DAY 19: Acts 21:17-22:29

SECTION 5 - PAUL IN JERUSALEM (ACTS 21:17-23:11)

Day 19: Acts 21:17-22:29 - Arrest in Jerusalem

What does James warn Paul about?

The Roman garrison commander and his soldiers rescue Paul from being killed in a violent scene. Paul then has an opportunity to address his attackers.

As Paul tells the Jews about his experience, what does he teach about Jesus?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for J & R

DAY 18: Acts 21:1-16

Day 18: Acts 21:1-16 - Man on a Mission

What warnings does Paul receive as he travels to Jerusalem?

What is Paul’s attitude to the danger he faces (verse 13)?

Without spoiling the ending, Paul later writes to the Philippians, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” (Philippians 1:21-24)

What do you live for? What would you die for?

“Surely none are so crazy as those who are content to live unprepared to die.” - J.C. Ryle

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley

DAY 17: Acts 20:17-38

Day 17: Acts 20:17-38 - Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

What does Paul have to say in defense of this ministry?

What is his charge to the Ephesian elders? (verses 28-31)

Tears are brought up three times in this passage (verses 9, 31-37). What causes these tears?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students

DAY 16: Acts 20:1-16

Day 16: Acts 20:1-16 - Paul’s Encouraging Trip

Paul covers a lot of ground in this section, travelling from Asia to Macedonia to Greece, then back through Macedonia before sailing down the west coast of Asia on his way to Jerusalem.

What was Paul doing on his trip? (verses 2, 7-12)

What do you think Christian encouragement looks like?

The death and resurrection of the young man Eutychus made for a dramatic day at the church! This dramatic event reminds us of the ministry of Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37), but also of Jesus when he raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-43).

(Tricky question) What parallels are we supposed to draw between Paul, Jesus, Elijah and Elisha and each of their circumstances?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for UQES

DAY 15: Acts 19:23-41

Day 15: Acts 19:23-41 - Riot in Ephesus

Imagine the scene! Ephesus was the most important city in the Roman province of Asia. Situated at the mouth of the Cayster River, with a magnificent harbour, it was the greatest commercial city of the province. Its population was around a third of a million, and its amphitheater is estimated to have held 25,000 people. Ephesus held the famous temple of the Greek fertility god Artemis. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

What sparked the riot in Ephesus?

What was the size and scale of the riot? What do you imagine it would have been like to be there?

Syncretism is combining or blending separate beliefs and practices, something common in the Greco-Roman world. This passage shows how the early Christians rejected syncretism. They did not let God be represented by the Ephesian idols, and they did not accept that people could continue to worship Artemis or other man-made gods as we as the true God. This had huge ramifications in their city!

Where do you think we are tempted towards syncretism in Australia?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for the Frasers in Slovenia

DAY 14: Acts 19:8-20

Day 14: Acts 19:8-20 - Ministry in Ephesus

How is the power of Jesus shown in this passage?

Why do you think people were seized with fear in verse 17? What were they afraid of?

How are fear and repentance related?

Flip over to Luke 12:4-10. What does Jesus have to say about fear there? How should we respond to Jesus?

Note: A drachma was a silver coin worth about a day’s wages.

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Dan & Rachel Djamaluddin

DAY 13: Acts 18:23-19:7

SECTION 4 - PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY (ACTS 18:23-21:16)

Day 13: Acts 18:23-19:7 - Paul, Apollos, and John’s Baptism in Ephesus

We meet Apollos, a learned and gifted evangelist, in Ephesus. But his message, while accurate, is not quite complete. He only knows the baptism of John.

What do you think he was preaching? (see Acts 19:4, Mark 1:1-8)

Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside and teach him the way of God more completely. How does that change his message? (verse 28)

How does this help us understand the second baptism, receiving of the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues that occurs when Paul comes to Ephesus after Apollos has left? (Acts 19:1-7)

If someone said that you need to receive a second baptism in the Spirit and speak in tongues or you are missing out as a Christian (or aren’t a Christian), what would you say?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Linda McKerrell

DAY 12: Acts 18:1-22

Day 12: Acts 18:1-22 - In Corinth

This passage introduces us to Aquila and Priscilla who become great partners with Paul in his ministry. But the central theme of the passage is the rejection of the gospel by the Jews and the subsequent salvation of the Gentiles.

This should raise lots of questions for us!

Have God’s promises to the Jews failed? Did God reject his people? Can the Jews be saved? How should Gentile Christians think about and relate to non-Christian Jews?

Paul tackles these questions and more in Romans 9-11. So, take one to three days/studies to read through Romans 9-11. How does this help you understand what is going on in Corinth?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne

DAY 11: Acts 17:16-34

Day 11: Acts 17:16-34 - On the Attack in Athens

This passage is often used by people (rightly or wrongly) as an example of being “missional.” The term “missional” is quite trendy and is used to mean a whole bunch of different things, but generally carries the idea of engaging your culture with the gospel.

How does Paul “engage” with the culture here?

The Athenians regard Paul as a foolish babbler (verse 18). But what opinion do you form about them from the story?

What does Paul have to say about Jesus and the resurrection? How does this gospel cut through the Athenian culture?

What would it look like for you to be “missional” like Paul?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for QUT Christians

DAY 10: Acts 17:1-15

Day 10: Acts 17:1-15 - The King of Scriptures

What pattern do you notice as Paul goes to Thessalonica and Berea?

What is Paul’s evangelistic strategy?

How would you go at explaining to someone from the Scriptures that Jesus is the King? Where would you take someone in the Bible to demonstrate that it’s true?

Take a few minutes today to practice showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is King. You could do this with your spouse, kids, friends or someone from your Growth Group.

If you want some help, you could talk to your Growth Group leader, elder, or member of staff.

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Thang Bwee in Myanmar

DAY 9: Acts 16:11-40

Day 9: Acts 16:11-40 - Fracas in Philippi

What a story! God saves Lydia and her household, and a new church is formed in Philippi. Then comes the major drama…

What injustices do you see in the story?

How could Paul and Silas possibly be praying and singing in verse 25?

How does the jailor respond to the events that follow? Are there particular things that stand out to you?

Paul’s suffering and his vindication by God (through the earthquake) lead to the salvation of the jailer and his whole family. How does this remind you of Jesus’ suffering?

At the end of the story Paul and Silas are set free, yet Paul refuses to go unless he is escorted out and the magistrates acknowledge the criminal injustice they have performed. This isn’t Paul being vindictive. This is probably Paul clearing his name and demonstrating his innocence for the sake of the new church in Philippi.

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for J & R

DAY 8: Acts 16:6-10

Day 8: Acts 16:6-10 - Guided by the Spirit

This short section may sound strange to our evangelical ears! So it’s worth a little extra time.

What questions do you have?

How are the Trinity involved in the missionary journey of Paul and his companions?

Why do you think Luke records the events of verses 6-8 this way?

What is the point of this passage? How does this fit with Jesus’ commission to the disciples in 1:8 and Paul’s commission for his first missionary journey in 13:2-3?

(Note: In verse 10 the writing shifts from saying “He” and “They” to “We”. It is probably at this point that the author Luke joins Paul on his missionary journeys.)

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley

DAY 7: Acts 15:36-16:5

SECTION 3 - PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY (ACTS 15:36-18:22)

Day 7: Acts 15:36-16:5 - Paul’s New Companions

Paul sets out again on his second missionary journey. This time he goes overland through the regions of Syria and Cilicia, rather than by the sea.

What do you make of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?


Luke doesn’t record anything of the reconciliation that occurs later between Paul, Barnabas and Mark (Col 4:20, 2 Tim 4:11, Phm 24), and they don’t appear in the book of Acts again. Instead Paul sets off with Silas, and then adds Timothy as a partner.

Because Timothy’s mum was a Jew (Jews trace Jewishness through the mother’s line rather than the father’s - New Bible Commentary), Timothy was counted as a Jew and should have been circumcised. Paul was firmly against circumcising Gentiles to make them Jews in order that they might be saved. But Paul circumcises Timothy, probably so he couldn’t be accused of teaching that Jews should turn away from being Jews too.

What attributes of Silas and Timothy do we know of? (See also Acts 14:22, 32-35).

This passage gives examples of partnerships in gospel ministry. Who are you partnering with in ministry? Who could you encourage and invite to join you?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students

DAY 6: Acts 15:1-35

SECTION 2 - CIRCUMCISION CONTROVERSY AND THE COUNCIL IN JERUSALEM (ACTS 15:1-35)

Day 6: Acts 15:1-35 - Circumcision Controversy and the Council in Jerusalem

The salvation of the Gentiles has lead to a question over circumcision.

What is being taught by this circumcision group? (see verse 1 and 5)

This teaching brings Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with this group. It’s so serious that the church in Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas to convene a council in Jerusalem to officially answer the question.

Before digging in to the council’s answer, why do you think this is such a significant issue?

What do Peter and James have to say? How is the question settled?

How does Paul and Barnabas’ testimony in v12 support the decision?

The verdict is that Gentile believers do not have to become Jews in order to be saved. But neither may Gentile believers act in a way that divides the church fellowship.

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for UQES

DAY 5: Acts 14:21-28

Day 5: Acts 14:21-28 - Follow Up (The Return Trip to Antioch in Syria)

A great number of people have heard the gospel and become disciples of the Lord Jesus on this mission trip!

Pisidian Antioch

13:44 “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.”

13:48-49 “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honoured the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”

Iconium

14:1 “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.”

Derbe

14:21 “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.”

The question is: will these new believers persevere?

As you think about the circumstances of these Christians, what will make it hard for them to persevere?

How do Paul and Barnabas seek to help them persevere?

From beginning to end, Paul and Barnabas see this missionary work as God’s work. They were sent out by the Holy Spirit to speak the word of the Lord, and in verse 27 they report back all that “God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”

Whose hands does perseverance ultimately rest in? (You could read Romans 8:28-39 too if you have time).

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for the Frasers in Slovenia

DAY 4: Acts 14:8-21a

Day 4: Acts 14:8-21a - Torn Clothes in Lystra

The people of Lystra get things totally wrong. Then they see Paul miraculously heal the crippled man, they call Paul and Barnabas gods and try to sacrifice to them. One thing this shows is that miracles in themselves aren’t enough to save people!

What stands out to you about the apostles’ reaction?

Total up the responses to Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey by the end of their work in Derbe (Derbe is as far as they go on this trip). What do you think kept them going?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for Dan & Rachel Djamaludin

DAY 3: Acts 14:1-7

Day 3: Acts 14:1-7 - The Schism of Iconium

How do people respond to the message and the messengers in Iconium?

What part do miraculous works play in gospel preaching here?

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16:

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?

What do you expect to happen when you preach the gospel?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for Linda McKerrell

DAY 2: Acts 13:13-52

Day 2: Acts 13:13-52 - Taking the Gospel to Pisidian Antioch

Sadly, John Mark didn’t last long on the trip, but deserts Paul and Barnabas.

What is the plot of the story of Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch? i.e. what events happen?

What do you think the main point is from the events?

This is the first sermon of Paul’s that Luke records for us. What is the gospel (good news) Paul preaches? (see v32-39 in particular)

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne

DAY 1: Intro and Acts 13:1-12

INTRODUCTION

Psalm 1:1-4 says,

 
Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

 
It’s normal — and good — for Christians to delight in reading the Bible. Not just to skim it, but to meditate on it: to turn it over in our minds, to seek what our heavenly Father is teaching us, and to let his word take root in every corner of our lives.

These notes and prayer suggestions are designed to help you do just that. Each study and prayer time should take about 15 minutes, depending on the length and complexity of the passage. This series includes 41 studies on Acts 13–28 and 1 Thessalonians, with some optional extra readings.

For this series of Ann Street Daily, we’re encouraging you to try something a little different in prayer. Each day:

·         Thank God for one thing from the passage.

·         Ask God for help with one thing you’ve been challenged by in the passage.

Alongside this, we’ll list one of our mission partners each day. As you reflect on God’s word, look for ways to pray for them in light of what the passage has stirred in you. For example, if the passage highlights perseverance, pray that they would persevere in gospel ministry. If it speaks of joy, ask that they would find joy in Christ even amid difficulties. In this way, your prayers for our partners will be shaped and enriched by Scripture itself.

And of course, keep praying for the people around you and the concerns that are on your heart each day.

As you begin, it’s good to ask for God’s help in understanding and living out his word. You could pray something like this:

Heavenly Father, please help me to understand your word by your Spirit.
Please help me to delight in what you say, to remember it, and to live by it.
Please grow me to become more like the Lord Jesus. Amen.

May God bless you richly as you read and meditate on his word.

SECTION 1: PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY WITH BARNABAS (ACTS 13:1 - 14:28)

Day 1: Acts 13:1-12 - Paul and Barnabas sent out by the Holy Spirit

Barnabas and Paul (Saul) went to Jerusalem to bring money to the church, who were suffering through a severe famine. Now they are sent off by the Holy Spirit to begin what has become known as Paul’s first missionary journey. John Mark (the probable writer of the gospel of Mark) goes with them. Their first stop is Barnabas’ home island of Cyprus (Acts 4:36).

How is the Holy Spirit involved in this mission?

Elymas and the Proconsul are each powerful figures, but how does this story show the power and authority of Jesus? (Remember Acts 1:8?)

Note: A proconsul was a governor of a province in the Roman Republic appointed for one year by the Senate.

Note: “Bar-Jesus” means “Son of Jesus” or “Son of Joshua”

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for QUT Christians

DAY 40: Galatians 6:11-18

A Final Appeal! - Galatians 6:11-18

Yet again we can build the picture of what’s happening in Galatia. The troubling people care about outward impressions (6:12), the avoidance of persecution (5:12) and growing in fame (5:13), They are trying to ‘compel’ the foolish Galatians into circumcision and away from Jesus and his cross.


Have a look at these references to the cross in Galatians (1:4, 2:20-21, 3:1, 13, 4:5, 5:11, 6:12, 14). How does the cross guarantee our freedom and guard against legalism and slavery?


What key things have you learned from Galatians that will influence your Christian life?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Thang Bwee: Pray for peace in Myanmar — and that God’s kingdom would grow despite conflict, as churches stand firm in hope.

3. Praise God for all He has done through Good News Week. Ask that Ann Street would continue to be a church where Christ is proclaimed and people are sent.