Thursday, October 14, 2010
ACTS of the Apostles
Chapter 1: Questions/Class from Thomas Burke
Simply my point of view, and notes to remember from the group discussion, thanks for the help Tom & Group.
Where is Jesus?
A: The early chapters, set in Jerusalem. "Upper Room" Further Discussion of that meaning.
Group A
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? Answer Very: " It is not for you to know the time or hour."
2. In the Christian world, Easter was celebrated this year on April 4, 2010. In our Catholic Church, during the Easter Season, there is a designated Thursday on which we celebrate the Ascension of our risen Lord. Read verse 3. Locate a 2010 calendar and, beginning your count with April 4, can you determine the date of the Solemnity of the Ascension on the Lord for 2010? May 13 2010
3. Discuss what the risen Jesus was doing after his resurrection from the tomb and before he ascended into heaven? I invite you to recall the stories in the gospels. Spoke to Thomas, Mary, Apostles in the 40 day period.
4. In verses 15-26, discuss what is occurring. Discuss the logical progression that Peter is making with the book of Psalms. Can you Google the verses Peter utilizes in verse 20 and locate them in the Book of Psalms? (Let’s share this detail on Sunday.) Psalm 69: Make their camp desolate, with none to dwell in their tents. - (All will be set right)
Chapter 2
Group B
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? Breath, wind - Suddenly there came a strong driving wind. "The term "Spirit" translates the Hebrew word ruah, which, in its primary sense, means breath, air, wind.
See: http://bible.org/seriespage/holy-spirit-hebrew-bible-and-its-connections-new-testament
2. The word “Pentecost” is translated to mean “fifty days.” Discuss what happened on that fiftieth day in the locked, upper room. In Acts 1:13-14, we are told who was present. In Acts 1:14, we read of Jesus’ brothers. Hmm? Discuss this.
Peter, John, Hames, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Mathew James, Judas - son of James, ( Matthias replaces Judas) ( Brothers are Group of 120) 7*7 = 49 and a day the days of Pentecost..
Ruah.
3. In Acts 2:3-4, how did the movement of the Holy Spirit manifest itself? In Acts 2:6, how did the movement of the Holy Spirit manifest itself? (Hint: look for the action that is taking place in these verses. Something is occurring within the people. What are they able to do?)
4. To which religion did the crowd belong (see v. 5)? Jewish Discuss the significance of their religious background. In Tom’s discussion we reference that over 120 people not just the 12 are present in this room. At the sound of the wind (Ruah), The Spirit of God could reaching, not just a few but many .
5. In Acts 2:14-36, what is Peter telling the crowd? In verse 37, how did the crowd react? In verse 38, what action did Peter take? Pete is telling the crowd the Apostles aren’t toasted at 9 in the morning. He poured the spirit upon them and they are consumed with happiness. Joel said this will happen, sun to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord, everyone will be saved through the Spirit. He is saying that Jesus Died for us and it is told through the profits he was sent to save us. The Spirit is here to guide us, and the Lord poured the spirit on us to understand and be lifted from the netherworld.
6. In Acts 2:42-46, what is taking place time and again? In verse 46, where do these things take place? Discuss the significance of your answers. The Upper Room of the Lord's Supper is generally considered to be the upper room of Pentecost. (Cenacle) Biblical Scholars offer many philosophies as to the location and ideo of the Upper Room. It is possible the Upper Room of Pentecost could be the room of Lord’s Supper. Just outside the southwestern wall of Jerusalem is the traditional House of the Last Supper.
The Upper room might be a flight of stairs that leads to room from the ground up, like a mountain..
Again, It is said to be the Cenacle or Genaculum. There is reference to St. Jerome. An Upper Chamber at Zion in order to all see to an ascent. Zion is a mountain and in Latin the word signifies a watch tower. Psalms Chapter 48 - Go about Zion, walk all around it, note the number of its towers.
..Ruah was present at the Pentecost. Simply a breath could be given through the Spirit to us, as it was in the beginning, and is celebrated today through Our Communion of the Holy Spirit.
“The descent of the Spirit might refer to the upper room... We do know that Christ spoke to his Apostles in the Upper Room continue to inspire us, our lives and our Faith Community.
Sprit of God, protect us from unusual events. St. Michael Pray for Us.
1/10/11
Chapter 3
Group A
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? I mixture of this reading and others. Along with Third Days song "Can't Take the Pain" a idea of what Pete felt when he denied the Lord three times. Like the "Lites" who deny the miracle.
which brought me to a small prayer ...
Traditionally I don't create prayers, but this study has inspired me. Our current struggle.. finding an ordained Priest. I am thankful for having Lay ministers and Deacons in our parish. Our little church ain't perfect! so..
Lord you took the blame for what we’ve done. He took the pain, you teach us to walk when we deny your name. Thank you for taking the pain, teach us to repent, wipe us from our sins; help us to rise in your name. Let us recognize the Spirit in nature and supernaturally. Bless our Families in time of need.
2. Where are Peter and John? Temple Area called "the Beautiful Gate"
An overall view of a model of Herod's Temple Mount looking from the south. In the foreground is the Royal Stoa above the Southern Wall, while the Temple with its surrounding buildings stood close to the centre of the Temple Mount. There were two gates in the Southern Wall, the Double Gate with its monumental stairway is on the left and the Triple Gate on the right
http://www.ritmeyer.com/2010/12/14/the-beautiful-gate-of-the-temple/
3. Throughout this chapter, we witness again a tension between the natural and supernatural. For instance, the lame man is expecting ‘the natural’ (gold and silver). Yet, Peter and John offer them ‘the supernatural’ (salvation). Discuss other passages in this chapter where these apostles attempt to lift the gaze of people like you and me from ‘the natural world’ to ‘the supernatural world.’ In what ways are they trying to help the people see that both worlds coexist in a balance?
Pete is saying, “I do not have a lot of money but I'll give you Jesus Christ, (rise and) walk.” This could be compared to Jesus when he asks Lazarus to rise. One phrase that spoke earlier was when Jesus Spoke to Martha in John “Your brother will rise" and she replies I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" So in that case Jesus was speaking of actual rising up and Martha was referring to the Supernatural. On the flip, Pete was talking about the supernatural and the Israelites where referring the earthly raising.
I think Pete was afraid before the Spirit came to him "Pete was too afraid not just once and not just twice, but three times Pete denied his name" As we read is further Pete has been filled with the Spirit speaks without Fear. You Israelites, why are you amazed at this, and why do you look so intently at us as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety? The Israelites are missing the point “Jesus made Him "rise” and mortally walk. These people “denied the Holy! And the author of life" they put to death.
Today it is important to coexist still so we should follow in Christ’s steps and Pete’s, it won't be easy, and it’s safe to say there are only two roads we can walk on down; The road less traveled is the one Christ paved. Pete says, “You are the children of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors when he said to Abraham, 'In your offspring all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' So the road is becoming paved for many.
Lord you took the blame for what we’ve done. He took the pain, you teach us to walk when we deny your name. Thank you for taking the pain, teach us to repent, wipe us from our sins; help us to rise in your name. Let us recognize the Spirit in nature and supernaturally. Bless our Families in time of need.
Chapter 4
Group B
1/10/11
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life?
As the prayed...they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
3. In verse 23, Peter and John are released and they return to the other believers. The story was retold and the believers took courage in what they had heard. What parts of the stories in Chapter 3 & 4 might have led the others to be encouraged? (Hint: it was not many days prior to this that these same people were locked in an upper room. Of whom did they fear those few days prior?) Discuss verse 31. " As we read is further Pete has been filled with the Spirit speaks without Fear. As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Before the place shook, Apostle where given the power to perform miracles. Main reason, they where guided by the Spirit. and fill with the spirit.
They were all filled with the holy Spirit and did not fear Caiaphas because of the witnessed miracle, saw the man who had been cured standing there and others began to believe. 31 As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook,(the earth shook) and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Powerful and incredible. Believable.
Acts 4:32 – 5:11
Both Groups A & B
In Acts 4:32 – 5:11, we read of a great collaborative effort. It begins to look almost like a ‘commune’ of the 1960s. Yet, something tragic happens in Acts 5:1-11. Discuss what caused this tragedy.
From Thomas:
I want to write and explore with you this passage from The Acts of the Apostles. Last Sunday, there was not sufficient amount of time to walk through this with you and it is a rather troubling story.
First, we must admit that the author of The Acts of the Apostles is Luke. Therefore, we need to get inside the mind of Luke by referring to his gospel in chapter 12, verses1-21. There, we read how Luke understands sin. And, especially in verse 10, we read how Luke understands those sins against the Holy Spirit.
Any sin against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable and is punishable by death. We read the mind of Luke again in Acts: 1:16-18. There, St. Luke writes about Judas in the context of the “Holy Spirit.” In other words, Luke tells us that Judas offended the Holy Spirit when he guided the soldiers to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (how true) and the result of his offense against the Holy Spirit was a violent death.
So, we return to Acts 5:1-11. Here, Luke tells us that Ananias and Sapphira betrayed “the whole church” (this is in verse 11 and it is the FIRST time that the community of believers is identified as ‘church’ in the entire New Testament). More specifically, Luke tells us his mind in verse 3 when he writes, “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land?” Here, Luke identifies the most grievous of sins…a sin against the Holy Spirit. And, as his thoughts are rather consistent, Ananias’ and Sapphira’s punishment is death.
As violent as this story appears, Luke is clear. Ananias and Sapphira are in the same company as Judas and they were permanently removed from “the whole church.” That is Luke’s lesson to us. Namely, sin is bad enough AND sin against the Holy Spirit demands sudden and immediate death…so, don’t do that!!!
Hope that helps shed some light on the matter. Let’s discuss this on Sunday. My questions (below) will start there.
Chapter 5
Group A
1.Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? Peter said,... ruah... not even what he said it is a display of the power of the Spirit.
2.In Acts 4:32 – 5:11, we read of a great collaborative effort. It begins to look almost like a ‘commune’ of the 1960s. Yet, something tragic happens in Acts 5:1-11. Consider what I have written (above) and discuss this tragedy.
3.In verses 12-42, we read of the apostles continuing their proclamation of Jesus, raised from the tomb. Search for two things:
a.First, where are the apostles ‘preaching?’ Temple area and other places.
b.Second, where is Luke’s reference of the Holy Spirit? Then Peter, filled with the holy Spirit, answered them, ..gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
c.Discuss in your group what Luke is telling you and me about how the Holy Spirit was acting in the community of believers. With our eyes on the understanding that God is rather consistent, how do you see the Holy Spirit acting in the midst of our St. Ambrose Church community?
Chapter 6
Group B
1.Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life?
2.In Acts 4:32 – 5:11, we read of a great collaborative effort. It begins to look almost like a ‘commune’ of the 1960s. Yet, something tragic happens in Acts 5:1-11. Consider what I have written (above) and discuss this tragedy.
Commune sounds like a group effort, however as soon as one decided to go against the idea of not sharing they where treated by the Holy Spirit as the two elders in Sussana... Death. Standing against sin is hard, we need to pray to the Spirit... not to sin, stand against it and Pray with God and the Spirit to give us strength for the Faith he gave Susanna and Luke to stand against evil wars.
3.In Chapter 6, there is the word “Hellenist.” This merely means those who spoke Greek and it lends itself to the notion that the Greek-speakers were Gentiles, or non-Jewish. Hence, there was a tendency to view them as ‘less than’ the Chosen Ones. With this in mind, discuss how the apostles were accused of neglecting this group of believers and what action the apostles took.
4.Through the use of stories of the early church, Luke reminds us of the presence of the Holy Spirit working actively in the midst of the faithful. Reflecting on these stories, discuss how Luke wants you and I to understand the actions of the Holy Spirit and how we are supposed to rely on the Holy Spirit in faith and trust.
Chapter 7
In Acts 7, St. Stephen replies to the council with a lengthy story of how God has interacted with the Chosen Ones from generation to generation. Discuss this story and share your knowledge of these pivotal events in salvation history. For instance…The stories of Abraham who answered God's call…The story of how the Hebrews migrated into Egypt with the help of Joseph…Then, the story of the man who never forgot his people, Moses. What are some of the key points in these stories and what message is St. Stephen relaying to the Freemen?
Steve summarizes the Jews and their ancestors persecuted prophets including Abe, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, & Solomon, John & Jesus. Stephen calls out the Jews, stiff necked. They apposed the Holy Spirit.
He saying you have been given chances to follow Gods wish but you choose to sin, conspire and murder. Instead of accepting Gods chosen ones and Christ.
Many commentators believe “stiff-necked” refers to more of a character trait, or personality characteristic, such as being argumentative, opinionated, stubborn, aggressive, internally combative, and divisive. While this has negative connotations, it also can be seen in a positive light; for example, it might promote the development of a distinct self-image, thus promoting the survival of the tribe, as it differentiates itself from its near-neighbors.
In Acts 7:51, St. Stephen appears to shift from his telling of history by moving to the present moment. Discuss what he says and how it angers the council. (Hint: In the story that St. Stephen tells, he emphasizes how Joseph’s brothers rejected Joseph and how the Jews of old had rejected Moses.)
Stephen calling them Stiff-necked. The rejection of all of the above, including Jesus of the now. The Lamb of God, that dwells in the House of the Lord, who takes away sins.
Holy Spirit provided Steven with wisdom of understanding and The knowledge of the history of the Lords will to keep the commandments and guide of the Spirit. Steve gazed into heaven and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at the Right Hand of the Father. He prayed Lord receive my spirit, and don't hold the sins against my persecutors. He was amenable to the Stoning and persecution.
He held with him the Strength of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 7:51 – 8:1, discuss how our author (Luke) describes how the Holy Spirit is acting in and through St. Stephen. Discuss whether the Holy Spirit is absent from the lives of his persecutors. Finally, discuss how the Holy Spirit was operating so that St. Stephen could endure such a tragic end to his life?
The absence of the Spirit from the persecutors, is escalated by the Stephen calling them Stiff-necked. It's meaning stubborn, (needing forgiveness). He tells them they have persecuted the Righteous One and others who proclaimed the Jesus. They became enraged and ground their teeth against Steven. Not only that but the created a place of Worship, that could be considered an overdoing of this place of worship. Maybe as far as worshiping the place instead of the one who Dwelt in it. Also, Amos writes that animal sacrifices are a pagan practices, where as Steven suggest as act of compassion. Food is not a ritual sacrifice. The ultimate sacrifices is the Lamb of God, and no other is needed.
So the Spirit is not with these guys who basically sin in many ways.
What spoke to me: Steve shows me wisdoms or to seek wisdom. 2. Don't fall to the other way, as the Stiff-necked people did, 3. Q tip the times when others stone us.
Chapter 8
Group A
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? Here is a revelation to me: “Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit” – They really didn’t give up on anyone.
2. Here begins a ‘severe persecution’ of our Church. Discuss what Saul was doing in verse 3.-- Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment.- Persecution.
3. In verse 1 – in what portion of Israel did the apostles preach? Judea and Samaria , Jerusalem. Who went elsewhere to preach? Philip went down to (the) city of Samaria (Hint: In verse 5, we read of Philip. Where have you read that name before this verse?) Act 1:13 When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying , Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
4. Discuss verses 9-24. Describe in your own words what Simon the magician was intending. Simon may have been attending to use the power to become God Like…. Also, highlight the words “Holy Spirit.” However, Simon attempts to buy the gift of God (Acts 8:20) with money. Peter's cursing of Simon's attempt so to use his money expresses a typically Lucan attitude toward material wealth
5. What is Luke trying to tell us? In my opinion you can’t pay off God or the Holy Spirit. Magic is wrong. --- Simon seemed to a bit of a hypocrite and never really understood the Holy Spirit. We are not sure if his sins where forgiven, they may have been… not our call to find out.—
5. And how did Pet and John feel.. In verse 25, the apostles Peter and John seem to have gleaned something from the Holy Spirit. Discuss what change you see in them.--- Simon said in reply, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." … So when they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem and preached the good news to many Samaritan villages. So why is that quoted… it may have been; Simon A wanting the Spirit for real.. or just to have strong power… I (struggle) in the question of Simons intentions.. But I suppose we should look at yes most want the Spirit to be with them. Stand your guard on a false prophet. Pray for them to the Spirit sincerely as John and Pete did.
Chapter 8
Group B
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life?
i. “Give me this power too” is a selfish act
ii. Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth…followed by >..I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?"… not so selfish … begging for knowledge.
2. Beginning in verse 5, we read of Philip. Where have you read that name before this verse? He entered the city and went to the upper room with the others who received the Holy Spirit.
3. In verse 26-40, Philip proclaims the Good News to someone who is obviously not one of the Chosen Ones. And, this man believes. In these verses, highlight those times when Luke writes “Holy Spirit.” Discuss what you think Luke is attempting to impart to us, his readers, with regard to the Holy Spirit.
i. Through the agency of Philip and the power of the Holy Spirit, the man from deepest Africa was converted to Jesus Christ and was baptized. According to tradition he was the could be the first Gentile convert to Christ.
ii. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing –
1. the Holy Spirit will "blow where it is inclined", and is not limited to the ordinary mundane methods of human beings.
2. the grace of God works through the ordinary circumstances in our lives but sometimes it comes in a miraculous way
3. the Gentile convert was a eunuch proved that Christ welcomes everyone even those who are not especially welcomed by human beings because they are considered "strange”
4. In the bible that most of us utilize, you will notice that verse 37 is NOT in the body of the text. Rather, it is in the footnote. Discuss what you think Luke is trying to say to us in verse 37.
continued...
And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he said in reply, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'--Acts 8:37 is not included in many Bible translations because it is not found in the oldest and best translations of Acts. There is no attempt to cover it up, as you can find it (with an explanation) in the footnotes of most Bibles. In fact, the Catholic Douay-Rheims New Testament includes Acts 8:37: "And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answering, said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
The Haydock Bible Commentary explains the meaning of "If thou believes" in this way:
The Scripture many times mentions one disposition, when others no less necessary are supposed, as here a sorrow for sins, a firm hope, love of God . . . Faith is thus seen to be a necessary predisposition in the adult, for the reception of baptism. They must answer for themselves, but infants are baptized in the faith of the Church. Their sponsors, who receive them from the font, answer for them. And as the defilement was not personal, but that of others, so are they purified by the faith of others.
About Acts 8:37, The Navarre Bible Acts of the Apostles Texts and Commentaries
says:
This verse, not to be found in some Greek codexes or in the better translations, was probably a gloss which later found its way into the text. In the Vulgate it is given in this way: " Dixit autem Philippus: ‘Si credis ex toto corde, licet.’ Et respondens ait: ‘Credo, Filium Dei esse Jesum Christum,’" which, translated, would be: "Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he replied, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’" This very ancient gloss, inspired by baptismal liturgy, helps to demonstrate that faith in Christ’s divine worship was the nucleus of the creed a person had to subscribe to in order to be baptized. On this occasion Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit, lays down no further condition and he immediately proceeds to baptize the Ethiopian. (105)
5. Where Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch (verse 26) and where Philip finds himself after that encounter (verse 40). Discuss this distance with your group in the context of the power of the Holy Spirit. Azotus is now a small village about 18 miles Northeast of Gaza that Phil was sent or moved to … power in itself.
In the first part of Acts 6, St. Stephen is appointed by the Apostles to serve the Hellenists during their spiritual gatherings (a.k.a., the Mass). In verses 8-15, St. Stephen is accused falsely and brought before the “Freedmen.” (These are those people who have gained ‘free status’ with the Roman Empire. Hence, they might possibly have an attitude of superiority with the other Jews around them. Enter St. Stephen. They could not match his wisdom.) Discuss your observations that are made about St. Stephen in verses 8-15.
Observation of Stephen in8 -15 He was full of grace and power and did wondrous deeds, he speaks with the Freedmen. Who fear him and conspire against him. He state that Jesus will change the customs Thayer Moses handed him.
Chapter 9
Group A
1.Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life?
Many, Saul ask why he persecutes Jesus. The point of view of persecuting the Body. Simply Lord commands both of his Disciples to “Get Up” Saul Prays, fast. Ananias call Saul his Brother because the Lord ask him to. “He was blind but regains his site and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was baptized and fed to gain full strength. ..”Get Up!”
2.In Chapter 9, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit” in this story?
Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, "Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit." ( To be filled with the Spirit, to breath and become, filled with the Spirit. Consumed with the good spirit.. to be brought out of the Dark into the Light.)
The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers.
The Spirit was with Peter, and could have given him the miraculous power to create and spread the Spirit with a since of peace and fear of the Lord. Spreading the Spirit.
3.Discuss in your group why you think Jesus would say to Saul, “Why do you persecute me?” rather than “Why do you persecute my followers?” What does Jesus’ choice of words imply about His relationship with His followers? If you persecute the follower of Christ, one is persecuting all in One Body. His followers are empowered with the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus could have given the power of the Spirit to Saul now, but instead he waits to fulfill Paul through Ananias who is in one Body and filled with the Spirit. He also gives Saul “free will” to stay “Blind” or to pray, fast and repent during his suffering and blindness. Ananias laid his hands on his Brother, he filled him with the Holy Spirit. Ananias acts as a Brother of Christ confirming his Saul with the Holy Spirit.
4.Discuss in your group what you suppose Saul did or thought during his days of blindness, before Ananias came to him? What purpose might this period have served for Saul? He neither ate nor drank, praying, and seeing the Vision of Ananias coming to him. The Lord will show Saul how much he has to suffer for the sake of the Lords Name” Again, he is praying, yet he is blinded and suffering. Saul may have been reflecting on his sins, he follows Jesus commands with his free will, he Gets Up!, blind goes where Jesus tells him.
5.Why does God sometimes use periods of darkness to bring a person into a different and better period of life? In our suffering, or struggle we need Him and seek him. We need to “Get Up!” A persons in darkness and suffering may be Gods way of showing us how to find him “Get Up! Saul was blinded. “once was lost but now am found”
Have you experienced this process? In times of doubt, in times of questioning my ability. Ways to execute my skills. When I am discouragement, and lack of organization. I need to Get Up, & seek God, Jesus and the Spirit just as Saul did in his suffering of his sins and blindness.
6.What effect should this experience have on your life today? First, know and trust the Lord. In times of darkness, seek Him “Get Up”. Repent, pray, fast to gain strength in the Lord and know he has a plan for all, in good times and bad. “Get Up”
7.How might you be affected by the realization that God has specifically chosen you to play some part in His purposes in the world? Have you ever had this realization? Jesus hasn't given up on Saul, he had a plan for him. He saw something good, and put him through blindness and suffering. The Lord gives him a since of Strength and choice to see. The Lord, Chris needs Us and Paul's skills to continue the Lords work. He needs us to choose to “Get Up!” My purpose, realization or role is to follow his path. Get Up! As a father and teacher, husband. I may not have all the finances needed, but he gives us skills. Yes I have has realizations, I just need to be reminded of it. .. New Years Realization “Get Up!” & recognize the Father, Son and Spirit in our life.
Group B
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life?
Many, Saul ask why he persecutes Jesus. The point of view of persecuting the Body. Simply Lord commands both of his Disciples to “Get Up” Saul Prays, fast. Ananias call Saul his Brother because the Lord ask him to. “He was blind but regains his site and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was baptized and fed to gain full strength. ..”Get Up!”
2. In Chapter 9, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit” in this story?
Jesus could have given the power of the Spirit to Saul now, but instead he waits to fulfill Paul through Ananias who is in one Body and filled with the Spirit. He also gives Saul “free will” to stay “Blind” or to pray, fast and repent during his suffering and blindness. Ananias laid his hands on his Brother, he filled him with the Holy Spirit. Ananias acts as a Brother of Christ confirming his Saul with the Holy Spirit.
3. Discuss in your group why you think God did not restore Saul’s sight directly rather than through Ananias? To make him suffer, pray, be in darkness and give him the free will of choice to come to him to “Get Up!”
4. Judging from this chapter, discuss those ways in which Saul’s conversion changed him. In what ways did he remain the same person? He went out to proclaim Christ, he didn't persecute those who did not believe in his way. The same, he continued has a leader , he continued to argue or not be afraid to speak his mind. Others still feared him, some still did not trust him. But he was with the Lord.
5. Drawing on your own experience and that of people you know, as well as on the story of Paul, what does conversion to Christ mean? In what ways can a person who already believes in God experience conversion? Conversion to Christ is truly believing he died for us and rose again, and believing in the power of the Spirit. The idea of the Bible stories happening in a form of reality, not a story.
§ I think to experience conversion one should believe in these saints and apostles, their lives and to live a faithful life outside of our studies. Including following the commandments, slow to anger, follow the lessons of how to be with Family. Create a true since of honesty.
6. Compare what Steve and Christ say before their death. -First I know they both suffered, and they don't go into detail of the length of Stevens death. I think Christ suffered more because it is written Spirit was with Steven. They both ask them to forgive sin of others during their deaths. Jesus is stated to say “ Why have you forsaken me” Stephen doesn't have that written. So Jesus descends to darkness, Stephen doesn't have that written. Point is they are both dying for the cause of Others soles and forgiveness of sins, Catholic and Holy Spirit.
Chapter 10
Group A (the Cornelius group)
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life?
“a large sheet coming down, lowered to the ground by its four corners.
In it were all the earth's four-legged animals and reptiles and the birds of the sky.
A voice said to him, "Get up, Peter.”
“He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. put him to death by God raised (on) the third day he rose from the dead. judge of the living and the dead receive forgiveness of sins the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?" He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”
2. In Chapter 10, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit” with regard to Cornelius.
word for word ..
38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth 16 with the holy Spirit and power.
44 While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word
48Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,
1. John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and power.
2. Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.
3. Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles
4. Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have
3. Discuss in your group who it is that takes the initiative throughout this entire story. The Spirit of God. Then Pete, and Cornelius, Then the Spirit of God again through Pete, and the water.
4. Discuss in your group how you view Cornelius. What characters in the Gospels or in other books of the Bible might he be compared to?a God-fearing man, centurion of the Cohort, to give alms generously, pray to God constantly, first Gentile converted to Christianity.
5. If God was going to speak to Cornelius and Peter so directly and clearly, why didn’t He give either of them the full picture of His intentions? God's intentions was to include all people Gentiles and Jews.
6. Discuss the highpoint of this episode. What makes this highpoint so important? I think that highpoint is when Pete begins to speak. " He speak with the Spirit and create a summery similar to the Apostles Creed in the Birth, Baptism, Death and resurrection of Christ. The four corners are brought to a point of Gentile and Jews being accepted through the Spirit of God.
Group B (the St. Peter group)
7. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? Then Peter proceeded to speak .. He spoke with the Spirit of God.
8. In Chapter 10, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit” with regard to Peter.
9. Discuss in your group who it is that takes the initiative throughout this entire story.
10. Would you say that Peter is a good learner? Why?
11. If God was going to speak to Cornelius and Peter so directly and clearly, why didn’t He give either of them the full picture of His intentions?
12. Discuss the highpoint of this episode. What makes this highpoint so important?
Prayer of Cardinal Leon Joseph Suenens
Lord, give us the breath of life so that we will not run out of breath along the way, so that our lungs may always be filled with bracing air to help us advance towards tomorrow without looking back or counting the cost…Breath to hope anew, As if life were beginning this very morning, to hope against wind and tides because of your presence and your promise…Your breath…the Spirit that blows where he will, in gusts or bursts of wind or with that light touch by which your invite us to follow your inspirations.
Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11
Group A
7. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life?
8. In Chapter 11, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit.”
9. In verses 1-3, Peter returns to Jerusalem and is confronted by the Jewish believers (a.k.a. “Judeo-Christians”). Discuss what this confrontation is about and why the Judeo-Christians might have been upset.
10. In verses 15-17, Peter tells the Judeo-Christians what happened when he spoke to the household of the Roman centurion named Cornelius (previous chapter). In verse 18, the mood of the group changed. Discuss this change in mood and why it occurred.
11. In verse 19, we read anew of the ‘persecution’ that was ever-present. (We first read of it at the beginning of Acts 8.) Reference a map (attachments) and discuss in your group verses 20-21. How do you see the message of Jesus the Christ going forth into non-Jewish regions? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
Group B
13. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
14. In Chapter 11, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit.” I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
15. In verse 22, we read of Barnabas. We first read of him in Acts 4:36-37. Discuss the role of Barnabas in verses 22-26. Who sent Barnabas? What was he sent to do exactly? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
16. In fact, in verse 24, it appears that “a great many people were brought to the Lord.” Hmm? Discuss whether our role is to “give” faith? If we are not to “give” faith, then what does verse 24 say we are to do? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
17. In verses 27-30, we see prophets descending from the topographical hilltop of Jerusalem and going north to Antioch. Locate Antioch on your map (attached) and discuss why the faithful were giving aid to those living in Judea. Isn’t it interesting that, in verse 30, “relief” was sent north to Antioch in order for it to relieve the needs of the believers in Judea, located below Jerusalem. Discuss the dynamic that you think is evolving regarding this man named Paul with the hierarchy of the Church.
Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12
Groups A & B
12. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
13. Looking on your map, were does all of this transpire? What is the feast of Unleavened Bread? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
14. Discuss who King Herod was and his role with Jesus (see Luke 23:6-12). Discuss what is happening to the Church in verses 1-5. I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
15. In verses 6-11, Peter has what he thinks is a vision; yet, it’s real. Discuss these verses, sharing your insights of how God is saving Peter. Can you differentiate between God’s actions and the actions of men?
16. In verses 12-17, we read where Peter goes. Could this be the same John that we read about in Acts 4? Yet, we read about this man named “John” later in verses 24-25. Hmm? Discuss this portion of the story in your group. What is the dynamic of the people in this story (i.e., are they frightened, etc.)? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
17. In verses 18-25, we read about Herod and his reaction to Peter’s escape as well as his grotesque death because an angel struck him. Discuss verse 23. What are the people of Tyre and Sidon wanting from Herod? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13
Group A
Where are Paul and Barnabas?
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
2. In this chapter, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit” in these passages. I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
3. In verse 3, discuss the rituals that were performed before Paul and Barnabas began their missionary journey. Are these rituals practiced in our Church? If so, at what times and events? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
4. In verse 7, we read of Sergius Paulus. He was the proconsul. This was a position within the Roman Empire that was rather powerful. This person was something more than a “governor” of a territory. His authority was the same as that of emperor in that vast region. Discuss the story of what brought him to his conversion (verses 6-12). I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
Group B
Where are Paul and Barnabas?
1. Which verse did you like the most or, better yet, what in this passage “spoke” to you the most at this moment in your life? I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
2. In this chapter, where does Luke write “Holy Spirit?” Discuss what you think Luke is trying to impart to you and me when he writes “Holy Spirit” in these passages.
3. In Chapter 7, we read of Stephen and how he spoke to the “council.” Now, in verses 16-41, Paul tells a similar story at the synagogue in Antioch. Discuss the similarities between Acts 7:1-50 and Acts 13:16-41. How do you see Stephen and Paul similar? How are they different?
I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
4. In verse 43, we read of two groups: the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism. Discuss how this verse in light of what they yearned for from Paul and Barnabas.
5. In verses 44-52, we read of those “stiff necked” Jews who became jealous of the sway of their congregation towards the message that Paul and Barnabas preached. Discuss this passage with a special emphasis on the decision Paul made in verse 46. Remember, in verse 47, Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah. Discuss how this quotation animated the Gentiles (verse 48) and what did the “stiff necked” Jews (verse 50). Finally, discuss what Paul and Barnabas did in verse 51. What does this say to you about the process of ‘conversion?’ I don't know (IDK) I am still read'n
