Acts Chapter 2 - questions for discussion

Acts 2 records the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This incident is referred to as the birth of the church - the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believers to fulfil the will of God on earth. We can see significant similarities between the day of Pentecost and birth of Christ.

In the gospel of Luke it is recorded that John was to be filled with the Spirit for his role as witness to Christ (Luke 1:15). Others who also witnessed to Jesus were also reliant on the Holy Spirit - Elizabeth (1:41), Zechariah (1:67), and Simeon (2:25 - 35). Even Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit (1:35). The Holy Spirit units us in Christ.

As a united body of believers we then fellowship, grow and witness about Christ together (Acts 2:42-47).

Questions

1. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)
How did this experience differ from John 20:21-22 (See 1 Corinthians 12:1-3).

2. What common manifestation do we witness in the following accounts of people receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit?
Acts 2: 1-48, Acts 8:14-20, Acts 9:17-20, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7

3. Peter gave his second sermon after Jesus death in Acts 2:14-39.
What scriptures did he quote from?

4. Does the Holy Spirit still talk to us from the Old Testament today?
What Old Testament scriptures have blessed you recently?

5. Why was Jesus crucified?
Acts 2:22-28.

6. How many souls responded to the gospel Peter preached after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:41?
Compare this to the giving of the Ten Commandments?
Exodus 31:17-18, Exodus 32:1-2,7-8,25-29.

7. In the light of question 6, what do you think are the differences between law and grace?

8. What were the activities of these new Christians?
Acts 2:42-47.

9. How can we make room for the Holy Spirit today in our individual homes?

10. Where did the breaking of bread take place?
Acts 2:46.

11. Take some time to pray as a group for those who may want to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?