While teaching Acts 5:17-42, JP taught us that the gospel grows in opposition, the gospel will not be stopped, and the gospel moves forward through God’s people. The gospel is not a fad like wearing your jeans backwards or the Atkins diet, but has spread throughout the world and is continuing to grow.

Discussion Questions

1. While JP was teaching about the gospel growing stronger in opposition, he said, “When things seem hopeless, be faithful.” When you look back on your life, can you see any times in you life when God worked through a hopeless situation?
2. Take some time to pray for Christians who are being persecuted around the world. Pray that they have boldness to preach the gospel even in the midst of suffering, and rejoice like the Apostles in Acts 5:41 because they are suffering for Christ’s name.
3. JP taught us that historians say that Gamaliel became a Christian, and probably became a Christian by seeing Saul (later named Paul) and his fruit as he followed Christ. If someone followed you for a period of time, would they see the fruit that comes from following Jesus? If so, what would they see? If not, how could you change that?
4. The gospel cannot be stopped, and it will continue to spread with or without you. Read Ephesians 6:16–20, and you will see in verse 19 that Paul asks for prayer to be bold in sharing the gospel. If Paul—who was a key figure in the spreading of the gospel and wrote much of the New Testament—needed prayer for boldness, why do we expect to share the gospel without prayer? Pray with your community group that you all will have the boldness to share the gospel.
5. Read 2 Corinthians 5:20. JP said, "Our suffering and sharing are God’s plan for saving.” What are some opportunities this week where you are able to talk about the life you now have in Christ? Discuss with your community group and have them hold you accountable with sharing the good news of Christ.
6. At the end of this week's message JP asked us to think of someone who we could share the Gospel with this week. Share who that person is, and talk to your community group about the next step you need to take to share with them.