Reference

Acts 22:1-23:11

Sermon Notes

I. Defend my __________ (22:1-21)

A. Who I __________ (v. 4-5)

B. I saw the __________ (v. 6-11)

C. My eyes were __________ (v. 12-16)

D. God called me to __________ (v. 17-21)

II. Strong __________ (v. 22-30)

III. Defend the __________ (23:1-11)

A. Paul __________ to the religious leaders (v. 1-5)

B. Dispute over the __________ (v. 6-10)

C. The Lord defends __________ ! (v. 11)

1. Are you __________ to give your defense? 

2. Are you __________ in light of the resurrection? 

Going Deeper

  1. Read Acts 22:3. How was Paul trained? How does this give him insight into his Jewish audience?
  2.  In Acts 22:4-5 Paul says he persecuted “the Way” – read 1 Tim. 1:13-15 and 1 Cor. 15:9. How does Paul look back on his persecution of the Church?
  3. How does pride destroy us from the inside? How will you root out pride?
  4. What is Paul’s question in v. 10? How is it similar to the question the people ask Peter on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37)? What does this tell us about this moment for Paul?
  5. Read Isaiah 6:1-8. How is Isaiah’s calling similar to Paul’s? How will you go into your world with the gospel this week?
  6. What has God appointed for Paul in v. 14-15? How does this come to pass?
  7. Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back? Will you consider being baptized on Sunday, July 21 at 6 p.m.?
  8. What does God call Paul to do in v. 18? How does he respond in v. 19-20? Do you ever argue with God? Why do you think we do that?
  9. The Jews are angry that Paul goes to the Gentiles as their equals. Darrell Bock says: “If there is a complaint to be made about Gentiles being included in God’s promise and message, Paul is not to blame. God is responsible for these events."
  10. When Paul stands before the Sanhedrin what does he say in Acts 23:1? Why was he struck? How does he respond in v. 3? Read v. 4-5. Why does Paul back off, quoting Ex. 22:27? How should we respect the office of authorities even if we do not respect their actions?
  11. How does Paul cause a dispute in v. 6? Why is the resurrection such a big deal? Are you living in light of the resurrection? Read 1 Corinthians 15 to go deeper.
  12. Are you ready to give a defense? Why or why not? What will you do this week to get ready?