Theme

Responding to the coming of the Holy Sprit

Questions

• What is your understanding and/or experience of the Holy Spirit? Is the Spirit something you think about much, or not?
• Acts 2:4 describes the believers as being “filled” with the Holy Spirit. What do you think it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
• Is there a difference between being filled with the Holy Spirit, and receiving the Holy Spirit? Compare Jesus’ words to his disciples in John 20:19-23 and Luke 24:49 – is he describing two different things?
• How are Jesus’ words in Luke 24:46-47 reflected in the events described in Acts 2:5-12?
• In Luke 24:48 Jesus describes his followers as ‘witnesses’ (people who speak about what they have seen or experienced).
  • How does the coming of the Holy Spirit transform them and equip them for this task?
  • Do you feel equipped for this task to witness to the reality of Jesus as saviour and Lord? Does Acts 2 encourage, or inspire, or motivate you (or something else)?
• To some of those watching what happened it looked like the disciples were drunk (Acts 2:13). Do you think people still misunderstand God working in his followers today – in what ways?
• How did Peter respond to this misunderstanding (Acts 2:14-21)?
• There are a lot of claims about the Spirit being at work. How can you recognise the activity of the Holy Spirit today (look at John 15:26-27, 1 Corinthians 12:1-6, and 1 John 4:1-3 for ideas)?
• Look at the prophesy of Joel, which Peter speaks in Acts 2:17-21. What is the ultimate purpose of the different ways the Holy Spirit is described as working in this prophesy (v.21 is the key)?
• The work of the Holy Spirit is described in very dramatic ways in this passage. In your experience, would you say there is too much focus among Christians on the dramatic works of the Spirit, or not enough focus? How do we strike the right balance?