ANNOUNCEMENT: Study Guides Discontinued for 2007-2008 Season

Due to a lack of interest in the study guides by Quizzers, we will not be providing Study Guides/Devotionals for the 2007-2008 season. If you need an alternative source of devotionals for this year, please click "contact the Coaches" to the left and drop us an e-mail.

Acts 28 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for March 22 - March 28, 2007
(Read Acts 28 Online)

Reflections on Acts 28 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

Finally after several chapters Paul arrives in Rome. As you remember the reason that he has been headed to Rome since chapter 21 is because of opposition from the Jewish leaders. The Jews have several times confronted Paul about his teachings and have attempted to have him arrested and ultimately killed. In order to save himself Paul falls back on his Roman citizenship and appeals his case to Caesar and Rome for judgment. Paul has made his case before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. None of them can find any reason to convict Paul of any wrong doing. Because of his appeal to Caesar they push him along towards Rome as he requested. The most surprising thing to me in this chapter is found in verse 5. “The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” Paul has been preaching the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and through Him the forgiveness of sins. His practice was to first go to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Jerusalem was the most Jewish place on earth. Rome was the most Gentile. I expected as the story of Acts progressed that Paul would be the first to bring the good news about Jesus from Jerusalem to Rome. He was after all the Apostle to the Gentiles (… also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles Galatians 2:8b). But to my surprise when Paul gets to Rome the gospel has reached Rome ahead of him and there are even many Christians there to welcome him. The message of Jesus is more powerful than any man even the great apostle Paul.

In the book of Acts many things have changed dramatically between chapter 1 and 28. We have seen the new work of God on earth in the church and the differences that has made in the former Jewish way of relating to God. We have seen the number of believers in Jesus increase from about 120 disciples (1:15) in Jerusalem, to many thousands of believers between Jerusalem and Rome. Although many things have changed at least one thing has not. In 1:3 Jesus “spoke about the kingdom of God”. In 28:31 Paul “preached the kingdom of God”. The way God deals with man may change but the overall plan of God and his kingdom has not. Like the apostles in 1:6 I believe we should be anticipating Jesus’ return and the establishment of his Messianic Kingdom on earth. Even so come Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22).

Questions to Consider
- What is the theme of Acts?
- What story from Acts is most relevant to today?
- Is Acts the beginning or the end of the story?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 28
2. On Malta (28:1-10)
a. Paul’s Snake Bite (28:1-6)
b. Paul’s Miracles (28:7-10)
G. Paul In Rome (28:11-31)
1. Arrival at Rome (28:11-16)
2. Paul’s Proclamation to the Jews (28:16-24)
3. Paul’s Proclamation to the Gentiles (28:25-28)
H. Conclusion of Book Seven (28:30-31)

Acts 27 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for March 15 - March 21, 2007
(Read Acts 27 Online)

Reflections on Acts 27 by Michelina Buchino, Coach

One of the things we try to work out when we’re younger is how we will present ourselves to the “world”. Do I want to be known as the girl who wears pink? Or maybe it will be black. Shall I do whatever hairstyle is in, have it always the same or not like anyone else’s ever! Do I speak and write plain English or talk in slang and write in wacky abbreviations? The guys go through the same types of decisions. How about that walk? Do I want to come across as the great athlete, computer geek, or a sensitive guy? Shall I practically live in the same jacket or have a skateboard with me wherever I go?

The hardest part in this process is when our company changes. Are we going to be the same in front of our family as our friends? Do we treat the stranger in the mall the same as our principal? There’s that oldie but goodie – at church and away from church. What about when times are bad and hard as opposed to good and fun? Yes, we’ve all faced this stuff at least once in our lives.

Acts chapter 27 is an exciting passage of scripture. Be sure to read it once just as an adventure – a tale of the sea. Learn through a captain and an owner making business decisions on the vessel and cargo. Ponder a centurion who has to maintain a jail-less prison. Carefully watch how Paul goes from being just a prisoner to someone who practically runs how the people on board respond to the crisis.

Captain and centurions do not give up control and authority easily or often. There had to be something very special about how Paul presented himself to his “world”. Whether to frightened prisoners or a military commander, Paul was honest and trustworthy. He never compromised his beliefs or faith in God but showed compassion and respect to all. He gave great encouragement but also told the hard facts. His trust in God’s promise of protection never wavered.

We waste a lot of time, effort and emotions trying to live different lives before different people. We also risk hurting our relationship with God, others and even ourselves in the attempt. Learn from Paul’s example as you mature towards a consistent Christ-like character. It is not presumptuous to strive to be like Jesus. It’s a command.

Questions to Consider
- Why do you think Julius let Paul go to his friends at Sidon?
- What gives your parents or teachers the confidence to allow you to do new and different things with less involvement by them?
- Give some examples of Paul’s faith on this trip.
- Give some examples of Paul’s practical use of knowledge.
- Why was Paul’s encouragement critical to the outcome?
- Try being an encourager this week – note the results.

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 27
F. The Voyage to Rome (27:1–28:10)
1. The Shipwreck (27:1-44)
a. Setting (27:1-12)
1) From Caesarea to Myra (27:1-5)
2) From Myra to Fair Havens in Crete (27:6-8)
b. Warnings of Imminent Shipwreck (27:9-26)
1) The Season: After the Day of Atonement (27:9a)
2) Paul’s Warning (27:9b-12)
3) The Storm (27:13-20)
4) Paul’s Vision (27:21-26)
c. The Shipwreck on Malta (27:27-44)
1) A Foiled Escape by the Sailors (27:27-32)
2) A Last Meal on Board (27:33-38)
3) The Ship Runs Aground (27:39-41)
4) All Safe Ashore (27:42-44)

Acts 26 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for March 8 - March 14, 2007
(Read Acts 26 Online)

Reflections on Acts 26 by Matt Chesner, Coach

One of the keystones of the American justice system is trial by a jury of your peers. There are many reasons for this, but the most fundamental is that it is hard for someone from a different geographical area or culture to understand the situations that you function in from day to day. A non-judicial example might be how those living in Florida can't understand what it is like for those living in Buffalo who get 2 or more feet of snow many times a year.

In Acts Chapter 26, Paul uses the opportunity of having King Agrippa visiting to give his defense in front of someone who is familiar with his culture and the region in which he lives. Paul himself says to King Agrippa "you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies." Paul also says “I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice.” referring to King Agrippa.

When we are facing challenges and persecution, we should look to those who can understand where we are coming from. We can't expect those coming from entirely different backgrounds (like non-Christians) to understand the references we make when forming our arguments.

Questions to Consider
- When have you caught yourself using "church slang" when talking to a non-believer?
- What experiences do you have that can be useful in reaching out to others?
- Is it a good thing or a bad thing that Christians share an experience that is different from the outside world?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 26
b. The Defense by Paul (26:1-23)
1) Introduction (26:1-3)
2) The Jewish Hope of Resurrection (26:4-8)
3) Paul’s Persecution of Christians (26:9-11)
4) Paul’s Conversion (26:12-18)
5) Paul’s Commission to the Gentiles (26:19-20)
6) Paul’s Arrest in Jerusalem (26:21)
7) Concluding Appeal (26:22-23)
c. Interchange between Festus, Paul and Agrippa (26:24-29)
d. Paul’s Innocence and the Irony of his Appeal to Caesar (26:30-32)

Acts 25 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for March 1 - March 8, 2007
(Read Acts 25 Online)

Reflections on Acts 25 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There is a famous quotation from Christ which some modern Christians misinterpret.

But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:39

This is often taken to mean that Christians should be completely passive, and simply accept whatever comes in our lives without complaint or action. Such people do not attempt to take charge of events in their lives at all, but instead accept evil when it comes as a natural occurrence in life, and hope that God will bring something better the next time.

But Paul shows us that "turning the other cheek" does not mean surrendering to evil. In Acts 25, the trial of Paul before Festus begins. This time, the judge is eager to do something for Paul's accusers, likely for political reasons. He decides the best way to please his constintuency and get the problem of Paul off of his hands, is to send Paul to Jerusalem. He makes the offer to Paul, who knows that a trip to Jerusalem means death, whether in an ambush or before the Sanhedrin.

But Paul is not passive at all in his reaction. He immediately appeals to Caeser! This is the ultimate appeal in the Roman justice system, the equivilent to an American appealing to the Supreme Court. It is not passive at all, but rather a powerful move. But also note it does not violate Christ's command to "turn the other cheek", because he is still allowing himself to stand under judgement by Gentiles for his crimes. He does not challenge the justice system, but uses it to the best possible effect.

While we are to "turn the other cheek," that does not mean we are to passively accept whatever. Rather, Paul shows us that we are to be active participants in life, always looking to do what will bring about God's ends.

Questions to Consider
- Do you find yourself leaning toward passivity or over-activity when you are opposed?
- Have you ever been tempted to completely give in and surrender to evil?
- Have you ever been tempted to react too much to evil?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 25
b. Arrival of Festus in Jerusalem (25:1-5)
c. Paul before Festus: Appeal to Caesar (25:6-12)
4. Consultation of Festus with Agrippa II (25:13-22)

Acts 24 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for February 22, 2006 - Feburary 28, 2007
(Read Acts 24 Online)

Reflections on Acts 24 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There are times in our lives when it seems like God takes forever to answer our prayers. When I was a child, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. It was a tumor and we prayed unceasingly for his healing. He had one surgery to remove the tumor, but God held off his answer and the tumor returned a few years later. He had a second surgery to remove a tumor, but God held off His answer to our prayers, and after a number of years another tumor returned. My father went in for surgery one last time, and came out and we learned that God had finally given His answer to our prayer for healing: No. My father died a few months later.

But in our impatience for an answer, we might have failed to see that God's lack of an answer was all part of His plan for our lives. When my father was first diagnosed with cancer, I was in fifth grade. Second time, I was a teenager. When he died, I was in college. While God had held off his final answer for us, in doing so He had given us what we all really wanted - time for my father to live to see his sons grow into young men.

We see this same principle here in Acts 24. Paul is brought before a Roman court and a Roman governor. Governor Felix hears the case against Paul, and his defense, and apparently understands Christianity well enough that he knows Paul is no threat to the Empire. Paul's friends and companions must have been praying daily for Paul's freedom, and his vindication before the court. But God had other plans and held off his answer of these prayers. But in doing so, He gave Paul two more years to live and to be a witness to the court of Felix. And we will see in the next chapter that these same sets of circumstances will allow Paul to be a witness for Christ before more and more important officials, until finally he will be sent to Rome.

Remember, when God appears to not be answering your prayers, the non-answer may be better for you in the long run than the answer you are looking for.

Questions to Consider
- Is God withholding His answer to a prayer in your life?
- How has the waiting for an answer affected you? What has it given you time to do, and to think about?
- When you pray to God, do you ever consider that His answer to your request may be "No"?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 24
2. The Trial before Felix (24:1-26)
a. Accusations of the Jews (24:1-9)
b. Defense of Paul (24:10-21)
c. Adjournment by Felix (24:22-23)
d. Intermittent Interviews by Felix (24:24-26)
3. The Trial before Festus (24:27–25:12)
a. Felix Replaced by Festus (24:27)

Acts 23 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for February 15, 2006 - Feburary 21, 2007
(Read Acts 23 Online)

Reflections on Acts 23 by Matt Chesner, Coach

Great political candidates not only know what they want to do if elected, but know how to control the debate. They can take any question and bring it back to the themes that they want to discuss or sometimes more importantly, to the issues that their opponents don't want to discuss. The gracefully take the conversation from one place to another to give themselves the advantage in their current situation. We often think of this as a negative, but we can see in Chapter 23 that Paul does this after being brought before the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.

Paul deflects criticism for a time by changing the issues that are being debated and turns some who oppose him into his allies. In Acts 23:6-9 Paul turns his accusers against each other by bringing up classic difference between the Sadducees and Pharisees. The Pharisees turn to support Paul based on the fact that he is a Pharisee. This seems like it may save him, but in the end Paul is rescued by the Roman authorities.

Paul sets an example for us that although we should not manipulate others for evil gain, it is OK to use the mind that God gave us in creative ways to get out of unjust situations.

Questions to Consider
- When have you been in a difficult situation where creative thinking did or could have saved you?
- Is Paul's example really a good one or is he setting a bad example?
- What groups in Modern Christianity might have these same type of issues?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 23
5. Paul before the Sanhedrin (22:30–23:10)
a. Confrontation with the High Priest (22:30–23:5)
b. Dispute over the Resurrection (23:6-10)
6. Night Vision of the Lord (23:11)
7. The Plot to Kill Paul (23:12-22)
a. The Plot by the Jews (23:12-15)
b. The Revelation to the Romans (23:16-22)
8. The Protection of the Romans (23:23-30)
a. Protection provided (23:23-24)
b. Cover-Letter Written (23:25-30)
E. Paul in Caesarea (23:31–26:32)
1. A Roman Escort to Caesarea (23:31-35)