Acts 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul came to Derbe and Lystra, where he met Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish believer and father a Greek. Timothy joined Paul after being circumcised due to local Jewish customs (vv. 1-3).

Key verse

“They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Acts 16:31 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 16:1–3 Timothy Joins Paul
Acts 16:4–5 Strengthening the Churches
Acts 16:6–10 Divine Guidance in Travel
Acts 16:11–15 Lydia's Conversion
Acts 16:16–24 Conflict with Authorities
Acts 16:25–34 Miraculous Prison Break
Acts 16:35–40 Release and Departure

Discussion questions

In v3, why does Paul circumcise Timothy before their journey?
What does the 'spirit of divination' do in v16?
Paul's statement in v37 about being Romans raises what questions about Roman law?
The earthquake in v26: what does it imply about divine intervention in Paul and Silas's situation?
When have you responded with prayer in a difficult situation like Paul and Silas in v25?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 16: Acts 2, Romans 10, Mark 16.

Before next time: read Acts 17.