Study Guide
Acts, Part 8 / Sharing Jesus / Acts 8:26-40 (CSB)
The book of Acts shows us that the Holy Spirit is still actively guiding ordinary believers to share the message of Jesus in everyday moments. In Acts 8, we see how God used Philip’s willingness to follow the Spirit’s prompting to reach one person, reminding us that God’s mission often unfolds through simple obedience and intentional conversations. It challenges us to reflect on how the Holy Spirit might be leading us to take our own next step—whether that means placing our trust in Jesus, stepping out to share our faith, or following Him in obedience through baptism.
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Icebreakers
- What is one win (small or big) that you are thankful for in your life right now?
- What is a food combination you love that other people think is questionable?
Read Acts 8:26-39 (CSB)
Discuss It
In Acts 8:26-27, the Lord called Philip to go south to the place where God wanted him to be. From your perspective, what was missing from this request from God? How does not having all the info impact whether or not you respond to the Lord?
Additional Thought
The Bible is filled with numerous examples of God leading and guiding through a variety of means: Words from God (Acts 8:26-27), Divine dreams (Gen 37), Visions (Isaiah 6), Angels (Luke 1:26-38), Burning Bushes (Exodus 3), closed doors (Acts 16:6), etc.
Additional Scripture
1 Kings 19:11-13 (NLT) “ ...And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Additional Question
In the passage above, God communicated to Elijah in a still small voice. How does God communicate with you? How do you know when it’s God ‘s divine nudge rather than your own desires?
In Acts 8:30-31, Philip met and engaged the Ethiopian man with a open posture, a curious question, and a strategic way of connecting Jesus with the Old Testament. What stood out to you about his approach to evangelism with the Ethiopian? Have you ever used this particular approach with anyone when sharing your faith?
Additional Thought
Philip’s approach to evangelism was different than that of Jonah with Nineveh in Jonah 3, Jesus with the Samaritan woman in John 4, and Peter with the Jews in Acts 3. One commonality in each of these examples is a willingness to share truth in a way that the audience could receive it.
Additional Scripture
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
Additional Question
How do I share my personal relationship with Jesus and the truth of the gospel with gentleness and respect in a world often opposed to it? If the gospel truly is good news, how might the way I communicate it shape how it’s received?
In Acts 8:35, Philip simply shared the Good News about Jesus. Do you agree that clearly sharing who Jesus is and what He has done in my life is the most important part of sharing the gospel? Why or why not? If not, what would you say is the most important truth when sharing the gospel?
Additional Thought
Philip’s story shows us that God often calls His people away from the crowds to focus on just one person. Large events and programs are important, but they cannot reach everyone. If the gospel is going to spread across cities, it will happen through believers engaging in everyday conversations, one person at a time. The kingdom of God advances not just through platforms but through people’s willingness to share Jesus wherever they are.
Additional Scripture
Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Additional Question
Is it more difficult to share your faith with those you know or those you don't? In your life, who is the most difficult person to share the gospel with? Why?
Apply It
Acts 8:35 (CSB)
Say
Philip didn’t need a crowd, a platform, or a program, he simply shared who Jesus is and what He has done. The gospel moves forward when ordinary believers take small, intentional steps to share Jesus in everyday conversations.
Challenge
This week, who is one person in your life with whom you could share Jesus in a simple, natural way? How can you step out in obedience to speak about who Jesus is and what He has done, even in a short conversation or everyday moment?
Pray
How can we be praying for you this week?
About the Current Sermon Series
The book of Acts tells the story of how the exalted Christ sends His Spirit to empower His people to continue His work in the world. Through the Spirit’s power, ordinary believers boldly proclaim the gospel, witness miraculous works, and form vibrant communities that embody God’s welcome to all people. Acts traces how the church’s witness, energized by the Spirit, extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, revealing Christ’s ongoing work through His people and the Spirit’s leading in every new challenge and opportunity.