Acts and Romans

Acts 1-3

The book is opened by Luke explaining to wait for the Promise of the Father. It is explained that Matthias is the replacement of Judas who betrayed Jesus. The Holy spirit comes at Pentacost and Peter addresses the other 11 disciples. There was a fellowship of believers who all met to celebrate their belief in Jesus. A man comes to pass Peter and John who is lame. Peter heals him of his woe. Peter speaks to the people who still question God to pledge their full faith in him.


Imagination Question: Why Matthias?
Critical Question: Following Jesus crucifixion would you still wait for the Promise of the Father?

Acts 4-6

Peter and John were arrested because they were sharing the news of Jesus being raised from the dead. The believers pray for Peter and John once they are released from Jail and the believers share their possessions. Ananias and Sapphira are introduced as selling property but keeping some money for their own. Peter calls them both out and they both fall dead. The apostles continue to heal and they continue to be persecuted speaking of the Lord. Gamaliel explains that if they kill these two men they will be accomplishing nothing whether they are right or wrong about the Lord.

Imagination Question: Wouldn’t it be a sight to see two people drop dead after being called out on their unfaithfulness?
Critical Question: Do you think Gamaliel was secretly on John and Peter’s team?

Acts 7-9

Steven speaks to the Sanhedrin about God, they disagree and they have him killed by stoning which Saul approved. The Lord appears to Saul and he is responsive and listens to what the Lord says, this being the beginning of his conversion.

Imagination Question: Why stoning to kill Steven?
Critical Question: Why did Jesus call Saul to go to Ananias?

Acts 10-12

Jesus comes to Cornelius in the night and tells him to send for Peter. Cornelius explains that Jesus is opening his eyes to what Peter is doing but still disagrees on some things. Peter explains that he is doing the work of the Lord and baptism is vital. Herrod was immediately killed after not giving praise to God in a public address and Saul and Barnabus are sent out from Jerusalem.

Imagination Question: Why do think Cornelius is still disagreeing after being told by Jesus to call Peter?
Critical Question: Do you think Herrod’s death was too harsh
Acts 22-24

Paul explains to the people how his transformation took place. The citizens aren’t buying it and are saying that he isn’t worthy to live. Paul is gathered by the Sanhedrin to find out what he is doing exactly, he is dismissed so they can assemble and discuss. There was a plot to have Paul killed but is transported to Caesarea.

Imagination Question: Wouldn’t it take a lot of guts to explain to the people that you had a transformation in Christ after being such a monster by killing, etc?
Critical Question: Why do you think the Sanhedrin dismiss Paul so quickly?

Acts 25-28

Pauls trial before Festus, Festus consults King Agrippa, Paul before Agrippa. Paul talks to Agrippa about his claims from Jesus. Agrippa announces that he has done nothing that needs such drastic punishment as death. Paul than sails to Rome but encounters a great storm and becomes ship wrecked. Paul recovers and figures out another way and makes his way to Rome where he preaches under guard.

Imagination Question: Why Agrippa?
Critical Question: Would you have as much faith as Paul to continue after becoming shipwrecked?

Romans 1-3

Paul’s introduction to teach that our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ apart from what we can do to earn it. Paul explains how the Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God but explains the righteousness of the law was powerless to give, God did by sending Jesus. Faith comes to all who believe in Jesus apart from the law.

Imagination Question: Why do you think Paul writes this book?
Critical Question: Do you think faith comes to all who believe in Jesus apart from the law?

Romans 4-6

4 is proof that faith is the means for justification. Paul refers to the Old Testament who were justified by faith and not by their works. God did not spare his son, but graciously gave him for us to undo what Adam did in the garden. Death came through one man's sin, but life came more abundantly in every way through the gift of Jesus. Paul continues through Jesus we received God’s gift of eternal life.

Imagination Question: What if we didn’t have God’s gift of eternal life?
Critical Question: What if Death didn’t come through man’s sin?



Romans 7-9

Goes into detail how we are not slaves or in bondage, free to belong to another. We may struggle in sin but we have no obligation to it. We need to live by the spirit and bear good fruit to nurture. Hope is demonstrated because we have assurance by God that nothing will separate us from His love. Jesus Christ saves nothing else sufficient to his own children if we call upon him.

Imagination Question: What if sin didn’t exist?
Critical Question: Where would you be without the Hope and promise of God?

Romans 10-12

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God’s plan includes bestowing mercy upon all mankind. We are encouraged to be living sacrifices in view of the mercy we have received in Christ Jesus in which we do by renewing our minds to the truth of God’s word. This is a call to live a life of peace, faithfully serving the Lord in all things and overcoming evil in the world.

Imagination Question: Are you grateful to have God’s mercy?
Critical Question: Why do you think it is important that Paul writes, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” when it is implied a lot throughout this book?

Romans 13-16

We are to submit to authorities and to pay respect where it is due, to awake and serve the Lord showing we are in included in the light of the Gospel. We are to consider all we do and if it brings glory to the Lord. We are to take the encouragement from the scriptures and Christ as our example in how we live accepting one another. Now it is our job to share it with others. We are reminded that Satan will soon be crushed under their feet and that His gospel is able to hold them until the day of Jesus.

Imagination Question: What if we don’t share with others?
Critical Question: That last sentence, did it give you chills and make you happy?