“Luke / Acts Week 49 – Dec 2-6”

Monday, December 02, 2024

Monday – Acts 22:22-29 Paul and the Roman Tribune
1. With the crowd shouting for Paul’s death, the Roman tribune orders Paul to undergo examination by flogging. How might the Tribune’s initial assessment of Paul’s identity (cf. 21:37-39) contribute to his harsh treatment?
2. Just before he’s beaten, Paul identifies himself as a Roman citizen. Why is it significant that Paul is a Roman citizen by birth, while the tribune had purchased his citizenship?
3. When might it be appropriate to “stand up for our rights” as Christians, and when might it be wiser to choose a different course of action (cf. Mat 5:38-42)? Explain.

Tuesday – Acts 22:30-23:11 Paul Before the Council
1. On the next day, the tribune brings Paul before the council to understand the accusations against him. Describe the conflict that erupts between Paul and Ananias at the start of the proceedings.
2. Seeing the room is split between Sadducees and Pharisees, how does Paul prove to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Mat 10:16) in this situation?
3. Once again, the Lord appears to Paul at a crucial point in his ministry (18:9-10; 22:17-21). How does the Lord’s message encourage Paul to keep the faith, despite not knowing exactly what is ahead?

Wednesday – Acts 23:12-22 The Plot to Kill Paul
1. Unable to get rid of Paul through the law, a group of forty conspirators plan to ambush and kill him instead (cf. Act 9:23-25). Analyze the likely motivations and mindset of these individuals. What factors might have driven them to such extreme measures?
2. How do you imagine Paul's nephew learning about the assassination plot? Why do you think he chose to get involved? What risks does he take by intervening?
3. How does this passage illustrate the dangers of religious extremism and fanaticism? What lessons can we learn from the conspirators’ actions and their willingness to resort to violence?

Thursday – Acts 23:23-35 Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
1. Thwarting the Jewish plot against Paul, Claudius Lysias sends him under heavy guard to Caesarea, the Roman provincial capital. What emotions might Paul feel during this dramatic escape? Considering their oath, how might the forty conspirators feel when they learn of Paul’s departure?
2. Examine closely the Tribune’s letter to Felix. In what ways is Lysias being politically savvy and protecting himself but also protecting Paul?
3. Despite the challenges, how does this passage also reveal God’s protection and provision for Paul from his nephew bravely intervening to the Roman soldiers escorting him?

Friday – Acts 24:1-21 Paul Before Felix in Caesarea
1. Finally, Paul gets his day in court under Roman law. What specific charges do Tertullus and the High Priest level against the apostle?
2. Outline Paul’s defense before Felix.
3. While Paul denies the Jews’ charges, he does however, confess to being a follower of “the Way” (9:12; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:22). Using John 14:6, explain why Paul repeatedly calls faith in Christ “the Way”? How does this understanding of “the Way” challenge typical perceptions of Christianity?

Share