Read Acts 19:23-41

1.   What do you think are Demetrius’ real motivations here for starting this riot?

2.   Like Demetrius, we often hold tightly to our idols. What possessions, ambitions, relationships, or comforts have become so important to you that you tend to become fearful and angry when these things are threatened?

3.   What happens as a result of Demetrius’ fear and anger? What has been learned or gained from the events of the riot in Ephesus?

Read Acts 20:1-12

1.   Why do you think that Luke has added this 6 verse section about Paul’s travels between the story of the riot in Ephesus and the story of Eutechus being raised from the dead?

2.   Paul stays up all night and talks to the Christians in Troas into the morning. What can we learn from Paul’s determination in spreading the gospel?

3.   Spend some time comparing the story of the riot in Ephesus to the story of Eutychus being raised from the dead in Troas. What are the similarities? What are the differences? What does this teach us about who Jesus is?

Application:

1.   When life feels uncertain, what do you instinctively run to for comfort? How does Jesus invite you to respond differently?

2.   How do you usually respond when someone disagrees with your faith or values? What motivates the way you usually respond? Does this need to change? If so, what might that change look like?

3.   Take some time to pray that North Park would be a church devoted to loving those around us, and pointing them to the hope of Christ, out of the overflow of love and hope we receive from Jesus.