Acts 11:27-31 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Historians Josephus, Tacitus, and Suetonius report the drought predicted by Agabus occurred in A.D. 45-46. In addition to shortage of food, the drought caused a widespread economic downturn throughout the Roman Empire. Christians in Jerusalem and throughout Judea were hit especially hard. The offering received by Barnabas and Saul in Acts 11:30 was given as relief to these fellow Christians. The Apostle Paul continued this practice in his future missionary journeys. (Acts 24:17)

Evaluate the generosity of the disciples in Acts 11:29 with the following biblical instructions/ teaching on giving.

Malachi 4:10—

Mark 12:41-44—

Acts 4:37—

Acts 20:35—

2 Corinthians 9:7—

Galatians 2:10—

Philippians 1:3-5—

1 Timothy 6:18—

How generous have you “determined” to be? Is the Holy Spirit leading you to make any changes in your generosity in response to this study?