Questions for Discussion

1. Review Luke 24:44-53. How does this book pick up where Luke leaves off?
2. What do the disciples mean by their question in 1:6? How does their idea of the kingdom differ from that of Jesus (1:7-8)?
3. Who was involved in the "constant prayer" following Jesus’ ascension (1:13-14)?
4. Read Mark 3:20-21, 31-35 and John 7:1-5. What do you think accounts for the changed attitude of Jesus’ family?
5. In light of Peter’s denial of Jesus, how might others feel about his leadership? How would the events of John 21:15-19 calm any fears they have?
6. What was the role of scripture, prayer, discussion, qualifications, and trust in God when the disciples selected a replacement for Judas?
7. In 1:20, Peter quotes Psalms 69:25 and 109:8. Review the context of these verses; do you see the story of Judas and Jesus in them? Why or why not?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. As a disciple, what is the impact on you of Jesus’ words (1:8)? . . . of Jesus’ departure (1:9)? . . . of the angels’ promise (1:11)?
2. How would you explain the effects of the Resurrection to your non-believing friends?
3. What have been your best experiences in group prayer?
4. How is praying with others for a common mission (one that is beyond your natural ability) different from private prayer about your individual concerns?
5. How does the pattern of decision-making here compare with the way you, your family, and your church make important decisions?
6. Which of the ingredients listed here do you need to utilize more?

Questions for Discussion

1. How far have these pilgrims come (2:9-11)?
2. Compare Peter and the other disciples in John 18:25-27 and 20:19 with their actions here? What do you suppose accounts for the difference?
3. In what way is Luke 24:44-49 reflected in this sermon? Why is it important for Peter to quote from the Old Testament to this audience?
4. What is the point Peter wants the people to understand in 2:15-21? What tells you Joel’s prophesy is coming true now?
5. Do you think God allowed, directed, or anticipated Jesus’ crucifixion (see 2:23; 3:17-18)?
6. Read Luke 24:14-20 and Matt 28:11-15. What story have these people been told about the empty tomb? Given that, why does Peter emphasize the resurrection (2:24, 31-32)?
7. Verses 2:34-36 imply Jesus is a spiritual king far greater than any earthly king. What would this mean to the people in this context?
8. How does the resurrection prove Jesus is the Messiah?
9. Remembering where these 3,000 came from (2:8-11), in what way is 1:8 partially fulfilled here?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How does being filled with the Holy Spirit relate to bearing witness to Jesus?
2. Would you respond more like those in 2:12, or those in 2:13? Why?
3. When have you experienced an empowering from God to witness about Christ?
4. To repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name means to turn away from your sin and affirm allegiance to Jesus. Does that present a challenge to you?
5. Have you experienced the reality of God’s promises to answering his call?
6. From Peter’s sermon, what facts about Jesus would be key for non-believers to understand (2:29-33)?
7. What difference does it make that Jesus truly is the reigning King over all? How does that truth affect your daily life?
8. How are you like Peter? Unlike him?
9. What encourages you as you watch Peter? Why?

Questions for Discussion

1. What did these 3,000 converts end up doing (2:42-47)? What evidence do you see that God is with them (2:47)?
2. How is the situation is Acts 3 like and unlike the one in 2:1-12?
3. List the facts about Jesus which Peter mentions here (3:13-15). Is it similar to his profile of Jesus in 2:22-24? How does Peter "prove" his claims (3:16)?
4. What does Peter say about the people (3:13-15)? How does Peter give them hope (3:19-20, 24-26)?
5. What does Peter’s use of the OT indicate about its benefits to your faith in Christ?
6. What roles did the priest, captain of the guard and the Sadducees play in the ministry of Jesus (see Jn 7:32, 45-46; Lk 20:27-40; 22:4-6, 52-53)? Why do the Sadducees probably oppose the disciples’ preaching (4:2)?
7. What do you suppose the high priest’s family is trying to do (4:7): seek information or intimidate the disciples? Why? With this in mind, how do you expect the authorities reacted to Peter’s bold answer?
8. Compare the Sanhedrin’s response in this incident to their response to the Lazarus episode (see Jn 11:45-53: 12:10-11)? Why do you suppose they are reacting like this?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How is your church fellowship like and unlike the fellowship here? Could you help your church be more like this? How will this affect how you get involved in your church?
2. When is it proper to come on strong against a person’s sin, like Peter did in verses 12-15? In coming to Christ, did you need to be hit over the head with your sin first?
3. How can you start to increase your knowledge of the OT?
4. Has repentance and turning to God brought "time of refreshing" (3:19) to you? How can that be used as a means of encouraging others to come to Christ?
5. What would you feel if you were one of the believers who saw Peter and John taken away? If you were Peter or John?
6. When, if ever, do you feel Peter’s response to his political and religious leaders would be appropriate for a Christian today? How do you reconcile this passage (4:18-21) with Romans 13:1-4?
7. What is the most persecution you have experienced due to your faith? How did you take it?
8. On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), how sure are you of Peter’s statement in 4: 12? What has built your assurance the most? What doubts still linger?

Questions for Discussion

1. Why do you suppose the disciples began the prayer by recalling God’s sovereignty (4:24-28)?
2. How might 1:8 be shaping the disciples’ prayer in 4:29-30?
3. According to 2:4 and 4:8, 31, what is one effect of the Holy Spirit?
4. Compare 4:32-35 with 2:42-47. What qualities mark this church (cg Gal 5:22-23)?
5. Were Ananias and Sapphira required to sell the land and lay all the money at the apostles’ feet (see 4:32-37; 5:4)? Why or why not? What was their sin? Why do you think Ananias and Sapphira lied about the money they received?
6. Cf 5:4, Lev 6:2; how would the incident with Ananias and Sapphira lead to the response of people in 5:13-14? How might great fear or uncompromising honesty be useful to God?
7. What words might outsiders use to describe this church?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How are your prayers in crises like and unlike this prayer (4:24-20)? Why would it be beneficial to recall God’s character and actions in history?
2. How is your Christian life characterized by boldness?
3. How well does 4:32 describe your relationship with others in your church? What would need to change for such sharing to be possible?
4. Have you ever tried to fool God? What happened?
5. Have you experienced the "fear of the Lord"? How has that changed your life?
6. Is coming to Jesus or his disciples for healing the same as giving him your life? Why or why not?

Questions for Discussion

1. How do you account for the jealousy of the Sadducees?
2. Review the events of 5:18-21. What do your suppose the apostles might expect to happen next?
3. What assertions in Peter’s response (5:29-32) would arouse the fury of the Sanhedrin? Why is Peter being so direct (see also 4:1-12; 5:19-20)?
4. Prior to Jesus, there were many Jewish zealots who led rebellions against Rome. What is Gamaliel’s point in recalling two such leaders (5:36-37)?
5. Gamaliel was Paul’s teacher. What do you think he is trying to accomplish? How do you think Peter’s statement in 5:29 (and 4:19) may have influenced Gamaliel?
6. How might proclaiming Jesus as risen Prince and Savior in Jerusalem immediately after his crucifixion be different than proclaiming Jesus as risen Prince and Savior over 6000 miles away 2000 years later?
7. Given 2:44-45 and 4:32, how could the Grecian widows be neglected? How do the apostles resolve this problem? Why do you suppose they chose men "full of the Spirit and wisdom"?
8. Consider 6:6. Why such attention to a seemingly minor task?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How do you think you would feel if you were sent to jail for what you believe? How would your family feel? What would this do for your faith?
2. In what way has God set you free to honor him more fully?
3. How do you explain why God sometimes delivers you out of hardships, but at other times he allows you to go through them?
4. Describe a recent event when you had to choose between God and man (5:29).
5. What secondary issues hinder your church from fulfilling Acts 1:8?
6. Does your church require high credentials and offer great blessing for minor tasks? What if it did?

Questions for Discussion

1. What do 6:8 and 6:10 tell you about what Stephen was like?
2. Immigrant Jews often formed their own synagogues in Jerusalem. How do you think their opposition to Stephen is like and unlike the opposition the apostles faced from the Sanhedrin?
3. From 6:11, 13-14, what are the formal charges against Stephen?
4. Why does Stephen spend the bulk of his history lesson talking about Moses? How does the quote in 7:37 begin to turn the tables on his accusers (regarding who is really rejecting Moses)?
5. From 7:44-50, what is his point about the temple and God’s presence? How is he turning the tables against his accusers once again?
6. What does Stephen mean by the phrase "uncircumcised hearts and ears" (7:51)? In this context, what is Stephen really saying about the Sanhedrin’s regard for Moses and the Law?
7. Of what does he accuse them in 7:51-53? How does his charge reveal the reason why he gave them this history lesson?
8. Why do you suppose Stephen’s listeners are enraged enough to kill him (see Matt 26:63-64, Da 7:13-14)?
9. Stephen’s death was illegal (see Jn 18:31). What does that reveal about the desperation of the Sanhedrin?
10. Verse 8:1 begins phase two ("Judea and Samaria") of God’s plan (see 1:8). How would you sum up the "Jerusalem phase" (ch. 2-7)?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How would your spiritual life be different if you were "full of grace and power"?
2. To fully understand Jesus, what is needed in your life besides well-rehearsed knowledge?
3. How do people hold on to religious rituals and heroes today, while missing the whole point of what those ceremonies and people represent?
4. In what ways could the charges that Stephen makes against the leaders be made against you? How might you be "stiff-necked" this week? How will you begin to bow to God in that area now?
5. Has Stephen’s review of OT history encouraged you? Challenged you? Confused you? Would you say the OT is more like a stranger or a close friend to you? How does this speech show the importance of the OT to the early Christians? What will you do to let its importance grow for you?
6. When Jesus was brought to trial, he was basically quiet before the Sanhedrin; yet Stephen spoke very boldly. How do you decide when to speak and when to be quiet before opposition?
7. Has a very traumatic event happened to you in your formative years? Can you see now how God has used it for good?
8. Peter’s speech led to mass conversion (ch. 2), while Stephen’s led to his death. What does that teach about success in one’s service to God?

Questions for Discussion

1. The Samaritans were considered outcasts by the Jews. Why do you suppose Peter and John would come to them?
2. What did Simon and Philip have in common (8:5-11)? How were they different? How did the crowd respond to both men?
3. God delayed pouring out his Spirit until Peter and John were on the scene. Do you think this was a lesson for the Samaritans or for the apostles . . . or both?
4. How does Simon’s reaction to the apostles (8:18-19) show his deep misunderstanding about the Gospel? Do you think Simon’s words in 8:24 reveal a change in his heart? Why or why not?
5. Why had the Ethiopian visited Jerusalem? What does this tell us about him?
6. The Ethiopian was reading Isaiah 53. Does Jesus fit the picture of the one described there? Why or why not?
7. How did God pave the way for Philip’s message to the Ethiopian? What is the relationship between divine preparation and human initiative in this story?
8. So far, what has been the effect of Stephen’s death upon Philip? Upon the church as a whole?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. What prejudices were you brought up with? Is the Gospel breaking through those prejudices in your life?
2. How has jealousy of other Christians affected your faith?
3. From the way God sets up opportunities to witness (8:26-40; 2:5-14; 3:6-16), how does that free you from fears in evangelism?
4. Deep down, do you think successful VIPs really need the Gospel as much as poor beggars do (3:2)? Why or why not?
5. Would you know the Bible well enough to address the eunuch’s questions? How can you grow in faith so you will be prepared for similar opportunities?

Questions for Discussion

1. What do you know about Saul to this point (see 7:58, 8:1, 3)?
2. Saul’s former teacher was Gamaliel (see 22:3). What had Gamaliel advised the Sanhedrin regarding Christians in 5:34-39? Is Saul following his teacher’s advice? What does this show about him?
3. How do you think Saul felt when confronted by Jesus (9:4-6)? Do you think Saul’s heart was open to Jesus’ appearance? Why or why not?
4. How did Ananias react to God’s instructions (9:13-14)? What is significant about the way Ananias addresses Saul (9:17)?
5. Since Jesus had already appeared to Saul directly, why do you think he would want a person to go to him this time?
6. What would the Jews have expected Saul to say when he came to the synagogue? How do they react when he proceeds to preach about Christ (9:23)? Why?
7. Why would the Jerusalem disciples still fear Saul? What risk is Barnabas taking?
8. People in both Damascus and Jerusalem wanted to kill Saul. What does that say about him?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How did the Lord first get your attention? Was it in some dramatic event or something more subtle? Have you had a post-encounter experience like Saul did?
2. Do you assume some people are beyond God’s reach? How does this story challenge those assumptions?
3. Have you, like Ananias, obeyed the Lord even when you had doubts? What happened?
4. Who has played the role of Ananias in your life? Does the Lord want you to play that part to someone? To whom?
5. Did people notice changes when you began following Jesus? How did they react?
6. Has someone been a Barnabas to you? Who and how? Have you served anyone as a Barnabas?
7. What does "living in the fear of the Lord" (9:31) mean to you?

Questions for Discussion

1. What is the purpose for the signs and wonders performed by Peter (9:35, 41-42; also 2:22, 43; 4:30; 5:12-14)?
2. Although Peter had healed many people, he had never raised anyone from death. Does he appear concerned about this as he goes to Tabitha’s home?
3. What is Cornelius like (10:1-2)? Since he is part of an occupying army, what is unusual about him and his relationship with God?
4. Look at Leviticus 11:4-7, 13-19 and 29-30. With these restrictions, how do you think Peter felt when he heard the voice ordering him to eat these animals? Why do you suppose it was repeated three times?
5. What do you suppose the new principle given in 10:15 means to Peter? How does it fit with the story of Cornelius (10:1-10, 23-34)?
6. Jews regarded even people like Cornelius as pagans, unless they fully submitted to Jewish practices (see 11:3). Considering this, what would 10:28 have meant to Cornelius? Why is the story of Cornelius so important in Acts (10:28, 34-35, 43)?
7. What is the main point in Peter’s sermon (10:34-43)? How does that compare with his sermons in 2:36-39 and 3:17-23? From these sermons, what do you see as central to the Gospel message?
8. Using this story, how would you respond to the question: "Can people who have never heard the Gospel be saved"? If you answer "no," how do you explain 10:34-35?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. Why do you suppose Tabitha was raised but Stephen died, even though Peter was in Jerusalem when this happened)? How would you explain God’s ways to Stephen’s widow or mother? How does the results of Stephen’s death and Tabitha’s resurrection help you to understand God’s plans?
2. Are you very "God-fearing"? If evaluated by how you treated others this week, what would they say?
3. How does Cornelius’ life challenge you?
4. Do you hold principles or beliefs that limit your ability to reach out to people "different" from you? How would others around you feel if you moved beyond these limits?
5. Has God given you new relationships recently? How has he brought these people into your life? How have you influenced each other?
6. Consider the makeup of your church (ethnically, socially, politically, age-wise, etc.). Are there people who would just assume that your church is not for them? Are there some forms or practices you could change to remove those barriers? How would you feel about making those changes?

Questions for Discussion

1. Why do you think God chose Peter to be the first to go to the Gentiles? Would any other disciple have been as successful in both Caesarea and Jerusalem? Why or why not?
2. How do you explain the change in attitudes from verse 11:2 to verse 11:18? Of what importance is the gift of the Holy Spirit in Peter’s argument? Why would this have such a strong effect on the Jerusalem believers?
3. Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman empire. How does the Jerusalem church react to news the Gospel is taking root there (11:22)?
4. What do 11:22-26 (also 4:36-37) reveal about the character of Barnabas. Why do you suppose Barnabas recruited Saul (9:27-28)?
5. This Herod is Herod Agrippa I, nephew of Herod the Great, who ruled when Jesus was born. What do you learn about his character in 12:20-22? Why do you think Herod would arrest Peter (12:2-4) to please the Jewish leaders?
6. Why do you suppose God saved Peter but not James? In light of John 21:18-19, how might Peter respond to this question?
7. How do you imagine the soldiers reacted to Peter’s escape in the morning (12:18-19)? They had done nothing wrong, yet God allowed them to die so Peter might live. Is that fair?
8. In 12:21-23, what contrasts do you see between Herod’s power and God’s? What do you make of Herod’s death?
9. In this "Judea and Samaria" phase (ch. 8-12) of God’s plan (1:8), how has the church fared? What opposition has it faced so far? How far has it expanded?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How can the principle of God bestowing his Spirit on non-Jews affect the way you treat unacceptable people you meet?
2. Have you been criticized for breaking religious traditions? What did you feel was at stake?
3. The lesson of 10:34-35 and 11:18 was not easily learned, even by Peter (see Gal 2:11-14). What might have happened if the early church ignored this principle?
4. With whom do you associate that no minister would normally contact? Do you share the
   Gospel with those people? How? Would these people be comfortable in your church?
5. Who truly has power here: Herod or the Lord? What does this tell you about how Christians ought to deal with opposition and persecution?
6. What worldly forces seem all powerful to you? How does this chapter put them in perspective?
7. How are you like the people at the prayer meeting in this story (12:12)?

Questions for Discussion

1. Since Gentiles were already welcome in the church (11:18), why do you suppose Barnabas and Saul go to the synagogue to proclaim their ministry?
2. The change of Saul’s name to Paul (13:9) may be related to the beginning of his ministry to the Gentiles. Why do you think this was important?
3. From Cyprus to Pisidian Antioch is about 350 miles by sea and land. What does their willingness to travel so far show about Paul and Barnabas?
4. What does 13:16 tell you about Paul’s audience?
5. Review 13:17-23; compare 13:22-23 and 36-37 with Romans 1:3 and Acts 2:29-31. What is the connection between David and Jesus? Why is this so important to the people in the synagogue?
6. Review 13:30-37. What things about Jesus is Paul emphasizing by recalling three famous quotes in 13:33-35? How does the Resurrection confirm the meaning of these three quotes? In 13:36-38, what does Paul say is the central meaning of the Resurrection for his listeners?
7. Why do you think Paul ends his sermon with an OT quote (13:41)?
8. What is the reaction to this sermon in the various groups of people mentioned in 13:42-51? How do you explain such a variety of responses?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. With what types of people do you feel most comfortable talking about the Lord? Why?
2. Have people tried to turn you from your faith? What happened? How do you deal with such pressures?
3. When should you strongly confront people who oppose Jesus?
4. If you were to emphasize one central truth about the Gospel, what would it be? Why?
5. What difference would it make to your faith if there were no Easter to celebrate, but only Good Friday to remember?
6. How do you think Paul would respond to a modern-day skeptic who felt Jesus was a noble, but misguided, martyr? What role would the OT play in Paul’s answer? How would knowing the OT—even memorizing it—help you to understand and share your faith better?
7. Have you faced opposition because of your faith? How do you usually respond to opposition? Does it make you strong? Why? Would it be tougher for you to face opposition from community leaders or from family members? Why?
8. Do you "honor the word of the Lord" (13:48)? Why or why not?
9. What has God given you that causes you to consider yourself worthy to have eternal life (13:46)? The Spirit? Spiritual gifts? Forgiveness? A place in God’s purpose? Other?

Questions for Discussion

1. How does Paul’s and Barnabas’ experience in Iconium differ from their experience in Pisidian Antioch? How is it similar?
2. What is the purpose of signs and wonders here (see also 6:8)? Why are the people divided (14:4)?
3. What do 14:11-13 imply about religious life in Lystra?
4. Compare 14:8-13 with 3:1-11. How are the two stories alike and different? What results from each healing?
5. What does Paul emphasize about God in his speech? How is his speech to this crowd (14:15-17) different from his previous sermon in the synagogue (see 13:17-41)? Why the difference?
6. Pisidian Antioch was 100 miles away from Lystra. What does that tell you about the nature of Paul’s opposition?
7. Review 14:19-25. Paul has been stoned and left for dead in Lystra, yet there is still a strong core of believers in these four cities. What does this tell you about Paul and the new believers? About the Gospel?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. What does the difference between Paul’s sermon (13:17-41) and his speech in 14:15-17 teach you about sharing your faith with various groups of people?
2. Seeing Paul’s and Barnabas’ courage, faith, and endurance, how are you challenged to serve the Lord more completely?
3. The people Paul and Barnabas encountered along the way interpreted the Gospel through their own lenses, even calling them Hermes and Zeus. How do people you know interpret the Gospel by their own prejudices and belief?
4. What was one of the biggest misunderstandings about Christianity you had to overcome before you could believe?
5. How would you share the Gospel differently with a Jewish person than you would a non-Jewish person?

Questions for Discussion

1. What did the Pharisee-Christians claim was required for salvation of the Gentiles (15:1, 5; see Mk 2:16, 18, 24; 7:1-5)? Why would these rules be important to Jewish-Christians? How do you suppose new Gentile-Christians felt when they heard these regulations were required?
2. Paul was in sharp dispute with the Pharisee-Christians, but his argument is not recorded in Acts 15. From Gal 2:21 and 3:5, 10-14, what is probably the main issue as Paul sees it?
3. Review 15:7-11 (and also 10:28, 34-35; Gal 2:11-13). How would you describe Peter’s struggle with this issue? What is the significance of Peter’s statement in 15:10? Knowing Peter’s desire to keep the law (10:14), what do you suppose is the impact of his testimony?
4. God promised David to establish his throne forever (2 Sam 7:16). What does this tell you about the role of James, the brother of Jesus, and the importance of his opinion? How did he arrive at his position (15:13-21)?
5. What is the tone of the letter? Its main points (15:22-29)?
6. What do you suppose is the significance of sending Judas and Silas to deliver this letter personally? What else brings unity to the primarily Jewish church in Jerusalem and the primarily Gentile church in Antioch?
7. What is the significance of the council’s decision in light of 1:8? How would things be different if the Pharisee-Christians in 15:5 had been successful?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. What roles do experience, theology and practical considerations play in the decision-making process of this council? What issues, now troubling your church, could be resolved by looking at them with these three perspectives?
2. Is there some area of your faith where you feel like Peter—going back and forth because you are not sure of what is right? How could 15:11 relate to this concern?
3. Might a new believer encounter additions to the Gospel in your church? What should you do about that?
4. From the debate, the resulting letter, and the way in which it was delivered, what do you learn about the way to solve disagreements among Christians? What conflicts are active in your church? Is your church’s style of handling disagreements similar to the way the issue was handled in chapter 15?
5. What are the ethnic, social and racial lines of division in your community’s churches? What is your relationship like with believers in these different churches?

Questions for Discussion

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas split up? With which one would you have sided? Why?
2. Given the decision in Chapter 15, why did Paul circumcise Timothy? How could this be rationalized (see 1 Co 8:9, 9:19-23)?
3. How does the closed door (16:7) point to another opportunity (16:10)?
4. Compare 16:13 with 14:1 and 17:2. Since there was no synagogue in Philippi (16:13), what does that indicate about the Jewish community there? How did that affect Paul’s strategy for mission?
5. What do 16:13-14 tell you about Lydia? What do you make of her conversion?
6. How did the story of a shouting slave girl affect the apostles (16:18)? . . . her owners? How is this like a story of Jesus (Luke 8:33-37)?
7. The Gentile missionaries (Luke and Timothy) were not seized. What do you think was meant by the charge against Paul and Silas (16:20-21)? Why do you suppose Paul insisted on his rights as a Roman Citizen?
8. What do you suppose the jailer thought about Paul and Silas singing? Remaining? Based on this story, how would you answer the question: "What must I do to be saved?"

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. Have you ever given up your "rights" to better represent Christ to others? How can you do so now?
2. Have you ever lost a friendship because of a religious dispute? What happened?
3. Do you have an "open door" for ministry now in your home? . . . school? . . . work? . . . community? How will you take advantage of it?
4. What do you feel about the slave girl? About her owners? About your money? About these missionaries?
5. The girl’s owners rejected the Gospel because it cost them financially. What financial concerns keep some people from faith today? Are any of these a factor for you?
6. If you were falsely accused, severely beaten and thrown into a dark jail, do you think you would still trust in God’s plan (16:23-30)? Why or why not?
7. About 12 years later, Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from another prison. How could the events here be the basis for what Paul said in Philippians 4:4-7, 12-13? What can you learn from his example about knowing peace and joy, even in hard times?

Questions for Discussion

1. Review Paul’s visit to Thessalonica (17:1-9). What receptions did Paul encounter? Who are his accusers? What are their accusations, and what lies behind them?
2. Review Paul’s visit to Berea (17:10-14). What receptions did Paul encounter? Who are his accusers? What are their accusations, and what lies behind them?
3. Contrast the visits to Thessalonica and Berea with his visit to Philippi, where there is no synagogue (see 16:11-23). What differences do you see?
4. Characterize Paul’s ministry in Athens (17:16-18). Why did the Greek philosophers seek to hear Paul (17:21)? What previous understanding of Christianity did these philosophers have (17:20)?
5. The Stoics believed in pantheism while the Epicureans had little or no belief in God. What does Paul emphasize about God (17:23-31)? How does Paul use their own culture and ideas to help them see the weaknesses in the way they relate to deity?
6. What is the main structural difference between this sermon and the one to Jews in 13:16-41? Do you think Paul should have used Scripture here? Why or why not? How are the sermons similar in what they teach about Jesus?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. Paul uses idols and Greek poetry as points of contact with these people. What might be a similar point of contact with modern secular people today in your efforts to relate the Gospel?
2. Whether Jesus or Caesar was Lord became a real issue for Christians. Has your faith in Christ ever led to conflict with other authorities claiming your loyalty?
3. Since his conversion, this is the sixth time Paul has been forced by persecution to leave an area. How do you think you would view your mission if that happened to you? How does your response compare with Paul’s (see 1 Th 2:1-6)?
4. In terms of time, consistency and intensity. How would you rate your Bible study? Is it at all like the Bereans?
5. What distresses you spiritually about the area in which you live? What specific needs do you see? What do you feel God is calling you to do about it?
6. Do you know someone who has little or no background, in the Gospel? Could you—would you—share the Gospel with this person without quoting Bible verses? Why or why not?

Questions for Discussion

1. Claudius’ order expelling Jews from Rome (18:2) was given in A.D. 50 after a Jewish riot in Rome over the preaching of Christ. What do 18:12-17 reveal about the attitude in the outlying Roman provinces? What effect does this have on Christian witness?
2. How did Paul witness to Priscilla and Aquila (18:3)?
3. Paul has encountered fierce opposition from the Jews wherever he has preached. What is different about his response in Corinth from other cities in Turkey and Greece (18:6)? What do you suppose was the effect of Paul’s vision from God (18:9-10)?
4. What does the example of Priscilla tell you about the role of women in the New Testament?
5. Verses 18:23 and 19:1 are an overly brief description of the beginning of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey. Using a map—together with these verses—consider which cities might Paul have visited, in addition to the cities specifically mentioned in Acts. (Hint: think about cities with churches to which Paul addressed letters; think about the seven churches addressed in Revelation 2-3.)
6. How would you characterize Apollos (18:24-28)? What influence did he have in Corinth and Achaia? How did Priscilla and Aquila assist him (18:26)?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. Have you entered into financial partnership with missions or missionaries? If you were called to the foreign mission field, would you seek such partners, or would you become a "tentmaker"? Why?
2. How could your present job be "tentmaking" to support your family while you engage in God’s kingdom work?
3. What role do women have in your church? How do you feel about that?
4. Who was very helpful to you when you were young and enthusiastic about the faith? How did this person help? Who could you help now? How?
5. How does your church balance evangelism with the strengthening and equipping of believers?
6. What seems to be the signal throughout Acts for Paul to stop teaching in the synagogues? Why do you think this is so? What do these "stop and go" signals teach you about ministry in general?

Questions for Discussion

1. Based on 18:19-21, why did Paul first go to Ephesus? Why do you think he returned now?
2. Apollos was from Egypt (18:24-25), and Ephesus is 800 miles from Jerusalem . . . yet both are followers of John the Baptist. What does this tell us about the extent of John’s influence? Would their awareness of John be good preparation for them to hear the Gospel (see Jn 1:19-34)?
3. These people apparently had not heard about the Holy Spirit (19:2, 4). From 2:38, 10:43-44, and this passage, what do you learn about the relationship between faith in Jesus and receiving the Holy Sprit?
4. Compare 19:9 with 19:11-20: How do different groups of Jews view Jesus differently? From the reaction of the crowd in 19:17-19, how does it appear the events described in 19:11-16 changed the response to Jesus?
5. This temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. What businesses would Paul be affecting? Why would Demetrius rally people against Paul (19:25-27; see 17:24-29)?
6. Consider the crowd (19:24-25, 32). What do they see and hear? Why are they there?
7. Why do you suppose the Jews are trying to get a speaker to represent them? Why was Alexander probably shouted down?
8. How do the concerns of the city clerk (19:35-41) compare with those of Demetrius (19:25-27)?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How do people try to use Jesus for their own purposes today? What is the difference between that and real faith in Christ?
2. What do you need to "burn" in order to live for God? What will it cost you?
3. Success, money and independence are some cultural idols. What others come to mind? How has your faith affected your relationship to idols?
4. Could Demetrius have become a Christian and kept his business? Can you think of situations today where someone in a respectable trade would be forced to choose between that trade and Christ? How have your business dealings been affected by your faith?
5. What began as Artemis-worship became Artemis-business. How can Christians fall into the same trap and make Jesus-worship into Jesus-business?

Questions for Discussion

1. One reason for this trip was to collect money for Christians in Judea (see Ro 15:25-29). Why would Paul want companions for this task (see 2Co 8:16-23; 1Co 16:1-4)? Why else might Paul want to present these Gentiles to the church in Jerusalem (see ch. 15)?
2. What can you infer about Paul and the church in Troas from 20:5-12?
3. Recalling chapter 19, why might Paul "sail past" Ephesus to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost?
4. What do verses 20:18-24 tell us about the way Paul views his ministry up to this point? What kinds of hardships has Paul encountered thus far? How would you explain what motivates Paul to keep on (compare 20:20-24 with Php 3:7-8)?
5. Some people viewed the office of elder as a way of gaining power and wealth (see 1Ti 6:6-10; 1Pe 5:3). Does Paul support or oppose that idea here? What does it mean to "keep watch" (20:28; see 1Ti 4:11-16)? How and why is an appointment as elder divine, humbling and dangerous (20:28-31)? How does the message of grace (20:32) and the example of Paul (20:35) protect against these dangers?
6. Do you think Paul is interpreting these warnings differently than his friends do (21:4, 10-13; see also 20:22-23)? Why do you suppose he rejects their advice?
7. What else do you know about Agabus (see 11:27-29) that gives more credence to his prophecy? Does Paul strike you as courageous or foolish, given this belt-tightening message? Why does he want to go to Jerusalem (20:22, 21:13)?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. Paul’s companions protect him from anyone accusing him of misusing funds. How could churches and other ministries today be helped by such accountability? How would this enhance outsiders’ opinions of Christian integrity?
2. Are you at all related to Eutychus: Do sermons put you to sleep? Or are you wide-awake spiritually? How can you keep from falling flat?
3. What is the role of miracles in God’s purposes today?
4. Suddenly, Paul is more the loving friend than hard-driving missionary. Has your preoccupation with the task of ministry ever caused you to miss out on loving people?
5. Who makes up the "flock" for whom you are responsible? In what specific way can you shepherd them?
6. How would you complete this sentence: "The one thing I must accomplish at any cost is _____?" How does it relate to Paul’s goal in 20:24?
7. In the race of doing God’s will, are you in the front of the pack, one of the stragglers, or an onlooker?
8. In your eyes, did Paul make the right decision to go to Jerusalem, even though godly people through the Spirit urged him not to go?
9. When have you made decisions against the wishes of people you admired and trusted? What happened? In retrospect, were your decisions wise ones? Explain.

Questions for Discussion

1. What pressures do James and the elders face as Paul comes to Jerusalem (21:20-22)? Why do you suppose these tensions still plague Jewish believers in Jerusalem, even though this issue was supposedly settled at least six years earlier (Acts 15).
2. How would the church elders’ suggestion to Paul appear to solve the problem for both of them (15:22-25)? Why mention the instructions sent to Gentile believers (21:25; 15:20)?
3. Why would Asian Jews be especially upset when they saw Paul again (19:10)?
4. Gentiles were forbidden from entering the temple. Compare the reaction against Paul (21:27-31) with that against Stephen (6:11-14) 20 years earlier. What does this reveal about Christian-Jewish relationships in Jerusalem during this period?
5. Under the circumstances—especially the charges of 21:28—why do you suppose Paul wants to address this hostile crowd? Might Jewish-Christian relationships erode even further if these charges are left unanswered?
6. Local Jews were fluent in Aramaic, but foreign-born Jews did not speak it well, and Romans spoke it hardly at all. Why do you suppose Paul switches from Greek to Aramaic?
7. This speech (22:1-10) recounts the events of 9:1-18. What points of identification does Paul make with his hostile audience? What do you suppose he is hoping to achieve by this?
8. Paul’s reference to the Gentiles (22:21) upsets the crowd (22:22), whereas they did not react to his speaking about Jesus. What does this tell you about the real sticking point about the Christianity for the 1^st century Jews of Jerusalem?
9. How was Paul’s status as a Roman citizen an asset in his ministry to Gentiles (22:25-29; see also 16:37-38)?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How do you decide when you should bend for the sake of others, and when you should stand for your principles?
2. Think of a group critical of the church today? How might the church provoke this group? Could something be done to lessen this animosity? Can you help?
3. Paul told his own story instead of preaching a sermon to this crowd. When do you find your story most effective and helpful to others?
4. Has your faith in Jesus redirected your life in a surprising way? How do you struggle with that redirection? In what ways have you embraced some of these changes for yourself?
5. What is one of the hardest things you have had to experience because of your faith?
6. Paul’s citizenship became an asset in his efforts to share the Gospel with Gentiles. What traits, skills or experiences do you have which can help you share the Gospel with others?

Questions for Discussion

1. What was the basis of the charges against Paul before the Sanhedrin (see 21:28)? Why (and how) does Paul show his respect for Jewish Law (21:23-24; 23:1, 5)? Do you find evidence that the Sanhedrin addresses this?
2. Why does Paul change the focus of attention from keeping the Law to his hope in the Resurrection? What effect does the split between Pharisees and Sadducees have on Paul’s case (23:7-10)?
3. We last heard God speak to Paul in 18:9-10, after he had experienced a series of setbacks. How is the Lord’s message here (23:11) similar to what the Lord said about Paul to Ananias in 9:15-16?
4. How do you explain the fierce determination of these Jews to kill Paul (see Ro 10:2)? Why do you suppose they think he is so dangerous (see Acts 19:10)?
5. Considering 23:11, how do you think Paul reacted to hearing this news from his nephew (23:12-16)? By sending his nephew to the commander, is Paul showing a lack of faith in God’s promise? Why or why not?
6. How has the commander decided to handle the "Paul problem"? Why the elaborate security precautions and the constant passing the buck? How does this all relate to 9:15?
7. How do Paul’s experiences with Roman authority in Acts 23:19-20 shed light on his comments in Romans 13:1-7? How does this contrast with Peter’s experience with the Jewish authorities in Acts 4:8-20?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. Given the tensions between the Pharisees and Sadducees on this issue, describe what you think the next few minutes of the assembly must have been like.
2. When facing death, what duty do you want to have fulfilled before God? How can you pursue that course this week?
3. How has the Lord encouraged you during hard times?
4. What could be your "Rome" – the next crucial step in your spiritual journey?
5. The Gentile soldier and the Jews take different sides in Paul’s situation. When have you seen a non-Christian behave more righteously than a believer?
6. What risks did Paul’s nephew take in this story? How might you be called upon this week to take a risk and stand up for someone whom others dislike?
7. What do these two incidents show you about the Christian’s relationship with civil authority? Where should you show your support of government authority? Where should you challenge it?

Questions for Discussion

1. Felix had a reputation of violently suppressing rebellions against Rome. What strategy do you suppose Tertullus is using in presenting his case to Felix virtually without offering any evidence?
2. What difference can you see in the respective styles of Tertullus (24:2-8) and Paul before Felix?
3. How would the charges in 24:5-6 seem true to Ananias and Tertullus? What does their reference to Christians as the "Nazarene sect" show about their view of Christianity?
4. What appears to be Paul’s strategy in his defense (24:11-19)?
5. Put yourself in the place of Felix. There has been a riot in Jerusalem over Paul. All you know is the evidence presented: Lysias’ letter (23:26-30), the accusations of the Jews, and Paul’s defense. What would you do?
6. What do you learn about Felix from 24:26? In light of Acts 23:11, what do you suppose Paul is feeling as time wears on and no progress at all is made?
7. Two years have passed between the trial before Felix and the hearing before Festus. Why do you suppose the opposition to Paul by the Jewish leaders hasn’t dissipated during this time? How could the events of 9:1-2 account in part for their animosity?
8. How is Paul like a pawn to these Roman officials (see 24:27, 25:9)? How might this account for his decision to appeal to Caesar?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. Has your desire to serve Christ been misunderstood by others? How did you feel then?
2. What’s the difference between being "well acquainted with the Way" (24:22) and being a true believer? How long were you "well acquainted" before you became a believer?
3. Have you ever felt there was a period in your life that was "dead time"—when nothing seemed to be happening at all (such as seems to be the case with Paul)? Why do you think God allows such times in our lives?
4. Consider 24:25. When have discussions on righteousness, self-control, and judgment troubled you? Why?
5. Do laws conflict with your efforts to emulate Jesus Christ? Which ones?
6. Was there a circumstance that threatened to ambush you in your spiritual life? How did you deal with it?
7. If someone wanted to prove you were a Christian, what evidence from this past week could they use?

Questions for Discussion

1. How fair is Festus in describing the case (25:14-21)? Do you think Festus is honestly trying to find the truth in this matter? Why or why not? Does he seem to know much about Judaism? About Christianity?
2. What is the problem Festus faces? Why doesn’t he simply let Paul go? How could Agrippa be in a position to help solve Festus’ problem (26:3)? (This Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I in 12:1-23.)
3. According to Paul, what issue is the real source of his conflict with the Jewish leaders (see 23:6; 24:21; 26:6-8)? Why do you think his adversaries never directly bring this out (see 18:15)?
4. Compare and contrast 26:20 and 20:21. Based on these two verses, what does it mean to be a Christian? How does faith in Jesus relate to a repentant change in lifestyle?
5. Would you describe Paul’s speech as a legal defense or a personal testimony? Do you think Paul’s primary goal in this speech is to convince Agrippa of his innocence or of the truth of Christianity’s claims? Why?
6. Up to this point, the Romans considered Christians and Jews as basically one and the same. From this speech, can the Romans begin to see some differences? What are they?
7. Consider the implications of 26:32? Should Paul have appealed to Caesar (cf 25:1-12)?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. When you have questions about your faith, to whom do you turn? Why? How else do you seek input?
2. What difference does it make to you that Jesus truly rose from the dead? What would be different about your faith if that were not the case?
3. How does 26:18 fit as a description of your spiritual journey? Which other images describe what coming to faith was like for you?
4. In 26:14, Paul adds a comment not found in his conversion story in chapters 9 or 22. When has God pointed out to you that your struggle has been against him all along? How has he redirected you since then?
5. Paul considered himself a servant and a witness. In what way is God’s call to you similar to or different from his call to Paul?
6. Paul’s obedience to Jesus resulted in a trial very similar to Jesus’ trial. How has your obedience to Jesus resulted in similarities to Jesus’ experience?
7. How has Christ brought light into your life? How can you pass on that light to someone else this week?

Questions for Discussion

1. What do 27:1-3 and 27:43 reveal about Julius, the centurion in charge? How does his concern for Paul indicate the way Paul may have used his time when imprisoned in Caesarea?
2. If you were the ship’s owner or pilot, how would you react to Paul’s warning about the 50-mile trip they wanted to make (27:10)? Would you have responded any differently than Julius did? Why or why not?
3. What in 27:13-20 reveals how severe this storm was? How long did the storm last (27:27)?
4. Contrast 27:31 with 27:11. What does this tell us about the centurion’s attitude toward Paul now? Toward the God Paul serves?
5. In light of the fact that God’s plan was for Paul to get to Rome, why do you suppose He allowed the events of 27:1-28:9 to happen? How might the witness of Julius the centurion and others have set the stage for the way Paul’s imprisonment at Rome served to advance the Gospel (see Php 1:12-13)? How do you see Acts 1:8 still being carried out?
6. Why might Paul take the initiative to call this meeting with the Jewish leaders in Rome (28: 17-20)? How is their attitude (28:21) different from that of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem? How do you account for this difference?
7. How does Isaiah’s "hardening ministry" (28:25-28) bridge the gap in perception between those who view Christianity as a narrow Jewish sect, and those who view Christianity as a faith for all peoples? How does this thematic bridge relate to 1:8? To 9:15-16? To 26:22-23?
8. Verse 28:31 is similar to other summary verses in Acts (see 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20). What do these verses reveal about Luke’s central concern in writing this book?

Questions for Further Personal Study

1. How do Paul’s words and his example serve to encourage others? What does this tell you about how you should live as a Christian?
2. Compare Paul’s attitudes and actions with those of the sailors? To what would you attribute Paul’s ability to remain calm under pressure? What do you, as a Christian, learn from this?
3. Have you ever felt caught in a "noreaster," driven along by the wind? What happened? What did you learn from the situation?
4. In terms of a weather report, how would you describe your life at present? Your life five years ago?
5. In a crisis, Paul reacted with urgent forewarnings, maintaining hope, counseling, common sense, giving thanks, remaining calm, persevering to the end. In comparison, how do you react to crisis?
6. What is the greatest pressure situation you’re facing now? How can Paul’s example and the principles you’ve learned from his experiences help you? What is your part and what is God’s part in the resolution of your storm?
7. Have you ever been tempted to bail out of a stormy situation and slip away in a lifeboat? What happened? What did you learn?
8. Has God used a disaster in your life for ministry? What have you learned from this?
9. What bothers your non-Christian friends about the faith? How can you help them overcome those barriers?
10. When limitations are placed upon you by circumstances beyond your control, how do you react? How can you serve the Lord within these limits?
11. What do you need to build into your life now, so that your faith in Christ will be what people remember about you at death?

No Questions . . . see presentation text