Gathering

What is the most frightening time you have had to speak in front of a group? What or who made it frightening?

 

Backstory 

Paul had been arrested and the trial before the Roman governor of Judea, Festus, ended with Paul appealing to Caesar. For that to happen, King Agrippa (who was also a Jew) requested a hearing with Paul in order to send a letter containing a summary of the charges with Paul to Caesar.  This would have been an imposing scene with King Agrippa and his sister Bernice, Governor Festus, military leaders stationed in Caesarea, Roman guards, and influential Jewish leaders in attendance.

 

God’s Story

Have one person read Acts 26: 1-32. Read the passage a second time and put yourself in the place of Paul, King Agrippa, and Festus or the others gathered there.

 

Finding My Story in God’s Story

1. What would you have tweeted to your on-line editor from this courtroom?

  • “This man is out of his mind!”
  • “Innocent man wants to be charged!”
  • “Crazy courtroom dynamics!”
  • “What a story!”
  • Other ___________.

 

2. Who do you most relate to in this story?

  • Paul, “I’ve got a story to tell!”
  • Festus, “What do I do with Paul?”
  • Agrippa, “I’m just trying to understand what’s going on.”
  • The Jews, “Who does this guy think he is?”
  • Other ____________.

 

3. If you stood in this courtroom crowd, what would most capture your attention?

  • This guy in chains speaking with such bold authority.
  • The robes, uniforms, and chains.
  • All these leaders – this guy must be a threat!
  • Anxiously waiting to hear something to convict Paul.
  • Other __________.

 

4. When King Agrippa asked, “Do you think that in such a short time, you can persuade me to become a Christian.” What did do you think Paul meant when he said, “I pray to God that…all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

  • To know God’s love.
  • To be bold in standing for faith.
  • To speak with courage.
  • To unshakably trust God, whatever the circumstances.
  • Other __________.

 

5. As you consider this story, what do you most admire about Paul?

  • He knows why God put him here.
  • He lets the chips fall where they may.
  • His spiritual witness is so powerful!
  • He’s connected to all the leaders, whether Jew or Gentile.
  • Other __________.

 

6. What is the closest you have come to Paul’s Damascus Road experience? When, if ever, did Jesus’ “light” come to you?

 

7. If you were put on trial for your faith today, what would be the verdict?

  • Guilty – my words and actions are consistent.
  • Guilty – with reduced sentence. My actions don’t always match my words.
  • Innocent – not enough evidence to convict me.
  • Mistrial – I’m not sure.
  • Other __________.

 

Our Story

8. How do you think God might be calling you to demonstrate your faith to an individual or group this week?

  • To speak grace to someone who needs to know love and forgiveness.
  • To speak truth to someone who is about to go wrong.
  • To speak peace to someone who needs comfort.
  • To not speak, just listen well.
  • To stay on “high alert” for where I can serve.
  • Other __________.

 

9. How can this group help you live out your “faith demonstration” this week?

  • Encourage me to _________.
  • Kick me in the pants to get started with my serving.
  • Let me see your examples of demonstrating faith.
  • Don’t let me BS you to avoid demonstrating my faith.
  • Other __________.

 

10. How can this group best pray for you this week?