THE BOOK OF ACTS
STUDY GUIDE 1.3
Lesson 1: The Background of Acts
Section 3: Theological Background


OUTLINE FOR NOTES

III. Theological Background

A. Old Testament

  1. History
  2. Israel

B. Kingdom of God

  1. Jewish Theology

  2. John the Baptist

  3. Christian Theology

C. Gospel of Luke

  1. Jesus

  2. Apostles

Conclusion

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. How does Dr. Bayer compare Old Testament theology with the theology taught in the Book of Acts?
     
2. What is the Old Testament teaching about God's choice of Abraham?
     
3. How does Dr. Bayer compare Old Testament teaching about the Gentiles with the teaching of Acts about the Gentiles?
     
4. Summarize the attitude toward Moses expressed in the teaching in Acts.
     
5. Acts 7:36-39 says, "Moses...told the Israelites, 'God will send you a __________________ from your own people.'"
     
6. Summarize the view of Acts toward the dynasty of David, as compared with the Old Testament view.
     
7. Psalm 72:8,17 indicates that __________ would rule from sea to sea.
     
8. According to Dr. Bayer, Luke wanted his readers to understand that Jesus fulfilled special roles regarding key people from the Old Testament. Summarize how Jesus fulfilled the roles of Abraham, Moses, and David.
     
9. According to Dr. Bayer, how does Luke interpret the way the kingdom of God expands?
     
10. What do we learn about the coming of the kingdom from the Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19:12-27?
     
11. What do we learn from Acts 1:3-8 about the coming of the kingdom, according to Dr. Bayer?
     
12. In Acts 17:24-27, what part of the biblical narrative is emphasized by Paul in his teaching in Athens?
     
13. What were the various general views of the Messiah himself when Acts was written?
     
14. What were the various views of the Messiah's coming when Acts was written?



APPLICATION QUESTIONS


1. How should the Old Testament’s view of world history inform our own thinking about current history as Christians in the modern world?


2. In what ways do we currently participate in God’s kingdom? What is our role in the process of kingdom building? How could you do more to expand the kingdom of God?


3. How should we change our thinking and priorities in light of the fact that God’s kingdom expands as people receive and trust in Jesus as the Messiah?

4. What can you learn from the errors of many followers of Jesus regarding the way that the kingdom of God would be established? In what ways do we make similar mistakes today? How can we avoid these errors?


5. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study?