Understanding the Context of Acts

Begin by summarizing the key events of the book of Acts so far.

Defining the Church and Its Mission

1. In light of what we have seen in Acts, how would you define:

• The church?
• The church’s mission?
• The church’s method of fulfilling its mission?

The Church as a Foretaste of God’s Kingdom

1. Read Acts 4:32-37. Throughout this series, we’ve discussed the church as a foretaste of God’s Kingdom.

• What does it mean for the church to be a foretaste of God’s Kingdom?
• How have we seen the church serve as a foretaste of the coming Kingdom in Acts?
• How do these verses display the church as a community reflecting the coming Kingdom?

   2. When you look at this picture of the church in Acts 4:32-37:

• What excites you?
• What scares you? Why?
• Why is it significant to recognize that this community is created by the grace of God?

   3. How does this picture of the church in Acts 4:32-37 serve as both:

• An invitation to follow Jesus?
• A call to become this kind of community by being rooted in Jesus?

God’s Judgment and the Problem of Hypocrisy

1. Read Acts 5:1-11.

• Summarize what happens in this passage.
• Why is it significant that Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira specifically about lying to appear generous and righteous, as opposed to not giving all of their money?

   2. How does God’s judgment of Ananias and Sapphira provide a foretaste of the judgment on hypocrisy?

• Why do you think God addresses hypocrisy with such intensity?

   3. How does understanding that the problem is hypocrisy point us to rest in Jesus, rather than striving harder to appear righteous?

Confession, Growth, and Becoming a Kingdom Community

1. What are some ways we try to hide our sin?
2. How does this text invite us to:

• Confess our shortcomings?
• Find rest in Jesus so we can grow as a Kingdom community?

   3. How can we, like Barnabas, grow to reflect God’s Kingdom by trusting in Jesus’ sufficiency rather than focusing on appearances?