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Acts 14 “Book of Acts” Class Discussion for April 15, 2020

Opening Prayer

Acts 14 continues with Paul and ’ first missionary journey. We will see how God works through them in various cities on their route before they return to in . There they report back to the church from which they began their journey.

If you have questions about this chapter or anything else related to our study of Acts, please contact Pastor Wilson or Vicar Shaw by phone or e- mail. We would be glad to answer your questions and discuss God’s Word further with you. God’s blessings on your study this week. Acts 14 picks up with Paul and Barnabas at Iconium during their first missionary journey. The chapter ends with Paul and Paul and Barnabas at Iconium + Read Acts 14:1-7 Barnabas back in Antioch in Syria where their journey began. Compare the opposition Paul and Barnabas faced in Pisidian Antioch (:42-52) to what they experienced in Iconium. In what ways was the opposition similar? In what ways was it different?

After Paul and Barnabas preached in the Jewish synagogue in Iconium, the unbelieving Jews turned the Gentiles against them and their message. However, Paul and Barnabas decided to remain there for a long time despite the opposition they experienced. What would you have done? Would you have quickly left that city, or do you think you would have stayed? How did the Lord use Paul and Barnabas during their time spent in Iconium?

After staying for a long time in Iconium, what made Paul and Barnabas leave? What did they do when they got to and ? (Notice that they didn’t simply run away to save their own lives. They also ran toward new mission opportunities after planting a Christian community in Iconium.)

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra + Read Acts 14:8-18 Compare and contrast the healing of the man born crippled from birth with the miracle of in Luke 5:17-26 and the miracle of Peter and John in :1-10. What do these accounts teach us about the power of God’s spoken Word?

What was the response of the crowds to this healing? How did Paul and Barnabas respond to the crowds afterwards? How did the pagan inclination of the people of Lystra get in the way of them receiving the Gospel?

Paul Stoned at Lystra + Read Acts 14:19-23 The Jews who had given Paul and Barnabas trouble earlier followed them from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. How did the fervor of the unbelieving Jews reflect Paul’s early life? What is surprising about Paul’s reaction to the stoning?

After leaving Derbe, why did Paul and Barnabas return to Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch? What words did they speak to the disciples in these cities (verse 22)? Imagine Paul and Barnabas visiting us at Trinity, Zanesville. How would you respond to their visit? How do their words apply to us and our congregation today?

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria + Read Acts 14:24-28 How did the first missionary journey of Barnabas and Paul help advance the Great Commission to take the Gospel to the end of the earth? (See Matthew 28:19-20 and :8.)

Read verse 27 again. Who is the subject doing the action in this verse? Notice how it is God doing the action. He opens the door of faith, not the apostles (see Ephesians 2:8-9). God brings us to faith through His Holy Spirit when we hear His Word. It is God’s work and His alone. We do nothing to contribute to our salvation. What comfort does this truth give you?

Application Acts 13 and 14 tell us about Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey. Thankfully for them, they were in the Lord’s hands through it all. And although they experienced hardships and persecution, the Lord was with them. He gave them strength and endurance to see them through it.

The same is true for us in what we go through too. What has God done for you to see you through this COVID-19 pandemic? In what ways has He provided for you? In what ways has God provided for His Church even during these difficult times when we cannot meet in person? Thanks be to God that the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection continues to go forth and that nothing will ever stop it!

Closing Prayer Sources + The Lutheran Study (ESV), Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 2009.