Repay Evil for Evil

"In the old days, people demanded 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,' and to repay evil for evil. Patience was not yet on the earth, because faith was not on the earth either. Of course, impatience made full use of the opportunities the Law gave it. That was easy when the Lord and Master of patience was not here. But now that he has come and put the grace of faith together with patience, we are no longer allowed to attack someone even with a word—not even to call someone a fool without facing the danger of judgment. The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven' (Matthew 5:44-45). This most important commandment summarizes in a word the universal discipline of patience, since it does not allow us to do evil even to people who deserve it."—Tertullian

The Irresistible Desire to Control God and People (Acts 8:1-25)

Samaria, the Spirit and Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:1-25). 

1. Given the history between the Jews and Samaritans (Jn 4:9; Lk 9:52-54), what was remarkable about Philip's preaching and the response (Ac 8:5-8)? What opened the door to his ministry (Ac 8:1-4; 2 Tim 3:12)? Has God used seemingly negative circumstances in your life to advance the gospel?
2. Though Philip [and Stephen] were chosen to serve tables (Ac 6:5) how and why do you think they got into evangelism?
3. What aspect of Philip's activity likely captivated Simon (Ac 8:6-8, 13)? What changed Simon the sorcerer (Ac 8:9-12)? Was he "converted" (Ac 8:13)?
4. What happened when the apostles baptized the Samaritan believers (Ac 8:14-17)? What happens when one receives the Holy Spirit (Ac 2:4; Jn 15:26; 16:8-11, 13; Gal 5:22-23)?  What did Simon see that caused him to be even more intensely interested (Ac 8:18; 2:4; 10:44-46)? What did he really want or desire (Jn 12:43; Gen 3:5; Rom 1:21)? 
5. Why did Peter rebuke Simon so strongly (Ac 8:20-23)? What was Simon's problem (Ac 8:23; Dt 29:18; Heb 12:15)? Is Peter's rebuke applicable to us? How might we be tempted to use God to get what we want? How do you guard against this (Phil 4:11-13; Jn 8:31-32)?
6. What influence does the Holy Spirit have over you? How can you be sure (Prov 1:7; 9:10)?

ABC--Assertiveness, Boldness and Courage (Acts 4)

• Explain "Man was made by God and sinners was made by man. So when you destroy what you made [repent], God will save what he made" [Catholic Catechism].
• What should believing "that your sins may be wiped out" (Ac 3:19) do for you? Can it deceive or cause complacency? Do you feel proud about yourself when you repent? Are you upset with those who don't repent or change?

1. Who were the "3" authorities, leaders and religious elite who stopped Peter and John from speaking (Ac 4:1)?
• What did the Sadducees believe (Mk 12:18; Lk 20:27; Mt 22:23)? Why is the gospel upsetting (Ac 4:2-3)?
• Why are the elite and those in positions of power angered and threatened by anyone who does not submit to their authority (Mk 10:42-44; Ac 1:8; 2 Tim 1:7)?Do they think they are better/holier/superior?
• Have you been silenced by those in power? What courage from God do you need to face it?
• What did those who heard the message believe (Ac 4:4; 3:13-16, 17-26)?
2. Why did the religious authorities question Peter and John about the power, name or authority by which they healed the lame man (Ac 4:5-7; Mt 21:23; Mk 11:28; Lk 20:2)?
• How could Peter respond so boldly [and bluntly] without any fear before the very "powerful" men who had just previously condemned Jesus to death (Ac 1:8; 4:8-12; Mt 10:17-20; 2 Tim 1:7)?
• What is the purpose of being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ac 4:8a)?
• How did he connect Jesus with OT prophecy (Ac 4:11; Ps 118:22)? What does it mean that Jesus is "the cornerstone" (Isa 28:16)?
• Why is "salvation ... found in no one else" (Ac 4:12)? Why is this claim controversial, even offensive [for unbelievers, skeptics, "Christians"?]? Why do people "hate" exclusive claims (Jn 14:6)? Have you been persecuted and accused of being narrow minded for believing in Jesus (2 Tim 3:12)? Is it crucial for the church to hold on to this claim?
3. Why were the religious leaders astonished [alarmed, angry, agitated, aroused, annoyed] by the courage of Peter and John (Ac 4:13)?
• How might they regard fishermen? Why would God choose and use the "lowly" (Mt 11:25; 1 Cor 1:26-31)? What gave them their remarkable courage (Ac 1:8; 2:32; 3:15; 4:8; Lk 12:11-12)?
• Courage can be translated as “frankness.” To whom in your life do you need to be speaking with “steely frankness”?
• Have you/will you speak boldly about Jesus? How can you grow in boldness and courage (Ac 1:8; 2 Tim 1:7; Jn 6:63; Mk 3:13-15)?
4. 
   Why would they deny an obvious miracle (Ac 4:14-16)? How did they misuse their God given authority (Ac 4:17, 21-22)?
• Why could Peter and John not obey their command to stop speaking and teaching in Jesus' name (Ac 4:17-20)?
• When is civil disobedience warranted? When should man's law and/or Jesus' word be obeyed (Rom 13:1-2; Mt 28:18-20; Jn 14:15; Ac 4:29)?
5. What did the Apostles do on being released (Ac 4:23-24)? Protest their unjust arrest and mistreatment?
• Why should we pray 'after an incident' as before it?
• What were the main points in their prayer from the Psalm (Ac 4:25-26, 27-30; Ps 2:1-2)?
• Do you use the Bible in your prayer? To aid your prayer life?
• What was the immediate result of their prayers (Ac 4:31)? Should Christians expect a trouble free and danger free life (Jn 15:18-19; 16:33)?
• What have you learnt that could help your prayer life?
6. What are your initial reactions to reading Ac 4:32-37?
• What attitude did the believers have toward one another (4:32a)?
• How effective was the apostles’ witness (4:33)?
• How did the "wealthy better-off Christians" exemplify the early church (Ac 4:34-35; Dt 154)? Who dealt with the common fund of the church? 
• What possessions are you willing to part with to help those in need (Ac 4:32b)?
• What is the dominant mindset of our culture regarding money, possessions and stuff? Where and how do you see it play out?
• Why was Barnabas such an encouragement (Ac 4:36-37)?
• How can we/should we "copy" his example?
• What are things that prevent you from being generous?
• How has your relationship with Jesus impacted or changed the way you view your money, possessions and stuff?
• Is there a specific way you can practice giving or sharing your money or stuff? Take a few minutes of silence to reflect, and then if comfortable, share with the group in what ways God might be leading you?

http://westloop-church.org/index.php/messages/new-testament/43-acts-messages/690-acts-4