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Bible Essentials

Acts 2:1-47

Giving of the Holy Spirit

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Opening

  • Share life updates
  • Review highs and lows of the week
  • Share prayer requests and praises

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Icebreaker

  • What is the most dramatic transition you’ve experienced in your life? Were you able to see God guiding you through the transition?

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Acts 2:1-47

  • Read the passage
  • What is the context for this passage?
    • Jesus had already been crucified; he rose from the dead three days later.
    • Jesus had just ascended into heaven. Before his ascension, he told his disciples to wait for him to send power from on high.

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Acts 2:1-47

  • Read the passage again, in a different version if available.
  • Summarize the passage in your own words.

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What does the passage say about God?

  • The Holy Spirit came like wind and fire.
  • The Holy Spirit enables people to do things they couldn’t otherwise do.
  • God keeps his promises.
  • God has a plan in mind, even when it doesn’t make sense.
  • God has power over death.
  • God has the ultimate responsibility of saving people.

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What does the passage say about people?

  • Jesus’ followers were obedient to wait for his promised gift.
  • All believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • People who witness the power of the Holy Spirit may be confused at first.
  • Some people will be skeptical of the Holy Spirit’s power.
  • People experience faith within a community.

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What does the passage say about God’s plan?

  • God’s plan is to empower his people to spread the gospel through the Holy Spirit.
  • God’s plan is to save anyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
  • God’s plan was to conquer sin and death through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
  • God’s plan is for believers to repent and be baptized.
  • God’s plan is for believers to be united.

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Discussion

  • How does the passage fit into the overarching story of the Bible?
    • This passage records the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.
    • People are no longer required to follow a sacrificial system because Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.
    • People no longer need the High Priest to intercede for them. Believers now have the Holy Spirit living in them!

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Discussion

  • What else strikes you about this passage?
  • How does the passage affect how you view God? How you view yourself?
  • How does this passage affect how you will live your life?