THE BOOK OF ACTS: Week 9 – July 28-Aug. 3
Acts 17-18 What guides Paul in choosing people, places, message & timing?
These chapters tell the story of the second missionary Journey. This journey includes new leaders and a new destination – Europe
- Acts 17:1-9 Ministry in Thessalonica –in the synagogue, Jason arrested
- Acts 17:10-15 Ministry in Beroea
- Acts 17:16-33 Ministry in Athens – in synagogue, marketplace, Aeropagus
- Acts 18:1-17 Ministry in Corinth – Aquila & Priscilla, a vision, Proconsul Gallio
- Acts 18:18-22 Conclusion – Ephesus, Jerusalem, and return to Antioch
- Acts 18:23-28 Paul begins his third journey while Apollos ministers in Ephesus & Corinth
Chapter 17: Turning the World Upside Down?
How would you describe the opposition/challenges that Christians faced in Thessalonica, Beroea, and Athens? How would you describe the “success”? What challenges and “successes” do we see in our ministry here in this place?
The Christians were accused in Thessalonica of “turning the world upside down.” What was true and/or false about that statement? Would people accuse us of “turning the world upside down”?
Paul paid attention to the neighborhood of Athens to know how to make connections when he shared his faith in Christ. What about our congregation’s neighborhood is important for us to pay attention to?
Action Plan: Take a drive or walk around the neighborhood (again) as if the apostle Paul were with you. What needs do you both see? Any ideas about connections Paul would say our congregation could make?
Chapter 18: New Leadership
Where does the new leadership come from in this chapter?
What kind of leadership role do Priscilla and Aquila play in the faith community? What about Apollos?
Action Plan: Look for a map (likely in the back of your Bible) of Paul’s Missionary journeys. You can also find one on our website Acts study resource page Find all the places that were named in Paul’s travels in these last two chapters. Now get a map of our community. What places are you most familiar with?
