Jesus’ Witness

Download the discussion questions (PDF) 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.

1. After two years of unjust imprisonment, Paul is granted an audience before Governor Festus and King Agrippa. Rather than mount a defense and seek release from prison, Paul shares his testimony and preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. What does this tell us about Paul’s priorities and focus in life? Why do you think Paul was like this?
2. Governor Festus responds to Paul’s testimony by calling him insane. Why do you think some people, like Festus, believe Christians are out of their minds? If these same people were to observe how you live your life, would they think you are crazy too? Why or why not?
3. Why are most people in the world indifferent to the life, miracles, teaching, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, yet for some, like Paul, they are willing to suffer and die for Jesus? What is the main difference between these two types of people? Do you think it’s possible for someone to believe half-way and exist someplace in the middle?
4. Although King Agrippa had a superficial understanding of his Jewish heritage, his response to Paul was nonetheless dismissive. Jesus was right when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. Why do you think rich powerful people have such a hard time believing the gospel? Do you think affluent Christians have a harder time living out the gospel? Explain.
5. How would you define a superficial familiarity with Christian truth and why is it so dangerous? Do you think there are people like this in the church today? How would you identify them and how would you know you’re not one of them?
6. Hebrews 11:1 it says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Looking at Paul’s life we see a man of strong and unshakable faith. What were the unseen things Paul hoped for and was convinced were real and true? How assured and convinced are you of these things and how does your life show it?
7. How can we grow in our faith?