December 5, 2021
Ridgeline Study Prompts
Acts 18:1-17
Prayer and Preparation
We have talked about the book of Acts being at times descriptive, at times prescriptive, and at times both. Isaiah 55:11 tells us God’s Word will accomplish the purpose for which He gives it to us. Pray and ask God to show you what He has for you in this week’s passage – both in terms of understanding and obedience. Then read Acts 17:16-34 a few times, making notes of words and phrases that stand out to you, as well as thoughts that come to mind.
Study
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. – Paul, writing to the Corinthians (1 Cor 11:1)
In this passage, we see Paul in several situations, scenarios, and/or interactions. In some of these, it seems Paul was the initiator; in others, he was either reacting to or swept up by the actions of others (including God).
• List several of the situations Paul is in and how he got there. For example, in verse 12 we see Paul before the tribunal (the proconsul’s judgement seat) because the Jews brought him there.
• For each situation, ask yourself how Paul was probably feeling at the time. Make a note.
• How did Paul conduct himself in the above situations – leading up to and afterwards? Was his conduct Christ-like? If you can think of a relevant passage from one of the four gospel accounts, write it down.
• Finally, ask yourself, “did God show up in this situation?” (overtly or subtly, His provision, His presence, His protection, etc). If so, how?
Application
Adam talked last week about contextualization. Ask God to help you see the narrative and events depicted in Acts 18:1-17 in your own context (life situation, circumstances, relationships, etc.). Are there areas of encouragement, where you can see God’s work in you, helping you grow in Christ-likeness? Thank Him, write these down as a memorial, and invite a trusted spiritual partner to celebrate with you. Are there areas of healthy conviction, where you can see your conduct has been missing the mark? Thank God for His grace to show you this, write it down, and invite a trusted spiritual partner to pray with you over this.