——————— SECTION 1 s ACTS 1-8 ———————

Before you read this passage, pray that God would open your eyes, your mind, and your heart to His word. Pray that you would focus on this reading and would gather from it perfect truths that will help you live more like Christ every day.

Read Acts 1:4-5. The promise of the Father to send the Holy Spirit had been prophesied all throughout history, just as the coming of the Messiah had been. Read through these verses that promise the coming of the Holy Spirit.

-Isaiah 44:3

-Jeremiah 31:31-34

-Ezekiel 36:26-27

-Joel 2:28-29

Read Acts 1:7-8. The disciples had to trust in God’s timing and move by His plan while in the mean time concerning themselves with the mission He had given them. Reflect and pray on the areas of your life that you need to improve in trusting the timing of God. Then, read and reflect on this quote:

“There is no believer whom the Son of God does not require to be his witness. In what place, at what time, with what degree of frequency, in what manner, and to what extent, we ought to profess our faith, cannot easily be determined by a fixed rule: but we must consider the occasion, that not one of us may fail to discharge his duty at the proper time.” - John Calvin

Read about what the disciples were doing together in Acts 1:14 and Acts 1:24-25. Why is this significant? What does it show about the disciples and their relationship with God? What are some specific ways in which you can follow their example?

studyguide

STUDY GUIDE on the BOOK OF ACTS

WRITTEN by:JENNA GRIFFIN, grOve senior

Acts 1-8 and Acts 15-20

NATHANIEL CANTWELL, grOve sophomoreActs 9-14 and Acts 21-28

Read Acts 2:1-4. What does this passage say about the Holy Spirit and His attributes? Reflect on the miracle of the Holy Spirit moving through the believers and describe His vast importance in our lives.

Read Acts 2:39. How great is our God that He should be so merciful to us who have wandered away from Him? Take some time to reflect on His love for us, and then thank Him for it! Read these verses:

-Romans 5:8-11

-Romans 8:29-30

-Hebrews 7:25

-Ephesians 2:4-10

Read Acts 2:42-47 about the fellowship of the believers. What inspired them to live like this? Can you think of anything Jesus taught that encourages this way of living? How can we follow their example and live more like this?

Read the story about the lame beggar in Acts 3:1-10. Think about how this parallels our relationship with God. (Hint: what is the beggar asking for, and what does he actually receive?) Think about your personal attitude when something doesn’t go as you had planned. How can you work on trusting the divine plan of God more?

Read the second half of Acts 3. Peter wastes no time in directing all of the glory back to God, and then using the opportunity God gave them to witness to those at the temple. Reflect on your own life. Do you recognize these times that God gives you to declare His name to the world, or do they pass you by? How can you recognize these occasions, and what can you do to open your eyes and heart to these opportunities?

Read Acts 4:1-12. Remember that this is the same Peter who denied Jesus three times before he was crucified! Now, he is boldly sharing the hope of Christ, and putting himself at great risk while doing so. Peter realized that Jesus was worth more than anything in this world- including his own safety. What are you willing to risk in order to share the good news of the Gospel, and to bring others to Christ? Finish the following sentence, and then live it out!

Jesus is worth more than _________________________________________________.

Read Acts 4:13-14. In this passage, the rulers, elders and scribes are astonished by Peter and John, and can tell that they are different from other men. What makes Christians different from the rest of the world, and what are some characteristics that mark a person as a follower of Christ? Are you living in a way that shows that you are a Christian?

Read Acts 4:29-31. Here, the disciples certainly depend on the words of Jesus from Matthew 7:7-8. Do you have a difficult time sharing the good new of Christ with others? Have you prayed for boldness? Notice how quickly God answered their prayer. Pray for boldness, and trust that God will give it to you. Then go use it! Write down at least one person or situation with which you can be bold.

Read about Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. What were their major faults/sins? (Remember that it was not an obligation that they sell their farm and give all the money to the apostles.) Do you find yourself struggling with these sins, and what can you do to avoid them?

Read Acts 5:29-32. It is so easy to want to please those around us, but it is much more important to please God. Cross-reference this theme by reading these verses:

-Galatians 1:10

-1 John 2:15-17

-Romans 8:5-8

-Romans 12:1-2

Read Acts 5:34-39. Think about how well this connects with the apologetics theme of our retreat. Gamaliel brought forth an excellent argument for the Christian cause. But notice also who this man is that freed the apostles and defends Christianity (even if he didn’t mean to). How does this show the way that God works through this world?

Read Acts 5:40-42. The attitude that the apostles held about their suffering is truly astonishing. Their absolute love for Christ overflowed into every area of their life, so that they were able to praise him and rejoice even while they were being beaten. Do you count it as an honor to be ridiculed, mocked, or excluded for being a follower of Christ?

Read Acts 6:1-7. As the early church grew, so did the needs that demanded tending to. Therefore, the number of roles in the church grew. The apostles already had a large role to fill, so they chose seven more leaders to serve the physical needs of the people. Everyone has something to give to the church, and we must give our gifts generously! Read through 1 Corinthians 12. What do you have to give to the church? Have you been sharing your gifts?

Read Acts 6:8-10. The Holy Spirit is moving through Stephen, and those who rose against him to dispute what he was saying could not withstand the power and wisdom of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit will likewise give us wisdom and will supply us with the right words to speak when we are questioned about our faith. Read Luke 12:11-12.

Read through Acts 7:1-50. This is a wonderful, concise history of the Jewish people, and it helps us look at the big picture of God’s plan. How does giving this history help lead up to the good news of Jesus, and how does the story of Moses parallel with the story of Christ? How can we learn from the faults and sins of the Israelites?

Read Acts 7:51-53. Notice the word “stiff-necked”. Now read Exodus 33:3. What does stiff-necked mean? Now turn back to Acts. This passage deals with the dangers of being religious, but not being a true follower of Christ. Stephen says that they are “uncircumcised in heart and ears”. Saying this, he is declaring that even though they had been circumcised in the literal sense, a religious activity, there had been no inside, spiritual change. Their hearts and minds had remained untouched. Many times, we today struggle with this as well. It is easy to get caught up in the religious activities and to blindly go through the motions without truly growing in and following Jesus. Be a follower of Christ, not just a follower of religious activities.

Read Acts 7:54-60. Stephen is the first believer to die for his faith. Do Stephen’s words as he is dying remind you of anyone else? Go back to Luke 23:34. Stephen is living out the complete forgiveness that was taught to him by Jesus. From Christ, Stephen learned how to live, and how to die. We are all called to live like Jesus, even when it is difficult, and to do this, we must know and love him!

Read Acts 8:1-8. (Note that this Philip is one of the seven that were chosen to serve in Acts 6). This is the time that great persecution of the church really begins, and yet we can already see good coming from these terrible conditions. The believers were scattered, and yet this provided them with an opportunity to preach the good news of Christ to people who were previously unreached. God once again worked through something bad to ultimately bring about the greater good. Do you trust Him to use the hard times in your life for good, or do you blame Him when things don’t go your way?

Now read Acts 8:9-25. Peter declares that Simon’s “heart is not right before God”. What does this mean? Really delve deep into what Simon is struggling with, and look into your own heart to see if you are struggling with the same things.

Read about Philip and The Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. Philip immediately obeys the Holy Spirit and goes to join the chariot. He walks right into a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel, and the Ethiopian Eunuch receives Jesus as his savior. Are you listening to the Holy Spirit? Sometimes it just takes a small question or an outstretched hand to open the door to evangelism. Pray that your mind, eyes, and heart would be open to these opportunities.

Reflect over what you have read in Acts, and write out a prayer. You know what you need to pray for!

——————— SECTION 2 s ACTS 9-14 ———————

Acts 91. Before Saul (also known as Paul) could evangelize, he had to be saved. Before we can “make disciples of all nations,” we must be saved. Salvation comes through brokenness and being rebuilt in Christ, by God’s mercy.Read the following verses about brokenness and God’s mercy. (Note that the word “contrite” means remorseful or feeling guilty)

Isaiah 57:15

Psalms 86:5

Matthew 18:33

How was Saul broken in his life in Acts 9 and how did God show mercy on Saul when he was persecuting Christ? When have you felt broken or pushed beyond your limit, and how did God show you mercy through this? (Take a few minutes to write out or meditate on areas where God needs to “break” you.)

2. In order to effectively evangelize, we must have faith. Our faith and actions affect the lives of others. Read the following verses about faith:

Hebrews 11:1-3

Matthew 17:20

How did Ananias and Barnabas’ faith in God affect Saul’s faith in God? How did Peter’s faith affect Aeneas and Dorcas? How can your faith in God affect others?

Acts 101. In the world, you will encounter people who you may write off as “lost causes.” They may swear or curse a lot, not dress well, act weird, not have a lot of friends, or they might even be mean to you. Remember that Jesus calls us to make disciples of all peoples, including people you may not like. In the passage, Peter wrote off the Gentiles as “common” or “impure,” because they were not members of God’s chosen people and did not follow the Jewish religion. In Peter’s vision, God said to him, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (NIV translation) It took Peter getting out of his “comfort zone,” by preaching to Cornelius, to get him to preach to the Gentiles, who received the gospel with gladness.The following verses talk about unclean things being made clean, and the Gospel being opened to the Gentiles.

1 Timothy 4:4

Romans 14:14

Romans 1:16-17

Why do you think Peter had prejudices against the Gentiles? In your life, who do you view as a “lost cause,” and how can you get out of your comfort zone to preach the gospel to them?

2. Take about a few minutes to write a short prayer asking God to push you out of your “comfort zone,” and be able to preach the Gospel to your unsaved friends. Then pray that your unsaved friends would be open to, and receive, Christ as their Savior.

Acts 111. Much of the rest of the church, like Peter, had prejudices against the Gentiles. The laws of the Old Testament prevented them from marrying them (Deut. 7:3-4, Gen 24:2-4, Ezra 10:10-11), and Jesus was criticized for eating and associating with them (Matthew 9:10-13). When the Church in Jerusalem heard that Peter ate and associated with Gentiles, they told him he had sinned in doing so. Peter then defends his position by telling them about the vision. We, as Christians, must always be ready to “make a defense to anyone who asks [us] for a reason for the hope that is in [us]; yet with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Look up the following passages about ways to defend truth.

Read the passage of Luke 4:1-13. How does Jesus defend truth by citing these passages: Deuteronomy 6:13, 6:16, 8:3, 1 Samuel 7:3? How can you model what Jesus did to defend truth?

Read Luke 12:11-12, and Matthew 10:19-20. Who will help give us the words to say, and how can we apply these ideas to defend truth?

Read Ephesians 6:10-20. In what ways can we defend truth with what is listed in this passage?

Read Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6-7. What should we do to guard our hearts and minds, and defend truth in our own lives?

2. In Acts 11:19, it says that those who were scattered by the martyrdom of Stephen went to Phonecia, Cyprus, and Antioch, “proclaiming the Gospel.” Thus, the seemingly-bad circumstances caused the church to grow. This is an example of God’s sovereignty. Someone who is sovereign is someone who “possesses supreme or ultimate power.” This is only one of many examples of God using events that seem evil for His good.

Read the following passages about God’s promises of sovereignty. Then give an example of a seemingly-bad event or circumstance in your own life that worked out for good. If you cannot recall something like this happening, give an example of a friend or family member.

Proverbs 16:1-4

Romans 8:28

Acts 12

1. This passage showed the persecution of the church. While James was certainly not the first martyr, he was the first Apostle to be martyred. On top of that, he was one of Jesus’ intimate Apostles, the others being Peter and John. God showed His faithfulness in this passage by delivering Peter. But why was Peter saved from death, and not James, or Stephen? Because God had a plan for them. We do not know all of God’s plans, so we cannot say why He allowed James to be martyred. However we must trust that because God is sovereign, we can know He has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives. “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)

There is a cost is to follow Christ. Read the following passages about the cost of following Christ. Matthew 10:16-26

2 Timothy 3:12

Luke 9:23-24, 9:57-62

If you have never experienced persecution, you will experience it. Persecution does not necessarily mean being stoned or beaten, but it can mean losing friends, or being made fun of. The cost of following Christ is giving up everything. List a few things you have not given up for the sake of Christ (example: sports, Internet, time). Remember that the cost does not come without reward.

2. Though the cost of following Christ is steep, the rewards are incredible. God promises so much to those who have faith in Jesus. We must remember that if we believe in Christ, we “shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV). The cost of following Christ may be death, but the reward is the forgiveness of sins and spending eternity with Him.

Read these passages about God’s reward for believing in Him. Philippians 1:21-25

John 14:1-4

Isaiah 40:29-31

James 1:2-4

The cost of following Christ is overshadowed by the glory we will receive in Heaven. Enduring persecution is not easy, but Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 29:20). Think about the things you listed above. Pray that you would let go of them, and let God use them all for His sake. Also pray that when persecution and trials come, you will endure it, and have joy through it.

Acts 131. When Paul and Barnabas were on their trip to Cyprus (vs. 4-12), they met a magician and the proconsul (a Roman-appointed governor). The magician opposes Paul and Barnabas when the Proconsul inquires about the Gospel. Because of this, the magician was made blind for a time. Upon seeing this, the “proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred…” Through God’s judgment on the magician, the proconsul actually came to believe in the gospel because of this action. When we, as Christians, evangelize, we will be rejected by some; however, God can use this rejection for good. We never know who else might be listening to us. According to Romans 1:16, the Gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The Gospel comes to people not as words but as the power of God

Read the following verses about the power of the Gospel.

Isaiah 55:10-11

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

Have you ever witnessed to someone, thinking they would be saved, only to find someone else respond to you instead? How did this make you feel?

2. After their mission in Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch in Pisidia. There, they spoke to the Jews in the synagogues about the gospel. They loved the message so much, they wanted Paul and Barnabas to come back on the next Sabbath. When Paul and Barnabas did, almost the entire city gathered to hear them. The Jews became jealous, and started contradicting Paul and Barnabas, and insulting them. So, Paul said the gospel would be opened to the Gentiles “Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life.” Here, Paul clearly points out their pride. In their pride, the Jews refused to be teachable and did not receive the Gospel message.

Read the following verses about being receptive to teaching and reproof:

1 Peter 5:5

Proverbs 12:1

How does your pride cause you not to be open to hearing, receiving, and learning God’s word? Do you need to confess the sin of pride in your life and repent? Take a minute to pray.

Acts 141. When Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium, they received positive and negative feedback. Some, Jews and Gentiles, sided with Paul and Barnabas. Others sided with the Jews who adhered to the law, and opposed Paul and Barnabas. Bringing the gospel to Iconium divided the city. Paul and Barnabas then learned of a plot by the Jews to stone them, so they left the city to go to Lystra and Derbe, “and there they continued to preach the gospel.” In Lystra, the Jews from Iconium and Antioch found Paul, and the people in Lystra to stoned him. Thinking he was dead, they threw him out of the city. After this, Paul did not stop and hide in fear, but went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to encourage the believers there.

Paul knew the power of the Gospel, and it didn’t stop him. Fearing rejection or persecution can be an obstacle in the way of many believers who want to share the gospel. Paul knew the Lord was with him, and had a plan for him. If we can remember this, we can have courage to share the gospel. Read the following three passages about the Lord being with us.

Matthew 28:18-20

Romans 8:35-39

Joshua 1:9

Think about a rough time in your life. It can be the same as your earlier answer, or it can be completely different. Did you remember God was with you? Do you now know He is? If you were met with the same challenge in the future, how would you respond to it?

2. In Acts 13:27, we see how Paul encouraged the other believers by giving his testimony of what had happened on his mission trips. When we preach the gospel, it may fall on more deaf ears than listening ones, but our experiences and testimonies can encourage other believers. Their testimonies can also encourage us.

What do the following verses say about encouraging others? How have you seen experiences in your life encourage other friends, whether Christians or non-Christians?

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Hebrews 10:23-25

1 Peter 4:8-10

——————— SECTION 3 s ACTS 15-20 ———————

Before you start reading, open with a prayer thanking God for His word, and for the time that you have today to grow in the truth. Ask Him to help you focus on and learn from this passage of Acts, and that it would translate over to how you live out your faith.

Read Acts 15:7-11. The Jews and the Gentiles were incredibly different groups of people. With so little in common, it is truly astonishing that the two groups could have any unity, and yet all believers were united in Jesus Christ, regardless of their heritage. This unity through diversity can be seen today as well. As believers, we are united to people with which otherwise we would have nothing in common. Do you find yourself making friends with and witnessing to only the people who are similar to you? Step out of your comfort zone, and reach out to someone who is completely different. God’s grace is for everyone. Write down someone you can reach out to, and then challenge yourself to do so!

Read Acts 15:11 again. The legalistic Jews were declaring that a person had to be circumcised in order to be saved, but Peter and the disciples were preaching that a person could only be saved through the grace of Jesus. Read through these verses that show how Jesus is the only path to salvation.

-John 14:6

-Galatians 2:16

-Ephesians 2:4-10

-Philippians 3:8-9

-Titus 3:4-7

Read Acts 15:36-41. Both sides of this argument can be supported: Paul wanted someone reliable to travel with them, and Barnabas saw potential in John called Mark and wanted to give him a second chance. Even though the argument between Paul and Barnabas was not entirely a good thing, God still used it for the betterment of His kingdom, as two missionary groups were created out of the one. What does this show about the way God works with us? (Also keep in mind that John called Mark ended up writing the Gospel of Mark, and that based on Colossians 4:10 he and Paul were eventually reconciled.)

In Acts 16:6-10, the Holy Spirit guides Paul and Silas very directly, and they listen and obey. We, also, must keep our plans in harmony with God’s will for our lives. What are some ways in which we can follow God’s plan for our life? What are some things we will have to put off and put on?Acts 16:14-15 tells of how God opened the heart of Lydia so that she was saved. Read the following verses on how God works in our hearts and lives.

-Romans 9:15-16,

-Philippians 2:13

-Isaiah 30:21

-Proverbs 3:5-6

Read Acts 16: 22-25. What does this teach us about how to deal with trials and wrongdoings? Is this what you do when you are treated unfairly, or when something bad happens to you? Notice also what the other prisoners were doing. What does this say about the influence we have on others? Challenge yourself to remember this story the next time you face something difficult. As you can see in what follows this verse, God brings about amazing things from this grim situation.

Read Acts 16:25-34. Think about how God not only released Paul and Silas from their physical bonds that night, but how he also released their jailer from his figurative bonds of sin. The jailer might be one of the last people that you would have expected to be saved that night, but think about how all throughout the Bible, God works through the unexpected and the sinners. Do you have this mindset as well when you share the gospel with others, or do you ignore those who you think aren’t deserving enough or aren’t as likely to receive the good news of Christ?

Acts 17:2-4 tells of how Paul was reasoning with those in the synagogue using the Scriptures. What does this tell us about how we should share the Gospel with nonbelievers? How can you do this more effectively?

In Acts 17:11, the Jews in Berea were eager to receive the good news of Christ. But notice what they did instead of just blindly agreeing to everything Paul and Silas told them. Why is this important, and how can we follow in their footsteps?

Paul’s speech in Acts 17:22-34 is certainly striking. Read and meditate on the perfect truths of this passage. Think especially on verses 26-28. God is certainly not far from any of us, and that includes those who do not yet believe in Him. Do you have this outlook, that “In Him we live and move and have our being”? What are some specific ways that you can draw closer to Him and keep this fact in mind at all times?

Read Acts 18:9-10. God is with us always, and He is right by our side when we are telling others about Him. He urges Paul not to be afraid, and not to be silent. This applies to us as well. Are you afraid to share the gospel with others, and does this fear make you silent? What are some specific ways that you can work on this? Write them down, and then live them out! Read these verses:

-Jeremiah 1:6-8

-Ephesians 6:19-20

-Deuteronomy 31:6

-2 Timothy 1:7

Read Acts 18:24-28. Apollos was a willing student when Aquila and Priscilla explained the entire story of Christ. With us, too, it is important that we listen and learn from those who are more mature in their faith than we are and who can teach and guide us. Apollos went on to help others grow in their faith. How can you work on being a more willing student? What are some behaviors or qualities needed in order to do so?

Read Acts 19:18-20. What sins are you willing to give up for Christ? What sins are you still holding onto today? Pray about them, and work on killing them in your life. Read these verses about running from sin and running instead to Jesus.

-Colossians 3:1-17

-Titus 2:11-14

-James 4:7-8

-Romans 6:6-14

In Acts 19:23-28, the goddess Artemis was an idol for the Ephesians, and money was an idol for the idol makers. While we today might not struggle with worshipping other “gods”, many of us certainly do have trouble getting past our love of money. Do you find yourself valuing money over truth? What do you have to do to rid yourself of this idol?

Read Acts 20:24. Do you have the same mentality that Paul expresses about his life? How does holding this mindset help with spreading the good news of Christ?

Read Acts 20:33-35. The phrase “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is very familiar to us, and we have all heard it used countless times. However, do you really believe it in your heart and live it out with your life? Read these verses that reflect on this truth, and write down some ways you can show this in the way you live.

-2 Corinthians 6-8

-1 Chronicles 29:9

-Malachi 3:10

In his speech in Acts 20:18-35, Paul encourages the elders of the church at Ephesus to keep strong in the Lord. Do you encourage others? What are some more ways that you can inspire or embolden your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you yourself keep strong in the Lord when spiritual leaders aren’t around guiding you?

Spend some focused time in prayer, concentrating on what you have learned from this section of Acts. Pray for God’s help in living these things out. This is probably the most important part of this study guide, because it is the first step in applying what you have learned to how you live. Really spend some serious time with the Lord!

——————— SECTION 4 s ACTS 21-28 ———————Impact – A Study of Defending the Gospel

A study of Acts 21-28 about the importance of knowing and defending the Gospel and truth,how we can know we are “in tune” with the Holy Spirit, boldness in the Gospel, and when to be bold

Acts 21:1-361. In the text, Paul arrives at James’ house. James tells Paul the Jewish Pharisees are lying about him by saying he is preaching against the old laws and traditions. Because of this, James tells Paul to go to the temple to purify himself so the people would know the Pharisees’ charges were baseless. So, despite the fact Paul knows the law is not required for salvation (Romans 8:3), he still respected the Jewish traditions and culture. He was not preaching against their traditions, but saying the Gentiles did not have to convert to Judaism first in order to be Christians. Even though he did this, Paul still boldly stood for truth. He knew some of the things the Jews taught were wrong, and did not compromise on key issues of the Gospel. The Jews accused Paul of defiling the temple by bringing Gentiles in, but Paul never did this. He knew the Gentiles could be saved, but he had the respect and humility to abide by the Jewish laws.

Paul did all he could to respect the Jewish traditions and culture, but he still stood up for the Gospel, and did not compromise, but he was always respectful. Read the following verses about how we should treat others and about respecting their traditions. Then, list when it is good to respect others’ traditions, and when we need to stand firm for truth.

Philippians 2:3-4

Colossians 4:5-6

Galatians 5:11

2. Despite Paul’s best efforts, the Jews still lied about him, and misrepresented him. People will often do this when they disagree with us, but Paul knew how to respond. Read the following two passages. How should we respond when people lie about and misrepresent us?

1 Peter 3:15

2 Timothy 2:24-26

Acts 21:37-22:291. In this passage, Paul makes his defense before the crowd stirred up by the Jewish leaders. Making his defense, Paul gives his own personal testimony to the people. Personal testimony can be a powerful thing, especially when it carries the Gospel. If we think about his testimony in Acts 9, we really see the sovereignty of God present. He directed Paul to meet Ananias, and directed Barnabas to receive Paul. Throughout the rest of Acts, we see the Jews reaction to the Gospel being negative, so salvation is given to the Gentiles. This does not mean the Jews could not be saved, but it meant the Gentiles could too.

A testimony of God’s sovereignty can be very powerful and convincing. Paul knew his testimony, and was ready to give it. Do you have a testimony of God’s sovereignty? If so, write it out.

2. Even though Paul gave his own testimony, the people still wanted him to be arrested or killed. We may give our testimony, as convincing as it may be, but some people will still reject us. This can create a fear of being rejected by people when we evangelize, but we must still be bold to represent and spread the Gospel.

Read the following verses, and then write how you can overcome the fear of rejection? One way is to have a Christ-like mind. Remember, Jesus’ testimony was rejected before Pilate.

2 Timothy 1:7-8

Romans 8:1-4, 6-8

Luke 22:66-71

Acts 22:30-23:351. The incredible outcry of the Jews required the Romans to arrest Paul. He was saved from flogging because he was a Roman citizen, but, desiring to know the cause of the uprising, the Romans brought Paul before the Jewish Council to have him tried. When he was before the council, Paul saw the council was a mixed group of Pharisees and Sadducees. While the Pharisees believed in resurrection and Angels, the Sadducees believed in none of these. Paul simply stated “It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” This sparked an immediate disagreement between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul had the wisdom to know this. It was not the wisdom of the world, but Godly wisdom. Yes, it took earthly knowledge to know about the Pharisees and Sadducees, but it took Godly wisdom to know how to respond to this.

When Paul is before the Pharisees, he is very respectful to them. Jesus commanded us to be as “wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)” In order to do this, we must have Godly wisdom. To gain wisdom, Paul had to study. He had knowledge of the world, but wisdom of God, too. If we want to defend the Gospel and truth, we must have both. What is the difference between Godly wisdom and earthly wisdom?

Worldly wisdom: 1 Corinthians 3:19-20

*Godly wisdom (from God’s words): Isaiah 40:8

So, if we know what Godly wisdom is, how can we get Godly wisdom?

2 Timothy 2:15

Joshua 1:8

It is important to find a balance between knowledge and wisdom. How do you balance knowledge of the world and Godly wisdom – the wisdom you gain by studying God’s word?

Acts 241. Paul has appeared before the Jewish Council, but due to a threat on his life, the Roman tribune decided to deliver him to Felix, the governor. When Paul appears before Felix, he makes a compelling case, but is still imprisoned due to Felix’s greed and indecision. Paul did no wrong according to the Jewish law, let alone anything deserving imprisonment or death. Yet he was still in prison. The book of Acts never shows Paul being angry about this injustice, but he knew how to properly respond.

According to Paul’s response, how should you respond when you see injustice in the world, toward others, or toward yourself?

Another dilemma to note is not only how, but when to respond to injustice. See how Paul’s response differed from Jesus’ in Matthew 27:11-14. When is it appropriate to be silent in the face of injustice? This is an open-ended question; talk about it with your friends at the retreat.

2. After Paul’s trial before Felix, he decided to keep Paul in custody, but did not decide on a verdict. When Paul was in custody, he had the liberty to see his friends, and his imprisonment was partially to protect Paul from the Jews who sought to kill him. The text says that Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was half Jewish, met with Paul. Paul proclaimed the Gospel to them, and Felix was “astounded,” or as some translations put it, “afraid,” or, “trembling.” Felix had a long past filled with lies, sex, greed, and a hunger for power. He had seduced his wife at the time, Drusilla, from her previous husband. Felix knew he needed to be redeemed by the Gospel, but he procrastinated and did not make a decision to follow Christ. The Gospel is important enough to warrant an immediate answer.

As Christians, when we tell others about the salvation in Christ, we may encounter people who procrastinate in their response to the Gospel. Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. What should your response be to someone who puts off a response to the Gospel?

Acts 251. In the two years Paul was held in prison, Felix had managed to have himself replaced because of his tyranny on the people in Israel. His replacement was Porcius Festus. Because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. Now, Festus has to decide what to do with Paul, because Felix did not make a decision. In the passage, Festus brings Paul before him. He offers Paul the ability to go to Jerusalem (not knowing the Jews planned to kill Paul on the way). Paul, instead, appeals to Caesar. This is one of the most important and defining moments in Acts.

Appealing to Caesar was not like appealing to a judge here in America. If you appealed to Caesar, it was only with criminal charges. Festus found the criminal charges of Paul to be baseless, so the fact that Paul appeals to Caesar is absurd. If someone appealed to Caesar, they would never be released from prison. If they were released, it would have been a sign of Caesar’s weakness. Paul, being educated, knew he would never be released, but appeals to Caesar anyway.

When he appeals to Caesar, Felix is so struck by the decision, he consults with the king of the region, King Agrippa II, and has Paul appear before him. King Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I, inherited his uncle’s small kingdom, Chalcis. He also had the right to appoint the high-priest of the Jewish temple. He was later deprived of his small kingdom and

made the governor of another two territories. He had three sisters, one notably Drusilla, the wife of Felix, which means he was half-Jewish. King Agrippa also appears with his sister, Bernice. She had two previous short-lived marriages, one of which was with her father’s brother, Herod of Chalcis, which Agrippa II ruled after his death. She lived with her brother, Agrippa, and was on his court. There were also rumors that she and Agrippa were in an intimate relationship with one another. We can see both of them had a morally shady past, and why the message of the Gospel might be appealing to them to relieve their guilt.

What do you think was Paul’s purpose for appealing to Caesar, knowing he would never be released from prison? Is there any application to your life from what you learned here?

Acts 261. In this chapter, Paul makes his final, and greatest, defense of the Gospel before Agrippa. He uses personal testimony and is bold to make arguments by the power of the Holy Spirit. Festus accuses him of being out of his mind for believing in the Gospel, but Paul boldly tells Festus he knows these things are true. The natural mind cannot comprehend the Gospel (John 14:17), and we must always be prepared to defend it. Paul’s defense is no longer for his release and survival, but for the Gospel. He is never sharp, or judgmental. Paul knows the king’s troubled background, but never condemns him. Our ultimate goal is not to judge people, but to bring them to Christ.

How was Paul bold in his defense of the Gospel without being judgmental? How are we supposed to be bold and not judge?

John 3:17

John 12:47

2. In one of the greatest moments of Paul’s trial, the king asks Paul if, in the short time of the trial, he wishes to make him a Christian (vs. 28). Paul simply responds with words that show the true focus and meaning of being a Christian.

Verse 29: “And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am (Christians)—except for these chains.”

Sometimes, when we defend the Gospel, we can forget Christ’s goal for us. How did Paul stay focused on the mission of the Gospel? How can we stay focused on the mission of the Gospel?

Acts 271. Because Paul appealed to Caesar, he would be imprisoned for the rest of his life. Paul now makes his journey to Rome on the prison ship. On the ship, they encounter a storm, which Paul predicted they would. The centurion did not originally listen to Paul, but when they encounter the storm, he does listen. He trusts that Paul knows what will happen, which is why he cut the ropes to the escape boats, and allowed Paul live. Paul trusts God with his life, so we should trust him with our lives, too. If we trust God with our eternal salvation, you would think it would be easy to trust Him with our day-to-day needs!

In order to trust God, you must know Christ as your Savior. Do you know Christ as your eternal Savior? If so, do you find it difficult to trust Him with everyday needs (example: food, clothing, death or divorce in your family, broken relationships, college, SAT scores, grades, money, job, etc.)? If not, 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Now is the day of salvation.” If you would like to accept Christ as your Savior, talk to any of the leaders at the retreat or one of your friends about it.

Acts 28In Acts 27, Paul had an impact on the centurion. We do not know if the centurion came to Christ, and sometimes when we evangelize, we do not know if the people to whom we witness will come to Christ. When Paul was brought to Rome, he opened his home to anyone who wanted to hear about the Gospel. He was looking for ways to evangelize people. Paul was in it for the “long run,” and was not going to back down because of persecution.

As our society in America is becoming more secular, are you willing to persevere in evangelism and the defense of Christ? When you get to Heaven, will you be able to say: “I have finished the race, I have fought the good fight, and paid the price for following Christ”? Take a moment to pray that you would be bold and strong in sharing the Gospel and defending your faith.

Read 1 Timothy 6:12 and Philippians 3:12-15.

Though the cost may be great, the rewards are endless!

The grOve is the high school ministryof College Park Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our church’s vision is to ignite a passion to follow Jesus.As a youth group, we desire to rise to the challenge

of 1 Timothy 4:12 where we can set an example for people of all ages.

www.yourchurch.com/grovewww.twitter.com/rockthegrove

2606 W. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 | 317-875-0282Don Helton | Pastor of Student Ministries | dhelton@yourchurch.com

Joe Wittmer | Director of Student Ministries | jwittmer@yourchurch.comKendall Carlson | Ministry Assistant | kcarlson@yourchurch.com