Acts 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The author addresses Theophilus, referring to an earlier account of Jesus' actions and teachings (vv. 1-2). After his resurrection, Jesus appears to the apostles for forty days, speaking about God’s Kingdom and instructing them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (vv.

Key verse

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 1:1–2 Introduction to the Book
Acts 1:3–5 Post-Resurrection Appearances
Acts 1:6–8 Questions on Restoration
Acts 1:9–11 Ascension of Jesus
Acts 1:12–14 Return to Jerusalem
Acts 1:15–20 Peter Addresses the Disciples
Acts 1:21–26 Choosing Matthias

Discussion questions

In v4, what command does Jesus give to the apostles before his ascension?
In v11, what do the two men in white clothing say to the apostles?
Jesus' response in v7: why does he not answer their question about restoring the kingdom?
In v20, what do the quoted Psalms suggest about Judas' fate and the need for a replacement?
After Jesus' ascension in v9, how do you respond to times of waiting for guidance?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 1: Acts 2, Luke 24, Matthew 28.

Before next time: read Acts 2.