7. How does the reaction of the Jews in verse 45 indicate they did not consider themselves worthy of eternal life? Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: The Message AND the Mission” 8. Why do you think it was “necessary” (13:46) for Paul Acts 13:-52 and to preach to the Jews first?

1. Did the message about making a difference in your 9. How did the Gentiles react (13:48-49)? neighborhood, with your neighbors, affect the way you thought or acted this week? If so, in what ways? 10. What did the Jews do when they heard the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the region (13:50)? The STORY (Read 13:13-15 & 42-52) 2. Who departed from the missionary team at 11. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to the Jews (13:13)? actions (13:51)?

3. Why did Paul and Barnabas go to the Synagogue on a. What do you think was the significance of this the Sabbath day in (13:14)? response?

a. Why were they allowed to speak (13:15)? The MESSAGE (Read 13:16-41) 12. Why does Paul begin by telling he Jews their story 4. How many people came to hear the Word of God in (13:16-19)? Antioch the next Sabbath (13:42-44)? a. How does that help them? 5. What was the reaction of the Jews when they saw the multitude (13:45)? 13. What leaders did he highlight (13:20-22)?

a. Why do you think they felt the way they did? 14. Paul made some accusations in verses 27-29. What were these accusations? b. Do you think their reaction was justified? Why or why not? a. How do they strengthen this warning in verses 40- 41? c. Do you see this happen in today? 15. How were the words of the prophets fulfilled through d. What should our response be when we see people what Paul said about (13:27-30)? who are seeking out the message of Jesus? 16. How did Paul exalt God in 13:30-32? 6. How did Paul and Barnabas answer (13:46)? 17. What two prophecies did Paul refer to that Jesus a. Who then became the focus of their ministry? fulfilled (13:33-41)? See also :7 and 16:10. 18. Why do you think Paul told the listeners that 26. Are you stingy with the message of Jesus? forgiveness of sins comes through Jesus (13:38)? 27. In the Kingdom of God, everyone has a necessary role. 19. What do you think Paul was referring to when he said What is your role? there were things from which the law of Moses could not justify them (13:39)? a. Is one role more or less important than another?

a. Does this include murder? Does Paul mean that b. If you are not bringing glory to God in your role, Jesus can justify us from even these things? what do you think you should do?

APPLICATION: The MISSION (Read 13:47) 28. Chapter 13 is the start of the missionary journeys. Use 20. What difference did Paul’s words in 13:46-47 make to the passages indicated to find the first three cities the Gentiles? where churches were planted.

21. This text points out both a message and a mission. Do a. 13:5 ______you think you can accept the message of Jesus without accepting the mission of Jesus? Discuss. b. 13:6-12 ______

a. Are we rejecting God and his Kingdom if we accept c. 13:14 ______the message without the mission?

22. How might you see your neighborhood as part of the mission of Jesus? Next Steps: 23. Can you think of a time when you were doing something for God’s glory and had to stop? Explain. GI’ve been content with the message of Jesus, but I’ve never really joined him in his mission to give the a. Did you wonder why you were stopped? message away. b. Did God use the situation in an unexpected turn which brought even more glory to himself? GI need to confess that I’ve jealously withheld the Gospel from ______. 24. Have you ever had to “shake the dust” of a situation from your feet and go forward? Describe. GMy heart is being shaped to start thinking about my life 25. Review the reaction of the Jews in verse 45. Do you through the lens of joining God at his mission. think the Jews felt superior to the Gentiles (since Jews are a chosen people) and thus did not want to share GFor me, joining God’s mission the message Paul shared? Why or why not? means______.