AGENDA – FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

OPENING PRAYER - Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to read and study Your Word. Please guide our thoughts and open our hearts to understand the truths You want to reveal. In Jesus' name, Amen.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – THE TWELVE RESTORED: MATTHIAS REPLACES JUDAS
POINT OF INTEREST - From the very start women played important roles in the growth of the church. Mary, the mother of Jesus, along with other influential women, held a special place in the community.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – THE DAY OF PENTECOST 
POINT OF INTEREST - Casting lots was a method of decision making often used in the ancient world; it was akin to drawing straws or rolling dice. Lots were often used for decision making in the Hebrew Bible (Leviticus 16:8-10, 1 Samuel 14:41, and Jonah 1:7). At the crucifixion, the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' clothing (John 19:24).
SCENIC VIEW - The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, has been around from the beginning of creation. The "sound like the rush of a violent wind" echoes "the wind from God that swept over the waters" in Genesis 1:2. That same Holy Spirit created people (Job 33:4), inspired leaders (Numbers 11:25-29, Judges 6:34) and spoke through the prophets (Nehemiah 9:30 and Zechariah 7:12). On the day of Pentecost, we hear about the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit filling the apostles in a miraculous and powerful way, just as Jesus had promised.
POINT OF INTEREST - This is a summary of what the early Church looked like. Though it was not perfect and would endure its share of conflict, there was much that was hopeful and inspiring.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE COUNCIL
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – THE BELIEVERS SHARE THEIR POSSESSIONS
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – SEVEN DEACONS CHOSEN
SCENIC VIEW - Here we get a look at how the early church is beginning to develop and organize itself. The disciples are realizing that they are called to do many things: study, preach, and teach the word of God; spend time in prayer; care for widows and the needy; and serve and share food. They have been neglecting some of their duties in order to accomplish others. So, they decide to divide the tasks and set aside some people as those especially dedicated to a ministry of service. In later centuries, a particular order of ministry, that of deacons, will be formed out of this understanding.
 AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – STEPHEN BEFORE THE COUNCIL
POINT OF INTEREST - Saul is introduced here for the first time. He will later encounter the risen Christ and be renamed Paul. No other figure in early Christianity, other than Jesus himself, will have a greater impact on the Church.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH
POINT OF INTEREST - The Ethiopian eunuch was an outsider in every way possible. As an Ethiopian, he had a different skin color and a different culture than Philip and many other Jews. As a eunuch, a servant who had been castrated, he was considered ritually unclean (Deuteronomy 23:1) and of low social status. Yet he hears and receives the good news about Jesus and is baptized. His story makes it clear that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, everywhere.
POINT OF INTEREST - The Old Testament scriptures are very important in the early Christian movement. At this time, they did not have a New Testament to read and study; they only had the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, to try to make sense of Jesus' life and witness.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – SAUL IS CALLED
POINT OF INTEREST - The early Christian movement was called "the Way" and early Christians were sometimes called "followers of the Way" or those "who belonged to the Way." This was both a reference to Jesus' identity as "the way, the truth, and the life," (John 14:6) and also served as a reminder that Christianity was a way of life, rather than simply a system of belief.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – PETER AND CORNELIUS
SCENIC VIEW - The role of the Jewish Law in early Christian communities was a big question. The early Church will spend a great deal of time and energy wrestling with what portions of Jewish law are required, and which are no longer necessary. This conversation continues today.
Scripture Citations 
ACTS 1:12-17, 21-26 | 2:1-47 | 4:1-22 | 4:32-37 | 5:1-11 | 6:1-6 | 7:51-8:3 | 8:26-40 | 9:1-19a | 10:1-22, 11:17-18
QUESTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY 
1.	What do you think of Acts' description of the believers sharing everything? Is this a helpful model for us today? Why or why not? 
2.	Acts depicts a lot of conflict but always returns to positive summaries about the Church. Do you think the same could be true of the Church today? How so? 
3.	Saul had a radical encounter with the risen Christ, and his whole life changed. Have you ever had an encounter that changed you in a significant way? What was it like? 
4.	Acts calls followers of Jesus "those who belonged to the Way." What does it mean to you to be someone who "belongs to the Way"? What might that description teach us about what it means to be a Christian? 
5.	In this chapter, we hear two important stories of journeys: the Ethiopian eunuch is converted and baptized while traveling on the Wilderness Road and Jesus appears to Saul on the road to Damascus. How do these stories speak to you about your journey with God? 
6.	Both Peter and Paul changed their minds about certain religious beliefs or practices: They came to see that both Jews and Gentiles could follow Jesus, and they changed their understanding about religious practices surrounding which foods were unclean. Have you ever changed your mind about a religious belief or practice? What precipitated that change? 
7.	Peter and Paul engage in lively debate with one another about matters of faith and practice. Their debate and exchange of ideas helped to shape the belief of the Church. Who are some people who have challenged aspects of your faith? How has that debate, and exchange helped shape your beliefs? 
These questions explore some of the most challenging and beautiful parts of the early Church’s story. Here is a breakdown of how these themes from Acts resonate with modern faith and life:

1.	The "Sharing Everything" Model
The description in Acts 2 and 4 of believers holding everything in common is a radical picture of "koinonia" (fellowship). Whether it's a helpful model today usually depends on how it’s applied. On a literal, global scale, it’s incredibly difficult to sustain, but as a spirit of generosity, it is vital. It challenges the modern idol of individualism and asks: Is my neighbor's need more important than my surplus? Many find success with this model in smaller "intentional communities" or through theology of stewardship rather than strict communal living.
2.	Conflict vs. Growth
The Book of Acts is messy—there are arguments over food, circumcision, and leadership. Yet the "summaries" show the Church growing despite it. This suggests that conflict isn't a sign of failure, but a sign of life. Just as the early Church used friction to clarify its mission, the Church today can grow when it treats disagreement as an opportunity for discernment rather than a reason for division.
3.	Radical Encounters
While not everyone has a "Damascus Road" moment with bright lights and audible voices, many experience "threshold moments." These are events—a loss, a sudden realization of grace, or a moment of deep beauty—that create a "before" and "after" in a person’s life. These encounters usually feel like a loss of control that leads to a much greater sense of purpose.
4.	"The Way"
Before they were called "Christians," they were people of The Way. This implies that faith is a movement and a practice, not just a set of ideas you agree with. It teaches us that being a Christian is an ongoing journey or a "path" you walk daily. It’s about how you live (the way you treat enemies, the way you use money) rather than just what you label yourself.
5.	Faith on the Road
The stories of the Ethiopian eunuch and Saul happen while they are moving. This speaks to the idea that God often meets us in the "in-between" spaces of our lives—when we are transitioning between jobs, cities, or seasons of life. It suggests that God isn't just found in a temple or a church building but is active in the mundane and the travel of our everyday lives.
6.	Changing One’s Mind
Peter’s vision of the "unclean" animals was a massive shift in his worldview. For many today, changing a religious belief often comes from encounters with people. Just as Peter realized "God shows no partiality" after meeting Cornelius, many modern Christians find their beliefs evolving when they actually sit down and listen to the stories of those they were taught to exclude. It’s usually a move from a "law-centered" view to a "person-centered" view.
7.	The Value of Debate
Growth rarely happens in an echo chamber. People who challenge our faith—whether they are skeptical friends, mentors, or authors—act like "iron sharpening iron." Healthy debate forces us to move past inherited "second-hand faith" and figure out what we actually believe and why. You can explore more about how the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 set the precedent for this kind of holy arguing.
NEXT STEPS 
•	This chapter recounts the first half of the book of Acts. Read Acts 12-28 to see how the rest of the story unfolds. 
•	The Holy Spirit is very active in Acts, directing the believers and guiding the church. In what ways does the Holy Spirit work today? In what direction do you think the Holy Spirit may be guiding the Church?
In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit acts as a "divine church planter," constantly pushing the boundaries of the early community to include new people and places. Today, theologians and practitioners see the Spirit working through similar themes of transformation, empowerment, and guidance. 
How the Holy Spirit Works Today
Modern perspectives on the Spirit's activity often fall into these key categories:
•	Inner Transformation & Character: The Spirit is seen as the primary agent of sanctification, working to produce "fruit" like love, joy, and patience in a believer's life. This is often described as a move from "works of the flesh" to a life reflecting the character of Christ.
•	Conviction and Guidance: Just as the Spirit prompted Philip and Peter in Acts, many believe the Spirit still provides internal prompts or a "still small voice" to guide personal decisions. He also "convicts" people—helping them recognize areas of their life that need change.
•	Empowerment through Gifts: Every believer is thought to receive spiritual gifts (such as teaching, mercy, or administration) intended to build up the church community.
•	Corporate Unity: The Spirit is described as the "glue" of the Church, fostering unity across diverse backgrounds and helping groups reach a consensus during difficult decisions, much like the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. 
Where the Holy Spirit May Be Guiding the Church
Many Christian leaders suggest the Spirit is currently emphasizing several specific directions for the modern Church:
•	Radical Outreach and Justice: There is a growing sense that the Spirit is guiding the Church toward "field evangelism" and social justice issues, such as ending human trafficking or poverty.
•	Deep Communal Worship: To counter modern individualism, some see a shift back toward high-participation, community-oriented practices like the Eucharist and responsive readings.
•	Global Expansion: Similar to the "ends of the earth" mission in Acts, the Spirit is seen as driving a fresh vigor for reaching unreached people groups globally.
•	Intentionality over Emotionalism: Some theologians argue the Spirit is leading the Church away from "chasing emotional highs" and toward a more intentional relationship built on faith and scriptural grounding.
CLOSING PRAYER - Lord, thank you for this time of study and for Your Word. As we leave, please help us to carry the truths we've learned into our daily lives and to live out Your teachings. May we continue to grow in faith and reflect Your love to others. Amen.