Acts #25 – Study Questions
Your will be done?
Acts 20:7-21:16
INTRODUCTION: Paul and his companions are making their way back to Jerusalem before Paul intends to set off for Rome and the farther reaches of the western Roman Empire. On their journey back to Jerusalem, they experience the healing of Eutychus and multiple instances of prophecy regarding Paul’s future in Jerusalem. In Caesarea, Philip and his four unmarried daughters, who are prophets, appear. Here Paul is warned about the dangers he will face in Jerusalem, dangers he is ready to face (vv. 4b, 11–15). Thus the unit prepares for the final section of Acts, where Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Rome. Paul is ready for what lies ahead. As Jesus resolved to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51–53), so Paul has resolved to go to Rome.[1] More than anything, this section forces us to look at the concept of God’s will. And, relevantly, ask the question, “How do I know God’s will?” As we search this passage for the answer, we should to come to the reassuring conclusion that God wants you to know his will. That is good news.
So how do we discern it? Luke will give us three filters, God’s glory, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit, and he will remind us that God gives us some autonomy in his will.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, talk about a moment when you had a difficult time getting clarity on God’s will for a decision in your life. In the end, what was the process for discerning God’s will, and what were the key influences or factors?
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), 635.