Outline of Monday & Tuesday s Study Acts 9:1-28 I. Saul s background II. Saul an enemy of the church Acts 8:3 III. Saul seeks permission from High Priest Acts 9:1-2 IV. Paul s conversion Damascus. Acts 9:3-7 V. Paul and Ananias Acts 9:11-18 VI. Paul begins to share his faith Acts 9:20-22 VII. Paul s escape in a basket Acts 9:23-25 VIII. Barnabas defends Paul Acts 9:26-28
To the Teacher Points to remember! Your students will: Know... Experience... About Saul s upbringing. Saul persecuted those who believed in Jesus. Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. That after Saul s conversion he began to speak boldly about Jesus. That Saul had to escape because of his new belief in Jesus. Saul had become a new creation and that his life had changed. How Jesus transformed Saul s life. This same life changing event when they open their lives to Jesus. Becoming a new creation in Christ. That they can witness and share about their changed lives with those around them.
The Conversion of Saul A Changed life Acts 9:1-28 Memory Verse: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. 2Cor. 5:17 The church began to grow strong in Jerusalem after the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the disciples of Jesus. There was a devote Jew named Saul who was very upset with the followers of Jesus. Saul was born in Tarsus and was a Roman citizen. Saul was highly educated and was trained by Gamaliel, an important Jewish rabbi. Saul was an enemy of the church and was successful at Jerusalem in putting many believers into jail. Many of the believers had left or were in hiding. 1. What was Saul zealous for? Phil. 3:6 2. What kind of problems was Saul causing? Acts 8:3 3. What permission did Saul seek from the High priest? Acts 9:1-2
As Paul journeyed from Jerusalem to Damascus there suddenly came a light from heaven. Paul fell to the ground. A voice from heaven said to him Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? 4. Who was talking to Saul? Acts 9:5 5. What was Saul asked to do? Acts 9:6 6. Did Saul s friends hear what Jesus was saying? Acts 9:7 Saul arose from the ground and when he opened his eyes he could not see. His companions led him to Damascus. Saul did not eat or drink for three days. There was a disciple living in Damascus named Ananias. God had spoken to Ananias in a vision and had given him some instructions. 7. Where was Ananias to go and what was he told to do? Acts 9:11
Ananias was very frightened because of all the stories that he had heard about Saul. He knew that Saul had the authority of the High Priest to arrest and put the believers of Jesus in prison. The Lord told Ananias that he had chosen Saul to be His vessel, which he planned to use with the Gentiles and many others. No longer did Ananias fear Saul and he went and laid hands on Saul. He spoke to him and he received his sight once again and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul was then baptized, received food and was strengthened. Saul spent some time with the disciples and then began to preach the name of Jesus in the synagogues. Many who heard were amazed that this was the same Saul who had been persecuting the believers. Saul was now a believer himself. 8. What was Saul preaching and proving in the synagogues? Acts 9:22 9. What did the Jews plan to do with Saul? Acts 9:23
Saul had discovered the plot by the Jews to harm him. He had gained the trust of the disciples and the disciples took Saul by night and let him down through the wall of the city in a large basket. After this Saul traveled to Jerusalem. He tried to meet with the disciples, but they were very afraid of him and did not believe that he was a true disciple. There was one named Barnabas who was not afraid of Saul s reputation and he took him to meet the Apostles. Barnabas testified that Saul had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He testified that Jesus had spoken to Saul, and that Saul had been converted. Barnabas spoke of how Saul had boldly preached Jesus in Damascus. Saul s life had been changed and he had truly become a new creation in Christ.
Life Application Questions 1. Have you met the Lord Jesus like Saul did, no not on the road to Damascus, but in your heart? 2. Have the old things passed away and are you a new creation? 3. If you are truly a new creation, what proof is there that your life has changed? 4. If this is true, can those around you see these changes?
Outline of Wednesday s Study I. Elders lay hands on Barnabas and Paul Acts 13:1-3 II. Cyprus and Elyma s Blasphemy Acts 13:4-12 III. Paul preaches at Antioch of Pisidia Acts 13:14-52 IV. Paul preaches at Iconium Acts 14:1-7 V. Paul heals a cripple at Lystra Acts 14:8-20 VI. Paul goes to Derbe Acts 14:21 VII. Paul returns back to Antioch of Syria Acts 14:26-28
To the teacher Points to remember Your Students will: Know... That Paul was set apart to do a work. That the Holy Spirit anointed and sent Paul out. That Paul was sent out to preach the message of Jesus to the Jews and Gentiles. That God has a plan for each of us. That God will use those who love Him. Experience... How the Holy Spirit spoke to the leaders of the church concerning Paul. The power of the Holy Spirit as Paul carried the message of Jesus to the Jews and to the Gentiles. Paul s boldness in preaching the Gospel. That Paul continued to do what he was set apart to do.
Memory Verse 1 st Missionary Journey Being Set Apart Acts 13:1-14:28 But know that the Lord has set apart for himself him who is godly;... Psalm 4:3a As Saul and Barnabas journeyed from Jerusalem they came to Antioch of Syria. There were certain prophets and teachers at the church there in Antioch that were fasting and the Holy Spirit said to them Now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them to do. So these prophets and teachers laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and prayed for them. Barnabas and Saul, being sent away by the Holy Spirit, left on a missionary journey proclaiming the good news of Jesus. They went down to Cyprus and it is there where they began to preach the message of Jesus in the synagogues of the Jews. 1. As they traveled across this island of Cyprus they came to what city? Acts 13:6 2. Who did Barnabas and Saul meet? Acts 13:6
A sorcerer, named Elymas was with the proconsul Sergius Palulus. He was an intelligent man. A proconsul is a person who represents a government. 3. Why did Sergius Palulus ask to hear from Barnabas and Saul? Acts 13:7 4. What did Elymas seek to do? Acts 13:8 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked at Elymas and called him the son of the devil and an enemy of what is right. He said, Will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 5. What did Paul say to Elymas? Acts 13:11a 6. What fell upon Elymas? Acts 13:11b 7. What did Elymas seek to do next? Acts 13:11b 8. How did Sergius Paulus respond to all that he saw and witnessed? Acts 13:12
As Barnabas and Paul departed from Paphos they traveled to Antioch of Pisidia. The men in charge of the synagogue asked Paul to speak some words of instruction or encouragement to the people. Paul then spoke and traced the history of the people of Israel. His message was leading to the good news of Jesus. 9. What is this good news? After Paul had finished, he was asked by the Gentiles to come back the following week and preach some more. As the whole city came out to hear Paul, the Jewish leaders became jealous and angry. Many Gentiles received Jesus. Afterwards Barnabas and Paul left for Iconium. Paul continued to do what the Lord had set him apart to do. This time many Gentiles and Jews believed. The city was divided and there was a violent attempt by some Jews to stone Barnabas and Paul. As Barnabas and Paul became aware of this plot they fled to Lystra. At Lystra as they began to preach. Paul saw a cripple man who was listening to his words. The cripple man s faith was strong. He wanted to be healed. 10. What did Paul say in a loud voice to the cripple man? Acts 14:10
Now as the people saw what Paul had done raised their voices and said, The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men. They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul they called Hermes. 11. What did the priest of Zeus want to do? Acts 14:13 12. How did Barnabas and Paul react to the people? Acts 14:14 Barnabas and Paul told the people that they were not gods, but men just like themselves. They said that they came only to preach to them about the living God. Then some Jews came up from Antioch and Iconium. They stirred up the crowd against Barnabas and Paul. The crowd stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city. They thought Paul was dead. 13. What happened with Paul next? Acts 14:20 After the stoning, Barnabas and Paul left for Derbe, where Paul continued to preach. From there Barnabas and Paul traveled to back to Lystra, Iconium, Antioch of Pisidia and finally back to their home church at Antioch of Syria. Barnabas and Paul shared about their missionary adventures. They remained at Antioch with the church for a long time.
Life Application Questions 1. What does it mean to be set apart? 2. What was Paul set apart to do? 3. Do you love the Lord? 4. What is the Lord going to set you apart to do?
Outline of Thursday s Study Acts 15:37-18:22 I. Dispute between Paul and Barnabas Acts 15:37-40 II. Paul Chooses Silas Acts 16:1-5 III. Vision of the Macedonian man Acts 16:6-10 IV. Paul meets Lydia at Philippi Acts 16:12-15 V. Paul and Silas are thrown into prison Acts 16:16-34 VI. Paul and Silas meet the Bereans Acts 17:10-15 VII. Paul travels to Athens Acts 17:16-34 VIII. Paul meets Priscilla and Aquila Acts 18:1-3 IX. Paul sails back to Antioch of Syria Acts 18:22
To the Teacher Points to remember! Your students will: Know: That Paul revisited the areas where he and Barnabas had preached. That a disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas. That many others joined Paul s missionary team. That God gave a new direction for Paul to travel and preach the gospel. That Paul preached in synagogues and other areas. That Paul preached even unto philosophers. Experience: The vision he had of the man of Macedonia. How Paul desired to preach to everyone who would hear. The conversion of Lydia. Encountering fortunetellers. The trials, being beaten and imprisoned. A great earthquake. Paul s response to his trials. Paul s journey to Athens. God s desire to save all men.
2 nd Missionary Journey Preaching the Gospel Acts 15:37-18:22 Memory Verse: For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake. 2Cor. 4:5 Paul and Barnabas had returned home to their church in Antioch. They were giving a good report on what had happened on their 1 st missionary trip and how the gospel had begun to spread beyond Jerusalem. After some time Paul said to Barnabas, Let us now go back and visit our brothers in every city where we have preached the Word of the Lord, and see how they are doing. Now there began a dispute between Paul and Barnabas, because Barnabas wanted Mark to go with them on their next journey, but Paul did not want to take Mark because he had not continued with them on their 1st missionary journey. The disagreement became so strong that Paul and Barnabas decided to go their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and went towards Cyprus and Paul chose Silas and went to Syria and Cilicia. From Cilicia, Paul and Silas went to Lystra, where they met Timothy, a strong believer. Paul invited Timothy to join their team. So now Paul, Silas and Timothy were a team of three.
From Lystra they all traveled to Troas, a seaport on the western part of Asia across the way from Greece and Macedonia. One night as Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling to him saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us. The next morning Paul shared this vision with Silas and Timothy. They were sure that God had given them a new direction which they could go and spread the Good News. So they went west to preach the gospel message to all that would hear. About this time another person joined them. His name was Luke who was a doctor. So now there were four missionaries who sailed to Macedonia: Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke. As they landed in Macedonia they came to Neapolis and then later over to Philippi. Now Paul and the others went to the riverside and began to speak with different women who were there. 1. Who did Paul and the rest of the group meet next and what did this person do for a living? Acts 16:14 Lydia was a worshipper of God. She listened to Paul s words as he preached. God opened her heart and Lydia and every one in her house became a believer. Later Lydia and her whole house were baptized. She asked Paul and the others to stay with her at her house. Later as Paul was preaching, a demon possessed slave began to follow Paul and the others. She was a fortune-teller who made a lot of money for her masters.
2. What did this girl shout behind Paul and the others? Acts 16:17 This girl continued to shout the same thing day after day. Paul got very annoyed, and said to the demon within her, I command you in the name of Jesus to come out of her, The demon instantly left the slave fortune-teller girl. The slave girl s masters were very mad with Paul and Silas, because the girl did not have the power to tell fortunes anymore. They had lost a lot of money. 3. What happened next? Acts 16:19b The fortune-tellers masters shouted, These men, being Jews exceedingly trouble our city and teach customs which are not lawful for us! 4. What did the magistrates or city officials do next? Acts 16:22a Paul and Silas were later beaten with wooded rods and thrown into the inner prison. Their feet were chained into a stock where they could not escape. 5. How did Paul and Silas respond after they were beaten and thrown into the prison? Acts 16:25
Suddenly, there was a great earthquake and the prison began to shake. The doors flew open, and the chains of all the prisoners fell off! The jailer who was in charge woke up and saw all that happened. He thought all the prisoners had escaped and was about to kill himself with his own sword when Paul shouted, Do yourself no harm, for we are all here. The jailer was trembling with fear and ran to get a light to see, and fell down before Paul and Silas. The jailer brought them out of the inner dungeon and wanted to know how he could be saved. 6. How did Paul answer the jailer s question? Acts 16:31 Then Paul and Silas shared more with the jailer and all who lived in his house. The jailer washed and cleaned the wounds of Paul and Silas. 7. What happened next? Acts 16:33b The next morning the city officials told the jailer to release Paul and Silas from prison. Paul and Silas later returned to Lydia s house. From Philippi they all traveled to Thessalonica and from there on to Berea. When they arrived they went into a synagogue. Paul began to preach to the Bereans. The Bereans were open to Paul s message. 8. How did the Bereans respond to the God s word? Acts 17:11a
9. What did the Bereans do daily? Acts 17:11b Later, some Jews arrived from Thessalonica at Berea. They knew that Paul was preaching again and that many were becoming believers. They began to cause trouble for Paul. The believers quickly sent Paul along the coast to Athens. Here at Athens Paul s spirit was troubled from all that He witnessed in this city. The city was full of many different idols. Paul began to preach in a synagogue and at the marketplace in Athens. There were both Jewish and Gentile worshippers listening to Paul s preaching. 10. Who else did Paul meet around the marketplace? Acts 17:18a 11. What did they say about Paul s preaching? Acts 17:18b Later these men invited Paul to a place called the Council of Philosophers. This was a place where these men and others gathered to discuss thoughts and new ideas. They were very curious about Paul s teachings on Jesus. Paul said, Men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious. Paul had seen many different idols and altars where the Athenians worshipped.
12. What was the name of the god that Paul had seen written on an altar? Acts 17:23 Paul began to talk about this unknown god to these philosophers. Paul showed them how the true God was the creator of all things. Paul continued to say that God desired to save all men and that they needed to seek out the true God and to turn from their sins. Paul continued to say that Jesus would judge the world later in the future. Paul spoke also about Jesus resurrection from the dead. 13. How did these men respond to all that Paul had preached? Acts 17:32 Paul then sailed from Athens to Corinth were he met a married Jewish couple named Priscilla and Aquila. Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. Paul continued to preach in the Corinthian synagogue the name of Jesus to both the Jews and Gentiles. Paul later was abused and arrested by some unbelieving Jews. He was brought before the governor, but later was released. From Corinth Paul sailed to Cenchrea, then to Ephesus and finally to his home church in Antioch of Syria. Paul remained at his home church for awhile where he was refreshed from his travels.
Life Application Questions 1. What was Paul preaching? 2. Did Paul continue to preach when troubles arose? 3. Are you doing what God has called you to do? 4. Would you be able to do what God has asked you to do even when trouble arises?
Outline of Friday s Study Acts 19:1-28:31 I. Paul meets disciples of John in Galatia Acts 19:1-12 II. Commotion at Ephesus/goddess Diana Acts 19:23-41 III. Paul goes to Troas/meets Eutychus Acts 20:10-12 IV. Paul shares at Miletus/bids farewell Acts 20:18-38 V. Paul testifies at Jerusalem Acts 21:1-23:11 VI. A plot to kill Paul Acts 23:12-24 VII. Paul testifies before governors/king Acts 24:1-26:32 VIII. Paul sails to Rome/Shipwreck at Malta Acts 27:1-28:31
To the teacher: Points to remember! Your students will: Know... How Paul endured in the midst of trials. How Paul continued to preach Jesus. It was God who gave Paul the strength to preach. Paul never missed an opportunity to share his faith. How God used Paul to preach unto governors and even unto King Agrippa. That God spoke to Paul concerning the future. That Paul knew he would suffer much because of the Gospel. Experience: Paul s trials and sufferings. The great commotion at the temple of Diana. Eutychus deadly fall. An emotional farewell as Paul departed for Jerusalem. Paul s testimony of Jesus before the High Council, 2 governors and a King. How Paul was beaten, and thrown into prison and how 40 men vowed to kill Paul. The great shipwreck near Malta. That Paul knew he was going to suffer in Rome.
3 rd Missionary Journey Enduring in the Midst of Trials Acts 19:1-28:31 Memory Verse: But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God... 2 Cor. 6:4 After Paul had reported back to his home church in Antioch of Syria, he began his third missionary journey. From Antioch he sailed to Galatia, where he strengthened the believers. From Galatia he went to Ephesus where he met some disciples of John the Baptist. Paul spoke to them the Good News of Jesus. They later became believers and were baptized. Paul continued to preach in a synagogue in Ephesus. As he preached, some hostility arose. He decided later to preach in a hall instead. Paul remained in Ephesus for 2 years. During this time there arose a great commotion concerning the believers there. Ephesus was famous for its great temple to the goddess Diana. Silversmiths made good money by making miniature silver images of Diana. After hearing Paul s preaching, many believers of Diana turned away from their pagan beliefs. Sales of the miniature goddess Diana began to decline. There was a silversmith, named Demetrius who made these shrines of the goddess Diana. He spoke to the other silversmiths and told them how Paul had persuaded many to turn away from the goddess Diana.
1. Why was Demetrius so upset by Paul s preaching? Acts 19:27 After the silversmiths had heard all that Demetrius had said they were all full of wrath and cried out, saying Great is Diana of the Ephesians! The city was filled with a lot of confusion and the silversmiths and people of Ephesus rushed into the theater shouting and making a great commotion. They took some of Paul s friends with them into the theater. 2. What were the names of these friends of Paul? Acts 19:29 3. What did Paul want to do next? Acts 19:30 Then some of Paul s friends pleaded with Paul not to enter the theater because of the angry mob that was there. They feared for Paul s life. 4. Did the crowd in the theater know why they were there? Acts 19:32 Confusion continued to increase and some of the Jewish troublemakers who did not like Paul put Alexander, a Jew, out in front of the crowd. They wanted Alexander to persuade the crowd to act against Paul and cause him some real problems.
When the people of Ephesus found out that Alexander was a Jew they began to shout and cry out Great is Diana of the Ephesians! In the midst of this confusion the city clerk reasoned with the crowd and calmed them down. 5. What did the city clerk say to crowds in the theater? Acts 19:35 6. What did the city clerk tell them to do? Acts 19:36 The city clerk told them that these friends of Paul had done nothing wrong. He said if Demetrius and the other silver craftsmen had problems with anyone, they should take the matter over to the courts and let them decide. At that point the crowd returned to their homes and they were told not to gather again in a disorderly manner. After this uproar Paul said good-bye to his friends in Ephesus and sailed for Greece. Paul, Timothy and some other of Paul s friends stayed there for three months and from there went on to Troas. Now it so happened one evening an unusual event took place. Paul was teaching upstairs in a room and his message continued towards the midnight hour. In a windowsill sat a young man Eutychus who was listening to Paul s teaching. Eutychus began to get very drowsy and finally fell asleep.
7. What happened to Eutychus next? Acts 20:9 Paul went downstairs and took Eutychus into his arms. He told those upstairs not to worry for Eutychus was not dead but alive. Paul and Eutychus returned upstairs and had communion with the others. From Troas Paul went to Miletus and began to share with the elders of the church his desire to return to Jerusalem. Paul shared with them his past missionary journeys and spoke to them concerning the sufferings and troubles he knew he was going to face as he went to Jerusalem. After Paul had finished sharing, he knelt and prayed with them. It was a very emotional time for everyone. They wept aloud as they embraced Paul farewell. They were sad because they knew that they would never see Paul again. They went down to the ship to see Paul sail off. Paul then traveled to Jerusalem and it was here where he would endure a lot of suffering because of the preaching of Jesus. Paul boldly stood before the Jewish High Council and testified before them. They became so outraged and even struck Paul in the mouth. Here in Jerusalem Paul was whipped and thrown into jail. In prison the Lord told Paul that soon he would be going to Rome, where he was going to suffer just as he had suffered in Jerusalem. There even was a plot to kill Paul. Forty zealous men vowed not to eat or drink anything until they killed Paul. These men went to the High Council and shared with them their plan.
8. What was their plan? Acts 23:15 Paul s nephew heard of this plot and went to the commander of the Roman army and explained to him everything. The nephew also told Paul of this plot and the vow that these men had made. A detachment of 470 soldiers took Paul out of Jerusalem and moved him to Caesarea. Paul was put into prison and held there for two years. He testified about Jesus before two Roman governors and finally before King Agrippa. Paul never missed an opportunity to share his faith. In the midst of his suffering Paul continued to do that which he had been set apart to do. He was even accused of trying to convert King Agrippa. After some time and through all the hardships of prison, Paul grew tired of all the accusations. Paul appealed to Caesar to hear his cause. Because of Paul s appeal to Caesar he was going to be sent to Rome. Paul along with other prisoners was placed in the hands of a centurion named Julius. Julius was very kind to Paul and allowed him certain liberties. As they all sailed onward the winds began to become fierce. At Lycia Paul was put on another ship sailing to Italy. The winds continued to be fierce as they passed Fair Havens. 9. What had Paul warned against? Acts 27:10
10. Did they heed Paul s warning? Acts 27:11 Despite Paul s warning, the ship sailed towards Crete, cautiously keeping close to shore. Not too long after they got close to Crete a tremendous wind arose. They experienced many problems and the crew became terrified, but they continued onward. 11. What did the ship crew try to do next on the third day of their trip? Acts 27:19 Now there was neither sun nor stars and the storm raged on. The crewmembers were all afraid. They had no hope of being saved from the storm. Everyone, but Paul had lost hope. Paul said, You should have listened to me and not sailed to Crete! Paul tried to encourage the crew. He said that the Lord had told him that the ship would run aground and the ship would go down, but no one would die. On the 4 th day of the storm, the sailors sensed that land was near and they lowered the anchors of the ship. They feared in the darkness that the ship might crash against the rocks. They prayed for daylight to come. As the day was about to come, Paul encouraged everyone to eat in order to strengthen themselves. 12. What did Paul do next? Acts 27:35
As the day arose they spotted a bay with a beach. They wanted to run the ship on the beach. As they began to go towards shore they ran the ship aground and the stern of the ship began to brake up. The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners. 13. How did God save Paul? Acts 27:43 Everyone had been saved just as Paul had said and they all swam to the island of Malta. Paul ministered and healed many of the sick. After three months Paul sailed on another ship which took him to Rome. In Rome Paul suffered much just as the Lord had spoken. This did not hinder Paul and he continued to preach Christ to all in Rome that would hear.
Life Application Questions 1. Did Paul continue to minister in the midst of trials? 2. Who was it that gave Paul this strength to endure? 3. Could you continue to do what God has told you to do even in the midst of trials? 4. Can God strengthen you as he did Paul?