Choice 2: Acts 16; 18. Paul’s Second
Mission
1.
Trace Paul’s second missionary
journey from Bible Map 13. List the names of four cities he visited, to whom he
later wrote epistles. Read Acts 16:6-10; 18:9-11. Write a paragraph explaining
the different ways the Holy Ghost directed Paul and his companions during their
journey. Write a second paragraph describing how the Spirit has directed your
missionary efforts, and one way you could be more directed by the Spirit in your
life.
Four cities Paul visited were: Samaria, Tarsus, Derbe, and Macedonia.
While Paul was on his journey, he was “forbidden of the Holy Ghost to
preach the word in Asia”. Once they got to Mysia they wanted to go preach in
Bithynia but the Spirit told them not to. While Paul was sleeping, he had a
vision where a man from Macedonia stood and was asking for Paul to come preach
in Macedonia. After his vision, they immediately went into Macedonia to preach
the gospel to the people there. The Lord told Paul in a vision to, “Be not
afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace, for I am with thee, and no man shall
set on thee to hurt thee, for I have much people in this city”. Paul remained
in that city for 1 ½ years and preached the gospel.
The spirit has directed me in my missionary efforts several times. The
time that is most meaningful to me was when I introduced my husband, Jeff to
the gospel. We worked together while we were in our Junior and Senior years of
high school. I wasn’t really looking to convert someone to the gospel, but as
we got to know each other more, it became obvious to me that he was searching
for truths, but was unsuccessful up to that point. On day, I had a very strong
impression that I needed to invite him to take the missionary discussions.
Little did I know, but he had also had a very strong impression that he needed
to ask if he could take the discussions. After taking the discussions Jeff was
baptized and 16 months later we were sealed in the temple. For me, I strive
every day to live worthy of the Holy Ghost’s companionship, but one way I could
be more directed by the Spirit in my life is to specifically ask for his
guidance in helping me to know who I know or come in contact with could use the
gospel message in their life.
2.
Review Acts 16:9-33. Make a list of
the reasons Paul was able to preach the gospel so effectively. Then in writing
answer the following questions:
·
In what ways did Paul turn his
experiences into missionary opportunities?
Even though
Paul saw a certain man in his vision, he and Silas were not solely focused on
finding that man, they served other along their way. He taught and baptized a
woman by the name of Lydia and healed a woman by casting an evil spirit out of
her. After casing out the evil spirit, Paul was thrown into prison. While in
prison, they did not lose their faith, instead, Paul and Silas prayed and sang
praises unto God.
·
What can you learn from Paul’s
missionary experiences?
When we are asked to do
things that seem hard, we need to obey without questioning. We all go through
trials in our lives, even those who are called of God to do his work. We need
not doubt the Lord. We need to continue to have faith that he will bless us.
·
How is the jailer an example of a true
convert?
The jailer was an example
of a true convert by the way he reacted when he witnessed a miracle from God.
While Paul and Saul were in prison, God caused an earthquake to shake the foundations
of the prison to shake and all the doors to open. The jailer recognized what
had just happened and fell to the ground and confessed to Paul and Silas that
he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized that night.
·
How does Mosiah 4:9-10 expand your
understanding of Acts 17:30-31?
We need to believe in
God, believe that he has all wisdom, and believe that man does not comprehend
all the things which the Lord does comprehend. We also need to repent of our
sins and humble ourselves and do the things that we are commanded to do.
·
What can you do now to better prepare
yourself to share the gospel, whether as a full-time missionary or as a member?
I could make a list of people I know
who I think need to hear the gospel message and then I could pray about that
list for guidance as to who I could share the gospel with.
