Acts: Lesson 9

Study Guide Questions for Ch. 17-18

If you are looking for the beginning of this study you can start HERE with the brief introduction. At the bottom of that introduction will be the links to each section of the study guide as it becomes available. For this study the English Standard Version is the translation that is being utilized and you can read it online HERE or pick up the copy of your choice from Amazon or your local book store. I find THIS EDITION to be useful for deeper study and annotation.

Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)

Faith vs. Unbelief, Battle of Wits

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. What was Paul attempting to do at the synagogue in Thessalonica and for how long?

2. What accusation was made against the believers at Thessalonica?

3. What were the Bereans specifically praised for doing which made them “more noble than those in Thessalonica”?

4. What made Paul’s spirit “provoked within him” as he was waiting for his friends in Athens?

5. What did Paul “perceive” about the Athenians?

6. What altar did Paul make us of as a launching point for preaching the gospel to the Areopagus?

7. What three responses did Paul receive from those who listened at the Areopagus?

8. “Being God’s offspring” what should the Athenians not think God is like?

9. What “trade” did Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla all have in common?

10. The Lord told Paul to “not be afraid” and assured him of his safety based upon what fact?

11. What quality of excellence was Apollos particularly noted for? 

Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)

1. Was the accusation made against the Chrsitians in Thessalonica false?

2. Why were the Bereans “more noble” than the Jews from Thessalonica? Why were their actions commendable?

3. What is Paul’s essential argument in his speech to the Areopagites?

4. Why did Paul spend time making tents?

5. What did the Lord mean by saying “I have many in this city who are my people”?

6. Why wouldn’t Gallio hear the Jews complaint against the Christians?

7. What does it mean to say that Apollos “knew only the baptism of John”?

Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)

1. The word “reasoned” appears three times in chapters 17 and 18. The word “persuade” appears twice and in addition to these we also see terms like “proving”, “examining”, and “refute”. In light of the use of these terms in our reading, what is the relationship between faith and reason? What role does knowledge of the truth play in salvation? Explain your answer carefully.

2. In Acts 17:28 Paul quotes two different Greek poets (Epimenides and Aratus) who were not believers in order to make his point. What implication should this have us today as we think about reaching our neighbors and nation for Christ? Should Christians spend time reading books, watching movies, or otherwise interacting with ideas (or even entertainment) that is produced by non-Christians? Why or why not? If so, are there any guidelines that should be drawn about what is and isn’t appropriate as it pertains to this?

3. Philosophy is made up of two Greek words which together mean “love of wisdom”. Offer a definition for the concept of wisdom. Is the pursuit of wisdom an unqualified good or are there any dangers in its pursuit? Explain your answer carefully.

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Read Proverbs 3:13-18. Why does the Bible teach believers to value wisdom?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16 and answer the following questions:

   1. Keeping this passage in tension with our current reading in Acts, what are the advantages and the dangers of pursuing wisdom?

   2. What is true wisdom?

   3. What is false wisdom?

3. According to Colossians 2:8 what kind of philosophy ought Christians to avoid?