“Luke / Acts Week 43 – Oct. 21-25”

Monday, October 21, 2024

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.

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