Acts Bible Study Guide

September 17 – November 19, 2025

September 17, 2025 – Acts 12

Passage: Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison & Herod’s Death

Contextual Background:
The early church faces increased persecution, with James killed and Peter imprisoned. God intervenes miraculously to free Peter, while Herod’s arrogance leads to his downfall. This chapter contrasts human pride with God’s sovereign power.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Peter’s deliverance teach us about the power of prayer?

2. Why do you think the believers were surprised when Peter showed up, even though they prayed for him?

3. What does this reveal about the tension between faith and doubt in prayer?

4. How do we see God’s judgment on Herod as a warning about pride?

5. Where do you see the theme of God’s sovereignty over rulers in today’s world?

6. How can this passage strengthen us when facing persecution or challenges?

7. What does this teach about the unstoppable nature of God’s church?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for reminding us that You are stronger than any chains or rulers of this world. Strengthen our faith in prayer, and help us trust Your sovereignty even in times of hardship. Amen.

September 24, 2025 – Acts 13

Passage: Paul and Barnabas’ First Missionary Journey

Contextual Background:
The church at Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. The gospel begins to spread into Gentile territories, marking a new chapter in God’s redemptive plan.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why is the church at Antioch significant in the story of missions?

2. What do we learn about the importance of fasting and prayer before making decisions?

3. How do Paul and Barnabas model boldness in proclaiming the gospel?

4. Why did some Jews reject the message while Gentiles received it with joy?

5. What can this teach us about opposition to God’s word today?

6. How does this chapter challenge us to support or engage in missions?

7. What does it mean to be a “light to the Gentiles” in our community today?

Prayer:
Lord, give us boldness like Paul and Barnabas to share Your gospel. Help us be a sending church, ready to go where You lead and support the mission of Christ. Amen.

October 1, 2025 – Acts 14

Passage: Paul and Barnabas at Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe

Contextual Background:
The gospel advances amid persecution. Paul heals a crippled man, but the crowds mistake him and Barnabas for gods. Later, Paul is stoned but survives. This chapter shows the highs and lows of mission work.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Paul’s healing of the crippled man teach about faith?

2. Why were the crowds quick to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods?

3. How do people today still misdirect worship toward humans instead of God?

4. What does Paul’s perseverance after being stoned teach us about endurance?

5. How can we “strengthen the disciples” as Paul did when revisiting believers?

6. Why is suffering often part of the Christian journey?

7. How does this chapter challenge our own commitment to Christ’s mission?

Prayer:
Father, strengthen us in trials and keep us faithful in witness. Help us endure hardship and always give glory to You alone. Amen.

October 8, 2025 – Acts 15

Passage: The Jerusalem Council

Contextual Background:
The early church faces a major question: Do Gentile believers need to follow Jewish law, especially circumcision? The apostles and elders gather in Jerusalem to settle the matter, affirming salvation by grace through faith.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why was the question of circumcision so important to the early church?

2. How does this chapter highlight the need for unity in the body of Christ?

3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding the council’s decision?

4. How do the apostles model conflict resolution for the church today?

5. What does this chapter teach about adding human traditions to God’s gospel?

6. How do we balance cultural traditions and gospel truth today?

7. Why is salvation by grace such a central message of Christianity?

Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for saving us by grace through faith in Christ. Unite us as one body, and help us resist anything that adds barriers to Your gospel. Amen.

October 15, 2025 – Acts 16

Passage: Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Philippi: Lydia, the Slave Girl, and the Jailer)

Contextual Background:
Paul is led by the Spirit to Macedonia, where Lydia becomes the first convert in Europe. A slave girl is freed from a spirit, leading to Paul and Silas’ imprisonment. God shakes the prison, and the jailer is saved.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does God guide Paul through the Spirit to new mission fields?

2. What does Lydia’s conversion reveal about God’s work in opening hearts?

3. Why did Paul free the slave girl, despite the cost?

4. What does the imprisonment of Paul and Silas teach us about praising God in trials?

5. How does the jailer’s conversion show God’s power to transform families?

6. Where do we see God using hardship for His glory today?

7. How can this passage encourage us to be faithful witnesses in our workplaces or communities?

Prayer:
Lord, guide our steps by Your Spirit. Help us share the gospel with boldness and worship You even in trials, knowing You work all things for good. Amen.

October 22, 2025 – Acts 17

Passage: Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens

Contextual Background:
Paul preaches in three cities. The Bereans eagerly search the Scriptures, while in Athens Paul delivers a famous sermon at the Areopagus, addressing idol worship with the truth of the “Unknown God.”

Reflection Questions:

1. What makes the Bereans a model for receiving God’s word?

2. How do the Thessalonians’ reactions show the challenges of preaching truth?

3. What does Paul’s sermon in Athens teach about engaging culture with the gospel?

4. How can we use people’s spiritual hunger to point them to Christ?

5. What idols exist in our culture today that compete with God?

6. How can we be both bold and respectful when sharing our faith?

7. What does this chapter teach about contextualizing the gospel without compromising it?

Prayer:
God of truth, help us to be like the Bereans, eager to study Your word. Teach us how to share the gospel wisely and boldly in a world full of idols. Amen.

October 29, 2025 – Acts 18–19

Passage: Paul in Corinth & Ephesus

Contextual Background:
Paul ministers in Corinth, where he faces opposition but finds encouragement from the Lord. Later, in Ephesus, many come to faith, while others riot because the gospel threatens idol-making businesses.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does God encourage Paul in Corinth when he is discouraged?

2. What role do Aquila and Priscilla play in the spread of the gospel?

3. What can we learn from Apollos about growing in faith and knowledge?

4. Why did the gospel threaten the economy of Ephesus?

5. What does this reveal about the power of true faith over false religion?

6. How do we see spiritual warfare in these chapters?

7. How does this challenge us to confront idols in our own lives and communities?

Prayer:
Lord, give us courage when we face opposition and wisdom to strengthen others in faith. Help us stand against false gods and lift high the name of Jesus. Amen.

November 5, 2025 – Acts 20–21

Passage: Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders & His Journey to Jerusalem

Contextual Background:
Paul gives an emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders, warning them of future dangers but commending them to God’s grace. Despite warnings, he presses on toward Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why is Paul’s farewell speech so moving and important?

2. What qualities of leadership does Paul model for church leaders today?

3. How do Paul’s warnings about false teachers apply to us now?

4. Why was Paul so determined to go to Jerusalem despite the risks?

5. What does this reveal about obedience and sacrifice in following Christ?

6. How can we prepare ourselves for trials in our own walk of faith?

7. What legacy are we leaving for future generations of believers?

Prayer:
Faithful God, help us live with courage and conviction like Paul. Strengthen us to finish our race well and to leave behind a witness of faithfulness to You. Amen.

November 12, 2025 – Acts 22–26

Passage: Paul’s Testimony and Trials before Roman Officials

Contextual Background:
Paul gives his testimony before hostile crowds and leaders, including Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. He consistently points to Christ, showing how personal testimony can be powerful even in trials.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why does Paul repeatedly share his personal testimony?

2. What makes a testimony so powerful in evangelism?

3. How does Paul’s courage before rulers inspire us?

4. What does this teach about God using trials as platforms for witness?

5. Why did Agrippa almost but not fully believe Paul’s message?

6. How can we boldly share our faith story today?

7. What does Paul’s example teach us about trusting God in uncertain outcomes?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for saving us and giving us a testimony. Help us share it boldly so that others may come to know Christ. Amen.

November 19, 2025 – Acts 27–28

Passage: Paul’s Journey to Rome and Ministry in Rome

Contextual Background:
Paul endures shipwreck on his way to Rome but continues to testify about Jesus. Even under house arrest, he preaches the kingdom of God without hindrance. The book of Acts closes with the unstoppable advance of the gospel.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Paul’s courage during the storm teach us about faith in crisis?

2. How does God’s protection in the shipwreck reveal His faithfulness?

3. Why is it significant that Acts ends with Paul in Rome, preaching freely?

4. What does this show about God’s plan for the gospel reaching the nations?

5. How does this encourage us to trust God when the future is uncertain?

6. In what ways does Acts challenge us to continue the mission today?

7. How might our church live as a continuation of the Acts story?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us through Acts that nothing can stop the gospel. Use us to carry forward the mission of Christ with faith and courage. Amen.