Acts 21: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 21 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul and his companions leave Tyre and travel to Ptolemais, where they stay for one day. They then go to Caesarea and visit Philip the evangelist, who has four daughters that prophesy. A prophet named Agabus visits and warns Paul, saying that he will be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem (vv.

Key verse

“Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 21:13 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 21:1–6 Departure from Tyre
Acts 21:7–14 Arrival in Caesarea
Acts 21:15–26 Journey to Jerusalem
Acts 21:27–30 Accusations Against Paul
Acts 21:31–36 Paul Arrested
Acts 21:37–40 Paul’s Defense

Discussion questions

In v4, what warning do the disciples give to Paul through the Spirit?
What significant act does Paul perform in v26 before entering the temple?
Paul’s statement in v13, 'For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die': what does this express about his commitment?
In v20, why do the elders glorify God upon hearing about Paul’s ministry among the Gentiles?
When has a warning from a friend made you reconsider your plans, like Paul in v12?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 21: Acts 20, Acts 15, Acts 22.

Before next time: read Acts 22.