"Acts 7-11"
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In one of my favorite musicals, Tevye, a Jewish farmer in Russia, says, "without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as … as … as a fiddler on the roof!" Jewish laws and customs shaped their identity, as Tevye explains, "because of our traditions, every one of us knows who he is, and what God expects him to do."
"Tradition!"
In this week's readings, Jewish Christians face changes that could throw their world out of balance. Imagine the courage it took for those disciples to step out in faith.
- How would a typical Jew view Samaritans (John 4:10)? What changes (Acts 8:4-8)?
- What does Stephen imply about the temple (Acts 7:47-50)?
- Why does Peter refuse the Lord's command to eat unclean animals (Acts 10:14)?
- And what's crazier than giving up kosher food? How about an uncircumcised centurion becoming part of God's people (Acts 10:45-48)? Cornelius' conversion is so significant (and unfathomable!) that we'll read about it twice, as Peter describes it to the church, convincing them to accept Gentiles. Notice what Peter adds and emphasizes in his retelling.
- Another repeated event is Saul's conversion (Acts 9) — which he'll later recount to a Jewish crowd (Acts 22) and Agrippa (Acts 26). How does Saul's conversion ignite the spread of Christianity among Gentiles (Acts 9:15)?
- How is the church at the end of Acts 11 different from the one at the start of this week’s reading?
"Matchmaker, Matchmaker"
Watch the way God brings speakers and seekers together this week, especially Tuesday and Thursday (Acts 8; 10):
- What characteristics do you see in Phillip and Peter that allows the Lord to use them?
- What makes the eunuch (Acts 8:26ff) and Cornelius (Acts 10) productive soil for the gospel (cf. Mark 4:13-20)?
"If I Were a Rich Man"
Slow down when you meet Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:4-25), and you might find some helpful insights.
- What did Simon want to buy (Acts 8:19), and what did Peter say about Simon's money (Acts 8:20)?
- Philip performed signs (Acts 8:6-7; cf. Acts 6:5-6), but only a particular group of people could pass on the Spirit (Acts 8:14-19). What conclusions could you draw from this account?
- What did Peter tell Simon to do for forgiveness (Acts 8:22)? How does that differ from how Simon first came to Christ (Acts 8:12-13; cf. Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)? Can you learn anything from this story about your forgiveness?
"Sunrise, Sunset"
A turning point comes in Acts 8:1 when persecution strikes the church. But as the sun seems to set on a period of growth in Jerusalem, a new opportunity for worldwide growth arises.
- How does Acts describe Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 6:8-8:3)? How are Stephen and the mob different?
- How did good come from the persecution (Acts 8:1-4)?
"To Life!"
A lyric from Fiddler says, "God would like us to be joyful, even when our hearts lie panting on the floor. But how much more can we be joyful when there's really something to be joyful for?" It's fun to see what we spread when we share the gospel.
- What came to Samaria along with the gospel (Acts 8:8)?
- What did the eunuch do after he "came up out of the water" (Acts 8:39)?
- What has come to the gentiles (Acts 11:18)?
