The Beginning - Acts
ACTS OVERVIEW
Rather than having specific questions for this week, here is a great simple process, from Jen Wilkin, to have in mind anytime we are studying a text of scripture.
COMPREHENSION - WHAT DOES IT SAY?
Read the passage repetitively.
Read the passage in multiple translations.
Look up key words in the dictionary.
Write a main idea or draw a picture in the margin next to the section it describes.
Note any literary techniques that the author is using. Pay attention to general rules.
Look for repeated ideas, connected ideas or progressions of thought and mark them.
Look for what the passage teaches is true about God (attributes).
INTERPRETATION - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Explore why the author would have used a particular word or phrase, or why he would have made a particular point the way he made it. Keep in mind the textual, historical and cultural context.
Make connections to other parts of the book or other parts of the Bible (cross-references).
Paraphrase or summarize part or all of the passage.
APPLICATION - HOW SHOULD THIS CHANGE ME?
Consider how what the passage teaches about God should change the way you think, speak or act.
Make meaningful connections to your own life:
Is there a sin to confess?
Is there cause for thanksgiving or praise to God?
Is there a promise or truth to trust in?
Is there an attitude to change or a motive to examine?
Is there a command to obey or an example to imitate?
Is there an error to confront or avoid?
These are great questions for yourself. They can also be used with children as you do family teaching.
There are also many great resources that can help you in your study of Acts. The Bible Project has a great video introducing chapters 1-7 that you can watch with your children. Then read the verses as a family and talk about what God is doing in the text.
