Discussion Questions

3. From Acts 28:11; how many months were the Small Group Questions shipwrecked castaways stranded on Malta? “The Church Afire: The Final Act” Acts 28:11–31 4. The Alexandrian ship they boarded had mythical twin figurehead gods that seagoing mariners worshiped for Previous Message Summary: Paul comes ashore on protection. Even ungodly people have in their nature Malta and is bitten by a snake as he stokes the beach fire. a desire to worship. What would you say ungodly His miraculous protection from the snake’s venom gained people currently worship for protection? him an audience with the islanders and the governor. His circumstances create an opportunity for sharing the 5. In Acts 28:12-13 we see that the ship set sail with Gospel and ministering to the people. relative ease from one port to another. (See map on back.) Conversely, three months earlier, sailing was We learned that: very difficult and out of control. a. We can look for opportunities to allow God to use us even in difficult circumstances. a. In your life, have you sensed God’s timing as you b. Rather than a vacation of R&R, God might be calling us tried to accomplish something that seemed easy, to a vacation of service. but turned out difficult? Did you remember to c. God can redeem even the bleakest of days and the pray, with much better results? Can you give an most contemptible people. example?

Introduction 6. In Acts 28:15, Paul finally completes the last leg of his voyage and has to make the rest of the journey on 1. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where land. Look at the map on the back and discover the you’ve been an encouragement to someone who had distance he had to walk from Puteoli to Rome. fallen under difficult circumstances? a. What did “the brothers” do that was an a. How did they respond? encouragement to Paul and inspired him to thank God? b. Why did you do it and how did it make you feel? b. This is a great example of hospitality. What does c. How could your kindness lead to an opportunity to the Bible say about hospitality? See Hebrews share the Gospel? 13:16, and John 13:34-35.

2. Who has been the greatest encouragement to you in c. What examples of hospitality have you received? your life? In your spiritual life? d. How did “the brothers” know who Paul was? Read Acts 18:2, and Romans 16:3-16. 7. In Acts 28:16, Paul is allowed to live by himself in Challenge Rome with one soldier. (Usually a prisoner that is intended to go before Caesar would have two soldiers 13. After two years of imprisonment in Caesarea and two assigned to him.) What do we learn about his more years in Rome, we see Paul being an restriction of movement in Philippians 1:13? encouragement and preaching boldly. Who could have reasonably blamed Paul if he turned bitter or 8. In Acts 28:21, the Jews in Rome tell Paul they have discouraged—but he didn’t. not received any letters from Judea concerning him. Consider that Paul was the focus of a riot in a. What made the difference in Paul that he could Jerusalem, and stood trial before the Sanhedrin, remain faithful in his call? Romans 8:9-11,26,27 Governors Felix and Festus, King Agrippa, and held in jail for two years. Why do you think no word of Paul b. What can we do to remain as steadfast as Paul had reached Rome? did?

9. After Paul had spoken to the Jews, some were Next Steps: convinced, but others would not believe. What Old Testament prophet did Paul quote in Acts 28:26-27? G I am thankful for those who have encouraged me in my spiritual journey. a. Isaiah talked about people hearing but not understanding, seeing but not perceiving, their G I will strive to be an encouragement to hearts becoming calloused. What would cause a others—especially those in the household of God. Christian who has spiritual senses of faith, hope, and love, to lose their sensitivity? G I realize the importance of being around other Christians for strength and encouragement (for their b. What can a Christian do to restore their spiritual sake and my own) and will make it a priority in my life sensitivity? Read Ps 51:10-12, and Rev. 3:14-20. and the life of my family.

10. How long did Paul stay in his rented house and welcome all who came to see him? See Acts 28:30.

11. While Paul was under arrest, who did he influence for Christ? See Philippians 1:12-12, and 4:21-22.

12. Look up the following: Eph 4:1; Phil 1:13-14; Col 4:3; Philemon 1.

a. How does the existence of these “prison epistles” demonstrate the way that Paul made the best of his situation?