Acts 21:17-22:29 – 10th September 2021

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read Acts 21:17-22:29 (It may help to read Acts 21:1-16 to remember the context from last week)
  2. What locations or settings are mentioned?
  3. What characters are mentioned? How are they described?
  4. What problems arise in the narrative?
  5. How would you summarize the plan of James and the elders in verses 22-25?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1.  What do the Jews say about Paul? (21:21, 28-29)
    1. Are there charges true? False? Partially true? (cross reference Acts 16:1-3)
  2. Paul participates in a "Nazarite vow" in order to disprove the rumors of the Jews (Numbers 6:1-21 describes the vow process).
    1. Why do you think Paul was so concerned about what the Jews thought of him?
    2. Why did he show himself in the temple, despite the danger?
  3. Earlier in chapter 21, Agabus prophesied about Paul being "bound" in Jerusalem. How do you see this fulfilled in these verses?
  4. Why do you think Paul decided to address the people in the Hebrew language? (21:40-22:21)
    1. What message does he try to communicate?
  5. Do you see any similarities/differences between Paul's capture in Jerusalem and Jesus'?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. Paul courageously tries to show himself as a Jew and to therefore be above reproach to those who wanted to condemn him.
    1. How can we learn from Paul here?
    2. How can we grow in having a clear conscience and being ready to give a defense to outsiders? (1 Peter 3:14-17)
    3. What can you do to grow in your own assurance and trust in God--even in difficult circumstances?
  2. Paul is also quick to share his testimony--the story of the gospel and his faith in Jesus.
    1. What is your testimony? Would you be able to share it in 3-5 minutes if an opportunity came?
    2. How can you practice sharing your testimony this week?
    3. Paul briefly describes the gospel in verse 16 (Jesus washes away our sin when we repent and call on His name). Why is it important not to leave out the gospel when we share how Jesus has changed our lives?

Acts 21:17-22:29 – 10th September 2021

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read Acts 21:17-22:29 (It may help to read Acts 21:1-16 to remember the context from last week)
  2. What locations or settings are mentioned?
  3. What characters are mentioned? How are they described?
  4. What problems arise in the narrative?
  5. How would you summarize the plan of James and the elders in verses 22-25?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1.  What do the Jews say about Paul? (21:21, 28-29)
    1. Are there charges true? False? Partially true? (cross reference Acts 16:1-3)
  2. Paul participates in a "Nazarite vow" in order to disprove the rumors of the Jews (Numbers 6:1-21 describes the vow process).
    1. Why do you think Paul was so concerned about what the Jews thought of him?
    2. Why did he show himself in the temple, despite the danger?
  3. Earlier in chapter 21, Agabus prophesied about Paul being "bound" in Jerusalem. How do you see this fulfilled in these verses?
  4. Why do you think Paul decided to address the people in the Hebrew language? (21:40-22:21)
    1. What message does he try to communicate?
  5. Do you see any similarities/differences between Paul's capture in Jerusalem and Jesus'?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. Paul courageously tries to show himself as a Jew and to therefore be above reproach to those who wanted to condemn him.
    1. How can we learn from Paul here?
    2. How can we grow in having a clear conscience and being ready to give a defense to outsiders? (1 Peter 3:14-17)
    3. What can you do to grow in your own assurance and trust in God--even in difficult circumstances?
  2. Paul is also quick to share his testimony--the story of the gospel and his faith in Jesus.
    1. What is your testimony? Would you be able to share it in 3-5 minutes if an opportunity came?
    2. How can you practice sharing your testimony this week?
    3. Paul briefly describes the gospel in verse 16 (Jesus washes away our sin when we repent and call on His name). Why is it important not to leave out the gospel when we share how Jesus has changed our lives?