Study Questions – Acts #22
Faithfulness Equals Success
Acts 18:1-17
INTRODUCTION: Paul moves on to Corinth, another major city of Achaia (v. 1). Here he works alongside Priscilla and Aquila. They came from Rome as a result of a decree from Claudius expelling them along with other Jews (vv. 2–3). Paul argues the case for Jesus in the synagogue (v. 4). Meeting a mostly hostile reaction (vv. 5–6), Paul turns his attention to the Gentiles, where he has success. He also converts a few Jews, such as Crispus, a synagogue ruler (vv. 7–8). Paul stays there for a year and a half after receiving a vision (vv. 9–11). While Gallio is proconsul, zealous Jews make a case against Paul that he is teaching worship contrary to the law (vv. 12–13). Gallio responds that he will not judge an internal Jewish religious dispute (vv. 14–16). This leads to the beating of another believer who is a synagogue ruler, Sosthenes, an act Gallio does not stop (v. 17). Once again, success and persecution occur as the gospel goes forth. Rome judges Christianity not to be a threat to the state but stands to the side when persecution arises.[1] In this passage, we see Paul being faithful to the call of God to both share the gospel and to also stay in Corinth in the face of opposition. In what can seem like a simple passage, we are given a clear picture of what it looks like to be faithful. And, with that, we are reminded that Christians are called to be faithful.
GETTING STARTED – Often, in our lives, it isn’t big sweeping movements that lead to lasting transformation or change. Instead, change is found in small consist steps that increase over time. As you start your group time, talk about an experience you had where small faithful steps led to lasting change. Or, talk about how your trust in God has grown over time by watching him faithfully show up in your life.
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), 575.