NT260 • Set 20
Discussion & Heart Check Questions
Small group discussion questions and accountability tools designed to help disciples grow in their love for God, connect with others, serve others, and share the gospel.
These questions were created to accompany the NT260 Discipleship Journal, but they can also be used by any small group, discipleship group, family, Sunday School class, one-on-one discipleship relationship, or individual studying Acts 7–11.
This Set’s Big Idea
God advances His gospel through faithful witnesses, transforms even His fiercest enemies by His grace, breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and builds one Spirit-filled church centered on Jesus Christ.
As you read, watch how Stephen boldly proclaims Christ before the Sanhedrin and becomes the church’s first martyr, persecution spreads the gospel beyond Jerusalem, Philip carries the good news into Samaria and to an Ethiopian official, Jesus transforms Saul from persecutor to preacher, Peter witnesses God’s grace reaching Cornelius and the Gentiles, and the church at Antioch becomes a thriving example of the gospel uniting people from every background into one family in Christ.
How to Use These Questions
These questions are a guide, not a script. You do not need to answer every question. The goal is to help your group engage Scripture, encourage one another, and take a clear next step of obedience.
Before meeting, encourage everyone to complete this week’s readings and record at least one observation and one application using PETS or another preferred Bible study method.
Suggested Small Group Meeting Flow
Use this as a flexible guide for a 1–1.5 hour weekly gathering. Adjust as needed for your group.
Connect, catch up, and celebrate how God worked during the week.
Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to teach through His Word.
Share PETS observations and applications from the week’s readings.
Work through selected discussion questions together.
Use Heart Check questions for honest accountability and encouragement.
Share prayer requests and close by praying for one another.
Leader Tips
- You do not need to answer every question.
- Select the questions that best fit your group.
- Keep the conversation centered on Jesus, the gospel, and practical obedience.
- Encourage everyone to participate, but never pressure anyone to speak.
- Make room for both interpretation and personal application.
- These chapters show that God often advances His kingdom through circumstances that appear discouraging or even tragic. Stephen’s death, persecution, and scattering all become instruments God uses to spread the gospel. Help your group see God’s sovereignty without minimizing the pain His people experienced.
- Saul’s conversion reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Resist the temptation to place people into categories of “too far gone.” The same Jesus who transformed Saul continues to transform lives today.
- Acts 10–11 marks one of the greatest turning points in the New Testament. Emphasize that God welcomes both Jews and Gentiles into one family through faith in Christ alone. Salvation is based on God’s grace, not ethnicity, heritage, or religious background.
- Encourage your group to notice how often God uses ordinary believers like Philip, Ananias, and Barnabas alongside apostles. The mission of the church belongs to every follower of Jesus.
- Leave enough time for accountability, encouragement, and prayer.
This Set’s Readings
- Acts 7 — Stephen Testifies Before the Council and Becomes the Church’s First Martyr
- Acts 8 — Persecution Scatters the Church, Philip Preaches in Samaria, and the Ethiopian Official Believes
- Acts 9 — Saul Encounters the Risen Jesus, Is Transformed, and Begins Proclaiming Christ
- Acts 10 — Peter Shares the Gospel with Cornelius, and God Welcomes the Gentiles
- Acts 11 — Peter Explains God’s Work Among the Gentiles, and the Church at Antioch Flourishes
NT260 • Set 20
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Has someone ever completely surprised you by changing for the better? What happened that made the change so remarkable?
Digging Into the Text
- Looking across Acts 7–11, what major movement or progression do you see in the story of the early church?
- Stephen retells Israel’s history before confronting the religious leaders. Why do you think he spends so much time looking back before addressing their rejection of Jesus?
- Stephen says Israel repeatedly resisted God’s chosen servants. What pattern does he identify, and how does it ultimately point to Jesus?
- Even while being stoned, Stephen prays for those killing him. What does his response teach us about following Christ during suffering?
- After Stephen’s death, persecution scattered the believers. How did God use something painful to accomplish His mission?
- Philip faithfully preached Christ in Samaria. Why is it significant that the gospel reached the Samaritans?
- Simon the sorcerer wanted the power of the Holy Spirit for selfish reasons. What does his story teach us about the difference between genuine faith and merely wanting spiritual benefits?
- Philip helped the Ethiopian official understand Isaiah by explaining how it pointed to Jesus. What does this teach us about reading the Old Testament through the lens of Christ?
- Saul believed he was serving God while persecuting Christians. What does his story teach us about sincerity, religious zeal, and the need for God’s grace?
- Jesus asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting Me?” What does this reveal about Jesus’ relationship with His church?
- Ananias obeyed God even though he was afraid of Saul. What can we learn from his willingness to trust God’s instructions?
- Barnabas welcomed Saul when many believers were still afraid of him. Why are encouragers like Barnabas so important in the church?
- Peter’s vision in Acts 10 challenged assumptions he had held for his entire life. Why is it sometimes difficult for believers to allow Scripture to reshape long-held traditions or expectations?
- Cornelius was devout, generous, and prayerful, yet he still needed to hear the gospel. What does this teach us about salvation?
- Peter declares that God shows no favoritism. How should that truth shape the way Christians view people from different backgrounds, cultures, or life experiences?
- Why is the conversion of Cornelius and his household such a significant turning point in the book of Acts?
- The believers in Jerusalem initially questioned Peter’s actions, but they changed their perspective when they saw what God had done. What does this teach us about humility and being willing to follow God’s leading?
- Antioch became a thriving church made up of both Jews and Gentiles. What characteristics made the church at Antioch healthy and influential?
- Barnabas rejoiced when he saw God’s grace at work among the believers in Antioch. Why is celebrating God’s work in others an important mark of spiritual maturity?
- The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. What do you think that title communicated about the way they lived?
- Looking across Acts 7–11, what ordinary believers made an extraordinary impact simply by faithfully obeying God?
- Throughout these chapters, what barriers does God remove in order for the gospel to continue spreading?
- How do these chapters prepare the reader for the worldwide mission that unfolds throughout the rest of Acts?
- If you had to summarize the message of Acts 7–11 in one sentence, what would you say?
Leader Note
Acts 7–11 is one of the great turning points in the New Testament. The church moves beyond Jerusalem, persecution accelerates the spread of the gospel, Saul is transformed from persecutor to preacher, and God clearly demonstrates that salvation through Jesus Christ is for both Jews and Gentiles. What appears to be a series of unrelated events is actually one continuous story of God fulfilling His promise that the gospel would reach the ends of the earth.
Encourage your group to notice how often God works through ordinary believers. Stephen faithfully proclaims Christ. Philip shares the gospel wherever God leads. Ananias courageously obeys despite his fears. Barnabas encourages new believers and invests in Saul. None of these believers knew the full impact of their obedience, yet God used each of them to advance His kingdom in remarkable ways.
These chapters also remind us that God often accomplishes His greatest work through unexpected circumstances. Stephen’s death, persecution, scattered believers, a feared enemy, a Roman soldier, and a multicultural church all become instruments God uses to fulfill His mission. What looks like interruption is often divine direction.
Encourage your group to continually ask, “How is God expanding His kingdom?” before asking, “What should I do?” As they see God’s heart for all people, challenge them to consider how He may be inviting them to faithfully participate in His mission today.
Love God
- Which event from Acts 7–11 most increased your confidence in God’s power, sovereignty, or grace this week? Why?
- Saul’s life demonstrates that no one is beyond God’s reach. Is there someone you have quietly believed is unlikely to ever come to faith in Christ?
- Stephen remained faithful even when obedience cost him everything. Is there an area where fear has kept you from faithfully obeying God?
- Peter had to surrender long-held assumptions in order to follow God’s leading. Is there an attitude, preference, or tradition God may be asking you to reevaluate through His Word?
- Throughout these chapters, God repeatedly directs His people one step at a time. Where is God asking you to trust Him with your next step instead of demanding to see the entire path?
Connect with Others
- Barnabas welcomed Saul when others remained skeptical. Is there someone who needs encouragement, acceptance, or another opportunity instead of continued suspicion?
- God welcomed Gentiles into His family without favoritism. Are there people or groups you find difficult to love, understand, or intentionally include?
- The believers in Antioch became known for their unity despite their diverse backgrounds. What can our small group do to better reflect that kind of Christ-centered unity?
- Is there someone in your church or community whom God may be inviting you to intentionally invest in this week?
- Barnabas recognized God’s grace at work in others and rejoiced. How can you become someone who regularly notices and celebrates what God is doing in other people’s lives?
Serve Others
- Philip faithfully served wherever God directed him—even when the assignment seemed unexpected. Is there a ministry opportunity God may be placing before you that you’ve overlooked because it seemed too small?
- Ananias courageously ministered to Saul despite his fears. Is there someone difficult, intimidating, or unlikely whom God may be asking you to encourage or serve?
- The believers in Antioch responded generously when they learned of the coming famine. Is there a practical need you could help meet for someone this week?
- God used ordinary believers throughout these chapters to accomplish extraordinary things. What gift, ability, or opportunity has God entrusted to you that could bless someone else?
- How could you intentionally encourage another believer who is just beginning to grow in their faith?
Share the Gospel
- Stephen, Philip, Peter, Ananias, and Barnabas each shared Christ in different settings. Which example most encourages or challenges you?
- God repeatedly led His people to individuals who were ready to hear the gospel. How might prayer help you become more aware of opportunities God is already preparing?
- Who is one person in your life who seems far from God but whom you will intentionally begin praying for this week?
- Is there someone from a different background, culture, or stage of life with whom God may be inviting you to build a relationship?
- What is one practical step you can take this week to faithfully participate in God’s mission of making Jesus known?
Closing Challenge
God advances His gospel through faithful witnesses, transforms even His fiercest enemies by His grace, breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and builds one Spirit-filled church centered on Jesus Christ.
Acts 7–11 reminds us that nothing can stop God’s mission. Persecution cannot stop it. Cultural barriers cannot stop it. Religious prejudice cannot stop it. Even God’s enemies can become His servants through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Where is God inviting you to take your next step this week—from fear to faithful witness, prejudice to compassion, comfort to obedience, skepticism to encouragement, or simply watching God’s mission to actively participating in it?
Scripture to Remember
Acts 10:43
As Peter proclaimed the gospel to Cornelius and his household, he declared that every prophet pointed forward to Jesus and that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
This verse beautifully summarizes the message of Acts 7–11. Stephen testified that Israel’s history pointed to Christ. Philip explained how Isaiah pointed to Christ. Saul’s life was transformed by Christ. Peter proclaimed Christ to the Gentiles. The entire story centers on Jesus and the forgiveness He freely offers to everyone who believes.
This week: Read Acts 10:43 each morning. Thank God for the forgiveness you have received through Jesus, and pray that He will open your eyes to opportunities to share that same hope with someone else.
This Week’s Practice
Follow God’s Leading
Throughout Acts 7–11, ordinary believers faithfully responded to God’s direction one step at a time. Stephen boldly spoke the truth. Philip followed the Spirit’s leading to unexpected places. Ananias overcame fear to encourage Saul. Peter crossed cultural boundaries. Barnabas invested in new believers. None of them knew the full impact of their obedience.
This week, ask God each day to make you attentive to His leading. Choose one specific act of obedience—initiate a gospel conversation, encourage another believer, serve someone in need, welcome someone different from yourself, or step into a ministry opportunity you have been avoiding.
At the end of the week, ask yourself, “Where did I see God at work because I chose to faithfully obey His leading?”
Prayer Focus
Participating in God’s Mission
Pray that God would give you the courage, humility, compassion, and faith to participate in His mission of making Jesus known. Ask Him to remove fear, prejudice, pride, and hesitation so you will joyfully follow wherever He leads.
- Thank God that His grace is powerful enough to save anyone, no matter their past.
- Ask God to give you Stephen’s courage to remain faithful under pressure.
- Pray for a heart that quickly obeys the Holy Spirit like Philip, Ananias, Peter, and Barnabas.
- Ask God to help you see people through His eyes rather than through cultural assumptions or personal preferences.
- Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with someone who needs Christ.
- Ask God to strengthen your church so it reflects the unity, generosity, encouragement, and mission seen in Antioch.
- Pray that more people from every nation, background, and generation will come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that reaches people from every nation, background, and story. Thank You for transforming enemies into disciples and outsiders into members of Your family through Jesus Christ. Give us courage like Stephen, obedience like Philip, faith like Ananias, boldness like Peter, and encouragement like Barnabas. Help us faithfully follow wherever You lead, welcome everyone You call, and joyfully participate in making Jesus known until the gospel reaches every people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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