Study Questions – Acts #30
Hope that doesn’t fade.
Acts 28:11-31
INTRODUCTION: This final unit depicts Paul arriving in Rome (vv.11-16), receiving Jewish visitors on two occasions (vv. 17–22, 23–28), and others to whom he sets forth the gospel message (vv. 30–31). The Jews as a group are not receptive, but at the end of the unit, Paul is proclaiming to all about the Lord Jesus. In each scene with the Jews, Paul speaks and then there is a Jewish reaction. A summary reaction from Paul concludes the second Jewish meeting. Still, Acts ends on a note of triumph, but also with a note of regret at the lack of Jewish response, as the final citation of the OT comes from Isa. 6:9–10. Paul will turn to the Gentiles, though not giving up hope on what has proved to be a mostly stubborn Israel. God is the hero of Acts, and the plotline is how he reveals his word through Jesus and a faithful church.[1] It has been said that Acts does not have an end; it merely continues on through you and me. Let us be spurred on by Paul’s example to be obedient to the call of the gospel on our lives. The hope that lives in us does not fade because the power of our salvation never fades. Let us then be found faithful, giving away the source of hope, Jesus, the hope of the world.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, talk about your understanding of the role and importance of obedience. What does it communicate about our values and about our relationships? Or, discuss the difference in our obedience being motivated from a place of obligation or a place of love.
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), 760.