“Luke / Acts Week 45 – Nov. 4-8”

Monday, November 04, 2024

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?

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