“Luke / Acts Week 44 – Oct. 28-Nov. 1”

Monday, October 28, 2024

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?

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