Weekly Discussion Guide

1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read Acts 11:19-30.
3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

MY STORY | Starting Place
When did God place you in a situation (where you had to move, change jobs or roles, address conflict in a relationship) that you would have not voluntarily chosen? How did God work through you in that experience?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21)

Hellenistic Jews were ones from Greek backgrounds who converted to Judaism.

Why do you think there would be such distinctions between these two groups?

Who is in your preferred circles of interaction?

Who are the types of people with whom you have to get “psyched up” in order to interact?

The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:22-26)

How do you think the message of God accepting all through Jesus spun more confusion or division as cultural Jews saw Hellenistic Jews accepted as equals?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
What is healthy about a church that is made up of people across multiple spectrums (race, ethnicity, economic & marital status, giftings, etc.)

What complications might arise that need to be addressed?

If you were to identify your relationship with Jesus using the word Christian, what unfair assumptions might non-Christians make about you?

What word or title feels best for you as you interact with non-Christians?

After the title, what would you say to explain your faith in language your friends would understand?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
Pray (right now), and as God to connect you with someone outside your preferred circle of interaction (even if you need to get “psyched up” to do it).

Find out something new about this person, especially in regard to his or her spiritual journey.