Edgewood Bible Church

Main idea:  Jesus confronts our misplaced expectations by revealing Himself as a very different kind of King
1. A Humble King We Didn’t Expect (vv. 1–11)2. A Holy King Who Disrupts the Religious (vv. 12–13)3. A Merciful King Who Welcomes the Lowly (vv. 14–17)
Discussion Questions:1. What is the disconnect between who Jesus is revealing Himself to be and what the crowd expects Him to do?2. In what ways are we tempted to create a version of Jesus who fits our own expectations or desires?3. When you first came to Christ, what did you expect Him to do in your life? How has that changed?4. What would it look like for you this week to “crown Him” as King in a specific area of your life?

Main idea:  The gospel may be distorted and debated, but the real danger is delaying your response to it.
1. Distorting the Threat (vv. 1–9)2. Defining the Threat (vv. 10–21)3. Delaying the Threat (vv. 22–27)
Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think the Jewish leaders described Paul as a “plague” and a “ringleader”? What does that reveal about how people misidentify threats?2. How does the principle of conscience vs. reputation apply to Christian living in the workplace, family, or society?3. In what ways do we sometimes act like Felix—recognizing the truth but putting off repentance or obedience?4. Are there areas in your life where you are carrying a “low-grade fever” of guilt, trying to prove yourself? How does Christ’s finished work free you from that burden?

Big Idea: Courage comes from Christ’s presence and promise.
I. Courage through a clear conscience (22:30-23:10)
II. Courage through Christ’s presence (v.11)
III. Courage through Christ’s protection (v.12-22) 
IV. Courage through Christ’s promise (v.23-35)
Discussion Questions: 
1. How does a clear conscience give a Christian courage, and what tends to rob us of that courage?
2. What does Christ’s presence mean for believers when circumstances do not immediately improve?
3. Why is the resurrection such a central source of Christian courage and hope?
4. How have you seen God’s protection or provision come through ordinary people and everyday circumstances?
5. What does this teach us about trusting Christ’s promises when obedience leads to difficulty rather than relief?
 

Big Idea: Use every opportunity God provides to testify about Christ and follow where He sends you.1. Take the opportunity to speak—not to remain silent (READ 21:37–40a)2. Take the opportunity to testify—not to  justify yourself (21:40b–22:21)3. Take the opportunity to use God’s provision—even in the face of condemnation (22:22–29)
1. What provisions has God given you in your life (background, abilities, relationships, circumstances) that could be opportunities to point others to Christ?
2. Where might God be giving you opportunities to speak about Christ that you have been hesitant or silent about?
3. How would you briefly share your testimony—who you were before Christ, how you met Christ, and how He has changed your life?
4. Why did Paul’s statement that God sent him to the Gentiles caused such a strong reaction from the crowd?
5. What ordinary resources or privileges God has given you could be used more intentionally to serve Christ and advance the gospel?

Main idea:  The road of resolve is the road of obedience to Christ—marked by warning, walked in humility, and often ending in suffering.
The road marked by warning (1–14)The road walked in humility (15–26)The road ending in suffering (27–36)
Discussion Questions:1. What does Paul’s statement in Acts 21:13 reveal about his view of his own life?2. How does Luke 22 help us understand Acts 21 more clearly?3. What is the difference between gospel conviction and personal preference?4. What does this passage teach us about the relationship between suffering and the will of God?

Main idea: Gospel shepherding looks like an example worth following, a charge worth submitting under, and a confidence rooted in God and His Word.
1. A shepherd’s example2. A shepherd’s charge3. A shepherd’s confidence
Discussion Questions:1. What does it look like to “train” pastors to shrink back (even unintentionally) through what we reward or punish as the congregation?2. How does the “blood-bought” theme change the way you view (a) your sin, and (b) the person sitting next to you at church?3. Why does Paul put “watch yourselves” before “watch the flock”? What happens when that order gets reversed?4. “It is more blessed to give than to receive”—where is God calling you to give yourself away this week?

Main idea:  The gospel advances through faithful encouragement, resurrection hope, and purposeful urgency.
Faithful Encouragement: “How do we keep walking when the path ahead looks frightening?”Resurrection Hope: “What sustains us when death strikes?”Purposeful Urgency: “How will we spend the rest of our days He gives us?”
Discussion Questions1. Read Psalm 56:3–4. What does “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” look like practically this week?Which threats are you rehearsing more than God’s promises right now?2. How would you explain to someone the difference between moral improvement and resurrection life in Christ?3. What “good things” in your life may be quietly replacing the “best thing” of gospel priority?4. What fear is most shaping your decisions right now?

Main idea:  When the kingdom of Christ advances, the kingdoms of this world push back.
The Threat (vv. 21-27)The Riot (vv. 28-34)The Result (vv. 35-41)
Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think people are often quick to riot or get angry over trivial things? How does that reflect human nature?2. How do we see modern parallels to the Ephesian mob in online culture, media, or social movements?3. How can Christians protest faithfully without resorting to anger, outrage, or “mob” behavior?4. When you examine your own life, what “Demetriuses” threaten you — areas where you might be angry, anxious, or desperate if something was taken away?

Big Idea: The word of the Lord will continue to increase and triumph. 
 
1. The word completes the gospel for the confused (1–7)
2. The word spreads through persistent teaching (8–10)
3. The word shames counterfeits and honors Jesus (11–17)
4. The word reforms lives through costly repentance (18–19)
 
Discussion Questions: 
1. What does Paul’s first question (v.2) reveal about how we should approach “disciples” today? 
2. How would you explain the difference between John’s baptism and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? 
3. In vv.8–10, what stands out about Paul’s strategy? What does that suggest about how the Word normally “spreads”?
4. What’s the main warning from the sons of Sceva episode and what does it look like to rely on the Spirit rather than a “formula”?
5. In vv.18–20, what does “costly repentance” look like? Is there something costly that you are holding on to that you need to let go? 

Big Idea: God strengthens His church through ready and receptive disciples
 
Disciples that strengthen the church are:
1. Ready  (v.18-23)
2. Humble (v.24-26)
3. Receptive (v.27-29)
 
Discussion Questions: 
1. What does Paul’s “strengthening” ministry show us about discipleship?
2. What stands out about how Priscilla and Aquila correct Apollos? How can we apply this in our life? 
3. How can you stay teachable—even if you’re experienced, gifted or knowledgeable?
4. What do verses 27-28 teach us about churches helping and sending each other? How can we better partner with local gospel-preaching ministries?