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THE BOOK OF ACTS: Week 14 – Sep. 1-Sep. 7

Acts 27-28: How does Paul witness to Jesus

Luke gives us many details on the journey to Rome and no details on how it ends. Is that perhaps both his intention and the clearest, strongest message about God’s mission and the church?

  1. Acts 27:1-8    Difficult sailing
  2. Acts 27:9-12    Paul’s advice
  3. Acts 27:13-30     Paul’s advice & encouragement as the ship flounders
  4. Acts 27:31-44     Shipwrecked
  5. Acts 28:1-10       Malta – the witness of Paul
  6. Acts 28:11-15     Paul met & greeted by the believers in Rome
  7. Acts 28:16-30     Paul’s two-year ministry in Rome

 

Chapter 27: Storm and Shipwreck

Paul, even though a prisoner, is not traveling alone. Where do you notice the “we” in the text? Imagine the ways it was helpful to Paul to have companions along for the ride?

Where do we see God’s work in this chapter?

Paul says, “Keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.” If you were on the ship, would you have believed Paul? Would you have a different view of God once you made it to the beach?

Action Plan: Paul is certain that God’s purpose for him means giving his defense before the emperor in Rome. This Saturday, our congregation will gather to consider God’s purpose for St. Andrew. Pray for that gathering and for discernment about God’s next steps for us.

 

Chapter 28: Snakebite and Rome

In the previous chapter Paul encouraged people on the ship to take courage. In this chapter how does Paul receive courage from people?

In Rome Paul is under house arrest. How does that situation become an opportunity for sharing the gospel?

Action Plan: We have read the book of Acts and what a journey this has been! Review some of the Action Plans you have done. How has God changed you on this journey?

 

Now you are ready to write down ways that our congregation, like Paul in Rome, has unique opportunities to share the gospel in the midst of its challenges. What do you think God’s purpose for our congregation may be in this time and place? Now share your insights with one another as we continue to have conversation, listen carefully and pray through that question together as a congregation.