May: The Early Church
Acts of the Apostles — 4 Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Pentecost
Fifty days after Easter, the disciples were gathered in one place when a sound like violent wind filled the house and what appeared as tongues of fire rested on each person. They began speaking in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. Visitors from every nation in the known world heard the message in their own tongue. Peter stood up and preached boldly, explaining that this was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. About three thousand people believed that day, launching the church into explosive growth.
Discussion Questions
- How did the Holy Spirit transform the fearful disciples into bold witnesses?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life?
- Why do you think God chose this international festival for the church's birth?
Activity
Have each person learn to say 'God loves you' in a different language and share it with the class.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit
Week 2: The First Community
The early believers devoted themselves to four things: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread together, and prayer. They shared their possessions so that no one was in need. They met daily in the temple courts and in homes, eating together with glad and sincere hearts. The result was that the Lord added to their number daily. This picture of the early church shows a radical community where spiritual growth, mutual care, and joyful worship were inseparable. It remains the model for Christian community today.
Discussion Questions
- Which of the four devotions (teaching, fellowship, meals, prayer) is strongest in your church? Which needs growth?
- How might churches today practice the radical sharing described here?
- What attracts outsiders to a genuine Christian community?
Activity
Plan a shared meal and study time modeled after Acts 2:42. Discuss how this differs from typical Sunday morning.
The four pillars of early church life
Week 3: Peter and John Heal
Peter and John encountered a lame beggar at the temple gate called Beautiful. Instead of giving money, Peter declared that he had something better to offer: in the name of Jesus, he commanded the man to walk. The man leaped to his feet, jumping and praising God. The crowd was astonished, and Peter used the moment to preach about Jesus, making clear that the healing came not from their own power but through faith in the risen Christ. This miracle demonstrated that the power of Jesus continued through his followers.
Discussion Questions
- Why did Peter say 'silver and gold I do not have' when he could have simply given money?
- How do you respond when you see someone in need but feel you have nothing to give?
- What does this story teach about the source of real power in ministry?
Activity
Identify someone in your community who needs more than money — companionship, encouragement, practical help. Make a plan to serve them.
What I have I give you — in the name of Jesus
Week 4: Paul's Conversion
Saul was a zealous persecutor of Christians, breathing threats and murder against the disciples. On the road to Damascus, a blinding light struck him down and a voice asked why he was persecuting Jesus. Blinded for three days, Saul was visited by Ananias who, despite his fear, obeyed God and restored Saul's sight. Saul was baptized and immediately began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, astonishing everyone who knew his violent past. His transformation from chief persecutor to chief apostle remains one of history's most dramatic conversions.
Discussion Questions
- What does Saul's conversion teach about who God can reach and change?
- How did Ananias show courage in obeying God despite his fear?
- Have you ever been surprised by God transforming someone you thought was beyond hope?
Activity
Share testimonies of transformation — either your own or someone you know whose life changed dramatically through faith.
This man is my chosen instrument