The Book of Acts: Unhindered
Study Notes
During the 30 or so years since Jesus’ resurrection, the church has spread from Jerusalem to Rome, despite constant and fierce opposition. The final word in the book of Acts is “unhindered.” This is ironic because the book ends with Paul imprisoned in Rome, his freedom very much hindered. Yet God wants us to see that nothing can hinder him from lovingly drawing people into relationship with himself. And that often what looks like a hindrance is an opportunity in disguise.
Unhindered
Acts 28
Application Points
Study Questions
During the 30 or so years since Jesus’ resurrection, the church has spread from Jerusalem to Rome, despite constant and fierce opposition. The final word in the book of Acts is “unhindered.” This is ironic because the book ends with Paul imprisoned in Rome, his freedom very much hindered. Yet God wants us to see that nothing can hinder him from lovingly drawing people into relationship with himself. And that often what looks like a hindrance is an opportunity in disguise.
Unhindered
Acts 28
Application Points
- God loves all people—Who is it hard for me to love?
- Will I repent of not loving that person?
- Will I pray for them and find practical ways of expressing God’s love to them?
- God normally loves people through us—Who is God loving through me?
- Family members—Do I consistently show them God’s love?
- Church family—Do I serve my church family?
- Unbelievers—Do people encounter Jesus through me?
- Nothing can hinder God from loving—What is hindering him from loving through me?
- Hebrews 12:1 – Remove hindrances if you can
- Be realistic about things you can’t change.
- Find opportunities in what look like hindrances.
Study Questions
- How did God show his love for the people of Malta?
- Who are some of the people Paul’s imprisonment enabled him to share Jesus with?
- How did God encourage Paul during the trip from Malta to Rome?
- What are some things God accomplished through Paul while in prison in Rome?
- Who do you find it hard to love? Family members? Enemies? Political opponents?
- Is there someone in your life that God is calling you to love more fully?
- Do you have a place of service in our church? If not, are you open to finding one?
- Take some time in your discipleship group to share what you appreciate in each other. You will probably be describing their spiritual gifts.
- Is there anything in your life situation that hinders God from loving people through you?
- Who and how can you love in spite of this hindrance? Or maybe because of it?