Study Questions for October 17, 2004

Acts 13:1-52 - Advancing the Gospel of Grace

1. What would indicate that the church at Antioch was a healthy church? Are there lessons that we can learn from their example?

2. How would you describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the advance of the Gospel (13:2, 4, 9, 52)?
 
3. Is there a place today for the kind of boldness Paul displayed when he confronted Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer?
 
4. Luke states in a matter-of-fact manner that John Mark left Paul and Barnabas to return to Jerusalem. We learn later (15:38) that there was more to the story. For whatever reason, John Mark did not wish to advance with Paul and Barnabas. Who would you identify with more, Paul or John Mark?
 
5. How does Paul’s message in Pisidian Antioch compare to Peter’s messages (2:14-40; 3:12-26) and Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin (7:1-53)?  Do they share a common strategy and, if so, should that influence how we witness and preach today?
 
6. Was the flare up of opposition caused by the content of the message or the impact of the message? Are there ways the apostles might have avoided this opposition?
 
7. Luke’s bottom line description of Paul and Barnabas (13:52) indicates that they were more resilient in the face of difficult circumstances and setbacks than we often are. How can we be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit?  

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