Acts - Week 3

Week 3 Acts 1, 2 

Day 1 

READ 

Acts 1:20 

20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’” 

The passages Peter referred to in the Psalms are 69:25 and 109:8. Although the name “Judas” is not mentioned in those verses, Peter—a religious Jew in his unsaved days—would have known the Old Testament well and thought the statements here applied to the betrayer of Jesus. It is common to see things in the Old Testament that could be applied in the New Testament. Such is the case with Psalm 22 that contains statements about the crucifixion and ones that Jesus said on the cross.  

REFLECT 

Do you marvel about how the entire Bible has been inspired by God so there are statements in the Old Testament that refer to events in the New Testament? 

RESPOND 

With your disciple, look at Psalm 22. Examine especially verses 1, 6-8, 11-21. Let these verses remind you of the crucifixion of Jesus recorded in the gospels. 

Day 2 

READ 

Acts 1:21-22 

21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” 

The apostles now needed to replace Judas so they would likely have twelve to be witnesses to the twelve tribes of Israel. Especially the person would be a “witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” Notice the qualifications. Some suggest they should have placed the apostle Paul in the list, but he did not meet these qualifications. The candidate had to be with them from the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist until His ascension into heaven.  

REFLECTION 

This should remind you about how important it was to have eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Jesus.  

RESPOND 

Perhaps you have read it before, but do so again. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-9 to read about eyewitnesses of the resurrection. At one point Jesus was seen by over 500 who were witnesses and at that time could be asked about it.  

Day 3 

READ 

Acts 1:23-24 

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen. . . .” 

This passage reveals an example of what to do when faced with two qualified individuals. Either would have been acceptable for them to select, but they wanted the Lord to reveal to them the one He chose. Notice that more than Peter prayed, they “all prayed.” It was to be a group decision so more than just one person prayed. There were no clergy-laity distinctions of those who prayed. 

REFLECT 

Do you sometimes think when meeting as a group that a prayer by a pastor is more important to God than a prayer by a lay person? The Bible makes no such distinctions. 

RESPOND 

Read Hebrews 4:15-16 that is addressed to all believers. Every believer can approach God boldly, or with confidence. Followers of Christ today do not need to come through a priest as they did in the Old Testament.  

Day 4 

READ 

Acts 1:25-26 

25 ”as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. 

Verse 25 continues the thought of verse 24. They all prayed the Lord would show them which individual should be chosen “as an apostle to replace Judas.” The apostle was chosen when “they cast lots.” This was similar to drawing a name out of a hat. As long as both were qualified, it should not matter which was chosen. This is the last time the casting of lots is recorded in the New Testament. Today believers are to follow the practice, however, of asking the Lord’s direction in decisions. Now the entire Bible is available to help guide.  

REFLECT 

Do you ask the Lord to guide you when you are faced with two possibilities that both seem honoring to Him?  

RESPOND 

With your disciple, read Colossians 3:15. This reveals when one is faced with two options that could both glorify the Lord, the peace of God should “rule” or “call the decision” in one’s life. This will be done as the believer prays about which is the right choice.  

Day 5 

READ 

Acts 2:1-2 

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 

Jesus was crucified on Passover. “Pentecost” is the Greek word for 50, as this festival occurred 50 days after Passover. Jesus had been on earth after His resurrection for 40 days, and Pentecost was 10 days later. Many Jewish people were in Jerusalem at this time for these festivities. Notice the sound from heaven was not wind, but it sounded like “the roaring of a mighty windstorm.” All heard it and there was no mistaking that something unusual was occurring.  

REFLECT 

Acts 2 is likely a familiar passage to you. Be prepared to look at it carefully now. 

RESPOND 

Talk with your disciple about previous knowledge of Acts 2. Suggest you come now with an open heart to see if previous knowledge is supported by the text.