Acts #17 – Study Questions
Foundational Faith
Acts 14:1-28
INTRODUCTION: Here, in chapter 14, the first missionary journey continues. Paul and Barnabas move to a city on a high plateau over the plains, Iconium (v. 1a), sitting at an altitude of 3,370 feet. It was a culturally mixed city. The missionaries are traveling the well-known Roman commercial road known as the Royal Road. Here the typical preaching pattern emerges. They preach, and many Jews and Gentiles respond (v. 1b). Opposition surfaces, however, despite the work of word and act that the missionaries perform (vv. 2–3). The city is divided, and violence ensues against the missionary effort (vv. 4–5). The preachers are forced to flee to Lystra and Derbe, where they continue to preach in a new setting (vv. 6–7).[1] Through the passage as a whole, we see the faith of both Paul, his companions, and the man needing healing. Each of them places their trust in God, and faith requires trust. Their faith is a forward-looking trust that is rooted in God’s past provisions. And as Luke concludes this section with Paul and his companions back at their sending church, we will hear that God has done a mighty work! Faith requires trust, but with God, it is never “blind faith.” It is always built on what God has already done.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your time together, share about times where you were able or positioned to trust God for something in the future because of what he had previously done in your life. Or, discuss the question, “Does the Bible ever call us to ‘blind faith’?” If so, how and where does it say that? If not, what does it say about faith?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
[1] Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 468.