“Luke / Acts Week 47 – Nov. 18-22”

Monday, November 18, 2024

Monday – Acts 20:1-6; 2 Cor 8:1-9:15 Paul in Macedonia and Achaia
1. Leaving Ephesus, Paul travels through Macedonia and Achaia (southern Greece). Filling in the details, which churches might Paul be visiting? What do you imagine him saying to encourage the brethren?
2. The main reason Paul is traveling through Greece is to complete a collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 11:27-30). How does he use the example of the poorer Macedonians to spur the wealthier Achaians to complete their promised contribution?
3. Identify the primary goals that govern Paul’s appeal for this collection. In what ways do these goals apply to our giving today as Christians?

Tuesday – Acts 20:7-12 Eutychus Raised from the Dead
1. Luke shifts from a broad overview of three months of activity across a wide geographical area to detail the account of Eutychus (which means, Good Fortune). What significance do you think this episode holds within the larger narrative of the early church (cf. Act 9:36-43)?
2. Beyond the fact that it is commanded (cf. Luk 22:14-20), why do the disciples in Troas make it a priority to come together on the first day of the week to break bread in the Lord’s Supper?
3. How does Paul’s decision to prioritize gathering with the believers, despite his imminent departure and long journey ahead, challenge your own priorities regarding assembling with fellow Christians? 

Wednesday – Acts 20:13-16; Rom 15:18-33 From Troas to Miletus
1. Luke paints a picture of a driven Paul hurrying to reach Jerusalem. Yet he chooses to walk alone from Troas to Assos, a journey of roughly 20 miles. Why might he be needing this solitary time?
2. During the more than three months or so span recorded in 20:1-16, Paul writes the epistle to the Romans. What do you learn about Paul’s missionary priorities and his future travel plans?
3. Again, he references his collection from Gentile churches for their Jewish brethren in Jerusalem. How does Paul's reasoning in 15:27 shed light on the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians in the early church? It what ways might his reasoning apply to your life or church today?

Thursday – Acts 20:17-38 Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders
1. As Paul hurries to Jerusalem, he summons the Ephesian elders to Miletus for a farewell meeting. Use several adjectives to describe the overall tone and emotional atmosphere of their encounter.
2. The apostle starts by recounting his time in Ephesus. What does he share about the nature of his service? How can this inspire you to live a life of selfless giving for the sake of the gospel?
3. Can you imagine Paul’s voice cracking with emotion as he warns the elders of future difficulties? What urgent plea(s) does he make to these leaders? In what ways does this resonate with the challenges facing the church in your own time?

Friday –1 Tim 1:1-11; 4:1-16; 6:2b-10 Paul Leaves Timothy in Ephesus
1. Paul leaves Timothy in Ephesus to “charge certain people not to teach any other doctrine” than the true gospel. In your own words, summarize the nature of the various false teachings he must address. 
2. What unique challenges does Timothy face in confronting these false teachings/teachers (including some elders; Acts 20:19-18) within the Ephesian church?
3. Beyond simply correcting doctrinal errors, how might Timothy's role in combating false teaching involve cultivating a positive vision of Christian life and discipleship within the Ephesian church?

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