Today We Begin! {Intro & Resources for Acts 1-5}

Join Good Morning Girls as we read through the Bible cover to cover one chapter a day. Here are the resources you need to study the Book of Acts. #Biblestudy #Acts #WomensBibleStudy #GoodMorningGirls

Cue the Confetti!  Today We Begin!!!

Introduction to the Book of Acts

The book of Acts is a unique book because it is transitional. It transitions us from the time of Christ in the Gospels to the time of the church, in the Epistles. In Acts we see, the ascension of Christ and the beginning of the great commission where the gospel leaves Jerusalem and heads to the uttermost parts of the earth – and eventually right to us today.

Purpose: Acts was written so we could see the birth and growth of the church and the acts of the Apostles.

Author: Luke (also the author of the Gospel of Luke)

Date: Estimated to be around AD 63-70

Key Verse: Acts 1:8  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

In the book of Acts, we start with the accession of Jesus and then head into the ministry of Peter. There, we find the establishment and expansion of the church in the first 12 chapters.

We also see Saul converted from being a persecutor of the church to a great missionary of the church. His conversion takes places in Acts 9, but we don’t see his ministry really take off until chapter 13.

Themes:

There are several major themes in the book of Acts that will not only teach us about the early church but are applicable to our own lives as believers.

1.The Holy Spirit – Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come. The Holy Spirit came with power in Acts 2.  He came to be our comforter, our teacher, and He is the power behind all that we do as believers. Nothing we do is by our own power but by His power that lives inside of us.

2.  The Church – The establishment and organization of the local church is a main story line and theme of the book of Acts. The new church had many issues much like the church today. Acts gives us a lot of great examples of how to persevere in spite of problems in our church. It also talks greatly about the churches growth.

3.  Missions/Witnessing – At the end of each gospel, Jesus left us with a commission. (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-16, Luke 24:44-53, John 20:21-23) With this in mind, we know that this is the purpose of the church – to share the gospel! We must tell others. This expands not just the local church, but the entire Church universally. We also see in the book of Acts, that sharing the Gospel might come with a price but it strengthens our faith as we rely on God during those times.

4.  Persecution – The church and those who defended it suffered much persecution. The same is true today. Those who stand by the doctrines and beliefs of the church might suffer opposition or persecution. The book of Acts gives encouragement to stand firm in our faith, and to remember those who have stood firm before us.

Final Thoughts: 

The book of Acts is going to take us on a journey of faith. It calls Christians to live outside of their comfort zone and walk boldly to share the gospel in a world that does not seek to know God. May we be encouraged as we read the acts of those who went before us and learn that we too can persevere in an age where the Gospel is not popular.

{I want to extend a special thank you to my leadership team who helped create these resources for us: Mandy, Rosilind, Bridget and Misty.}

Here’s the  Printable Bible Bookmark

ActsBookmark

Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan:

This Week's Bible Reading Plan

Here are this week’s Group Discussion Questions

{If you do not have a group, use these for a personal time of reflection.}:

Acts1Acts2Acts3Acts4Acts5

To print the 28 Discussion Questions for Acts – click here.

The Verses of the Day:

This session I am changing the Meditation Monday Printable.

There is no weekly memory verse – rather I encourage YOU to choose which verse you’d like to memorize or meditate on.  The printable includes all 5 verses of the day — for the entire week!

Print and cut them out and put them in the bathroom, kitchen, beside your bed and computer and use them for meditation throughout the week.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

Acts 2-21[2]Acts 3-6[3]Acts 4-12[1]

Acts 1-5 Verses of the Day

Click HERE to print the Verses of the Day for Acts 1-5

Here’s another explanation of the SOAK Bible Study Method and Bible Coloring Chart if you need more guidance:

Here is the SOAK method I refer to in the video:

SOAK graphic

And the Bible Coloring Charts Full Page and Bookmark:

GMG Bible Coloring Chart

Bible Coloring Chart Bookmark 2Click HERE to Print the full page Coloring Chart
or here for the Bookmark Coloring Chart

Here are the highlighters, pens and pencils I refer to in the video:

Highlighters -> Acid Free – Bible Hi-Glider

Fine Line Non-bleeding Pens – Micron Archival Ink and Multi-Colored Gel Pens

Colored Pencils – Crayola Twistables and Crayola Colored Pencils

I use the ESV Inductive Study Bible as my personal Bible for study.
*Affiliate Links

There is no right or wrong way to color code – here’s a look at my Bible from our Proverb’s study.

Instagram collage Proverbs 26-29

There are no enrollments or sign-ups required – all are welcome to join us ANYTIME!

Where else:

During the week, I invite you to join us EVERY weekday morning after 7:45amEST on Facebook to discuss the day’s reading assignment.  Join us here -> Facebook/GoodMorningGirlsWLW. This is such great accountability!

You can also join the #GoodMorningGirls community by following me on ->  Instagram  and sharing your insights using the hashtag #GoodMorningGirls. 

Have a wonderful week in God’s Word – I’ll see you back here on the blog this Wednesday as we go deeper into God’s Word together!

**Chime In**

Introduce yourself!  Are you new here or are you a returning GMG?

Do you have a group or are you on your own? Are your kids joining you on this journey?

Walk with the King,

Courtney

66 Comments

  1. I’m so excited to begin this study! I’ve gotten out of being in the Word for awhile now, and am really looking forward to getting back and seeking and learning real Truth. I’ve participated in a number of the GMG studies in the past, and am very happy to be getting back into the rhythm of things with this study! Can’t wait to use the journal for the first time as well- it looks like such a great resource. Thank you for all your hard work and effort in putting all of this together and for all the encouragement throughout the week- it is such a blessing and a HUGE motivation!!

    Wishing you a beautifully blessed upcoming week!

    1. Welcome back Elizabeth! I’m SO glad you are joining us again!

      I am looking forward to getting back into the rhythm of things too. I love the accountability everyone gives me here.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

    2. Under the section that says “Themes”, you mention the book of Acts eventhough we’re going to be studying Mark. Was that on purpose?

      (Themes: There are several major themes in the book of Acts that will not only teach us about the early church but are applicable to our own lives as believers.)….

      1. You are on a post from last fall that is from the start of our study in the book of Acts.

        The introduction post for Mark will be up on Monday, March 7th. 🙂
        Courtney

    1. Thank you Kelly for all of the encouragement along the way!! I really appreciate it so much and I’m so glad you are joining us again!!! 🙂

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  2. I actually have been with Good Morning Girls for a little bit and have my own group that I started during Proverbs. My group, all though on FB, is made up of friends and family. I thank God I found this group everyday. Thank you Courtney.

    1. Carolyn – thank you so much for starting a group!!! That is wonderful!!

      I am praying God blesses your group again as you study the Book of Acts – I’m so excited to begin!

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  3. I am attempting to join this study again. I moved to another state and am now attending a different church (after 15 years at my previous church!) and am looking for all the Bible and study time I can get with others. I’m looking forward to starting this this week! See you in the morning!

    1. Oh Vanessa – what a huge life change moving to another state. I’m so glad you are desiring to stay in God’s Word through your change of seasons and pray it blesses you.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  4. Thank you so much for all that you do! I’ve been following GMG on my own through several studies. For the book of Acts, I finally started an official group. I have been blown away by how many ladies jumped right in and are taking off with it. Women NEED this! Thank you for empowering us!

    1. Hi Courtney (great name by the way 😉 Lol!) I’m so excited to hear that you took the initiative and started a group – way to go! I hope you all have a wonderful time together in God’s Word!!

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  5. Hi Courtney!

    I’m so excited about this study, and so feel like it’s the Lords timing as this is the 3rd acts study for me this year!

    Looking forward to seeing how what I’ve learned so far goes deeper as I study acts again, and how God will reveal more of Himself to me and how powerful He is. May He do a mighty work in all of us studying along, and move us so that we might impact our husband’s, children, neighbors, friends, churches, and communities for Him!

    I also am posting our daily verse and materials in a private group on facebook.

    Thanks again for your commitment to encourage women like me!

    Hugs!
    Kristin

  6. I have been doing your chapter a day study since the summer time and love it! My husband would like to know if there is a men’s Bible study website/blog comparable to Women Living Well that you know of.

    1. Hi Brantley,

      http://www.desiringGod.org is a great website for guys to read and grow spiritually. Also, we have the Good Morning Guys journals that are identical inside but with a more masculine cover if he wants to study alongside of you. Sorry I don’t have anything else to recommend at this time. 🙁

      Love,
      Courtney

  7. Happy First day of Acts !
    Geared up and ready to go.
    I’m leading a group of 11 ladies. Many new to this study. I lead my first group with Proverbs and loved it. Although I will admit it was a challenge for me with the color coding. I never felt like I was doing it right. Thanks for reminding me there is no right / wrong. So starting out on a good note with that.
    We are all very excited; and looking forward to what God has in store for each one of us.
    Thank you!

  8. Hi,
    I’m new to WLW study- and I’m enjoying it already. I’ve been eager to do an inductive study for a while now, and I’m very appreciative of the online version. It fits me where I am in life right now as a stay at home mom of two little boys. We live in the country and it’s nice to be able to do study with others yet online in the comfort of my home. I’m in my pajamas right now! The nearest big town is 30 minutes away, so when I go into town and back home, I often don’t want to go back into town again- so this is great. Plus, thank you that you make it free. This is also a big blessing to me. There was a study I was considering doing this Fall, but it would have cost me $60- so this is wonderful. ALSO, I have a friend who is doing it along with me!

  9. Hi! I’m a 29 year old stay-at-home wife and homeschooling mom to my 6 year old son and 2 year old daughter. I’ve been following along ever since we all started in Esther at the very beginning! I’m not part of a group because my Bible reading happens in the morning someone’s and at night sometimes! But you’ve kept me accountable. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed SOAKing through the Bible and am excited to dive into Acts today! (I also can’t wait to really get my kids actively involved in Bible studies and teach them the SOAK method in the future!)

  10. Good morning!
    This will be my first study with ya’ll. I have seen the change doing a study can do to your life I attended my first in home study in 2014-2015 it was amazing! I’m so looking forward to the growth and learning from the book of acts!

  11. So excited to start today! Love the options of verse printouts…one in specific just screamed out to be put up in my sons room, whom I caught sobbing over whether or not he’s a christian…(“what if asking God into my heart isn’t enough??”). This verse is perfect for him. Even my husband wants to read alongside me…WOW!
    Bless you Courney and your great team!

    1. Hey!
      Your son needs to know that all of his sins were carried away by Jesus on the cross fulfilling the promise right from the garden of Eden thru the whole OT. Jesus, the Messiah, provided forgiveness for him. He needs to just have faith that it is true, trusting Jesus did the complete work and he can’t add anything more to it. Simple faith of a child receiving the gift of forgiveness. Believe his sins are all forgiven at the cross. And hope of bring resurrected to eternal life just like Jesus was!

  12. I’m excited about this study and I was wondering will you have a Acts eJournal, like you had for the Proverbs study? Thank you so much in advance, have a blessed day:)

  13. Just wondering. I didn’t buy the workbook for acts and I don’t see a printable for the soak questions. are you no longer doing that?

  14. I have been anticipating this study since the beginning of Aug. Both my husband and I work outside the home and to make matters worse, I am in the Air Force where it is one other woman [who is rather hostile] and myself. I am in a constant environment where there is no godliness, only worldliness and it gets to you after a while, so having this little thing in my world helps to keep my mind on God. Unfortunately, I always find myself to talk like those in my work center as I am around it all day.

    Any tips on how to keep my eye focused on God and not all the noise around me? My family does attend church; however, we tend to be more introvert and haven’t made friends inside the church since moving here from California last May.

  15. Hello! I am a 40 year old full time working momma of 2 littles (ages 5 and 3) and have lost my way with the Word. I am trying to get back to it, and came across this Bible study so I am really hoping to find my way back! My family and I moved a year ago to a new area and we are still searching for a church. I look forward to enriching my life again with God’s Word. Thank you Courtney.

  16. Hi! I’m really excited to start this study, I don’t have a group for now, so I’m looking forward to learn more and praise God through it.

    Thank you!!

  17. Hi, I came across your website in the early summer months. I started studying on my own with Proverbs 31 using your S.O.A.K. method. It was transforming!!!!! Since using your S.O.A.K. method in studying the Bible I have gained a confidence I didn’t know I had. And I feel closer to God and His word. I wanted to join a group but was a little apprehensive. In the past,…let’s just say it’s hard for me to remember what I have read and it is hard for me to get my words together to say what I want to say. And not everyone is understanding of that. But I am hoping that by the next time you open it up for us to join groups I will have gained enough courage to join one. I am REALLY excited about the book of ACTS. I have been waiting in anticipation for awhile! I really appreciate you sharing your gifts God has blessed you with. I am becoming a better person and I thank God for placing you on my journey! Blessings…Always!

  18. I am super excited about this study! My whole family is coming along on this journey-husband and two sons! Our journals came in yesterday! This is not my first GMG study, but it the first time they are joining me. Normally we vote on what book to do next, but when I told my honey that the GMG were doing Acts and a journal for guys was created he jumped on my idea!

  19. I’m excited for this study. I posted my Acts 1, hope I got it in the right page. Courtney, I sent a post to you about your book I’m reading.

  20. I received the Proverbs Journal as a birthday gift and discovered the #GMG.
    I am a 5th generation Pentecostal-Apostolic, Preacher/Pastor’s wife, Preacher/Pastor’s kid who continuously discovers new things within God’s Word each and every time I read it.
    I am so looking forward to following along with this study, as well as going back through the archives for past studies.
    Thank you for your burden in creating this avenue!

  21. I’m excited to join the study! I am intentionally going to sit down and study. My life has been chaos lately having 5 kids under 7. My newest addition is just 2 weeks old. I have been slacking with reading my bible so i think this will help me!

  22. Yay, so excited to be leading a group again, for the past 7-8 years. I absolutely love it, life gets busy and this is perfect for anyone who feels they can’t do a study. This is def feesible and well worth it. I’m so excited to jump right in again, I always look forward to these studies,thanks for all you do sis! Love you!!
    Blessings,
    Adrienne

  23. Happy to be starting again! Missed GMG while we were on break. 🙂 THANK-YOU for creating a men’s journal. My husband and I are doing it together…we’re call his Good Morning Dudes! 🙂

  24. Thank you so much for all the wonderful FREE resources you provide during these studies. I bought the journal this time around (I was getting lazy of printing all the paper…haha!). I love the fact how reasonably priced it is compared to some other ones out there on the market. Our church went through Acts when The Bible Continues was on TV, so I’m looking forward to digging deeper into it this time around. Acts is such a wonderful and encouraging book that I think everyone should read. I’m going through a very difficult phase in my life and in the first chapter alone, I’m reminded to get on my knees and constantly pray through the circumstances. Thank you again for your service to the Lord!

  25. I am so excited to start this study with you guys! My 13 year old and I are doing this study together. it is our first of many I hope. I’m looking forward to see what we learn from God through this study. God Bless you all! I love Good Morning Girls. Thank you Courtney for following God’s leading and calling and doing this.It has blessed me greatly.

  26. I’m excited to join in this study, my first study with WLW. Thankful to God for providing so many ways to connect with other believers! It’s interesting to think how the Church began and how they traveled tirelessly through cities spreading the good news. And now, all these years later, we can encourage each other in literally seconds no matter where we are in the world. Wow. “After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.” Acts 1:3 This verse made me excited! What an exciting time for the church!

  27. This is great! Is it possible to share this with just a few of my friends instead of being on a huge group portal? I would love to go through this on a more intimate level with my daughters, etc.

    1. Pam,

      Yes! Most of our groups are friends inviting their friends from church, the neighborhood, old college friends or work friends to join together via email, a facebook group, daily text messaging or in real life once a week at someone’s house. We offer the on-line groups for women looking to join a group – but we LOVE it when you have friends to invite along on the journey!

      So glad you are joining us!
      Courtney

  28. Yeah! I’m so thrilled to be starting back into the study again.

    Courtney, you (and your wonderful Team) have been such a blessing to me since I found your posting “Make your home a haven” last year. I had not been involved in personal Bible Study for a number of years for various reasons but your format and journals, resources and – most of all – encouragement (!) has been the impetus for getting into God’s Word again.

    Today I invited a number of friends to join me on this journey so I’d appreciate your prayers that we’ll all participate in the accountability afforded through this process. Regardless, I KNOW that God will bless you and all those who participate.

    Love, Hugs and Prayers – Candace

  29. Just completed the first day of Acts. I am so excited that I discovered your ministry over the summer. I joined you for Proverbs 31 and really was blessed. During our off time I was following your study guide for Psalms. Its great to be able to go back to studies you have already done. Looking forward to immersing myself in the study of Acts. I’m encouraging my mom to participate also.

  30. Shared the link with some friends so we could all join the study, but now I can’t find the download link for the journal for Acts? Help!

  31. Good Morning!

    I have been a Good Morning Girl for.. goodness, I do believe this is year 5!!!! YAY! I have studied alone and in groups, and I adore your Bible studies!!!

    I am looking forward to this so much- thank you so very much for all the time and effort you put in to helping so many of us grow within God’s gospel!

    I can only speak for myself, but I can tell you I have a strong testimony of what Good Morning Girls can bring to a life. I have felt closer to God than ever, and I feel more accountable for my scripture reading than at any other point in my entire life. I am so blessed to have found your website- and all of the wonderful things you provide for women!

    Thank you! Looking forward to another great study!!!

    Mellissa

  32. This month marks one year that I’ve been following the Good Morning Girls Bible Study and I have learned so much throughout every book we have read! I know there are deeper depths in God’s word and I am loving it! Thank you for the time, effort, prayer, and devotion to these studies! Now, time for some coffee and the glorious Word of God! 🙂

    Have a blessed day!

  33. I am relatively new to Good Morning Girls and so thankful everyday to have found you! I have been following along for a couple of months now but this is my first Bible study and I am really looking forward to it! My 2 kids love your videos about how to study the bible, I can’t wait to share this study with them too! Oh, and your Journal is beautiful, thank you for offering such a great resource for us to use!

  34. Hey hey! This is my first study with you! I’m a stay at home mom/wife and have been slacking in my quite times and studying the word. I have felt the impact in my life and love how refreshed and encouraged I feel after spending time with the Lord. Also, I’m excited for the accountability! Thanks for putting this study together for us! 🙂

    Chelsea

  35. After a long season of care-giving for elderly parents, in addition to having boomerang children move back home (we now have 5 adults, 2 children, 4 dogs and 1 cat), I feel I am coming out of a dark place and heading toward the light. I still have all of the above responsibilities but find I really need the help and encouragement of a Bible study. I am trying to get a group together (so far it’s three of us). I thought I saw something about a downloadable leader’s guide? Where can I find that?

    Also, a little clarification please – WLW is studying Acts while GMG is studying Galatians?

    Thank you so much for your godly encouragement and support. I’ve been a long-time subscriber and done quite a few Bible studies with GMG and love them. May God bless this ministry.

  36. Hi Everyone! I’m a little late getting started. Hopefully, I can get caught up over this next weekend. Thank you!

    Donna

  37. Dear Courtney,

    Our ladies Bible study is yet again using your well organized and Spiritually motivating material! I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for Gods’ Word! Although there have been many things from all of your material that have helped me grow in my spiritual walk, I have become concerned regarding the importance of baptism within them. I hope you recognize as I do the requirements of baptism for salvation as supported in the study of Acts, especially chapter 2. I would be curious of your thoughts on the matter. Wouldn’t you agree that scripture implies faith proven by works? Although we know the blood of Christ is gracious and man cannot inherit the kingdom by works alone, I feel it is important to recognize that those added to the church (Acts 2:41) were those who did call upon The Lord as you emphasized but also they were baptized before being added.

    Thank you for your time and encouraging so many of us to dig deeper into Gods’ Word.

    Stefanie

  38. Im new here and really excited about tagging along solo and really getting into Gods word and learning all I can!!

  39. I am reading along with you guys! I did not join a group but will be checking in here to see what’s new. My girls in my regular bible study group are doing it too.

  40. I am new here and I am really excited to learning more about God’s word and learning as much as I can. I am still a new follower of faith. I came to following the Lord when I was 14 (17 years ago) but was not doing it faithfully until about 5 years ago (when I had my first child) and it was the best decision I have ever made and I plan lead my children down the same path as I am and having them learn about the word of God. So this is an exciting journey not only for me but for my children as well.

  41. This is my first WLW study and I am so glad to be here! I am a bit late in joining but have ordered my book and look forward to catching up. I really need accountability and consistency in my daily walk with the Lord and I know this is just the help I need. Thanks, Courtney, for being so encouraging.

  42. A group of my friends from across the country are all reading Acts through October–I am going to expand that with your posts 🙂 thank you! it has been a few years since I used GMG materials–they look as a great as ever!

  43. We are starting the book of Acts in a group study. We just discovered your web site.
    Is there a way that we could access the study of Acts from the beginning.
    We are praying that there is a way to do this.
    God bless you all

  44. Thank you so much for writing the introduction for each book you do! I have a friend that I’ve been discipling off and on for years and she is just now beginning to read the bible for herself and is learning a lot! Praise God! However, it’s confusing for her at times and Acts is one book that she needed help understanding. I immediately thought of your site as a resource for her. She also wanted an introduction to the book of Mark which I shared from your site as well. Although she doesn’t follow good morning girls, I do and the resources you provide are helpful for me as I disciple others. Thank you! Keep doing what you’re doing! It’s a blessing for so many women.

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