Bible Study Snacks: Acts 1: 1-26

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I'd like to thank you for joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I do hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

Last week, I shared some background information about the Book of Acts with you. This week, we will begin our study of this fascinating book: The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter One.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's begin with prayer...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

To set the stage for this week's study, I think a little background on Theophilus is needed. The Gospel of Luke is addressed to Theophilus with the expression: “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3). This phrasing indicates that Theophilus was a Roman official, and not merely a friend or associate of Luke. Both the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles are addressed to this Theophilus.

The name Theophilus means “one who loves God;” 'Theo' refers to God (as in 'Theology'), and 'philus' is from the Greek word 'philos' meaning 'to love.'

Yet he could not have been very high up in the Roman government because nothing is known about him from other historical evidence. Why then would Luke address two works of such length and importance (both the Gospel and Acts were fairly lengthy works for that time period) to Theophilus?

This Roman official must have expressed an interest in learning about Christ and about the Apostles. He may have been in the process of converting to the Faith. Where would Theophilus have received his initial information and instruction about the Christian faith?

The most likely answer is that a group of Christians living nearby had influenced and taught Theophilus. Luke was writing, not only to Theophilus, but also to those Christians who had given Theophilus his initial interest in Christianity.

As we open our study this week, Luke begins his second book to Theophilus by alluding to the first (the Gospel of Luke, Luke 1:1-4). He briefly reviews what occurred during the forty days between the resurrection and ascension of Christ (cf. Luke 24:1-53). Special attention is given to the Promise of the Father regarding the apostles being baptized by the Holy Spirit, who would empower them as witnesses for Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and even to the end of the earth (Acts 1:1-8).

The ascension of Jesus is then described (cf. also Luke 24:50-51), along with the promise of His return by two men in white apparel standing by (9-11). Obeying the command of the Lord, the apostles return to Jerusalem, where they wait and continue in prayer along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers (Acts 1:12-14).

During this time, Peter addresses the (120) disciples regarding Judas who betrayed Jesus. Both the fall and replacement of Judas were foretold by the Spirit through the mouth of David, so Peter proposes guidelines for nominees to take the place of Judas in the apostolic ministry of being a witness of Jesus' resurrection. Two men are selected for consideration, and following prayer for the Lord to show which of the two He has chosen, lots are cast and Matthias is numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:15-26).

**STUDY QUESTIONS FOR ACTS - CHAPTER ONE**

1) What are the main points of this chapter? (Acts 1:1-8; 9-11; 12-14; 15-26)
2) What is the "former account" Luke has reference to? (Acts 1:1; Luke 1:1-4)
3) What three things does Luke mention Jesus did before He ascended? (Acts 1:2-3)
4) How long a period was it between the resurrection and ascension of Christ? (Acts 1:3)
5) What command did Jesus leave with His apostles? (Acts 1:4)
6) What did this "promise" pertain to? (Acts 1:5)
7) What question did the apostles ask Jesus? How did he respond? (Acts 1:6-7)
8) What was promised when the Spirit came upon them? What would they then be? (Acts 1:8)
9) What happened as Jesus ascended to heaven? (Acts 1:9)
10) As Jesus ascended to heaven, who stood nearby? (Acts 1:10)
11) What did they promise? (Acts 1:11)
12) From where did Jesus ascend to heaven? How far was this from Jerusalem? (Acts1:12)
13) Where did the apostles stay in Jerusalem? With whom did they pray? (Acts 1:13-14)
14) How many disciples were gathered there in those days? (Acts 1:15)
15) Who stood up to speak? What about? (Acts 1:15-20)
16) What happened to the body of Judas? In what field? (18; Mt 27:3-10)
17) What were the requirements to be considered a replacement for Judas? (Acts 1:21-22)
18) What would be a primary role of the replacement? (Acts 1:22)
19) What two candidates were selected? (Acts 1:23)
20) What procedure was used to determine who would replace Judas? (Acts 1:24-26)
21) Who was numbered with the eleven apostles? (Acts 1:26)

After completing this weeks' study, go back and read through it again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri