Summarize what you discussed last week concerning Acts 16:6–15.

1. Read Acts 16:16–18.

1. In what ways is Luke presenting this episode as a clash between the Kingdom of Jesus and the reign of darkness? (Note: the contrast between the woman's spirit and the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus and her lords, and the way Jesus pours himself out for us while these lords use her for themselves.)

2. Her words in verse 17 sound supportive — and are even true. In what ways might they actually have undermined the gospel rather than advanced it? (Consider where the testimony is coming from, and how a pagan crowd might have heard "the Most High God" and "the way to be saved.")

3. Why is it important to note that the word we translate "annoyed" means something stronger — closer to being deeply troubled or grieved? Why did Paul get so disturbed?

4. Obviously, the woman's whole situation is not remedied. But what do we learn about Jesus from his freeing of this woman? How does this highlight the difference between Jesus' Kingdom and the kingdom of darkness?

5. How does this highlight how Jesus wants to save us?

6. What do you feel enslaved to? How does this text offer you hope? How does this challenge us to remember that Jesus truly is our hope in the darkness of this world?

2. Read Acts 16:19–31.

1. How does this text add to what you already discussed?

2. How did Paul speaking the name of Jesus over this woman affect Paul and Silas? What does this show us about the mission of the church? Why can the church endure this?

3. Why did the jailer almost kill himself? What did he mean when he asked Paul and Silas about being "saved"?

4. Is it surprising that Paul's answer to the jailer's question is belief in Jesus?

5. How does this highlight the contrast between Jesus' Kingdom and the kingdoms of this world?

6. How does this highlight that Jesus' salvation is not only spiritual but also very practical to our actual pains and fears?

7. The jailer's fear nearly drove him to death; the name of Jesus turned that same night into rescue and joy. What fear most controls your decisions right now? Where do you tend to run for security instead of to Jesus? How can this group keep reminding you that no other name offers the hope his does?