Acts 21:37-22:29

Reference

Acts 21:37-22:29

Home Group Discussion Guide

Text: Acts 21:37–22:29
Theme: Sharing Your Story with Boldness

1. “I Am One of You” – Finding Common Ground

Paul repeatedly emphasizes his Jewish identity—his upbringing in Jerusalem, his training under Gamaliel, his zeal for the Law, and even his use of Aramaic.

Read Acts 22:1–5.

Why was it so important for Paul to establish common ground before sharing about Jesus?
Where do you have natural common ground with non-Christians in your life (work, hobbies, parenting, background, struggles)?
How can common ground open doors for gospel conversations?

2. Zeal Misplaced – When Sincerity Isn’t Enough

Paul was deeply sincere—even persecuting Christians—yet he was sincerely wrong (Acts 22:3–5).

What does Paul’s story teach us about zeal without truth?
Have you ever been passionate about something and later realized you were wrong?
How should this shape our humility when talking with others who strongly disagree with us?

3. Practice Your Story

Paul clearly knows his testimony well—this is the second time in Acts he recounts it (see also Acts 9). His story follows a pattern:

Who I was
How I met Jesus
What Jesus called me to do
Could you clearly articulate those three parts of your story?
Take a few minutes and outline your testimony using that framework.
Why is preparation important if we want to share Christ naturally?

(Consider actually letting 1–2 people share briefly.)

4. The Offense of the Gospel

The crowd listened quietly until Paul said Jesus sent him to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21–22). That was the breaking point.

Why do you think the inclusion of Gentiles caused such explosive anger?
What parts of the gospel tend to offend people today?
How do we remain faithful when the message—not our tone—is what causes rejection?

5. Do Not Be Afraid

Even beaten and bound, Paul keeps speaking. And when threatened with scourging, he wisely appeals to his Roman citizenship. His courage is bold—but not reckless.