PAUL PUSHES BACK
Acts 16:35-40
I. The offer of Release (vs. 35-37)
a. Why do you think the magistrates sent others to have Paul and Silas
released?
b. Why would the prison keeper have just been joyful that the order for
their release had come?
c. Most of the other times Paul has been presented an open door, he has
immediately taken it, sometimes even fleeing for his life, and other times
after receiving some physical abuse. Why does he not just leave quietly?
II. A Bone of contention (vs. 37)
a. Paul considered himself a citizen of tow worlds; first the kingdom of
God and when it served him, a Roman citizen. Which card does he play in
verse 37?
b. Did what was done to Paul and Silas violate Roman law?
c. Do you think Paul pushed this issue for his own sake, or may there have
been a bigger outcome he was hoping to achieve (consider the letter to
the Philippians)?
d. Paul would leave… but what was his demand?
III. The Fearful Magistrates (vs. 38-40)
a. Why were the magistrates fearful?
b. How did the attitude of the magistrates change from the previous day?
c. Although the magistrates pleaded with Paul and Silas to leave their city,
did they oblige and leave immediately?
d. What was the final act of Paul and Silas before departing, and how
might the previous 24 hours have been an opportunity to encourage,
strengthen, and protect these new believers?
IV. Application: Are there times Christians MUST stand up for what is right
and defend our rights and freedoms? Why or why not?
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