Acts

Acts of the Apostles

Sect. 5: Acts of the Apostles

The latest trend

Big Changes

Judaism

Christianity

Christianity: The trend of the (1st) century!

Essential questions: What traditions should we hold onto? What should we let go of?

Acts records the events of the early Church

"The Church learning to be a Church"

Mission of the Church

3000

12

Early Church

PODS!

Pg 225 in book

Acts 2:42-47

Characteristics of ideal church

Pentecost is the "birthday" of the Church

1. Summarize in your own words the importance of each and how it is lived out in the Church today

Mission: To continue the mission of Christ

• Christian fellowship (communion)
• Praying for one another
• Breaking bread (Eucharist)
• Teaching of the Apostles

Acts 2:1-13

With help of the holy spirit

How did the Holy Spirit change things?

Early Persecution

Suffered a lot of persecution

St. Stephen

Gentile Christians

What even is that?!

vs.

2 main issues:

http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/roman-empire/christian-persecution.htm

1. Should the Church allow Gentiles in?

2. Do the Gentiles need to follow the Jewish laws?

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/

It's go time!!!

Freeze tag!

Game:

• 2 "taggers"

• 2 "blockers"

2 taggers

2 blockers

• Everyone gets to play!

• Represented Roman Empire
• Tried to "block" mission of Apostles

• Went out in twos for support
• Had to be active in their mission
• Stood firm against persecution

Everyone else

• When first encounter faith in a deep way - want to tell everyone! Good news!
• Society can "block" us or pressure us in our faith journey because we are afraid of persecution