Chapter 6: Called to Community
The Acts of the Apostles
1.What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The one key idea of this chapter is that we are called to community. We studied how Pentecost was a transforming experiencefor the apostles and the early Christian community. We are called to be a part of this community of believers. The early Christian community was not an easy club to join. They were often persecuted and even martyred for their faith in Jesus. Shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven, Pentecost arrived as a rush of wind and fire. The Spirit who was present in Jesus is now in all of his followers. Throughout the Acts of the Apostles, certain apostles are trying to, and successfully convert many Gentiles to join the community we belong to today.
2.Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
The first major idea I'd like to remember from this chapter would be the story of the Pentecost. Shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven, his followers were together in a room, about one hundred and twenty in all. They agreed that a replacement for Judas was necessary to complete the symbolism between the twelve apostles and the twelve disciples. They let the Spirit decide by casting lots. Matthias was selected as the twelfe apostle. Pentecost came as rush of wind and tongues of fire rested on their heads. The spirit that worked inside of Jesus was now present in all of his followers. This was only the beginning of the manifestation of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. In Hebrew, Pentecost is called Shavu 'ot which means "weeks." Fifty days after the Passover, it commemorates the giving of the law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. In the New Testament, the Spirit has now come to serve the same guiding purpose that the law served in the Old Testament. I would like to remember this because this would be such a great experience to have. To have the Spirit of the Lord be present within you would be a great gift.
A second major idea I'd like to remember would be how the Church reached out to Gentiles during this time. A great example of this would be the story of Phillip the Hellenist. He traveled the wilderness road from Jerusalem to Gaza where he encountered an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official for the queen. He was reading scripture and asked Phillip to interpret it for him. Phillip does so in such a way, that he has the eunuch agree to be baptized. Phillip suddenly disappears, and the eunuch rejoiced in his new faith. Another example would be the conversion of Saul. This event revealed that the expansion of the early church would include Gentiles and showed that anyone can be transformed and used as an instrument of God. I'd like to remember this because the messages that these stories have are so powerful. If Saul can turn his life around for God, so could I.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4.One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
I wonder what the Gentiles thought of the new religion, Christianity. Some converted and others didn't, so I'd like to know why or why not they converted to Christianity.