Daily Readings (Page 335)

How did the persecution in v19 facilitate the spread of the gospel?  Is there really a ‘most favourable season’ for the gospel?

Why is it that Tabitha (a.k.a. Dorcas) was raised but Stephen died even though Peter was there too (8:2)?  How do Tabitha’s resurrection and Stephen’s death help you to understand God’s plans?

How do you explain the change in attitudes from v2 to v18?  How does this story relate to 1:8?

What risk was Barnabas taking?  Who has been a Barnabas to you?  How?  Whom have you served as a Barnabas?

What are the main points in Peter’s sermon (vv28-47)?  How do they compare with 2:36-39 and 3:17-23?  What do you see as central to the gospel in these three sermons?

When have you, like Ananias, obeyed the Lord even when you had doubts about it?  What happened?  What is significant in the way Ananias addressed Paul (v17)?

What are some principles or beliefs you have held that have limited your ability to reach out to people who are ‘different’ from you? 

From the way God set up opportunities to witness (8:26-40 cf. 2:5-14, 3:6-16), how does it free you from fears in evangelism?

In what ways did Simon’s reaction to the Apostles (vv18-19) show his deep misunderstanding about the gospel? 

How was Stephen’s death and Saul’s mission an example of God using evil to fulfil God’s plan?