Discussion Questions

Look back to Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7:54-60. What do you observe about Stephen’s words and actions? What was the outcome for him? For the church?

Read the story of the Lord using Paul to heal a man crippled from birth. What is the response of the unbelieving crowd (See Acts 14:11-13)? What is the response of the Jews from Antioch and Iconium (see Acts 14:19)? How do the disciples respond? How do Paul and Barnabas respond? How do you explain the resilience of the early church?

What does this phrase mean, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God,” (Acts 14:22)? How do these and other stories shape your theology of persecution and suffering? Why does the Lord allow it? How does the Lord use it? What should be our response?

Consider this passage in light of Peter and the apostles’ words in Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than men.” When you consider radical/risky obedience to Christ, what is typically your excuse? Why? (How do you talk yourself out of taking action? What things typically get in the way of obedience? Whose disapproval do you fear the most? Why?) Confess any “fear of men” to a close friend who will pray for you to overcome it. (See also Matt. 6:21, 10:28, 16:24-26, and 19:29; Luke 17:33; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Phil. 3:7-11; Heb. 13:6.)

See pages 4-5 of our Oct. 20 bulletin for a helpful timeline of Acts.