Acts Reading GuideSample

During college football season, passion is on display every Saturday in stadiums all over the country. Fans have no problem losing their minds in excitement for their team. They identify with the school and have a passion to see it succeed. Passion is a powerful thing. When you are passionate about something, you have no issue in being bold to support it. Paul was passionate about spreading the Gospel, and his boldness goes on display in Acts 25. Paul responds to Festus in verses 10-11 saying, “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” Notice the tone that Paul uses to end his statement. He is on trial and could be sentenced to death, but because he believes in his actions and his purpose, he speaks boldly. Paul’s passion for spreading the message of Jesus made him passionate and willing to face even death. When we catch on to this kind of passion for the Gospel, we can gain a boldness that will change not only our communities, but a boldness that could spark a movement of God that will change the world! 1) What does this passage teach us about God? How does it apply to you? 2) How can you display passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your life? 3) Who do you need to be bolder with, so your passion for Jesus shows?