“Luke / Acts Week 52 – Dec 23-27”

Monday, December 23, 2024

Monday – Acts 27:39-44 The Shipwreck on Malta
1. Imagine you are on board the ship. The storm is raging, the waves are crashing, and the ship is breaking apart. What emotions are swirling within you as you hear the call to abandon ship?
2. Knowing they would face certain death if their prisoners escape, the soldiers plan to kill all the prisoners. Why do you think Julius wants to save the lives of Paul and his friends?
3. An angel of God appears to Paul and tells him no one on the ship will lose their life (v. 23), yet as the ship breaks up everyone still has to swim or float to shore for safety. In what ways do you see this as a picture of salvation of grace through faith?

Tuesday – Acts 28:1-10 Paul’s Ministry on Malta
1. Shipwrecked and vulnerable, 276 souls find themselves at the mercy of strangers on an unknown island. What factors contribute to the islanders’ remarkable hospitality towards the shipwrecked strangers, particularly considering their initial suspicion of Paul?
2. How does Paul’s snake bite and miracles on Malta, fit within the context of Mrk 16:17-18?
3. Luke spent more time painstakingly chronicling the difficult voyage to Rome than Paul’s time in Corinth or Ephesus. What lessons do you think Luke is wanting us to learn from their time at sea?

Wednesday – Acts 28:11-16 Paul Arrives at Rome
1. The journey to Rome continues on a ship bearing the figurehead of Castor and Pollux, pagan deities associated with safe passage. How does Luke use this detail to create a sense of irony within his narrative?
2. Finally, after a perilous journey full of storms and setbacks, Paul reaches the shores of Italy. As he approaches Rome, he is met by believers who have come from miles around to welcome him. Use three adjectives to describe the atmosphere of this encounter in verse 15 and explain your choices.
3. Throughout his trials, from imprisonment to shipwreck, Paul consistently experiences God’s presence and provision. In what ways might God be doing the same for you through your misfortunes?

Thursday – Acts 28:17-28 Paul Preaches to the Jews in Rome
1. As soon as Paul arrives in Rome, he’s reaching out to the Jewish leaders in the city. What motivates him to immediately arrange this meeting?
2. On an appointed day, a great number of Jews come to Paul as he “expounds... testifies... and tries to convince” his audience about Jesus. What do these verbs reveal about his teaching style and message?
3. Although he speaks with them all day, Luke only records Paul’s last words, a quote from Isaiah 6:9-10 (cf. Luk 8:9-15; Jhn 12:36a-43). Why is this the appropriately sad verse to cite at the end of Acts?

Friday – Acts 28:30-31 Paul in Rome
1. Luke ends Acts with a note of triumph, though Paul is a prisoner, he’s free. How does he use his circumstances to advance the Gospel (cf. Php 1:12-14; 4:22)? How does his example challenge you to view your own hardships as potential opportunities for the ministry?
2. Paul proclaims the kingdom of God and teaches about Jesus with “all boldness and without hindrance.” How does this statement summarize the overarching theme of the book of Acts?
3. Take a moment to reflect on your reading of Luke-Acts. How has your understanding of Jesus, His church, its/your mission grown and your faith increased?

Share