Summary

When we gathered this Sunday, Dr. Kevin Ueckert led us through Acts 25–26, where Paul stands before King Agrippa and Governor Festus to defend himself against accusations from Jewish religious leaders. Rather than simply arguing his innocence, Paul uses the opportunity to share how an encounter with the risen Jesus transformed his life. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became a devoted follower of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel so that others might turn from darkness to light and receive forgiveness through faith in Jesus.

Pastor Kevin reminded us that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is able to work through ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes. Through Paul’s testimony, we considered three invitations: to believe in God’s power to transform and use us, to recognize where we may be resisting the Holy Spirit’s work, and to respond in obedience to God’s call. Paul’s circumstances were difficult, but his confidence in the risen Christ remained unshaken. His story reminds us that even suffering and hardship can become opportunities for God to advance the gospel and display His glory.

Key Verses

• Acts 26:8
• Acts 26:14–15
• Acts 26:19
• 2 Corinthians 7:10–11
• John 16:8–11

Discussion Questions

1. Paul spent two years imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, yet he remained faithful to God’s call. What does his response teach us about trusting God when our circumstances seem unfair or uncertain?
2. In Acts 26:8, Paul asks why anyone would find it incredible that God raises the dead. If we believe God has the power to raise Jesus from the dead, why do we sometimes struggle to trust His power to transform our lives or circumstances?
3. Jesus tells Paul that it is hard to “kick against the goads,” a picture of resisting God’s direction. What are some ways we resist the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives? How can we become more attentive and responsive to His leading?
4. Paul’s defense before Agrippa centers on the resurrection of Jesus. Why is the resurrection essential to the Christian faith? How should believing in the risen Christ shape the way we approach ordinary life?
5. Pastor Kevin described three different responses to the gospel: Festus dismissed Paul’s testimony, Agrippa stopped short of commitment, and Paul responded in obedience. What can we learn from these different responses? Where might we recognize similar attitudes in our own lives?
6. In Acts 26:19, Paul says he was “not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” What does faithful obedience to God’s call look like in the everyday circumstances and relationships of our lives?
7. Pastor Kevin shared the story of a friend facing severe cancer who remained focused on how God could use her suffering to point others to Jesus. How does her perspective challenge the way we understand hardship, suffering, and God’s purposes?
8. Paul tells Agrippa that he wishes everyone listening would come to faith in Christ. Who has God placed in your life who needs to know Jesus? What might it look like to share the hope of the gospel with that person this week?

Life Application

This week, ask God to make you attentive to the opportunities He places before you. Whether through a conversation, an act of service, or an opportunity to share your faith, consider how you might participate in His redemptive work right where you are.

Each morning, pray for a willing heart and the courage to respond in obedience. Pay attention to one specific opportunity throughout the week, and come prepared to share what you noticed with your group.

Key Takeaways

• The resurrection changes everything. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in the lives of those who belong to Him.
• God works through ordinary people. Our limitations and circumstances do not prevent Him from accomplishing His purposes.
• The Holy Spirit calls us to respond. Rather than resisting His conviction and direction, we are invited to live with hearts attentive and obedient to Him.
• Suffering does not stop God’s work. Even in difficult circumstances, God can use our lives to make the hope of Christ known.
• We are invited to participate in God’s redemptive story. Every believer has opportunities to share the gospel through the relationships and circumstances God has placed before them.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us to participate in Your redemptive work. Thank You that the same power that raised You from the dead is still at work today. Forgive us for the ways we doubt Your power, resist Your Spirit, or hesitate to follow where You lead. Give us hearts that are attentive to Your voice and willing to respond in obedience. Help us trust You in difficult circumstances and recognize the opportunities You place before us to make Your love and truth known. May our lives point others to the hope we have in the risen Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.