Acts 14:21-28 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Look back over Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-14:28). What stands out to you as major successes? What setbacks do you observe?

In Titus 1:5 Paul instructs Titus, “The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.” In Acts 14:23, before returning to Antioch, Paul and Barnabas “appoint elders in every church.” What are the biblical qualifications for an elder (overseer or pastor) given in the following scriptures?

1 Timothy 3:1-7—

1 Timothy 5:17, 22—

Titus 1:6-9—

1 Peter 5:1-4—

Acts 14:27 states that when Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch they “rehearsed all that God had done with them and opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles” (KJV). Why is it important for us to “rehearse” what God has done? (See also Luke 10:17-18; and Psalm 103:2).

Take some time now to rehearse what God had done in your life and family.