Acts 13:31-52
Are you the kind of person who can commit things (names, birth dates, phone numbers, clothing sizes) to memory easily? Who in your group can recall the phone number of a previous residence where you once lived?
today I have begotten you.’
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- What things about Jesus is Paul emphasizing by recalling 3 famous quotes in verses 33-35? The Resurrection is mentioned 4 times in verses 30-37. How does the Resurrection confirm the meaning of these quotes?
- In Acts 13:38-39, what will happen if the Jews believe what Paul claims about Jesus? What does Paul say is the central meaning of the Resurrection for his listeners? Compare Acts 13:39 with Romans 3:20-24 and 8:3–4. From these verses, how would you explain what Paul means by being justified"?
- Why does Paul end his sermon with this Old Testament quote, "a warning of judgment" (v. 41)?
- Why does preaching the gospel produce a variety of results? What was the reaction to Paul's preaching at Pisidian Antioch?
- What circumstances get people's hearts ready for the gospel? How should these factors guide us in selecting sites for mission work?
- What feelings and emotions are created by this sermon in the various groups of people mentioned in verses 42-51? How do you explain such a variety of reactions and responses?
- Why did the Gentiles receive the gospel so much more eagerly than the Jews did? Why did the Jews find it so hard to accept that Jesus was the Messiah and that the Law could not justify?
- Does 13:47 express your mission?
- What circumstance initiated persecution against Paul and Barnabas?
- Were the missionaries cowardly to leave? Explain. What was the significance when "they shook the dust from their feet"?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- How do you think Paul would respond to a modern day skeptic who felt Jesus was a noble, but misguided, martyr? What role would the Old Testament play in Paul's answer? How would knowing the Old Testament, even memorizing it help you to understand and share your faith better?
- What kind of opposition have you faced because of your faith? How do you usually respond to opposition? Does it make you stronger? Why? Would it be tougher for you to face opposition from community leaders or from family members? Why?
- Do you "honor the word of the Lord" (v. 48)? Why or why not?
- What has God given you that causes you to consider yourself worthy to have eternal life (v. 46)? The Spirit? Spiritual gifts? Forgiveness? A place in God's purpose? Other?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Document for DBS
Series: Immeasurably More “Revival & Revolution in Acts”
It sometimes takes something big and extraordinary to get our attention. In the book of Acts, we see God establish and unleash the Church, and change the world forever! With just a handful of eyewitnesses and a powerful story, God did more than anyone could’ve imagined. And He still does today. It’s time to open your eyes and see God do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine.
Title: “To the Ends of the Earth” (Acts 13)
Bookmark: Click Here
Opening Thoughts: If you want to see the undeniable work of God, just watch how people are impacted by the gospel around the world. By joining God, we can be part of what He is doing to take the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
- Prayer: God, help us dare to imagine what you can do, and give us the faith to see when you do it.
- Romans 10:13-15 NIV - 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
- We want to be a church with “beautiful feet” taking the message of Jesus to the world!
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Text: Acts 13:2-3, 44-48, 52
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. ...
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. ...
52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
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Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
Reflections for applications:
- Sent Out. Acts 13:2-3
- Beautiful feet going,
- Loving hands blessing,
- Devoted hearts sending
- Where the Gospel goes, opposition grows. Acts 13:44-48, 52
- Taking the gospel to the ends of the earth was not an accident or afterthought. It was the deliberate design of God.
- Matthew 28:19-20 NIV - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
- Acts 1:8 NIV - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
- Acts 8:1 NIV - And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
- Acts 8:4 NIV - Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
- We need to expand our vision of the Church & the Kingdom
- You should be a goer, a sender, or both
A challenge to say this prayer throughout the series: “God, help us dare to imagine what you can do, and give us the faith to see when you do it.”
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Digging Questions:
How will you respond to God’s “Revival”? What transformative move needs to be made?
What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
What is God calling us (me and you individually) to do?
Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?
Hashtags #Unbelievable #God #Spirit
Sunday sermon link https://youtu.be/EvVI4wydPXk
Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes
Comments and resources with some more resources:
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