When Paul has Timothy circumcised to keep the Jewish leaders content, is this consistent with what we know of Paul elsewhere in Acts or in his letters? Why does he do this?
What are the primary causes for the growing opposition to Paul, and how does God help him and his companions in their times of trouble?
We call sermons which make a case for a belief in Christ’s teachings “apologetic” sermons, and in Acts 17 Paul preaches to Greeks who don’t yet know anything about Jesus or the Hebrew scriptures. What details in this sermon indicate that this is designed for someone being introduced to Jesus’ teachings for the first time?
Applying the Text:
Women feature prominently in this portion of Acts, especially with the introduction of Lydia. How does her story impact your understanding of women in the work of the church?
The apostles travel much further than anticipated to reach gentile communities, sharing the teachings of Jesus to those who are unfamiliar with his story and the Jewish scriptural tradition. How might you shift your explanation of Jesus with a person today based on their prior knowledge and experience (or would you)? What would that look like?