Read: Acts 14: 1- 28 and Acts 15:1 – 35
Video Talking Points:
During the first century, most people around the Mediterranean Sea lived in densely packed cities, all ruled by the Roman Empire.
Each city was a diverse blend of cultures, ethnicities and religions. And because of this, there were all sorts of temples for offering sacrifices to all sorts of gods. And each person had their own portfolio of gods that they gave their allegiance to. But, in every city you would also find a minority group who would not worship any gods, but their own: the Israelites, also known as, the Jews. They claimed that their God was the one true creator and king of the world.
Now all these cities were connected by a network of roads built by the Roman Empire. And so, it was easy to move around, to do business and even spread new ideas. Now one person familiar with these roads was the Apostle Paul. He spent the second half of his life traveling from city to city, announcing that Israel’s God had appointed a new king over the nations.
This king was not like anyone who had come before. Right! Most kings ruled with aggression or power. But this new king rules with self-sacrifice and love. His name is Jesus.
And Paul is his herald, who is inviting all people to live under this king’s rule. The stories of Paul’s travels and how people receive this message, that is what the third part of Acts is all about.
Questions (Identify/Discuss Among the Group):
What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
What do you think is the key message?
Did anything stand out to you?
Is there something that surprised you? What was it?
How can we apply the message to today, in our own lives?
Other Questions to Consider (Identify/Discuss Among the Group):
Who is involved?
How do they respond to God?
What character traits do you notice about them?
What is the significance of their involvement?
What and where is this happening?
What makes what is happening meaningful?
Is there anything special about the location?
What does this tell me about people?
Was there anything in the passage that left you with more questions?
If yes, research your questions/discuss with the group.
Was there anything in the passage that jumped out to you?
How should we live our lives based on this passage?
Biggest takeaway from the passage?
Read: Acts 16:1-40
Is there anything that stands out when reading this passage? Be ready to discuss at the next men’s group.