READ ACTS 26
Summarize Paul’s defense.
What was Festus response?
What was King Agrippa’s response?
READ ACTS 27
What season of the year do you think it was?
What are some of the desperate actions of the crew?
Read verses 27-44. How many nights passed before the crew realized they were approaching land?
Why were the prisoners lives preserved?
READ ACTS 28
What was unusual about the islanders according to verse 2?
Why did the islanders suspect Paul to be a murderer?
When Paul suffered no ill effects, what opposite assumption did the islanders make?
How did God reveal His power throughout the island?
Who did Paul appeal to once he got to Rome? What was the heart of his message?
What letters does Paul write during his imprisonment?
Conclusion from February 13 Class
As we have seen throughout this study Paul pressed ahead through a series of intense hardships (2 Cor 11:22-28).
On top of all this laundry list of pain, the Lord gave him a thorn in the flesh. The Lord answered his desperate prayers to remove the thorn, whatever it may have been. The answer, “My grace is sufficient for you, b/c power is perfected in weakness.”
This is a radical concept. It is basically anti-American. This isn’t a pull yourself up by your bootstraps motto. Strength is not found in good genetics or hard work, it is found in God’s power. Matter of fact the only way to qualify to receive strength is to be weak.
I think we’d rather admire Paul for his strength in trials, his quick thinking. He had a well trained mind and had a genetic predisposition to handle pain. I think if Paul was alive today he would resist such an idea. He would correct such a misstatement and say, “Strength comes from embracing weakness and boasting in that.”
Scottish preacher, James Stewart, made a similar, challenging statement:
“It is always upon human weakness and humiliation, not human strength and confidence, that God chooses to build his Kingdom; and that He can use us not merely in spite of our ordinariness and helplessness and disqualifying infirmities, but precisely because of them.”
Embracing this truth transforms our mental attitude toward our circumstances.
Our humiliations, struggles, battles, weaknesses, feelings of inadequacy, and helplessness are precisely what make you and I effective.
On top of all this laundry list of pain, the Lord gave him a thorn in the flesh. The Lord answered his desperate prayers to remove the thorn, whatever it may have been. The answer, “My grace is sufficient for you, b/c power is perfected in weakness.”
This is a radical concept. It is basically anti-American. This isn’t a pull yourself up by your bootstraps motto. Strength is not found in good genetics or hard work, it is found in God’s power. Matter of fact the only way to qualify to receive strength is to be weak.
I think we’d rather admire Paul for his strength in trials, his quick thinking. He had a well trained mind and had a genetic predisposition to handle pain. I think if Paul was alive today he would resist such an idea. He would correct such a misstatement and say, “Strength comes from embracing weakness and boasting in that.”
Scottish preacher, James Stewart, made a similar, challenging statement:
“It is always upon human weakness and humiliation, not human strength and confidence, that God chooses to build his Kingdom; and that He can use us not merely in spite of our ordinariness and helplessness and disqualifying infirmities, but precisely because of them.”
Embracing this truth transforms our mental attitude toward our circumstances.
Our humiliations, struggles, battles, weaknesses, feelings of inadequacy, and helplessness are precisely what make you and I effective.
Class 11 Questions: Acts 22-23
Last week we discussed the 90/10 Principle. “10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react.” As way of review, how did Paul respond to:
Angry mob in Ephesus (Acts 19):
Unexpected death of Eutychus (Acts 20):
Bad news prophecy (Acts 20-21):
Bad news from James (Acts 21):
Angry mob in Jerusalem (Acts 21):
READ ACTS 21:37-22:30
List every way Paul tried to relate to his audience?
Break down Paul’s sermon into its major parts.
Based on 22:19, what was Paul’s reason for believing he might have an effective testimony among the Jews?
Why do you think the Jews listened to Paul until he brought up the Gentiles?
READ ACTS 23:1-11
What do you think Paul meant when he said he had fulfilled his “duty to God in all good conscience”?
What did Paul mean when he called Ananias “you whitewashed wall”? What was Paul responding to?
Why did Paul say he was on trial? Why bring up the resurrection of the dead?
READ ACTS 23:11-35
Where was the Lord when He spoke to Paul?
How do we know these men were serious about their plot to kill Paul? Why was Paul such a divisive figure?
On what basis could Paul have known their plans would be unsuccessful?
Who escorted Paul away from Jerusalem? Why was Paul protected with such force?
Angry mob in Ephesus (Acts 19):
Unexpected death of Eutychus (Acts 20):
Bad news prophecy (Acts 20-21):
Bad news from James (Acts 21):
Angry mob in Jerusalem (Acts 21):
READ ACTS 21:37-22:30
List every way Paul tried to relate to his audience?
Break down Paul’s sermon into its major parts.
Based on 22:19, what was Paul’s reason for believing he might have an effective testimony among the Jews?
Why do you think the Jews listened to Paul until he brought up the Gentiles?
READ ACTS 23:1-11
What do you think Paul meant when he said he had fulfilled his “duty to God in all good conscience”?
What did Paul mean when he called Ananias “you whitewashed wall”? What was Paul responding to?
Why did Paul say he was on trial? Why bring up the resurrection of the dead?
READ ACTS 23:11-35
Where was the Lord when He spoke to Paul?
How do we know these men were serious about their plot to kill Paul? Why was Paul such a divisive figure?
On what basis could Paul have known their plans would be unsuccessful?
Who escorted Paul away from Jerusalem? Why was Paul protected with such force?
90/10 Principle (Stephen Covey)
Here is an excerpt from the Stephen Covey article we discussed last week in class.
Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life.
What is this principle?
10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light., but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react. Let's take an example. You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day? A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened. Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say," It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having. Notice the difference? Two different scenarios.
Both started the same.
Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life.
What is this principle?
10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light., but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react. Let's take an example. You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day? A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened. Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say," It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having. Notice the difference? Two different scenarios.
Both started the same.
Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Class 10 Questions: Acts 20-21
READ ACTS 20:1-12
Including Luke, how many people accompanied Paul back through Macedonia.
Why do you suppose Paul was so long-winded when they met together to break bread?
The Bible records two other times when God’s servants raised someone from the dead by a similar method. Who were they and what were the circumstances? What are the similarities in these three accounts?
READ ACTS 20:13-38
Based on verses 18-21, what words or phrases describes Paul’s ministry to the Ephesians?
In verse 24, what did Paul state was the task God had given him.
In your own words summarize what Paul admonished his hearers to do.
Why do you think difficulties might be awaiting Paul in Jerusalem?
READ ACTS 21:1-16
Acts 21:4 indicates Paul was in Tyre. Look back in ACTS 11:19. How had Christians originally been planted in Phoenicia, the region in which Tyre is located?
How is Philip identified in ACTS 21:8?
What did Agabus predict through his dramatic interpretation?
READ ACTS 21:17-36
How would you describe Paul’s initial reception in Jerusalem?
For what reason did Paul come to Jerusalem?
Why were the believing Jews upset with Paul?
Name as many reasons as you can why Paul might have followed James advice.
Including Luke, how many people accompanied Paul back through Macedonia.
Why do you suppose Paul was so long-winded when they met together to break bread?
The Bible records two other times when God’s servants raised someone from the dead by a similar method. Who were they and what were the circumstances? What are the similarities in these three accounts?
READ ACTS 20:13-38
Based on verses 18-21, what words or phrases describes Paul’s ministry to the Ephesians?
In verse 24, what did Paul state was the task God had given him.
In your own words summarize what Paul admonished his hearers to do.
Why do you think difficulties might be awaiting Paul in Jerusalem?
READ ACTS 21:1-16
Acts 21:4 indicates Paul was in Tyre. Look back in ACTS 11:19. How had Christians originally been planted in Phoenicia, the region in which Tyre is located?
How is Philip identified in ACTS 21:8?
What did Agabus predict through his dramatic interpretation?
READ ACTS 21:17-36
How would you describe Paul’s initial reception in Jerusalem?
For what reason did Paul come to Jerusalem?
Why were the believing Jews upset with Paul?
Name as many reasons as you can why Paul might have followed James advice.
Class 9 Questions: Acts 18-19
Class 9: Tents, Magic, and Riots
READ ACTS 18:1-18
How did the Corinthian Jews respond to Paul’s message?
Paul described how he approached Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Record those things that were absent and those things that were present in Paul when he came to them.
Absent:
Present:
READ ACTS 18:19-23
How did the Jews at Ephesus respond to Paul’s message?
When Paul departs, Priscilla and Aquila remained. What does 1 Corinthians 16:19 tell us they did in Ephesus?
READ ACTS 18:24-28
Describe Apollos. *
In what way did Priscilla and Aquila open their home once again for the sake of the gospel?
READ ACTS 19:1-23
What does the word extraordinary (NIV) say in regard to the miracles at Ephesus (vv. 11-12)?
Why do you think the seven sons of Sceva were unsuccessful?
In what ways did the Jews and Gentiles’ awe turn into action (vv. 18-19)?
What was the result of the city praising the name of Christ and cleansing their homes of evil materials?
How does Scripture demonstrate the fruit of repentance in verses 17-19?
READ ACTS 19:23-41
Why did the disciples not want Paul to appear before the crowd?
Based on verses 30-31, cite every assumption or conclusion you can draw about Paul.
What does verse 32 tell us about most of the people?
READ ACTS 18:1-18
How did the Corinthian Jews respond to Paul’s message?
Paul described how he approached Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Record those things that were absent and those things that were present in Paul when he came to them.
Absent:
Present:
READ ACTS 18:19-23
How did the Jews at Ephesus respond to Paul’s message?
When Paul departs, Priscilla and Aquila remained. What does 1 Corinthians 16:19 tell us they did in Ephesus?
READ ACTS 18:24-28
Describe Apollos. *
In what way did Priscilla and Aquila open their home once again for the sake of the gospel?
READ ACTS 19:1-23
What does the word extraordinary (NIV) say in regard to the miracles at Ephesus (vv. 11-12)?
Why do you think the seven sons of Sceva were unsuccessful?
In what ways did the Jews and Gentiles’ awe turn into action (vv. 18-19)?
What was the result of the city praising the name of Christ and cleansing their homes of evil materials?
How does Scripture demonstrate the fruit of repentance in verses 17-19?
READ ACTS 19:23-41
Why did the disciples not want Paul to appear before the crowd?
Based on verses 30-31, cite every assumption or conclusion you can draw about Paul.
What does verse 32 tell us about most of the people?
Three Observations about Apollos
I believe Apollos is worthy of our attention for three reasons:
1. His way with Scripture.
NIV says Apollos “was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). The KJV says he was “mighty in the Scriptures.” The original word for might is dunatos which means powerful. When Apollos spoke, he was dynamite with the Sctipures.
2. His passion for God.
Verse 25 tells us he spoke with great fervor. Anyone can be loud and boisterous, just ask our middle child, Eli. But a passion for God is not found in how loud you can get. Some of the most passionate people I know are soft-spoken but deeply moved by God and His word. Apollos was so passionate that in the Greek he is described as a “boiling pot of water”. Apollos couldn’t help but speak. God had so much cooking in him he was boiling over.
3. His teachable spirit.
Most of us don’t like being told we don’t know something. When corrected, we can be shocked and insulted like we’ve just heard a horrific news flash. Not Apollos. Priscilla and Aquila brought him into their home and told him the rest of the story. You know what Apollos did? He listened and learned.
1. His way with Scripture.
NIV says Apollos “was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). The KJV says he was “mighty in the Scriptures.” The original word for might is dunatos which means powerful. When Apollos spoke, he was dynamite with the Sctipures.
2. His passion for God.
Verse 25 tells us he spoke with great fervor. Anyone can be loud and boisterous, just ask our middle child, Eli. But a passion for God is not found in how loud you can get. Some of the most passionate people I know are soft-spoken but deeply moved by God and His word. Apollos was so passionate that in the Greek he is described as a “boiling pot of water”. Apollos couldn’t help but speak. God had so much cooking in him he was boiling over.
3. His teachable spirit.
Most of us don’t like being told we don’t know something. When corrected, we can be shocked and insulted like we’ve just heard a horrific news flash. Not Apollos. Priscilla and Aquila brought him into their home and told him the rest of the story. You know what Apollos did? He listened and learned.
Class 8 Questions: Acts 17
READ ACTS 17:1-9
What was the outcome of Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica according to verse 4?
Who did the Jews team up with to form a mob? Who were these men?
Who is Jason? Why was Jason dragged before the city officials?
READ ACTS 17:10-15
What characteristics set the Bereans apart from the Thessalonians?
What are the similarities between what happened in Thessalonica and Berea?
READ ACTS 17:16-34 *
Describe the Athenians.
Summarize Paul’s sermon:
Paul’s message was met by three distinct responses. What were they?
What was the outcome of Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica according to verse 4?
Who did the Jews team up with to form a mob? Who were these men?
Who is Jason? Why was Jason dragged before the city officials?
READ ACTS 17:10-15
What characteristics set the Bereans apart from the Thessalonians?
What are the similarities between what happened in Thessalonica and Berea?
READ ACTS 17:16-34 *
Describe the Athenians.
Summarize Paul’s sermon:
Paul’s message was met by three distinct responses. What were they?
Paul in Athens
Paul’s stop in Athens is unlike any other. There are at least four distinct facts about his visit. First, the city itself was so different. The preceding cities Paul visited were much smaller and less cosmopolitan. Although Athens was about 100 years past her days of glory, she was still a beautiful city. Athens had maintained her reputation as the center of higher learning with one of the most sought after universities in ancient history.
Second, Paul encountered the imposing city all by himself. Presumably he was dropped off at the gates, and Timothy and Silas never had a chance to join him before his departure. He has no emotional or physical support and yet “he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks” daily.
A third consideration making this trip unique was Paul’s speech. He used the perfect illustration of the “unknown god” and drew them to a well-crafted invitation. Unfortunately, the response was less than positive. Even after this powerful message only a few people in Athens became believers. Paul never mentions a church resulting from this work or even making contact with them again. Based on the information in Scripture this effort to prove to be fruitful.
Fourth, is the lack of response to the gospel. Acts 17:34 says that only a few people became believers in Athens. Paul never mentions a church resulting from his work. Based on the information in Scripture the few believers never multiplied into more.
Second, Paul encountered the imposing city all by himself. Presumably he was dropped off at the gates, and Timothy and Silas never had a chance to join him before his departure. He has no emotional or physical support and yet “he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks” daily.
A third consideration making this trip unique was Paul’s speech. He used the perfect illustration of the “unknown god” and drew them to a well-crafted invitation. Unfortunately, the response was less than positive. Even after this powerful message only a few people in Athens became believers. Paul never mentions a church resulting from this work or even making contact with them again. Based on the information in Scripture this effort to prove to be fruitful.
Fourth, is the lack of response to the gospel. Acts 17:34 says that only a few people became believers in Athens. Paul never mentions a church resulting from his work. Based on the information in Scripture the few believers never multiplied into more.
Class 7 Questions: Acts 16
READ ACTS 16:1-5
Describe Timothy. *
ACTS 16:1-2
1 TIMOTHY 4:12
2 TIMOTHY 3:15
In light of the Jerusalem Council why does it seem strange that Paul would circumcise Timothy? Why did he do it?
READ ACTS 16:6-10
What possible reasons might have existed for the Holy Spirit to keep Paul, Silas, and Timothy from preaching the word in the province of Asia or Bithynia?
How did God redirect Paul? To Where?
READ ACTS 16:11-15
Describe the conversion of Lydia.
READ ACTS 16:16-40
What was the real reason Paul and Silas were taken before the authorities? How were they charged?
How were Paul and Silas punished?
A number of amazing twists occurred in the prison in Philippi. In your opinion, what is the most striking part of this account?
Hebrews 10:32-33 describes two different kinds of roles in the face of suffering. What are they?
Describe Timothy. *
ACTS 16:1-2
1 TIMOTHY 4:12
2 TIMOTHY 3:15
In light of the Jerusalem Council why does it seem strange that Paul would circumcise Timothy? Why did he do it?
READ ACTS 16:6-10
What possible reasons might have existed for the Holy Spirit to keep Paul, Silas, and Timothy from preaching the word in the province of Asia or Bithynia?
How did God redirect Paul? To Where?
READ ACTS 16:11-15
Describe the conversion of Lydia.
READ ACTS 16:16-40
What was the real reason Paul and Silas were taken before the authorities? How were they charged?
How were Paul and Silas punished?
A number of amazing twists occurred in the prison in Philippi. In your opinion, what is the most striking part of this account?
Hebrews 10:32-33 describes two different kinds of roles in the face of suffering. What are they?
Describe Timothy.
Timothy was a unique choice:
Timothy was a unique choice because of his youthfulness. Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:15 demonstrate that in spite of his youth, Timothy was fertile soil from which ministry grew: “from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus". I believe Paul saw Timothy’s tremendous potential for fruit bearing. The opportunity to train Timothy while he was still young and teachable was a benefit to Paul’s ministry, not a hindrance.
Timothy had a unique upbringing:
Timothy grew up in a home with one believing and one unbelieving parent. In those days, having a Jewish mother who had accepted Christ and a Greek father who didn’t believe would have been both different and difficult. In spite of this circumstance, God prevailed and bore wonderful fruit from an unequally yoke couple.
Timothy had a unique perspective:
Timothy had been exposed to three practices he and Paul would encounter:
1. Agnosticism because of his father’s unbelief,
2. Judaism because of his mother’s heritage, and
3. Christianity because of his mother’s acceptance of Christ as Savior.
Timothy had a unique maturity:
In our society, we’ve almost become convinced that bad influences are stronger than good. Timothy certainly is evidence to the contrary. We have a wonderful biblical precedent proving that godly influence can carry a much heavier weight than ungodly influence. 2 Timothy 1:15 described his spiritual heritage. Louis and Eunice lived their faith, and Timothy learned from their devoted, genuine examples of faithfulness.
Reference: To Live is Christ
Timothy was a unique choice because of his youthfulness. Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:15 demonstrate that in spite of his youth, Timothy was fertile soil from which ministry grew: “from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus". I believe Paul saw Timothy’s tremendous potential for fruit bearing. The opportunity to train Timothy while he was still young and teachable was a benefit to Paul’s ministry, not a hindrance.
Timothy had a unique upbringing:
Timothy grew up in a home with one believing and one unbelieving parent. In those days, having a Jewish mother who had accepted Christ and a Greek father who didn’t believe would have been both different and difficult. In spite of this circumstance, God prevailed and bore wonderful fruit from an unequally yoke couple.
Timothy had a unique perspective:
Timothy had been exposed to three practices he and Paul would encounter:
1. Agnosticism because of his father’s unbelief,
2. Judaism because of his mother’s heritage, and
3. Christianity because of his mother’s acceptance of Christ as Savior.
Timothy had a unique maturity:
In our society, we’ve almost become convinced that bad influences are stronger than good. Timothy certainly is evidence to the contrary. We have a wonderful biblical precedent proving that godly influence can carry a much heavier weight than ungodly influence. 2 Timothy 1:15 described his spiritual heritage. Louis and Eunice lived their faith, and Timothy learned from their devoted, genuine examples of faithfulness.
Reference: To Live is Christ
Class 6 Questions: Acts 15:1-39
READ ACTS 15:1-35
What issue was debated between believers in this chapter?
What was the background of the believers who were insistent on Gentile circumcision (v. 5)?
Each of the following people participated in the Jerusalem Council. Please not each of their contribution/arguments in the debate:
Peter:
Barnabas and Paul:
James, Jesus’ brother:
The Jerusalem Council drafted a letter to the church in Antioch and appointed two leaders, Judas and Silas, to accompany Paul and Barnabas in their return. What four things did the council ask believers to avoid?
In your own words explain what said in vv. 11-12.
What are some lessons to be learned from the Jerusalem Council?
READ ACTS 15:36-41
ACTS 15:36 tells us Paul wanted to return to the towns where he and Barnabas had preached, to see the new believers. What do you think Paul might have wanted to know about the new converts?
Based on what you know about the character Barnabas, why do you think he insisted on taking John Mark on the journey? What other reason does Colossians 4:10 give for Barnabas support?
In your opinion, was Paul being too hard on John Mark and why?
What negative repercussion resulted from the disagreement? Any positive repercussions?
What are some lessons to be learned from this disagreement? *
What issue was debated between believers in this chapter?
What was the background of the believers who were insistent on Gentile circumcision (v. 5)?
Each of the following people participated in the Jerusalem Council. Please not each of their contribution/arguments in the debate:
Peter:
Barnabas and Paul:
James, Jesus’ brother:
The Jerusalem Council drafted a letter to the church in Antioch and appointed two leaders, Judas and Silas, to accompany Paul and Barnabas in their return. What four things did the council ask believers to avoid?
In your own words explain what said in vv. 11-12.
What are some lessons to be learned from the Jerusalem Council?
READ ACTS 15:36-41
ACTS 15:36 tells us Paul wanted to return to the towns where he and Barnabas had preached, to see the new believers. What do you think Paul might have wanted to know about the new converts?
Based on what you know about the character Barnabas, why do you think he insisted on taking John Mark on the journey? What other reason does Colossians 4:10 give for Barnabas support?
In your opinion, was Paul being too hard on John Mark and why?
What negative repercussion resulted from the disagreement? Any positive repercussions?
What are some lessons to be learned from this disagreement? *
What are some lessons to be learned from the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas? *
Here are some observations about strong disagreements drawn from this passage:
1. There was one issue but more than one point of view.
In this particular argument there was an issue at stake. It was objective and clearly stated. Firm principles surrounded the issue. The viewpoints, on the other hand, were more subjective because they involve personalities. Think about a disagreement you might have had with your wife (or husband). Usually the difference is found not in the issue itself but the differing perspectives. Charles Swindoll defines a disagreement as “a conflict that involves an issue seen from opposing points of view.”
2. Both sides had validity
Just because an issue has two sides, doesn’t mean that one side is right and the other is wrong. Disagreements are more often gray than black and white. Both sides have strengths. Sure, every argument has its weakness, but both sides have strengths. Both Paul and Barnabas dug their heals because they believed so strongly in the validity of their point of view.
3. When the disagreement got heated, someone got hurt.
The more intense the heat, the deeper the wounds. Regardless of the level of maturity you have reached in your walk with Christ, you are not immune to hurt. How does that old school rhyme go? “Sticks and stones…” Names hurt, and personal character attacks often raise their ugly head in heated debate. The result is the inflicting of a wound that’s slow to heal; sometimes, regrettably, it never heals.
I throw out those three observations, not because they’re original or insightful, but because I believe they are worth remembering.
1. There was one issue but more than one point of view.
In this particular argument there was an issue at stake. It was objective and clearly stated. Firm principles surrounded the issue. The viewpoints, on the other hand, were more subjective because they involve personalities. Think about a disagreement you might have had with your wife (or husband). Usually the difference is found not in the issue itself but the differing perspectives. Charles Swindoll defines a disagreement as “a conflict that involves an issue seen from opposing points of view.”
2. Both sides had validity
Just because an issue has two sides, doesn’t mean that one side is right and the other is wrong. Disagreements are more often gray than black and white. Both sides have strengths. Sure, every argument has its weakness, but both sides have strengths. Both Paul and Barnabas dug their heals because they believed so strongly in the validity of their point of view.
3. When the disagreement got heated, someone got hurt.
The more intense the heat, the deeper the wounds. Regardless of the level of maturity you have reached in your walk with Christ, you are not immune to hurt. How does that old school rhyme go? “Sticks and stones…” Names hurt, and personal character attacks often raise their ugly head in heated debate. The result is the inflicting of a wound that’s slow to heal; sometimes, regrettably, it never heals.
I throw out those three observations, not because they’re original or insightful, but because I believe they are worth remembering.
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