Study Questions for Acts Chapter 20 verses 28 – 35 Sunday 29th June 2014

Study Questions for Acts Chapter 20 verses 28 – 35   Sunday 29^th June 2014

(You can read the accompanying talk at www.allsaintsbrenchley.blogspot.com)

Paul often finds himself having to explain or defend himself because of opposition encountered in his missionary travels. This he can do in all humility because he has sought to gain nothing for himself but only for Christ. Here he is speaking with the elders of the church at Ephesus, warning them of the ‘savage wolves’ who will appear both from outside and even within the Church to lead the people away from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think the Paul needs to warn the elders of two threats? What are they and how might they come?

2. What do you make of verse 28? Can you spot three very important truths in it for our understanding of sound Christian doctrine (belief)?

3. What is the aim of the ‘savage wolves’ and what sort of things do you think motivates them?

4. Can you think of any modern day parallels to or examples of such threats to the Church – whether from outside or from within?

5. Why is the teaching and preaching, understanding and application of sound and faithful Christian doctrine so important?

6. What do you think might be - or what examples do you know of – the consequences of unfaithful teaching?

7. How can we remain ‘alert’ v31?

8. What do you understand by v 32?

9. How would you explain v32 to a non-believing friend.......or someone you happened to meet on the train or at the gym?