7. What was the main purpose of the journeys that both and Paul took? Review 15:36 and 41. Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: For the Sake of the Church” a. In what ways does the splitting of Paul and Acts 15:36—16:5 Barnabas actually further the work of the kingdom?

1. Describe some ways that you extended grace to others 8. Who joins Paul in 16:1-5? this week, or how you were extended grace by others. a. How would Paul later describe this man? See 2. Why did Paul think a second missionary journey was 1 Corinthians 4:17 and :2. important (15:36)? b. What church would he later pastor (1 Timothy 1:3)? 3. What was the conflict that arose between Paul and Barnabas (15:37-39a)? 9. Why did Paul required Timothy to be circumcised even though the Council had determined that it a. Put yourself in the place of Paul and then was not necessary (16:3)? Barnabas. What reasons would you give for including or excluding from the journey? 10. How might the following Scriptures help us understand Paul’s requirement of Timothy? b. Do you think there was a clear right or wrong position in this conflict? Why or why not? a. Romans 14:13

4. What additional information do we learn about the b. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 people of this story from the following verses? 11. Discuss how Paul’s thoughts in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 a. :13 might be applied to your own life today.

b. :10 12. When have you given up your “rights” in order to better represent Christ to others? How can you do so now? c. Acts 15:22 13. Was there someone who helped mentor you or d. 2 Timothy 4:11 influenced your life in the way of ? Discuss.

e. Philemon 23-24 14. Is there a “Timothy” in your life, someone younger than you, whom you might reach out to and mentor? 5. Where did Barnabas go and who did he take (15:39)? a. What steps might you take to begin a mentoring 6. Who did Paul take with him on his second missionary relationship with that person, if you haven’t yet? journey (15:40)? b. How might you find such a young person if you do not know of one right now?

15. Describe a time in your own life where God used a situation that you did not think was good, and yet God brought a great result.

16. What might you or your Small Group do that would strengthen and encourage the church? Be detailed.

17. People will disagree about issues. Compare the satisfaction of “being right” with the importance of the mission of the Kingdom. Could any issue be more important than the saving of souls and expanding God’s Kingdom?

18. Is there someone with whom you are holding a grudge due to a disagreement? If so, how might you seek to resolve the conflict this week and agree to disagree?

Next Steps:

GI will be intentional in my efforts to strengthen Christ’s church (including individual Christians). GI am thankful for different styles and models of ministry. GI will hold to essentials tightly and nonessentials loosely. GI will gladly limit my freedom for the sake of reaching others for Christ. GI will not let trivial matters stand in the way of the unity of the church or fellowship with other Christians.