Study Questions – Acts #23
On Mission for Christ
Speaker: Pastor Joseph Scarfone
Acts 18:18-19:20
INTRODUCTION: Luke sets the stage for Paul’s trip to Ephesus with a cameo scene including Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquila. Apollos preaches in the synagogue with only knowledge of John’s baptism (vv. 24–25). Priscilla and Aquila correct him, bringing him up to date (v. 26). Apollos moves on to Achaia, bringing with him a letter of commendation. There he strengthens the believers and presents Jesus as the Christ to the Jews (vv. 27–28). The scene shows how Priscilla and Aquila help in Ephesus and that solid work is being done by others beyond Paul. In addition, some minister but need more instruction about details of the new faith. Instruction about the Spirit and the work of indwelling is still needed for some. This reference to the Spirit links this account to Acts 19:1–7, where the disciples of John the Baptist face the same problem. The promise is about Jesus and the Spirit he makes available.[1] The reality about the Holy Spirit in our lives is that we are filled with the very same Holy Spirit that Jesus was filled within his earthly life and ministry. Sometimes it can be easy to think that we are filled with a less powerful Holy Spirit than Jesus was, yet that is not the case at all! Here in Ephesus, we are reminded that through faith in Jesus, we are filled with God’s Spirit, and the Spirit helps us to glorify God.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, talk about your church backgrounds and how that has impacted how you see or understand the role of the Holy Spirit in your lives. Has there been someone in your life that has modeled a “Spirit-dependent life” for you? If so, describe what that looked like.
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), 590.