This past Sunday, I had the honor of teaching through Acts 21:17-36. In this passage, we learn that following Jesus is costly but it’s always worth it – from the example of the Apostle Paul. As always, we will be meeting tonight (Wednesday, March 24th) at 8:30pm to discuss this passage in more detail. The questions for discussion can be found below the sermon video —
Book of Acts – Acts 21:17-36
Before working on this discussion guide, please do the following:
1. Watch the message from this past Sunday if you were unable to attend the online service. You can find the message on our Facebook Page and on our website (renovationchurchsd.com).
2. Spend 5 minutes or so in prayer. You can either pray through the “Lord’s Prayer” or simply share what is on your heart. It is also good to spend at least 1 full minute in silence so that God can quiet your heart and mind as you prepare to study the Scriptures.
Discussion Questions
1. Read slowly and prayerfully through Acts 21:17-36. What themes stand out to you? What questions do you have about this passage?
2. In Acts 21:19, the text says that Paul reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry – Paul makes it clear that all of the credit and honor for his ministry rightfully belongs to God. With this in mind, read through Jesus’ teaching on abiding in Him found in John 15:1-8. What stands out to you? Practically, how can we better “abide” in Jesus?
3. In Acts 21:21-25, Paul willingly observes ceremonial aspects of the Old testament as the urging of the Elders in Jerusalem. First, from your perspective, why did Paul do this?
4. Keeping with the question above, Paul is living out the words he wrote in Galatians 5:13-15. Read through this passage – what does it look like to “serve one another in love?” On the contrary, what does it look like to “bite and devour one another” in the context of the church?
5. In this passage, Paul is falsely accused and beaten as a result of his faith. In many ways, what we see happening is exactly what Jesus predicted would happen. Read through Luke 21:12-19 – what stands out to you? What are some ways this passage can apply to our lives today?
6. At the end of the message, Tyler made the point that following Jesus is always costly but it’s always worth it. What are some ways following Jesus is costly in our own culture? If someone were to ask you, “Why is following Jesus worth it”? – what would you say?
Tyler Ramsbey 