Session 1

Rely on the Spirit (Acts 13:9-12)

the source of Paul’s strength and boldness.

9 But Saul - also called Paul - filled with the Holy Spirit,
stared straight at Elymas
10 and said,
“You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery,
you son of the devil and enemy of all that is right.
Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?
11 Now, look, the Lord’s hand is against you.
You are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time.”
Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him,
and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then, when he saw what happened, the proconsul believed,
because he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Explain:

Point out that from this passage forward Luke, the author of Acts, used Saul’s Greek name, Paul.

Key Cross Reference

Paul’s blindness

In Acts 9, Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
And, like Elymas, he was blinded and had to be helped by others.
Spend time studying and comparing Paul’s experience with what happened to Elymas.
Make a list of similarities and differences that you can share with the adults in your Bible study group.

Ask:

• What effect do you think Paul’s stare had on Elymas and the proconsul?
• What does it suggest about Paul’s confidence?

Examine:

Call attention to the ways Paul described Elymas.

• full of all kinds of deceit and trickery,
• you son of the devil
• perverting the straight paths of the Lord

suggest common threads they see in those descriptions
and why they are important.
Highlight the proconsul’s reaction.

• astonished and believed

Ask:

• How does the Holy Spirit’s presence influence our perspective on obeying God in faith?
• In what ways have you seen the effect of Spirit-filled witnessing for Christ? (p. 15)

CHALLENGE

Summarize:

Review these points from this week’s Bible passage:

• The Holy Spirit works in us, calling us to kingdom work.
• Believers should be prepared for opposition so that they will be ready to stand firm.
• The Holy Spirit empowers us to do the kingdom work He calls us to do.

Discuss:

Encourage the group to discuss the similarities between their personal experiences with God’s call and that of vocational Christian workers. Ask: What opportunities do you all have for sharing the gospel? (p. 15)

Pray:

Distribute copies of Pack Item 8 (Handout: Praying Scripture). Challenge the group to continue praying through Acts 13:1-3 to seek the Spirit’s leadership in their lives. Encourage them to use the Explore the Bible Prayer Guide this week. Close the session in prayer.

AFTER THE SESSION

Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group during the week. Remind adults that the Holy Spirit will give them power to share their faith.