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Continuity
A tiny group of 'politically incorrect' and powerless second-class citizens from an obscure bit of the Roman Empire should transform the whole world for all time. Sounds completely idiotic! Nevertheless, precisely that is the astounding report of the Acts of the Apostles.
Four Special People who were involved at the heart of it are seen in these readings (there were many others - our list is limited here to four).
Stephen
Acts Chapter 6 verse 1 and Chapter 6 verse 8
Chapter 8 recounts his brief and dramatic leadership as the first Deacon of the Church.
Question - Why were the most religiously devout people on earth so enraged by Stephen's address?
Philip
Acts Chapter 8 verses 1 to 5
It was persecution that first drove Christians into new 'Mission fields'.
Acts Chapter 8 verses 6 to 17
Question - Why did the Apostles feel it necessary to check out Stephen's missionary impact?
Two kinds of convert Acts Chapter 8 verses 18 to 25
Simon the Magician and Acts Chapter 8 versus 26 to 40, the Chancellor of Ethiopia. Compare these two powerful men.
Paul
The Beginnings Acts Chapter 9 verses 1 to 31
(Saul and Paul are the same name but in two different languages). Re-tell the story of the most famous Christian conversion of all, but underline the theme of Paul's 'First Gospel Preaching'.
Peter
Acts Chapter 9 verse 32 to Chapter 12 verse 24
Compare Peter's reluctance to admit non-Jews to the faith with Adventurous Antioch (chapter 11 verses 19 to 30). After Chapter 12, the spotlight of history moves from Peter to Paul.
There were other great early Christian Leaders.
Question - Could you say anything about, for example, Barnabas?
To lead your prayer time, invite each other to share any 'Damascus Road' experience they may have had.
Optional Reading for Next Session read Acts, Chapter 12 verse 25 to Chapter 19 verse 20.
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