7. said what the Holy Spirit had told him about Paul. What was the purpose of his actions and warning?

Small Group Questions a. Why was another warning necessary if Paul already “The Church Afire: Paul’s Gethsemane” knew what awaited him? Might the warning have Acts 21:1-14 been a preparation for the believers, more than a direct warning to Paul? 1. Have you taken any steps this week to make it a priority in your life to both start and finish well? 8. Does Paul strike you as courageous or foolish?

2. Acts 21:1 reads that “we had torn ourselves away from 9. Upon leaving Tyre, the disciples and their entire families them.” Read :36-38 from last week, and explore went with them out of the city. They knelt and prayed the relationship between Paul and the church leaders. together (21:5). How might that have affected Paul and his traveling companions? a. Why would it have been difficult for Paul to leave and the church leaders? 10. This prayer was a very public display. When is this type of prayer beneficial? b. Was emotion like this helpful to Paul when he knew what he had to do? Discuss. 11. Has there been a time in your life where you were part of a very public prayer? Describe. 3. Has there been a time in your life where you had to leave people whom you loved, knowing you might not see them a. Was it uncomfortable for you? Did you sense that again? If so, how did that make you feel? from others?

4. The disciples urged Paul “through the Spirit” not to set b. Is public prayer okay for others but not for you? foot in . How do they interpret these warnings differently from Paul? Compare 21:4, 10-13 with 20:22- c. Are there times public displays are called for and 23. other times they should remain more private?

5. Who was Agabus (21:10)? 12. Have you ever taken offense when observing others in public prayer or worship? What did you do? a. What else do you know about Agabus (see 11:27-29) that gives more credibility to his prophecy? 13. Why was Philip called one of the Seven (21:8)? Refer to :3-6 for a clue. b. What did he do with Paul’s belt (21:11)? 14. Do you think God still uses people today to reveal his c. What did Agabus say the belt represented? specific message for others?

6. What was the reaction of the disciples when they heard 15. Paul was convinced of what he should do, even though the words of Agabus (21:12)? he was sure it meant hardship. Why did he say he was ready to go to Jerusalem? a. Do you think you would have been as determined to continue to Jerusalem?

16. Three times in this passage, others tried to persuade Paul to not go to Jerusalem. People begged Paul in verses 4 and 12, and Agabus displayed his warning in verse 11. Because Paul’s friends were important to him, how difficult was it for Paul to know they didn’t want him to leave, but to know he must?

a. How did Paul remain steadfast in his purpose to go to Jerusalem when so many pleaded with him to not go?

b. Why do you think Luke mentioned these three times in this short passage?

17. In verse 14, the believers resigned themselves to the will of God. At what point do we resign our wishes or desires, and fully submit to the will of God?

a. How difficult is this for you?

b. Can you describe a time where your wishes conflicted with God’s will? How did you handle it?

c. When have you made decisions against the wishes of people you admired and trusted because you thought you were following the will of God?

Next Steps:

GI understand in life that the easy way out is not necessarily God’s way forward.

GI recognize the fact that sometimes (often) I must choose between my will and God’s will. I will try to pray, “not my will, but Thy will be done.”

GI do not want to be the one standing in the way of a servant of God doing the will of God.