Study Questions – Acts #21
Hearts That Make a Difference
Acts 17:1-34
INTRODUCTION: Over the last two chapters (14-16), we have watched Paul and company travel over 1,500 miles via foot and sea to carry the gospel into new territory and even onto a new continent (Asia to Europe). As they do this, they are taking faithful steps to fulfill Jesus’ command to be his witnesses to the “ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) From Philippi, Paul moved on directly to the capital city of Macedonia, Thessalonica, where he had a successful mission in the Jewish synagogue, winning converts among the Jews and the Gentile adherents. When trouble arose this time, it sprang from the jealousy of the Jews at Paul’s success with the Gentiles. Not being able to lay their hands on Paul, they took his friends before the city authorities and accused them of treason. The magistrates dealt with the matter by binding the accused over to keep the peace, and the Christians responded by sending Paul and Silas away to the neighboring town of Berea. Here, nothing daunted, they again campaigned in the synagogue with similar encouraging results until a deputation of Jews from Thessalonica incited the crowds against the Christians. Once more, it was judged expedient for Paul to depart, and he made his way to Athens.[1] At each stop in chapter 17 (the Thessalonians, Bereans, and Athinians), what we will come to see is the posture of our hearts matters. And, if our hearts are hard, they will rob us of joy.
GETTING STARTED – Each of us can relate to the reality that a hard heart can steal away our joy. As you begin your time together, share a time when you received good news, or a friend was trying to care for you and the posture of your heart prevented you from receiving their care. Or, share an example of how someone’s kindness help reorient the posture of your heart.
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] I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 5, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), 291–292.