Who is the most outspoken critic of Christianity that you know? What would it take for you to believe that they might believe the gospel?
Our video on Acts 8-12 explores how God’s Spirit transformed Jesus’ followers from a small collective of messianic Jews in Jerusalem, into a multi-ethnic movement that quickly spread throughout the nations.
What stood out to you from the video?
Was anything confusing? Encouraging?
Does it raise any questions you would like to discuss or investigate more?
1. Read Acts 9:1-2. Christianity at this time was known as “the way.” What do you think is the origin of this name?
2. Read Acts 7:54-60. What significance might the author, Luke, be intending by introducing Saul to us at this point? How might Saul be an answer to Stephen’s prayer?
3. Read Acts 9:3-19. What is the first question Jesus asks Saul? Why did He phrase His question this way?
4. How would you feel if God wanted you to meet with someone known for killing Christians? Would you do it?
5. What motivated Ananias to obey?
6. How did Ananias address Saul? What does that indicate?
7. Why does preaching the gospel go hand-in-hand with suffering?
8. Read Acts 9:20-31. How did the Jewish leaders react to Saul’s conversion?
9. With whom do you identify more in this study? Saul or Ananias? Why?
10. Saul’s behavior in verse 20 is totally unexpected. He immediately begins to share the very faith he once tried to destroy and people were astonished. Think of the most outspoken critic of Christianity on your campus. What would be the impact if they came to faith?
11. What would be the impact on your campus if you began to share your faith like Saul?
12. Why do you think Luke talks so much about evangelism?
13. How are his descriptions of the early church like or unlike things at this campus?