Study Guide: Acts of the Apostles
By: Ellen G. White
Study
Guide Index
Prepared by E. G. White Estate
Silver Spring, MD 20904
INTRODUCTION
Of the five volumes in the Conflict
of the Ages set of books written by Ellen G. White, perhaps the most important
for the remnant church is The Acts of the Apostles. This volume should
be required reading for every minister, church leader, and member at this point
in the history of God's people--the time when the church looks forward to the
second Pentecost and the falling of the latter rain. In The Acts of the Apostles
and the biblical book of Acts, the remnant people of God find their spiritual
roots. To understand what God expects of His church today, believers should
study these two books. Here can be found the spiritual model for the modern
church. Under the power of God's Spirit, the church of God today is called to
service for the purpose of completing the work begun by the apostles twenty
centuries ago.
The study guide for The Acts of
the Apostles is designed for use in several ways, depending upon the interests
of the user. Certain lessons provide a deeper understanding of the working of
the Holy Spirit or of the growth of the Christian church. Others focus on the
lives and ministries of Paul, Peter, or John, or the books that came from the
pens of these apostles. For those who wish to get an overview of the entire
book of Acts, the study guide can be followed in a systematic way in lessons
1 to 29. The following subjects and chapters are suggested for shorter studies:
Experience of the early Christian
church: Lessons 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 16, 20, 29.
Ministry (paid, self-supporting,
and lay): Lessons 17, 18.
Holy Spirit: Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4.
Paul: Lessons 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.
Peter: Lessons 4, 8, 10, 25, 26.
John: Lessons 4, 27, 28, 29.
New Testament Letters: Lessons 13,
15, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29.
Several lessons include sentences
with blank spaces for which words must be supplied. These sentences were carefully
chosen because of the spiritual truths they contain. Completing these sentences
should not be considered busywork; the sentences were designed to help fix important
truths in the mind. It would benefit the student if these sentences were to
become "memory verses."
Finally, a number code is given after
each question to help the student find the answer to the question. For example,
(153:4) indicates that the answer can be found in paragraph 4 on page 153. We
believe that through a study of The Acts of the Apostles, the student
will obtain a sense of mission and the vision of a completed work.
Ellen G. White Estate
March, 1991
LESSON 1
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 9-34; John 15
1. List six objectives for which
God has organized the church (9:1).
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
2. How does God look upon any betrayal
of His church on earth (11:2; 1 Cor. 3:16, 17)?
3. Complete the following sentence:
"Enfeebled and ___________________ as it may appear, the ___________________
is the one ___________________ upon which God bestows in a special sense His
___________________" (12:1).
4. What is meant by the statement,
God's church "is the theater of His grace" (12:1)?
5. In what ways did ancient Israel
rob God and man (14:2-15:0)?
6. What kind of people did Jesus
choose to carry on His work on earth (17:1)?
7. At what point was the first step
taken in the organization of Christ's church (18:1)?
8. What was the "middle wall of partition"
that separated Israel from other nations (18:1-19:3)?
9. How did Jesus propose to bring
the disciples into a unity that would make it possible for His work to be done
on earth (20:2)?
10. What made the work of the disciples
so efficient (22:2; 29:1)?
11. Name two conditions essential
to success in spreading the gospel (29:1).
12. Why must the influence of the
Holy Spirit accompany the preaching of the gospel (31:1)?
13. Why was the preaching of the
gospel to begin in Jerusalem (31:2-32:0)?
14. What assurance do we have that
Jesus will return for His people (32:3-34:1)?
Thought Question: Evaluate your own
local congregation in view of the reasons why God has organized His church.
How does it measure up?
LESSON 2
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 35-46; Acts 2:1-39
1. List seven steps the apostles
followed in preparation for the Day of Pentecost. (Share the steps you have
chosen with others to see if they are the same.)
a. 35:2
b. 35:2
c. 36:1
d. 36:1
e. 37:1
f. 37:2
g. 37:3
2. Complete the following graphic
statement which describes what the Holy Spirit is capable of doing: "The sword
of the ___________________, newly edged with ___________________ and bathed
in the ___________________ of ___________________, cut its way through ___________________"
(38:1).
3. What was the result of wielding
the newly-edged Sword (38:1)?
4. What ceremony took place at Christ's
ascension (38:3)?
5. Of what was the descent of the
Holy Spirit a token (39:0)?
6. What was the significance of the
tongues of fire (39:1)?
7. For what purpose was the gift
of tongues given (39:2-40:0)?
8. How did the gift of tongues affect
the disciples' speaking in their own language (40:0)?
9. How do we know the gift of tongues
on Pentecost was the gift to speak foreign languages (40:2; Acts 2:8)?
10. Based on the information about
tongues given in this chapter, how would you understand the experience of tongues-speaking
as recorded in 1 Corinthians 14?
11. What enabled the people to see
the truth contained in the apostles' preaching (44:1)?
12. Give a description of the apostles
before Pentecost, and then following Pentecost (45:2; 46:1).
Thought Question: What would the
gift of the Holy Spirit accomplish in God's church today?
LESSON 3
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 47-56; Acts 2:1-39
1. What will the gift of God's Spirit
bring within the reach of Jesus' followers (47:1)?
2. What was the result of the giving
of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (48:1)?
3. Complete the following sentence:
"So ___________________ can God work when ___________________ give themselves
up to the ___________________ of His ___________________" (49:1).
4. After receiving the power of God's
Spirit, to what degree were the early followers of Jesus freed from temptation
and trial (49:3)?
5. What unhappy results prevail when
the Spirit is a matter little thought of by the church (50:1)?
6. What answer would you give to
Ellen White's question (50:2), "Why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift
of the Spirit?"
7. Definition of holiness: "Holiness
is not ___________________: it is an ___________________ of the will to God:
it is ___________________ by every word that ___________________ from the mouth
of ___________________; it is ___________________ the will of our ___________________;
it is trusting God in ___________________, in ___________________ as well as
in the ___________________; it is ___________________ by ___________________
and not by sight; it is ___________________ on God with ___________________,
and ___________________ in His love" (51:2).
8. Why is silence golden when it
comes to the nature of the Holy Spirit (52:1)?
9. What is the office of the Holy
Spirit?
a. 52:2
b. 52:3
c. 52:4
d. 52:5-53:0
10. Through whom has the Holy Spirit
worked in past ages, and for what purpose (53:1)?
11. What is the Spirit enabling God's
people to do today (53:2-54:0)?
12. For what are some Christians
waiting, and why is it dangerous to wait (54:1)?
13. In the time of the end, what
will accompany the earnest efforts of God's people while doing His work (54:2)?
14. With what periods in church history
are the early and latter rains identified (54:2-55:1)?
a. Early rain
b. Latter rain
15. What will the latter rain accomplish
(55:1)?
16. Who will receive the latter rain
(55:2-56:2)?
Thought Question: What steps are
you presently taking to prepare yourself for the latter rain? If you cannot
think of any, what changes can you make in your life so you will be prepared
to receive the promised power?
LESSON 4
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 57-69; Acts 3; 4:1-31
1. As the disciples began their work,
how did they look upon themselves, and how was the problem resolved (57:1)?
2. Give the two preparatory steps
taken by Peter and John that placed them in a position where they could be used
by God as instruments of healing (57:2).
3. What was it in the crippled man's
background that led him to respond quickly to Peter's command (57:2-58:1)?
4. Why were the Sadducees upset with
the preaching of Peter and John (60:1-61:1)?
5. Why did the Jewish leaders refuse
to recognize that the Holy Spirit was directing the preaching of the apostles
(61:-62:0)?
6. Give two reasons why the wrath
of God is declared against unrepentant sinners (62:1).
a.
b.
7. As Peter stood before the Sanhedrin,
what was he determined to do (62:2-63:0)?
8. What course did the religious
leaders decide to follow in dealing with Peter and John (66:2-67:1)?
9. How many times were the apostles
filled with the Holy Spirit, and what do you think was the purpose for each
infilling?
a. John 20:22
b. Acts 2:1-4
c. Acts 4:31
10. Under what circumstance have
Christians found that they must defy the laws of their countries (68:1-69:1)?
Thought Question: In what ways might
God's people today find themselves opposing truth and the working of the Holy
Spirit?
LESSON 5
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 70-86; Acts 4:32-5:42
1. Ellen White predicted: "Before
the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the
people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed
since apostolic times" (The Great Controversy, p. 464). How does The
Acts of the Apostles, pp. 70, 71, define "primitive godliness," and who
is its source?
2. Explain what Ananias and Sapphira
planned to do (72:1; Acts 5:1, 2).
3. Why did God move so quickly against
Ananias and Sapphira (73:4)?
4. What did God intend to teach through
the punishment against Ananias and Sapphira (73:4-74:0)?
5. Why were each of the following
groups angry with the disciples of Jesus (78:1, 2)?
a. Sadducees
b. Pharisees
6. Summarize Gamaliel's speech (Acts
5:33-39).
7. What led Gamaliel to caution the
Sanhedrin against taking the lives of the apostles (82:3; Acts 5:38, 39)?
Thought Question: Why does God tolerate
the spirit of Ananias and Sapphira in the church today?
LESSON 6
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 87-111; Acts 6-8
1. When Satan failed to spread the
"spirit" of Ananias and Sapphira among the early believers, what was his next
move (87:3-88:1)?
2. What was to be the responsibility
of the new leaders within the church, and what did the apostles consider their
responsibility to be (89:1-90-1; Acts 6:2-4)?
3. Under what conditions only could
the church hope to advance from victory to victory (90:2-91:1)?
4. What qualified Stephen to be an
effective preacher (97:1)?
5. Compare the Jews' reaction to
the teachings of Jesus and Stephen, and how they treated both of these preachers
(98:1-99:1).
6. What was it about Stephen's sermon
that angered the Jews (99:2 -100:2)?
7. At what point in time was Saul
elected to the Sanhedrin (102:1)?
8. At what point in time did Nicodemus
publicly demonstrate his faith in Jesus (104:1, 105:1)?
9. How much did his faith in Jesus
cost Nicodemus (105:1)?
10. What danger did the church in
Jerusalem face as a result of the success God had given to them in soul winning
(105:2)?
11. Give the historical background
for Philip's success in Samaria (106:2-107:0).
12. What lesson can we learn from
the experience of Philip (109:2, 4; 110:0)?
13. Complete the following sentence:
"God's ___________________ have always been ___________________, consecrating
their ___________________ to the honor of His name and wisely using their ___________________
in His ___________________" (109:3).
14. Who in the church is called to
work for the salvation of souls (110:1, 2)?
Thought Question: Point out the similarities
between the experience of the church in Jerusalem after a period of success
and the experience of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today (see 105:2).
LESSON 7
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 112-130; Acts 9:1-30
1. What effect did Stephen's death
have on Saul (112:1-113:0)?
2. What did Saul do to resolve the
internal conflict he experienced (113:0, 1)?
3. Of what three things was Saul
convinced when he saw the risen Lord (115:2)?
a.
b.
c.
4. At the time of the heavenly illumination,
what did the Holy Spirit bring to Saul's mind (115:3-116:0)?
a.
b.
c.
5. Before seeing the glorified Lord,
what had brought Saul to an almost overwhelming conviction that Jesus was the
Messiah (116:2-117:0)?
a.
b.
c.
6. How did Saul regard his blindness
(117:3)?
7. With whom did Saul stay while
in Damascus (118:1-119:0)?
8. During the days of blindness,
for what did Saul long, and what was his intense desire (119:2)?
9. What does Saul's experience within
Judaism teach us about people who oppose truth today (120:2)?
10. Once Saul had humbled himself
before God in repentance, to whom did God direct him (120:3-122:4)?
11. Trace the steps Saul followed
while alone in the desert which resulted in his establishment in the Christian
faith (125:3-126:0).
12. Who was Saul's personal Teacher
(126:0)?
13. Complete the following sentence:
"When the ___________________ of man is brought into communion with the ___________________
of ___________________, the finite with the ___________________ , the effect
on ___________________ and ___________________ and ___________________ is beyond
estimate. In such ___________________ is found the highest ___________________"
(126:1).
14. What was Saul's main purpose
for going to Jerusalem after his conversion (128:3)?
15. What was Saul's mistaken opinion
of his former teachers (129:1)?
Thought Question: Compare your conversion
to that of Saul. What are the similarities or differences? Is one type of conversion
more genuine than another?
LESSON 8
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 131-65; Acts 9:32-13:3
1. Give a short biographical sketch
of Cornelius (132:3-133:1).
2. What is God's plan for those who
receive the light of truth (134:1-3)?
3. Describe Peter's attitude toward
Gentiles (135:3-136:3).
4. Why did Peter take six fellow
Jews with him to Cornelius' house (137:2)?
5. How does the Bible make clear
that Peter's vision of the sheet was not permission from God to eat unclean
animals (138:2-4; Acts 10:28)?
6. How do we know that the gift of
the Holy Spirit and tongues given to Cornelius and his household was identical
to what was given on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 10:44-47; 11:15-17)?
7. What was accomplished by Cornelius'
conversion (142:2)?
8. What had Herod failed to do in
the execution of James that he now planned to do with Peter (144:3)?
9. Why did the religious leaders
not want Peter's execution during the Passover (144:3-145:0)?
10. At what point had the presence
of God been withdrawn from the temple in Jerusalem (145:2)?
11. What precautions did Herod take
to keep Peter in prison (145:4-146:0)?
12. How did Herod relate to Peter's
release (149:3)?
13. What brought about Herod's downfall
(149:4-151:1)?
14. What benefit to the gospel resulted
from the death of Herod (152:2)?
15. What responsibilities has God
assigned to angels (152:4- 154:2)?
16. Who opened up the gospel work
in Antioch of Syria (156:1)?
17. What name was attached to the
followers of Jesus at Antioch? Who gave them this name? What kind of name is
it (157:1, 2)?
18. What conviction was brought home
to Paul's mind as he worked together with Barnabas (159:1)?
19. What does the work and success
of Paul and Barnabas in Antioch suggest to you, seeing they had not yet been
ordained to the gospel ministry (160:1)?
20. Although these men were not ordained
at first, what office did they hold (Acts 13:1)?
21. From what event did Paul date
the beginning of his apostleship (164:2-165:0)?
Thought Question: Based on 163:1-164:1,
what philosophy would you develop for independent ministries?
LESSON 9
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 166-87; Acts 13:4-14:26
1. What suggestion did Barnabas make
as he and Paul prepared for their first missionary tour (166:3-167:0)?
2. What is Satan's reaction whenever
the gospel is preached to prominent persons of integrity (167:2)?
3. When working for this kind of
person, what should the gospel worker not fear (167:3-168:0)?
4. In what forms may the worker for
Jesus meet the archenemy (169:1)?
5. What led Mark to desert Paul and
Barnabas (169:3-170:0)?
6. Contrast the attitude of Paul
with that of Barnabas toward the deserter (170:1, 2).
7. What motivated the Jews at Antioch
in Pisidia to turn against Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:44, 45)?
8. How did Jesus foretell the spread
of the gospel to the Gentiles (174:2)?
9. What was the final response of
the Jews in Antioch to the preaching of the gospel (176:1, 2)?
10. What methods did the enemies
of the gospel use in Iconium in an attempt to stop the preaching of the apostles
(178:1-179:0) ?
11. What approach was taken by Paul
and Barnabas to present Jesus to the people of Lystra (180:1-181:0)?
12. Explain the change in the attitude
of the people in Lystra (183:1-184:0)?
13. List five things the apostles
did in order to care for the spiritual well-being of new converts (185:2-186:2).
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Thought Question: Can you think of
a modern-day parallel to the Jews' attitude toward the preaching of Paul and
Barnabas?
LESSON 10
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 188-200; Acts 15:1-3.
1. After Paul and Barnabas returned
from their first missionary trip, what doctrinal controversy arose at Antioch
in Syria (188:2 -189:1)?
2. What fear motivated the actions
of Paul's opponents (189:2)?
3. What had these Jewish opponents
failed to understand (189:3-190:1)?
4. What decision was reached by the
believers in Antioch (190:2)?
5. Give the two agreements that were
entered into by the disputing parties (190:2).
a.
b.
6. Besides circumcision, what other
items demanded the attention of the representatives at the council?
a. 191:2
b. 191:3
c. 192:2
7. Who, in reality, had already settled
all of these issues (192:3; 194:3)?
8. How did Peter defend the rights
of Gentile Christians (192:4-194:0)?
9. When the discussion was over,
what decision was announced by James (195:1, 2)?
10. How seriously was the decision
of the Council to be taken? Why? (196:0)
11. How did God Himself answer the
question that was considered by the Council (196:1)?
12. After the decisions of the Jerusalem
Council were announced in Antioch, what effects were seen in that church (197:3-198:0)?
13. Name two influential people who
were affected by these events (198:0).
14. Why did God permit Peter to fall
into this embarrassing situation (198:1-199:0)?
15. Complete the following sentence:
"The greater the ___________________ placed upon the human agent, and the larger
his ___________________ to ___________________ and ___________________, the
more ___________________ he is sure to do ___________________ he does not carefully
follow the way of the Lord and ___________________ in harmony with the ___________________
arrived at by the general ___________________ of ___________________ in united
___________________" (199:1).
16. What guided Paul's thinking through
this church controversy (199:3-200:2)?
Thought Question: What lessons for
God's church today can be learn from the experience of the Jerusalem Council
and its aftermath?
LESSON 11
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 201-20; Acts 15:36-16:40
1. Why did Paul and Barnabas want
to revisit the churches they had established in Asia Minor (201:1, 2)?
2. Give the reasons why Paul objected
to taking Mark on the second missionary journey (202:1).
3. Do you agree with Paul, or do
you think he was too hard on Mark?
4. Give the qualifications of Timothy
for the gospel ministry (202:3-205:2).
5. Why did Paul advise Timothy to
be circumcised (204:1)?
6. Upon what basis can Paul be considered
a true shepherd of God's flock (206:1-207:1)?
7. Identify the characteristics of
the ministry of the early workers in the church of Christ (209:1).
8. Give the prescription for success
in the ministry today (209:2).
9. What position does the cross take
in the experience of a Christian (209:3-210:1)?
10. How was the call to take the
gospel to Europe given to Paul (211:1, 2)?
11. Why did Paul not take kindly
to the free advertising he and his evangelistic team received from the woman
who followed them around Philippi (212:2-213:0)?
12. List the motives behind the arrest
of Paul and Silas (213:1-3).
13. After the city fathers of Philippi
arrested and beat Paul and Silas, what did they learn, and why did they decide
to release them privately the next morning (214:2)?
14. Following the earthquake and
the opening of the prison doors, what kept the prisoners from escaping (216:0)?
15. Explain the "new, strange dread"
that replaced the fear in the heart of the Philippian jailer (216:3-217:1).
16. List the various ways Satan works
against those who are doing God's work (219:1-220:1).
Thought Question: What is your reaction
to the split between Paul and Barnabas?
LESSON 12
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 221-254; Acts 17:1-18:18
1. What evidences could Paul and
Silas call upon from the Old Testament to convince the Jews in Thessalonica
that Jesus was the Christ?
a. 222:1
b. 222:2
c. 222:3
d. 223:1-3
e. 223:4-224:0
f. 224:1, 2
g. 225:1-226:2
h. 226:3-227:0
i. 227:1
j. 227:2-228:0
2. What personal testimony did Paul
give to the Jews in Thessalonica (228:1-229:0)?
3. What moved the unbelieving Jews
against Paul and Silas (229:3)?
4. List two accusations brought against
Paul and Silas (230:0).
a.
b.
5. When they heard the gospel, how
did the Berean Jews respond differently from the Jews in Thessalonica (Acts
17:11)?
a.
b.
6. How did the art and culture of
the city of Athens affect Paul (234:2, 3)?
7. What impression did Paul make
on the "intellectuals" of Athens (235:2)?
8. What did Paul teach concerning
a. God (238:1)?
b. Man (238:2-239:0)?
c. Jesus (239:1)?
9. Why was the preaching of the cross
"foolishness" (1 Cor. 1:18) to the Athenians (240:1)?
10. What is our responsibility toward
educated people and persons in positions of power today (241:2-242:1)?
11. Why was it important to have
a Christian church in Corinth (243:1)?
12. Describe the moral condition
of Corinth (243:3-244:0).
13. Point out the differences in
Paul's approach to the people in Athens and in Corinth (244:1-245:1).
14. Why did Paul think of the cross
as being the heart of the gospel message (245:3-246:1)?
15. Give the step-by-step sequence
that Paul followed in preaching the gospel to his fellow Jews (246:2-248:0).
16. Describe Paul's method of working
for Christ (250:3; 251:3-252:0).
17. Who was the source of Paul's
efficient ministry (251:2)?
18. What turn of events did Paul
witness for the first time in Corinth (253:2)?
Thought Question: Why does not the
preaching of the gospel today raise opposition as it did when Paul and Silas
preached?
LESSON 13
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 255-280; Acts 18:18-28; 1 and 2 Thessalonians; 1 Corinthians
1. What important doctrine had the
believers in Thessalonica misunderstood, and what was Paul's instruction on
this doctrine (257:3-258:2)?
2. How did Paul's instruction affect
the church (259:1-3)?
3. What does Paul teach regarding
an indifferent attitude toward the signs of Jesus' coming (259:4-260:1)?
4. What did the Thessalonians mistakenly
think Paul taught about the second advent of Jesus, and how did he correct their
misunderstanding (264:1-265:1)?
5. What must develop in the religious
world before Jesus would return (265:2-266:2)?
6. Where did Paul first meet Aquila
and Priscilla (243:2)?
7. What service did Aquila and Priscilla
render in Ephesus (269:2-270:1)?
8. How effective was Apollos' ministry
(270:2)?
9. What problem arose after Apollos
arrived in Corinth (270:2)?
10. Summarize Paul's work for the
Corinthian church (270:3-273:1).
11. How had the advancement of some
of the Corinthian believers been hindered(271:1)?
12. What does the grace of God do
to the natural disposition of the human being (273:2)?
13. How did Paul look upon the discussion
in the Corinthian church as to the merits of different ministers (273:3-274:0)?
14. As the messenger of the Lord,
how did Ellen White look upon the tendency to compare one worker in God's cause
with another (274:1-276:2)?
15. In what ways is God dishonored
by some church members (277:2)?
16. Why is a church benefited by
having different ministers over the years (277:2-278:1)?
17. What danger lurks for those who
have an independent spirit and refuse to listen to the voice of the church (278:4;
279:2)?
18. Describe the personal relationship
between Paul and Apollos (280:2).
Thought Question: What do you think
would be the best way to settle a disagreement in your church that is rooted
in a party spirit?
LESSON 14
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 281-297; Acts 19:1-20:1
1. How did God prepare the way for
the Jews of the dispersion to hear and respond to the good news about Jesus
(281:3-282:0)?
2. What message was being preached
by the "disciples" Paul found in Ephesus (282:1)?
3. Whose disciples were they (282:1)?
4. How do we know that they had not
been baptized in the name of Jesus (282:2-283:1)?
5. How were these disciples now qualified
to labor as Christian missionaries in Ephesus (283:1)?
6. What lesson of great value can
be learned from the experience of these disciples (283:2-284:0)?
7. How does Ellen White describe
the working of the Holy Spirit within the life of a born-again Christian (284:1-285:0)?
8. Why did these disciples decide
to be rebaptized (285:1)?
9. How did God use Paul to work against
the superstitions that were connected with the goddess Diana (286:2-287:0)?
10. What information was contained
in the books that were burned (288:4-289:0)?
11. Identify two ways in which the
ministry of Paul had an impact on heathen worship in Ephesus.
a. 291:3-292:1
b. 292:2; 295:1
12. Who was the ringleader of the
opposition against Paul (292:3-293:0)?
13. Who defended Paul (295:2)?
Thought Question: What form has spiritualism
taken in our modern world?
LESSON 15
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 298-334; 1 and 2 Corinthians
1. Complete the following sentences:
"The ___________________ must be ___________________. Every weak, doubting,
struggling soul who ___________________ fully to the Lord is placed in direct
___________________ with ___________________ that enable him to ___________________
is near to him, and he has the ___________________ and ___________________ of
___________________ of mercy in every time of ___________________ and ___________________"
(299:1).
2. What effect did Paul's presence
have upon the believers in Corinth (299:2)?
3. When Paul left Corinth, what happened
(299:3-300:0)?
4. Describe the nature of the letter
that the Corinthian believers sent to Paul while he was in Ephesus (300:2)?
5. Identify five problems that had
come into the Corinthian church (300:3):
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
6. How does Ellen White describe
the book of First Corinthians (301:0)?
7. How is it that we can consider
what Paul wrote in First Corinthians as being inspired when God did not give
him direct communications about some of the matters in Corinth (302:3-303:0)?
8. What was one of the more serious
evils that developed among the Corinthians (303:2-304:0; 1 Cor.5:1)?
9. How are the Olympic races and
the Christian's preparation for heaven compared (309:1-312:0)?
10. List the weights that hinder
Christian progress and that must be laid aside (312:1).
11. What effect will one cherished
sin have on a person's character (312:1)?
12. How much effort is necessary
to gain the eternal prize (314:1-315:0)?
13. What sins and conditions led
to the downfall of ancient Israel at Baalpeor (315:2-316:0)?
14. What does Paul include in the
term idolatry (317:1)?
15. What virtue characterizes the
life of a true disciple (318:2-319:0)?
16. How did Paul meet the idea that
there is no resurrection of the dead (319:5-321:1)?
17. What were Paul's feelings after
he sent his first letter to the Corinthians (321:3-322:0)?
18. Give the background for the writing
of Second Corinthians (323:1-325:0).
19. What was Paul's reaction to the
way his first letter had been received by the Corinthian church (324:3-325:2)?
20. What did Paul mean when he wrote,
"Ye are our epistle" (327:2-328:1; 2 Cor. 3:2)?
21. How is a true minister for Christ
described by Ellen White (328:2-329:1)?
22. How great was the price paid
by Paul and his fellow laborers in order to bring the gospel to the Corinthians
(330:2-332:2)?
Thought Question: How would you have
handled the problems that plagued the church in Corinth?
LESSON 16
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 335-345
1. What is God's plan for the support
of those who preach the gospel message (335:1-337:0)?
2. What kind of sin does God consider
it when one withholds tithe (336:1)?
3. What was the tithing system designed
to teach Israel (337:1)?
4. Give the major difference in tithing
of ancient Israel and God's church today (337:2-338:1).
5. Through what attitude and practice
does a person reveal that he has no real love for Christ's service in his heart
(338:2)?
6. When one really loves Christ,
how will he look upon the act of giving to Christ's work (338:3-339:0)?
7. What leads people to keep for
themselves what belongs to God (339:1)?
8. What is the spirit of heaven (339:2)?
9. At what point is the follower
of Jesus relieved from bringing his tithes and offerings to Jesus (339:4-340:0)?
10. What is the responsibility of
the church toward its ministers (340:1-341:1)?
11. What is the responsibility of
ministers (341:1, 2)?
12. Upon what two principles is the
value of the offering estimated (342:1)?
a.
b.
13. What group of churches were especially
generous, and was the church at Corinth included among them (343:1-344:1)?
14. How did these churches look upon
their act of giving to the cause of Christ (343:2)?
15. What level of spirituality is
closely associated with Christian liberality (344:3-345:1)?
16. What accompanies the retention
of possessions for selfish purposes (345:0)?
Thought Question: After examining
your local church and the world field, what needs are the most urgent? (Give
two in your local church and two in the world field.)
LESSON 17
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 346-58
1. What example was set by Paul for
those who wish to engage in some type of self-supporting ministry (346:1-347:2)?
2. In what city do we first read
that Paul maintained himself by manual labor (347:2)?
3. Why did Paul feel that it was
necessary to set an example of physical labor in Thessalonica (347:3-348:0)?
4. Give the reasoning of those who
refused to work (348:1)?
5. Why did Paul feel he must labor
with his hands while he was in Corinth (349:1, 2)?
6. From whom did Paul accept some
financial help (348:2; 350:1, 2)?
7. In what other city did Paul carry
on a self-supporting ministry (351:1)?
8. List several reasons why the time
Paul spent making tents was not wasted as far as the advancement of the gospel
was concerned (351:2-352:0).
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
9. Who profited from Paul's physical
labor (352:1)?
10. For what reason is physical labor
a blessing (352:3-353:0)?
a.
b.
c.
11. What is the result of the spirit
of indolence (352:3; 353:1)?
12. What counsel has God given to
young men who wish to preach the gospel (353:2-354:2)?
13. Against what influence was Paul's
example as a self-supporting worker an argument (355:1)?
14. What is Ellen White's counsel
to self-supporting workers (355:2-358:0)?
Thought Question: What type of self-supporting
ministry can you engage in so the gospel may be spread abroad in your community?
LESSON 18
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 359-71
1. What principle of God's character
is to be the basis of all Christian ministry (359:1)?
2. How did Jesus try to establish
this principle in the hearts of His disciples (359:2)?
3. What is one of the major responsibilities
of the ambassadors of Christ (360:1-361:1)?
4. What will be the end result if
the ambassador loses his spiritual sensitivity and fails in his responsibilities
(361:1)?
5. As the faithful watchman is guided
by the Holy Spirit, what will he be able to do (361:2-362:0)?
6. What degree of commitment is required
of a co-worker with Christ (362:1, 2)?
7. How do co-workers with Christ
receive power in their ministries (362:3-363:0)?
8. Against what must the minister
guard himself? How is he to do this, and why (363:1)?
9. Why is house-to-house ministry
important (363:2-365:0)?
10. How else is the minister today
to follow Christ's method of labor (365:1)?
11. What about moonlighting (365:2-367:0)?
12. What can we learn from Paul's
training of Timothy and Titus (367:3-368:1)?
13. How can this principle be applied
by a minister to his local congregation?
14. What assurance does God give
to all who dedicate themselves to work for Him (368:3-371:1)?
Thought Question: How can the instruction
found in this chapter be applied to laymen who hold positions of responsibility
in local churches?
LESSON 19
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 372-88; Romans; Galatians
1. What change had taken place in
the experience of the Corinthian church as a result of the letters Paul wrote
to them (372:1, 2)?
2. To whom did Paul send a letter
during his return trip to Corinth (373:1)?
3. Why has the epistle to the Romans
been so significant for the Christian church throughout New Testament times
(373:2-374:0)?
4. What is the major concern expressed
by Paul in this epistle (374:1, 2)?
5. Explain what Paul means when he
says that God has not cast off Israel (374:3-379:1).
6. What has the nation of Israel
still failed to achieve (379:2)?
7. To whom did Isaiah refer when
he said, "A remnant shall be saved" (379:3-380:1)?
8. What special work does God predict
will take place during the closing proclamation of the gospel (381:1)?
9. Where was Paul when he wrote Galatians
(383:1)?
10. What decisions were ignored by
false teachers who were urging Jewish traditions upon the churches in Galatia
(383:1)?
11. Identify the differences between
Paul's approach to the problems in Galatia and those in Corinth (384:3-385:2).
12. Why did Paul think it was important
to remind the Galatians that he had received his instruction in the gospel from
Jesus Himself (386:1)?
13. Describe the men who were misleading
the Galatian Christians (386:2-387:0).
14. Complete the following sentence:
"To substitute ___________________ of religion for ___________________ of heart
and life is still as ___________________ to the ___________________ as it was
in the days of these ___________________" (387:1).
15. What deception did Satan attempt
to bring into the church during apostolic times, and what is he attempting to
do today (387:1)?
a. Apostolic times:
b. Today:
16. What was the result of Paul's
letter to the Galatians (388:3)?
Thought Question: What can your local
congregation do to reach the Jews who live around you ?
LESSON 20
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 389-418; Acts 20:4-23:35
1. List the reasons why Paul wanted
to return to Jerusalem for the Passover (389:1).
a.
b.
c.
d.
2. How did the Jews regard Paul's
teaching, and what were they determined to do about it (389:2-390:1)?
3. Which day was Paul's final day
in Troas, and why did the believers gather together (391:2; Acts 20:7-12)?
4. If the believers gathered on the
first day of the week and Paul preached until midnight, according to Western
calculations when was the meeting held?
5. What had the Holy Spirit revealed
about Paul's stay in Jerusalem, and how was this message later confirmed (396:2;
Acts 20:22, 23; 21:10-12)?
6. What dangers were to come to the
church at Ephesus after Paul's death (395:1)?
7. Why had the wrath of the whole
Jewish nation turned upon Paul (390:1; 397:5-398:2).
8. Explain the attitude of some in
Jerusalem toward Paul when he finally presented the contributions of their Gentile
brethren (399:1-400:1).
9. What was the underlying cause
behind the opposition that Paul met in Jerusalem (401:1, 2)?
10. What golden opportunity was missed
by the leaders of the church in Jerusalem (402:3-403:1)?
11. Why did the leaders in Jerusalem
suggest a compromise to Paul (404:1-405:0)?
12. Why did Paul agree to the compromise,
and what was the result (405:1-406:0)?
13. Who "blew the whistle" on Paul
(406:2)?
14. In the wild excitement that followed,
what charges were hurled against him (406:3-407:0)?
15. List three things Paul anguished
over when he was alone again in his cell (412:2-413:0)?
a.
b.
c.
16. How did comfort come to Paul
in his lonely cell, and, in the meantime, what were his enemies doing (413:1,
3-414:1)?
17. How did God look upon the leaders
of the church in Jerusalem who opposed the work of Paul (416:2-417:2)?
18. What similarity exists between
Paul's experience and the experience of some in the church today (417:3-418:1)?
Thought Question: How can Christians
today prevent a repetition of Paul's experience with those who opposed him in
Jerusalem?
LESSON 21
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 419-38; Acts 24:1-26:3
1. What type of person was Felix
(419:1-420:0)?
2. How did Paul defend himself against
the charges leveled by Tertullus (420:1-422:0)?
3. Why did Felix keep Paul in prison
when he knew Paul was innocent of the charges brought against him (422:0)?
4. How did Paul present the gospel
to Felix and Drusilla (422:2-423:2)?
5. Give some of the truths of the
gospel that Paul touched upon (423:3-425:2).
6. How did Felix react to Paul's
preaching (425:3-426:2)?
7. Why did Paul not take advantage
of the opportunities for his release from prison (426:3-427:0)?
8. What finally happened to Felix
(427:1, 2)?
9. What plans did the Jews make when
Festus replaced Felix (428:1)?
10. Who influenced Festus' decision
to leave Paul in Caesarea (429:1)?
11. What led Paul to appeal to Caesar
(429:3-430:1)?
12. What experience awaits God's
true people in the last days (430:4-432:0)?
13. Who was Agrippa II (433:1)?
14. What was the content of Paul's
message to Agrippa (436:1-437:1)?
15. What prevented Agrippa from accepting
Jesus (438:1-4)?
Thought Question: What lessons can
we learn from the lives of Felix and Agrippa?
LESSON 22
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 439-68; Acts 27:1-28:31; Philemon
1. Who were Paul's companions during
his trip to Rome (439:1-440:0)?
2. What was the burden of Paul's
heart as the ship was ravaged by the storm (442:1, 2)?
3. How close did Paul come to not
reaching Rome (445:1)?
4. What type of ministry did Paul
carry on while on Melita (Acts 28:7-10)?
5. Describe Paul's outlook as he
began the 140-mile trip from Puteoli to Rome (448:1, 2).
6. How was Paul's heart cheered as
he progressed toward Rome (448:3-449:1)?
7. Who were the first to whom Paul
presented Christ upon arriving in Rome (450:1-452:1)?
8. From Paul's approach to the Jews
in Rome, what practical lessons can we learn about the presentation of the gospel
(450:2-452:2)?
9. Who were some of Paul's companions
during his imprisonment in Rome (454:2-455:0)?
10. At this point in Paul's life,
what do we know about Mark (455:1)?
11. What are the principles of the
gospel that are contained in the relationship between Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon
(456:1-459:0).
12. What effect should Christianity
have upon the political and social systems in our society (459:3-460:1)?
13. Why does the gospel have its
greatest success among the humbler classes? Is this true today (461:1)?
14. What was the moral condition
of Nero and those who attended him in his court (461:3-463:0)?
15. By what means did the message
of the gospel take root in Ceasar's household (463:1-464:3)?
16. What lessons can Christians today
learn from the spread of the gospel into the household of Nero (465:1-466:0)?
17. What testimony do the believers
in Nero's household bear to Seventh-day Adventists who cluster together in one
center (466:1-467:0)?
18. What characteristics will those
possess who take opportunity to witness for God (467:1, 2)?
19. How is Christian character developed
(467:3-468:0)?
Thought Question: How would you have
dealt with Onesimus?
LESSON 23
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 469-84; Colossians; Philippians
1. Give Paul's credentials as an
inspired writer (469:1).
2. What special help can be found
in Paul's epistles (471:0)?
3. What was Paul's desire for the
believers in Colosse (471:1)?
4. What spiritual possibility is
held out to the children of God (471:2)?
5. What still proves to be a greater
danger to the church than persecution (473:3-474:0)?
6. What is the standard of truth
(474:0, 2-475:0)?
7. What is the fruit of higher criticism
(474:1)?
8. What is the fruit of spiritualism
(474:1)?
9. By what means is the image of
Christ recreated within the human being (475:1, 2)?
10. When we become members of the
spiritual kingdom, what opposition and difficulties may we expect (477:0)?
11. List the spiritual insights that
can be gained from Paul's epistle to the Colossians (477:2-478:3).
12. Name another epistle that was
written by Paul from Rome (479:1).
13. How did God reveal His way of
working with His children through Paul's experience (481:1)?
14. Why is it necessary for human
beings and God to work together in the plan of salvation (482:1-483:2)?
15. What was Paul's aim and all-absorbing
motive in his ministry (483:3-484:0)?
Thought Question: What changes in
your life would finally give to you the same aim and motive that filled Paul's
life?
LESSON 24
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 485-513; 1 and 2 Timothy
1. Identify the two problems that
Paul faced as he neared the end of his second year of confinement in Rome (485:1,
2).
a.
b.
2. Describe the nature of Paul's
ministry after his release (487:3-488:1).
3. Upon what pretext was Paul arrested
the second time (489:1)?
4. Who stood by the imprisoned apostle,
and what happened to the rest of his team (490:1-491:2)?
5. On what did Paul focus as he defended
himself at his second trial (494:3-495:1)?
6. What effect did Paul's defense
have on Nero (496:1, 2)?
7. What finally happened to Nero
(496:3-497:1)?
8. In the last letter Paul ever wrote,
what was his advice to Timothy (498:1-501:0)?
9. What counsel can a minister in
God's church today glean from Paul's words to Timothy (501:1-502:2)?
10. How is sin in the church to be
handled (502:3-504:1)?
11. When Paul spoke about those who
would not endure sound doctrine, to whom does Ellen White say he is referring
(504:2-505:0)?
12. What is the best way to counter
the growing contempt for God's law (506:1, 2)?
13. What qualities are needed by
church workers today (506:3-507:2)?
14. Why did Nero put off Paul's execution
(509:1)?
15. What good resulted from Paul's
execution (509:2-510:1)?
16. During the final moments of his
life, of whom was Paul thinking (510:2-511:1)?
17. As far as Paul himself was concerned,
upon what did his thoughts dwell (511:2-513:0)?
Thought Question: How can God's people
prepare for difficult times ahead?
LESSON 25
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 514-28; 1 and 2 Peter
1. In what geographical area did
Peter's early ministry take place (514:1)?
2. What double responsibility did
God lay upon Peter (514:2-515:2)?
3. How was Peter prepared for the
work to which Jesus called him (515:1)?
4. What is the one condition of heart
essential for fruitful work (515:3-516:1)?
5. Complete the following sentence:
"Of the ___________________ that is ___________________, of the ___________________
that ___________________ to heal, of the ___________________ that ___________________
hope, they have ___________________ to ___________________" (516:3).
6. What was the fruit of Peter's
ministry (516:4-517:0)?
7. What elements of his personal
experience do Peter's epistles reflect (517:1)?
a.
b.
c.
8. Although written originally for
Christians living in the first century, why are Peter's two epistles important
to us today (518:1-519:0)?
9. By what means is the soul "born
again" (520:1-521:1)?
10. List some of the subjects Peter
deals with in his epistles:
a. 521:3-522:1
b. 522:2
c. 522:3-523:0
d. 523:1-524:0
e. 524:1, 2
11. What purposes does God have in
allowing trials to come into the life of a Christian (524:2-525:0)?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
12. What responsibility does Peter,
the undershepherd, pass on to the elders of the church (525:2-527:0)?
Thought Question: What truths have
you found in Peter's epistles that have been especially meaningful to you?
LESSON 26
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 529-38; 2 Peter
1. What household article for climbing
does Ellen White use to illustrate Christian progress as presented in Peter's
second epistle (529:1-530:1)?
2. List the rounds of the ladder
the Christian must climb (530:1).
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
3. What is the ultimate goal of character
development for the Christian (530:2)?
4. How are God's people made complete
(530:2)?
a.
b.
c.
5. What can a true knowledge of God
accomplish (531:0)?
a.
b.
6. How can the Christian attain to
perfection of character (531:2)?
7. In the plan of salvation, what
is the responsibility of the Christian (532:1)?
8. What happens if we try to climb
the Christian ladder while losing sight of Jesus (532:3-533:0)?
9. What eliminates the possibility
of failure in the Christian's experience (533:1)?
10. What convincing evidence of the
certainty of our hope do we possess (534:3-535:0)?
11. At what point in time was Peter
placed under arrest by Nero (537:1)?
12. Why did Peter request to be crucified
with his head downward (537:2-538:0)?
Thought Question: Upon which round
of the ladder of Christian progress are you presently standing?
LESSON 27
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 539-56; 1 John
1. Why was John called "the disciple
whom Jesus loved" (539:1, 2; 544:2, 3)?
2. How would you describe John's
character prior to meeting Jesus (540:0)?
3. Contrast Christ's approach to
the wayward and the erring with the approach of those motivated by the spirit
of Satan and who have a pretense of zeal for righteousness (540:1-541:1).
4. What determines a person's position
in the kingdom of God (543:1)?
5. Complete the following sentence:
"The one who stands ___________________ to Christ will be he who has ___________________
most deeply of His ___________________ of ___________________." (543:2).
6. In rebuking the man who was casting
out devils in Jesus' name, whose honor were James and John seeking to protect
(544:0)?
7. Why could John talk so eloquently
about the Father (545:2)?
8. Why was John's preaching so effective
(546:1, 2)?
9. Describe the early experience
of the apostolic church (547:3-548:0).
10. How was a change brought about
in the experience of the early church (548:1)?
11. What endangers the church most
(549:1)?
12. What makes a Christian worker
effective (550:3-551:1)?
13. Describe the love that will fill
the heart of God's true people (551:2).
14. What will the presence of true
love do for the person who possesses it (551:3-553:0)?
15. List the errors that crept into
the church during John's lifetime (553:1).
a.
b.
c.
d.
16. What does God require of His
people (555:0, 1)?
Thought Question: How does a Christian
today obtain a relationship with Jesus similar to the one possessed by John?
LESSON 28
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 557-77; 1 John
1. Contrast the responses of John
and Judas to Jesus (557:1-558:1).
2. Describe the experience of the
person who has been sanctified (559:3-560:1).
3. What is the first step in the
experience of sanctification (560:2)?
4. Read carefully paragraph three
of page 560. On the basis of this paragraph, what can you tell someone about
the experience of sanctification?
5. As a person draws closer to God,
what will be his attitude toward sin and toward his need of Christ (561:1, 2)?
6. Complete the following sentence:
"At every _____ step in our Christian _____ our _____ will _____" (561:2).
7. How is love for God revealed in
the life of the Christian (563:0)?
8. What is prayer designed to do
(564:1)?
9. Sanctification means (565:1)
a. Perfect _____.
b. Perfect _____.
c. Perfect __________.
10. Why do many not make greater
advancement in their spiritual lives (565:2)?
11. Why were the Jews upset with
John (568:1-569:2)?
12. Where and before whom was John
tried (569:3, 4)?
13. How did the enemies of Christ
intend to execute John (570:1, 2)?
14. When the first attempt to silence
John failed, what did his enemies do (570:3, 4)?
15. What became the topic of John's
study while on Patmos (571:1-572:1)?
16. How can God use "aged workers"
(572:2-574:1)?
17. What can workers for God learn
from trials and opposition (574:2-575:2)?
18. If you are imbued with the Spirit
of Christ, what treatment can you expect from Satan and the world (576:1-3)?
19. Why does God permit His children
to suffer trials and persecution (576:4-577:0)?
Thought Question: What does Ellen
White mean when she says, "He asks us to be absolutely and completely for Him
in this world. . ." (566:1)?
LESSON 29
Reading: The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 578-602; Revelation 1-3
1. What do you see as the primary
experience of the church at Ephesus while they were still in their "first love"
(578:3-580:0)?
2. What caused the decline in zeal
among the Ephesians (580:1-581:0)?
3. What is presented to God's people
in the book of Revelation (582:3-583:1)?
4. What do the seven churches symbolize
(585:3)?
5. How is Jesus' untiring care for
His church symbolized (586:1)?
6. What is the meaning of Jesus holding
seven stars in His right hand (586:2-587:0)?
7. What is communicated to the world
and to God's church through the symbols of a lion and lamb (589:2)?
8. What does God intend to teach
His children by allowing them to face sore conflicts (590:2)?
9. Why was the history of the apostolic
church recorded (593:1)?
10. Give a description of what is
involved in the experience of consecration to Jesus (593:3-594:0).
11. Why were the apostles able to
accomplish so much for God (594:1)?
12. Why are the apostles spoken of
as "builders" (595:3-597:1)?
13. How did later reformers contribute
to the erection of God's temple (598:1-599:0)?
14. Why has not the building of God's
temple been completed today (599:1)?
15. What does God expect of His people
today (600:1)?
16. Complete the following sentences,
"The church is God's ___________________ for the ___________________ of truth,
___________________ by Him to do a ___________________ work; and if she is ___________________
to Him, ___________________ to all His commandments, there will dwell within
her the ___________________ of divine ___________________. If she will be ___________________
to her ___________________, if she will ___________________ the Lord God of
Israel, there is no ___________________ that can against her" (600:2).
17. What is the privilege of every
Christian (600:3)?
18. Endowed with divine energy, what
is the message of God able to do (601:1)?
Thought Question: What is hindering
the church today from seeing accomplishments similar to those achieved by the
apostles?
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