Acts 25:1-26:32 – 1st October 2021

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read Acts 25:1-26:32
  2. What characters are mentioned?
  3. What are repeated words/phrases?
  4. Why did the Jewish leaders want Paul to stand trial in Jerusalem?
  5. What is Festus' reaction to Paul's speech? What about King Agrippa's reaction?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1. What is similar between Festus & Felix (from chapter 24)?
  2. Why do the Jews continue to want to kill Paul? Why do the Romans or Gentiles seem not to?
  3. This is the third time in chapters 22-26 that we hear Paul's testimony.
    1. Why do you think the author, Luke, repeats Paul's testimony again?
    2. Do you notice any differences between this account and the previous ones?
    3. What would you say is the theme of Paul's testimony here?
  4. What did Jesus mean when he told Paul "it is hard for you to kick against the goads" in 26:14?
  5. Do you think that Paul's aim was to convince King Agrippa of his innocence or of the gospel?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. Paul shares his testimony once again in Acts. How does this challenge you to grow in sharing your own testimony?
    1. What are some benefits of being able to share your personal testimony concisely?
    2. Why do you think it's good or helpful to share about sin and your life before Christ? (like Paul in 26:9-11)
    3. What are some ways you can adjust your testimony based on who is listening?
  2. Paul experiences different responses from Festus and Agrippa. What are some different responses that someone might have to your testimony?
    1. Should that affect what you share?
    2. Should that affect how you share?
  3. How do you handle situations where you are criticized for what you believe?
    1. How can you learn from Paul's response to King Agrippa in 26:29?

Acts 25:1-26:32 – 1st October 2021

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read Acts 25:1-26:32
  2. What characters are mentioned?
  3. What are repeated words/phrases?
  4. Why did the Jewish leaders want Paul to stand trial in Jerusalem?
  5. What is Festus' reaction to Paul's speech? What about King Agrippa's reaction?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1. What is similar between Festus & Felix (from chapter 24)?
  2. Why do the Jews continue to want to kill Paul? Why do the Romans or Gentiles seem not to?
  3. This is the third time in chapters 22-26 that we hear Paul's testimony.
    1. Why do you think the author, Luke, repeats Paul's testimony again?
    2. Do you notice any differences between this account and the previous ones?
    3. What would you say is the theme of Paul's testimony here?
  4. What did Jesus mean when he told Paul "it is hard for you to kick against the goads" in 26:14?
  5. Do you think that Paul's aim was to convince King Agrippa of his innocence or of the gospel?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. Paul shares his testimony once again in Acts. How does this challenge you to grow in sharing your own testimony?
    1. What are some benefits of being able to share your personal testimony concisely?
    2. Why do you think it's good or helpful to share about sin and your life before Christ? (like Paul in 26:9-11)
    3. What are some ways you can adjust your testimony based on who is listening?
  2. Paul experiences different responses from Festus and Agrippa. What are some different responses that someone might have to your testimony?
    1. Should that affect what you share?
    2. Should that affect how you share?
  3. How do you handle situations where you are criticized for what you believe?
    1. How can you learn from Paul's response to King Agrippa in 26:29?