Home Group Discussion & Prayer Guide

Acts 20:17–38 — The Apostolic Life & Message (Part 1)

1. The Apostolic Life Is Relational

Discussion:
Paul reminds the Ephesian elders, “You know how I was with you the whole time… from house to house.”
Where have you personally experienced “relational ministry”—someone sharing not just the gospel with you but “their own life” (1 Thess. 2:8)?
What would it look like for our group/church to grow in this kind of shared life?

Prayer:
Ask God to make your group a people who open their homes, hearts, and lives to one another.

2. The Apostolic Life Is Full of Trouble, Suffering, and Courage

Discussion:
Paul says the Spirit warned him repeatedly that “chains and afflictions” await him—yet he still goes.
Where is following Jesus currently costing you something?
Where might God be calling you to endure hardship with courage?

Prayer:
Pray for courage to finish the course God has set before you (Acts 20:24; Phil 1:20–21).
Pray for believers you know who are walking through trials.

3. The Apostolic Message: The Kingdom and Our Inheritance

Discussion:
Paul preached the kingdom and the “inheritance among those who are sanctified.”
How often do you think about the coming kingdom, resurrection, and eternal reward?
How does (or should) your future inheritance shape the way you live right now?

Prayer:
Give thanks for the coming kingdom.
Ask the Spirit to keep your group longing for Christ’s appearing and living for eternal things.

4. The Apostolic Message: Warning, Repentance, and Faith

Discussion:
Paul gave “solemn warnings” and was innocent of their blood because he told the whole truth.
Where do you see a need for repentance in your own life?
How can the group encourage one another toward holiness—not in shame, but in grace-filled accountability?

Prayer:
Spend time quietly confessing sin.
Pray for faith to turn from sin and walk in loyalty to Jesus this week.

5. The Apostolic Gift: The Spirit Who Builds Us Up

Discussion:
Paul commits the elders to “God and the word of His grace,” the Spirit who “builds you up.”
Where do you feel spiritually weak, tired, or unable to change apart from the Spirit’s help?
What would it look like for the Spirit to “build you up” in those places?

Prayer:
Pray for the Spirit to strengthen, sanctify, and stabilize each person—giving spiritual endurance to run the race well until the end.