Acts - Week 47
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Read Acts 19:21-41
Consider and discuss the main idea:
“Sometimes the effectiveness of the gospel will result in a disturbance in the culture.”
Verse 21 gives us a context for Paul’s goals and motivations for the future.
What is the purpose of traveling through these regions and then traveling back to Jerusalem?
Why does Paul want to go to Rome?
What does it mean when verse 21 says, “Paul resolved in the Spirit?”
a. How does the Spirit of God guide our movements?
b. Can you remember a moment where you felt “resolved in the Spirit” on a clear decision in your life?
c. How do we know the difference between the Spirit’s movement in our lives and our own intuition?
Think about Romans 1:11-15 and Romans 15:20-28 to piece together Paul’s third missionary journey.
4. Reflect on Jason’s first application. Is God leading you to go somewhere?
a. What are the places and who are the people who God regularly lays on your heart?
b. How does God want to work through your life to see the Gospel prevail in our city?
5. We have discussed the need for church planting and revitalization out of UBC. Would you consider being a part of an effort like that? Why or why not?
Acts 19:23-41 chronicles the riot in Ephesus driven by the silversmiths:
6. What was the motivation for Demetrius and the craftsmen to stir up a crowd against Paul and the Ephesian Christians? And why did they carefully package the message with religious fervor?
7. Is there a situation where you felt canceled or persecuted for your faith?
a. How did you overcome that situation?
b. What can give us hope in the midst of public opposition, cancel culture, and hostile disturbances?
8. Contemplate Paul’s response to these circumstances in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10
9. Close the evening with prayer requests and prayer for the group.