By Michael C. Mack

What is the best team you’ve ever been a part of? What made it so great? How did they encourage you? How did they partner to accomplish more than any one person alone? How did they help you face difficulties? 

Read Acts 18:1-11, 18-21a. 

Who were some of Paul’s partners in ministry mentioned in this passage? What were their roles as part of God’s team? What made Priscilla and Aquila so valuable to Paul that he took them with him to Ephesus? (See Romans 16:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:19.)

When Paul hit a wall with some Jews in the Corinthian synagogue, how did he respond?

What do you learn from how Paul handled opposition to the gospel and personal abuse?

Paul told the Ephesians, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” His words remind us of Jesus’: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). What are you planning over the next week for which you need to say, “I will if it is God’s will”? 

How is God encouraging you or how do you need his encouragement? Is he saying, “Do not be afraid,” “Keep on speaking,” “Do not be silent,” “I am with you,” or something else?

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).