“Wait” is a four-letter word for most of us. Due to political maneuverings and administrative incompetence and corruption, Paul has been waiting in prison for two years at this juncture in Acts without being formally charged with a crime. What is it about waiting that causes many of us to struggle? How should we respond […]

Paul is portrayed in the Scriptures as a man of action who is constantly on the move. What challenges and temptations do you think he faced as he waited for two years during his imprisonment in Caesarea? How do you respond when God does not work in your life according to your timetable? What can […]

At times our lives can take some nasty turns even though we are attempting to follow the Lord. How does the Lord encourage Paul here even though he doesn’t free him from his imprisonment? In the past, when you have encountered unexpected difficulties and challenges, how has the Lord comforted and strengthened your heart? What […]

Have you ever been the object of someone’s ridicule, disdain or hatred because of something that wasn’t even true or accurate about you or your beliefs? Why do you think Paul begged the Roman commander to let him speak to those who had just attempted to beat him to death? What can we learn from […]

In this section, Paul is receiving advice from well meaning believers (21:4,12) that was directly opposite of what he thought the Lord was calling him to do (20:22; 21:13). What are the dangers associated with following the view of the majority? What are the dangers associated with ignoring the view of the majority? Read 1 […]

As you read through Paul’s description of his time in Ephesus, what do you think were the priorities that guided how he invested his time and energy there? Do you see these priorities embraced by the church and its leaders in our culture? If not, how can you encourage the church to focus more on […]

How vital is the encouragement of other believers in our journey of faith? What challenges have you faced since becoming a believer that have caused you to get discouraged? How have other believers refreshed and encouraged you to continue to walk with the Lord? What is the difference between flattery and encouragement? What qualities make […]

As you interact with people who hold different views, are you one who relishes opportunities to confront the sinful practices of our society or are you one who tends to withhold comment when you know your Christian views will cause tension and conflict? What are the dangers of both of these approaches? How should we […]

In what way has Jesus “disturbed” your life – your thinking about religion, power, control, finances, etc.? If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, how has your relationship with God changed your thinking and your behavior? In Ephesus, many looked to magic, spells, and spiritual powers in order to attempt to gain control over […]