Dynamic Studies in Acts: Bringing God's Word to Life

By Fred A. Scheeren

In Acts we see the harrowing exploits of Peter and Paul. The book itself was penned by a Gentile physician by the name of Luke. It is of interest to note that Paul and Luke, two of the most articulate, intelligent and highly educated men of their time, together account for 60% of the New Testament.

In these pages we clearly see the coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirt as well as the explosive power and influence of the Gospel. Gordon Haresign, internationally known author, professor, speaker, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Scripture Union, speaking about the Dynamic Bible Studies series produced by Scheeren, has said, “These are among the finest, if not the finest, inductive Bible studies available today. I strongly endorse them.”

This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Dilo Paul, a materials scientist, who said, “I love these studies as they guide me through finding the answers to questions that arise during Bible study from the Bible itself.”

Dr. Richard Freeman, Vice President of Chosen People Ministries, said, “I have found Fred Scheeren’s Bible study material to be quite thorough as well as extremely insightful. I have used it as a resource myself in preparing Bible studies for group study and for my own personal study of the Bible. I recommend it highly to others.”

Steve White, Ph.D., author and International Director of 21C International, said, “Fred hits a great blend of commentary, historical context, and practical application. The study questions are clear, thought-provoking and relevant. I could easily recommend this for either individual or group study.”

Robert T. Mason, former executive at an international firm and in his second career as a pastor said, “Fred has done it again!! He has a great way of opening up and explaining the Word of God.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385018604

Fred A. Scheeren

Fred Scheeren is a distinguished Certified Financial Planner® and Managing Director-Investments with a major investment firm. Using his award-winning analytical skills and overwhelming passion for biblical study, Scheeren has carved out a second vocation as a speaker and now an author. Over the past fifty years he has presented numerous Bible studies to groups of different sizes and denominations.

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Copyright © 2024 Fred A. Scheeren.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture marked (KJV) taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1861-1 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1860-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024902669

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/4/2024

DEDICATION

I DEDICATE THIS book to my lovely wife, Sally, who is a Jewish believer and Ivy League educated attorney. She has stood by me over the years and raised our sons in our God-loving home. The comfort of sharing our friendship and our love for Christ has encouraged me greatly in creating this series of dynamic studies of various books of the Bible. Sally’s participation in our small group studies has added a much deeper dimension of richness to the discussions. Thank you for sharing your heritage, training, and knowledge.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Preface

Ground Rules

Introduction to Acts

Week 1:     Jesus Ascends (Acts 1:1-11)

Week 2:     Matthias Joins the Team (Acts 1:12-26

Week 3:     Pentecost and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13)

Week 4:     Peter’s Great Speech (Acts 2:14-41)

Week 5:     Fellowship of First Century Believers (Acts 2:42-47)

Week 6:     Peter Seizes the Moment (Acts 3:11-26)

Week 7:     A Lame Beggar is Healed (Acts 3:1-10)

Week 8:     Interrogated & Threatened by the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22)

Week 9:     Great Prayer of the Believers (Acts 4:23-31)

Week 10:   The Believers Share Their Possessions (Acts 4:32-37)

Week 11:   Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

Week 12:   Many are Healed (Acts 5:12-16)

Week 13:   The Apostles are Attacked (Acts 5:17-42)

Week 14:   The Super Seven (Acts 6:1-7)

Week 15:   Stephen Arrested (Acts 6:8-15)

Week 16:   Stephen’s Great Speech (Acts 7:1-53)

Week 17:   Stephen is Martyred (Acts 7:54-8:1)

Week 18:   Growth Through Adversity (Acts 8:2-8)

Week 19:   Another Victory in Samaria (Acts 8:9-25)

Week 20:   Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40)

Week 21:   Saul Becomes a Believer (Acts 9:1-19)

Week 22:   Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem (Acts 9:20-31)

Week 23:   Aeneas and Dorcas (Acts 9:32-43)

Week 24:   A Roman Officer Contacts Peter (Acts 10:1-8)

Week 25:   Peter’s Vision (Acts 10:9-23)

Week 26:   Peter visits Cornelius (Acts 10:24-48)

Week 27:   Peter Explains (Acts 11:1-18)

Week 28:   The Believers in Antioch (Acts 11:19-30)

Week 29:   Paul’s Astonishing Escape from Prison (Acts 12:1-19)

Week 30:   The Death of Herod (Acts 12:20-25)

Week 31:   Barnabas and Saul Sail Away (Acts 13:1-3)

Week 32:   The First Journey Begins (Acts 13:4-52)

Week 33:   Iconium (Acts 14:1-7)

Week 34:   Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:8-20)

Week 35:   Return to Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:21-28)

Week 36:   The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-21)

Week 37:   Letter to the Gentile Believers (Acts 15:22-35)

Week 38:   Disagreement and Resolution (Acts 15:36-41)

Week 39:   Timothy Joins the Team (Acts 16:1-5)

Week 40:   The Macedonian Vision (Acts 16:6-10)

Week 41:   Lydia from Philippi Finds Life (Acts 16:11-15)

Week 42:   Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16-40)

Week 43:   Visit to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9)

Week 44:   Wisdom in Berea (Acts 17:10-15)

Week 45:   On to Athens (Acts 17:16-34)

Week 46:   Leadership Change in the Corinth Synagogue (Acts 18:1-17)

Week 47:   Aquilla, Priscilla and Apollos (Acts 18:18-28)

Week 48:   Paul Back in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-22)

Week 49:   Riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41)

Week 50:   Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:1-6)

Week 51:   Eutychus Rises in Troas (Acts 20:7-12)

Week 52:   Farewell to the Ephesians (Acts 20:13-38)

Week 53:   Jerusalem on the Horizon (Acts 21:1-16)

Week 54:   Paul Hits Jerusalem (Acts 21:17-26)

Week 55:   Paul Arrested (Acts 21:27-36)

Week 56:   Paul Addresses the Crowd (Acts 21:37-22:21)

Week 57:   A Roman Citizen (Acts 22:22-29)

Week 58:   Paul before the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30-23:11)

Week 59:   Conspiracy to Murder Paul (Acts 23:12-22)

Week 60:   Prison Transfer (Acts 23:23-35)

Week 61:   Paul’s Trial before Felix (Acts 24:1-27)

Week 62:   Paul’s Trial before Festus (Acts 25:1-12)

Week 63:   Preparation of King Agrippa (Acts 25:13-22)

Week 64:   Witness to King Agrippa (Acts 25:23-26:32)

Week 65:   Paul Sails for Rome (Acts 27:1-12)

Week 66:   A Deadly Storm (Acts 27:13-26)

Week 67:   Shipwrecked (Acts 27:27-44)

Week 68:   Shipwrecked on Malta (Acts 28:1-10)

Week 69:   Paul’s Triumphal Arrival in Rome (Acts 28:11-16)

Week 70:   Paul’s Proclamation in Rome (Acts 28:17-31)

Appendix 1   How to Avoid Error

Appendix 2   Understanding Composite Probability and Applying It to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures

Appendix 3   Helpful Facts to Remember About the Book of Acts

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

MY FRIEND, BOB Mason, who at the time I began the Dynamic Bible Studies series, was in his second career as the pastor of small groups at the Bible Chapel in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, suggested the overall structure of each study. Realizing our group was doing more in-depth work than most, he asked that I include several important segments in each lesson—most specifically, the warm-up and life application phases.

Bob suggested a great resource called the New Testament Lesson Planner from InterVarsity Press. I have augmented this with commentaries by Dr. Charles Missler from Koinonia House, the Wiersbe Bible Commentary, The MacArthur Bible Handbook by Dr. John MacArthur, the Bible Commentaries of J. Vernon McGee, and the whole of Scripture itself. To make the utilization of the whole of Scripture more efficient, I have also leaned heavily on the Libronix Digital Library, perhaps the most advanced Bible software available, and other resources to help us understand how the New Testament and the Tanakh (Old Testament) fit together as one cohesive document.

I have also enjoyed the input and encouragement of my friend, Ron Jones, as I have continued to prepare these studies. Ron is a former high school principal and administrator. He is also a committed believer and daily student of God’s Word. His background in education coupled with his love of God and His Word has made him a powerful force for good.

I would like to express thanks to my late friend, Gordon Haresign, for his continued support and encouragement in my efforts to produce the Dynamic Bible Studies series. Gordon’s journey began with his birth in the Belgian Congo. In the following years he was a senior executive with an international accounting firm, served in the military, labored as a Bible college professor, was instrumental in the leadership of a worldwide Bible correspondence school, and most recently served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Scripture Union, an international Bible-based ministry. Gordon’s work as a teacher, speaker, and missionary took him to over 50 countries on five continents. His three most recent books, Authentic Christianity, Pray for the Fire to Fall and his last work on Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians which may someday be in print, should be required reading for all believers. Speaking of the Dynamic Bible Studies series he wrote, These are among the finest, if not the finest, inductive Bible studies available today. I strongly endorse them.

I would also like to express my appreciation to my contributing editor, Cynthia Nicastro. Cindy is an intelligent, ardent and devoted student of the Scriptures and a meticulous grammarian.

May God bless you, inspire you, teach you, and change your life for the better as you work through these lessons.

PREFACE

Welcome to what I hope you find to be a most enjoyable and enlightening study. The subject is what appears to be the introductory material produced by a medical doctor to preface, along with the Gospel known as Luke, the capital punishment trial of one of his friends and compatriots. While the doctor was certainly well educated, his friend was arguably one of the most intelligent, highly educated, well-read and influential men in history. The medical doctor was Luke himself, one of the disciples of Jesus.

The subject was primarily the life and activities of the man who became known as the Apostle Paul (chapters 13-28), along with augmentative material relating to the Apostle Peter (chapters 1-12). Paul’s life was changed from that of a zealous, violent, murderous enemy of the early Jewish and Gentile believers to one of the most dedicated followers of the Jewish Messiah. This chronicle is part of the group of documents that today is known as The Bible and is referred to as the Book of Acts.

As we consider how this book of the Bible fits into the whole of the New Testament and the Tanakh (the name used by Jews for the Old Testament, used here to emphasize the Jewishness of the Scriptures), we need to realize a number of things. We should stand in awe of this collection of 66 books, written over thousands of years by at least 40 different authors. Every detail of the text is there by design. It explains history before it happens, and comes to us from outside the dimension of time. It is, in short, the most amazing, most authenticated, and most accurate book available in the world.

If this claim is not strong enough, add to it the indisputable fact that the words contained therein have changed more lives than any others now in existence.

While the Judeo-Christian Scriptures are demonstrably perfect, my prepared studies are not. There is no way I or anyone else could possibly incorporate the depth of the text into individual sessions. I simply desire to provide a vehicle for others to use in their investigation of the Scriptures as they incorporate these timeless truths into their lives.

Speaking of small groups, Dr. Chuck Missler, a former Fortune 500 CEO, said, I experienced more growth in my personal life as a believer by participating in small group Bible studies than anything else. I believe you may find this to be true in your experience and encourage you to be an active participant in such a mutually supportive, biblically-based group.

GROUND RULES

I DESIGNED THE first portion of each study to encourage readers to think about their personal situation. I designed the second portion to help people understand what the text says and how it relates to the whole of Scripture. And finally, each lesson ends with a discussion designed to help people apply that lesson.

You will notice that, in most instances, I have included the citation, but not the actual text of the Scripture we are considering. I did this on purpose. I believe we all learn more effectively if we have to dig out the text itself. As a byproduct of that exercise, we become more familiar with this marvelous book.

Scripture references are preceded or followed by a question or series of questions. Again, this is on purpose. I have also found that people seem to learn most effectively when employing the Socratic Method. That is, instead of telling someone what the text says and how it relates to other texts and life, they will remember it better if they answer questions about it and ferret out the information for themselves.

In a few instances, I have inserted additional commentary or partial answers to some of the questions to help the group get the most out of the study.

It is my intention and suggestion that the various scripture references be read out loud as part of each session. Shorter passages might be read by one participant, while anything over two or three verses might serve everyone better if one member reads one verse and another reads the next until the passage is completed. This keeps everyone involved. After reading these passages, I intend that how they relate to the primary Scripture at hand be seriously considered. At times, this relationship seems to be available and obvious on the surface. In many other instances, the interconnectedness of the whole of Scripture and its principles are most effectively understood through deeper thought, discussion, and prayer.

In commenting on and discussing the various passages, questions, concepts, and principles in this material, it is not required that any particular person give his or her input. The reader of any passage may, but is not pressured to, give his or her thoughts to the group. This is a group participation exercise for the mutual benefit of all involved and many people in the group giving their insight into a certain verse or question will often enhance the learning experience.

I also have two practical suggestions if you work through this book in a small group setting. Every time you meet, I suggest you review the calendar and agree upon the next scheduled meeting as well as who will bring refreshments. This will help the group to run a lot more smoothly while enhancing everyone’s enjoyment, experience, and expectations.

INTRODUCTION

TO ACTS

The book of Acts is quite interesting and inspiring for a number of reasons.

For ease of access, I have attempted to enumerate these below:

1. While entitled Acts, it really deals primarily with the believers in the first century AD and in particular with the careers of two particular apostles, Paul and Peter.

• Chapters 1-12 largely feature what was happening with Peter.

• Chapters 13-28 largely revolve around Paul and his work.

2. This book appears to actually be the second document in the New Testament written by the apostle Luke, who was also a respected medical doctor.

3. Luke’s first document, also known as the Gospel of Luke, was addressed to the Most Excellent Theophilus.

4. Addressing a person in this fashion was the way one would address a Roman official. For this reason, it is assumed that Theophilis was such, and likely the Roman governor of a province.

5. Theophilis actually means lover of God and may not have been his given name.

6. This first letter, which as we said is known as the Gospel of Luke, was written with a very specific purpose in mind. It was to tell the story of Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah.

7. The second document prepared by Luke was Acts. It was a continuation of Luke’s Gospel.

8. Taken together it is assumed by many scholars that these two documents were prepared to provide Theophilis with the information he needed to construct the documents necessary to forward to Rome for Paul’s hearing there. (We may recall that Paul appealed to the emperor.)

• See Acts 25:9-11.

9. We also note that Luke addressed Theophilis in a more personal fashion in his second letter to him, dropping the Most Excellent epithet. Some take this to mean that Theophilis became a believer himself, largely after reading Luke’s first communique.

10. The idea that Acts was prepared as a prelude to Paul’s court date in Rome is further enhanced because:

• It continually references the uprisings in the region and the way in which the Romans successfully handled them.

• The way the Romans handled these riots or uprisings was always portrayed in a complimentary fashion.

• Paul is portrayed as the victim in these riots, not the one causing them.

• The Romans are portrayed as the heros.

11. The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts fit perfectly together as a testimony to Jesus Christ.

12. We see in these two documents the Good News of eternal life through the Messiah as well as life first offered to the lost sheep of Israel. See:

• Matthew 10:5-6.

• Matthew 15:24.

13. The result of this progression was that the Good News was then also offered to Gentiles. See:

• Acts 1:8.

• Acts 10:34.

14. The Gentile believers along with the Jewish believers were and in fact still are members of what is often called the Church or the Body of Christ. See:

• Romans 3:21-31.

15. The extension of God’s offer of life to the Gentiles in no way negates His promises to Israel as seen in Genesis 12:3 and throughout the Scriptures.

16. In a very real sense the Acts of the Apostles, the story of believers and their influence upon the world, has continued through the centuries. I was most recently struck by this fact when my wife and I were discussing the book The Heavenly Man about the struggles and triumphs of believers in China.

It is my hope that you have had the privilege of experiencing the new life offered by Jesus Christ. As a participant in this abundant life, you can now see the fulfillment of the promises of God in your daily walk as delineated in the Word of God, which we call the Bible. Finally, if you now have His power in your life, you have the great joy of sharing the Good News of life in Him with other people.

WEEK 1

JESUS ASCENDS

ACTS 1:1-11

Open in Prayer

Group Warm-Up Questions

If you could take a trip to somewhere far away, where would you go?

What kind of reading material would you take along on a lengthy trip away from home?

Read: Acts 1:1-11

Reread: Acts 1:1

Note: Also refer to the Introduction to Acts for further data.

To what former book was Luke referring?

Who was Theophilus?

Reread: Acts 1:1-2

What did Paul write about?

Reread: Acts 1:3-5

After His resurrection, how did Jesus spend His time with the apostles?

How long did Jesus have to spend with His inner group of followers after His resurrection?

How do you think this concentrated time with Him impacted these special followers?

What believing leader do you value spending time with? Why?

Is there a particular believing leader you would like to spend more time with either personally or as a student? Can you arrange this? How?

Reread: Acts 1:4

What specific command did Jesus give His apostles during this period of time?

Reread: Acts 1:4-5

What two specific promises did Jesus give the apostles during this special 40 day period of time He spent with them?

1.

2.

What is the importance of Jesus’ final command and promise to you?

Reread: Acts 1:6

How did the apostles misunderstand what Jesus was promising at this juncture?

It appears that the apostles were hoping for two specific outcomes at this particular time. What were they?

1.

2.

Why do you think the apostles were perhaps hoping for this specific action on the part of Jesus?

Do you think it is significant that if the apostles’ assumptions were correct, they could just sit back and watch God execute His plan? How so?

Do people today sometimes prefer to just sit back and watch things happen instead of doing their part in the execution of God’s plan? Why?

When is a time you wanted to move on from a location, job, relationship or difficult circumstance but were held back by God’s leading?

Reread: Acts 1:7

Also see: Mark 13:32

How did Jesus answer the apostles about their hopeful assumption and perhaps request?

What important principle can we take away from His answer and apply in our lives?

Reread: Acts 1:8

What did Jesus tell the apostles was going to happen to them as a result of the gift they were about to receive?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

How were the apostles going to obtain the power they needed to accomplish the task set before them?

Read Genesis 1:2 to see that the Holy Spirit has been involved from the beginning. Now, however, He is available to believers in a very special and personal way.

Read: Galatians 5:22-23

How can we receive the power we need to carry out the tasks God has given us?

How do we know when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives?

What specific means (abilities, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to carry out the task of being His witness? Please make a list. (All believers have such means to make a list.)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

When you talk to a nonbelieving friend about Jesus, what proofs of His existence can you offer?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Reread: Acts 1:9-11

Where did Jesus go after speaking with the apostles?

Reread: Acts 1:10

How did the apostles react to Jesus’ departure?

Who do you think the figures in white were?

Reread: Acts 1:11

How did the men in white encourage the apostles?

How will Jesus’ return be like His ascension?

How should the prospect of the imminent and assured return of Jesus affect the way you live your life?

Application Questions

When can you include reading the book of Luke in your daily Bible study this month?

What steps can you take to be actively involved in telling others about Christ?

How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout this week?

Close in Prayer

WEEK 2

MATTHIAS JOINS THE TEAM

ACTS 1:12-26

Open in Prayer

Group Warm-Up Questions

When you were growing up, how did you and your friends choose teams for tag, sports games or board games?

When you work with other people, what kind of role suits you best?

When working with others as part of a team, do you prefer to give orders or follow orders? Why?

Read: Acts 1:12-26

Reread: Acts 1:12

Where did the ascension of Jesus take place?

How far was it from this place to Jerusalem?

Reread: Acts 1:12-13

Also read: Acts 1:4-5

How did the apostles show that they were doing what Jesus had so recently told them to do?

What are your thoughts about the house in which they were staying in that so many people were able to stay there?

Reread: Acts 1:13

How many of the apostles were still following Jesus after his death and resurrection?

Reread: Acts 1:14

Who else was notably present at these meetings?

What did this group do when it got together?

Read: John 7:5

What does it indicate to you that Jesus’ mother and brothers were included in this group?

Reread: Acts 1:15

How many people were part of this group