MAY WEEK 24
This week, we will continue our journey through the Acts of the Apostles with chapters 25-28, and then we will read the first chapter of 1 Timothy.
Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.
Discussion Questions:
• What did Festus determine was the key difference between Paul and the Jewish religious leaders who were accusing him? (Acts 25:17-19)
• What does Paul mean by performing deeds in keeping with repentance? (Acts 26:19-20)
• What impact can your prayer have on the lives of others around you, including unbelievers? (Acts 27:23-24)
• Paul spent at least two years as a prisoner in Rome. What do you imagine that might have been like? (Acts 28:30-31)
• Why did Jesus save the chief of sinners? (1 Tim. 1:15-16)
Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:
• What was Paul’s primary interest and goal in life? (Acts 20:24) – It was to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. He wanted to tell as many people as possible about Jesus.
• What would lead someone to go someplace where certain danger loomed? Even knowing that it is where God is leading you? (Acts 21:10-14) – Knowing that our suffering does not begin to compare with the glory that awaits us (Rom. 8:18).
• Paul seemed quite willing to suffer for the cause of Christ. So why did he seek to avoid it in Acts 22:24-26? – Paul was willing to suffer for Christ. But there was no reason to suffer needlessly.
• What are the differences between Pharisees and Sadducees? (Acts 23:6-8) – The biggest difference concerned the resurrection. Pharisees believed in a general resurrection at the end of the age. Sadducees did not. In addition, Sadducees only accepted the Torah as Scripture, while the Pharisees accepted what we call the Old Testament.
• Why did Paul call the early church “the Way”? (Acts 24:14-16) John 14:6 may help with this. – Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life. So, as followers of the Way, they were following Jesus, who was the way to the Father. They were ‘on the way’.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I spend time in Your Word this week, help me keep my eyes fixed on You so that I will not be shaken. Hide me under the shadow of Your wings and remind me that You are my refuge and strength. When life feels uncertain, teach me to trust in You more than in my own abilities or the things of this world. Let Your glory fill my heart just as it fills all creation, and help me walk closely with You each day. I pray this in Jesus’ name - Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals
Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.
Discussion Questions:
• What did Festus determine was the key difference between Paul and the Jewish religious leaders who were accusing him? (Acts 25:17-19)
• What does Paul mean by performing deeds in keeping with repentance? (Acts 26:19-20)
• What impact can your prayer have on the lives of others around you, including unbelievers? (Acts 27:23-24)
• Paul spent at least two years as a prisoner in Rome. What do you imagine that might have been like? (Acts 28:30-31)
• Why did Jesus save the chief of sinners? (1 Tim. 1:15-16)
Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:
• What was Paul’s primary interest and goal in life? (Acts 20:24) – It was to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. He wanted to tell as many people as possible about Jesus.
• What would lead someone to go someplace where certain danger loomed? Even knowing that it is where God is leading you? (Acts 21:10-14) – Knowing that our suffering does not begin to compare with the glory that awaits us (Rom. 8:18).
• Paul seemed quite willing to suffer for the cause of Christ. So why did he seek to avoid it in Acts 22:24-26? – Paul was willing to suffer for Christ. But there was no reason to suffer needlessly.
• What are the differences between Pharisees and Sadducees? (Acts 23:6-8) – The biggest difference concerned the resurrection. Pharisees believed in a general resurrection at the end of the age. Sadducees did not. In addition, Sadducees only accepted the Torah as Scripture, while the Pharisees accepted what we call the Old Testament.
• Why did Paul call the early church “the Way”? (Acts 24:14-16) John 14:6 may help with this. – Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life. So, as followers of the Way, they were following Jesus, who was the way to the Father. They were ‘on the way’.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I spend time in Your Word this week, help me keep my eyes fixed on You so that I will not be shaken. Hide me under the shadow of Your wings and remind me that You are my refuge and strength. When life feels uncertain, teach me to trust in You more than in my own abilities or the things of this world. Let Your glory fill my heart just as it fills all creation, and help me walk closely with You each day. I pray this in Jesus’ name - Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals