Ice Breaker
How do you generally handle opposition: fight, freeze, or flee? Explain.
General Study Questions
How does this passage fit into the book as a whole?
How does it flow from the previous section of the text?
What in the passage stands out to you?
How does this passage minister to its original audience?
How does this text minister to us today?
Is there a sin to confess?
Is there a cause for thanksgiving or praise to God?
Is there a promise or truth to trust in?
Is there an attitude to change?
Is there a command to obey or an example to imitate?
Is there anything confusing or hard to understand about the passage?
How is the Gospel present in this passage?
What is the single, main point of the passage?
How would you apply this passage to your life?
Text Specific Questions
Describe the scene when the Holy Spirit spoke to the leaders in verses 1-3. How do you think the Holy Spirit spoke? How does He speak today? What was the result?
Why would Barnabas and Paul choose to start their missionary journey at Cyprus? (Hint: look up Acts 4:36; 11:20). How can this help us decide who God might call us to reach?
Why does Bar-Jesus (or Elymas) try to keep the proconsul from hearing the Gospel? What motives might people have today to keep people from hearing the Good News?
Why is Paul so harsh in his response to Elymas? What was the result (v. 12)?
Have you seen or experienced the Lord speaking to you, using you to defend others, and striking people blind? Do you think He still works this way today?
Where has the Lord “sent” you? How would fasting, worshiping, and praying with your small group help you on your mission to this area?
Is there someone you need to confront strongly for the sake of another? Share.
