“Luke / Acts Week 40 – Sept. 30-Oct. 4”

Monday, September 30, 2024

Monday – Acts 13:1-3 Barnabas and Saul Set Off
1. From its brief introduction in 13:1-3, use several adjectives to describe the church at Antioch.
2. Once again, Luke emphasizes that communal prayer is a central part of the life of the church (cf. 1:13- 14; 4:23-31; 12:5b, 12). What does this teach you about the importance of the church praying together?
3. How does the way Antioch sends off Barnabas and Saul compare with how missionaries are sent off today (cf. Act 14:23 and the appointment of elders)? To what degree, if any, does the church of the 21 st century need to change to align with the example of the early church?

Tuesday – Acts 13:4-12 Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus
1. The missionaries first stop is Barnabas’ home island of Cyprus (cf. 4:36-37). How do you picture the mood among the missionaries as they set out on the first preaching journey?
2. Trace the conversion of the Cyprian proconsul (Roman governor) Sergius Paulus.
3. The Holy Spirit inspired blinding of Elymas prompts a name change from Saul (Jewish) to Paul (Greek) and establishes him as the leader of the group (cf. v. 13). Why do you think this event prompts these changes in Paul?

Wednesday – Acts 13:13-43 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch Pisidia
1. Sailing to the mainland, the missionary duo arrives in Antioch Pisidia where Luke records Paul’s sermon at the local synagogue. Outline the key events and applications he discusses in his discourse.
2. In his sermon, Paul shows God’s actions throughout history climaxing in the coming of Jesus. What will happen if his Jewish audience believes in Jesus? What will happen if they don’t?
3. At the end of the assembly Paul and Barnabas tell the new believers – both Jews and devout Gentile converts – to “continue in God’s grace”. Expound on what they mean by this (ref. Rom 5:2; Eph 2:8; 1 Pet 5:12).

Thursday – Acts 13:44-52 Blessing and Conflict in Antioch
1. At the request of the new believers, Paul and Barnabas come to the synagogue the next Sabbath to preach. How awesome would it be if “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord”?
2. In your own words, describe the reaction of the unbelieving Jews to the Gentile crowds and Paul personally (cf. Act 5:16-18). Why do you think they are acting this way?
3. In his rebuke of the jealous Jews, Paul cites Isa 49:6 to explain his work of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. To what extent does this express your and/or our congregation’s own mission of spreading the gospel? What steps will you take to better fulfill the mission of this command?

Friday – Acts 14:1-7 Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
1. After leaving Antioch Pisidia, the missionaries travel east to Iconium. Even there they once again face hostile opposition from unbelieving Jews. In view of this, why do you think they remain there “for a long time” (v. 3) before finally leaving?
2. What is the purpose of the signs and wonders that the Lord empowers Paul and Barnabas to perform (ref. Rom 15:18-21)? Do you think these signs and wonders are needed today? Explain.
3. Luke records, “the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.” Write down the name of someone you know whose mind has been poisoned by unbelievers. Next, enlist the help of your church to earnestly pray for this person.

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