Queen's Road Cell

 6. How do the believers respond to the Sanhedrin’s threats (see 4:23-31)?  They 'went to their friends' (v.23), reported what had happened Prayed (v.24), quoted Scripture (v.25), reviewed past events in the light of God's purposes (v.27) Asked for boldness and power (v.30)   7. What do they confess about God? Write down as many observations as you can (see 4:24-30). God is sovereign (v.24] He made the heaven, earth, sea and everything in them (v.24) Spoke through the Spirit through David (v.25a) Opposed by kings and rulers (v.26) Anointed Jesus (i.e. made Him Messiah) (v.26-27) Had a plan fulfilled by wicked people (v.28) Knows the evil of men (v.29a) Grants boldness to speak His word (v.29b) Heals and perform miracles in Jesus' name (v.30) Gives visible evidence of answered prayer in shaking and speech of the apostles (v.31) 8. What do they ask God to do (see 4:29-30)?   Look at the threats of the authorities (v.29a) Grant boldness to speak (v.29b) Show His power (v.

1. What happens in 4:1-31, and how is the passage connected to 3:1-26?    The apostles are called to account for the authority by which they healed the lame man and proclaimed their message - they we put on trial.   3. The Sanhedrin did not doubt that a healing had occurred; they only demanded to know by what authority (power or name, see Acts 4:7) the apostles were preaching and healing. Peter responded that his authority came from Jesus. Specifically what did Peter claim about Jesus (see 4:8-12)? Jesus was the 'Christ', crucified and raised from the dead The stone rejected that has become the cornerstone (Ps 118:22) Salvation is only through Him For Thought and Discussion:  a. Why were the priests and other Sadducees so upset that the apostles were proclaiming Jesus resurrected (see 4:2; 23:8)? The Sadducees did not believe in the Resurrection. That the apostles proclaimed Jesus' resurrection went against their understanding of theology and rebuked them for their rejecti

For Thought and Discussion: The Crucifixion signified God’s curse (see Galatians 3:13). Still, what event proved that God regarded Jesus as holy and righteous, not accursed (see Acts 3:15)? The Resurrection proved His innocence. 6. How did Peter describe Jesus in this speech (see 3:13-15,22)? God's glorified servant (cf. Php 2:7)  Holy and Righteous One Author of life, resurrected from the dead  A prophet like Moses 7. In what senses is Jesus “the author of life” (Acts 3:15) or “the Prince of life” (KJV, NASB)? (Optional: See John 1:3-4,12-13; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 5:11-12.)  John 1:3-4,12-13 Jesus made all things and gave them lfe. He has life in Himself.  He gave us spiritual life and made us born again by His will Colossians 1:15-23     He made all things, sustains all things, reconciles all lthings, will save us to the end Hebrews 2:14-15 Through death he destroyed death 1 John 5:11-12. God gave us eternal life through His Son   8. What does it mean th

1. How does Acts 3:1-10 reflect Jesus’ words in John 14:12-14?   "do the works that I do" "greater works than these will he do" "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it" Jesus' disciples asked in His name A miracle was done like Jesus would have done For Thought and Discussion: How does the former cripple respond to his healing (see 3:8)? Is there an example here for us? Compare Luke 17:11-19.  Like the healed Samaritan leper, he demonstrated his healing and praised God. He entered (3:8) the temple with Peter and John, associating publicly with them. He 'clung' to them (3:10) showing dependence. So he testified to those who had affected the healing. We must be humble enough to give credit to those who have ministered to us. Optional Application: Have you experienced any kind of healing by Jesus’ power? If so, how should that affect what you do?      2. The beggar asked for money (see 3:3), but Peter and John met quite a different need. 

For Thought and Discussion: Why does Peter mention God’s plan and foreknowledge in 2:23? Why is it important for us to remember? Peter assures his heaers that Jesus' crucifixion was not evidence of His criminal acts, but rather, an event foretold and planned for by God. This establishes His righteousness rather than His culpability. It tells us that compatibilism alone allows us to deal with evil and suffering in the world and in our lives. God is still in control.    For Thought and Discussion: Peter tried to convince Jews about Jesus by showing how scriptures they already accepted supported his claims. Would this approach work with your friends? Why or why not? If not, what beliefs that you already hold in common could you use to draw them toward examining the Scriptures?   A s in Acts 17 with Paul in Athens, Peter establishes common ground with his hearers. But where there is no common ground, different approaches e.g. meaning of life, life after death, morality, removal of gui

 3. Peter says that the babble of languages is a sign of something greater than drunkenness. What does the sign demonstrate (see 2:15-21)?  God's work. Fulfillment of prophecy of the Spirit's outpouring, and the opportunity for salvation.   4. Next Peter recounts the key facts of Jesus’ life (see 2:22-24).  a. How could the Jews have known that Jesus was a special person sent by God (see 2:22)?   ' mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst' b. How did Israel respond to Jesus (see 2:23)?  ' you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men '. The teachers of the Law had acted contrary to the Law in causing Jesus to be killed by Gentiles. ' delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God ' cf. Acts 4:28 -  a powerful affirmation that God's permissive/decretive will is often fulfilled through the breaking of His revealed/prescriptive/preceptive will.   c. What was the crucial event of Jesus’ car