Grow Guide | August 11, 2024
Together as One
Reading: Acts 2:22-28
Connecting Question
Gardeners know about dead things as much as living things. Do you like to garden?
Why is it important to remove dead leaves from a living plant?
Prayer for Illumination
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are
read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
Context
Our series, Together As One, examines how the church first came together. How can Easter reflect this as we build community with each other, our community, and other Christians? When we trust in the Spirit and work TOGETHER anything is possible. We are digging deep into Acts chapter 2 through Sunday September 1. Explore the joy of community this summer at Easter!
From Pastor Sarah Henrich at EntertheBible.org:
The story of Acts tracks the progress of the Christ-centered gospel from the earliest Jesus community in Jerusalem (following Jesus’ ascension) outward to parts of Judea, Samaria, Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Along the way, communities of believers were established and developed, baptized in the name of Jesus and gathered around prayer, Scripture study, meals, and care for one another.
Look at the Book
We continue to stay in Acts 2. Open to Acts 2:22. Peter continues his speech. What city is he in again? Why does that matter?
Who is Peter addressing in Acts 2:22? We can never separate that Jesus’s cultural identity was a Jew.
"Jesus of Nazareth,” why do you think Peter uses this title? Why does the city matter?
What is Peter’s proof that Jesus is the son of God? What words are used to describe his activity in Acts 2:22?
According to Peter in Acts 2:23, Jesus was handed over for trial. Who knew this was all going to happen? What do you think of that claim?
"You crucified...” is a verse that has been used to foster antisemitism and fear of Jewish people—today. How might that verse do just that? “Othering” people has no place in the church.
Notice Peter blames those “outside the law.” Most notably, this was the occupying Roman authorities. The law refers to the “torah,” the six hundred laws that governed much of life. The Romans did not live under these commands.
In Acts 2:24, who is doing the raising up? Why does this matter? How is verse 24 good news?
In verse 25, Peter invokes David. Google David. Who was he? Why might Peter lift him up?
Jump to Psalm 16:8-11. What is this Psalm about? Why might Peter be quoting it now?
In Acts 2:28, the psalmist says, “you have made known to me the ways of life.” What are some ways you have sensed God leading in your life? What might that look like?
What does “full of gladness” look like in your life? How has it changed as you age?
What else has been good news for you in this passage?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Name a moment of gladness as you prepare to go to bed this week.
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.