February 20, 2022

Ridgeline Study Prompts

Acts 23:12-35

Prayer and Preparation

We can all, at some point, relate to the father in Mark 9:24, who cried out,

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!

Take a moment to be honest with God about how hard it is sometimes to truly rest in His promises. Ask Him, through the Scripture you are about to study, to show you more of Himself, and to grow you in trusting Him.

Study

Before reading this week’s passage, read Acts 23:10 from last week’s study. The context for our study is that Paul has just been dragged out of a situation so violent that the Roman tribune thought he would be torn to pieces! He is back in the barracks where, the last time he was here, they were about to flog him with whips. Now read Deuteronomy 31:6 and Acts 23:11 side by side. What might Paul have been feeling and thinking?

Now read our passage for this week, Acts 23:12-35. Read it slowly, a couple of times over 2 or 3 days. Underline words and phrases that stand out to you, and make notes of your observations about the different actors in this narrative – their words, actions, attitudes, integrity, zeal or apathy, etc.

This text begins with Paul in detention in a Roman barracks and ends with Paul in detention in a different Roman praetorium. What, if anything, was accomplished? Better put: Can you see God’s sovereignty and activity in this passage? If so, how?

Application

Ask God to help you connect anything He has shown you in this study to your own present circumstances. Write down whatever He puts on your heart and mind. Share with a friend. And please share on Sunday!