The Line Drawn - Acts

ACTS 21:17-23:35

Paul arrives in Jerusalem and in an effort to appease many of the local people, he takes a vow. The vow makes no difference and Paul is beaten and eventually arrested for his ministry to the gentiles. In his defense he recounts how God saved him and used him to bring the gospel to gentiles.

If you have been studying Acts as a family, here is a video by the Bible Project that explains chapters 21-28.

QUESTIONS

Read Acts 21:17-26, was it right for Paul to take this vow? Was he adding to the gospel (see Galatians 1:6-9)?

Some scholars challenge Acts 21:37-40 saying it would be impossible for Paul to give a coherent message after having been beaten. How do verses like 1 Peter 3:10-16, Matthew 5:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 help us understand what Paul did.

In Acts 22:3-5 Paul tells his story with good and bad details. How do we tell our own story, with all its details, without putting the focus totally on us?

Paul was an intelligent Christian. How do you think Christians are perceived among the people you know? How can you be an intelligent and humble Christian?

Is there a promise or truth to trust in from the text or teaching today?

 

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Hope in Hardship - Acts

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Farewell to Ephesus - Acts