Acts 14:21-28
ACTS STUDY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What were key takeaways for you in Acts 14:21-28 as Paul and Barnabas decide to return through Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch on their way back to Syrian Antioch?
Paul’s hometown of Tarsus is only 100 miles from Derbe, and Syrian Antioch, where they were commissioned, is only 80 miles further. Instead, Paul and Barnabas decide to travel 600 miles back through Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, and Perga and then sail home. Why is that such an extraordinary decision, and what does it teach us about the importance of discipleship?
What are they committed to doing in each of those cities according to Acts 14:22? What can we learn about discipleship from what they do in Acts 14:22? How does “strengthening, encouraging, and preparing” make discipleship less intimidating and more tangible and accessible in your mind?
Paul’s aim in discipleship is to present disciples mature in Christ according to Col 1:28. How does that occur based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17:17? What does Paul warn and encourage in 2 Timothy 3:10-17?
Our answers to question 4 tell us that the word of God is central to our maturity, sanctification, and protection. Is it a central feature of your everyday rhythms of life? What can we do to help one another make it more of a regular pattern and grow even more in God’s word?
What do Paul and Barnabas also do in each of those cities to ensure the strengthing, encouragement, and preparation of disciples (e.g. Acts 14:23)? What does that teach us about the value of spiritual leadership? What attitude(s) are elders encouraged to have in Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:1-5? What wisdom does the writer of Hebrews offer in Hebrews 13:7 and 17?
After traveling back through Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, Perga, and Attalia they set sail for home in Antioch, where they recounted God’s works, were renewed, and then recommissioned for ministry. What does it say about Paul and Barnabas that they report back to a local congregation?
What do we learn about the importance of gospel community by their returning to Syrian Antioch to report, be renewed, and resent? How is their reporting, renewal, and resending a picture of what we are offered in gathering for gospel community and in personal study of God’s word?
What key themes and takeaways did you observe in Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey? What can we learn from them about evangelism and discipleship from their return through Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch? How does their example encourage or convict you? What will you take away and apply from our study?
