The Book of Acts and its Author
The book of Acts is a ________ between the _______ and the _________.
The book of Acts is a bridge between the Gospels and the epistles.
What are the 3 themes that Luke emphasizes in the book of Acts?
Prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the Sovereignty of God
Does this statement describe Peter or Paul: A fisherman who was bold and impulsive how is said to be the rock of the church.
Peter
Rome
Who was the Emperor of the Roman Empire during Paul's ministry?
Nero
Who is the author of Acts and who is the book addressed to?
The book of Acts is written by Luke and was addressed to Theophilus.
What are the 3 writing techniques that Luke uses throughout the book of Acts?
Summary phrases, recorded sermons, and repeated stories
List three facts about Paul's background.
The people in the first century church were mostly from what class?
Middle class.
What two things during the Pax Romana enabled the gospel message to spread?
Roads and Greek language.
Which chapters in the book of Acts describe the gospel travelling in Judea and Samaria?
Acts 8-12
How does the book of Acts fit in with the story of the gospel?
The book of Acts CONTINUES the gospel story that Jesus fulfilled.
Peter and Paul both played an important role in spreading the gospel message. Which groups of people did each apostle mainly preach to?
Peter preached mainly to the Jews, and Paul mainly preached to the Gentiles.
List 3 things that characterized how the church gathered in the first century.
Possible answers: Met in homes, sang songs, listened to sermons, shared meals.
Who comprised of the Sanhedrin? What kind of authority did they have over the Jewish people?
Who was Luke (Describe his what he did)?
Possible answers: A Greek, a historian, and a medical doctor. He often traveled and worked with Paul.
How does Acts connect to the epistles?
The book of Acts provides historical context for the early churches that Paul planted and he writes to.
What kind of person does God usually choose to accomplish his kingdom work? Why?
He chooses those who are broken, who have flaws and weaknesses. He does this to show the world that it is His power, not our own, that accomplishes His work.
What were some of the privileges that Roman citizens had? List 3.
Possible answers: Right to vote, run for public office, make legal contracts, right to a fair trial, could not be whipped or tortured, serve as a legionnaire.
Describe how the Roman empire ruled the Jews during their reign.
The Romans had strong control over its territories and were often cruel and corrupt; many soldiers were stationed throughout the regions and quickly put down any rebellions.
Why is it important that Luke was a highly educated Greek and a historian when it comes to writing the book of Acts?
His education and knowledge of Greek language and culture allowed him to effectively write the gospel message to those in the Roman Empire. Because he was a historian, he also was able to be accurate in his written accounts.
CHALLENGE QUESTION: What are the 4 covenants that Jesus fulfills? (Not on test)
Adamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and Abrahamic
How did God use Paul's background as a Pharisee and a Roman Citizen to spread the gospel?
As a Pharisee, he understood the scriptures well and could explain it thoroughly. As a Roman Citizen, he could be protected by the Roman government.
How did others in the Roman Empire see the early church? Why were they seen that way?
The early church was seen as strange and not looked upon favorably. This was because they did not participate in religious festivals/customs that were common for Roman citizens to attend.
What is the Pax Romana?
"Peace of Rome". It was Rome's way of promising peace and prosperity to its territories if they submitted to the Emperor.