Connect What could help you grow in both the understanding and appreciation of the Gospel this Easter?

Warm-Up

1. Have you had a trip that never seemed to get started or was endlessly delayed? How did that feel?
2. What gave Paul the strength and resolve to persist even when things weren’t straight forward?

Read Acts 26:1-11 (Opposing Jesus)

3. Why was Paul set on going to Rome? What has been his progress and why has he been so delayed?
4. Who is Paul now giving his defence in front of? What is the dilemma that the officials face?
5. What does Paul say is the ultimate reason for this trial? What does he mean by this?
6. Before becoming a Christian, what was Paul’s backstory? How zealous was he in persecuting Christians?
7. Have you ever faced persecution for following Jesus? How do we see (in Jesus’ words to Paul) that opposing Christians can have a personal dynamic of opposing Jesus?
8. Before becoming Christians, how are all people somehow positioned in hostility towards God? Is this true even if you are/were indifferent or ignorant of God? Why or why not?

Read Acts 26:12-15 (Encountering Jesus)

9. Do you remember a time in which you opposed God in some way? What changed for you?
10. What in this account gives us confidence that Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus was real?
11. Why is it important that we can be sure that Jesus rose from the dead? What gives you that confidence?
12. In what way is Paul’s encounter with Jesus deeply personal? In what way is that true for everyone?
13. What is the meaning of the saying in verse 15? What might have Paul been starting to question?
14. How can we both know and experience Jesus? When and how did you first encounter Jesus? 
15. What was unique about Paul’s encounter? Does that diminish the significance of anyone else’s encounter?

Read Acts 26:16-32 (Following Jesus)

16. What did Jesus appoint Paul to do? Who was the audience and what was the goal?
17. What does it mean that Paul was a servant and witness? In what ways do we all serve God with our lives?
18. How do you think God is at work through you? Who is the audience that God has sent you to?

Apply With one person this week: try sharing your story of encountering Jesus and how you now follow him.