The Book of Acts is an important component of the New Testament of the Bible because it provides an account of how the church came to be. Church is such a central facet of the Christian faith, and this book of the Bible discusses how it came into being. 

There are numerous lessons seniors can learn from the Book of Acts, ranging from the importance of being a witness for Christ to growing in the church and allowing the Holy Spirit into your heart. 

Fellowship Is Essential

The Book of Acts traces the establishment of the Christian church, and while it has many pertinent historical elements, one of the most important lessons to take from this book is the significance of fellowship. The last six verses of the second chapter detail the fellowship of all believers. Versus 42-44 read, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common."

Never doubt the importance of fellowship with other Christians. Doing so reinforces your faith and underscores the commonality you share through your belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

Trials Will Happen in Life

The 23rd chapter of Acts details Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea. The politicians there attempted to use his imprisonment as leverage with Jewish leaders. He is accused of being a troublemaker, yet he never questioned the reason for his plight or believed that God had forsaken him. 

Trials will happen in life. Seniors of faith can take heart that even when things seem bleak, God has a plan. Paul never worried that he had been forsaken by the Lord; he never questioned if he was alone during such a stressful process. In fact, Paul noted that because of his faith, the Lord had already revealed everything to him. He was prepared for what was happening, and he didn't question how hard it was. He felt confident in his faith. Seniors of faith can take heart that when you are going through something challenging, the promises of belief in Jesus mean that you are ensconced in His protection. 

Miracles Are Possible Through Christ

The infamous story of the beggar healed by Peter occurs in the third chapter of Acts. The man was initially asking for money but received a level of healing he could have never imagined. The lesson for seniors here is that miracles are, in fact, possible through belief in Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings. 

What the beggar received was not at all what he was expecting, and it wasn't what he asked for. This chapter also teaches seniors of faith that God will always give you what you need and that may not always be the same thing as what you are asking for. 

Patience Is a Virtue

The first chapter of Acts discusses the process of waiting for the Holy Spirit to manifest. The disciples waited for the 40 days with proof of the resurrection. However, they then had to wait an additional 10 days for the Holy Spirit to show up, just going on faith alone. They didn't know when the Spirit would come; they just knew it would.

Patience is a virtue and is required for seniors of faith. Things may not happen on the time line that you expect, but faith is knowing that Jesus will fulfill the promises of His word. You just have to be patient. Jesus did not expect that it would be easy, and it takes practice to become as patient as the disciplines waiting for the Holy Spirit to show up. But as was shown in this chapter, being patient when it comes to the works of Jesus is always worth the wait.  

Church Is Sacred

The Book of Acts established many of the common tenets utilized in church even today. Seniors of faith can take heart that many of the rituals we participate in now were established during Biblical times. The book details everything from the reason that Christians call one another "brethren" to the importance of continuously planting new churches. 

This underscores the sacred nature of the church. It may not be confined to one building or specific place, but the rituals that mark Christian worship showcase the way that followers feel about the faith. They have a purpose, and engaging in them is another way that Christians show respect and reverence for the concepts that govern worship. 

ViewPointe Colorado Springs, CO, encourages seniors of faith to consider how lessons from the Book of Acts might help enrich their lives and reinforce their commitment to spreading the Word of God to others.