By Doug Redford
1. Evaluate the prayer challenge that was part of the previous week’s questions.
- Can the prayers for boldness and for protection from opposition be applied to you, your family, or your church? If so, how?
Ask two people to read aloud Acts 28:11-31, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
2. What city, town, or community holds a special fascination for you? Why?
3. Mark Scott mentions how Paul longed to go to Rome (Romans 1:11). Why do you think Paul possessed such an interest in Rome?
4. Our lesson text tells how Paul was “encouraged” by Christians whom he met at Rome (Acts 28:15).
- How have you been encouraged over the past week by people whom God has brought into your life?
- How were you an encouragement to someone?
5. Paul said that he was chained as he was “because of the hope of Israel” (Acts 28:20).
- How do you think Paul’s hope in Christ impacted how he viewed being chained in Rome?
- What is the difference between Christian hope and the way the world tends to define hope?
6. The Jewish leaders whom Paul met in Rome used the word “sect” to describe followers of Jesus (Acts 28:22).
- What would the term “sect” imply about followers of Jesus?
- What negative or derogatory terms are sometimes used of followers of Jesus in today’s culture?
7. Note the very different reactions of those who listened to Paul’s daylong teaching session (Acts 28:24-25). Why would Paul’s teaching have caused such a contrast in responses?
8. What is your favorite ending to a movie or TV program you have seen or to a book you have read?
- Fill in the blank with the appropriate adjective: “To me, the ending of the book of Acts is _______.”
- What might this ending say about Luke’s purpose for writing the book?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
10. List what you consider the most important lessons you have learned from the study of Acts during the past two months. How will you personalize these lessons in order to enhance your walk with the Lord?
For Next Week: Read and reflect on John 1:6-8, 19-34 as we begin Gospel of John (Part 1) with the theme, “Light and Life.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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