Acts 18:1-17
ACTS STUDY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What caught your attention in the text of Acts 18:1-17? What encouraged or challenged you? What did you learn about Corinth that helps you better understand the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians?
The first people Paul encounters are Jews from Rome and fellow tentmakers, Aquilla and Priscilla. It’s unclear if they were already Christians or if they were converted through the ministry of Paul. What do we learn later about Aquila and Priscilla from Acts 18:18, 19, 26, Romans 16:3, 5, and 1 Corinthians 16:9, and what do we learn from them about evangelism, church planting, and discipleship?
When Silas and Timothy arrived in Corinth, they found Paul “occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus” (cf. Acts 18:5, 1 Cor 2:1-2). What can we learn from Paul’s preoccupation as we seek to share the gospel with friends, family, and others?
What happened as a result of proclaiming Jesus according to Acts 18:6, and what did Paul do? How did God use the rejection and reviling of Paul for his glory (cf. vs. 7)? Why should the conversions in Corinth encourage us?
Paul says he entered Corinth with weakness, fear, and much trembling (cf. 1 Cor 2:3). Despite the great spiritual victory in Titius Justus’ house, it seems that Paul’s fear continued. Is this surprising for you to hear? Why or why not?
Though Paul is proclaiming the anchor of the soul — the One who can save to the uttermost — he’s also struggling to believe the words he speaks. Can you relate? How do we benefit from this glimpse into Paul’s heart and weakness?
How does the Lord encourage and renew Paul in Acts 18:9-10 and how is it encouraging for us in our own dark times? What do we learn about Jesus in these verses? What are the key elements of Jesus’ comfort to Paul? Which part is most encouraging and comforting to you?
Among other things, Jesus told Paul, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent....” How is telling him to keep speaking an encouraging and comforting thing to say to an already weary Paul? These words are nearly identical to what Yahweh told Ezekiel when he faced an angry and rebellious audience. However, in Ezekiel 2:8-3:3, Yahweh told Ezekiel to take, eat, and fill his belly with God’s word before he spoke. How does this turn Jesus’ command for Paul to “go on speaking” into encouragement and comfort? How can we practically apply this in our everyday lives?
What are your key takeaways from Acts 18:1-17? What can we be thankful for from this text? Is there anything God is calling you to do as a result of studying this text?
