Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 22 paras. 7-14 and boxes on pp. 174, 177.
7. What did Paul and his companions do as soon as they arrived in Tyre?
When Paul and his companions arrived in Tire, the first thing they did was look for the disciples, and when they found them, they stayed with them. This shows how important it was for Paul to share with his fellow believers and strengthen their Christian friendship.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Following Paul's example in Acts 21:4, Christians today also seek out their fellow believers no matter where they are. It is a great blessing to know that, anywhere in the world, there will always be those who welcome us with love and hospitality.
The account in Acts 21:4 shows that Paul not only visited the disciples, but stayed with them, reinforcing Christian unity. This reminds us that being with the congregation is not just an option, but a necessity to strengthen our faith and love for each other.
8. What does Acts 21:4 mean?
Acts 21:4 does not mean that God forbade Paul to go to Jerusalem, but that the Christians in Tire, understanding through the Holy Spirit that he would suffer there, begged him not to go. However, Paul was determined to fulfill Jehovah's will and continue his journey.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As Acts 21:4 mentions, the disciples insisted that Paul not go to Jerusalem, but this was because they were worried about him. Although they had good intentions, Paul understood that his mission was more important than his personal safety.
The reaction of the Christians of Tire in Acts 21:4 shows the love and concern between brothers in faith. However, Paul knew that he must continue forward, demonstrating that doing God's will is the most important thing, even when it involves difficulties.
9, 10. a) What might Paul have remembered when he saw how worried the brothers in Tire were?
Seeing the concern of the Brothers in Tire, Paul may have remembered what happened to Peter in Matthew 16:21-23. When Jesus said he would suffer and die in Jerusalem, Peter tried to stop him, but Jesus made it clear that he was thinking like men and not like God. Similarly, the Christians in Tire, although well-intentioned, did not understand that Paul must go to Jerusalem.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Matthew 16:21-23, Peter wanted to prevent Jesus from suffering, but Jesus showed him that his mission was more important than his comfort or safety. Paul, like Jesus, understood that he must fulfill God's will regardless of the suffering that entailed.
The reaction of the Christians in Tire in Acts 21:4 was similar to that of Peter, in that they were more concerned about Paul's suffering than about God's purpose. This reminds us that sometimes our emotions can prevent us from clearly seeing the divine plan.
9, 10. b) What do most people prefer to do, but what did Jesus say?
Most people look for an easy, sacrifice-free religion, but Jesus made it clear in Matthew 16:24 that following Him requires effort. He said his disciples must renounce themselves and carry his “torture stake,” showing that true faith involves sacrifice and commitment.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 that his followers were to take up his “torture stake” and follow him constantly. This teaches us that the Christian life involves effort and sacrifice, not just seeking comfort or ease.
While many seek a religion without demands, Jesus made it clear in Matthew 16:24 that following him requires giving up oneself. Paul understood this perfectly and was willing to suffer in order to fulfill God's will.
11. How did the brothers in Tire show that they loved and supported Paul?
The Tiro brothers showed their love and support for Pablo by accompanying him to the beach along with their families. There, everyone knelt, prayed together and said goodbye with great affection. This gesture showed how much they valued his work and how they supported him in his mission.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 21:5, we see that the entire congregation, including men, women, and children, joined in prayer with Paul before saying goodbye. This reflects the strong Union between Christians and mutual support in the work of God.
Acts 21:7 shows that wherever Paul went, he always found comfort among the brothers. This reminds us of the blessing of Christian brotherhood, which transcends borders and supports us everywhere.
12, 13. a) What service record did Philip have?
Philip had an exemplary record of service to Jehovah. He was appointed by the apostles to be in charge of distributing food to the congregation and actively participated in preaching. He traveled to Samaria to announce the good news and helped the Ethiopian eunuch learn the truth and be baptized.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Acts 8:4-13 shows that Philip did not stop in the face of difficulties, but preached enthusiastically in Samaria. His example encourages us to be constant in the work of God regardless of the circumstances.
In Acts 8:26-38, Philip obeyed immediately when asked to speak to the Ethiopian eunuch. His willingness to follow God's guidance made him an effective evangelist and a great blessing to others.
12, 13. b) Why is Philip a good example for the heads of families?
Felipe is a great example for the heads of families because, in addition to being a diligent evangelizer, he taught his daughters to love serving Jehovah. His four daughters also prophesied, which shows that he guided them by his own example in preaching.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
According to Acts 21:9, Philip's daughters also faithfully served God. This reminds us that parents can positively influence their children by teaching them by example and instilling in them a love for the Ministry.
Philip not only preached, but he also trained his family in the faith (Acts 21:9). Householders can imitate him by ensuring that their home is centered on service to Jehovah and spiritual teaching.
14. What purpose were Paul's visits to the brothers, and what similar opportunities do we have today?
Paul's visits to the brothers served to strengthen us spiritually and encourage each other in faith. Similarly, today we can enjoy the same encouragement by hosting and sharing time with full-time servants such as the circuit overseer and his wife.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Romans 1:11,12, Paul expressed his desire to visit the brothers to strengthen them and to be strengthened himself. This teaches us that Christian fellowship is a source of mutual encouragement.
Romans 12:13 encourages us to practice hospitality. Opening our home, even if it is humble, allows us to share spiritual joy and support those who dedicate their lives to the service of God.
CAESAREA, CAPITAL OF THE ROMAN PROVINCE OF JUDEA
Caesarea was a very important city in Paul's time because it was the capital of Judea and the residence of the Roman governor. In addition, it had large buildings such as a theater and a temple to honor the emperor. This shows that it was a city with a lot of Roman and Greek influence.
The port of Caesarea was a great engineering feat built by Herod the Great. His goal was for the city to be an important commercial center in the Mediterranean. Although it did not surpass Alexandria, it did become well known for its strategic location.
Caesarea also played an important role in the spread of Christianity. Philip the evangelizer lived there, and it was where Cornelius, a Roman centurion, became the first Gentile to become a Christian. This helped the good news reach more people.
Pablo visited cesarean section several times. It was a key place in his life, since from there he was sent to Tarsus to protect him from his enemies, he passed through its port on his missionary trips and was imprisoned for two years in Herod's Palace before being sent to Rome.
Could women be ministers in the congregation?
In the first century congregation, women also preached the good news, because Jesus commanded all his followers to make disciples. The prophecy of Joel 2:28,29, which was fulfilled at Pentecost, shows that both men and women could participate in the preaching.
An example of women who served as ministers in preaching were Philip's daughters, who prophesied. This shows that women played an active role in sharing God's message with others.
Although women could preach, teaching within the congregation was carried out by men who were appointed as superintendents or ministerial servants. This followed the order established by God for the Christian congregation.
Paul explained in 1 Timothy 2:12 that women were not to teach or exercise authority over men in the congregation. This did not mean that they were not valuable, but rather that God assigned them a different role within the organization.
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