Sermon Description

In Acts 15, the question was “how do Jews and Gentiles come together in God’s united family?” Now in Acts 16, the question turns to “what does it look like as this united family continues the work of Jesus ‘to the ends of the earth’?” In this passage, we see that even with our shortcomings, Jesus cares for us as his body.

Discussion Questions

Why do you think God has so closely connected our physicality and our spirituality? How do things like baptism, communion, singing, kneeling, etc. help us connect with God?
Of the six aspects listed about the body of Christ—in progress, varied, Spirit-filled, rejoicing, preaching, and wise—which one stands out to you as a strength in your life? Which one stands out as a needed area of growth for you?
As you read through Acts 16, how do these positive examples show us more about what Jesus is like? How do these stories help us to focus, not on the church, but more on Jesus?
If we are the body of Christ here on earth, how might that affect the way that you live your life in front of the non-believing world?

Prayer Points

Pray that Jesus would help us to grow as a church community to more closely resemble the good aspects of the church highlighted in Acts 16.
Pray that we would take seriously our call to be the body of Christ here on earth by proclaiming the gospel and living lives that point to his goodness and love.

For Further Study

The baptism of the Phillipian jailer’s family in Acts 16 is often used by people who support infant baptism. For an explanation of why that isn’t the best way to read Acts 16, please see this helpful article from Sam Storms.