LESSON 7 – THE GOSPEL WRITTEN BY ST.
JOHN
Bible portions: Acts 1: 1-5, 10:34-43, 12:1-19
QUESTIONS ANSWERS
1. Answer the following 1 mark each
1. To whom was the Acts of the Apostles written? 1. Theophilus, a gentile
2. Who is the author of the Acts of the Apostles? 2. Luke
3. Who was the disciple chosen to replace Judas? 3. Matthias
2. Choose the correct answer from the bracket 1 mark each
(“Men of Galilee”, Matthias, Rhoda)
1. “_____ ___ _________” they said, “why do you stand here looking 1. “Men of Galilee,”
into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into
heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go
into heaven.” (Acts 1: 11)
2. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to __________; so he was 2. Matthias
added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1: 26)
3. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named 3. Rhoda
_______ came to answer the door. (Acts 12:13)
3. Write if the following statements are True or False 1 mark each Stop
1. The first church was established in Jerusalem 1. TRUE
2. The Gospel was first preached the Jews 2. TRUE
3. Most of the believers in the early church were Jewish Christians 3. TRUE
4. Fill in the blanks 2 marks each
1. In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Luke elaborates the work of 1. The Holy Spirit
_________________ which was central to evangelism
2. Peter went to Joppa to meet ______________ 2. Cornelius
3. So Peter was kept in prison, but the ___________ was earnestly 3. Church
praying to God for him
5. Who said to whom? 2 marks each
1. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he 1. Angel said to Peter
said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 2. People praying for Peter
2. “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. said to Rhoda, servant girl
6. Answer briefly 4 marks each
1. Why is it said that the Acts of the Apostles was written around AD 63?
A. The "Acts of the Apostles" is believed to have been written around AD 63 primarily because it
concludes with Paul in Rome awaiting trial, with no mention of events that occurred afterward,
such as the persecution of Christians by emperor Nero in AD 60, Paul’s execution and the
destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70. This suggests that the book was completed before
these significant historical moments. Additionally, the narrative's historical style indicates that
Luke aimed to document the early church's development up to that point.
Furthermore, as Luke was a companion of Paul and traveled with him, it's likely he wrote "Acts"
shortly after Paul's imprisonment, which occurred around AD 60-62. For these reasons AD63 is
generally accepted as the date of writing of the acts of the apostles.
2. Why is the Acts of the Apostles also called the acts of the Holy Spirit?
A. The "Acts of the Apostles" is often called the "Acts of the Holy Spirit" due to its emphasis on the
Holy Spirit's role in guiding and empowering the early church. The narrative showcases the Spirit
directing the apostles, enabling them to perform miracles, and inspiring key decisions, including
the inclusion of Gentiles.
The book begins with the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, which empowers the apostles to
effectively spread the Gospel. The Spirit also calls and sends key figures like Paul and Barnabas
and guides the church's growth.
By highlighting the Holy Spirit's actions and guidance, "Acts" illustrates the Spirit's vital role in
fulfilling Jesus' promise to His followers and in establishing the church, making the title "Acts of
the Holy Spirit" fitting.
3. Evaluate the comment “Acts” is a historical book.
A. The book of "Acts" chronicles the journeys and hardships of the apostles as they laid the
foundations of the early church and spread the Gospel of Christ. Authored by Luke, who joined
Paul's group around AD 50, it reflects his commitment to documenting an accurate history based
on the accounts of others.
Chapters 1 to 5 focus on the formation of the church in Jerusalem, detailing significant events
such as Jesus' ascension, the election of Matthias, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, Peter's first
sermon, and the traits of early believers, most of whom were Jewish Christians.
Chapters 6 to 12 trace the church's expansion from Jerusalem to Syria, highlighting the initial
evangelistic mission directed at scattered Jews. Key events include the appointment of seven
Spirit-filled leaders, the martyrdom of Stephen, the preaching in Samaria and Ethiopia, and Peter's
revelation to share the Gospel with Gentiles. This section also details the growing acceptance of
the Gospel among Gentiles.
Later chapters depict the Gospel's reach to Rome, including Paul's three missionary journeys and
his personal sufferings. Luke’s geographical and personal descriptions enhance our
understanding of the culture, lifestyle, and topography of the time, showcasing his historical
writing skills and thoughtful narrative.
4. Summarize the theological vision of “Acts”.
A. In "Acts," Luke, as a non-Jewish writer, highlights the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism.
He illustrates that the Gospel's reach was facilitated not only by human efforts but significantly by
the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. The resurrected Christ promises the Holy Spirit,
empowering the apostles to perform miracles and fulfill their mission and directs evangelists like
Philip, Peter, and Paul, calls Saul and Barnabas for ministry, and influences key decisions at the
Jerusalem council, including the appointment of elders.
Luke emphasizes the inclusive nature of the church's salvation mission, aligning with Jesus' Great
Commission. His theological vision invites all nations to partake in the salvation plan, which is
central to the message of the apostles. This inclusivity is encapsulated in Jesus' promise that the
disciples will be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth," serving as the outline for the book.
4. Complete the memory verses 4 marks each
Acts 1:8 - But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power and will be my witnesses
in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, mad and to the ends of the earth.
