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Acts 25:13–26:32 Previous Message Summary

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Acts 25:13–26:32 Previous Message Summary 5. What do you know about King Agrippa? a. About Bernice? Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: Except for These Chains” b. How might Agrippa be in a position to help Festus Acts 25:13–26:32 (26:3)? Previous Message Summary: Paul stood trial in 6. As Paul stands before King Agrippa, how does he feel Caesarea before Governor Felix, with Ananias the high about the opportunity (26:2)? priest and his lawyer, Tertullus, presenting the case against Paul. Paul was accused of being a troublemaker, 7. Do you think Paul’s primary goal was to convince ringleader, and of desecrating the temple. Paul had Agrippa of his innocence, or of the truth of already waited two years in jail before this trial and his Christianity? appeal to Caesar. 8. Would you describe this speech as a legal defense or We learned that: a personal testimony? a. God’s timing is often different from our own. b. It is important to please God rather than men. 9. For the third time in the Book of Acts, Paul recounts c. Submitting to God is a matter of obedience rather than his conversion detailing: his life before Christ; how he convenience. came to Christ; and his life now as a result of knowing Christ. This weekend, we did not have the opportunity to read our passage in its entirety. You may want to do this before a. What are some of the benefits of a personal starting this study. testimony? Introduction b. How do the above three elements help us shape our own personal testimony? 1. What would you say is the biggest “high-profile” court case in modern history? c. Looking back over Paul’s testimony, what would you say is its theme? Discussion Questions 10. According to Paul, what was the real source of his 2. What is the problem Festus faces (25:25-26)? conflict with the Jewish leaders (see 23:6; 24:21; 26:6-8)? 3. Who comes to visit Festus (25:13-14)? 11. How does Festus respond to Paul’s testimony 4. Besides paying respects, what benefit was there for (26:25)? King Agrippa to come to Caesarea? a. Do people today think Christians are crazy? b. How do you handle situations where your faith is b. Can God use a rocky or troubled history to bring questioned or criticized? Him glory? How? c. How does Paul respond to Festus’s comments 18. In Acts 26:12-20, Paul testifies about his conversion (26:25)? and calling. We’ve read about Paul’s testimony on previous occasions—before the Jewish crowd in Acts 12. What was the purpose of Paul’s question to King 22 and before Governor Felix in Acts 24, each time Agrippa (26:27)? speaking in a way that relates to his audience. 13. How did King Agrippa respond to Paul’s testimony a. When the opportunity arises, have you prepared (26:28)? your testimony to share? 14. What was Paul’s prayer for King Agrippa and the b. How can you incorporate flexibility to match your others (26:29)? audience? a. What part should prayer play in our sharing the c. What is the importance of ending your testimony Gospel with others? What types of things should with a question? we pray for? 15. Paul’s audience included Governor Festus, King Challenge Agrippa, Bernice, five Roman regiment commanders, and leaders of the Jewish and Roman government 19. In Acts 26:32, King Agrippa speaks to Governor Felix (Acts 25:23). If you were on trial in front of these and appears to have concluded that Paul is innocent important people, would you be so bold? of the charges. Paul has a great reputation. What steps might you take this week to enhance your 16. King Agrippa’s experience and knowledge of Jewish reputation, credibility, and attitude? culture gave him credibility that Governor Festus could use to write a report to Caesar about Paul’s 20. Who do you need to share your testimony with this appeal. (Acts 25:26) What spiritual credibility do you week? have that will attract people to the Gospel? 17. In Acts 26:9-11, Paul admits to putting many saints in Next Steps: prison and when they were put to death, casting his vote against them. G I thank God that he is in the “story changing” business. a. Does it damage your reputation or credibility to talk about bad things you did in your past, before G I will carefully think through how to tell my story. Christ, as it contributes to your testimony? G I will pray that God uses my story to help spread HIS story..
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