Click here to see the sermon discussion questions or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon. These are questions you can reflect on by yourself, with your family, or with your small group.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Although directed and led by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabus used their discretion and common sense to make pragmatic decisions in determining where, to whom, and with whom they would travel to spread the gospel.  Why is pragmatism not always the best way for Christians to base their decisions?  When does pragmatism cross the line from Spirit led, wise decision making to self-centered, faithless decision making? 

2. Charles Spurgeon described Cyprus as the place where Satan’s seat is located. Based on that description alone, why might it be surprising to hear that Paul and Barnabas’ first recorded convert on Cyprus was none other than Sergius Paulus, the governor of the island?  But, having witnessed Jesus’ heart for the tax collector and prostitute and having seen the mercy of God in the life of the apostle Paul, and knowing the miracle of our own salvation, why shouldn’t this surprise us at all?

3. With a name like Bar-Jesus, which literally means “son of the savior”, is it surprising that such a one would oppose Paul and Barnabas and try to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith?  What are some modern day examples of people who may claim to be all about Chirst but in reality actively oppose Him?

4. Paul responded forcefully and passionately to Elymus calling him a son of the devil, an enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, before blinding him temporarily.  What do you think was behind Paul’s heated and vehement response?  Wasn’t Paul guilty of doing far worse?

5. In spite of the supernatural blinding of Elymus, Luke makes a point of telling his readers that the proconsul was even more astonished at the teaching of the Lord.  In other words, it wasn’t the magnificent show of miraculous power that led Sergius Paulus to faith. Instead, it was the gospel.  Why is it so important for Christians to understand this truth about the power of the gospel?