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.

Monday – Acts 15:6-21 The Jerusalem Council
1. In Jerusalem, the church leadership gathers to discuss the matter of Gentile salvation. Summarize the different evidence Peter, Paul and Barnabas, and James uses to show that God accepts Gentiles without keeping the Law of Moses or being circumcised.
2. What exactly does Peter mean when he says, “we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will” (v. 11)?
3. To what extent, if any, does this passage present a model for how we can resolve issues today? Explain.

Tuesday – Acts 15:22-35 The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers
1. With theological matters decided, the group now turns to practical matters. Not only does the Jerusalem church’s letter addresses the issue of Gentile salvation, but it also addresses Gentile-Jewish relationships. Why does James lay four “burdens” (vv. 28-29) on the Gentiles?
2. How do both the Jews and Gentiles in Antioch and beyond receive the letter? What role do you imagine Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas playing in the delivery of the letter?
3. The conflict of Acts 15 has the potential of severing the church in two; yet truth prevails. What principles for conflict resolution among believers do you see in Acts 15? How would this help you today?

Wednesday – Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas Separate
1. With one dispute resolved, Luke follows with another dispute. However, this was over a difference of opinion, not doctrine. What is behind the split between Paul and Barnabas?
2. Luke records, their disagreement was so “sharp... that they separated from each other.” How do you imagine the argument sounding? Do you see the two reconciling (cf. 1 Cor 9:6; Col 4:10)? Explain.
3. Why do you think Barnabas wants to take Mark with them/him despite the fact the young man had previously deserted them? When has someone given you a second chance like Barnabas does for Mark?

Thursday – Acts 13:5, 13; 15:37-39; Col 4:10-11; 2 Tim 4:11 Mark: A Character Study
1. First mentioned in Acts 12:12, John Mark grew up in a home closely associated with the early church in Jerusalem. How do you imagine this experience shaping him into a missionary (cf. Act 12:25)?
2. At first, John Mark is “assisting” Paul and Barnabas. Yet not long afterwards he “left them” or as Paul put it, “withdrawn” or “deserted” them. Why do you think John Mark left the missionaries? Was Paul’s estimation of the situation correct or a little too extreme? Explain.
3. Later, we find Mark is an asset to Paul. What do you think changed in both men to bring about this reconciliation? 

Friday – Acts 16:1-5 Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
1. Retracing the steps of the first missionary journey, Paul comes to Lystra where he meets Timothy. Despite the debate in Acts 15, why is it acceptable for Paul to circumcise him (cf. 1 Cor 9:19-23)?
2. From this point on, Timothy becomes Paul’s right-hand-man. Using passages such as 1 Cor 4:17; Php 2:19-22; 1 Tim 1:18-19a; 2 Tim 1:3-7; 3:10-17, write a character sketch of this godly young man.
3. The answer to how a church grows is found in v. 5. Why does “strengthened” faith come before “increased” numbers? What areas of faith does your congregation need to be strengthened in before you can increase in number?

Monday – Acts 14:8-18 Paul and Barnabas at Lystra
1. After fleeing Iconium, the missionary duo come to the town of Lystra. Place yourself in the group, what are you seeing, experiencing, and thinking as the crowd surrounds Paul, Barnabas, and yourself?
2. Evaluate Paul and Barnabas’ desperate plea for the crowd to stop offering them worship.
3. People today are not apt to spontaneously offer sacrifices to others. However, in what ways are we faced with the temptation to be a “god” in another’s life or to take credit for what God has done?

Tuesday – Acts 14:19-20 Paul Stoned at Lystra
1. At first, the people of Lystra hailed Paul as a god, then, almost overnight they try to kill him. Why do you think the people turned against the apostle so quickly?
2. Despite all he has suffered (cf. 2 Cor 11:23-28), the persecutions of the first journey stick with Paul some twenty years later in 2 Tim 3:10-11. In your own words, restate Paul’s conclusion in vv. 12-13.  Describe a time when you have experienced this truth in your life, or saw it in the life of another?
3. Imagine what it would be like for a crowd of people to hit you with stones until you collapse unconscious, then drag you out of town, leaving you for dead. What would it take for you to pick yourself up and walk sixty-three miles to the next town (Derbe) to proclaim the gospel all over again?

Wednesday – Acts 14:21-28 Paul and Barnabas Strengthen the Converts
1. Rather than pressing forward, Paul and Barnabas decide to retrace their journey back to Antioch. Reflect on their parting encouragement to the new believers, “Continue in the faith [for] through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
2. Before leaving each church, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders. Considering Tit 1:5-11 and 1 Pet 5:1-5 why are elders especially important to these churches? How important are elders to your congregation?
3. With their return to Antioch, Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey is complete. Briefly describe some of the successes, trials, and disappointments they encountered along the way.

Thursday – Acts 15:1; Gal 2:11-21 Hypocrisy at Antioch
1. Later, in his epistle to the Galatians (the area of the first missionary journey), Paul recounts a low point in the church at Antioch. Trace the events that nearly split the church in two.
2. In what ways are Peter’s, other Jewish believers in the church and even Barnabas’s actions “not in step with the truth of the gospel”? Elaborate on Paul’s rebuke of Peter and the rest who acted  hypocritically.
3. Why do you think small pressure groups in the church arouse such fear in the majority and even in the leadership? When have you given into pressure and acted insincerely out of fear of others?

Friday – Acts 15:1-5 Conflict Over Circumcision
1. False teachers suddenly appear and disrupt the tranquility of the church at Antioch. Summarize the argument of the false teachers. How does Paul, Barnabas, and the church handle the situation?
2. Luke says, there was no “no small dissension and debate” over this issue. In what ways can we navigate vigorous disagreements with grace and wisdom, while still upholding our convictions?
3. Originally, Barnabas is led astray by the false teachers (cf. Gal 2:13), but now he is vigorously defending the truth. What steps do you think he needed to take to rebuild trust and demonstrate his genuine commitment to the Gospel? Would you have struggled to forgive him? Explain.

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.

Monday – Acts 11:19-26 The Church at Antioch
1. Recalling Act 8:1, 4, Luke details the movement of believers from Jerusalem to Antioch. It is not the apostles, but ordinary, nameless individuals who initially perform the work of evangelism in this predominately Gentile city. How does this fact empower your work within your local community?
2. When the apostles hear of the work in Antioch, they quickly dispatch Barnabas. Describe what he sees in the church there and how he helps the nascent group.
3. Luke records, “In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Why do you think the Antiochenes gave them this name? How do you think today’s meaning of “Christian” compares to its first usage?

Tuesday – Acts 11:27-30 Antioch Sends Relief to Jerusalem
1. Upon hearing from the prophet Agabus, the Antiochenes send relief to Judea. What do you make of the mostly Gentile Christians in Antioch expressing their love and concern for their Jewish brethren in Judea?
2. Later in his ministry, Paul will again deliver a collection to the needy saints in Jerusalem. Read 2 Cor 9:1-15, elaborate on the attitudes Paul wants Christians to possess regarding giving to needy brethren?
3. What is an immediate need among the saints that you and/or our congregation could meet? If you do not know of one, do some research, make some phone calls and present your findings to your elders. 

Wednesday – Acts 12:1-4 The Apostle James is Killed
1. A growing church is now suffering state-driven persecution by the egotistical king Herod. Using Mrk 10:35-45, how does this fulfill Jesus’ prophecy in v. 39?
2. One apostle is dead, another is about to be executed, and the disciples are gathered to pray. Picture yourself there, describe the mood in the room. Write out what you imagine they say in their prayers.
3. Luke describes the prayers offered for Peter as, “earnest” (ESV) or “fervent” (NASB). What can motivate you to pray this way more often? What can hinder you?

Thursday – Acts 12:5-19 Peter Freed from Prison
1. Miraculously, Peter escapes from execution by an angel of the Lord. Put yourself in Peter’s sandals and trace his escape from prison.
2. What do you make of the fact that God allows James and the guards to die but miraculously frees Peter?
3. Following his miraculous release, Peter is comically left standing outside by the very believers who are praying for his release. Why do you think they have trouble believing their prayers have been answered? Can you relate? Explain.

Friday – Acts 12:20-25 The Death of Herod
1. Unlike Saul, Herod isn’t motivated by religious zeal but the desire for acclaim. Trace the events leading to his death.
2. If you were telling a friend about this account, how would you explain why God punishes Herod by being “eaten by worms”? (consider: 2 Ths 1:5-12)
3. Contrast Herod’s end with what happens to the word of God because of his death. In what ways does this note give you hope for the power of the Gospel?