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. Describe what you know about the Apostle Paul and explain why it might be easy to assume he didn’t struggle with the same fears, hurts, and even despair that all people experience. How do we know from Scripture that this assumption is false and why is it important for us to know it’s false?

2. In our passage this week, Paul and his gospel message were rejected yet again by his countrymen whom he loved dearly.  Describe what it must feel like to be rejected over and over again, by the people you love the most.  What did God do to encourage Paul? What do God’s actions teach us about who it is that actually saves? Does this encourage you or discourage you in your evangelism?

3. In spite of the conversions of Titius Justus, Crispus, his entire family,  and many other Corinthians, Paul was still fearful and greatly demoralized so Jesus appeared to Paul in a vision to encourage him. Why do you think Paul was still so disheartened and distressed?  Can you relate to Paul?  If so, how?

4. In the vision, Jesus reminds Paul that He is always with him. This is the same Paul who had a supernatural encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. Why do you think Paul needed this reminder that Jesus was still with him? How does Jesus’ presence encourage the fainthearted? How are you reminded that Jesus is with you even in your darkest moments?

5. Jesus also told Paul in his vision that no one would attack and harm him. True to His word, when Paul is brought before the Roman official Galio, the Lord orchestrates circumstances such that Paul is not punished, rather Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, is the one who is beaten.  Will God always prevent His children from being attacked and harmed?  If not, how should we understand passages such as this?

6. Paul’s trials and struggles are beyond comparison.  However, we all face difficulties in life that can sometimes lead us to despair. What are some things going on in your life right now that may be causing you to fear and want to give up?  What do you think God is teaching you through His word this week?