Acts 22:12-21
12 "A man named Ananias came to me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know is will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' 17 When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking. 'Quick!' he said to me. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 'Lord,' I replied, 'these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.' 21 Then the Lord said to me, 'God; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
The 10,000-hour rule - "ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness" (Malcolm Gladwell). This number serves as a kind of metaphor for the extent of the commitment that is necessary to fully develop or learn a skill.
The content of Paul's witness - there are two parts to this text.
1 Verses 1-11 - Paul is a witness to His experience of Jesus Christ
2 Verses 12-21 - Paul is a witness to His obedience to Jesus Christ
Hebrews 5:8-9 - "Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him."
Course not source - "Our obedience is no longer the source, but our obedience is still the course." (Dallas Willard)
How is Paul able to obey the Lord?
1 He is available.
2 He is amenable.
3 He is adaptable.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Icebreaker - what are some of your favorite memories from watching the Olympics?
2 Read Hebrews 5:8-9. Obedience is mentioned twice in these verses. What do these verses teach us about the role of obedience in the life of a disciple?
3 Dallas Willard wrote that "our obedience is no longer the source of our salvation, but our obedience is still the course." Discuss this quote with your group.
4 In verses 17-21, we discussed three characteristics of Paul's obedience to the Lord. He is available. He is amenable. He is adaptable. Which one of these three characteristics stood out to you the most? Why? Which one of these three characteristics do you need to grow in the most? Share with your group.
