Acts

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven—Acts 1:1–11
Topics: Angels, Evidence, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Instructions, Jesus Christ, Witnessing

Open It
1. *If you could take a trip somewhere far away, where would you go?
2. What kind of reading material would you take along on a lengthy trip away from home?

Explore It
1. To what “former book” was Luke referring? (1:1)
2. Who was Theophilus? (1:1)
3. What did Luke write about? (1:1–2)
4. After His resurrection, how did Jesus spend His time with the apostles? (1:3–5)
5. What specific commands did Jesus give the apostles? (1:4)
6. What gift did Jesus promise to the apostles? (1:4–5)
7. What did the apostles misunderstand? (1:6)
8. How did Jesus answer the apostles’ question? (1:7–8)
9. *What task did Jesus assign the apostles? (1:8)
10. Who would help the apostles get their job done? (1:8)
11. How would the apostles be able to carry out the task Jesus gave them? (1:8)
12. After speaking to the apostles, where did Jesus go? (1:9–11)
13. How did the apostles react to Jesus’ departure? (1:10)
14. *Who were the figures in white? (1:10)
15. *How did the men in white encourage the apostles? (1:11)
16. How will Jesus’ return be like His ascension? (1:11)

Get It
1. After His resurrection, Jesus spent some forty days with His disciples; how do you think they felt about this time with Him?
2. What Christian leader do you value spending time with? Why?
3. *What is the importance of Jesus’ final promise and command to you?
4. When is a time you wanted to move on from a location, job, or difficult relationship but were held back by God’s leading?
5. How do we know when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives?
6. *What specific means (abilities, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to carry out the task of being His witness?
7. When you talk to a nonbelieving friend about Christ, what proofs of Jesus’ existence can you offer?
8. How should the prospect of Christ’s return affect the way you live your Christian life?

Apply It
1. When can you include reading the book of Luke in your Bible study this month?
2. *What steps can you take to be actively involved in telling others about Christ?
3. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout this week?

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas—Acts 1:12–26
Topics: Authority, Church, Consequences, Deceit, Leadership, Prayer, Teamwork

Open It
1. *When you were growing up, how did you and your friends choose teams for games of kickball, tag, or other such games?
2. If you had to serve on a church committee, which one would you choose? Why?
3. When you work together with other people, what kind of role suits you best?
4. When working with others as part of a team, do you prefer to give orders or follow orders? Why?

Explore It
1. Where did the ascension of Jesus take place? (1:12)
2. How did the apostles show that they were following Jesus’ orders? (1:12–13)
3. How many apostles were still following Christ after His death and resurrection? (1:13)
4. Who was present at the meeting of eleven apostles? (1:14)
5. What did the group of eleven apostles do when they got together? (1:14)
6. Who took the leadership among the early Christians? (1:15)
7. *How did Peter take leadership of the early Christians after Jesus’ ascension? (1:15–17)
8. How did Peter show high regard for the Scriptures? (1:16–17)
9. How did Judas betray both Jesus and the other disciples? (1:16–17)
10. What happened as a result of Judas’s treachery? (1:18–20)
11. *What did Peter propose to do about the vacancy left by Judas? (1:21–22)
12. Who was named to replace Judas? (1:23)
13. What did the apostles do to select the right candidate to succeed Judas? (1:24–26)
14. *How did the apostles choose Judas’s successor? (1:24–26)
15. Who was selected to be the twelfth apostle? (1:26)

Get It
1. Recalling that Peter denied Jesus earlier, how do you think the disciples felt about Peter’s leadership?
2. When have you felt uncomfortable submitting to someone’s leadership?
3. *How do you make important decisions in your family?
4. *Why is prayer important in our decision-making process?
5. What approach does your church follow in making important decisions?
6. How can you support and encourage your church leaders?
7. In what way do you need to be more involved or less involved in church ministries?

Apply It
1. *What is one way you can include God in all important decisions you make?
2. What can you do in the next few days to show support for your pastor?
3. How can you improve your prayer life?

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost—Acts 2:1–13
Topics: Awe, Believers, Church, Holy Spirit, People, Unbelievers, Witnessing

Open It
1. What everyday expressions can you say in another language? How did you learn them?
2. *If you could speak another language fluently, which one would you choose? Why?

Explore It
1. What was celebrated on the day of Pentecost? (2:1)
2. What group of people was gathered together? (2:1)
3. Where did a violent wind come from? (2:2)
4. What did the followers of Christ hear and see? (2:2–3)
5. What was the importance of the wind and fire? (2:2–4)
6. *When the Holy Spirit filled the believers, what did they do? (2:4)
7. Who was staying in Jerusalem? (2:5)
8. *How did the God-fearing Jews visiting Jerusalem react when they heard Christians speaking their languages? (2:6–11)
9. What languages were the Jews from Galilee speaking? (2:9–11)
10. What was the topic of conversation among the crowds? (2:11)
11. *Besides being amazed, how did the crowd react to the unusual happening they witnessed? (2:12–13)

Get It
1. If you saw the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, how do you think you would have responded? Why?
2. Why is the coming of the Spirit associated with wind, fire, and different languages?
3. *What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
4. How does God use us to witness to others?
5. When has God enabled you to do something that you didn’t think you could do?
6. How could your church benefit from greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit?
7. What areas of unbelief must you deal with in order to become more open to the movement of God in your life?
8. *How can we cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit?

Apply It
1. *How can you be more open to seeing, hearing, and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit in your prayer and Bible reading?
2. What can you do each day to invite the Holy Spirit to use you?
3. What steps can you take this week to be better prepared for God’s use?

Peter Addresses the Crowd—Acts 2:14–41
Topics: Basics of the Faith, Believers, Church, Evangelism, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Messiah, Miracles, People, Power, Prophecy, Repentance, Salvation, Witnessing

Open It
1. If you had to give a twenty-minute speech in front of a large crowd, what topic would you speak on?
2. How would you prefer to give a speech—well prepared ahead of time, or impromptu? Why?
3. *How would you feel just before getting up to speak to a large group of people?

Explore It
1. When Peter stood up to speak, who stood up with him? (2:14)
2. Whom did Peter address and what command did he give them? (2:14)
3. What was Peter’s defense? (2:15)
4. What were the believers experiencing? (2:16–21)
5. Why did Peter quote from Joel 2? (2:17–21)
6. *What did Peter say about Jesus of Nazareth? (2:22–24)
7. How was God in control of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection? (2:22–24)
8. *How did Peter explain Christ’s work as Messiah? (2:25–35)
9. What testimony of the apostles did Peter give? (2:32)
10. Who sent the Holy Spirit? (2:32–33)
11. *How did the hearers respond to Peter’s words? (2:37)
12. What did Peter tell his audience to do? (2:38–40)
13. What happened to those who accepted Peter’s message? (2:41)
14. What effect did Peter’s sermon have? (2:41)
15. How many were added to the fellowship of believers that day? (2:41)

Get It
1. Whose preaching challenges you most? Why?
2. What is your favorite quote from a famous preacher?
3. How did you become a Christian?
4. *How were you challenged to become a believer?
5. *How can you challenge others to follow Christ?
6. How have you been changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
7. What is the significance of baptism to you?
8. In what ways do you need to be more like Peter?

Apply It
1. What could you say to help someone else see God’s perspective on an issue of personal concern?
2. *How can you prepare your friends and neighbors for the news that Christ can change their lives?

The Fellowship of the Believers—Acts 2:42–47
Topics: Believers, Church, Devotion, Fellowship, Generosity, Growth, Joy, Life-style, Lord’s Supper, Miracles, Needs, People, Praise, Salvation

Open It
1. *What possessions do you have that you enjoy sharing with others?
2. Which of your belongings would you not want to share with anyone else? Why?
3. How would you describe your life-style: self-centered, family-centered, or others-centered?

Explore It
1. *What were the activities of the early church? (2:42)
2. How did the new believers approach what they did? (2:42)
3. *What unusual deeds did the apostles do? (2:43)
4. *How did people respond to what was going on? (2:43)
5. What life-style did the early believers adopt? (2:44–45)
6. Why might the early Christians have had “everything in common”? (2:44)
7. How were the goods distributed among the early believers? (2:45)
8. How often did the believers meet? (2:46)
9. Where did the early believers meet? (2:46)
10. How did the early Christians meet together? (2:46–47)
11. What did the Christians do when they met together in homes? (2:46–47)
12. What was the spirit of the believers in all they did? (2:46–47)
13. What was the growth of the early church like? (2:47)

Get It
1. What were the early believers actually doing when they “broke bread”?
2. How do the activities of the early church compare with the activities of your church?
3. *How do you think your church should be more like the early church?
4. *In what ways should your church be different from the early church? Why?
5. The early church was joyful, victorious, and full of praise. How would you describe the spirit of your church?
6. When do you most enjoy spending time with other believers?
7. Would you describe your church as self-centered or others-centered?
8. How is the celebration of Communion meaningful to you?
9. What “miracles” have you witnessed in your church fellowship?
10. In what ways do you see your church growing?

Apply It
1. *What can you do to help your church be more like the early church?
2. How can your daily prayers help bring about spiritual renewal in your church fellowship?

Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar—Acts 3:1–10
Topics: Actions, Authority, Emotions, Handicapped, Healing, Help, Instructions, Jesus Christ, Miracles, Money, Needs, People, Poor, Praise

Open It
1. If a stranger were to ask you for a handout, what would you most likely do? Why?
2. How do you feel toward people who are poor, homeless, or obviously needy?
3. *What do you remember about a time when you were very sick or hurt?

Explore It
1. Where were Peter and John going? (3:1) When?
2. Why were the apostles going to the temple? (3:1)
3. Who was carried to the temple gate every day? (3:2)
4. How long had the beggar been crippled? (3:2)
5. *Why did the crippled man spend every day at the gate called Beautiful? (3:2)
6. *What did the beggar do when he saw Peter and John approaching? (3:3)
7. How did the two apostles first respond to the crippled man? (3:4)
8. *What did Peter say to the beggar? (3:4–6)
9. In what ways did the crippled man respond to Peter’s words? (3:5,7–8)
10. After he was healed, where did the beggar go? (3:8)
11. What did Peter and John do after the miraculous healing? (3:8)
12. What happened when the man responded to his miraculous healing? (3:8–10) Why?
13. How did the people feel about what had happened to the crippled beggar? (3:9–10)

Get It
1. If God were to do a miracle of healing among the people in your church, how do you think most people would respond? Why?
2. When do you meet for prayer at your church?
3. When was the last time God answered a prayer of yours in a delightful way?
4. How did you respond the last time God answered a prayer?
5. *What specific attitudes toward the weak and needy need to change before God can effectively use a person to help them?
6. Besides providing financial aid, what can Christians do to help those who are poor or needy?
7. How can your congregation be helpful to people with disabilities?
8. How can your congregation be sensitive to the needs of those who are physically disabled?
9. *What do you have to offer to others who are disabled or in need?
10. When have you witnessed God’s miraculous healing power at work?
11. How do you need to change so that God can work through you in a powerful way?

Apply It
1. *How can you be prepared to help a person in need this week?
2. What crippled area of your life needs Jesus’ healing touch?

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers—Acts 3:11–26
Topics: Accusation, Authority, Blessing, Challenge, Change, Faith, Good News, Healing, Ignorance, Jesus Christ, Persecution, Prophecy, Punishment, Renewal, Sin, Witnessing

Open It
1. If you had to be a journalist, lawyer, or preacher, which occupation would you choose? Why?
2. *What is good and bad about confronting another person?
3. How effective are you at describing and explaining a sequence of events to someone else?

Explore It
1. Why did a beggar hold on to Peter and John? (3:11)
2. Where were the people in the crowd assembled? Why? (3:11)
3. What did Peter do in response to the gathered crowd? (3:12)
4. How did Peter address the group? (3:12)
5. What disclaimer was implied in Peter’s opening words? (3:12)
6. To whom did Peter attribute the power for healing the beggar? (3:13–15)
7. *How did Peter set the scene to speak out against the actions of those who crucified Jesus? (3:13–15)
8. Why was the healing of the man best understood against this profile of Jesus? (3:13–16)
9. What is the significance of Jesus’ name in the healing of the lame man? (3:16)
10. According to Peter, why did certain Jews mistreat Jesus? (3:17)
11. How did the Jews’ ignorance further the plan of God? (3:18)
12. *What did Peter tell his audience to do in order to be forgiven of their sins? (3:19)
13. What results would follow if Peter’s audience responded to his words? (3:19–21)
14. How did Moses and the prophets predict the coming of Jesus? (3:22–23)
15. *How did Peter offer hope to his audience in spite of his warnings? (3:24–26)

Get It
1. When have you felt convicted by strong preaching?
2. By what means does your church encourage others to come to Christ?
3. *What does it mean—and not mean—to be bold in encouraging others to believe in Christ?
4. What can you do to be active in telling others about Christ?
5. *What can we learn from Peter’s example about confronting others with God’s message?
6. How can a knowledge of the Old Testament build our faith in Christ?
7. What can we learn from Peter’s approach to explaining the truth?
8. What does it mean to repent and turn to God?
9. Why do we need to turn to God?
10. What areas of your life do you need to turn over to God at this time in your life?

Apply It
1. What plan of study can you start to increase your knowledge of God’s messages in the Old Testament?
2. *How can you be bold in encouraging others to come to Christ?
3. How might you examine your life this week for areas God may want to change?

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin—Acts 4:1–22
Topics: Authority, Believers, Consequences, Good News, Healing, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Judgment, Kindness, Law, Name, People, Persecution, Prophecy, Salvation, Sin, Witnessing

Open It
1. How do you tend to respond to criticism?
2. *When you are misunderstood, what do you usually do to clear things up?
3. If you had to defend yourself in a court of law, how well do you think you would hold up under cross-examination?

Explore It
1. Why did the religious officials approach Peter and John? (4:1–2) When?
2. What did the officials do to the apostles? (4:3)
3. In spite of opposition, how did the early church fare? (4:4)
4. After a night in jail, whom did Peter and John face the next day? (4:5–7)
5. To what event did the Jewish leaders refer when they questioned the apostles? (4:7)
6. What empowered Peter to speak? (4:8)
7. How did Peter answer the council’s question? (4:8–10)
8. How did Peter’s reference to Psalm 118:22 relate to the resurrected Lord? (4:11)
9. How did Peter’s remarks about salvation relate to the healed man, the audience, and the Old Testament passage referring to Christ in Psalm 118:22? (4:10–12)
10. *How did the authorities respond to Peter and John? (4:13–14)
11. *After the Sanhedrin consulted together, what action did they take against the apostles? (4:15–17)
12. *What was the apostles’ reply to the judgment handed down by the council? (4:18–20)
13. Why was the Sanhedrin powerless to take action against Peter and John? (4:21)
14. How old was the man who had been healed? (4:22)
15. What was amazing about the healing that caused this controversy? (4:22)

Get It
1. In our society, when should Christian leaders stand up to political and religious groups?
2. In our society, when should a Christian stand up for his or her faith in Christ?
3. What is the most difficult situation you’ve faced because of your faith in Christ?
4. *What are some of the risks in telling others about Christ?
5. *How can we prepare ourselves for the costs we may have to pay for following Christ?
6. How would you handle being put in jail because you took an unpopular stand for Christ?
7. How do you think you might affect unbelievers around you by your Christian testimony?
8. How many new Christians have joined your church fellowship this past year?
9. How can you be prepared to stand up for Christ when your beliefs are challenged?

Apply It
1. For which public leaders will you pray today that God would call them to repentance and salvation?
2. *In what way could you strengthen your sense of courage about being a Christian in your place of work, neighborhood, or family?
3. To whom might you be able to tell the Good News this week? How?

The Believers’ Prayer—Acts 4:23–31
Topics: Authority, Believers, Bible, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Leadership, Ministry, Miracles, Persecution, Perseverance, Power, Prayer

Open It
1. *After going through a stressful experience, what do you do to unwind?
2. When have you felt most supported and encouraged by your church family?
3. When you pray, what are some favorite expressions that you like to use?

Explore It
1. *Where did Peter and John go after they were released by the Sanhedrin? (4:23)
2. *How did the believers respond to the apostles’ report? (4:24)
3. In the prayer, how did the believers express their view of the persecution they faced? (4:24–26)
4. How did the believers use the Psalms in their prayer? (4:25–26)
5. How was God’s hand in all that was plotted and done against Jesus? (4:27–28)
6. How would God orchestrate the destruction and defeat of Jesus’ enemies? (4:28–30)
7. *What did the Christians ask God to do? (4:29–30)
8. How would the believers be enabled to carry out God’s work? (4:30)
9. What was the effect of the believers’ prayer? (4:31)
10. What did the Christians experience and do after they finished praying? (4:31)

Get It
1. *Where do you go for help in times of trouble?
2. How could your church benefit from handling crises the way the early church did?
3. When we pray, why is it helpful to recall the way God has acted in the past?
4. How does it build our faith to quote Scripture in our prayers?
5. How does it build our faith to remember past works of God on behalf of His people?
6. When was the last time you were amazed by the power of prayer?
7. *How can your faith in God be expressed through the prayers you pray?
8. If your church were more sensitive to the Holy Spirit, what changes might take place?

Apply It
1. *What changes can you make in your personal prayer life today?
2. When can you pray for the leaders and ministries of your church?
3. How might you participate in times of prayer with other Christians over the next month?

The Believers Share Their Possessions—Acts 4:32–37
Topics: Believers, Church, Encouragement, Fellowship, Generosity, Jesus Christ, Life-style, Possessions, Power, Resurrection, Teamwork, Toleration, Witnessing

Open It
1. *If you had a successful yard sale, what would you do with the profits?
2. When have you worked with others to raise money for a worthy cause?
3. What possessions would you be willing to part with to help a friend in need?

Explore It
1. *What attitude did the believers have toward one another? (4:32)
2. How did the Christians show their unity? (4:32)
3. How effective was the apostles’ witness? (4:33)
4. What godly quality enhanced the unity and service of the early Christians? (4:33)
5. How was the command of Deuteronomy 15:4 exemplified by the members of the early church? (4:34–35)
6. *What did some better-off Christians do from time to time? (4:34–35)
7. Why were there no needy persons among the members of the early church? (4:34)
8. Who dealt with the common fund of the church? (4:35)
9. How did the early wealthy believers disburse the money they got from selling their lands or houses? (4:35)
10. Who was Joseph? (4:36)
11. Who was Barnabas? (4:36)
12. *What was exemplary about Barnabas? (4:36–37)
13. How was Barnabas’ generosity singled out? (4:36–37)
14. What did Barnabas do? (4:37)

Get It
1. *What is difficult about sharing the things we have?
2. How do the members of your church care for each other’s physical needs?
3. How can you be generous toward your Christian family?
4. In what ways can you help your Christian leaders meet practical needs of people in the community?
5. *How can we copy Barnabas’s example?
6. Where does generosity need to become more evident in the life of your church?
7. Which member of your congregation stands out as a true “Barnabas” in your view?

Apply It
1. What is one change you can make to improve your relationships with others in your church?
2. *What can you do to show Christian generosity to someone in need this week?

Ananias and Sapphira—Acts 5:1–11
Topics: Accusation, Church, Consequences, Death, Deceit, Discipline, Fear, God, Holy Spirit, Insight, Money, Punishment, Satan, Sin

Open It
1. *When was a time you kept a gift that you had planned to give away?
2. If you found out that you had been deceived by someone you trusted, what would you do?
3. How do you know when someone is lying to you?

Explore It
1. What did Ananias and Sapphira sell? (5:1)
2. How did Ananias and Sapphira’s transaction compare with Barnabas’s? (5:1–2)
3. *What did Ananias and Sapphira do with the proceeds from the sale of their property? (5:1–2)
4. How did Peter recognize when he was being lied to? (5:3–4)
5. To whom did Ananias lie? (5:3–4)
6. *What was Ananias’s sin? (5:3–4)
7. *What was the consequence of Ananias’s sin? (5:5)
8. After listening to Peter’s words, what happened to Ananias? (5:5)
9. How did people respond to Ananias’s death? (5:5)
10. What was done with Ananias’s body? (5:6)
11. How long after Ananias’s death did Sapphira come before Peter? (5:7)
12. How did Peter test Sapphira? (5:7–8)
13. How did Sapphira respond to Peter? (5:8)
14. What rhetorical question did Peter ask Sapphira? (5:9)
15. What devastating announcement did Peter make to Sapphira? (5:9)
16. How did Sapphira’s end compare with that of her husband? (5:10)
17. How did the early church respond to these events? (5:11)

Get It
1. If there was deception in your church community, how would your church leaders handle it?
2. In what ways do we sometimes try to gain undue credit or recognition?
3. How could Ananias and Sapphira have acted differently?
4. When have you regretted your dealings with other Christians?
5. How do your Christian leaders deal with sin in the church?
6. How do you handle your own sin?
7. When have you been afraid of the Lord?
8. In what way is it appropriate to be afraid of God?
9. *What do we tend to hold back from the Lord?
10. Why do we sometimes hold back in our giving to God?
11. *What can we do to trust God to take care of us?
12. How can you help yourself be honest with God and with other Christians?

Apply It
1. When can you set aside time this week to evaluate your motives for giving?
2. *What act of sacrificial giving can you do this week? How?

The Apostles Heal Many—Acts 5:12–16
Topics: Believers, Demons, Faith, Fear, Healing, Miracles, People, Reputation, Sickness

Open It
1. When you’re sick, what kind of patient do you tend to be (cranky, nervous, upbeat, distracted, etc.)?
2. If you were ill in the hospital, whose visit would probably be most comforting to you?
3. If you were a physician, what part of the job would you like best?
4. *How did your mother take care of you when you were sick as a child?

Explore It
1. *What kind of work did the apostles do among the people? (5:12)
2. Where did the believers meet? (5:12)
3. Even though the Christians were highly thought of, why were some people afraid to join them? (5:13)
4. *Why did the people seek physical healing from the apostles? (5:13–15)
5. Despite the fear which kept many people away, what happened to the Christian church during this time? (5:14)
6. How did some people reveal both superstition and confidence in the apostles? (5:13–16)
7. Why did some people feel that even Peter’s shadow might help them? (5:14–15)
8. From where did the people who gathered around the apostles come? (5:16)
9. Besides the sick, who else was brought to the apostles for healing? (5:16)
10. *What happened to all those who came to be made well? (5:16)

Get It
1. How would you describe the reputation of the church in your community?
2. In what ways does your church help or serve those who are ill?
3. If you were ill, how might your church be able to help you?
4. *When is it helpful or comforting to visit a sick person in the hospital or at home?
5. *How can we reach out to those who are sick or ill?
6. If the sick were brought to your church for healing, what would your church leaders do?
7. How do you think your church could learn from the example of the early Christians in the way they took care of the physical and mental needs of people?

Apply It
1. For whom can you pray today that God would heal his or her pain?
2. *What are some of the ways you can serve those who are sick in your church?
3. What practical help can you provide this week for a church member who is ill?

The Apostles Persecuted—Acts 5:17–42
Topics: Angels, God, Good News, Holy Spirit, Jealousy, Jesus Christ, Joy, Leadership, Miracles, Obedience, People, Persecution, Perseverance, Punishment

Open It
1. What was the most fearful experience you ever had?
2. When was the last time you felt intimidated by an individual or group of people?
3. *What bullies do you remember from grade school?

Explore It
1. Why were the religious leaders opposed to the apostles? (5:17)
2. What happened when the Christians were put in jail? (5:18–19)
3. What did the angel tell the apostles to do? (5:20)
4. When did the apostles start teaching? (5:21)
5. What did the elders of Israel discover after they met together? (5:21–24)
6. How were the apostles brought before the Sanhedrin? (5:25–27)
7. How had the apostles disobeyed the council? (5:28)
8. Why did the high priest avoid mentioning the name of Jesus? (5:28)
9. What reason did the apostles give for their disobedience? (5:29)
10. *What made the Jewish elders furious? (5:29–32)
11. *Who intervened on behalf of Peter and the others? How? (5:34–39)
12. How did Gamaliel intervene? (5:34–39)
13. What advice did Gamaliel offer the council? (5:38–39)
14. What effect did Gamaliel’s speech have? (5:40)
15. *How did the elders deal with the apostles? (5:40)
16. What did the apostles do after they left the Sanhedrin? (5:41–42)

Get It
1. What might make someone jealous of a church leader?
2. If the government told you that you could not pray, show your Bible, or talk about God in public, what would you do?
3. Would you describe your church as courageous, timid, or somewhere in between? Why?
4. *What forms of opposition do Christians experience today?
5. *For what principles should a Christian stand at all costs?
6. If Peter were your pastor, what do you think your church would be like?
7. If you had to go through the sufferings of the apostles, how would you cope?
8. How is it possible to have joy in the middle of a difficult circumstance?
9. What should we copy from the character and example of Peter?
10. How can you become more like Peter in your witness for Christ?
11. How can you experience God more fully, so that you are set free to rejoice no matter what sufferings you experience?

Apply It
1. *What do you want to remember the next time you are challenged or hurt for your faith in Christ?
2. In what situations can you serve as a witness for Christ this week? How?

The Choosing of the Seven—Acts 6:1–7
Topics: Bible, Church, Complaining, Growth, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Ministry, Neglect, Prayer, Responsibility

Open It
1. When working as part of a team, do you prefer to “do the work” or to lead and coordinate others?
2. *If you could spend next Saturday morning doing anything you like, what would you do?
3. If you had to spend next Saturday morning leading a Bible study, praying with other Christians, or serving breakfast to a group of widows, which activity would you choose? Why?

Explore It
1. *What complaint did the Grecian Jews make? (6:1)
2. *What did the apostles—the Twelve—do in response to criticism? (6:2–4)
3. Why did the Twelve choose prayer and teaching over caring for the poor? (6:2–4)
4. What did the Twelve tell the other believers to do? (6:3)
5. *How did the group respond to the apostles’ proposal? (6:5)
6. Who was selected to serve the widows? (6:5)
7. Who chose the seven candidates? (6:5)
8. How were the men given authority to do their task? (6:6)
9. What was the effect of the appointment of certain people to serve the widows? (6:7)
10. How did the church fare after the apostles delegated the serving of food to others? (6:7)

Get It
1. In what ways do the people of your church differ from one another?
2. What different ethnic or cultural groups are there in your church?
3. How can differences among believers cause friction?
4. What benefits and challenges arise from having different kinds of people in your church?
5. *How should we deal with tensions arising from differences between church members?
6. What qualities must Christian leaders have to resolve differences between believers?
7. How could your church ensure that no one group of people is neglected?
8. About what do we tend to complain most?
9. What complaints arise in your church most often?
10. *How can we learn to channel our complaints into solutions?
11. In what ways can you use your gifts and skills in your church?

Apply It
1. How can you help free your church leaders to focus on their mission of prayer, evangelism, and teaching?
2. *What could you do this week to help resolve a conflict between believers?

Stephen Seized—Acts 6:8–15
Topics: Accusation, Blasphemy, Conflict, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Law, Miracles, Opposition, People, Power, Traditions, Wisdom

Open It
1. Who, in your view, is one of the most outstanding leaders in the world today?
2. Among your coworkers and neighbors, what do you think people consider you—controversial, moderate, liberal, or conservative? Why?
3. *When was a time you were falsely accused? What happened?

Explore It
1. *Who was Stephen? (6:8)
2. What kind of person was Stephen? (6:8)
3. Besides caring for the needs of the widows, what did Stephen do among the people? (6:8)
4. Who opposed Stephen? (6:9)
5. Why couldn’t Stephen’s opponents get the better of him? (6:10)
6. *What kind of charges did Stephen’s enemies make against him? (6:11)
7. How did the people react to the charges against Stephen? (6:12)
8. *How did the false witnesses misrepresent Stephen? (6:13–14)
9. Why did certain people consider Stephen dangerous? (6:13–14)
10. When those in the Sanhedrin looked at Stephen, what did they see? (6:15)
11. What did the expression on Stephen’s face show about his relationship to God? (6:15)

Get It
1. *What does it mean to be “full of God’s grace and power”?
2. If Stephen were alive today, how might other religious groups oppose him?
3. What qualities of Stephen would you like to see in your own life?
4. What theological issues do people argue about in your church?
5. What are some good ways to handle disagreements about doctrine?
6. What religious traditions do Christians sometimes value or cling to over biblical truth?
7. What character qualities help a person face conflict or opposition?
8. *What should we do when we are falsely accused?
9. In what ways do we need the Holy Spirit’s filling so our gifts can be used effectively?

Apply It
1. How can you be open to God’s use this week?
2. *What can you do to copy Stephen’s example whenever you are falsely accused in some way?
3. What do you want to remember the next time you are falsely accused?

Stephen’s Speech to the Sanhedrin—Acts 7:1–53
Topics: Accusation, Covenant, Disobedience, God, History, Holy Spirit, Law, Messiah, People, Punishment, Rejection

Open It
1. *What is one time of your life you wish you could do over? Why?
2. What is the longest speech or talk you’ve ever given?
3. In what ways are you just like your parents?
4. In what ways are you different from your parents?
5. If you had to defend in court your views on something you cared about, how do you think people would respond to what you had to say?

Explore It
1. What did the high priest ask Stephen? (7:1)
2. *Why did Stephen make this speech? (7:1–2)
3. What was Stephen’s initial response to the leaders? (7:2)
4. In his speech to the court, Stephen showed that there was progress and change in God’s plan for His people; how was Abraham an example of this change? (7:2–8)
5. *As he wove the history of the Jews, how did Stephen show a pattern of opposition to God and His plan for them? (7:2–4, 9, 23–29)
6. How did God bless His people outside the land of Israel? (7:2–5, 7–10, 29–34)
7. How was the move to Egypt a great change for Jacob’s descendants? (7:9–16)
8. How did deliverance under Moses mark progress for God’s people? (7:17–43)
9. Where was the law of Moses given to God’s people? (7:38)
10. From the tabernacle to the temple, the place of God’s presence changed and progressed; how did Stephen show this? (7:44–50)
11. How did Stephen show that the temple is not God’s true dwelling place? (7:47–50)
12. What did Stephen say in direct attack on his audience? (7:51–53)
13. *How did Stephen compare the attitude of those in the Sanhedrin with that of God’s people down through the centuries? (7:51–53)
14. Of what did Stephen accuse his hearers? (7:51–53)
15. According to Stephen, in what ways did the people resist the Holy Spirit? (7:52–53)

Get It
1. In reviewing your life, how would you like to rewrite history?
2. What rituals or traditions hinder change and spiritual progress among believers?
3. *Which “spiritual ancestors” from the Bible do you admire most?
4. *How can we learn from those who have gone before us?
5. In what ways should we be like Stephen?
6. How can a group of believers be a “stiff-necked people”?
7. What stiff-necked attitudes prevent us from seeing what God wants us to see?
8. What kind of opposition to God’s message is there today?
9. What kind of opposition or pressure on your faith have you felt from friends, coworkers, or unbelieving family members?
10. How can we deal with opposition to God’s message?

Apply It
1. *From what older, more mature believer can you learn? How?
2. What can you do this week to know Jesus more fully?
3. How can you uncover the attitudes that hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
4. What can you do this week to learn from the example of other believers in the Old Testament?

The Stoning of Stephen—Acts 7:54–8:1
Topics: Anger, Church, Death, Glory, God, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Persecution, Prayer

Open It
1. When have you felt uncomfortable in a large crowd of people?
2. *How do you respond to reports of violence in the news?
3. How do you tend to deal with anger?

Explore It
1. How did the hearers react to Stephen’s accusations? Why? (7:54)
2. *Why did the Jewish leaders respond to Stephen as they did? (7:54)
3. Faced with the fury of his persecutors, why wasn’t Stephen afraid? (7:55)
4. How did Stephen’s heavenly vision prepare him for what was to follow? (7:55)
5. How did God prepare Stephen for his death? (7:55)
6. What did Stephen say that enraged his adversaries? (7:56)
7. *Why was Stephen put to death? (7:56–60)
8. Why did Stephen’s enemies yell and cover their ears? (7:57)
9. How was Stephen taken out of town? (7:57–58)
10. Where was Stephen stoned to death? (7:58)
11. Why did people lay their clothing at Saul’s feet? (7:58)
12. What were Stephen’s two last requests before he died? (7:59–60)
13. How did Stephen die? (7:60)
14. Who approved of Stephen’s death? (8:1)
15. *What change in the church did Stephen’s death bring about? (8:1)
16. Who left and who stayed in Jerusalem? (8:1)

Get It
1. Why do Christians sometimes get angry at preachers?
2. When your conscience is pricked, how do you tend to react?
3. If your congregation decided the pastor was a heretic, how would they remove him from office?
4. *Faced with the violent mob, Stephen seemed fearless; how was he able to face this danger?
5. *What would make it possible for you to be calm and sure in the middle of extreme danger?
6. When should we call on the Lord for help?
7. How can you be more forgiving of others?
8. What hardships has your church faced recently?
9. How does God “scatter” the church to carry His message to others?
10. How has God “scattered” your church?

Apply It
1. In what hostile setting could you be a witness for Christ this week? How?
2. *How can Stephen’s example help you be prepared to handle rejection?
3. Which former member of your congregation now living elsewhere can you encourage this week? How?

The Church Persecuted and Scattered—Acts 8:2–3
Topics: Church, Courage, Death, Persecution, Zeal

Open It
1. What would you like people to remember most about you after your death?
2. If you could write your own obituary, what would you say about yourself?
3. What is the most important accomplishment of your life so far?
4. *When is a time you remember being rejected by childhood peers?

Explore It
1. Who buried Stephen? (8:2)
2. How did the early believers react to Stephen’s martyrdom? (8:2)
3. How did Stephen’s sympathizers show that they disapproved of the Sanhedrin’s condemnation of him? (8:2)
4. *How did Stephen’s mourners show courage at his burial? (8:2)
5. How did the godly men mourn for Stephen? (8:2)
6. *What was happening to the church at this time? (8:2–3)
7. *Who began to attack the church? How? (8:3)
8. Who took a leading role in attacking the early church? (8:3)
9. During this period of opposition, what did Saul do? (8:3)
10. How were Saul’s actions cruel? (8:3)
11. How did the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the church show that Israel had rejected the Messiah? (8:3)

Get It
1. Why was it dangerous for people in the church to give Stephen a proper burial?
2. Though there was much sadness at Stephen’s funeral, why was there also cause for celebration?
3. Why can we experience joy along with grief at a Christian’s funeral?
4. How can you show courage in difficult circumstances, just as the “godly men” did in burying Stephen?
5. *In what ways are Christians under attack today?
6. *How can you respond whenever others attack or reject you for your Christian identity, views, or life-style?
7. How is our Christian experience very different from that of the early church?
8. How can you live each day as if it were your last?
9. How do you need to be more courageous in your identity as a Christian?

Apply It
1. *What will most remind you to respond with courage when you are attacked or rejected for your faith in Christ?
2. In what setting (at work, at home, in your neighborhood, etc.) can you show courage in identifying with Christ this week? How?

Philip in Samaria—Acts 8:4–8
Topics: Bible, Joy, Miracles, Witnessing

Open It
1. *If you could give all your effort to a single occupation and be among the best in the world at it, what occupation would you choose?
2. What one talent or gift would you really like to have?
3. When was the last time you had a celebration of some kind?

Explore It
1. What were the Christians doing who had been scattered throughout Judea and Samaria? (8:4)
2. What happened to the Word of God? (8:4)
3. Why was the scattering of Christians a step forward for the church? (8:4–8)
4. *Who was Philip? (8:5)
5. Where did Philip go? (8:5)
6. *What did Philip do in Samaria? (8:5)
7. *What did the crowds do in response to Philip’s teaching and miracles? (8:6)
8. What miraculous signs did Philip perform? (8:7)
9. How did Philip’s work draw attention to his message? (8:6–7)
10. Why did the people rejoice? (8:8)

Get It
1. *How is your church, through its mission work, scattered throughout the world?
2. *How can you help spread the gospel in your community?
3. What is a miracle?
4. What signs and miracles have you witnessed in your church?
5. What makes your congregation joyful?
6. How can you help people who are sick or troubled?

Apply It
1. *What can you do this week to support or encourage a missionary?
2. What is one way you can support your church’s ministry?
3. For whom can you pray for healing?

Simon the Sorcerer—Acts 8:9–25
Topics: Awe, Follow, Good News, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God/Heaven, Leadership, Money, Prejudice, Sin, Witnessing

Open It
1. In what situations would you describe yourself as quiet or outgoing?
2. If you were a magician, whom would you have most fun entertaining?
3. *What people of different ethnic groups do you know?

Explore It
1. What was Simon’s line of work? (8:9)
2. What did Simon talk about? (8:9)
3. How did the Samaritans react to Simon’s sorcery? (8:9–11)
4. When Philip preached about Christ, what did the people do? (8:12)
5. What did Simon do when he heard the gospel? (8:13)
6. *Why did Peter and John leave Jerusalem and go to Samaria? (8:14)
7. *What did Peter and John do when they arrived in Samaria? (8:15–17)
8. What did Simon want to buy from Peter and John? (8:18–19)
9. How did Peter answer Simon’s request? (8:20–23)
10. Why did Peter use strong language with Simon? (8:20)
11. How did Peter imply that Simon was not a Christian? (8:21–23)
12. What was Simon’s attitude in response to Peter? (8:24)
13. *How did Peter and John’s trip to Samaria influence their trip to Jerusalem? (8:25)

Get It
1. How are some religious leaders today like Simon?
2. How are some religious leaders today like Peter and John?
3. When is it most tempting to brag?
4. What are some of the trappings of money?
5. In what way do some people try to “buy” God’s favor?
6. What does it mean for your heart to be right before God?
7. Why is it important for us to have our heart right before God?
8. Most Samaritans and Jews didn’t get along; why then did early Jewish Christians tell Samaritans about Christ?
9. *What ethnic or religious prejudices do you have a hard time shaking?
10. *What can help us change our prejudices against people groups?
11. Why did you become a Christian?
12. What motivates you to grow in your relationship with Christ?

Apply It
1. *What can you do this week to get to know someone who is from a different ethnic group or culture?
2. Whom can you invite from another culture to visit your church? When?
3. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you grow in faith in the coming days?

Philip and the Ethiopian—Acts 8:26–40
Topics: Angels, Bible, Evangelism, Holy Spirit, Important, Instructions, Jesus Christ, Joy, Justice

Open It
1. If you could travel overseas, to which country would you like to go?
2. *What reading material do you find difficult to understand?
3. Who is one of the best teachers you ever had?

Explore It
1. What did the angel tell Philip to do? (8:26)
2. *Whom did Philip meet on the desert road? (8:27)
3. What was the eunuch’s position? (8:27)
4. Why was the eunuch on his way to Jerusalem to worship? (8:27)
5. What was the eunuch doing while he sat in the chariot? (8:28)
6. *What was the eunuch’s problem? (8:28–34)
7. What did the Holy Spirit tell Philip to do? (8:29)
8. What did Philip ask the eunuch? (8:30)
9. How did the eunuch respond to Philip? (8:31)
10. What was the eunuch reading? (8:32–33)
11. *How did Philip present the good news about Jesus? (8:35)
12. What did the eunuch do after he believed in Jesus? (8:36–38)
13. What happened to Philip after he baptized the eunuch? (8:39)
14. How did believing in Christ affect the eunuch? (8:39)
15. What was the eunuch’s attitude as he went on his way? (8:39)
16. Where did Philip go to preach? (8:40)

Get It
1. How does the Holy Spirit lead us?
2. When has the Holy Spirit led you to speak to someone?
3. In what ways can your church reach out beyond its neighborhood to others?
4. *How does God use us to take the message of Christ to others?
5. What passages of Scripture are difficult for you to understand?
6. Why are some parts of the Bible difficult to understand?
7. Where can we get help understanding the Bible better?
8. When was the last time you explained the Scriptures to someone else?
9. To whom could you turn for help in understanding the Bible better?
10. *How can you be involved in telling others about Christ or in helping others do so?
11. What fears prevent us from telling others about Christ?
12. What barriers prevent us from helping others understand the message of Christ?

Apply It
1. What can you do to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading each day?
2. *What is one thing you can do this week to overcome fear in witnessing?
3. In your Bible study this week, how can you prepare yourself for opportunities to share what you learn?

Saul’s Conversion—Acts 9:1–19
Topics: Blindness, Christianity, Church, Fasting, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Obedience, Prayer, Restoration, Salvation

Open It
1. How would you describe the most intimidating person you know?
2. *If you could have a surprise visit from someone, whom would you want to visit you?
3. What was the most unusual experience that ever happened to you when you were growing up?

Explore It
1. What was Saul doing against the Lord’s disciples? (9:1–2)
2. What was “the Way”? (9:2)
3. What happened to Saul as he approached Damascus? (9:3–6)
4. Whom did Saul meet? (9:3–6)
5. In persecuting the church, whom was Saul really attacking? (9:5)
6. What did the resurrected Lord Jesus order Saul to do? (9:6)
7. What did Saul’s traveling companions experience when Saul met the risen Christ? (9:7)
8. How did Saul get to Damascus after his meeting with the Lord? (9:8)
9. Who was Ananias? (9:10)
10. *What did the Lord instruct Ananias to do? (9:10–12)
11. *Why was Ananias reluctant to do as the Lord asked? (9:13–14)
12. *How did God persuade Ananias that it was all right to go to Saul? (9:15–16)
13. To what service had Saul been called? (9:15–16)
14. How did Ananias do the Lord’s bidding? (9–17)
15. What did Saul do when his vision returned? (9:18–19)

Get It
1. What was your conversion experience like?
2. To what ministry has God called you?
3. In what ways do we sometimes hold back from doing what God wants?
4. Why do we sometimes resist what God asks of us?
5. What happens when we resist doing what God wants?
6. If you were temporarily disabled, how might it benefit your spiritual life?
7. How can fasting help us focus on spiritual needs?
8. What are some of the many ways a person can play a part in leading someone to Christ?
9. What are some ways we can welcome new believers into the body of Christ?
10. *What do older, more mature Christians have to offer younger, less mature Christians?
11. *How can you be a guide and help to younger Christians in your church?
12. How can you lean on another Christian to help you uncover God’s will for your life? Who is this person?

Apply It
1. How can you challenge a friend or neighbor with the message of salvation this week?
2. *What is one thing you could do this week to help a younger Christian grow in his or her faith?
3. From what more mature Christian can you seek advice or counsel this week?

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem—Acts 9:20–31
Topics: Change, Church, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Peace, Persecution, Power, Witnessing

Open It
1. If you could make one significant change in your life this year, what would it be?
2. *If you were constantly harassed on your job, what would you most likely do about it?

Explore It
1. After spending some days with the Christians in Damascus, what did Saul do? (9:20–21)
2. What was the focus of Saul’s message? (9:20)
3. How did people react to their former enemy? (9:21)
4. Why were the Jews living in Damascus baffled by Saul? (9:22)
5. *What did the Jews plan for Saul? Why? (9:23)
6. *How did Saul outwit his enemies? (9:24–25)
7. Who mistrusted Saul in Jerusalem? (9:26)
8. Who welcomed Saul in Jerusalem? (9:27)
9. How did Barnabas help the apostles accept Saul? (9:27)
10. *What did Saul do while he was with the apostles? (9:28–29)
11. How did Saul follow in Stephen’s footsteps? (9:29)
12. As a result of the threat on his life, where was Saul taken by his friends? (9:30)
13. What was the state of the young church at this time? (9:31)

Get It
1. *Why do unbelievers sometimes oppose those who tell others about Christ?
2. What is the difference between opposition to our faith and opposition to our personality?
3. How have you changed because of knowing Jesus?
4. Why did the disciples in Jerusalem fear Saul?
5. Why did Saul have a significant testimony to others?
6. *In what ways can a new Christian have a unique witness to friends and associates?
7. What fellow Christian has served as an inspirational example to you?
8. How could a person like Barnabas help heal wounds in a church group?
9. If your life were threatened, whom could you count on to protect you?
10. What particular group of people would you feel most comfortable telling about Christ?
11. How does the state of your church compare with that of the early church?

Apply It
1. *This week, how can you prepare for discussions about God with your coworkers or non-Christian friends?
2. What can you do to welcome people to your church?
3. Who could you welcome into your place of work, church, or community this week? How?

Aeneas and Dorcas—Acts 9:32–43
Topics: Believers, Death, Goodness, Healing, Instructions, Jesus Christ, Miracles, Poor, Prayer, Witnessing

Open It
1. *What are some of your most treasured memories of a late friend, relative, or coworker?
2. What would you find easy or hard about helping inner-city poor people find jobs?
3. What would you find easy or hard about helping paraplegics learn to live with their disabilities?

Explore It
1. Where did Peter’s mission work take him? (9:32)
1. Whom did Peter visit in Lydda? (9:33)
3. How was Peter able to cure Aeneas? (9:34)
4. What effect did the healing of Aeneas have on the residents of Lydda and Sharon? (9:35)
5. What did Tabitha (Dorcas) do in Joppa? (9:36)
6. *What happened to Dorcas? (9:37)
7. Where was Joppa in relation to Lydda? (9:38)
8. Why was Peter summoned by the disciples to Joppa? (9:38)
9. Where was Peter taken when he arrived in Joppa? (9:39)
10. How was the miracle of raising the woman to life performed? (9:40)
11. *What did Peter do when he was alone with the dead woman? (9:40–41)
12. After Peter helped Tabitha to her feet, what did he do next? (9:41)
13. *How did the miracle of raising Tabitha further the kingdom of God? (9:42)
14. With whom did Peter stay in Joppa? (9:43)

Get It
1. Why are the signs and wonders of the early church largely absent from the Christian community today?
2. *Why do some Christians suffer and die, while others are healed of their sickness?
3. In what ways would you like to follow the example of Dorcas?
4. When you die, what group of people besides your family will miss you most?
5. If Peter were visiting your church, whom would you ask him to help?

Apply It
1. What areas of your life need God’s healing today?
2. How can you help a needy person this week?
3. *What can you do to help a widow who needs assistance?

Cornelius Calls for Peter—Acts 10:1–8
Topics: Angels, Generosity, Gifts, God, Instructions, Leadership, Poor, Prayer

Open It
1. *What would be appealing or unappealing to you about a career in the armed forces?
2. If you were in military service, where would you like to be stationed?
3. As an army officer, what would you like or not like about commanding a company of soldiers?

Explore It
1. Who was Cornelius? (10:1)
2. Where did Cornelius live? (10:1)
3. What did Cornelius do for a living? (10:1)
4. How did the Roman officer and his family relate to God? (10:2)
5. How did Cornelius help those in need? (10:2)
6. What did Cornelius experience one afternoon? (10:3)
7. How did Cornelius respond to the angel? (10:4)
8. *How did the angel affirm the centurion’s life-style? (10:4)
9. *What did the angel command Cornelius to do? (10:5–6)
10. *When the angel left, what did Cornelius do? (10:7–8)
11. Who did Cornelius send to Joppa? (10:7–8)

Get It
1. *What neighbors and friends remind you of Cornelius?
2. Why is it that many kind, “God-fearing” people do not have a personal relationship with Christ?
3. *How do you need to be more like Cornelius?
4. How do you know when God is speaking to you?
5. When do you act on what God tells you to do?
6. How can you be more open to God taking command of your life?

Apply It
1. *This week, what can you do to imitate the centurion’s God-fearing life-style?
2. What can you give to someone who is in need?

Peter’s Vision—Acts 10:9–23
Topics: Acceptance, Culture, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Hospitality, Instructions, Prayer, Respect

Open It
1. *At an ethnic food festival, would you try a variety of international dishes or immediately seek out the hot dog stand? Why?
2. If you lived overseas, what about your life-style would you try to maintain, and how would you try to fit in with the nationals?

Explore It
1. Where was Peter when the centurion’s men approached Joppa? (10:9)
2. What was Peter doing? (10:9)
3. How did Peter feel? (10:10)
4. *What did Peter experience while food was being prepared for him? (10:10–16)
5. What did Peter see in a vision? (10:11–12)
6. What did the voice instruct Peter to do? (10:13)
7. Why did Peter protest against the command to eat? (10:14)
8. How were Peter’s objections silenced? (10:15)
9. Why was this incident repeated three times? (10:16)
10. *What happened while Peter was wondering about the vision? (10:17–20)
11. *How was Peter prepared for the messengers? (10:19–20)
12. What did Peter say to the messengers? (10:21)
13. What did the messengers tell Peter? (10:22)
14. How did Peter respond to the messengers’ request? (10:23)

Get It
1. How do you think Peter felt when he was told to kill and eat unclean food?
2. *What are some reasons we reject or avoid certain people?
3. Peter’s dream was unexpected; how does God deal with us in surprising ways?
4. How does God give us clear directions through other Christians?
5. How did Peter’s hospitality to the messengers show that he was beginning to put into practice what he had learned in the vision?
6. How should your church treat visitors who are different from the rest of the congregation?
7. *How can you show acceptance of those who don’t “fit in”?

Apply It
1. *What new relationships can you ask God to bring into your life this week?
2. How can you become more open-minded toward others?
3. Starting today, how can you help another Christian move beyond his or her cultural limits?

Peter at Cornelius’ House—Acts 10:24–48
Topics: Acceptance, Forgiveness, God, Good News, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, People, Power, Praise, Prayer, Prejudice, Resurrection, Witnessing

Open It
1. If you could have been born and raised in another culture, in which one would you like to have been raised? Why?
2. *If a family from another country moved in next door, how might you welcome them to the neighborhood?
3. When was the first time you faced prejudice?

Explore It
1. Who was with Peter when he arrived in Caesarea? (10:23–24)
2. How had Cornelius prepared for Peter’s visit? (10:24–25)
3. How did Peter refuse the centurion’s homage? (10:25–26)
4. Who was inside the centurion’s house? (10:27)
5. What did Peter say to show that he had learned what God had wanted him to learn? (10:28–29)
6. What did Peter ask? (10:29)
7. How did Cornelius respond? (10:30–33)
8. *In what way was Peter’s understanding of God changed by his vision? (10:34–35)
9. *What was Peter’s message to the group? (10:34–43)
10. How was Peter’s message interrupted? (10:44–46)
11. *Why did Peter suddenly stop talking? (10:44–46)
12. What happened to the non-Jewish believers to show the Jewish believers that God accepted them? (10:44–46)
13. How did the circumcised believers react to what happened? (10:45–46)
14. How did Peter sum up what had happened? (10:47–48)
15. What did Peter command? (10:48)
16. In what ways was fellowship between believing Jews and believing non-Jews improved during Peter’s stay in Caesarea? (10:48)

Get It
1. *How do cultural and religious barriers hinder growth in our faith?
2. *If you had a vision like Peter’s, what deep-seated prejudices would you be called on to get rid of?
3. How would Cornelius and his group fare at your church?
4. Why might someone visiting your church for the first time feel unwelcome?
5. What could you and others do to make people of all kinds feel welcome in your church?
6. What cultural and religious barriers hinder growth in your church?
7. How is your pastor like Peter?
8. How could your pastor benefit from an encounter with Cornelius and Peter?
9. How can your church be open to the power of the Holy Spirit in a new way?
10. If someone asked you to tell them about your faith, what would you say?

Apply It
1. *What is the first step you could take to show respect for a racial or cultural group that is different from you?
2. How can you be an effective witness for Christ this week among people who are different from you?

Peter Explains His Actions—Acts 11:1–18
Topics: Angels, Believers, Bible, Church, Criticism, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Praise, Prayer, Prejudice, Repentance, Salvation

Open It
1. What dream stands out in your memory?
2. What favorite story do you like retelling?
3. *What is one family tradition you want to keep at all costs?

Explore It
1. What did the apostles and Christians in Judea hear? (11:1)
2. When Peter went to Jerusalem, who criticized him? (11:2)
3. Who were the “circumcised believers”? (11:2)
4. What did the circumcised Christians say? (11:3)
5. *Why did the circumcised believers imply that it was wrong for Peter to eat with Gentiles? (11:3)
6. *How did Peter explain his actions? (11:4–17)
7. What did Peter include in his brief explanation? (11:4–17)
8. What additional information did Peter provide concerning the angel’s message to Cornelius? (11:14)
9. *How did Peter dispel the idea that the Gentiles were second-class citizens? (11:15–17)
10. On what did Peter’s defense rest? (11:17)
11. How did Peter’s argument prove convincing? (11:18)
12. How did Peter’s step of including non-Jews affect the church? (11:18)

Get It
1. Why do you think Peter told the whole story behind his actions?
2. How was the criticism against Peter helpful to the church?
3. When might it be helpful to be openly critical about church matters?
4. *In what ways do we need to be less like the “circumcised believers” in our approach to others?
5. Whom do you find “unacceptable”?
6. *How can you be more accepting of those who don’t match your values or life-style?
7. What principle of accepting others do you want to copy from Peter’s example?

Apply It
1. When might you need to take a stand for what is right in your place of work, family, or church this week?
2. *How can you open your heart and mind to others whom you tend to dislike?

The Church in Antioch—Acts 11:19–30
Topics: Believe, Believers, Christianity, Church, Encouragement, Faith, Gifts, Good News, Grace, Help, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Ministry, Persecution, Prophecy

Open It
1. What do you like or dislike about traveling?
2. When you have too much to do, whom do you call on for help?
3. If those who know you best were discussing your character, what do you think they would say was one of your strengths?

Explore It
1. What was one of the results of Stephen’s martyrdom? (11:19)
2. To whom was the news about Christ being told? (11:19)
3. Who spoke to the Greeks in Antioch about the Lord Jesus? (11:20)
4. What caused the news about Christ to take hold among many who heard it? (11:21)
5. What resulted from the ministry of the Christians? (11:21)
6. How did the church at Jerusalem respond to the increase in numbers of new believers? (11:22)
7. How did Barnabas encourage the Christians at Antioch? (11:23)
8. What was exemplary about Barnabas? (11:24)
9. What happened to the work in Antioch? (11:24)
10. Why did Barnabas go to Tarsus to look for Saul? (25–26)
11. Where were the disciples first called Christians? (11:26)
12. Who was Agabus? (11:27)
13. What did Agabus predict? (11:28)
14. What did the Christians do for the believers in Judea? Why? (11:29–30)
15. To whom did Saul and Barnabas give the gift collected in Antioch? (11:29–30)

Get It
1. How was Stephen’s martyrdom good for the church?
2. How can good sometimes come out of tragedies?
3. Why is someone like Barnabas a real asset to a church?
4. If you were more like Barnabas, how might people respond to you differently from the way they do now?
5. Which label are you most comfortable with: disciple, saint, believer, or Christian? Why?
6. Following the example of the early church, how should we help other Christians who face economic hardship?

Apply It
1. How can you do good for someone who needs your help this week?
2. *What can you do to enlarge the circle of people to whom you reach out?

Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison—Acts 12:1–19
Topics: Angels, Assurance, Church, Instructions, Joy, Persecution, Prayer

Open It
1. If you had to write a short story, what is one thing you would do to make it interesting to the reader?
2. *What is one dream you remember as having been very vivid?
3. If you told someone about an exciting dream you had, how would you make it come alive to the listener?

Explore It
1. Why was King Herod so cold-hearted toward the church? (12:1–3)
2. Whom did King Herod arrest? (12:1, 3–4)
3. Whom did the king have put to death? (12:2)
4. What did Herod do with Peter? Why? (12:3–4)
5. *What did the king plan to do with Peter after the Passover? Why? (12:3–4)
6. What did the church do while Peter was in prison? (12:5)
7. While in jail, why didn’t Peter seem to fear for his life? (12:6)
8. *What happened on the night before Peter’s trial? (12:6–11)
9. Who enabled Peter to escape? (12:7–10)
10. How did Peter escape from prison? (12:7–10)
11. *When did Peter know that what he had experienced was real? (12:11)
12. Where did Peter go once he realized what had happened? (12:12)
13. What happened when Peter appeared at Mary’s door? (12:13–16)
14. Once inside the house, what did Peter say? (12:17)
15. How did the soldiers react when they discovered Peter was gone? (12:18)
16. What did Herod do? (12:19)

Get It
1. When have you seen a person try to take advantage of Christians, as Herod did?
2. *How do you tend to react in trying circumstances?
3. How can a church use prayer when faced with a crisis?
4. *What can we learn from the way Peter handled his situation?
5. How can you help and encourage Christians who serve in difficult situations?
6. What can you do to make your prayers for others a part of their ministry?

Apply It
1. *What do you want to remember the next time you suffer for your faith?
2. For what missionary can you pray throughout this week?
3. To what other family can you show hospitality this week? How?

Herod’s Death—Acts 12:20–25
Topics: Angels, Bible, Death, Flattery, God, Growth, Mission, Partnerships, Peace, Pride, Quarrels

Open It
1. *If you were a celebrity, what would you like most and least about your status?
2. If your job gave you tremendous power over others, in what ways could it bring out the worst in you?

Explore It
1. What was Herod’s relationship with the cities of Tyre and Sidon? (12:20)
2. Why did the people of Tyre and Sidon want to make peace with Herod? (12:20)
3. Whom did the people appoint to make peace with the king? (12:20)
4. *On the day of the public assembly, what did Herod do? (12:21)
5. *What did the people say to honor Herod? (12:22)
6. *How did God judge Herod? (12:23)
7. How did the work of God continue, in spite of persecution and opposition? (12:24)
8. What did Saul and Barnabas set out to do? (12:25)
9. When the apostles completed their mission in Jerusalem, where did they go? (12:25)
10. Whom did the apostles take with them to Antioch? (12:25)

Get It
1. How could a season of hardship benefit your church?
2. *How does the example of Herod serve as a warning to us today?
3. In what ways do pride and position affect the way we treat others?
4. *How can we guard against pride and conceit?
5. What should we do when others credit us with great deeds?
6. For what ministries in your church are you thankful?
7. Why is it helpful to work with a partner in doing Christian ministry?

Apply It
1. How can you be more honest in your relationships with Christian brothers and sisters?
2. What church leader can you pray for today?
3. *What can you do today as a discipline of humility?

Barnabas and Saul Sent Off—Acts 13:1–3
Topics: Fasting, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Leadership, Mission, Prayer, Worship

Open It
1. *What send-off or farewell stands out in your memory?
2. If you were going away on a long trip, what kind of send-off would you prefer?
3. If you and a coworker of your choice were transferred to jobs overseas, whom would you want to go along with you?

Explore It
1. *Who made up the leadership of the church at Antioch? (13:1)
2. What was the leadership like at the church in Antioch? (13:1)
3. What was the background of the church leaders at Antioch? (13:1)
4. How did the church at Antioch become so cosmopolitan? (13:1)
5. Despite their various backgrounds, how did the leaders of the church at Antioch function? (13:2)
6. While they were worshiping and fasting, what did the Holy Spirit say to the men? (13:2)
7. What did God want the church to do with Barnabas and Saul? (13:2)
8. Why did the Holy Spirit tell the leaders to “set apart” Barnabas and Saul? (13:2)
9. *What were Barnabas and Saul called to do? (13:2)
10. What preceded the departure of the missionaries? (13:3)
11. *Why did the church leaders lay hands on Barnabas and Saul? (13:3)
12. Where did the missionaries go? (13:3)

Get It
1. What variety of people attend your church?
2. How diverse is your church leadership?
3. *Why should churches pray over and lay hands on missionaries and other ministers?
4. *When should church leaders lay hands on members of the congregation?
5. How important is worship to the life of a church?
6. How can your church best serve missions?
7. What can you do to serve missions and missionaries?
8. What is the purpose of fasting?
9. Why should Christians fast?
10. When might a church want to fast as a congregation?
11. How can you show support for the leadership of your church?

Apply It
1. *What time can you commit to prayer each day for the staff of your church?
2. When can you find time this week to write a letter of encouragement to a missionary?

On Cyprus—Acts 13:4–12
Topics: Believe, Bible, Evangelism, Faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Opposition, Satan, Teaching

Open It
1. When was the last time you were taken in by a particularly good sales pitch?
2. When you were in elementary school, what tricks did you play on others?
3. *Who helped you get settled into your first full-time job? How?

Explore It
1. *Who directed Barnabas and Saul on their journey? (13:4)
2. Where did Barnabas and Saul go? (13:4–5)
3. *What did the missionaries do in Salamis? (13:5)
4. *Who helped Barnabas and Saul? (13:5)
5. Whom did Barnabas and Saul meet at Paphos? (13:6–7)
6. Why did the proconsul send for Barnabas and Saul? (13:7)
7. What did Bar-Jesus (Elymas) do? (13:8)
8. How did Saul (also called Paul) respond to Elymas? (13:9–11)
9. Why did Elymas oppose the Word of God? (13:10)
10. What was the judgment against the sorcerer? (13:11)
11. When Sergius Paulus saw the miracle, what did he do? (13:12)

Get It
1. How often do missionaries speak at your church?
2. *When missionaries visit your church, how can you benefit from their teaching and experience?
3. *How can we be helpful to missionaries and other Christian workers?
4. What are some ways that people oppose the gospel?
5. How is Paul’s aggressive approach to dealing with sin a helpful example for us to follow?
6. Given your background, training, and interests, to what group of people are you best suited to share the news about Christ?

Apply It
1. *How can you be helpful to a missionary or Christian worker in your church this week?
2. In what situation do you need the Holy Spirit’s guidance this week?

In Pisidian Antioch—Acts 13:13–52
Topics: Believe, Bible, Church, Death, Encouragement, God, History, Holy Spirit, Jealousy, Jesus Christ, Joy, Leadership, People, Persecution, Prophecy, Resurrection, Salvation

Open It
1. What are some of your favorite quotes?
2. Who is one of the best speakers you have ever heard?
3. When have you been moved to action by great preaching?
4. *Who is one person who can affect whether you have a good or bad day? How?

Explore It
1. What happened at Perga? (13:13–14)
2. Where did the missionaries go after leaving Perga? (13:14)
3. What did the synagogue rulers say to Paul and Barnabas? (13:14–15)
4. What were Paul and his companions invited to do in the synagogue? (13:14–15)
5. In his initial response to the invitation to speak, what did Paul say? (13:16)
6. In surveying the history of Israel, what key events did Paul mention? (13:17–22)
7. How was the mention of David an easy transition to refer to Jesus (and his forerunner, John) in Paul’s message? (13:23–25)
8. To whom was the message of salvation sent? (13:26)
9. How did Paul confirm the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? (13:33–37)
10. How is forgiveness of sins possible? (13:38–39)
11. What did Paul say would happen to his hearers if they failed to recognize Jesus as Savior? (13:40–41)
12. How did people respond to the message Paul preached? (13:42–43)
13. What did the people do and say as Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue? (13:42–43)
14. What happened on the Sabbath after Paul first spoke in Perga? (13:44–45)
15. Why did Paul and Barnabas turn their attention to non-Jewish (Gentile) audiences? (13:45–48)
16. How did Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles? (13:46–48)
17. How did the Gentiles respond to the Word of the Lord? (13:48)
18. *What happened to Paul and Barnabas while God was causing the church to grow and become strong? (13:49–52)
19. *What price did Paul and Barnabas pay for telling people about Christ? (13:50)
20. *What effect did the opposition have on Paul and Barnabas? (13:51–52)
21. What gave Paul and Barnabas joy? (13:52)

Get It
1. How should Christians settle their differences?
2. If you had an opportunity to speak to a group of people about Christ, what would you say to challenge them to turn to Him?
3. Paul clearly assumed leadership in Pisidian Antioch; how do you think Barnabas felt when this happened? Why?
4. How would it be hard for you to give up a position of leadership?
5. What is the importance of timing in telling people about Christ?
6. From whom have you kept the gospel?
7. When have you been rejected because of your faith?
8. How should we handle rejection?
9. *Why were Paul and Barnabas able to have joy?
10. *How can we experience joy during difficult circumstances?

Apply It
1. *What verse or principle will help you have joy in whatever circumstances you face?
2. In what settings can you be a witness for Christ this week?
3. How can you stand strong when your Christian identity leaves you alone or isolated in some way?

In Iconium—Acts 14:1–7
Topics: Believe, Divisions, Effectiveness, Good News, Jesus Christ, Miracles, People, Persecution

Open It
1. What makes a person successful in your line of work?
2. When do you feel best about your work?
3. *What are some issues that often cause disagreement among people?

Explore It
1. At Iconium, where did Paul and Barnabas go? (14:1)
2. Where did the apostles begin telling others about Christ? (14:1)
3. Who became believers at Iconium? Why? (14:1)
4. *How did unbelievers oppose what Paul and Barnabas were doing? (14:2)
5. *How did the apostles respond to the opposition? (14:3)
6. What did the Lord enable Paul and Barnabas to do? Why? (14:3)
7. *How was the city divided? (14:4)
8. What did certain people plot against the apostles? (14:5)
9. When Paul and Barnabas discovered the plot against them, what did they do? (14:6)
10. Despite the setback Paul and Barnabas suffered, what did they do in Lystra and Derbe? (14:6–7)

Get It
1. When faced with conflict and opposition, how did the apostles pull together?
2. Which pastoral task do you think your minister enjoys most?
3. When does your pastor speak most effectively?
4. *What happens to the church when a congregation divides its loyalties among leaders?
5. *How can you and others in your church support your ministerial staff?
6. What should you do when people oppose you for being a Christian?
7. When is it best to run from persecution or leave a situation that threatens your faith?
8. Why is important for us to pray daily for the missionaries we support?

Apply It
1. When you face conflict this week, how can you rely on the Lord for help?
2. *How can you support those whom God has called to lead your church?
3. For what missionary will you pray every day this week?

In Lystra and Derbe—Acts 14:8–20
Topics: Blasphemy, Faith, God, Good News, Handicapped, Healing, Idolatry, Instructions, People, Persecution, Witnessing

Open It
1. If you suddenly could have the ability to do something you had never done before, what skill would you like to have?
2. *What would you do if you received an expensive gift that you didn’t think you deserved?
3. When has someone unexpectedly turned against you?

Explore It
1. What did Paul do for the crippled man in Lystra? (14:8–10)
2. *How did the crowd respond to what Paul had done? (14:11–13)
3. Why were the apostles horrified when they discovered what was happening? (14:14)
4. *Why did Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes? (14:14)
5. *What was the apostles’ message to the crowd? (14:15–17)
6. How did Paul tailor his message to the audience? (14:15–17)
7. In spite of the apostles’ message, why was it difficult to restrain the crowd? (14:18)
8. Who came from Antioch and Iconium to poison the minds of the people against the missionaries? (14:19)
9. What did the crowd do to Paul? (14:19)
10. Who helped Paul? (14:20)
11. When did Paul return to Lystra? (14:20)
12. After Paul and Barnabas left Lystra, where did they go? (14:20)

Get It
1. Paul knew when someone needed to be healed and what people needed to hear; why was he so perceptive?
2. How can you be sensitive to the needs of others?
3. *When have you received credit or recognition you didn’t deserve?
4. *Why is it important to give glory to God?
5. The early missionaries had a demanding schedule and dangerous life-style; how might you have coped with the pressures they faced?
6. When are you typically in the company of people who are very different from you?
7. In talking about Christ with non-Christians, what can you do to speak their language?
8. Paul paid an enormous price for his testimony; what risks are there for you in living for Christ?

Apply It
1. How can you challenge yourself to serve the Lord completely each day?
2. *What can you do to direct people’s attention to Christ and away from you?
3. Where can you go to witness to an unbeliever this week?

The Return to Antioch in Syria—Acts 14:21–28
Topics: Church, Encouragement, Faith, Fasting, Good News, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God/Heaven, Prayer, Strength, Suffering, Trust

Open It
1. *What kind of vacation most appeals to you (trips to other cities, backwoods hiking, visits to the beach, etc.)?
2. How busy is your daily schedule?
3. What do you do to relax?

Explore It
1. *What did Paul and Barnabas do in Derbe? (14:21)
2. What was the result of the apostles’ evangelism? (14:21)
3. *Why did Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps to Antioch? (14:22)
4. What kind of warnings did the missionaries give the young converts? (14:22)
5. How did the apostles establish leadership in the young churches? (14:23)
6. *What encouragement and help did the apostles give the new Christians? (14:22–23)
7. Where did the return journey to Antioch take the apostles? (14:24–26)
8. On their way to Antioch, where did the apostles preach? (14:25)
9. When they returned to Antioch, what did Paul and Barnabas do? (14:27)
10. Why was it important that Paul and Barnabas report on their activity to the church at Antioch? (14:26)
11. How long did the apostles remain in Antioch? (14:28)

Get It
1. Why would you return to a church or community that had made you feel unwelcome before?
2. What does the apostles’ ability to withstand rejection say about their faith and leadership?
3. What would your pastor do if faced with persecution?
4. *How does your church disciple new Christians?
5. In your church, how does a person become a leader?
6. How should missionaries be accountable to the church?
7. How has your church been blessed by the work of missionaries?
8. *How can you help younger Christians get established in the faith?

Apply It
1. In what ways can you benefit from the teaching of your church elders this week?
2. *What younger Christian can you encourage this week? How?
3. What can you do this week to become a stronger Christian?

The Council at Jerusalem—Acts 15:1–21
Topics: Believers, Bible, Church, Doctrine, God, Grace, Holy Spirit, Judging Others, Judgment, Prophecy, Questions, Teaching

Open It
1. When faced with a problem, do you want someone else to solve it, or do you like to figure out for yourself what you should do? Why?
2. *What is most challenging to you about enforcing rules?
3. When you think your opinion is right, how do you tend to express your view?

Explore It
1. *Who came to Antioch? Why? (15:1)
2. What were the men from Judea teaching the Christians? (15:1)
3. On what did the men of Judea base their theology? (15:1)
4. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to the teaching problem at Antioch? (15:2)
5. *How did the apostles determine to resolve the problem in Antioch? (15:2)
6. What were the apostles’ experiences on their way to Jerusalem? (15:3)
7. When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Jerusalem, how did the church receive them? (15:4)
8. What did the believing Pharisees say? (15:5)
9. How did the church leaders respond to the Pharisees? (15:6)
10. What did Peter say to the party of the Pharisees? (15:7–11)
11. What did Paul and Barnabas add to Peter’s testimony? (15:12)
12. *How did James summarize his views? (15:13–21)
13. How did James deal with the circumcision question from a biblical standpoint? (15:15–18)
14. What practical judgment did James make? (15:19–21)
15. What did James mean by his concluding statement? (15:21)

Get It
1. *What was wise about using a council to deal with the thorny issue of how non-Jews could be saved?
2. How was the problem of this council larger than the issue of circumcision?
3. *When dealing with difficult issues, what do we need to include in the decision-making process?
4. Why were Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James the right men to resolve the conflict?
5. How could your church follow the council’s approach in dealing with issues that trouble the church?
6. What areas of your faith create conflict within you?
7. What beliefs or practices do Christians add to the gospel?
8. How can we remind ourselves to require of new believers only what God requires?

Apply It
1. *Where can you get help resolving an issue about which you are unsure?
2. This week, what change in your schedule can you make to allow enough time for studying God’s Word?

The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers—Acts 15:22–35
Topics: Advice, Believers, Blessing, Church, Encouragement, Jesus Christ, Leadership, Obligation, Peace

Open It
1. *How often do you write letters to friends?
2. What was the most important letter you ever received?
3. When was the last time you received a letter from your pastor?

Explore It
1. Who went to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas? (15:22)
2. Why did the men go to Antioch? (15:23)
3. In whose name was the letter to Gentile believers sent? (15:23)
4. To whom was the letter addressed? (15:23)
5. *What was the letter to Gentile believers about? (15:24–29)
6. What was the tone of the letter? (15:24–29)
7. How did the letter confirm the findings of the council? (15:24–29)
8. How was the letter delivered? (15:30)
9. *How did the Christians in Antioch respond to the message from Jerusalem? (15:31)
10. How did Judas and Silas help the Christians in Antioch? (15:32)
11. *When Judas and Silas left for Jerusalem, what kind of send-off were they given? (15:33)
12. What did Paul and Barnabas do in Antioch? (15:35)

Get It
1. *What is the best way to solve disagreements among Christians?
2. *How would you handle a difficult problem with another Christian?
3. What are the lines of division in your church?
4. If Paul were to pastor your church for awhile, what thorny problems might he address?
5. If you were to design a model for unity among believers of different ethnic backgrounds, what would it look like?
6. Why should Christians work toward unity within diversity?

Apply It
1. *What difficult relationship should you improve this week for the sake of Christ? How?
2. When can you spend time with other Christians who are ethnically different from you?

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas—Acts 15:36–41
Topics: Church, Disagreements, Jesus Christ, Partnerships, Strength

Open It
1. *When you have a sharp disagreement with a friend, how do you usually handle it?
2. When have you held a grudge against someone?

Explore It
1. What did Paul suggest to Barnabas? (15:36)
2. *What did Barnabas want to do? (15:37)
3. Why might Barnabas have wanted to take John Mark with him? (15:37)
4. *Why didn’t Paul want Mark to accompany the apostles on their trip? (15:38)
5. Whom did Barnabas take with him when he went to Cyprus? (15:39)
6. *What did the apostles do about their difference of opinion? (15:39–40)
7. How did both men reach a solution? (15:39–40)
8. Whom did Paul select as a traveling companion in ministry? (15:40)
9. As a result of the separation between Barnabas and Paul, how many missionary expeditions set out? (15:39–40)
10. What did Paul and Silas do on their journey? (15:41)

Get It
1. *Why do you think Paul and Barnabas’s difference of opinion turned into such a deep division?
2. How do you think differences in personality affected the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?
3. When you disagree with someone, why is it important to try to see the issue from the other person’s point of view?
4. How do you think the apostles’ conflict affected their ministry afterward?
5. *When should you give up your rights, your position, or your point of view for the sake of peace with another person?
6. How can God use the strengths and weaknesses of your personality to get His work done?

Apply It
1. *What step can you take toward resolving an old disagreement with another Christian? When?
2. Where can you channel your anger or hurt feelings when they become a problem? How?

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas—Acts 16:1–5
Topics: Believers, Church, Culture, Decisions, Faith, Leadership, Mission, Reputation, Strength

Open It
1. *As far as you know, what nationalities are included in your family tree?
2. What family traditions from the “old country” do you treasure?
3. What ethnic values do you want to pass on to future generations of your family?

Explore It
1. *Who visited Derbe and then Lystra? (16:1)
2. Where was Timothy from? (16:1)
3. *What was Timothy’s parentage? (16:1)
4. What was Timothy’s reputation? (16:2)
5. What reputation did Timothy have among Christians? (16:2)
6. Why did Paul want to take Timothy along on the journey? (16:2–3)
7. *What did Timothy have to do in order to minister with Paul? (16:3)
8. Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised? (16:3)
9. How is it safe to assume that Timothy was being treated as a Jew rather than a Gentile? (16:3–4)
10. What did Paul and his companions do as they traveled from town to town? (16:4)
11. What was the effect of the missionaries’ visit? (16:5)

Get It
1. How could Timothy’s mixed background help him in ministering to both Jews and Gentiles?
2. *How did Timothy’s heritage create a problem?
3. What type of pastor could best serve a multiethnic congregation?
4. *How might a multiethnic background be both an advantage and a disadvantage?
5. How does God use us in spite of our imperfections and weaknesses?

Apply It
1. *How do you need to open your heart and home to Christians who are ethnically different from you?
2. What missionaries can you support in prayer this week?

Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia—Acts 16:6–10
Topics: Bible, God, Gospel, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Teamwork

Open It
1. When was the last time you were disappointed?
2. How persistent are you in trying to get things to go your way?
3. *If you arranged a long vacation and you were suddenly required to cancel it for business, what would you do?

Explore It
1. Where did the journey westward from Iconium take Paul and his companions? (16:6)
2. Who directed the missionaries away from Asia? (16:6)
3. How were the travelers hindered from entering Bithynia? (16:7)
4. *How did God guide the missionaries in their travels? (16:6–7)
5. After leaving Mysia, where did the travelers go next? (16:8)
6. When did Paul experience the vision? (16:9)
7. What did Paul see in his vision? (16:9)
8. How did Paul and his companions interpret this vision? (16:10)
9. *What did the missionaries do after they understood what God wanted them to do? (16:10)
10. *When did Paul and his companions respond to God’s instructions? (16:10)
11. How did the narrator of the story participate in Paul’s travels? (16:10)

Get It
1. *How do you think Paul, Silas, and Timothy recognized the Holy Spirit’s directions as they traveled around Asia Minor?
2. *How can we be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
3. What do you do when the Holy Spirit thwarts your plans?
4. Why do you think God has sometimes spoken to His people through visions and dreams?
5. How does God usually speak to His children?
6. How does God speak to you?
7. What does the example of Paul and his companions teach us about obedience to God?
8. With whom has God led you to share the gospel?

Apply It
1. How can you listen more closely to the Holy Spirit’s direction in your life?
2. *What is one thing you can do to make yourself responsive to God and His will?

Lydia’s Conversion in Philippi—Acts 16:11–15
Topics: Believers, Evangelism, God, Heart, Hospitality, Jesus Christ, Listening

Open It
1. If you had to make a living in sales, what would you most like to sell?
2. *What is your idea of hospitality?

Explore It
1. How did Paul and his companions travel from Troas to Philippi? (16:11–12)
2. Where did the travelers stop on their way from Troas to Philippi? (16:11–12)
3. How did Luke describe Philippi? (16:12)
4. Where did Paul and his friends go to pray on the Sabbath? (16:13)
5. Why was there no synagogue at Philippi? (16:13)
6. Whom did the travelers find at the place of prayer? (16:13)
7. Who was Lydia? (16:14)
8. *How did Lydia respond to Paul’s words? (16:14)
9. Who opened Lydia’s heart? (16:14)
10. *After Lydia became a believer, what did she and her household do? (16:15)
11. *What did Lydia offer Paul and his group after her baptism? (16:15)

Get It
1. How did Paul establish his mission as soon as he and his group arrived in Philippi?
2. *Why should we extend hospitality to others?
3. How can we have fellowship with other Christians when we are away from home?
4. What responsibility do you feel to witness to others wherever you happen to be?
5. *In what ways is Lydia’s example one we should follow?
6. How should we treat Bible teachers?
7. How can you extend hospitality to a missionary?

Apply It
1. In what area of your life do you need to be more open to the Lord’s teaching this week?
2. *How can you share your home and possessions with those called to the ministry?
3. Following Lydia’s example, how can you take the initiative in helping someone else today?

Paul and Silas in Prison—Acts 16:16–40
Topics: Authority, Caring, Church, Demons, Encouragement, God, Good News, Healing, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Justice, Praise, Prayer, Prejudice, Salvation

Open It
1. *How would you respond if your neighbor told you she had psychic powers and could tell you about your future?
2. If you were caring for someone with a mental disorder, what would you find most difficult about your work?

Explore It
1. Where were Paul and his companions going when they met the slave girl? (16:16)
2. *What was distinctive about the slave girl that Paul and his companions met? (16:16)
3. How did Luke describe the slave girl? (16:16)
4. How was the girl exploited? (16:16)
5. *How did the demon-possessed girl damage Paul’s ministry? (16:17–18)
6. How did Paul gain victory over the slave girl’s demonic condition? (16:18)
7. *Why were the owners of the slave girl angry with Paul and Silas? (16:19)
8. What did the girl’s owners do with Paul and Silas? Why? (16:19–20)
9. What happened to Paul and Silas after several accusations were made against them? (16:20–24)
10. What happened while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns? (16:25–26)
11. Why did the jailer turn to God? (16:27–30)
12. What were the results of the talk Paul and Silas had with the jailer? (16:31–34)
13. Why did the magistrates change their minds about Paul and Silas? (16:35–36)
14. Why did Paul respond the way he did to the officers? (16:37)
15. What did Paul and Silas do after their release from prison? (16:40)

Get It
1. Why were Paul and Silas so poorly treated?
2. How might Paul have been helping the cause of the Philippian church when he asserted his rights as a Roman citizen?
3. *Why is it often difficult for a Christian leader to deal with someone involved in occult practices?
4. *In our society, what are some ways people are in bondage to evil?
5. In what ways are some Christians victims of racism?
6. Although severely tested and persecuted, Paul and Silas held on to their faith and their joy; how do you think you would hold up under such extraordinary pressure? Why?
7. What can a Christian do to be prepared for persecution?
8. When in your experience has the Lord provided a happy ending to a bad turn of events?
9. When should Christians stand up for justice?
10. When should Christians give up their legal rights for the sake of Christ?
11. What can we learn from Paul and Silas to help us cope with difficult times ahead?

Apply It
1. *What can you pray about this week to put a check on evil in your place of work, neighborhood, or community?
2. What songs and prayers of praise can you offer God today?
3. How can you encourage someone else in his or her Christian walk this week?

In Thessalonica—Acts 17:1–9
Topics: Bible, Church, Gospel, Jealousy, Jesus Christ, Persecution, Resurrection, Suffering

Open It
1. *When is a time you remember being jealous of someone else?
2. When was the last time you missed church on Sunday?
3. If you were involved in a Bible study group, would you prefer to be the leader or one of the participants? Why?

Explore It
1. Why did Paul and his companions stop at Thessalonica? (17:1)
2. *What did Paul and his companions do in Thessalonica? (17:1–3)
3. What was Paul’s mission in the synagogue? (17:2–3)
4. What resulted from Paul’s teaching? (17:4)
5. Why were some Jews jealous? (17:5)
6. *How did the Jews act against Paul and Silas? Why? (17:5)
7. *How did the plan of the Jews misfire? (17:6)
8. What did the crowd do to Jason and some other Christians? (17:6–7)
9. What were the accusations against the Christians? (17:6–7)
10. How was Jason implicated in the charges? (17:7)
11. How did the crowd and city officials react to the accusations? (17:8)
12. Why were the Christians required to post bond? (17:9)
13. What did the city officials do with the believers? (17:9)

Get It
1. *Why were the Jews jealous of Paul and Silas?
2. What was Paul’s evangelistic style?
3. How does your minister present the gospel?
4. In what settings are you most effective as a witness for Christ?
5. How can you share your faith with others?
6. As a missionary, would you be more effective telling others about Christ, or teaching them how to live a Christian life? Why?
7. How can rejection, abuse, and other kinds of opposition affect a believer’s stand for Christ?
8. *How should we cope with opposition to the message of Christ?
9. How should Christian brothers and sisters support one another in their work for Christ?

Apply It
1. When can you spend more time studying the Scriptures with other Christians?
2. *In what setting can you be a verbal witness for Christ this week? How?

In Berea—Acts 17:10–15
Topics: Believe, Believers, Bible, Character, Church, Conflict, God, Gospel, People

Open It
1. *What do you typically look over closely before buying?
2. How open are you to new ideas?
3. If someone offered you a free college course of study, what subject would you study?

Explore It
1. When did Paul and Silas leave Thessalonica? (17:10)
2. Why did Paul and Silas leave at night? (17:10)
3. What town did the missionaries visit? (17:10)
4. *On arriving in Berea, where did Paul and Silas go? (17:10)
5. How were the Bereans different from the Thessalonians? (17:11)
6. *How did the Bereans interact with Paul’s message? (17:11)
7. *How did the people respond to the gospel? (17:12)
8. Who responded to the gospel? (17:12)
9. What did the Jewish unbelievers from Thessalonica do? (17:13)
10. Why did Paul leave Berea? (17:14)
11. Why did Silas and Timothy remain in Berea? (17:14)
12. Who went with Paul to Athens? (17:15)
13. What instructions did Paul leave for Silas and Timothy? (17:15)

Get It
1. How interested is your congregation in Bible study?
2. If your church offered daily Bible studies, why might people go or not go to them?
3. *What does it mean to welcome the message of Christ?
4. *Why is it important to think about what we are taught?
5. How should all Christians interact with what they are taught about the Bible?
6. When might a Christian viewpoint stir up controversy?

Apply It
1. *How can you make time to study the Bible every day this week?
2. How can you help younger Christians grow in their faith?

In Athens—Acts 17:16–34
Topics: Arguments, Believe, Church, Creation, God, Idolatry, Ignorance, Image, Judgment, People, Religion, Resurrection

Open It
1. *When do you tend to be skeptical of the news?
2. How many famous statues and sculptures can you name?
3. Would you describe yourself as more theoretical than practical, or more practical than theoretical? Why?
4. What kinds of discussions do you enjoy?

Explore It
1. What distressed Paul about Athens? (17:16)
2. Where did Paul present his message to the diverse listeners? (17:17)
3. How did the philosophers react to Paul’s ideas? (17:18)
4. Why did the Council of the Areopagus want to hear what Paul had to say? (17:19–21)
5. How did Paul address the intellectual pagans? (17:22–23)
6. Why did the Athenians have an altar dedicated to an “unknown god”? (17:23)
7. *How did Paul use his knowledge of the Athenians’ “unknown god” to present the true God? (17:23)
8. *How did Paul describe God to his hearers? (17:24–25)
9. Why was Paul’s lesson in biblical history a blow to Athenian pride? (17:26)
10. Why did God reveal Himself in creation and history? (17:27–28)
11. How did Paul use Greek poetry to tell others about Christ? (17:28)
12. How did Paul prove that God was not an idol? (17:29)
13. What were Paul’s concluding remarks? (17:30–31)
14. *How did the Greeks respond to Paul? (17:32–34)
15. Who among Paul’s hearers became believers? (17:34)

Get It
1. What made Paul well-suited to presenting the gospel to the Athenians?
2. *How did Paul tailor his message to the Athenians?
3. What can we learn from Paul’s example here?
4. *How should we be flexible in our approach to evangelism?
5. How should we react when others don’t take us or what we say seriously?
6. What did Paul emphasize about God that was different from what the Stoics and Epicureans believed?
7. What incorrect views of God are held in our society?
8. How would you judge Paul’s ministry in Athens—as a success or failure? Why?
9. How can you deal with attitudes of pride and arrogance that surface in you from time to time?

Apply It
1. What will help you persevere in your witness when no one seems to care or listen?
2. *What is one thing you can do to make the message of Christ understandable to your non-Christian friends and coworkers?

In Corinth—Acts 18:1–17
Topics: Believe, Bible, Church, Encouragement, God, Hardheartedness, Judgment, Law, Prejudice, Witnessing, Work

Open It
1. What makes you most impatient?
2. How do you express your feelings when you are frustrated?
3. *When you are disheartened, what usually encourages you?

Explore It
1. Where did Paul go after leaving Athens? (18:1)
2. With what Jewish couple did Paul meet? (18:2)
3. What did Paul have in common with Aquila and Priscilla? (18:3)
4. What did Paul do every Sabbath in Corinth? (18:4)
5. *What did Paul spend his time doing when Silas and Timothy arrived? (18:5)
6. Why was Paul able to stop tentmaking when his friends arrived from Macedonia? (18:5)
7. *When the Jews opposed Paul, how did he react? (18:6)
8. In Corinth, why did Paul turn to the Gentiles? (18:6–7)
9. Who believed in the Lord? (18:8)
10. *What prompted Paul’s vision of the Lord? (18:9–11)
11. Why was Paul brought to court? (18:12–13)
12. What crucial decision did Gallio make? (18:14–16)
13. Why did the crowd attack Sosthenes? (18:17)
14. Why didn’t Gallio intervene in the attack against Sosthenes? (18:17)

Get It
1. Why would Paul have welcomed an encouraging word from the Lord?
2. In what ways does your church support full-time missionaries?
3. What difference would it make if missionaries weren’t given financial support?
4. What similarities do you see in the pattern of Jewish opposition to the gospel?
5. How should we respond when people reject the gospel?
6. What Christian issues create conflict in our legal system today?
7. How do Christians take for granted their freedom to practice their faith?
8. *What encouraging encounters and experiences did Paul have while in Corinth?
9. What means has God given you to be an encouragement to others?
10. How has God brought encouragement to you recently?

Apply It
1. *What missionary family can you encourage this week? How?
2. What new member of your congregation can you pray for this week?
3. How can you encourage a Christian friend today?

Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos—Acts 18:18–28
Topics: Believe, Bible, Church, Encouragement, God, Grace, Help, Jesus Christ, Learning, Teaching, Teamwork, Vows, Witnessing

Open It
1. *What do you like best about getting letters?
2. If you were to go on a long trip overseas, what kind of preparations would you need to make to get ready?
3. After a lengthy trip abroad, what would be best about returning home?

Explore It
1. After Paul’s extended stay in Corinth, where did he go next? (18:18)
2. What did Paul do before he sailed for Syria? Why? (18:18)
3. What did Paul do at Ephesus? (18:19)
4. Whom did Paul leave behind in Ephesus? (18:19)
5. What promise did Paul make to the Jews? (18:19–21)
6. After greeting the church at Caesarea, what places did Paul visit? (18:22–23)
7. *Who was Apollos? (18:24)
8. *How did Apollos put his gifts and knowledge to good use? (18:24–26)
9. How did Apollos serve God with his skills and abilities? (18:24–26)
10. How did Priscilla and Aquila help Apollos become a more effective missionary? (18:26)
11. *How did Apollos serve God in Achaia? (18:27–28)
12. How did God use Apollos in Achaia? (18:27–28)
13. What approach did Apollos use in defending the Christian faith? (18:28)

Get It
1. Why might Paul have made a vow?
2. What kind of vows have you made?
3. Why was it okay, theologically and culturally speaking, for Paul to make a vow to the Lord?
4. Why is it that Christians today do not often make solemn promises to God?
5. How was Paul’s trip to Ephesus encouraging for him?
6. What might Priscilla and Aquila do to help your church staff?
7. *What methods did Apollos use to encourage and teach other Christians?
8. *What means has God given us for communicating encouragement to one another?
9. How effective would Apollos be in your church evangelism ministry?

Apply It
1. Whom can you help grow in the faith this week? How?
2. *How can you encourage another Christian through a letter or card?

Paul in Ephesus—Acts 19:1–22
Topics: Believe, Christianity, Church, Demons, Fear, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God/Heaven, Miracles, Money, Occult, Opposition, Partnerships, People, Prophecy

Open It
1. What is your idea of an adventure?
2. If you knew that traveling to a remote place would enrich your life, what kinds of hardships would you be willing to endure for the trip?
3. *Why do you think some people read horoscopes or consult palm readers?

Explore It
1. While Apollos ministered at Corinth, where did Paul go? (19:1)
2. What did Paul ask the disciples at Ephesus? (19:2)
3. How did the group respond to Paul? (19:2)
4. What was the significance of John’s baptism? (19:3–4)
5. Why were the disciples rebaptized? (19:5)
6. How did the Spirit come on the disciples? (19:6)
7. Who received the Holy Spirit? (19:7)
8. How long did Paul speak at the synagogue before confronting trouble? (19:8)
9. Why did Paul stop speaking at the synagogue? (19:9)
10. From his new base of operations, how long did Paul spend spreading the Word of the Lord? (19:10)
11. *What extraordinary events happened during this time? (19:11–16)
12. *Why did people both fear and praise Jesus? (19:17)
13. How did faith in Christ change the Ephesians? (19:18–19)
14. *What practices did the Ephesians give up? (19:18–19)
15. What happened to the spread of Christianity? (19:20)
16. After Ephesus, what was on Paul’s itinerary? (19:21–22)

Get It
1. How long did it take you to become a Christian?
2. Who helped you understand God’s plan of salvation?
3. When did you realize that the Holy Spirit was at work in your life?
4. How was Paul able to deal with people involved in occult practices?
5. *What occult practices are popular today?
6. Why is it important for us to avoid occult practices?
7. What battles might Paul fight if he were a missionary to your community?
8. *Why did those who practiced magic burn their books publicly?
9. What is the value of public confession?
10. When should we confess our sins publicly?
11. What do you need to confess and burn in order to be used by God?

Apply It
1. To whom do you want to confess a sin or desire in order to serve God more faithfully?
2. Whom can you invite to church to hear the message of salvation?
3. *What is one practical way you can oppose Satan’s efforts among the people you know?

The Riot in Ephesus—Acts 19:23–41
Topics: Arguments, Christianity, Confusion, Craftsmanship, Idolatry, Leadership, Money, Motives, People, Prejudice, Worship

Open It
1. Would you more likely go for a creative job with a low salary, or boring work that paid twice as much? Why?
2. *If you were given a lot of money to spend at the mall, what would you buy?
3. If you were caught in a crowd, would you like to be at a fun fair, a rally, or in a large department store?

Explore It
1. To whom does “the Way” refer? (19:23)
2. *Who was the ringleader against Paul and the Christians? (19:24)
3. *On what basis did Artemis make a case against those of the Way? (19:25–27)
4. To what group did the silversmith present his case? (19:24–25)
5. *Why did the silversmith’s talk create such an uproar? (19:27–29)
6. Whom did the mob seize? (19:29)
7. Where did the angry crowd take the two men? (19:29)
8. Why did Paul want to appear before the crowd? (19:30)
9. Why wouldn’t the Christians and some officials let Paul appear before the crowd? (19:30–31)
10. What was the mood of the mob? (19:32)
11. Why wouldn’t the people listen to Alexander? (19:33–34)
12. How did the city clerk bring order to the crowd in the Ephesian theater? (19:35–40)
13. What reasons did the city clerk give for dispersing the mob? (19:35–41)

Get It
1. What underlying motive did the silversmith have for his protest?
2. How do Christians sometimes compromise the kingdom of God for money?
3. How can a person make idols out of work, money, or success?
4. *In what ways can money become more important to us than it should?
5. In a time of economic recession, why might Christians be tempted to act like the Ephesian mob?
6. How did Demetrius and the city clerk use reasoned arguments to support their twisted versions of the truth?
7. *How can we show our trust in God as provider?
8. How must we be on guard against speakers who defy the gospel in subtle ways?
9. What price did Paul and his friends pay for doing what was right?
10. From what types of work should Christians stay away?

Apply It
1. *What is one way you can trust God with your money this week?
2. How can you honor the Lord without all the religious and cultural trappings that Christians have placed on Him?

Through Macedonia and Greece—Acts 20:1–6
Topics: Celebration, Encouragement, Fellowship, Money, Partnerships, Plans

Open It
1. *If you kept a diary or journal, what kinds of details would you tend to include?
2. What might someone learn about you from reading your diary?
3. What do you do or take with you to make long road trips more bearable?

Explore It
1. *Why did Paul travel so much? (20:1–6)
2. What did Paul do after the uproar in Ephesus was over? (20:1)
3. Where did Paul go after he left Ephesus? (20:1)
4. *What did Paul do while he was in Macedonia? (20:2)
5. Where did Paul stay for three months? (20:2–3)
6. How was Paul’s plan to sail for Syria frustrated? (20:3)
7. Where did Paul go in order to avoid his enemies? (20:3)
8. Who was appointed to go with Paul? (20:4)
9. *Who were Paul’s traveling companions on his journey? (20:4–5)
10. What was Paul’s group’s rendezvous point? (20:5)
11. At what point did the author of Acts rejoin Paul and his party? (20:5–6)
12. Where did Paul’s group celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread? (20:6)
13. How long did it take to make the trip from Philippi to Troas? (20:6)

Get It
1. How could Paul teach and encourage Christians when his own life was in danger?
2. When you experience trouble, how does it affect your Christian witness?
3. What made Paul effective in dealing with his enemies?
4. Why was it important to collect money from the Gentile churches to help the church in Jerusalem?
5. How much of a church’s budget should be set aside to help the poor?
6. *How can you be involved in ministry with other Christians?
7. *How could keeping a daily journal of your experiences help you keep track of your walk with the Lord?

Apply It
1. What amount of money can you give on a regular basis to help the poor?
2. What can you do this week to encourage someone else?
3. *Where and when could you write down your thoughts as you reflect on God’s Word each day this week?

Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas—Acts 20:7–12
Topics: Believers, Death, Encouragement, Healing, Lord’s Supper, Youth

Open It
1. What was the longest talk you ever listened to?
2. *When was the last time you had difficulty staying awake?
3. What would you do if someone sitting next to you fell asleep during a worship service?

Explore It
1. When did the Christians meet to break bread? (20:7)
2. At what time of day did the church probably meet? (20:7–8)
3. Who was sitting in a window? (20:9)
4. *What made it hard for Eutychus to stay awake? (20:8–9)
5. *What happened when Eutychus fell sound asleep? (20:9)
6. What was the boy’s condition when he was picked up? (20:9)
7. *What did Paul say to the group when he embraced Eutychus? (20:10)
8. How did Paul care for the young man? (20:10)
9. After the interruption to the meeting, what did Paul do? (20:11)
10. After the meal, what did Paul do? (20:11)
11. Why were the people comforted when they took young Eutychus home? (20:12)

Get It
1. What does it mean for Christians to “break bread”?
2. Why do you think Paul talked on and on to the Ephesian Christians?
3. *If your worship service lasted longer than usual, what complaints would the pastor probably get?
4. How often do you celebrate Communion at your church?
5. *When do you tend to be inattentive or sleepy during a church service?
6. How did Eutychus, whose name means “fortunate,” prove true to his name?

Apply It
1. *What are some steps you can take to be alert and thoughtful in church each Sunday?
2. How can you keep from being inattentive or careless during prayer and quiet times?

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders—Acts 20:13–38
Topics: Believers, Church, God, God’s Will, Grace, Grief, Holy Spirit, Kingdom of God/Heaven, Leadership, Mission, Pastors, Prayer, Serving, Testing, Work

Open It
1. Who is one person you have trained or taught a skill in the last few years?
2. What is one of the hardest things about leaving home?
3. *If you knew that this would be your last day with your loved ones, what would you want to say to them?
4. How do you usually say good-bye?

Explore It
1. What did Paul do when the rest of his party sailed for Assos? (20:13)
2. After meeting at Assos, where did the journey take Paul and his companions? (20:14–15)
3. Why did the group bypass Ephesus? (20:16)
4. At Miletus, for whom did Paul send? (20:17)
5. What was the gist of Paul’s talk to the Ephesian elders? (20:18–35)
6. *What did Paul say in review of his ministry in Ephesus? (20:18–21)
7. How did the apostle describe the present situation? (20:22–27)
8. Why did Paul expect trouble in Jerusalem? (20:22–23)
9. How did Paul describe his life and mission? (20:24)
10. *What made Paul “innocent of the blood of all men”? (20:26–27)
11. *What were the future responsibilities of the Ephesian elders? (20:28–35)
12. How did the elders display their deep love for Paul? (20:36–38)
13. How did Paul and the elders say their good-byes? (20:36–38)
14. What saddened the group most? (20:38)

Get It
1. What kind of send-off does your church give someone on his or her way to the mission field?
2. When your church loses a member, how do people tend to grieve over the loss?
3. *How does Paul’s life and work challenge you?
4. How is your pastor’s work in the church like Paul’s ministry among the Ephesians?
5. How did the Holy Spirit help Paul?
6. How does the Holy Spirit lead and guide us?
7. *Why do mature Christians need to “be on guard” and “watch over” younger believers in their congregation?
8. How would you describe your work for God’s kingdom?
9. What does it mean to commit someone else to God?
10. Why did Paul support himself financially?
11. How can we stay blameless in the way we support ourselves and our church’s work?

Apply It
1. How can you give to others this week?
2. How can you draw guidance and comfort from the Holy Spirit today?
3. *Who is one other believer for whom you can be a “shepherd” or guide this week? How?

On to Jerusalem—Acts 21:1–16
Topics: Advice, Believers, God’s Will, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Prayer, Prophecy

Open It
1. About what do you tend to worry?
2. Do you tend to avoid conflict, resolve it as soon as possible, or go looking for it?
3. *When was a time you rejected the advice or counsel of virtually everyone who cared about you?

Explore It
1. How did Paul and his companions leave their friends at Miletus? (21:1)
2. Between Cos and Tyre, what stops did the party make? (21:1–3)
3. *At Tyre, what did the Christians advise Paul to do? (21:4)
4. What warning did Paul ignore? Why? (21:5–6)
5. *Why did Paul ignore the believers’ warning? (21:5–6)
6. How was the departure scene at Tyre meaningful? (21:5–6)
7. What did the group do on their one-day stop in Ptolemais? (21:7)
8. Who was Paul’s host in Caesarea? (21:8)
9. What role did Philip have in the early church? (21:8)
10. What gift did Philip’s four daughters have? (21:9)
11. Who was Agabus? (21:10)
12. Where did Agabus come from? (21:10)
13. How did Agabus dramatize what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem? (21:11)
14. After the people heard the prophecy about Paul, how did they respond? (21:12)
15. *What did Paul say to the Christians at Caesarea? (21:13–14)
16. When they realized that Paul would not be dissuaded, what did the believers say to him? (21:14)
17. What did Paul and his companions do on the final stage of their journey? (21:15–16)

Get It
1. *How do you think Paul felt about going to Jerusalem?
2. *Why did Paul ignore all the warnings against going to Jerusalem?
3. When might doing God’s will involve pain, suffering, or risk?
4. How can we build our courage when we are afraid to do what God wants?
5. What support does your church make available to Christians (perhaps missionaries) in dangerous or difficult settings?
6. If you had been one of Paul’s traveling companions, how would you have advised him?

Apply It
1. How can you support a Christian brother or sister on the mission field?
2. *What decision do you stand by even though some others don’t approve of your choice?
3. What fears or misgivings can you hand over to the Holy Spirit?

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem—Acts 21:17–26
Topics: Believers, Church, Law, Leadership, Obedience, Praise, Rules, Vows, Zeal

Open It
1. *What are some ways your life-style or way of life is different from that of your parents?
2. If most people in your community shaved their head because it was the fashion, how long (if ever) would it take you to follow suit?

Explore It
1. How were Paul and his companions received in Jerusalem? (21:17)
2. After a day in Jerusalem, with whom did the missionaries meet? (21:18)
3. *What did Paul report? To whom? (21:18–19)
4. How did the leaders of the Jerusalem church respond to Paul’s report? (21:20)
5. *What concern did the church leaders voice? (21:20)
6. What false report had gone out concerning Paul? (21:21)
7. *What did the leaders of the church suggest that Paul do? Why? (21:22–24)
8. Why did the leaders suggest that Paul join in the purification rites of four men and pay for their expenses? (21:22–24)
9. What decision of the Jerusalem Council was repeated? (21:25)
10. Why did the leaders bring up the Jerusalem decree? (21:25)
11. What did Paul and the young men do the next day? (21:26)

Get It
1. What was at the heart of the controversy between the Jews and the Gentiles?
2. What causes divisions among Christians?
3. What divisions do we see in the Christian church today?
4. Why did Paul support the Jewish leaders?
5. What rules or traditions should you support for the sake of peace?
6. *What is the difference between compromising God’s will and doing something in order to avoid offending someone?
7. *How can we decide when we should stand up for our beliefs and when we should give in for the sake of others?
8. When are Christians often tempted to make a rule or tradition as important as God’s written Word?

Apply It
1. How can you live more by God’s grace and less by self-imposed dos and don’ts?
2. *In what situations will you need to adjust your behavior for the sake of others? How?

Paul Arrested—Acts 21:27–36
Topics: Assumptions, Confusion, Culture, Enemies, People, Persecution

Open It
1. *How does it make you feel when someone is treated unfairly?
2. If you were challenged to take part in a peaceful demonstration for a good cause, what would you do?

Explore It
1. What happened when Paul went to the temple? (21:27)
2. *Who stirred up the crowd and seized Paul? Why? (21:27–29)
3. What did the Jews from Ephesus say? (21:28)
4. What were the false charges against Paul? (21:28–29)
5. How did the city respond to the furor over Paul? (21:30)
6. What did the people do to Paul? (21:30–31)
7. *Why were the temple gates shut? (21:30–31)
8. How did the commander of the Roman troops and his men intervene while Paul was under attack? (21:31–32)
9. *How did the commander and his soldiers save Paul’s life? (21:32)
10. What did the commander do to Paul? (21:33)
11. How was Paul arrested? (21:33)
12. When the Roman commander asked what Paul had done, why couldn’t he get at the truth? (21:33–34)
13. Why was Paul taken to the barracks? (21:34)
14. Why was Paul carried away by the soldiers? (21:35–36)

Get It
1. *Why were the Jews from Asia so angry at Paul?
2. What groups in our society infuriate each other?
3. Why are people so protective of their ethnic heritage?
4. How can Christians help bridge ethnic and racial barriers?
5. Why was there so much animosity between Jews and Christians at the time of Paul’s arrest?
6. *What groups are particularly anti-Christian today?
7. What are some ways we can and should defend the truth about our faith?
8. Why do crowds of people often behave in unpredictable and unreasonable ways?

Apply It
1. *What “false reports” about Christianity can you help dispel? How?
2. How can you be a peacemaker this week at work, at home, or in your neighborhood?

Paul Speaks to the Crowd—Acts 21:37–22:21
Topics: Blindness, Christianity, God, Instructions, Jesus Christ, Light, People, Persecution, Salvation, Sin, Witnessing, Zeal

Open It
1. What personal accomplishment has been most satisfying to you?
2. *What do you have in common with a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor?
3. If you told your life story to a group of friends, what would surprise them most?

Explore It
1. *What did Paul ask as he was about to be taken away? (21:37)
2. Why was the tribune surprised that Paul could speak Greek? (21:38)
3. In establishing his background, what did Paul say? (21:39)
4. What did Paul request? (21:39)
5. *What language did the apostle use in speaking to the crowd? (21:40)
6. *How did Paul address his audience? (22:1)
7. What made the crowd quiet down? (22:2)
8. What did Paul say about his rearing and training? (22:3)
9. What was Paul like before his conversion? (22:4–5)
10. How was Paul converted to Christ? (22:6–9)
11. How did Paul learn about the nature of his future ministry? (22:10–16)
12. Who was Ananias? (22:12)
13. Why did Paul leave Jerusalem? (22:17–18)
14. What did Paul’s reply to the Lord show? (22:19–20)
15. What did the Lord tell Paul to do? (22:21)

Get It
1. Why do you think Paul told his own story instead of preaching a sermon?
2. When is it useful to share your personal experiences with others?
3. *How did Paul show respect to his audience?
4. *Why is it important to be kind toward and respectful of others?
5. How can we show respect to the people around us?
6. What gave Paul credibility to his audience?
7. How can a Christian gain credibility with non-Christians?
8. What are some things you can do to build credibility with your friends and coworkers?
9. How did Paul rebel against the Lord?
10. When have you rebelled against the Lord?
11. How has the Lord’s activity in your life surprised you recently?
12. To what kind of service has God called you?
13. How does God direct us?
14. How might you have to endure hardship for the sake of Christ?
15. How can your nationality be helpful in sharing the message of Christ with others?

Apply It
1. *What words, gestures, or practices can you use to show respect in how you speak to others?
2. With whom can you share your personal story of faith this week?

Paul the Roman Citizen—Acts 22:22–29
Topics: Anger, Citizenship, Fear, Law, Protection, Punishment

Open It
1. *How do you tend to react under pressure?
2. What might make you consider giving up your citizenship?
3. If you could become a citizen of another country, which country would you choose?
4. What rights does your citizenship give you that people of other countries don’t have?

Explore It
1. *How did Paul anger the crowd? (22:22)
2. *How did the mob express their intense anger? (22:23)
3. *Why did the commander order that Paul be taken away and beaten? (22:24)
4. Why was the commander confused by what was happening? (22:24)
5. To what fact did Paul call the centurion’s attention? (22:25)
6. What was reported to the commander? (22:26)
7. What did the commander ask Paul? (22:27)
8. Why did the commander tell Paul that his citizenship had been bought? (22:28)
9. How did Paul cap the commander’s comment? (22:28)
10. Why did the commander become alarmed? (22:29)

Get It
1. What was hard for the Jews to accept?
2. *What was wrong with the Jewish unwillingness to lead Gentiles to God?
3. *What people do we tend to exclude from the message of God’s grace?
4. How do we sometimes compromise the Christian faith by clinging to cultural or racial biases?
5. Why was Paul’s Roman citizenship an asset?
6. How did Paul show good judgment in the middle of an extremely stressful situation?
7. What about you gives you unique opportunities to talk with others about Christ?
8. In what ways can we show respect to others even when they treat us disrespectfully?

Apply It
1. *For whose salvation will you pray each day this week?
2. What do you want to remember the next time you have to deal with a difficult person?

Before the Sanhedrin—Acts 22:30–23:11
Topics: Accusation, Angels, Conflict, Confusion, Conscience, Courage, God, Jesus Christ, Law, Persecution, Resurrection, Witnessing

Open It
1. When was the last time you had to deal with an overbearing person?
2. When you’ve just about had it, how do you express your anger?
3. *When was the last time you said something that caused misunderstanding or conflict?

Explore It
1. Why did the commander order the Sanhedrin to assemble? (22:30)
2. *What bold claims did Paul make? (23:1)
3. *What order did Ananias give? (23:2)
4. *What did Paul say in reaction to the high priest’s illegal command? (23:3)
5. How did those standing nearby challenge Paul? (23:4)
6. Why did Paul respond the way he did to the challenge? (23:5)
7. How did Paul disrupt the proceedings? (23:6–9)
8. How did Paul divide his enemies? (23:6–9)
9. Why did the Pharisees side with Paul? (23:9)
10. Why was Paul in extreme danger? (23:10)
11. Where was Paul taken? (23:10)
12. How was Paul comforted and encouraged? When? (23:11)
13. How did the Lord confirm Paul’s plans to go to Rome? (23:11)

Get It
1. *Why did the high priest react so strongly to Paul’s statement about fulfilling his duty to God?
2. When do we tend to get ourselves in trouble with our words?
3. How can our words get us in trouble?
4. *In what situations do you need to be careful with what you say?
5. What is every Christian’s duty to God?
6. What is your duty to God?
7. Why was it shrewd for Paul to get the Pharisees and Sadducees to fight among themselves?
8. How do the members of your congregation handle disagreements in church business meetings?
9. Why would Paul have needed the Lord’s support and comfort?
10. When do you often need the Lord’s support?
11. When you feel attacked or discouraged, how can you draw encouragement from the Lord?

Apply It
1. How can you prepare for the next difficult step in your spiritual journey?
2. In what trying situations will you need to show patience and perseverance this week?
3. *What reminder can you use to help you be wise with your words this week?

The Plot to Kill Paul—Acts 23:12–22
Topics: Death, Deceit, Leadership, Plans

Open It
1. If your job was to watch others closely and secretly, how well would you do?
2. *What kinds of secrets did kids like to keep when you were growing up?
3. How well do you keep secrets?

Explore It
1. Why did the Jews form a conspiracy? (23:12)
2. *Who took an oath? Why? (23:12)
3. How many men were involved in the plot against Paul? (23:13)
4. How were the chief priests and elders accomplices in the plot against Paul? (23:14–15)
5. What did the plotters want the Jewish elders to do? (23:15)
6. *When Paul’s nephew heard about the plot, what did he do? (23:16)
7. *How was the young man able to go before the commander? (23:17–18)
8. What did the commander ask Paul’s nephew? (23:19)
9. What did the young man tell the commander? (23:20–21)
10. How did the commander respond to the informant? (23:22)

Get It
1. Why would the conspirators risk their own lives to kill Paul?
2. What groups are fervently anti-Christian today?
3. When have Christians been overzealous in rejecting others?
4. What does their complicity in the plot tell you about the chief priests and elders?
5. When have Christian leaders in your community compromised their faith and position?
6. How did Paul’s nephew demonstrate courage and honesty?
7. How did Paul’s family help him?
8. When might helping someone require courage or sacrifice today?
9. *When might exposing a wrong require courage or sacrifice today?
10. What kind of person exposed the plot against Paul?
11. How did God use a young person in this situation?
12. *When is it right for you to play the role of informant in correcting a wrong?
13. Why is it important to stand up for the truth?

Apply It
1. *In what setting this week will you need to be prepared to stand up for the truth?
2. How can you prepare to face hardships this week?
3. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to protect you from the attacks of others?
4. What kind of practical support can you give someone facing difficulty right now?

Paul Transferred to Caesarea—Acts 23:23–35
Topics: Accusation, Citizenship, Instructions, Law, Leadership, Protection

Open It
1. If you could select only one form of protection for your home, what kind would you want?
2. *What safety precautions do you take when you go out at night?
3. When or where do you feel most safe and protected?

Explore It
1. Why was Paul sent to Caesarea? (23:23)
2. Why was the apostle escorted from Jerusalem at night? (23:23)
3. *What orders did the commander give to get Paul away from danger? (23:23–24)
4. How did the commander protect Paul? (23:23–24)
5. To whom did the tribune write a letter? (23:26)
6. *Who wrote a letter to whom? Why? (23:25–30)
7. Why did Claudius Lysias send a letter along with Paul? (23:25–30)
8. What did the tribune say in his letter to Governor Felix? (23:25–30)
9. In his letter, how did the commander bend the truth? (23:27)
10. What important fact did Claudius omit from the record? (23:25–30)
11. What important declaration did the commander make concerning Paul? (23:29)
12. Where did the soldiers take Paul the first night? (23:31)
13. Who escorted Paul the rest of the journey? (23:32)
14. *When the cavalry and Paul arrived, what did the governor do? (23:33–35)
15. After Felix learned that Paul was from Cilicia, what did the governor determine to do? (23:34–35)

Get It
1. What kind of reputation did Paul have?
2. Why did the commander provide such elaborate protection for Paul?
3. What did Paul’s citizenship have to do with the just treatment he received?
4. Why is it that the legal system protects some people but not all?
5. How do you think the conspirators felt once they discovered that Paul was gone from Jerusalem?
6. How protected would you feel in a court of law?
7. What is your attitude toward civil authority?
8. *How did God protect Paul?
9. *What “human means” does God use to protect His people?
10. How can we show support for the government’s civil authority?
11. What injustices in our legal system should Christians challenge? How?

Apply It
1. *As a Christian, what is one way you can protect the rights of the poor and weak?
2. How can you show your support for the government’s civil authority?

The Trial Before Felix—Acts 24:1–27
Topics: Accusation, Christianity, Conscience, Faith, Flattery, God, Hope, Jesus Christ, Law, Leadership, Name, Resurrection, Rules

Open It
1. *What do you admire most about your favorite political figure?
2. Why do you think most people do not trust or like public officials?
3. If you were sued or taken to court, why might you hire a lawyer rather than defend yourself?

Explore It
1. Why did the religious leaders hire Tertullus? (24:1)
2. *Who went to Caesarea? Why? (24:1–8)
3. Why did Tertullus flatter Felix? (24:2–4)
4. What three accusations did Tertullus make against Paul? (24:5–8)
5. Who supported Tertullus in his accusations? (24:9)
6. Speaking in his own defense, how was Paul’s introduction different from the lawyer’s? (24:10)
7. What points did Paul make in his defense before the governor? (24:11–16)
8. What was Paul’s objective in visiting Jerusalem? (24:17)
9. What did Paul say about the charges brought against him? (24:11–18)
10. How did the apostle show that Tertullus did not have any legitimate charges against him? (24:18–21)
11. *What did Felix do about Paul’s case? (24:22–23)
12. How did the governor provide Paul with limited freedom? (24:23)
13. How did Paul’s speaking affect Felix? (24:24–25)
14. What motivated Felix to send for Paul? (24:26)
15. *Why did Paul languish in prison for over two years? (24:26–27)
16. Before leaving his position as governor, what did Felix do to placate the Jews? (24:27)

Get It
1. Why would Felix, known as a mean-spirited and selfish leader, show restraint in dealing with Paul?
2. *How was Paul “caught in the system”?
3. How did Tertullus show contempt in dealing with the early believers?
4. With what terms do people deride Christianity today?
5. Paul was obviously misread by the Jewish religious leaders; how are some Christian leaders misunderstood and maligned by other religious leaders today?
6. How might you be misunderstood by others when your faith in Christ shows in how you live or act?
7. How can we use misunderstanding as an opportunity to explain our faith?
8. Why do you think Felix rejected Christ even though he showed interest in Paul’s teaching?
9. For what reasons do people reject Christ today?
10. In what way is the gospel difficult to accept?
11. When in the past have you had to wait for justice?
12. In what areas of your life do you need to wait for the Lord’s timing?

Apply It
1. How do you want to be ready for the next time you are misunderstood?
2. For what public officials can you pray this week?
3. How can you show patience with the changes for which you are still waiting?

The Trial Before Festus—Acts 25:1–12
Topics: Accusation, Fairness, Favoritism, Law, Leadership, Right

Open It
1. How did you and your siblings settle most of your disputes while you were growing up?
2. *When was the last time someone did a favor for you? What was it?

Explore It
1. How did the procurator’s visit to Jerusalem show that he wanted to rule justly? (25:1)
2. Who appeared before Festus in Jerusalem? (25:2)
3. *What did the Jewish leaders want? (25:2)
4. *Why did the leaders want Paul transferred from Caesarea to Jerusalem? (25:3)
5. *How did Festus reply to the request to transfer Paul? (25:4–5)
6. How did the scene of previous trials repeat itself when Paul was brought before Festus? (25:6–7)
7. What did Paul say to the court? (25:8)
8. Why did Festus ask Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem? (25:9)
9. Why did Paul want nothing to do with standing trial in Jerusalem? (25:10–11)
10. Why did Festus send Paul’s case to Caesar? (25:11–12)

Get It
1. *Why was opposition to Paul by the Jewish leaders still strong, even though Paul had been under house arrest for two years?
2. Why do we tend to hold on to past grievances?
3. What should we do with old grudges? How?
4. *In what way did Paul’s enemies try to manipulate circumstances to serve their own ends?
5. What made Festus appear to be a fair ruler?
6. In what way was Paul mistreated?
7. When have you felt mistreated?
8. What does Paul’s example of self-defense have to teach us?
9. Why did Paul appeal to Caesar?
10. Why was Paul able to be confident in his appeal to a higher court?
11. How did Paul’s innocence help him in this situation?
12. When have you been called on to defend yourself?
13. What was Paul’s style in communicating to the court?
14. How do you express yourself when you are on the defensive?
15. How did Paul hold to his civil rights?

Apply It
1. What or whom should you avoid to protect your spiritual well-being?
2. What rights of yours should you stand up for this week? How?
3. *What person or situation can you place in God’s hands this week as a discipline against turning events to your own ends?

Festus Consults King Agrippa—Acts 25:13–22
Topics: Accusation, Advice, Law, Leadership

Open It
1. When you want sound advice, to whom do you often turn?
2. *When you don’t feel up to a job you’ve been asked to do, what do you often feel inside?

Explore It
1. Why did King Agrippa and his sister visit Festus? (25:13)
2. *What motivated Festus to bring up Paul’s case to King Agrippa? (25:14–21)
3. Why would Agrippa’s insight and advice be helpful to Festus? (25:14–21)
4. How did Festus tell the story from a Roman point of view? (25:14–21)
5. How did Festus handle this long-standing case? (25:17)
6. *In reviewing the case with Agrippa, what did Festus say was the main charge against Paul? (25:17–19)
7. Why was Festus, in a sense, paralyzed by Paul’s case? (25:19)
8. Why did Festus feel incapable of handling Paul’s case? (25:19–20)
9. Why had Paul wanted to remain in Roman custody? (25:21)
10. *How did Agrippa respond to the governor’s story? (25:22)

Get It
1. Why was Paul’s case difficult for Festus?
2. How were Roman legal proceedings different from the way the Jews approached the law?
3. Why didn’t Festus release Paul when there were no clear charges against him?
4. If you were Paul’s lawyer, what would you say to Festus to clear up his misunderstandings about the case?
5. How did God use Paul’s arrest and imprisonment?
6. *In what way did Paul’s arrest help him spread the news about Christ?
7. *Why might God allow us to suffer for no apparent reason?

Apply It
1. *In what difficult situation do you want to remember that God is sovereignly in control?
2. Over the next few weeks, how can you gather practical wisdom from your Bible study?

Paul Before Agrippa—Acts 25:23–26:32
Topics: Accusation, Advice, Beliefs, Fairness, God, Jesus Christ, Opposition, People, Persecution, Position, Power, Religion, Serving, Witnessing

Open It
1. *What is one story from your past that you enjoy telling?
2. What sorts of ceremonial events have you attended?
3. If you could spend an evening with any president, prime minister, or other national leader, whom would you choose?

Explore It
1. How did Agrippa and Bernice use the occasion of their meeting with Paul to display their position and power? (25:23)
2. Who commanded Paul to be brought in? (25:23)
3. How was this meeting a fulfillment of the prophecy in Luke 21:12? (25:23)
4. How did Festus open the proceedings? (25:24–26)
5. In opening the proceedings, what did Festus say to his royal guests? (25:24–26)
6. Why did Festus bring Paul before this group? (25:26–27)
7. How had Festus become tangled in a difficulty of his own making? (25:25–27)
8. How did Paul begin his address to Agrippa? (26:1–3)
9. What did Paul say about his early years in Judaism? (26:4–8)
10. What was Paul’s obsession before his conversion? (26:9–11)
11. *How did Paul describe his conversion and new life? (26:12–18)
12. How did Paul fulfill his commission? (26:19–23)
13. *How did Paul deal with Festus and Agrippa during his speech? (26:24–29)
14. *How did Paul conclude his defense? (26:29)
15. What did Agrippa—a man well-trained in Judaism—conclude about Paul? (26:31–32)

Get It
1. How are some Christians like Agrippa and Bernice?
2. How did Festus use Paul to placate the Jews?
3. How did Agrippa’s background and experience help Festus deal with Paul?
4. When you need the right kind of help, how do you go about getting it?
5. Why do you think Festus brought Paul’s case before Agrippa and Bernice?
6. What was Paul’s primary goal in his speech?
7. *How did Paul tailor his message to the audience and situation he faced?
8. How did Paul take advantage of his wretched, unjust situation?
9. What should be our objective when we tell others about the way we came to believe?
10. *How can we use stories of our own experience to share the message of Christ?
11. How do you think you would have reacted to Paul’s testimony if you had been in the audience?

Apply It
1. Why is it important to pray for your political leaders?
2. *What story of God’s working in your life can you rehearse for sharing with others?
3. This week, how can you support a minister of the gospel who is in trying circumstances?

Paul Sails for Rome—Acts 27:1–12
Topics: Advice, Danger, Kindness, People

Open It
1. If you had a chance to visit Turkey, Greece, or Italy, which country would you choose? Why?
2. *What stops would you want to make on a Mediterranean cruise?
3. On a journey overseas, would you feel safer going by airplane or ship to your destination?

Explore It
1. Who accompanied Paul to Italy? (27:1)
2. Why did Luke use the term “we”? (27:1)
3. Who was in charge of the group? (27:1)
4. When Paul and Luke boarded ship, who joined them? (27:2)
5. How did Paul’s friends support him along the way? (27:3)
6. Why was it difficult for Paul’s ship to sail? (27:4)
7. Where did the group change ships? (27:5–6)
8. On the second ship, where did the journey take Paul and the others? (27:7–8)
9. Why was sailing difficult after the Day of Atonement? (27:9)
10. *Why did Paul have the opportunity to offer advice? (27:9–10)
11. *How were Paul’s warnings ignored? (27:11)
12. *Why did the crew decide to sail on? (27:12)

Get It
1. Who helped make Paul’s difficult journey easier?
2. Why was Paul’s advice ignored even though he had traveled by sea many times?
3. How would you have liked sharing in Paul’s sea adventures?
4. When do you count on the support of Christian friends?
5. *How do you feel when your wise counsel is bypassed?
6. *What can a person do to make his or her counsel likely to be heard?

Apply It
1. How can you prepare yourself to handle difficult circumstances this week?
2. How could relying on Christian friends help you cope with a tough situation?
3. *To whom should you offer sound advice this week? When?

The Storm—Acts 27:13–26
Topics: Courage, Encouragement, Endurance, Faith, Fear, Giving Up, God, Hopelessness

Open It
1. What was the most frightening experience you ever had?
2. *If a severe storm was approaching your area, what might you do to get ready for it?
3. How well do you function in a crisis?

Explore It
1. How was the ship’s crew deceived by “a gentle south wind”? (27:13)
2. *How was the ship forced away from safety? (27:14–15)
3. *What did the Northeaster do to the ship? (27:15)
4. How did Cauda provide a break from the storm? (27:16)
5. *What efforts did the men on board make to battle the storm? (27:16–19)
6. At what point did those on board ship give up hope? (27:20)
7. When did Paul speak to the others? (27:21)
8. How did Paul reprimand the crew? (27:21)
9. What message from God did Paul give the crew? (27:22–26)
10. How did Paul prepare the crew for bad news? (27:22–26)
11. What did Paul say to encourage everyone on board in spite of the hardships ahead? (27:22–26)

Get It
1. *Once they lost control of the ship and their situation, how do you think the men on board felt?
2. *What do you do when circumstances get beyond your control?
3. How could Paul offer an upbeat message when life on board seemed hopeless?
4. If you had been on board with Paul, what kind of Christian witness would you have had to offer during the storm?
5. What does this account tell us about God?
6. What does this story tell us about times when our lives are in danger?
7. How can you be joyful in spite of your circumstances?

Apply It
1. When can you encourage someone this week? How?
2. *How can you remember—each day this week—to trust in God’s sovereign control of your life?

The Shipwreck—Acts 27:27–44
Topics: Encouragement, Escape, God, Leadership, Plans, Stress, Thankfulness

Open It
1. If you had to be stuck on an island somewhere, what island would you choose? Why?
2. *What are some responsibilities that adults often try to escape?
3. If you were on a ship that was sinking fast, what one treasured item would you take with you on the lifeboat?

Explore It
1. How long was the ship at the mercy of the storm? (27:27)
2. How did the sailors sense that they were approaching land? (27:27–28)
3. Why did the sailors drop four anchors? (27:29)
4. *Who tried to escape? (27:30)
5. *How did Paul thwart the sailors’ plan to escape? (27:31–32)
6. How did the group resolve their problems of tension and hunger? (27:33, 36)
7. Why did Paul urge those on board to eat? (27:33–34)
8. What did Paul do to give public testimony to his faith? (27:35)
9. How many people were on board the ship? (27:37)
10. What did the men do after they ate? (27:38)
11. What did the crew decide to do when daylight came? (27:39–40)
12. What unexpectedly happened to the ship? (27:41)
13. *Why did the centurion save the lives of the prisoners? (27:42–43)
14. How did Paul’s predictions prove to be true? (27:44)

Get It
1. How did the sailors show that they knew how to weather a storm?
2. How can we prepare to handle bad times?
3. *Why did the sailors try to jump ship?
4. If you had been on board, why would you or wouldn’t you have been tempted to leave the ship along with the sailors?
5. *How can we know when to get out of a bad situation and when to face it?
6. How did Paul take charge of the situation on board?
7. What qualities in Paul do you admire?
8. Why did the soldiers plan to kill the prisoners?
9. In what ways do you look out for your interests before considering the needs of others?
10. How was God at work in the details of the shipwreck?
11. How can we benefit from frustrations and problems?

Apply It
1. To what “storms” that you are now facing do you need to respond with faith in God?
2. *What do you need to request from God to endure the rough passages of life?
3. How can you provide encouragement and practical help to someone who is in the middle of a personal storm?

Ashore on Malta—Acts 28:1–10
Topics: Assumptions, Healing, Help, Kindness, Leadership, Miracles, Prayer, Sickness

Open It
1. How might you show hospitality to a new family in the neighborhood?
2. *If you moved to a new neighborhood, how would you want the neighbors to welcome you?

Explore It
1. Where were the people shipwrecked? (28:1)
2. How did the islanders treat Paul and the others? (28:2)
3. What did the islanders do to welcome the victims of the shipwreck? (28:2)
4. What happened to Paul when he was building the fire? (28:3)
5. Seeing that Paul was bitten by the snake, what did the islanders conclude? (28:4)
6. When Paul was unaffected by the snake’s bite, how did the people of Malta show their superstition? (28:5–6)
7. What was distinctive about the home Paul and the others were near? (28:7)
8. What was Publius’ title? (28:7)
9. What did the governor do for Paul and his companions? (28:7)
10. *How did Paul help Publius’ father? (28:8)
11. *What happened when word of a healing spread? (28:9)
12. *What was the effect of what Paul did for Publius’ father? (28:10)

Get It
1. Why did the islanders show unusual kindness to the victims of the shipwreck?
2. Even in this terrible mishap, how did God provide for Paul and the crew?
3. When you are in a predicament, whom do you trust to get you out of it? How?
4. *What was the nature of Paul’s ministry on the island?
5. *What effect did Paul’s acts of service have on the islanders?
6. How can you help those who are ill?

Apply It
1. *What act of service or help can you do for people in your neighborhood this week?
2. What act of kindness can you do for a sick friend, church member, or coworker today?

Arrival at Rome—Acts 28:11–16
Topics: Church, Encouragement, Fellowship, God, Thankfulness

Open It
1. If you could have your way, where would you spend next winter?
2. *After a three-month stay overseas, whom would you most look forward to seeing on your return home?
3. When was the last time you were on a boat?

Explore It
1. For how long did the crew stay on Malta? Why? (28:11)
2. When Paul and the others finally set sail, what kind of ship did they use? (28:11)
3. What was the first stop for Paul and the others along their continued journey to Rome? How long did the stop last? (28:12)
4. How long did the group stay at Syracuse? (28:12)
5. What port along the Italian coastline marked the next stop? (28:13)
6. When the group arrived at Puteoli, what did they do? (28:13–14)
7. *After the week-long visit with Christians, what was the next destination for Paul and his group? (28:14)
8. *What did the Christians at Rome do when they heard of Paul’s coming? (28:15)
9. *How did Paul feel when he saw his Christian brothers? (28:15)
10. Because Paul was a trusted prisoner, what was he allowed to do in Rome? (28:16)

Get It
1. The mariners believed that the ship’s figurehead would bring them good luck; on what things do Christians tend to rely?
2. Why would Paul have been encouraged to find Christians at Puteoli?
3. How does the evangelistic work of your church encourage you?
4. *How do you think the Christians of Rome felt when they first saw Paul?
5. *What fellow Christian has come to mean a lot to you?
6. How do you greet your pastor when he returns after being away for a while?
7. How were Paul’s living conditions in Rome quite different from his housing in Jerusalem?

Apply It
1. For what can you thank God today?
2. How can you affirm a diligent Christian servant this week?

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard—Acts 28:17–31
Topics: Believe, Christianity, Convictions, God, Hardheartedness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God/Heaven, Law, Leadership, Prophecy, Salvation

Open It
1. *What are some ways in which you have grown callous over the years?
2. If you had a career in sales, what do you think you could sell with heartfelt conviction? Why?

Explore It
1. With whom did Paul first speak in Rome? (28:17)
2. In his presentation to the Jewish leaders, what significant points did Paul make? (28:17–20)
3. What did Paul mean by “the hope of Israel”? (28:20)
4. What kind of response did Paul get from the leaders? (28:21–22)
5. How did the Jewish leaders in Rome show increasing interest in the apostle and his message? (28:23–24)
6. What did Paul do all day long while meeting with the Jewish leaders? (28:23)
7. *How did the Jews in Rome respond to Paul’s teaching? (28:24–25)
8. To whom did Paul ascribe Isaiah’s words? (28:25)
9. *How did Paul apply the words of Isaiah to his audience? (28:26–27)
10. *What prediction did Paul make about the future? (28:28)
11. Though the Jews had turned away from Christ, what group had God promised to tell of His salvation? (28:28)
12. What did Paul do for two years in Rome? (28:30–31)

Get It
1. Why do you think Paul’s teaching was hard for some followers of Judaism to accept?
2. Why do you think the attitude of the Jewish leaders in Rome was less hostile than that of the Jews in Jerusalem?
3. What made Paul and the gospel he represented less of a threat to unbelievers than in the past?
4. Why do many people dismiss the message of salvation in Christ?
5. In what way do we become hardened to God?
6. *When have you observed hardheartedness in your own life?
7. *When do you need to guard against hardheartedness?

Apply It
1. How can you go beyond the boundaries of your neighborhood in telling others about the Lord?
2. *What is one way you can maintain sensitivity to the Holy Spirit each day this week?

Adult Questions for LESSONmaker (2024). Bellingham, WA: Logos, p. Ac 1:1–28:31.