Acts 14: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 14 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue and speak effectively, leading many Jews and Greeks to believe (vv. 1-2). Their fruitful ministry draws both faith and conflict as some Jews incite the Gentiles against them, prompting them to stay longer and perform signs and wonders (vv.

Key verse

“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;”
Acts 14:15 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 14:1–2 Fruitful Ministry in Iconium
Acts 14:3–5 Signs, Wonders, and Conflict
Acts 14:6–10 Healing in Lystra
Acts 14:11–18 Refuting Idolatry
Acts 14:19–20 Persecution and Resilience
Acts 14:21–23 Strengthening the Disciples
Acts 14:24–28 Return to Antioch

Discussion questions

In v1, what factors lead to a great multitude believing in Iconium?
What happens in vv. 19-20 after Paul is stoned in Lystra?
In v15, why do Paul and Barnabas emphasize they are 'men of like passions'?
In v22, what does it mean to say 'through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom'?
After facing opposition, how do you respond when called to continue in faith like Paul and Barnabas?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 14: Acts 17, Acts 13, John 16.

Before next time: read Acts 15.