1. Briefly share: over the last week, what’s one way you’ve noticed God working in your life? Or in the lives of others? In your community? In the world? Or share something that happened in the last week you are grateful for!

LET’S DIVE IN!

2. First, read together Acts 13. Think back to the message and the main question: What is the Spirit’s strategy for fulfilling God’s mission?

•  1st Point: Spirit uses personal preparation.
•  2nd Point: Spirit uses confrontation and opposition.
•  3rd Point: Spirit teaches how to explain that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament. Þ 4th Point: Spirit works in hearts differently and uniquely.

Was there an idea or aspect of the text spoke to you? Was there anything said that challenged, intrigued or confused you that you want to explore more? Listen to each other, but don’t feel the need to answer a person’s question.

3. In Acts 13:3–4, Saul and Barnabas are sent out by the Holy Spirit. (Now that he is working in Gentile territory, the Hebrew “Saul” becomes known by his Roman name, “Paul;” Acts 13:9) Where do Paul and Barnabas start preaching first when they arrive in Cyprus (Acts 13:5), in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:14), and in Iconium (Acts 14:1)? Considering Acts 3:25–26 and Acts 13:46, why is this pattern noteworthy? In what way is it a partial fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8?

4. In Acts 13:10–11, Paul delivers a seemingly harsh pronouncement on the magician Elymas. One can hear an echo of God’s mercy in Paul’s own life, when he himself was sternly rebuked for opposing Christ and was struck with blindness for a time. What does the text say was the result of Paul’s rebuke (Acts 13:11–12)? 

5. In Acts 13:14, Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel. What are the core elements of the gospel found in Acts 13:28, 30, 31, 34, 38? How does Paul show continuity from the Old Testament Scriptures and showing it’s fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?

6. In Acts 13:45–52, Jewish opposition to the gospel once again begins to rise. Read 1 Corinthians 1:22-23. The “stumbling block to Jews” of Christ crucified has been a common theme through Acts so far. What is the reason given for Jewish opposition in Acts 13:44–45? What happens when the Gentiles are offered the good news (Acts 13:48–49)?

7. Consider the response to Paul’s sermon. We see two vastly different responses. First, identify the differences. How does this offer encouragement or motivate you to share Jesus with others? For example, one extreme is to think the outcome is all dependent on God and our words make no difference. As a result, we can stay silent out of fear of saying the wrong thing. The other extreme is to think the outcome is entirely dependent on our words. Thus, not relying on the Spirit to move we take all the responsibility for the outcome. We are left feeling discouraged. But If we look at Paul’s encounter, he brilliantly explained and presented Jesus (having the right words), yet not everyone believed his message (Spirit determined the outcome). If we believe the Spirit works uniquely and differently in everyone, how can this give us confidence and help us focus on faithfulness in share our faith and not discouraged by a negative response?

WHAT'S YOUR NEXT STEP?

8. In light of this study, share and write down one next action step you feel God is leading you to take in the next week?

(Consider areas: a temptation to avoid? Promise to claim? Example to follow? Command to obey? Person to move toward? A new discipline to develop that will help you love God with your heart, soul, mind, strength and to love others?)