Free group study handout
Acts 23: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Acts 23 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Paul speaks to the council and says he has lived with a good conscience before God until that day (vv. 1-2). The high priest, Ananias, orders Paul to be struck on the mouth.
Key verse
“The following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, “Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome.”
Acts 23:11 (WEB)
Outline
- Acts 23:1–5 Paul's Defense Before the Council
- Acts 23:6–10 Division Between Pharisees and Sadducees
- Acts 23:11 Divine Assurance to Paul
- Acts 23:12–22 Conspiracy Against Paul
- Acts 23:23–35 Paul's Safe Escort to Caesarea
Discussion questions
- In v1, what does Paul claim about his conscience before God?
- What action does Ananias take against Paul in v2?
- Paul’s statement about being a Pharisee in v6: how does this affect the council's reaction?
- In v12-13, why do the Jews bind themselves under a curse regarding Paul?
- When have you faced opposition that made you stand firm in your convictions, like Paul?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Acts 23: Acts 24, Acts 25, Acts 22.
Before next time: read Acts 24.