INTRODUCTION

Last week, we started a new series on lessons from the Book of Acts. In our first study, we among others examined the birth of the Church and the Accession of Jesus. In today’s study, we want to consider other fundamental Christian issues covered in the book of Acts particularly the issues of witnessing Jesus to others, praying and sharing things so that everyone will be happy within the Church. May the Lord bless us as we study in Jesus name.

 1.      WITNESSING

The disciples’ task is to witness Jesus as He commanded, from Jerusalem to the end of the earth. The mandate to witness Jesus is a major theme in the Book of Acts. The concept of “witness” is so prominent in Acts that everything else in the book should be seen as subsumed under it. By doing this, Luke revealed this to be his main interest in writing the book.

 Acts 1:8; Acts 1:22; Acts 2:32; Acts 3:15; Acts 5:32; Acts 7:58; Acts 10:39, 41; Acts 13:31; Acts 22:15, 22; Acts 26:16.

Life Application Question When last did you witness? What do you think is the heart of God for those who witness and those who do not? 

2.      PRAYER

The group of 120 in Galilee was said to be “joined together constantly in prayer”. Besides waiting for spiritual empowerment, the only other activity the disciples undertook until Pentecost came was to worship God. Luke often mentioned prayer in Acts. His point was that the people of God do not rush out in frantic human activity but they should look to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the way to secure His leadership is through prayer. Often, such prayer results in a powerful response from God. Prayer is a key to the forwards motion of God’s purpose.

Acts 1:14; Acts 1:24-26; Acts 4:31; Acts 9:40; Acts 10:19-31; Acts 12:5-12; Acts 22:10; Acts 27:23-25.

Life Application QuestionThink about (i) the things you pray about and judge yourself if you are selfish or selfless; thankful enough or not, (ii) How to improve you prayer life generally 

3.      ALL THINGS IN COMMON

The early Church as shown in the book of Acts was a Spirit filled, Spirit led caring community. They were remarkably united, loving, and generous. They operated a Communal purse which was regulated by the elders of the church. Members contributed voluntarily and joyfully. They were committed to each other’s welfare. Initially, the apostles supervised the distribution. However, they later delegated the details of distribution to others so they could devote time and energy to prayer and their public testimony.

Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:32-37; Acts 6:1-6; Acts 9:39; Acts 11:29