1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Women’s Bible Study
Discussion Questions for April 8, 2015
Adventures in Acts: Building God’s Church
“The Adventure of Building Churches” ~ Acts 19-20 ~ Gretchen Steer
1. Paul seems like someone who always knows what he’s doing and where he
is going. Name some of the places that Paul went in these two chapters. How
did Paul decide where to go next? How do you make decisions regarding your
future?
2. Paul tangled with the local business people in Ephesus. Can you think of a
modern parable, where someone feels threatened by Christians and strikes
back in a public way? Should Christians be able to get along with everyone? Is
there ever a reason for not reconciling with someone?
3. Paul nearly killed Eutychus by preaching a very lengthy sermon. Why was
Paul preaching at such length? Whom was he with?
4. Even though Paul did not want to stop in at Ephesus during his journey, he did
call the Ephesian elders to meet him about thirty miles away. Why was it so
important for him to meet with them? Now look up Acts 20:24. How would you
sum up your life’s work?
5. Think of someone you love who does not know Christ. Now think of a way to
reach out to them this week. Ask God to give you an opening in that situation.
Women’s Bible Study
Study Questions for April 8, 2015
Adventures in Acts: Building God’s Church
“The Adventure of Building Churches” ~ Acts 19-20 ~ Gretchen Steer
Key verse: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and
complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s
grace.” (Acts 20: 24)
1. Read through Acts 19-20. Now sum up the message of those chapters in no more
than 3 sentences. Which incident is the most memorable to you and why?
2. Look up Acts 18:19-21. Now read Acts 19:1. What brought Paul to Ephesus the
second time? What major gap did the believers in Ephesus have in their knowledge of
Christianity?
3. Paul’s 2 years and three months in Ephesus was marked by extraordinary miracles,
the defeat of evil spirits, and many coming to faith.
How did the secular Ephesians
react to Paul’s ministry, and why? Look up these verses for an explanation of why there
was so much unrest: John 16:33; John 17:14, 1st Peter 4:12-14. Does knowing that we
will encounter trials make them any easier?
4. Review the story of Eutychus in Acts 20:7-12. Was this a resurrection? What are some
of the other miracles associated with Paul in these two chapters? Why was it important
that the apostles demonstrated supernatural abilities in the early days of the church? Is
that supernatural ability still needed today? Why or why not?
5. Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:13-37. How does he describe
his own ministry to them? Now look at v. 26. Does Paul feel responsible for their
salvation or maturity in the faith? Once we start to pray for someone’s salvation, how
long should we pray? Look up Romans 8:26-27. What happens to our prayers when
they leave our lips?
6. Think of someone you love who does not know Christ. Now think of a way to reach
out, and if possible, to convey some spiritual truth. What can you do this week for that
person?