Acts: An Introduction and Overview

Some of the main themes in Acts are:
~The Apostles bearing witness of the church and preaching the gospel
~The Spreading of the Church
~Persecution
Throughout Acts, Peter did many things:
Acts 2-5
~Testifies of Christ and tells about the Holy Ghost
~He tells the people about repentance and heals a man
~He is arrested and testifies that "salvation comes through Christ"
~Saved from prison by an Angel
Acts 8-10
~He and John confer the Gift of Holy Ghost by the Laying on of hands
~ He heals Eneas and raises Dorcas from the dead
~In a vision, He is commanded to take the gospel to the Gentiles
Acts 12
~He is arrested by Herod and saved by an Angel

The Holy Ghost

Choice 2: John 14:15–17, 26–27; 15:26–27; 16:7–8, 13–14. The Savior’s Instructions about the Holy Ghost

1. As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:
• John 14:15–17 – the Holy Ghost comforts us, if we keep His commandments
• John 14:26–27  - The Holy Ghost teaches us, and brings us peace
• John 15:26–27 – The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ
• John 16:7–8 – The Holy Ghost will “reprove the world of sin”
• John 16:13–14 – The Holy Ghost will guide us to all truth and shall glorify the Savior
2. Add to your list above as you study the following resources:
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (p. 168) – The Holy Ghost can mature all the “fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature.”
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (p. 168) – The Holy Ghost “bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made covenant and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God.”
• Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (p. 704)
3. Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:
• Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection.

The Holy Ghost was there for the Apostles, to tell them what to do, who and what to teach, and was there to comfort them.

• Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you.

This is a kind of silly story, but I will always remember it. When I was about eight years old, we had a rabbit that would sometimes sneak out of its cage. One time, we couldn’t find it anywhere, so my sister and I knelt down and prayed to our Heavenly Father to help us find it. I felt an impression to look by its cage again, and we found it near there. Even though it is something small, I will always remember that.