Bible reading (ESV)
Acts 28:23–31
23 And when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and testified the kingdom of God, trying to persuade them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
25 And disagreeing among themselves they began to leave after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet,
26 ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”’
27 For this people’s heart has become callous, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”
28 Let it be known therefore to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
29 And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him,
31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Observation questions (3–4)
- What exactly did Paul do when the Jewish leaders came to his lodging, and how long did he labor to persuade them? [32:56]
- What was the immediate reaction among those leaders after Paul quoted the Isaiah passage (which verse records their disagreement and departure)? [34:00]
- According to Acts 28:25–27, how does Isaiah describe the people’s spiritual condition (what three symptoms are named)? [33:29]
- What do verses 30–31 say Paul continued to do while he stayed in Rome, and how long did he do it? [34:21]
Interpretation questions (3–4 — third person, objective)
- How does the sermon explain common causes for a heart becoming “calloused” to the gospel (for example, overexposure or consumer attitudes), and how does that diagnosis help explain the reaction of the Jewish leaders in Acts 28? [53:26]
- How does the sermon distinguish the roles of the believer and of God in evangelism (i.e., witness versus savior), and what practical expectations follow from that distinction for measuring “success” in sharing the gospel? [40:52]
- How should Paul’s reference (and the sermon’s citation of Romans 11:25) to a “partial hardening” of Israel shape a believer’s posture toward Jewish people and toward global mission? [49:07]
- The sermon says tenderness of heart cannot be manufactured but must be received from God (Ezekiel 36:26). What implications does that claim have for personal spiritual disciplines and for corporate practices in the church? [01:05:45]
Application questions (5–7 — specific, personal)
- Where in your church attendance or Christian routine are you most tempted to act like a “connoisseur” (rating music, coffee, programs, vibe)? Name one concrete change you will make this week to prioritize seeking God’s presence instead of evaluating the experience. [53:26]
- Who in your daily life is someone you can be a “signpost” to Jesus for (co‑worker, neighbor, classmate, family member)? Write their name (or a description) and one practical step you will take this week to move the relationship forward (invite to coffee, ask an honest spiritual question, pray with them, etc.). [41:52]
- Identify one habit, attitude, or routine that feels like a “callus” on your heart (busy schedules, entertainment, religious routine, skepticism, etc.). What specific, measurable practice will you try for the next two weeks to soften that area (5 minutes of listening prayer each morning, one confession time, a Sabbath rest, a weekly Scripture-reading plan)? [54:53]
- The preacher invited people to ask God for a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). When and where this week will you set aside 15–30 minutes to ask God for tenderness and to listen? Commit to a time and place now. [01:05:45]
- Which of these four ways of participating in mission — pray, give, go, speak — is the clearest next step for you right now? Choose one and name a concrete action you will take this month (e.g., pray 5 minutes daily for a nation or person, increase giving by X, sign up for a short-term trip or training, have one gospel conversation). [01:06:14]
- The sermon said faithfulness, not immediate results, is the measure in evangelism. What one faithful, observable action will you do before our next meeting to be consistent with that standard (for example: intentionally share your story in under 3 minutes, pray for a named person daily, invite someone to church, or leave a gospel resource with someone)? [40:52]
Use this guide to help your group stay close to the text (Acts 28) and to the sermon’s main calls: preserve tenderness, be faithful as witnesses, hold hope for God’s covenant people, and take a concrete next step into mission.
