8. Verse 21 says the “hand of the Lord was with them.” Compare 11:21 with Ex 9:3-4; Josh 4:24; 1 Sam 5:6; Small Group Questions Ps 118:15-16; Pro 21:1; Eze 33:22; and Lk 1:66. “The Church Afire: A Culture of Generosity” Acts 11:19-30 a. When does the Lord’s hand seem good and when more harsh? 1. When (with God’s help) have you treated someone as Christ has treated you? b. Which “side” of the Lord’s hand would you choose to be on? 2. What is the farthest you have ever been from home? 9. Who was sent to Antioch (11:22)? 3. What is generosity? a. Why do you think the church sent him? a. Do you consider yourself to be generous? b. How did he react to what he found (11:23)? b. Is generosity only about money? If not, how else can you be generous? c. What was the “evidence of the grace of God” that he saw there? 4. How did believers end up in Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch? 10. What did Barnabas encourage those in Antioch to do, and what result was evidenced (11:23-24)? 5. If you had been scattered due to persecution (as these believers were) would your first impulse have been to 11. What does it take to remain “true to the Lord” with all speak about Jesus or to hide and allow things to cool your heart (11:24)? down? Explain. 12. How is Barnabas described (11:24)? 6. Who did the believers tell the message of Jesus to in verse 19? a. Would you want this description to be about you?

7. To whom did those from Cyprus and Cyrene preach 13. From whom did Barnabas seek help (11:25)? when they went to Antioch (11:20)? a. What was their primary ministry for a whole year a. What is notable about those to whom they gave the (11:26)? message of Jesus? 14. What name were the disciples called first at Antioch b. What was the reaction of those in Antioch who (11:26)? heard the message (11:21)? a. Was it intended as a positive or derogatory name?

b. What significance might this hold for us today? c. Are we living up to that name daily?

15. What does Agabus (through the Holy Spirit) warn the believers about (11:27-28)?

16. What did the disciples determine to do (11:29-30)?

17. How did Barnabas create an atmosphere or culture of generosity?

18. Verse 29 uses the phrase “each according to his ability” to describe how the disciples would help. How do you think it would impact our church today, if everyone would help according to their ability?

a. How are you using your abilities to help others?

19. What was the “gift” and who took it to Jerusalem (11:30)?

20. You’ve heard the phrase, “location, location, location.” With Antioch being a hinge that joined the eastern and western Roman empire together, why may it have been important that the Lord brought believers here?

21. Have you been made aware of a situation that might need your help? Talk about what you could do to organize help, and then how you will carry it out.

22. CHALLENGE: What types of ministries occur in this chapter?

Next Steps:

GI will be generous with the Gospel. GI will be generous with what God has given me. GI will actively seek to be discipled or to disciple someone else.