This past Sunday, I had the honor of teaching through Paul’s testimony in Acts 21:37-22:22. Through Paul’s example, we learn some principles on sharing our own testimonies and the power of connecting our personal story with God’s bigger story.
As usual, we will be meeting on Wednesday (March 31st) at 8:30pm via Zoom to discuss this passage in more detail. The connection info is on our website (www.renovationchurchsd.com) and the discussion questions can be found below the sermon.
Book of Acts – Acts 21:37-22:22
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 21:37-22:22 What themes stand out to you? What questions do you have about this passage?
2. In the beginning of this passage, we see Paul use different languages effectively as a means of sharing his faith. Although we do not need to be trilingual like Paul, we do need to understand how to speak the “right language” when sharing our faith. What are some common theological words that we need to better explain to those new to the faith?
3. Paul addresses the crowd from a respectful tone – he calls them his “brothers and fathers.” This is the same crowd who, moments earlier, were beating him to death. In many ways, he is living our Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 5:43-48. Read through this passage – what stands out to you?
4. What is the significance of Jesus asking Paul “Why are you persecuting me?” When, as far as we know, Paul never actually persecuted Jesus?
5. Keeping with the question above, read through 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. What/who is “God’s temple” being referred to by Paul in this passage? What are some ways we can destroy or harm this temple?
6. The crowd tolerates Paul’s testimony up until he explains that God has sent him to tell the message about Jesus to the “Gentiles” (Acts 22:21-22) and then they respond with violence. First, why was the crowd so opposed to the Gentiles? Second, who are some “Gentiles” that religious people today reject?
7. Finally, what is at least one way you are seeking to apply this passage to your life this week?
Tyler Ramsbey 