Acts | Chapter 1

Today, we begin our reading of the Book of Acts. Below is some study questions on Chapter 1. For the printable version, click HERE.    Read Acts Chapter 1 What stands out to you as you read this chapter? Are there any words or phrases that you feel are key ideas in this chapter? What other features do you wish you knew more about (culture, religion, customs, etc.) in order to help you understand this chapter? How do you think this chapter fits in the larger story of Acts and the Bible as a whole? ACT OUT: How does the Holy Spirit want to use this text in your life, for others or for yourself? Can you imagine a conversation with someone who actually knew Jesus, a disciple who had walked with him, heard him teach, saw him crucified and then risen? Luke, the author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke, got his information about "all that Jesus began to do and teach" from folks like that! We are in a privileged position too. We have Luke's writing, inspired (breathed out) by the Holy Spirit and divinely preserved in the Bible for us. If we approach the Bible in terms of its claims as the word of God, not just the flawed records of human authors, and we ask the Holy Spirit to illumine our hearts and minds as we read Luke's book, we can be impacted just like he was in conversation with eyewitnesses. This devotional plan is laid out to read a chapter a day. Each day as you read, pray first, asking the Lord to open your eyes (Psalm 119:18). Working through the same five questions with each chapter can help the story sink into your heart and mind. Each day, our goal will be to not only understand Acts, but to "Act Out" whatever missional message we learn from that day's reading. (The last question each day is for that purpose.) Since the entire Bible points to Jesus (Luke 24:27), you might want to turn your daily reading into a prayer for growth in Him and grounding in His word. Prayer: Lord, as I commit to read Acts, please open my heart and mind by your Holy Spirit, that I would see the risen Christ and become more like him, and that he would work in and through my life. Amen.