Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: Even Apostles Get

a. What did many of the Corinthians do?

Small Group Questions 12. Since most of the Jews did not accept Paul’s teaching, “The Church Afire: Even Apostles Get Discouraged” what do you think life was like for Crispus, who believed? Acts 18:1-22 (Remember: Crispus formerly was the synagogue leader.)

1. Have you looked at your city in a different way since the 13. Why do you think the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision message last weekend? If so, in what way? (18:9-10)?

2. Can you think of an example in your life where God used a. How do you think you would have felt after having a bad situation for good? Explain. such a vision?

3. Where did Paul go when he left Athens (18:1)? 14. Why do you think Paul might have been afraid now, even after years of serving Jesus? 4. What are some reasons that Corinth would have been a good place for Paul to spend considerable time? 15. Is fear a normal experience for servants of God?

5. Who did Paul meet in Corinth (18:1-3)? a. If so, why do so many people let fear stop them from doing what God is asking of them? a. What did they have in common? 16. How long did Paul stay in Corinth (18:11)? b. Why were they in Corinth rather than in their native home of Italy (18:2)? 17. The Jews brought Paul before the judgment seat of Gallio, the deputy of Achaia. What did the Jews claim 6. How did God take Priscilla and Aquilla’s bad situation and what was Gallio’s response (18:12-16)? (having to leave Italy) and create good from it? 18. What happened to Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the 7. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, to what synagogue (18:17)? did Paul devote himself (18:5)? a. Based on this verse, what must have happened to a. Why then, and not before their arrival? Crispus prior to this event (18:8)?

8. What happened when the Jews opposed Paul (18:6)? b. Paul later writes letters back to Corinth. With Sosthenes clearly in view, read 1 Corinthians 1:1. 9. How did Paul respond (18:7)? 19. Who went to Ephesus with Paul and what did they do 10. Why is it significant that Paul “shook out his clothes” when they arrived (18:18-19)? when leaving the synagogue?

11. What notable person of the synagogue believed (18:8)? 20. What did Paul do in Cenchrea (18:18)? Why? 21. Have you ever made a vow to God? Explain.

22. Why didn’t Paul stay very long in Ephesus this time (18:19-21)?

a. What did Paul promise the Ephesians?

23. Paul stayed in Corinth about a year and a half. During that time, Luke records that God only spoke to Paul one time and there is no mention of “healings” or other miracles that took place. Why do we get impatient if we haven’t heard from God in a week?

24. What assurance do we have that God is still with us and guiding us even when we are not hearing from him or seeing visions?

25. Paul used a strategy for reaching unsaved people for Jesus. What kind of strategy do you have to engage others and share the message of Jesus? Discuss.

a. If you don’t have a strategy, why not?

Next Steps:

GI realize the importance of having Christian friends in my life, especially during times of discouragement. GI understand that life is too difficult to live in isolation from other Christians. I will seek out a small group or Bible study of which I can be a part. GI pledge to follow God faithfully—even in times of discouragement. GKnowing that ministry is often lonely and discouraging, I will seek out ways to be an encouragement to missionaries and ministers who are doing God’s bidding.