SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

- What kinds of social restrictions are there in the church of Jesus Christ? What kinds of people does Jesus save?

- Acts 16:11-40 describes the beginnings of the church in the city of Philippi. With no theological foothold of a synagogue there, why would Paul think that anyone from that city or region would respond to the good news of the Messiah? Do you know or have you heard of unlikely places, situations or people that responded to the gospel?

- In Acts 16:14, we learn of a woman from the highest levels of society. In Acts 16:16, we learn of a young woman from the lowest levels of society? How did they respond to the presence of the disciples of Christ?

- In Acts 16:19-24 we see that accusations were brought against Paul and Silas from an angry mob. Were the accusations true? What was the result of this slander? Have you or others you know been slandered because of belief in Christ? If so, how did you react? If not, how do you think a follower of Christ should react?

- In Philippi, Paul and the other disciples with him affected the lives of everyone around them, at every level of society. Whose lives are being affected by your presence? Who around you is watching you and, from your life, seeing the goodness of God?