Whenever a new mcritused to choose a successor toeria they ovthe ement gains momentum, we ask basic questions about it. How did it start? What were the obstacles? Who was associated with it? What is its present condition? Where is it going? The early chapters of the book of Acts answer these questions about the church of Jesus Christ. The following general outline provides an overview of the action.
In Acts 1 and 2 we discover the church's beginnings when the disciples
.
were bound together by the coming of the Holy Spirit from heaven. With his baptism, they received power to be witnesses of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Acts 3 through 8 tell us of believers preaching with power a message of forgiveness for sins and reconciliation to God. The message and its repercussions filled Jerusalem. Opposition developed. The established Jewish leaders tried to snuff out this new and growing movement.
This week we will study the reaction to Jesus departure from them and the criteria they used to choose a successor to Judas.
Read Acts 1:12-26
Questions
1. What were Jesus's followers to wait for?
2. Judas traveled with Jesus throughout his ministry. Why was Judas response diffeent from the others?
3. How do we respond today?
4. What were the qualifications the disciples sought in a replacement for Judas? Do you agree with these qualifications? Would you add or subtract anything? Are we apostles (ones who are sent) today?
