“Acts 1–5,” New Testament Institute Teacher Manual (2025)
Day of Pentecost, by Sidney E. King
Acts 1–5
After Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, Peter presided over the selection of a new Apostle. On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles were filled with the Spirit. They preached the gospel, and about three thousand people were baptized. The Apostles performed miracles, testified of Jesus Christ, and were threatened, imprisoned, and beaten. The Church continued to grow in Jerusalem.
Additional Resources
Scripture Helps: New Testament, “Acts 1–5”
The “Introduction to the Course” provides guidance on how to use the four standard lesson elements that follow.
Encouraging Personal Study
Before class, consider sending students one or more of the following messages or some of your own:
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How has the Spirit influenced your life? Read Acts 2, and record any questions you have about the Spirit. Bring your questions to class.
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As you read Acts 3:1–16, think about miracles the Lord performs in our day and in your life. If you can’t think of any miracles, consider watching “The Miracle of the Ordinary” (3:00).
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Do you wish you had more courage when talking to others about Jesus Christ and His gospel? Read Acts 4:1–20, 29, 31; 5:27–32, 40–42, and see what you can learn from Peter and John about being courageous.
Questions and Sharing
Provide time for students to ask questions and share insights and truths they discovered in their personal study of Acts 1–5.
Skill Training
Acts 2 might be a helpful place to practice the skill “Understanding the Scriptures in Context” in Scripture Study Skills.
Learning Activity Options
Multiple learning options are provided for you and your students. Prayerfully choose which option or options will be most meaningful for your class.
How am I blessed by the gift of the Holy Ghost?
You could display the following picture of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Explain that after His 40-day ministry, Jesus Christ ascended to heaven (see Acts 1:9–11). Invite students to think about what it may have been like for the Apostles after the Savior ascended into heaven.
The Ascension of Jesus (The Ascension), by Harry Anderson
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What questions or concerns might you have had if you had been in the Apostles’ situation?
Read together Acts 1:5–8, looking for what the Lord promised His disciples just before He ascended into heaven.
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Why might the Lord’s disciples have been eager to receive the Holy Ghost after Jesus Christ was gone? (If helpful, you could briefly review what Jesus Christ had taught them about the Holy Ghost just before His death [see John 14:13, 16–17, 26–27; 15:26; 16:7–8, 13–14].)
Explain that it was on the day of Pentecost that the Apostles received the promised gift of the Holy Ghost. (You could read together “Acts 2. What was important about the day of Pentecost?” and “Acts 2:1–6. How was the Holy Ghost manifest on the day of Pentecost?” in Scripture Helps: New Testament.)
Consider having students work in pairs, and provide them the handout “The Day of Pentecost.” Have one partner study part 1 and the other part 2. Then have them share what they learned with each other.
After students have had time to finish their discussion, invite them to share any insights with the class. You could also discuss the following question together:
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What are some ways the Holy Ghost has blessed you recently? (You could watch “How Does the Holy Spirit Guide?” [3:25] for additional examples.)
3:25
Testify of the Savior’s desire to bless them through the gift of the Holy Ghost. Encourage students to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost in their own lives.
How can I receive healing through Jesus Christ?
Invite students to think about and record a way they or someone they know desires healing from the Savior. Ask them to keep this in mind during this learning experience.
Display the following picture. Read together Acts 3:1–2, and invite students to share what it might have been like to be unable to walk from birth and have to beg daily for support.
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What are some typical ways people might respond to someone in this man’s situation in our day?
Read together Acts 3:3–11 or watch “Peter and John Heal a Man Crippled Since Birth” (3:28), looking for how Peter and John responded to the man’s request for alms (donations).
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What most impresses you about this account? (Invite students to spend a few moments trying to imagine seeing this healing through the eyes of the lame man, Peter and John, and other people who witnessed the miracle.)
Read together Acts 3:11–16, inviting students to look for what Peter taught when he saw that the people were amazed at the man’s healing.
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What important message did Peter have for those who saw the miracle? (Students may identify a truth like the following: Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be healed.)
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What are different ways the Savior can heal us? How have you experienced healing through the Savior?
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What might you say to someone who sincerely desires the Savior’s healing power but has not experienced it?
You could read together the following statement by Elder Matthew L. Carpenter:
We cannot control the timing of when Christ’s healing of our physical ailments will occur. Healing occurs according to His will and wisdom. In the scriptures, some suffered for decades; others, their entire mortal lives. Mortal infirmities can refine us and deepen our reliance upon God. But when we allow Christ to be involved, He will always strengthen us spiritually so we can have greater capacity to endure our burdens.
Ultimately, we know that every physical ailment, malady, or imperfection will be healed in the Resurrection. That is a gift to all mankind through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ can heal more than just our physical bodies. He can heal our spirits as well. (“Wilt Thou Be Made Whole,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 102)
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What stood out to you from Elder Carpenter’s statement?
Invite students to share what they have learned about trusting the Lord’s timing, will, and wisdom as they think about the Lord’s healing power.
Have students review what they recorded at the start of this learning activity. Encourage them to ponder how what they have learned and felt could be applied to the healing they or someone they know desires.
Acts 4:1–20, 29, 31; 5:27–32, 40–42
How can I be more courageous in my witness of Jesus Christ and His Gospel?
Consider sharing the following experience related by Elder Gary E. Stevenson:
I remember once taking a 45-minute taxi ride in New York City. Having had a warm gospel conversation with the driver for the duration of my ride to the airport, I paid her and prepared to exit the taxi. Then I realized I had not offered a testimony of what I had shared. (“Promptings of the Spirit,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 44)
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Have any of you been in a situation where you thought, “Should I share my testimony?” What thoughts or emotions did you experience in those moments?
Sometimes we may experience worry or fear about standing as a witness of Jesus Christ. As we study the account of Peter and John being arrested, pay attention to what you learn and feel that might be encouraging to you.
Explain that Peter and John had been arrested and brought before a council because they were teaching and testifying of Jesus Christ (see Acts 4:1–4). Invite students to read Acts 4:5–21 or watch “Peter and John Are Judged” (2:54), looking for what they can learn about being a courageous witness of the Savior.
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According to Acts 4:13, why were the Jewish leaders astonished by the boldness, or courage, of Peter and John? (Note: “Ignorant men” in the King James Version can also be translated as “ordinary and plain men.”)
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What do you think allowed Peter and John to be courageous in their witness of Jesus Christ? (If needed, draw students’ attention to Acts 4:8 and identify a truth similar to the following: The Holy Ghost helps ordinary people boldly teach and testify of Jesus Christ.)
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How could focusing more on the Holy Ghost and less on your fears and shortcomings influence your ability to teach and testify of Jesus Christ with greater courage?
Point out that Peter and John, despite being warned, continued to teach and testify of Jesus Christ and were arrested a second time. You could read Acts 5:27–32, 40–42 or watch “Peter and John Continue Preaching the Gospel” (5:38) and consider what additional lessons you can learn about being a courageous witness of Jesus Christ.
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How do you think Peter and John’s continued preaching of Jesus Christ affected the people around them?
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When have you testified or heard someone testify boldly of the Savior by the power of the Holy Ghost? What effect did that testimony have on you or others present?
Consider discussing the following statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen:
With those around us, let us be more open, more willing to talk of Christ. President Nelson said, “True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world.” …
As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen. As we share the light we have received from Him, His light and His transcendent saving power will shine on those willing to open their hearts. Jesus said, “I … come [as] a light into the world.” (We Talk of Christ, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88)
You might conclude by inviting students to share examples of people they know who “are willing to stand out” and “speak up” in their witness of the Savior. If time allows, students could be invited to share their witness of the Savior.
Improving Our Teaching and Learning
Follow up on invitations to act. Becoming like the Savior requires us to act in faith. When we make inspired invitations for students to act, consider ways to follow up. You could send a message during the week to remind students about the invitation. It can be effective to invite specific students ahead of time to come to class prepared to share their experiences. Or you could provide students time at the beginning of the next class to share what they did.
Encourage students to pray for opportunities to share their witness of the Savior outside of class. Consider following up on this invitation in subsequent classes.