1. Read Acts 21:27 – 22:29 together. Take time for some initial reflection about the passage:

a. What do you notice? Did anything stand out to you as the passage was read?

b. What questions do you have about this passage?

c. Did you find anything encouraging? Surprising? Confusing? Challenging?

2. Paul journeyed to Jerusalem knowing that he would face persecution, and possibly even death.

a. Why was the crowd so stirred up against him?

b. In what ways did he show a readiness to face suffering?

c. In what ways did he challenge the suffering that he was faced with? What can we learn from Paul here about the role of suffering in the Christian walk? (ie: should a Christian pursue suffering? Is it ever right to seek to avoid suffering?)

d. Are you facing suffering in your own life? Do you believe you are called to endure this suffering, or to seek to avoid it?

3. Why was Paul’s speech to the crowd so profound?

Hint: Reflect on this question together – who was actually free, and who was in chains?



4. In the sermon this past week, 3 invitations were given, inspired by Paul’s testimony. Take time to go through these invitations together and consider how you might respond:

Invitation #1: Remember and give thanks for the story that God has been unfolding in your life, and open your mind and heart to the idea of sharing it as the Lord gives you opportunities.

a. Share an example of how God has worked in your life

b. Do you ever share things like this with others? What holds you back?

Invitation #2: Talk to Jesus about the chains that you are still bound by.

c. If you’re comfortable, share an example of an area in your life where you need Jesus to set you free.

Invitation #3: How is God calling you to respond to his acts of grace and loving mercy in your life?

d. Share ideas about what next step God might be calling you to. This could be a step of faith like baptism, leaning into spiritual practices like prayer, pursuing discipleship opportunities, or opening up to the possibility of sharing your faith story in some way.

Pray for each other out of the items discussed. Offer up prayers of thanksgiving for all that God has done for you, and the unique ways that the Lord has worked in your life. Pray that he would set you free from any sin that keeps you bound. Ask for God’s leading as you seek to take your next steps of faith in following Jesus. Pray that God would use you in some way, to be a light to those around you.