can think of that God has done in your life this past year? Six months? Month? and week? Write them down and spend time praising God.

PRAY: Pray that we would be committed to making disciples: a person who knows it, lives it, and gives it away! Pray that God would bring people to share life together with you through biblical community. Pray that we, as a church body, would see the value of people by investing in the next generation: infant through young adult.

Read Acts 22

Q: What were some facts you learned about Paul from this passage?

Q: Compare and contrast your story with that of Paul’s?

Q: How had God been using Paul’s story to further the gospel?

Q: How has God used your story to further the gospel?

PRAY: We live to make Jesus make sense. Pray that God would use your story in the lives of others around you to further His message of Good News. Pray that you would be able to make any necessary sacrifice, short of sin, to make the story of Jesus clear and accessible to others.

Read Acts 23

Q:What is Paul’s interaction with and response to the authority of the High Priest and members of the Sanhedrin?

Q: How do you think God would like you to respond to people in authority?

Q: What is the plot of Paul’s enemies and how is it thwarted?

Q: Has there been an instance in the past or currently which has lead you to consider plotting revenge? Write about this instance…

Q: Could you either release the following person of the debt they owe you or ask for forgiveness of someone you have sought revenge against.

PRAY: We do hard things, going where hope is hard to find. Pray for the strength to grant forgiveness to those who have harmed you.

Read Acts 24

Q: Describe what Paul must have been feeling /thinking while standing trial before Felix for a period of two years?

Q: Is there any particular area of your life that you feel like you are waiting on the Lord to act in? (Consider memorizing Psalm 27:14 if you feel like you are in a long period of waiting)

Q: What are some things to keep in mind as one waits on the Lord for an answer/verdict?

Q: Is there someone you know who you could call/email and encourage who is in the midst of waiting on the Lord?

PRAY: We share life together. Pray for strength and perseverance for the person you desire to encourage today.

Read Acts 25

Q: What defense did Paul use to avoid being sent to Jerusalem?

Q: When people falsely accuse you of wrong, do you think there are times when you should defend yourself? Can you think of a personal example?

Q: Is there any situation in your life where you are consider-ing defending yourself or keeping silent? If so, can you find someone to seek out for wisdom?

PRAY: We do hard things, going where hope is hard to find. Pray for someone with whom you may be having difficulty.

Read Acts 26

Q: Paul’s testimony in Acts 26 is a biblical model you can follow. Attach verses to the following aspects of his story: Lead In: Before Christ: How He came to meet Christ: His Life after Christ:

Q: Is there any part of your current walk with Christ that is damaging to your testimony? How can you begin to seek holiness in this area?

Q: Have you ever taken time to write out your story? If not, do so in the next ______ days.

PRAY: We live to make Jesus make sense. Who is one person that you could consider sharing your story with? Should you consider sending it in writing or sharing it in person?

Read Acts 27

Q: What were some of the problems that Paul’s group encountered as they traveled?

Q: Make a list of some of the things in your life that you find can be easy to take for granted.

Q: Is there someone that may benefit from the exercise you just completed. Ask someone else today to consider making a list of some of the things in their life that can be easy to take for granted.

Q: Send an email/text/letter stating your thankfulness to someone in your life.

Q: After 14 days without eating, Paul made sure he did something before he ate, what was it? Do you/ your family pray before meals? What would you say is important about this practice?

PRAY: Pray for someone who is experiencing difficult circum-stances now. Pray also for the person that you are thankful for: praising God for their involvement in your life.

Read Acts 28

Q: Describe Paul’s two years of ministry in Rome. Q: In what ways can we as Christians become calloused in our hearts, unwilling to listen and blind to the things God is doing?

Q: Evaluate the way that you spend your time, have you made serving others a priority in your schedule? If so, how?

PRAY: We live to give. Pray that we, as a church, would practice joyful generosity, giving our time, resources and energy. Pray for clarity and discernment about how to spend your time wisely. Pray as to whether God would have you invest in Through All For All.