Discussion Questions

19:8 says that Paul spoke persuasively and with reason, talking about the kingdom of God. It might remind you of I Peter 3:14-16 where Peter instructs that, “if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." So, what is the reason for the hope inside of you?

Ephesus is a critical place for Paul. It's where he experienced such severe persecution that he thought he might not make it (2 Cor. 1:8-10). Meanwhile, things seemed to be falling apart in Corinth and he was struggling with what to do next. It's a common feeling when we're in a pit. Lewis says it feels like, "A door slammed in your face, and a sound of bolting and double-bolting on the inside. After that, silence" (A Grief Observed). What do you do in times of crisis, especially in those moments where your stand for Jesus might heavily cost you materially, emotionally, or more? Do you run away to live to fight another day, or do you plunge ahead?

It's interesting that Paul uses reason to teach the Gospel, but we might wonder if he ignores reason when it comes to his own well-being. That's in part true, of course, as he shows us how we ought to be living sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. Do you find that sometimes you reason away a costly stand you might otherwise make? Let us run the race, throwing aside any hindrances, so we can claim the high calling in Christ Jesus.

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