3. Why did the high priest order Paul to be struck on the mouth?

Small Group Questions a. Was it legal for the high priest to command this? “The Church Afire: Take Courage :30—23:35 4. When Paul called the high priest a “whitewashed wall,” what did he mean? Previous Message Summary: Paul, having been arrested, was about to be taken into the barracks when he a. What kind of person would fit this description was given permission to address the crowd. He gave a today? synopsis of his Jewish heritage and in so doing, shared the gospel. Things went well until he mentioned the “G” 5. Steve gave several possibilities why Paul did not word (Gentile), which not only caused the crowd to erupt, recognize the high priest. What were they? but nearly got him flogged. 6. What Old Testament Scripture did Paul quote when We learned the principles of: “finding common ground,” talking about the high priest? See Exodus 22:28 “barbequing first,” and “not stopping short.” a. Is this principle applicable today? 1. Imagine the following: life out of control, nothing goes as planned, you don’t know what to do next, you can’t b. How Is it similar to Romans 13:3-5? see a solution to your problems. What is the natural reaction to this scenario? 7. Why does Paul change the focus of attention from keeping the Law to his hope in the Resurrection? a. Can you share a personal situation? a. What was the difference in belief between the b. What did you do? and regarding the Resurrection (:6-8)? 2. When Paul stood before the Sanhedrin, he told them he had fulfilled his duty to God in all good conscience b. What was the reaction of the Sanhedrin? (23:1). c. Did Paul intend to create this reaction among the a. Was Paul suggesting he had never sinned? Sanhedrin (Acts 23:9-10)?

b. Paul had persecuted . Was he 8. In the last week, Paul had been: severely beaten, suggesting that sin done with a clean conscience arrested, almost flogged, almost torn to pieces by the is not sin? Sanhedrin, and now he finds himself spending another night in a Roman jail. Do you think Paul was c. What was Paul saying? discouraged? a. Read Acts 23:11 Who stood beside Paul while he 14. Caesarea is 65 miles away from . At what was in jail and what did he say? point did the soldiers stop and let the cavalry go without them (Acts 23:31)? b. What encouragement did Paul receive about his living conditions, freedom, and control of his future 15. Through this passage we see Paul encounter a ministry? number of setbacks, yet with the Lord’s encouragement and the power of the Holy Spirit, he is 9. In our present day, when life is overwhelming, where able to “buck it up” and stick to the course. What can do you find comfort and encouragement? we learn from this and apply to the course of our life?

a. What can you do on your own and with others to gain strength? Next Steps:

10. How many men formed a conspiracy to kill Paul (Acts G I understand that will not necessarily spare me 23:13)? from the trials of life, but will see me through them.

a. What oath did these men take? G In tough times and with God’s help, I will take heart and stand strong. b. Who did these men form an alliance with to set an ambush for Paul (Acts 23:14-15)? G I pledge to faithfully follow Christ and his leading in my life. 11. How did Paul learn about the plot to kill him (Acts 23:16)?

a. Was it just a coincidence that Paul learned about the plot, and was protected from the plot, the morning after Jesus told Paul to take courage?

b. Can you share about a “coincidence” in your life that you knew was from God?

12. How many men in all did Commander Lysias order to get ready to transfer Paul to Caesarea under the cover of night?

13. In the letter to Governor Felix (Acts 23:27-30), what details does the commander conveniently leave out? (Hint: verse 27.)