NT260 • Set 22
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 17–21.
This Set’s Big Idea
Jesus sends His people to faithfully proclaim the truth in every setting, trusting the Holy Spirit with the results.
As you read, watch how Paul carries the gospel into very different places and conversations. He reasons from Scripture in Thessalonica and Berea, speaks to philosophers in Athens, ministers alongside other believers in Corinth, confronts idolatry in Ephesus, strengthens church leaders, and continues toward Jerusalem even when he knows suffering may await him. The setting keeps changing, but Paul remains committed to making Jesus known.
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.
- Acts 17 shows Paul communicating with very different audiences. Help the group distinguish between changing how we communicate and changing the message itself. Paul builds bridges to his listeners without softening repentance, resurrection, or the lordship of Jesus.
- Acts 19 includes occult practices, spiritual power, repentance, and idolatry. Keep the focus on the supremacy of Jesus rather than allowing the discussion to become fascinated with spiritual darkness.
- Acts 20–21 deals with sacrifice, suffering, and costly obedience. Avoid implying that faithful Christianity requires recklessness. Paul’s willingness to suffer grows from a settled surrender to Christ and His calling.
- Notice how often Paul serves alongside others—Silas, Timothy, Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos, Luke, and church elders. The mission of Jesus is never presented as a one-person ministry.
- Leave enough time for accountability, encouragement, and prayer.
This Set’s Readings
- Acts 17 — Paul Proclaims the Same Gospel to Synagogues, Scripture-Searchers, and Philosophers
- Acts 18 — God Strengthens Paul and Builds His Church Through Faithful Partners
- Acts 19 — The Gospel Confronts Spiritual Counterfeits, Idolatry, and an Entire City’s Priorities
- Acts 20 — Paul Strengthens the Churches and Calls Leaders to Finish Their Ministry Faithfully
- Acts 21 — Paul Continues Toward Jerusalem and Remains Ready to Witness When Obedience Becomes Costly
NT260 • Set 22
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever had to explain the same idea to two very different kinds of people? How did you change your approach without changing what you were trying to communicate?
Digging Into the Text
- Looking across Acts 17–21, what different settings, audiences, and circumstances does Paul encounter as he shares and lives out the gospel?
- In Thessalonica, Paul reasons from the Scriptures that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Why are the death and resurrection of Jesus essential to the message he proclaims?
- The Bereans eagerly receive Paul’s teaching while examining the Scriptures daily to see whether it is true. What healthy balance do you see between openness to teaching and careful biblical discernment?
- How could the example of the Bereans shape the way we listen to sermons, podcasts, Bible teachers, social media voices, or even ideas we already agree with?
- Paul is deeply troubled by the idols in Athens, yet he begins his public message by showing that he has carefully observed the people and their beliefs. What can we learn from the way he combines conviction with thoughtful engagement?
- Paul speaks differently to the philosophers in Athens than he did to the synagogue audience in Thessalonica. Which parts of his approach change, and which truths remain unchanged?
- In Acts 17, some people believe, some want to hear more, and others mock Paul. How can those different responses free Christians from believing that faithfulness is measured only by immediate visible results?
- Acts 18 follows Paul’s public ministry by introducing Aquila and Priscilla as coworkers and friends. What does Luke’s placement of these relationships teach us about the role of community in sustaining ministry?
- The Lord tells Paul, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you.” What does this reveal about both Paul’s humanity and the source of his courage?
- Priscilla and Aquila recognize that Apollos is gifted but has an incomplete understanding. What can we learn from the way they correct him privately and help him grow rather than simply criticizing him?
- Apollos receives correction and goes on to become even more useful in ministry. Why is teachability such an important mark of spiritual maturity?
- In Acts 19, the sons of Sceva attempt to use Jesus’ name as though it were a spiritual formula. What warning does their failure give about wanting the benefits or power associated with Jesus without truly knowing and submitting to Him?
- New believers in Ephesus publicly destroy expensive objects connected to their former practices. What does their response reveal about genuine repentance?
- The gospel eventually threatens the business surrounding the worship of Artemis. Why does real spiritual transformation often affect more than someone’s private beliefs?
- Where might following Jesus confront idols in our own culture—things connected to money, identity, status, sexuality, comfort, success, entertainment, or control?
- How does Acts 19 deepen the theme from Acts 17? Paul first confronts idols through proclamation in Athens, but in Ephesus we see the gospel actually disrupting an idolatrous way of life.
- In Acts 20, Paul describes his ministry as teaching publicly and from house to house. What does this suggest about the importance of both public teaching and personal discipleship?
- Paul says his life is worth nothing to him unless he finishes the work Jesus gave him. How should we understand that statement without turning Christian faithfulness into unhealthy busyness or neglect of God-given responsibilities?
- Paul warns the Ephesian elders to watch themselves before watching the flock. Why must Christian leadership begin with attention to one’s own spiritual life?
- Paul reminds the elders that he worked hard and helped the weak rather than using ministry for personal gain. What does his example teach about the difference between serving people and using people?
- Acts 20 ends with tears, prayer, embraces, and deep affection between Paul and the elders. What does this reveal about the relational side of faithful Christian ministry?
- In Acts 21, Paul knows suffering awaits him but continues toward Jerusalem. What is the difference between faithfully accepting the cost of obedience and carelessly seeking suffering?
- Even after being attacked and arrested, Paul asks for permission to speak to the crowd. What does this reveal about how deeply the mission of Jesus has shaped his priorities?
- Across Acts 17–21, Paul experiences belief and rejection, encouragement and opposition, fruitful ministry and painful sacrifice. What keeps his mission steady when his circumstances constantly change?
- Looking at the entire set, how do these chapters show that faithful witness requires biblical truth, cultural awareness, teachability, courage, relationships, holy living, and perseverance—and which of those most challenges you right now?
Leader Note
Acts 17–21 follows Paul through an extraordinary variety of environments. He speaks in synagogues, a marketplace, the Areopagus, homes, lecture halls, church gatherings, and eventually before a hostile crowd. He ministers among religious Jews, thoughtful Bereans, pagan philosophers, tradespeople, new believers, mature elders, and violent opponents. The setting changes constantly, but Jesus remains the center of Paul’s message.
Help your group notice that faithful witness does not require using exactly the same words with every person. Paul listens, observes, reasons from Scripture, understands people’s beliefs, and begins conversations at different starting points. Yet he never changes the essential truth. Jesus is Lord. God calls people to repentance. Christ has risen from the dead. Grace transforms lives.
These chapters also show that gospel faithfulness involves more than speaking. Aquila and Priscilla disciple Apollos. Ephesian believers abandon old practices. Paul develops leaders, helps the weak, works with his hands, loves people deeply, and continues following Christ when obedience becomes costly. Avoid reducing this set to “be bold like Paul.” The deeper issue is whether our whole lives have become available to Jesus and His mission.
Keep returning to the Big Idea: Jesus sends His people to faithfully proclaim the truth in every setting, trusting the Holy Spirit with the results. Help the group consider both parts—faithfulness to the truth and trust with the outcome. We are responsible to obey, love, speak, serve, and persevere. God alone changes hearts.
Love God
- The Bereans received teaching eagerly while testing it against Scripture. How would your relationship with God change if you approached His Word with that same combination of eagerness and careful attention?
- Paul was deeply troubled by the idols in Athens. What competing love, priority, or source of security most easily competes with God for your heart?
- The Ephesian believers demonstrated repentance by walking away from practices connected to their old lives. Is there anything Jesus is calling you not merely to regret, but actually to leave behind?
- The Lord reminded Paul, “I am with you.” Where do you particularly need to trust Christ’s presence right now?
- Paul eventually says that finishing the work Jesus gave him matters more than preserving his comfort. What would deeper surrender to Jesus look like in your current season of life?
Connect with Others
- Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos grow without embarrassing or dismissing him. How do you normally respond when another believer needs correction or has more to learn?
- Apollos was willing to receive instruction despite already being gifted and knowledgeable. Where might pride make it difficult for you to receive correction or advice?
- Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders reveals deep love built through years of shared ministry. Are you building relationships deep enough that people know more than your opinions—they know your heart?
- Who in your life needs encouragement, patient instruction, or someone willing to walk alongside them spiritually?
- Is there a relationship where humility, honesty, forgiveness, or reconciliation would help your life better reflect the gospel?
Serve Others
- Paul reminds the Ephesian leaders that he worked hard and helped those in need. What practical need around you could you help meet this week?
- Aquila and Priscilla used their home, work, knowledge, and relationships in service to Christ. Which ordinary resource God has already given you could become a tool for ministry?
- Paul invested heavily in strengthening other believers rather than making ministry revolve around himself. Who could you help become stronger or more useful in serving Jesus?
- What is one specific act of service you can complete this week without expecting recognition or repayment?
Share the Gospel
- Paul understood his audiences without changing the truth about Jesus. How well do you understand the questions, assumptions, or beliefs of people around you who do not follow Christ?
- Which setting in Acts 17–21 most resembles where God has placed you—workplace, neighborhood, family, school, church, or another community? What might faithful witness look like there?
- Paul’s courage did not mean everyone responded positively. How might trusting God with the results make you more willing to speak about Jesus?
- Who is one person far from God that you will pray for, intentionally move toward, and look for an opportunity to speak with about Jesus this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus sends His people to faithfully proclaim the truth in every setting, trusting the Holy Spirit with the results.
Acts 17–21 takes Paul from synagogues and marketplaces to philosophical debates, ministry partnerships, spiritual opposition, church leadership, tearful goodbyes, and finally arrest in Jerusalem. He adapts to different people without changing the gospel, receives help from other believers, confronts idols, pours himself into disciples, and remains faithful when obedience becomes costly.
Where is Jesus calling you to move this week—from silence to witness, cultural distance to thoughtful engagement, pride to teachability, hidden compromise to repentance, comfort to service, or self-protection to faithful obedience?
Scripture to Remember
Acts 18:9–10
“Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you.”
These words from the Lord capture one of the central truths running through Acts 17–21. Paul does not speak because every audience will respond positively or because every situation is safe. He speaks because Jesus is with him and has sent him.
This week: Read Acts 18:9–10 each morning. Write the words somewhere you will see them, repeat them when fear makes you hesitant, and pray for courage to faithfully speak and live for Jesus wherever He has placed you.
This Week’s Practice
Listen, Pray, Speak
Paul paid attention to the people around him and looked for ways to connect their questions and experiences to the truth about God. Choose one person this week and intentionally listen to them before trying to speak.
Pray for that person each day. Ask one sincere question about their life, beliefs, struggles, or hopes, and look for one natural opportunity to share something true about Jesus or what He has done in your life.
At the end of the week, ask yourself, “Was I faithful to listen, love, and speak while trusting God with the response?”
Prayer Focus
Faithful Wherever Jesus Sends Us
Pray that God would make you biblically grounded, spiritually discerning, genuinely interested in people, courageous in witness, teachable in relationships, and faithful wherever Jesus has placed you.
- Ask God to deepen your love for Scripture and give you discernment like the Bereans.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any idol, compromise, or divided loyalty that needs to be surrendered.
- Pray for wisdom to understand people without compromising the truth of the gospel.
- Ask Jesus for courage to speak when fear tempts you to remain silent.
- Pray for humility to receive correction and grace to help other believers grow.
- Ask God to strengthen pastors, teachers, and church leaders to guard both their own hearts and the people entrusted to them.
- Pray by name for someone who needs to hear and believe the good news of Jesus.
Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for sending the good news of Jesus into every kind of place and to every kind of person. Root us deeply in Your Word and free our hearts from idols, fear, pride, and compromise. Give us wisdom to understand the people around us, courage to speak faithfully, humility to keep learning, and love that serves without seeking recognition. Help us obey wherever You send us and trust Your Spirit with the results. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NT260 • Set 22
Weekly Heart Check
These questions help move the conversation from information to transformation. Heart Check is not about pretending to have had a perfect week. It is an opportunity to practice honesty, grace, confidentiality, encouragement, listening, and prayer.
Share honestly without pressuring one another. Listen before giving advice. Celebrate growth as well as confessing struggle. This week, pay special attention to whether your life is becoming increasingly available to Jesus—rooted in truth, attentive to people, willing to obey, and ready to faithfully represent Him wherever He has placed you.
Love God Heart Check
- How consistently did you spend time in Scripture this week, and were you reading merely to finish or genuinely listening for God’s truth?
- What did Acts 17–21 reveal to you about Jesus, His mission, or the way He strengthens His people?
- What have your prayers focused on most this week—God’s kingdom and will, or primarily your own comfort and circumstances?
- Has God exposed an idol, divided loyalty, or area of compromise that needs more than good intentions?
- Where is Jesus asking you to obey even though the response or outcome remains outside your control?
Connect with Others Heart Check
- How are your closest relationships right now? Is there tension, distance, resentment, or hurt that needs attention?
- Have you been willing to receive correction as humbly as Apollos did, or have you become defensive when someone challenged you?
- When another believer needs help growing, do you respond more like Aquila and Priscilla—with truth and care—or with criticism from a distance?
- Have you been honest with another trusted believer about what is really happening in your heart?
- Who needs encouragement, forgiveness, reconciliation, or intentional investment from you this week?
Serve Others Heart Check
- How did you use your time, skills, influence, possessions, or money to strengthen or help someone this week?
- Did you notice a practical need but avoid responding because serving would cost time, convenience, or comfort?
- Are you serving because you love people and Jesus, or have recognition and appreciation become too important to you?
- Who is one person you can intentionally strengthen, encourage, teach, or help this week?
Share the Gospel Heart Check
- Who did you intentionally pray for this week who is far from God?
- Did you take time to genuinely listen to someone rather than only waiting for an opportunity to speak?
- Did God give you an opportunity to talk about Jesus, faith, repentance, hope, or what Christ has done in your life? What happened?
- If you sensed an opportunity but remained silent, what fear or concern held you back?
- Who is one person you will pray for and intentionally move toward during the coming week?
Courage & Witness
- Where did fear of rejection, misunderstanding, conflict, or embarrassment influence your choices this week?
- Are you more tempted to change the truth to make people comfortable or to speak truth without taking time to understand and love them?
- Where has Jesus placed you right now that could become a mission field if you began seeing it differently?
- Have you been measuring faithfulness by people’s response rather than by whether you obeyed Jesus?
- What specific act of courageous witness is Jesus calling you to take this week?
Honest Accountability
- What has been most difficult for you spiritually or emotionally this week?
- Is anything hidden—an idol, compromise, fear, habit, resentment, or private struggle—that needs to be brought into the light?
- Is your outward spiritual life presenting confidence or faithfulness while something very different is happening inwardly?
- Are pride, fear of people, comfort, the desire for approval, or resistance to correction keeping you from following Jesus freely?
- Where is Jesus calling you to repent, receive correction, serve, speak, persevere, or surrender?
- How can this group pray for you specifically and help you take your next step?
Leader Reminder: Keep bringing the group back to Jesus and the gospel. Acts 17–21 is not mainly a collection of techniques for becoming better communicators or more courageous Christians. It shows the risen Jesus continuing His mission through people who know the truth, love others, receive correction, confront idols, invest in believers, and remain faithful when obedience costs them something. Accountability is meant to lead toward grace, restoration, growth, and obedience—not shame. Help the group move from admiring Paul’s faithfulness to becoming more available to Jesus in the places He has already sent them.
Continue Studying Set 22
Return to the Set 22 Study Resources for commentary and additional tools covering Acts 17–21.
NT260 Set 22 Study Resources →NT260 Discipleship Journal
Read It. Discuss It. Live It.
These Discussion & Heart Check Questions help groups move from reading Scripture to discussing it, applying it, and living it. The NT260 Discipleship Journal provides the weekly rhythm to help you walk through the New Testament with greater consistency, understanding, and obedience.
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