Here we are at the beginning of this adventure together reading The Acts of the Apostles during the 50 days of the Easter season. I suppose you might have questions. Let me start off with a few suggestions. You can add suggestions or questions of your own as we go along.
When to read? That’s up to you. Try to set aside a regular time to read.
Maybe you’re a morning person–you know who you are!
Or perhaps you’ve got some free-time at lunch.
Others may find that nighttime is the best for them.
Couples or families may want to read the text together. Find a time that works so everyone in the house can participate.
What Bible should I use? Again, that’s up to you! What Bible translation do you normally read? Start there. If you’re looking for some online Bible translations, check out the links on the side of this page.
In worship we often use the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). The National Council of Churches offers a search engine (Oremus Bible Browser) to look up Scripture in the NRSV.
After you read the passage in your Bible, try reading it in a contemporary retelling of Scripture such as The Message by Eugene H. Peterson. See the search engines at eBible.com or BibleGateway.com to read a passage in several different translations.
How do I read? We’ve tended to make Bible study something that only folks who’ve been through the rigors of seminary training can do. Not so!
Begin your reading with a simple prayer for God to speak to you through the text.
Listen for words or phrases that catch your attention.
If there are words or concepts you don’t understand, use the notes in your Bible to help clarify.
It’s difficult to find a good contemporary commentary on Acts online. There are many older commentaries available and also several more conservative commentaries. Use your good judgement when accessing online information.
If you’re reading from eBible.com, you may want to look at the Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. The commentary consists of notes from the Nelson New King James Version Study Bible and reflect a more conservative/evangelical approach to Scripture than we Disciples of Christ typically practice. Nevertheless it does contain some helpful information.
Use your imagination. Try placing yourself in the story.
Are you a main character (such as Peter or Paul) or a bystander watching the action?
What emotions might you be feeling?
How would you react to the situation?
Does the story speak to your current situation? How about our church context?
Join others in study. This is a blog for the folks at Puyallup First Christian Church. If you’re in the area, join a study on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. If you’ve stumbled across this blog and you’re not from around the Puyallup Valley, trying reading Acts on your own and invite others to join you. Use the links on the side to find additional resources.
Blessings to everyone on this incredible journey of faith we call Christianity.
