detailed observation acts 1 to 8

Detailed Observation

Detailed Observation: Acts 1:1 – 8:3

General Materials: Narrative/History

Acts 1:1 – 8:3 provides the reader with a brief introduction of the purpose for the book.

Immediately the author begins to provide an account of the events surrounding the disciples prior

to and after the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. The Pentecost outpouring serves as the

hinge of the narrative revealing the necessity of the Spirit’s empowerment to fulfill the Acts 1:8

worldwide evangelism commissions.

Specific Chapter Titles:

Chapter 1. Commission, Selection, Promise, Ascension and Waiting.Chapter 2. Promise fulfilled, Peter Preaches and 3000 converted.Chapter 3. Miracles: Peter and John.Chapter 4. Persecution, Prayer and Possessions.Chapter 5. Internal and External Problems.Chapter 6. The Seven and Stephen.Chapter 7. Stephen and Saul.Chapter 8. Philip and Samaria: The Church’s Witness to Judea and Samaria

Outline: (Acts 1:1 – 8:3 / Detailed Outline From Section I & II of Book Survey)

I. Preparation By The Spirit to Establish the Church (1:1-2:47)a. Purpose of the Book (1:1-3)b. Events Before Outpouring of the Spirit (1:4-26)

i. Promise of Holy Spirit (1:4-8)ii. Jesus Ascends to Heaven (1:9-11)

iii. Disciples Wait on the Promise (1:12-14)iv. Selection of Matthias (1:15-26)

c. The Outpouring of the Spirit at Jerusalem (2:1-4)d. Events After the Outpouring of the Spirit (2:5-47)

i. Peter explains what is happening to the curious crowd (2:5-21)ii. Peter preached Christ to the curious crowd (2:22-36)

iii. The curious crowd responds and 3000 are converted (2:37-41)iv. The New Testament Church Begins (2:42-47)

II. The Church’s Witness in Jerusalem (3:1-8:3)a. Healing of the lame man / Peter Speaks (3:1-26)

i. Healing of lame man (3:1-12)ii. Peter Speaks (3:13-26)

b. Persecution, Prayer and Possessions (4:1-37)i. Persecution (4:1-22)

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ii. Prayer (4:23-31)iii. Possessions Shared (4:32-37)

c. Internal Problems and External Persecution (5:1-42)i. Internal Problems (Ananias & Sapphira) (5:1-11)

ii. Miracles by the Apostles (5:12-16)iii. External Persecution (5:17-42)

d. Solving An Internal Problem and Greater Persecution (6:1-15)i. Solving an Internal Problem (Grecian Jews/Hebraic Jews/Seven) (6:1-7)

ii. Greater Persecution (Stephen’s Arrest) (6:8-15)e. Stephen and Saul (7:1-8:3)

i. Stephen (7:1-59)1. Speech (7:1-53)2. Stoning (7:54-59)

ii. Saul (8:1-3)1. Brief introduction (8:1)2. Persecution by Saul (8:2-3)

I. - Preparation by the Spirit to Establish the Church (1:1-2:47)

Observation/Structure QuestionsI.a. - Purpose of the Book (1:1-3)

Observations:- People : Theophilus, apostles, these men- Places : heaven- God : Jesus, Holy Spirit- Events : the suffering of Jesus, giving of

instructions by Jesus to apostles, Jesus “showed” himself, Jesus “appeared”

There are three notations of time mentioned in this section. First “former” is connected to a previously written book by the author. Second, “the day he was taken up” is a reference to Christ’s ascension the author would later detail. Third, “a period of forty days” refers to Jesus appearing to the apostles prior to his ascension for the express purpose of showing himself alive and speaking about the kingdom of God.Structural Relationships: This is preparatory summary of what the author intends to write about in the following sections of this chapter. It briefly introduces us to what will be written in greater detail.

There is also a possible inclusio where v. 2

Definitional – Define the following terms: Theopilus, Holy, Spirit, apostle, appeared, kingdom, sufferingRational – What is the former book? What things might Jesus have taught during the 40 days? What were the criteria for the Spirit’s choosing and apostle? What might have been some convincing proofs?Implicational – What are the implications on the former book written to Theophilus? What is implied about post-resurrection events of Christ? What are the implications of the connection between the Spirit and the apostles being chosen – how does this affect the writing? What authority is implied in the apostles being chosen? What are the implications between the Spirit choosing apostles (v. 2) and the apostles choosing another apostle (v. 25-26)? What does this imply about the eleven? About the Spirit at work or not at work? What does this imply about Judas and what he was supposed to do or be?

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begins by telling the reader the apostles were chosen by the Spirit but vv. 25-26 speaks of an apostle being chosen by lots – the section begins and ends with apostles being chosen.

I.b. - Events Before the Outpouring of the Spirit (1:4-26)

I.b.i. – Promise of the Holy Spirit (1:4-8)

Observations: The writer is transitioning from his introduction (vv.1-3) into preparation for the events leading up to the ascension of Christ.- People: disciples, John (the baptizer), - Places: Jerusalem, Judea/Samaria, ends of

the earth- God : Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit- Events: command to not leave Jerusalem,

Structural Relationships: Preparation

Defintional: Define the following terms or phrases: the gift my Father promises, baptized, Holy Spirit, restore, kingdom, receive, power, come upon you, authority, witnesses, ends of the earth. takenRational: When did Jesus speak about this promise (v. 4b)? What did he say about the promise? What does it mean to have the Spirit come upon you? Why would Jesus pick the areas he does? What is the geography of His choices? Implicational: What is implied about the disciples when they question Jesus about restoring the kingdom? What are the eschatological implications of v. 7?

I.b.ii. – Jesus Ascends to Heaven (1:9-11)

Observations: Again the author is transitioning from vv. 4-8 by the use of “After” (v.9). This section is the realization of the occasion of vv. 4-8. - People: two men, disciples (inferred),- Places: the sky, - God: Holy Spirit, Jesus - Events: ascension, appearing of two men,

promise of Jesus coming back

Structural Relationships: Realization and Preperation (with a future realization)

Definitional: Define the following terms and phrases: cloud, suddenlyRational: Who are the two men? Why does Luke use the term “taken from” (v.11) where previously he used “taken up” (vv. 2, 9)?Implicational: What are the eschatological implications of v. 11?

I.b.iii. – Disciples Wait on the Promise (1:12-14)

Observations: Again the writer is transitioning from one event to another by the use of the word “Then” (v. 12). This section in the immediate context is a summary of events after

Definitional: Define the following terms and phrases: Sabbath day’s walk, prayerRational: How far is a Sabbath day’s walk? Implicational:

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the ascension up to Pentecost. In the broader context it serves as an introduction to the events of the next 27 chapters.- People: they (disciples), see list of v. 13,

the women and Mary, brothers- Places: Jerusalem, Mt. Olives, the city,

upstairs room, - God: - Events: joined together in constant prayer- Notes of Time : Sabbath day’s walk

Structural Relationships: Summary, introduction

I.b.iv. – Selection of Matthias (1:15-26)

Observation: Luke uses another transitioning statement v. 15, “In those days.” This seems to be pointing to the days spent between arriving at the upstairs room and Pentecost. This section also appears to be a summary of what happened in “those days” by giving the account of Matthias’s selection as an apostle. It could also be viewed as in introduction to Chapter 2 as it prepares the reader to understand who would be the first recipients of the Spirit.- People: Peter, the believers, David, Judas,

John, Joseph called Barsabbas/Justus, Matthias

- Places: Jerusalem, Akeldama, Field of Blood

- God: Holy Spirit, Jesus, Lord- Events: Peter’s speech (vv. 15-22), the

proposal of two men, prayer, casting lots, Matthias added

- Notes of time: In those days,

Structural Relationships: Summary, introduction, preparation

Defintional: Define the following terms or phrases: ministry, Akeldama, Field of Blood, wickedness, cast lots, lot fellRational: Why Peter? Why was a twelfth apostle necessary? Who were these two men proposed for apostleship? What is the cross-reference for Psalms and what is its original context? What does it mean to “cast lots?” Why does a new apostle have to have been a witness of the resurrection?Implicational: What are the hermeneutical implications of Peter’s use of OT Psalms? What does this section imply about the ministry intended for Judas?

I.c. – The Outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (2:1-4)

Observations: The author transitions from “in those days” to a specific day: Pentecost. This

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: Pentecost, suddenly, violent, tongues of fire, separated, came to rest, filled, enabledRational – What is Pentecost and why is it important to Acts? What does it mean to have

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could be viewed as particularization as the writer moves from a whole to a specific. Notice also the repeated use of the word “all.” They (the inhabitants of the upstairs room) were “all together” (v. 1) and they were “all” filled with the Spirit (v. 4). There is also a causational structure in that cloven tongues appeared and came to rest on each of them and all of them were filled with the Spirit and spoke in other tongues (vv. 2-4a). It seems to be implied by v. 4b this was a cause of the Spirits enablement. This also appears to be the climactic hinge between what happened before and after Pentecost.- People: they (infer believers in upper

room)- Places: one place, whole house, - God: Holy Spirit, - Events: Pentecost, sound of a violent wind,

tongues of fire resting on each believer, filled with the Spirit, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit enables

- Notes of Time: Day of Pentecost, suddenly

Structural Relationships: Particularization, repetition, causation, climax, pivot

tongues of fire “rest” as compared to the Spirit “filling” all of the believers? Is there a difference between what appears to be two events or is this a long description of one event? Implicational – What are the soteriological implications of this section when compared with Acts 2:38 and Peter’s preaching that all would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? What are the implications for today’s believers – do we or should we all speak in tongues?

I.d. – Events After the Outpouring of the Spirit (2:5-47)

I.d.i. – Peter explains what is happening to the curious crowd (2:5-21)

Observations: The author notes a transition between what has happened to the believers at Pentecost with the use of the word “now” (v. 5) and introduces the reader to the scene just after the outpouring of the Spirit. The word “now” seems to imply an immediate event happening after the Spirit’s outpouring and the crowd hearing the believer’s speaking in tongues (vv. 6-12). This event and its obvious visibility is cause for the crowd’s mocking the believers. Which causes Peter to begin to speak in order to explain what is really happening and its connection to prophetic fulfillment (vv.

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: Look up the places mentioned on a map in relationship to Jerusalem? Sound, native language, language, tongues.Rational – Why are all these people at Jerusalem? What would make them think the believers were drunk? Why does the author take the time to list the places people had come from?Implicational – What does this imply about the proclamation of the gospel? If God can cause each of these believers to speak in a language of those present can it and does it still happen today? What is the implication of the term “God-fearing” Jews as it is related to Pentecost?

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14-21). These explanatory remarks are also an introduction to Peter’s preaching in vv. 22-36.- People: God-fearing Jews, the crowd, Joel,- Places: Jerusalem, see list of vv.9-11- God: Spirit, - Events: God-fearing Jews hear the sound

of believers speaking in their languages, the question about this event (vv. 7-8), question about the meaning (v. 12), the mocking of the believers (v. 13), Peter’s explanation (vv. 14-21)

- Notes of Time: now (v. 5)

Structural Relationships: introduction with causation, introductionI.d.ii. – Peter preaches Christ to the curios crowd (2:22-36)

Observations: Peter transitions from speaking to the curious crowd to preaching directly to the “Men of Israel” (v. 22). This might imply the crowd of vv. 5-21 might also have included some non-Jews. Peter’s speech is a summary of Old Testament prophecy concerning Christ and the crucifixion as well as the “Men of Israel’s” culpability in the matter. He is also concerned with the exaltation of Christ to the “right hand of God” (v. 33). The climax of the speech is found in v. 36. - People: the crowd, these men (infer the

believers), Joel, sons and daughters, young men, old men, servants, Men of Israel, David, Brothers,

- Places: - God: God, Jesus of Nazareth, this man

(infer Jesus), Holy One, Lord, Jesus- Events: Peter’s second half of speech.- Notes of Time:

Structural Relationships: Summary, climax

Definitional: Define the following terms or phrases: Men of Israel, accredited, tongue, grave, fill me with joy in your presence, right hand of God, Lord, ChristRational: How is the Psalm about David in vv. 25-28 connected to the events of 2:1-4? What insight does this give us to the implications of 2:1-4?Implicational: What is the implication of Peter addressing a large portion of his speech to the “Men of Israel?” What are the implications of Peter’s comparison of David and Jesus to the original hearer? What are the hermeneutical implications of the use of Psalms by Peter?

I.d.iii. – The curious crowd responds and 3000 are converted (2:37-41)

Observations: The response of the crowd is caused by Peter’s speech in vv. 22-36. Vv. 38-39 is the realization of the opportunity for the

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: Repent, baptized, forgiveness, promise, Rational – How is one to be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ? What is the connection between baptism and forgiveness?

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men of Israel to receive the “promise of the Father” but it also prepares the reader for the eventual spreading of the Gospel to all men with the phrase “those afar off - for all whom the Lord our God will call” (v. 39). Vv. 40-41 represent a summarization by the author of Peter’s further admonition to the crowd and their response of being baptized.- People: the people (them), Peter and the

other apostles, - Places - God: Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit- Events: the question v. 37, the response by

Peter vv. 38-39, and further warnings v. 40, acceptance of the message and baptism v. 41.

- Notes of Time

Structural Relationships: Preparation, summarization

Implicational – What are the soteriological implications of v. 38-39?

I.d.iv. – The New Testament Church begins (2:42-47)

Observations: This section records a summary of what life was like for the believers as well as an generalization of what would be particularized in the life of Peter and John in Chapter 3.

Structural Relationships: summary, particularization

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: fellowship, breaking bread. Rational – Is this description of the church appropriate for what we see in the modern church? Implicational – What are the implications of the believers selling their possessions and giving to those in need?

II. The Church’s Witness In Jerusalem (3:1-8:3)

II. a. – Healing of lame man/Peter Speaks (3:1-26)II.a.i. – Healing of lame man (3:1-10)

Observations: The author transitions from speaking in general about the church and its habits to a particular “One day” and to particular members of the church: Peter and John. This section is also the introduction to the speech of Peter in vv. 11-26.- People: Peter, John, crippled man, all the

Definitional: Define the following terms or phrases: immediately, became strong, wonder and amazementRational: How did the people know this was the beggar at the temple gate? Implicational:

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people- Places: temple, Gate Beautiful, - God: Jesus Christ of Nazareth, God- Events: beggar carried to gate, Peter and

John going to prayer, asking for money, response of Peter and John, healing of lame man

- Notes of Time: One day, time of prayer

Structural Relationships: generalization, particularization, introduction

II.a.ii. – Peter Speaks (3:11-26)

Observations: Peter’s speech is effect of the people seeing the miracle of the lame man. The speech is also the cause of the events of Chapter 4.- People: beggar, Peter and John, all the

people, Men of Israel, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, the prophets, Samuel,

- Places: Solomon’s Colonnade, - God: Righteous One, Jesus, God, the

Christ, the Lord your God- Events: beggar holds onto Peter and John,

people are astonished, Peter’s speaks- Notes of Time: While

Structural Relationships: cause and effect

Defintional – Define the following terms or phrases: Men of Israel, Solomon’s Colonnade, turning (v. 26).Rational – How do vv. 19-20 connect with 2:38-39 and speak about salvation? How does the idea of “turning” relate to repentance?Implicational – What are the eschatological implications of v. 21?

II.b. – Persecution, Prayer, Possessions (4:1-37)

II.b.i. – Persecution (4:1-22)

Observations:This section summarizes the speech given by Peter to the rulers after having been arrested healing the lame man.- People: priests, captain of the temple

guard, Sadducees, Peter and John, the people, rulers, elders, teachers of the law, Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family, the Sanhedrin,

- Places: jail, court (inferred), Jerusalem- God: Jesus, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, God,

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: Sadducees, Sanhedrin, rulers, elders, teachers of the law, Rational – Why all the people? What do these people have in common other than being Jewish? Implicational – What are the implications of vv. 19-20 and our response to people today who question our preaching? What does this imply about our attitude toward suffering?

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the stone you builders rejected, - Events: Peter and John put in jail, many

who heard the message believed and the number grew, meeting called at Jerusalem, Peter and John brought in for questioning, see the courage of Peter and John, can do nothing, command them not to speak in Jesus Name, Peter and John reject their command, further threats by the rulers, send Peter and John away

- Notes of Time: evening, next day, forty years old (referring to healed man of Ch. 3).

Structural Relationships: summaryII.b.ii. – Prayer (4:23-31)

Observations:This section provides an account of Peter and John’s retelling of 4:1-22 to the believers and the effect of that retelling was prayer and the effect of the prayer was the house where they meeting was shaken, all were filled with the Spirit and the word of God is spoken more boldly- People: Peter and John, own people, - Places - God: Holy Spirit, Anointed One, Holy

Spirit- Events: Re-telling of 4:1-22, prayer, house

shaking, filled with Spirit, word of God spoken boldly

- Notes of Time: On their release, After they prayed,

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: boldnessRational – What does it mean when Luke writes, “the house was shaken?”Implicational – What is implied by the phrase, “to their own people” (v. 23)? Does this imply that some disciples had not yet received the Spirit or is does this imply a re-filling? What are the implications between being filled with the Spirit and speaking the word more boldly?

II.b.iii. – Possessions Shared (4:32-37)

Observations:This section is similar to 2:42-47 and serves as a summary of the habits of the believers but also introduces the cause of 5:1-11. There is also an eventual contrasting relationships established between the land owners and Barnabas (vv. 34, 37) and Ananias & Sapphira (5:1-11).- People: all the believers, apostles,

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: heart, mind, great power, testify, needy, distributed, Barnabas,Rational – What does it mean to be “one in heart and mind?” Implicational – What are the implications of the phrase “no needy person among them?” What are the implications for stewardship?

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Barnabas- Places: Cyprus- God: Lord Jesus, - Events: believers shared possessions, most

notably Barnabas who sold land and put the money at the apostle’s feet.

- Notes of Time

Structural Relationships: Summary, introduction, contrast/comparison

II.c. – Internal Problems/External Persecution (5:1-42)II.c.i. – Internal Problems (Ananias & Sapphira) (5:1-11)

Observations:This section is a summary of events leading up to the death of Ananias and Sapphira but also serves to compare and contrast these two characters with Barnabas and other land owners in Chapter 4.- People: Ananias, Sapphira, apostles, Satan, - Places: - God: Holy Spirit, God, Spirit of the Lord, - Events: Ananias/Sapphira sell land and

hold back some of the money, Peter questions them, Ananias lies and dies, Sapphira comes in later and lies and dies.

- Notes of Time: three hours later, at that moment

Structural Relationships: Summary, compare/contrast

Definitional – great fear, churchRational – What does it mean to lie to the Holy Spirit? Did Ananias and Sapphira have a choice as to give or not? What does “at your disposal” mean (v. 4)?Implicational – What does this imply about the authority of the apostles? What does this imply about stewardship?

II.c.ii. – Miracles by the Apostles (5:12-16)

Observations:This section is a preparation for the later realization of persecution in the church. This section almost seems out of place and it seems that 5:1-11 should actually be a part of Chapter 4.- People: apostles, believers, the sick,

Crowds, those tormented by evil spirits,

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: sick, Peter’s shadow, tormentedRational – What does it mean for Peter’s shadow to fall on some of them?Implicational – What are the implications of the phrase “all of them were healed?”

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- Places: Solomon’s Colonnade, - God: Lord- Events: Apostles perform miracles, people

afraid to join them but people still did, the sick and tormented were healed.

- Notes of Time

II.c.iii. – External Persecution (5:17-42)

Observations:This section gives an account of the effect of 5:12-16 which is the arrest and interrogation - People: high priest and all his associates,

Sadducees, the full assembly of the elders of Israel, the officers, captain of the temple guard, chief priests, Sanhedrin, Peter, Gamaliel, Men of Israel,

- Places: public jail, temple court- God: God of our fathers, Jesus, Prince and

Savior, Holy Spirit, Jesus is the Christ,- Events - Notes of Time: at daybreak, day after day,

never stoppedStructural Relationships: cause and effect

Definitional – Define the following terms phrases: the full assembly of the elders of Israel, Rational – Why is it important to know the high priest was a Sadducee? What is the connection between receiving the Spirit and obedience (v. 32)?Implicational –

II.d. – Solving and Internal Problem and Greater Persecution (6:1-15)II.d.i. – Solving an Internal Problem (Grecian Jews/Hebraic Jews) (6:1-7)

Observations:The author shifts from the arrest and release event to a more general “In those days…” speaking primarily of what is happening within the fledgling church. This section preparatory summary of internal church problems leading to the realization of the need to choose men to help the apostles.- People: the disciples, Grecian Jews,

Hebraic Jews, the Twelve, Stephen, see list v. 5, large number of priests

- Places: Jerusalem, - God: Spirit- Events: problem between Grecian and

Hebraic Jews, 7 chosen to oversee the

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: Grecian/Hebraic Jews, Rational – What is the daily distribution of food and why had it become a problem? Why 7 men? What does it mean to be a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit? What is the ministry of the Word? Implicational – What are the implication of church polity?

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daily administration, word of God spreads, large number of priests believe

- Notes of Time: In those days,

Structural Relationships: Preparation, summary, eventual realization

II.d.ii. – Greater Persecution (6:8-15)

Observations:This section connects with the previous as the realization of what it meant for Stephen to be chosen and serves as introduction to Stephen’s defense of Christ before the rulers of Israel.- People: Stephen, Freedmen, Jews of

Cyrene and Alexandria, the people, false witnesses,

- Places: Cilicia, Asia- God: Spirit, Jesus of Nazareth, Sanhedrin- Events: Stephen performs miracles,

opposition arises, false witnesses testify against Stephen, Stephen’s face was that of an angel

- Notes of Time: Now, Then, So

Structural Relationships: Realization, introduction

Definitional – Define the following terms or prhases: full of grace and power, Synagogue of the Freedmen, argue, blasphemyRational – How did they stir up the people? Who were the Freedmen? What does it mean to speak by the Spirit (v. 10)?Implicational – What are the implications about suffering or persecution? What are the implications of true discipleship and service?

II.e. – Stephen and Saul (7:1-8:3)II.e.i. – Stephen (7:1-59)

II.e.i.1. – Speech (7:1-53)Observations: This section is a large narrative wherein Stephen basically summarizes the entire history of Israel with the climax being his accusation in vv. 51-53 which is the cause of his eventual stoning 7:54-59- People: Stephen, high priest, various

characters from OT history- Places - God: Holy Spirit, Righteous One, Most

High- Events: - Notes of Time:

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: stiff-necked, uncircumcised heartRational – Implicational – What are the implications on apologetics?

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II.e.i.2. – Stoning (7:54-59)

Observations:This section is the effect of Stephen’s apologetic. - People: they, Stephen, - Places: heaven, - God: God, Jesus, Son of Man- Events - Notes of Time: When, while they were

stoning him

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: gnashed their teeth, glory of God, right hand of God, fell asleepRational – What does it mean to be full of the Holy Spirit? What is the right hand of God? Implicational – What are the implications about forgiveness?

II.e.ii – Saul (8:1-3)

II.e.ii.1. – Brief Introduction (8:1)

Observations:This is a brief introduction into the character of Saul.

- People: Saul, Stephen and the people stoning him (inferred)

- Places - God - Events - Notes of Time

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: SaulRational – Implicational -

II.e.ii.2. – Persecution by Saul (8:2-3)

Observations:This section further introduces Saul and his character and centers around the persecution he is bringing to the church.- People: the church at Jerusalem, apostles, - Places: Jerusalem, Judea/Samaria- God: - Events: persecution, scattering, burial of

Stephen, persecution from house to house- Notes of Time: On that day,

Definitional – Define the following terms or phrases: persecution, destroyRational – Implicational -

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detailed observation acts 1 to 8

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