Acts

This letter is a continuation of the letter written from Luke to Theophilus (the book we know as "The Gospel of Luke"), and was probably not written long after (so the late 60'sAD).  
The book begins where Luke left off, with Jesus instructing the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the coming of the Spirit (ch 1), and then follows the spread of the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.  

2:36-38
^"Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them,“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

OBSERVATION

Emotion (2:37) "cut to the heart"

Who was cut to the heart?

Those listening to Peter.

What did Peter say to bring this about?

That the man they crucified was Lord and Christ.

How does Peter instruct them to respond?

Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.

INTERPRETATION

What does this show about God's desires for these men?

He wants their sins to be forgiven and that they begin living life for him, no matter how bad their sins (and these men had committed the worst sin that we can imagine-crucifying Christ).

APPLICATION

Is there a timeless truth?

No matter how bad our past, God wants for us forgiveness and new life.

Philippians

This letter was written from Paul to the Philippian church during his Roman imprisonment in 61-62AD. This is the only church that Paul has been in a partnership with (4:15) and he cares for them very deeply (1:8).  They may be facing persecution (1:29).  It seems as though disunity(2:2), pride(2:3), and a lack of understanding about suffering for Christ (1:12-14) are what led Paul to write this letter.

2:2- "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

OBSERVATION: Theme of Joy/Unity (Daily double!)

What does Paul say will bring him joy?

Unity amongst the Philippians: if they would have the same mind, love and be of one mind.

What has Paul said that the Philippians have done in the past that has brought him joy?

Being in partnership with him (1:4-5).

INTERPRETATION: 

So what really brings Paul joy?

Unity and close relationships amongst believers.

With the knowledge that they are about to face persecution, and Paul’s instruction to take it with joy, what would the 

Philippians be led to do, knowing that unity brings joy?

Be unified!

APPLICATION: 

Is there a timeless truth?

Unity brings about joy, so we should strive for it amongst all believers that our joy may increase.

Luke

This book is written by Luke, a physician (Colossians 4:14) to “most excellent Theophilus” (1:3), who was likely a Roman official.  Luke wrote the book from Rome between 64 and 68AD.   Luke says that he writes the book with the purpose of giving Theophilus an orderly account of the events surrounding Christ’s life so that he may have certainty concerning the things he’s been taught(1:3-4).  He gets his information from eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, and is very detailed in his writing, proving that he took great care in compiling this writing.  We can guess from the way that Luke writes (not explaining every mention he makes of the Old Testament) that Theophilus is also a Gentile, but one who has knowledge of the scriptures.

OBSERVATION:
Connective 1:3-4
"It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

What is connected?
Luke's writing of an orderly account for Theophilus.

What does it refer back to?
His purpose of giving Theophilus certainty concerning the things he has been taught.

INTERPRETATION:
Considering the subject matter and quantity of Luke and Acts (both of which Luke wrote to Theophilus) what does this connective reveal about Luke's character?
That Luke's purpose in writing is not merely for information's sake but that he earnestly desired for Theophilus to know the truth and the love of Jesus.  Luke's willingness and effort put forth to write these books for the sake of giving Theophilus confidence in what he has already been taught demonstrates Luke's great love for Thelophilus.  Not only did Luke write two books, but he did so with great care, accuracy and attention to detail.  

How might Theophilus respond to the care, effort, and thoughtfulness that Luke put into writing these books for him?
Hopefully it would have had a great impact.  Knowing the time and effort that it must have taken, and being the recipient of this tangible expression of love would show Theophilus that the love of Jesus is truly for everyone.

APPLICATION:
Is there a timeless truth?
The time and effort that we do or do not put into our actions towards others can have a profound effect on how they feel loved.