Together as One

Reading: Acts 2:29-36

Connecting Question

How would your friends describe you?

How do you wish people would describe you?

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 F Scott Spencer at EntertheBible.org:

Most significantly, Acts overall presents Jewish response to the message of Christ as mixed, resulting in a divided people, not a demonized Jewish population polarized against an idealized Gentile one. The last chapter succinctly sums up this reality in connection with Paul’s debates with the “local leaders of the Jews” in Rome: “Some were convinced by what he said, while others refused to believe” (28:17, 23‒24). The “unhindered” gospel mission of Christ keeps reaching out to Jews throughout Acts and beyond (28:30‒31). Christianity has not yet separated from Judaism. “Christians,” as they are first called in Antioch of Syria, include both Jewish and Gentile disciples of Christ (11:19‒26).

Look at the Book

We continue to stay in Acts 2. Open to Acts 2:29. Peter continues his speech—but he’s bringing it to a close. What city is he in again? Why does that matter?
Who is Peter addressing in Acts 2:29? We can never separate that Jesus’s cultural identity was a Jew.
In this section, like other parts of Peter’s speech, Peter uses the “big names” of Jewish faith to make a case for Jesus to a Jewish audience. Who is being talked about here?
What do you know about David? Google for more ideas!
In Acts 2:30, as they talk about David, a new term is used for him. What is it? What do you think that means?
Interesting: when people talk about David, they often say he was a king. Here, Peter calls him a prophet and there is no mention of being a king at all. Why do you think that is?
"God swore an oath to David.” God makes promises throughout scripture. These promises are sometimes called “covenants.” Where have you seen God be faithful to a promise?
In Acts 2:32, Peter says, “we are all witnesses.” Flip back to Acts 1:8. What does Jesus say? How will this happen?
What does Peter say we will all be witnesses to?
Pay close attention to the English translation: “This Jesus God raised up.” Who is doing the work? Why does that matter?
Often, we confuse who has the power. We want the power, but scripture often says that God is doing the raising, the forgiving, the helping, the healing. How does that challenge you or free you?
Remember, Acts 1:8 promises us now, that all followers of Jesus will receive power (literally, dynamite) to be witnesses to the love of God in Jesus. What might that look like in your life?
Acts 2:36 is Peter’s last word in his speech. What does he say? Is that how you would have ended it? Why or why not?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

Name the good someone else brings into the world. Tell them how you see that happening; be a witness to another child of God.

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.

Grow Guide | August 18, 2024