Study Questions Acts #10
God Still Shows Up
Acts 9:32-43
INTRODUCTION: We have not seen Peter sin Acts 8:25, and now he pops back up on the scene. The point is that God is still working quite powerfully through this apostle, as he becomes God’s instrument to make this breakthrough. Whether it is the power to walk or the power to restore life, Peter is still blessed of God. His ministry parallels Jesus’s healings and the work of the prophets, especially Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17:17–24; 2 Kings 4:32–37). Stipp notes parallels in 1 Kings 17 with an upper room, the removal of witnesses, prayer, and the opening of the eyes. He also points to the fulfillment again of words uttered in Acts 4:10: healing has taken place in the name of Jesus. We can also see now through the juxtaposition of Peter and Saul shows how God is using a variety of people to accomplish his task.[1] And, through a variety of people, God has shown up in some big ways. What should stand out to the reader of this passage is that belief is the right response when we see God at work. The question we need to wrestle with today is, are we looking for God to show up in our lives?
GETTING STARTED – As a group, talk about a time or different moments in your life where you saw God show up in big or small ways. How did seeing God show up in the little things inspire confidence for the big moments where you knew you needed his help? What disciplines or habits have you had to cultivate in your life to keep an eye out for God’s work and intervention?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
[1] Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 375.