The Big Picture

This week’s readings begin with a survey of Elisha’s ministry, which is marked by unusual miracles. In the meantime, we are introduced to a succession of kings over the northern kingdom of Israel and southern kingdom of Judah. In general, the people continue to spiral downward into sin and idolatry, and things become increasingly violent and bloody. It can be confusing to try to keep track of all the kings, but one thing is very clear: the spiritual decline is becoming worse and worse.

Amazingly, God continues to be patient and allow plenty of time for the people to turn back to Him before He sends judgment upon them.

Things to Watch For

• Look for signs that God is still in sovereign control over the people and events of Israel and Judah, even though they have rebelled against Him.

• Jehoash (in 2 Kings 12) was one of the very few kings who “did what was right in the sight of the LORD” (verse 2). What good things did he do? What did he fail to do (12:3)?

Applications from 2 Kings 4–16

• How seriously should we take God at His Word when it comes to obedience or disobedience?

• What choices were the kings and people of Israel and Judah making, and what were the consequences of those choices?

The Big Picture

In Acts 15:36 to 18:22 we read about the apostle Paul’s second missionary journey, and Acts 18:23 marks the beginning of Paul’s third journey. Among the highlights of these journeys are Paul’s imprisonment in Philippi, his ministry to the philosophers in Athens, and the riot in Ephesus (where those who profited from the worship of false gods felt threatened by Paul and the spread of Christianity).

What to Watch For

• Note the variety of responses people gave to the gospel. Find one or two notable accounts about people becoming Christians, and find one or two notable accounts of opposition.

• In ancient times, prisons were horrible places. Yet what are Paul and Silas doing in the prison at Philippi? (Acts 16:25). What is the result of their behavior? (Acts 16:30-34).

Applications from Acts 15–19

• As you read through Acts 16–19, pay close attention to the different situations in which Paul shares the gospel. What are some words you would use to describe Paul as a representative of God? (for example, gracious, courageous, etc.).

• What are some differences between the ways the early church spread the gospel, and the ways the modern church acts in the world? What do you think made the early church so effective?

This entry was posted on Monday, July 24th, 2006 at 3:00 am and is filed under Commentary, Study Tips and Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.