The Four Witnesses Paul Encountered

The Four Witnesses Paul Encountered

By Caleb Crittendon

June 14, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

2. Read Acts 14:1-18 together as a group and discuss your initial observations.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

3. How does the presence of opposition and false witnesses actually strengthen rather than hinder the spread of the gospel, and have you experienced this in your own witness?

4. Paul had an incredible conversion story (struck blind on the road to Damascus), yet he didn’t mention it in his sermon. He only talked about Jesus. Why do you think he made that choice?

5. Why did Paul begin his evangelistic appeal differently here than he did in the synagogue sermons?

6. Why is it significant that Paul and Barnabas immediately tore their garments when they were mistaken for gods, and what does this reveal about their hearts versus modern celebrity pastor culture?

7. How does the myth of Zeus and Hermes visiting Lystra serve as a distorted echo of the true gospel, and what does this reveal about humanity’s innate longing for God?

Respond: Choose one or two of these applications from Sunday’s message to put into practice this week.

1. Identify Your Opposition:Write down the top 2-3 counter-messages to the gospel you encounter most often. Prepare a simple, gospel-centered response to each one.
2. Memorize Scripture:Commit Romans 1:16 to memory as a reminder of the power within you through the gospel.
3. Find Your Barnabas:Reach out to someone in the church to be an accountability partner in witnessing. Set up a time to pray together for specific people in your lives who need Christ.
4. Practice Looking Intently:Intentionally slow down three times this week to really see someone – a coworker, neighbor, barista, family member. Ask God to show you what He’s doing in their life and how you might serve them or share with them.
5. Use Creation:In a conversation this week, reference something in creation (beauty, design, order, etc.) as a bridge to talk about the Creator.