Monday – Acts 17:16-21 Paul in Athens
1. Full of beautiful temples, altars and schools, Athens is the celebrated city of intellect and religion in the Greek world. Nevertheless, how does Paul view Athens and its rampant idolatry?
2. Various translations read, Paul’s spirit is “provoked,” or “disturbed,” or “greatly distressed” by what he witnesses in the city. How do you picture Paul as he walks the streets of Athens, engages Jews in the synagogue, and Gentiles in the marketplace?
3. As you look at the world around you, what societal sins provoke your spirit? In what ways are you allowing your distress to move you to proclaim the gospel?

Tuesday – Acts 17:22-34 Paul Addresses the Areopagus
1. Standing before the civil and religious authorities, Paul preaches on a basic level, giving these intellectuals a picture of the “Unknown God.” List the key points he communicates in his speech.
2. Paul speaks of “the objects of your worship.” What are some of the objects of worship for people today? How does the message of Christ speak to these idols (cf. Eph 5:5)?
3. What does Paul’s approach to the men and women of the Areopagus model to you as you teach those in your town who don’t have a depth of Biblical knowledge?

Wednesday – Acts 18:1-17 Paul in Corinth
1. Moving from Athens, Paul travels forty miles to Corinth, another major city in the Greek region of Achaia. What encouragements and difficulties does he experience during his year and half there?
2. When Paul arrives in Corinth, he does so with “much fear and trembling” (1 Cor 2:3). In what ways do you think the Lord’s appearance to him gives him the confidence to stay and work in the city?
3. When Crispus, the ruler of the local synagogue, and many Jews believe and are baptized, the unbelieving Jews bring Paul before the civil authorities to stop his preaching (cf. 16:20-21; 17:5-9). How do you see the dismissing of Paul’s case further aiding the spread of the gospel in Corinth?

Thursday – 1 Cor 1:1; 6:9-14
1. When Paul later writes the Corinthian Christians, Sosthenes joins him as a co-sender. From Act 18:12-17, how do you imagine him going from an opponent of the church to being called “our brother”?
2. A cursory survey of 1 and 2 Corinthians reveals a church with a great many problems. Elaborate on why Paul calling them to remember who will/won’t inherit the kingdom, and how they are “washed... sanctified... and justified” in Jesus.
3. The city of Corinth has a reputation of wickedness and immorality; yet many convert. How does this encourage you to continue to proclaim Jesus’ transforming grace with those in our community?

Friday – Acts 18:18-23a Paul Returns to Antioch
1. As Paul leaves Corinth and makes his way back to Antioch, he “cut his hair, for he was under a vow” (cf. the Nazarite vow Num 6:1-21). Why do you think Paul has taken a vow to seek God’s favor?
2. With Paul’s arrival back in Antioch, his second missionary journey has come to an end. In your own words, sum up the successes and trials Paul faced on this trip (15:36-18:21).
3. When people go to the church in Antioch, Luke says something about how long they stay (Act 11:26b; 14:28; 15:33; 18:23a). How do you imagine Paul being refreshed by the church in Antioch for another journey?

Monday – Acts 16:10; Col 4:14; Phm 23-24; 2 Tim 4:9-11 Luke: A Character Study
1. Acts 16:10 marks a grammatical shift in the narrative. As the missionaries move into Greece, Luke joins the group – note first-person “we” and “us” (cf. 16:11-17; 20:1-21:8; 27:1-28:16). Skimming over the “we” passages, give each a brief title that captures Luke’s involvement in the episode.
2. Additionally, Luke stays with and attends to Paul during later imprisonments. What does this steadfast commitment reveal about Luke's character – especially when contrasted with Demas?
3. As Paul leaves Philippi (Act 16:40), the narrative switches back to the third person “they,” indicating Luke stays behind. In what ways does his presence help strengthen and encourage the Philippian brethren?

Tuesday – Acts 17:1-4 Paul Preaches in Thessalonica
1. From Philippi, Paul and Silas travel some 95 miles to Thessalonica, passing through the district capitol of Amphipolis and the town of Apollonia. Put yourself in the group, what do you talk about as you walk?
2. In Thessalonica, Paul preaches in the synagogue for three Sabbaths. Who listens and doesn’t listen to his message that the Christ must suffer and rise from the dead?
3. Even though Paul reasons from the scriptures, why do you think the Jews there find the idea of a killed and raised Christ so repugnant (cf. Deu 21:22-23; Gal 3:10-14; Jhn 12:34)?

Wednesday – Acts 17:5-9 Paul and Silas Persecuted in Thessalonica
1. With Paul seeing major success among the Gentiles, jealous Jews take matters into their own hands. Trace the events that lead to Paul and Silas leaving Thessalonica under the cover of darkness (v. 10).
2. As in Philippi, the gospel’s detractors’ level a serious civil charge against Paul (cf. 16:20-21). List each charge and explain whether each is true or false.
3. In what sense is Paul (and Christianity as a whole) turning the world upside down? What is your role in how Christ is changing the world with the gospel?

Thursday – 1 Ths 1:1-10 Paul Writes the Thessalonians
1. Shortly after being “torn away” from the brethren (cf. 17:10; 1 Ths 2:17), Paul writes his first epistle to the Thessalonians. What challenges and discouragements would you have faced as a Christian in Thessalonica? From just these first words, how would Paul’s epistle have encouraged your faith?
2. While the Jews in Thessalonica by and large reject Paul, many Gentiles do not - they “turned” from idols, to “serve” God, and “wait” for Jesus. How is this a model for Christian conversion and life?
3. Through the Thessalonians, the Lord’s “message rang out” in Macedonia and beyond. Where are your spheres of influence where the Lord’s message can ring out through your words and actions?

Friday – Paul in Berea Acts 17:10-15
1. Once safely in Berea, Paul again enters the synagogue and preaches the gospel. Make a list of adjectives that best describe the Jews in Berea verses the Jews in Thessalonica.
2. Acts portrays numerous women embracing the gospel (cf. 16:11-15; 17:4, 34; Luke 8:1-2), a phenomenon often observed in present-day congregations as well. Why might women be particularly drawn to the Christian message, both then and now?
3. Like the Jews in Berea, are you searching the scriptures regularly? If not, why not? If so, how is staying in the word fortifying your faith and changing your life?

Monday – Php 2:19-22; 1 Tim 1:1-2a, 18-19a; 2 Tim 1:3-7; 3:10-15 Timothy: A Character Study
1. From this point forward, Timothy emerges as Paul’s right-hand-man. Based on the verses from today's reading, develop a detailed character portrait of Timothy, highlighting his key traits and qualities.
2. Picture the contrasting influences in Timothy's home: an unbelieving Gentile father and a devout Jewish mother and grandmother. What pressures or temptations might Timothy have faced due to this divided household? How did his mother and grandmother nurture a “sincere faith” despite these opposing forces?
3. Timothy faces opposition and persecution in his ministry (cf. Heb 13:23). In what ways does he demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of these difficulties? What can we learn from his example?

Tuesday – Acts 16:6-15 The Macedonian Call-The Conversion of Lydia
1. As the missionaries travel from place to place, the Spirit is directing them. What do you make of the Spirit forbidding them from preaching the gospel in some areas, while encouraging them to go to other areas?
2. Moving into Macedonia, Paul and his group immediately go to the Roman colony of Philippi. Luke’s initial focus is on a woman named Lydia. Trace the details of her conversion.
3. Lydia’s first act as a Christian is to open her home to Paul and his party (cf. 16:34). Using passages such as Act 2:42; Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9; Heb 13:2, why is it important that Christians show hospitality?

Wednesday – Acts 16:16-25 Paul and Silas in Prison
1. As Paul and his group evangelize Philippi, a demon-possessed slave girl follows them. Her proclamation, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation,” is accurate. Why, then is Paul annoyed by this and ultimately casts out the spirit?
2. While money motivates the owners of the slave girl, their accusation is serious. Explain the nature of their charge and its meaning within the context of a Roman colony like Philippi. (cf. Acts 17:6-8).
3. Bloody, battered and locked in stocks, Paul and Silas spent the night singing and praying. What do you think they are praying for? If they had your repertoire of hymns, which ones do you hear them singing? How can you adopt their attitude?

Thursday – Acts 16:26-34 The Philippian Jailer Converted
1. In the darkness of the night, God responds to the missionaries’ prayers and songs with an earthquake. What affect does the quake have on Paul and Silas, the other prisoners, and especially the jailer?
2. Paul’s response to the distraught jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” is “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Then, “that same hour of the night... he was baptized.” In what ways, is baptism the expression of belief in the Lord Jesus for salvation (cf. Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:11-15; 1 Pet 3:21)?
3. Like most new converts, the Jailer, “rejoiced... that he had believed in God” (v. 34). Do you still have the joy you first had when you were baptized? If so, how are you expressing it? If not, why not?

Friday – Acts 16:35-40 Paul Refuses to Leave Secretly
1. The next day, the magistrates set Paul free, but he won’t leave without a public apology. Considering the original charges (vv. 20-23), what effect might this public gesture have on the perception of the new church in Philippi?
2. In Philippi, Paul leaves behind a thriving church composed of Gentile believers from all walks of life. How does this testify to the gospel’s ability to redeem and unite people from various backgrounds?
3. Years later, Paul writes a letter to the Philippians overflowing with affection for them. From Php 1:3-11, summarize the key elements of his heartfelt prayer for the beloved church.

Monday – Acts 15:6-21 The Jerusalem Council
1. In Jerusalem, the church leadership gathers to discuss the matter of Gentile salvation. Summarize the different evidence Peter, Paul and Barnabas, and James uses to show that God accepts Gentiles without keeping the Law of Moses or being circumcised.
2. What exactly does Peter mean when he says, “we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will” (v. 11)?
3. To what extent, if any, does this passage present a model for how we can resolve issues today? Explain.

Tuesday – Acts 15:22-35 The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers
1. With theological matters decided, the group now turns to practical matters. Not only does the Jerusalem church’s letter addresses the issue of Gentile salvation, but it also addresses Gentile-Jewish relationships. Why does James lay four “burdens” (vv. 28-29) on the Gentiles?
2. How do both the Jews and Gentiles in Antioch and beyond receive the letter? What role do you imagine Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas playing in the delivery of the letter?
3. The conflict of Acts 15 has the potential of severing the church in two; yet truth prevails. What principles for conflict resolution among believers do you see in Acts 15? How would this help you today?

Wednesday – Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas Separate
1. With one dispute resolved, Luke follows with another dispute. However, this was over a difference of opinion, not doctrine. What is behind the split between Paul and Barnabas?
2. Luke records, their disagreement was so “sharp... that they separated from each other.” How do you imagine the argument sounding? Do you see the two reconciling (cf. 1 Cor 9:6; Col 4:10)? Explain.
3. Why do you think Barnabas wants to take Mark with them/him despite the fact the young man had previously deserted them? When has someone given you a second chance like Barnabas does for Mark?

Thursday – Acts 13:5, 13; 15:37-39; Col 4:10-11; 2 Tim 4:11 Mark: A Character Study
1. First mentioned in Acts 12:12, John Mark grew up in a home closely associated with the early church in Jerusalem. How do you imagine this experience shaping him into a missionary (cf. Act 12:25)?
2. At first, John Mark is “assisting” Paul and Barnabas. Yet not long afterwards he “left them” or as Paul put it, “withdrawn” or “deserted” them. Why do you think John Mark left the missionaries? Was Paul’s estimation of the situation correct or a little too extreme? Explain.
3. Later, we find Mark is an asset to Paul. What do you think changed in both men to bring about this reconciliation? 

Friday – Acts 16:1-5 Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
1. Retracing the steps of the first missionary journey, Paul comes to Lystra where he meets Timothy. Despite the debate in Acts 15, why is it acceptable for Paul to circumcise him (cf. 1 Cor 9:19-23)?
2. From this point on, Timothy becomes Paul’s right-hand-man. Using passages such as 1 Cor 4:17; Php 2:19-22; 1 Tim 1:18-19a; 2 Tim 1:3-7; 3:10-17, write a character sketch of this godly young man.
3. The answer to how a church grows is found in v. 5. Why does “strengthened” faith come before “increased” numbers? What areas of faith does your congregation need to be strengthened in before you can increase in number?

Monday – Acts 14:8-18 Paul and Barnabas at Lystra
1. After fleeing Iconium, the missionary duo come to the town of Lystra. Place yourself in the group, what are you seeing, experiencing, and thinking as the crowd surrounds Paul, Barnabas, and yourself?
2. Evaluate Paul and Barnabas’ desperate plea for the crowd to stop offering them worship.
3. People today are not apt to spontaneously offer sacrifices to others. However, in what ways are we faced with the temptation to be a “god” in another’s life or to take credit for what God has done?

Tuesday – Acts 14:19-20 Paul Stoned at Lystra
1. At first, the people of Lystra hailed Paul as a god, then, almost overnight they try to kill him. Why do you think the people turned against the apostle so quickly?
2. Despite all he has suffered (cf. 2 Cor 11:23-28), the persecutions of the first journey stick with Paul some twenty years later in 2 Tim 3:10-11. In your own words, restate Paul’s conclusion in vv. 12-13.  Describe a time when you have experienced this truth in your life, or saw it in the life of another?
3. Imagine what it would be like for a crowd of people to hit you with stones until you collapse unconscious, then drag you out of town, leaving you for dead. What would it take for you to pick yourself up and walk sixty-three miles to the next town (Derbe) to proclaim the gospel all over again?

Wednesday – Acts 14:21-28 Paul and Barnabas Strengthen the Converts
1. Rather than pressing forward, Paul and Barnabas decide to retrace their journey back to Antioch. Reflect on their parting encouragement to the new believers, “Continue in the faith [for] through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
2. Before leaving each church, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders. Considering Tit 1:5-11 and 1 Pet 5:1-5 why are elders especially important to these churches? How important are elders to your congregation?
3. With their return to Antioch, Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey is complete. Briefly describe some of the successes, trials, and disappointments they encountered along the way.

Thursday – Acts 15:1; Gal 2:11-21 Hypocrisy at Antioch
1. Later, in his epistle to the Galatians (the area of the first missionary journey), Paul recounts a low point in the church at Antioch. Trace the events that nearly split the church in two.
2. In what ways are Peter’s, other Jewish believers in the church and even Barnabas’s actions “not in step with the truth of the gospel”? Elaborate on Paul’s rebuke of Peter and the rest who acted  hypocritically.
3. Why do you think small pressure groups in the church arouse such fear in the majority and even in the leadership? When have you given into pressure and acted insincerely out of fear of others?

Friday – Acts 15:1-5 Conflict Over Circumcision
1. False teachers suddenly appear and disrupt the tranquility of the church at Antioch. Summarize the argument of the false teachers. How does Paul, Barnabas, and the church handle the situation?
2. Luke says, there was no “no small dissension and debate” over this issue. In what ways can we navigate vigorous disagreements with grace and wisdom, while still upholding our convictions?
3. Originally, Barnabas is led astray by the false teachers (cf. Gal 2:13), but now he is vigorously defending the truth. What steps do you think he needed to take to rebuild trust and demonstrate his genuine commitment to the Gospel? Would you have struggled to forgive him? Explain.