Bible Study Snacks, Acts 8:1-25

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I hope that everyone had a wonderful week! As always, I'd like to thank you for joining me again as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, we continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Eight, Verses 1-25.

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 pray together...

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

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Note the spread of the gospel into Judea and Samaria, as foretold by Jesus (cf. Ac 1:8).

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts, Chapter 8:1-25...

Following the martyrdom of Stephen, the church in Jerusalem was severely persecuted. Prominent in leading the persecution was young Saul, going so far as to enter homes and dragging men and women off to prison.

This led to the dispersion of the church throughout Judea and Samaria, though the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word, including Philip (one of the seven men selected to help needy widows, cf. 6:5). Preaching Christ and performing miracles, many Samaritans believed and were baptized, including a sorcerer named Simon.

When the apostles heard that the Samaritans had received the Word, they sent Peter and John to impart the Spirit through the laying on of hands. When Simon tried to buy the ability to impart spiritual gifts, Peter strongly rebuked him and told him to repent and pray for forgiveness. Peter and John eventually made their way back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) Who consented to Stephen's death? (Acts 8:1)
2) What happened at that time? What was the result? (Acts 8:1)
3) What was Saul doing? (Acts 8:3)
4) What did those who were scattered do? (Acts 8:4)
5) Who went to Samaria and preached Christ to them? (Acts 8:5)
6) How did the multitudes respond? Why? (Acts 8:6)
7) What kind of miracles did Philip perform? (Acts 8:7)
8) Who had the Samaritans previously heeded? (Acts 8:9-11)
9) What things did Philip preach that the Samaritans believed? (Acts 8:12)
10) How did the Samaritans respond to Philip's preaching? (Acts 8:12)
11) Who else believed and was baptized? (Acts 8:13)
12) Who was sent to Samaria by the apostles? Why? (Acts 8:14-16)
13) How was the Holy Spirit imparted to the Samaritans? (Acts 8:17-18)
14) What did Simon try to do? (Acts 8:18-19)
15) Why did Peter refuse and then rebuke Simon for his offer? (Acts 8:20-23)
16) What did Peter tell Simon to do in order to be forgiven? What did Simon ask? (Acts 8:22)
17) As Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, what did they do? (Acts 8:25)

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. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri