The First Years

Biographies follow chronological order, from birth and early years ending with the person’s achievements. If there was a story of your life, what would the titles of the chapters be so far?

Which book of the Bible tells about the early Church? It is thought to be a continuation of whose Gospel? That Acts of the Apostles records the Church’s movement from Jerusalem to what great city? With what event does the Acts of the Apostles begin? Which Church leader does it tell about? Whose missionary adventures does it describe? Whose role in the Church does the Acts of the Apostles stress? What are the early letters to Christians called?

What signs were there that the apostles were filled with Jesus’ spirit? Why could the apostles be called “rich poor men”? How did the miracle help the Church to grow?

Test your memory. You have 5 minutes to memorize as many books of the New Testament as possible (in order)!

Why do you think the Jewish leaders arrested Peter and John? What do you think of Gamaliel? How do the apostles respond to their sufferings, according to the Acts of the Apostles? Re-read Acts of the Apostles 5:40-42.

1. What can we learn about the early Church from the Acts of the Apostles? 2. What was the role of the first deacons? 3. What is a martyr? 4. How did the persecution of the Christians actually help to spread the Good News?

Read the following passages. Pretend you are a being questioned by a reporter and must answer the following questions: I heard that Stephen gave a long speech before he died. What accusations did he make against the Sanhedrin? What vision did Stephen see before he died? How was Stephen killed? What were Stephen’s last words? What do you think might happen to the Christians now?