What was the island they landed on?
How did the natives show kindness to the shipwrecked passengers?
Why did the viper bite Paul?
What did the natives think of this?
What happened to the viper? What happened to Paul?
What did the people expect? When this didn’t happen, what did they now decide Paul was?
Who was the leading citizen of the island? How long did he lodge the apostles?
Who was ill? What did Paul do?
Then, who also came to Paul for healing?
How long did they stay there before they boarded another boat?
Where did they land and stay three days?
What other stops did they make on the way to Rome?
What gave Paul thankfulness and courage?
Where was Paul allowed to live? Who was with him?
Summarize Paul’s testimony to the Jewish leaders in verses 17-20. Why was he bound with this chain?
What kind of reports had the Roman Jews heard from Judea regarding Paul?
Why were they interested in hearing what Paul had to say?
On the day chosen, where did they Jews meet with Paul? What did he share with them? For how long?
What was the response from Paul’s Jewish audience there?
What did Paul say that made them leave? Which prophet did he quote?
Where did Paul live? For how long?
What was Paul allowed to do during that time?

Thought Questions

What do you immediately think of when you hear of miraculous events? Are they the best evidences of God? How can people misinterpret them according to their own preconceived ideas?
Why do you think there is no record that Paul preached the gospel of Christ to the Maltese, even while performing His miracles among them?
What lengths would you go to to welcome a visitor from your church, particularly one in a difficult situation like Paul’s? What kind of difference could that make to them?
What was the “hope of Israel” for which Paul was bound with a chain? Could you ever be bound with a chain for the same hope? Would you be willing?
Why do so many people hear the word of God and receive it differently-some accepting it as truth which will save them, and others rejecting it, even to the point of persecuting those who preach it?

My prayer is:
That to every type of people and in every type of situation, I would show the glory of God wherever I go through word and action;
That I would be willing, if ever necessary, to be bound in chains for the “hope of Israel;”
And that I would receive the eternal word of the truth of God with faith, believing, accepting, and always willing to follow.

How many days had they been out at sea when the sailors sensed that they were near some land? What sea were they in?
What method did they use to tell that they were getting closer to land?
What did they do because they were afraid to run aground on the rocks?
How were the sailors planning to escape? What was Paul’s response to that? What, then, did the sailors do?
What counsel did Paul give? What comfort did he give along with it?
What did Paul do before he ate? What did the people do in response?
How many people were on the ship?
What did they do once they had eaten?
What did they see on the land once it was day? What was the plan?
How did the sailors work their way to landing on the beach?
Where did they run aground instead? What happened to the ship?
What was the soldiers’ plan to keep the prisoners from escaping?
Who kept them from their purpose? Why? What did he order them to do?

Thought Questions

Were the sailors listening to Paul’s advice more now than they were before? Why do you think that was?
Is it important to gain peoples’ trust when sharing the gospel of Christ with them? What is the best way to gain someone’s trust? What example do you see of Paul gaining the sailors’ and fellow passengers’ trust here? What are some other examples you can think of from the Bible? From your life?
How would you describe Paul’s demeanor in this situation? What might you aspire to copy?
What small things or habits can you incorporate into every situation that can be a good influence on others and help you share Christ?
Why do you think the centurion wanted to keep Paul safe? What do you think he thought of Paul? Why? Would others in similar situations think the same of you?

My prayer is:

That I would work to gain people’s trust and confidence as I meet them;
That I would be able to meet any emergency with a calm mind and manner, continuing to think through everything rationally, and not forgetting my usual habits of devotion even in extreme circumstances;
And that, like Paul, my life would be a positive influence on those around me.

Where was it decided that they would sail to?
Who did they put in charge of Paul and some other prisoners?
Where was the ship from? Where was the plan to sail?
Who else was with them?
Where did they land the next day? How did Julius show kindness to Paul?
Why did they sail close to Cyprus the next day?
What city in Lycia did they go to? What happened there?
What difficulty delayed their travels? Where did they finally stop next?
What was Paul’s prediction concerning their voyage?
Who was the centurion persuaded by?
Why didn’t they want to stay at Fair Havens? Where did they want to try to reach instead?
Did it seem like it would be a successful trip to the harbor? What happened next?
What precautions did the sailors take with the ship? (at least 4 things)
What made them lose hope that they would be saved?
What was Paul’s response to this?
How did Paul know that lives would not be lost on this voyage?
What was his final prediction?

Thought Questions

Do you think Paul predicted the terrible outcome of the sailing trip by inspiration of God, or some other way? Were all the parts of his prediction correct, or did anything turn out differently?
When a person is truly inspired by God to make a prediction, do all points turn out accurately?
How can we tell if God is inspiring a prediction, or if it’s from human wisdom?
What was the difference between Paul’s first and second predictions in this chapter?
Think about some of the many predictions God has given to His people through the prophets in the Bible. What was the purpose of most of them? Who are they often given for–those in the immediate situation, or for a greater purpose? How might this apply in this chapter?
Why did the angel tell Paul not to be afraid? (verse 24) Ultimately, Paul was beheaded by Caesar. Does God always guide us just for our own comfort? How do you feel about the idea of God rescuing a person in one situation, for the purpose of doing His will later–and perhaps ultimately at the risk of his or her (earthly) life in another situation?
Why would God save Paul’s shipmates for his sake?

My prayer is:
To trust Your word as always being true and correct;
To understand that You are lovingly leading those who serve You, despite how the immediate situation may appear;
And that I would always serve You, not only for my sake but for the sake of those around me, despite the uncertainty of my earthly future, knowing that you have a greater purpose to be accomplished.

What did King Agrippa give Paul permission to do?
Why was Paul happy to be able to speak to Agrippa?
Who knew about Paul’s life before he became a Christian? What was he?
What did Paul say he was being judged for?
Who hoped to attain this promise?
What concept was seemingly incredible to Agrippa and the other Jews?
What were the things Paul previously thought he had to do which were contrary to the name of Jesus?
Compare verses 12-18 with Acts 9:1-19 and 22:6-16. What are the similarities and differences?
What was the purpose for Jesus appearing to Paul then? (verse 16-18)
Where did Paul go to preach after the vision?
What three things did he tell them that they should do?
Why did the Jews seize him at the temple?
Who gave Paul help to stand? What did he witness of?
What opinion did Festus express of Paul at this point?
What reasons did Paul use to defend his logic?
What did Paul ask Agrippa if he believed in?
What was Agrippa’s response?
What wish did Paul express?
What was Agrippa’s verdict of Paul’s case?

Thought Questions

What was Paul happy about in this situation? Do you think his happiness was genuine? How can we find positives in any situation, even being on trial like Paul was?
What hope of the promise of God was Paul referring to in verse 6?
Read verse 6-8 again. How does this hope encapsulate the theme of the Bible, from start to finish? How did the twelve tribes serve God night and day to attain this? Do you?
Do you think it’s incredible that God can raise the dead? Why?
What was Paul’s motive for persecuting Christ’s followers?
Can you think of anything in your life that you do or have done in the name of the work of God that might actually be wrong? How do you find answers from the Bible about what is right?
Are there any differences in the way Paul recounts his conversion experience to Agrippa from Acts 9:1-19? If so, why? What might Paul have brought out to Agrippa, or left unsaid? How can we be effective in sharing our testimony (while being honest and faithful, of course)?
What does Paul’s witness through Judea and to the Gentiles tell us? What should we preach? What is our duty as Christians? What does the final phrase in verse 20 tell us about the question of faith versus works?
Why would the Jews try to kill Paul for that message?
How do verses 22-23 give coherence to the entire Bible? Is the Old Testament still applicable? How?
Why do some people think Christianity is madness, while others recognize it as a voice of truth and reason? How would you defend your position?
Do you think Agrippa was really almost convinced to be a Christian? But not quite–why?

My prayer is:
That I would find peace and happiness even in a difficult situation, if it meant that I was able to represent Christ and share Him with others;
To earnestly serve God night and day, hoping to attain the promises made by God to our fathers;
To repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

Who came with Agrippa? What were they in Caesarea for?
What did Festus tell King Agrippa regarding Paul’s story?
According to Festus’ account, what did he tell the Jews in response to their accusations?
What did Festus do in response?
What kind of accusations did Paul’s accusers present?
For what reason did Festus suggest that Paul go to Jerusalem to be judged?
Why did Festus keep him there instead?
When was Agrippa to hear Paul?
Who all assembled with Agrippa?
What was Festus’ introduction of Paul?
What was the reason why Festus wanted to present Paul’s case to Agrippa?

Thought Questions

What can you learn about justice from the Roman law? How would you apply that to situations in your life?
Should religious beliefs ever be a point of judgment in civil law? Did the Jewish leaders’ accusations of Paul’s beliefs make sense? Would similar accusations ever make sense in our country?
How would you respond if you were in Paul’s situation, being condemned to death by people who disagreed with your religious beliefs? Do you think it would ever be possible in your life?
How did Festus show wisdom in this situation?
How could a situation like this ever happen? (See especially verses 26-27.)
What do you think the driving force behind Paul’s turbulent trials was?

My prayer is:
That I would judge others the way I would want to be judged: by good or evil actions and not by opinions, and with plenty of evidence;
That I would understand the dangers of religious beliefs being judged in civil law;
And that I would have faith that the Holy Spirit would give me wisdom if I were to ever be tried for my belief in Christ.

(24:27) Who was Festus? Why was Paul still a prisoner for those two years?
When Festus began his rule, where did he travel to?
Who informed Festus against Paul? What did they want him to do? But, what was their plot?
What was Festus’ response?
What did he want the Jews in authority to do?
When Paul went to the judgment seat, could the Jewish authorities prove any of their accusations?
What three entities did Paul declare himself innocent from wrongdoing against?
What did Festus suggest to Paul? Why did he suggest that?
Before whom does Paul believe he ought to be judged?
Under what circumstances would Paul not refuse to be killed? But, why does he refuse to be delivered to his accusers?
Who does Paul appeal to?
What was Festus’ response to him?

Thought Questions

Why did Felix and Festus leave Paul in prison? (24:27, 25:9) Did they think he was guilty? How would you react if you were left in prison by a human and apparently forgotten? What good came out of the situation anyway?
Do you believe God can use non-believers to help protect His disciples and fulfill His will? Do you think this happened here, with Felix and Festus?
Despite leaving Paul in prison, do you think Felix and Festus, even being pagan Romans, were more just (in dealing with Paul’s case anyway) than “God’s people,” the Jews? How can we tell if justice is being served rightly, whether by church or civil leadership?
Do you think Paul did the right thing in appealing to Caesar?
Again, what can we learn from Paul’s grace and patience in these trials? How about his wisdom? Would you be able to respond the same way? How could you learn to?

My prayer is:
That I would look to God and His word rather than to people for righteousness and justice–even those considered the “holiest” on earth;
That I would look to God when apparently forgotten by all humans;
And that I would have patience–and wisdom–with those who are persecuting me.

Who came with Ananias after five days? What were they there to do?
How did Tertullus begin his testimony?
In what ways did Tertullus characterize Paul? What did he accuse him of doing?
How did they bring Commander Lysias into the accusation?
What did Paul say to defend these charges?
How many of the accusations did the Jews who were accusing Paul actually witness him doing?
What things did Paul say that he believed, which the Jews also believed?
What actually happened in the Temple, according to Paul?
According to Paul, who should have been there to accuse him, if they had an objection?
What was the one statement Paul proclaimed which was the real reason why they were accusing him?
When did Felix say he would make a decision about the case?
What was Paul’s situation then?
What was Felix’s wife’s name? What was her nationality? What did they come to hear Paul speak about?
What topics did Paul touch on that prompted Felix’s fear? What was Felix’s response to the fear he felt?
What else did Felix hope for?
Who succeeded Felix? Why did he keep Paul bound there?

Thought Questions

Have you ever gotten in trouble for your belief in Christ? Do you think you ever possibly could? How would you defend yourself?
What was the tone of Paul’s response (verse 10)? How should we respond when accused, even with blatant, slandering lies?
Review some of the main points of Paul’s defense. How does he state the facts? How does he try to identify with the beliefs of his accusers? Why might he do that?
Why would anyone possibly try to condemn somebody “concerning the resurrection of the dead” (verse 21; also ch. 23:6)? Why would someone’s religious belief concern anyone else? Do you think the same thing could happen in our society?
If so, are you prepared to defend and be condemned for your belief “concerning the resurrection of the dead?”
What do you think was going on in Felix’s mind? Why was he generous in his treatment of Paul?
If you were imprisoned for your belief in Christ, would you allow your friends or family to bail you out for a bribe, or would you rather remain there? Why or why not?
Why did he seek to hear Paul’s religious reasoning? Why, then, did he send him away for a “more convenient time?”
Did that “more convenient time” ever happen? Have you ever been tempted to put God on the back burner for a more convenient time for you? What is the danger of that?

My prayer is:
That, if I am ever condemned for my faith in Christ, the resurrection of the dead, or any other issue of my faith, that I would know how to defend myself gracefully, without returning slander or accusation, but glorifying God;
And that I would never put my decision to follow God away for a “more convenient time.”

How did Paul look at the council? What did he say about himself?
What did the high priest command to do to Paul?
What was Paul’s response?
How did Paul respond when he found out that he had spoken to the high priest?
What did Paul observe about the factions in the council? What did he say?
What was the result? What issues were the Sadducees and Pharisees divided on?
What was the response from the Pharisee party?
What did the commander fear? What did he do to rescue Paul?
Who came to visit Paul the following night? What did He say?
What was the oath that some of the Jews made? About how many of them were there?
Who did this group approach for help with their plan? What was the plan?
Who heard about the ambush and told Paul about it?
Who did Paul send his nephew to tell the news to?
What kind of escort did the commander send to guard Paul as he was to leave prison? What time was he to be escorted out?
Where was Paul to go?
Who did the commander (Claudius Lysias) write a letter to?
Give an overview of the contents of his letter.
What was the place that the soldiers escorted Paul to by night?
What did Governor Felix ask Paul? What was the answer?
Where was Paul kept?

Thought Questions

Do you think Paul lost his temper, or did he respond to the high priest that way for a reason? Do you think he was correct in what he said to the high priest?
Do you agree that we should not speak evil of a ruler of our people (Exodus 22:28, Ecclesiastes 10:20)? Even if they deserve it? Are you ever tempted to–online, on social media, in discussions with friends? How do you deal with that temptation?
Why do you think Paul would stir up political unrest within the council? Do you think it is a wise or a devious idea to find protection where you can (if you are being honest about it)?
Do you think the Lord’s personal message to Paul (verse 11) would have cheered you up? Why was it the right message for Paul?
Why were those Jews so hateful of Paul to the point where they would make that kind of vow to kill him? Do you think that type of hatred of Christians could ever happen again, or was it an ancient phenomenon that couldn’t occur again in society?

My prayer is:
That I would show respect for the ruler of my people;
That I would have the wisdom of God in every situation, even if my life is threatened for my beliefs;
And that being a witness for Christ would be the most important goal for me.

Why did the mob listening to Paul become silent?
Tell a little about Paul’s background. How did he feel about God and His law?
What did he do to the followers of “the Way”?
Where did he go to find people to persecute? Who could bear witness to that?
What happened to Paul as he approached Damascus?
What did the voice say?
What did the Lord tell Paul to do?
How is Ananias described?
What were the things Ananias told Paul (verses 13-15)?
What did Ananias want him to do?
Then, when Paul was in Jerusalem, what message did he receive?
What was Paul’s reasoning with that?
What was God’s response?
What was the crowd’s response to this part of the story?
What did the commander order to be done with Paul?
What did Paul ask the centurion?
How did the centurion respond?
How did Paul say he acquired his Roman citizenship?
Why were the examiners afraid? What did they do?
Who was called to assemble for the case? Why?

Thought Questions

Compare the story of Paul’s conversion in chapter 9 to his retelling of it here. Is he honest and accurate in his recounting?
Also compare how he tells his testimony here to how he shares it with King Agrippa in chapter 26. Are there differences? Why might there be differences, if any?
Compare how Paul responded to the angry crowd in this chapter to Stephen’s defense in chapter 7. Do you think they were wise and their response was good? Did it work? Could they have done anything differently?
Were there any other instances in Acts where the apostles were in a similar situation, and defended themselves from their accusers in a similar way? What can you learn from them about how you might defend yourself if accused that way? What can you learn from them about how likely it is that your accusers will listen to you?
What did Paul say that lit the fuse and caused the mob to overtake him? Why?
What other moves did Paul make in this situation that you thought were wise? Should we accept everything, including torture, for the sake of Christ even if it can be avoided?

My prayer is:
That I would be willing to humbly share my testimony of how God has worked in my life, even under pressure of opposition;
And that I would think wisely, avoiding unnecessary danger if possible while being willing to face whatever dangers are necessary for the sake of Christ.

Where did Paul take the men (the four men who had taken a vow)? What happened there?
Who stirred up the crowd and laid hands on Paul?
What two accusations did they have against him?
What was their explanation for why they thought Paul had brought Greeks into the temple?
How many people were disturbed and worked to drag Paul out of the temple?
Who heard that Jerusalem was in an uproar?
Who did the captain/commander take with him? What happened when the people saw him?
What did the captain/commander do with Paul? What, then, did he ask?
What was the response?
What were the steps the soldiers had to take because of the mob’s violence?
When Paul asked to speak with the captain/commander, what was his response? Who did he think he was?
Where did Paul explain that he was from?
What did Paul request to do?

Thought Questions

Why do you think it was the Jews from Asia that were causing trouble for Paul?
If you had been there, would you have believed that Paul had done what he was accused of? Has it happened that you heard a report and judged the situation accordingly, without really hearing the facts from their source?
We have seen several instances so far of mobs trying to attack the apostles. (Compare verse 34 to Acts 19:32.) Why are these mobs particularly violent, considering most of the people didn’t seem to know what was going on? Why are people so easily stirred up?
Do you think this situation could ever be replicated against you? What would you do?
What impresses you about Paul’s reaction to the situation? What can you learn from it?

My prayer is:
That I would not listen to gossip but seek to discover the truth;
That I would understand that Satan seeks to stir up trouble for God’s workers and to be prepared and not surprised in any situation;
And that, like Paul, I would respond graciously and try to explain in a tactful way, even to my enemies.