The Plot to Kill Paul—Acts 23:12–22 Open It 1. If your job was to watch others closely and secretly, how well would you do? 2. *What kinds of secrets did kids like to keep when you were growing up? 3. How well do you keep secrets? Explore It 1. Why did the Jews form a conspiracy? (23:12) 2. *Who took an oath? Why? (23:12) 3. How many men were involved in the plot against Paul? (23:13) 4. How were the chief priests and elders accomplices in the plot against Paul? (23:14–15) 5. What did the plotters want the Jewish elders to do? (23:15) 6. *When Paul’s nephew heard about the plot, what did he do? (23:16) 7. *How was the young man able to go before the commander? (23:17–18) 8. What did the commander ask Paul’s nephew? (23:19) 9. What did the young man tell the commander? (23:20–21) 10. How did the commander respond to the informant? (23:22) Get It 1. Why would the conspirators risk their own lives to kill Paul? 2. What groups are fervently anti-Christian today? 3. When have Christians been overzealous in rejecting others? 4. What does their complicity in the plot tell you about the chief priests and elders? 5. When have Christian leaders in your community compromised their faith and position? 6. How did Paul’s nephew demonstrate courage and honesty? 7. How did Paul’s family help him? 8. When might helping someone require courage or sacrifice today? 9. *When might exposing a wrong require courage or sacrifice today? 10. What kind of person exposed the plot against Paul? 11. How did God use a young person in this situation? 12. *When is it right for you to play the role of informant in correcting a wrong? 13. Why is it important to stand up for the truth? Apply It 1. *In what setting this week will you need to be prepared to stand up for the truth? 2. How can you prepare to face hardships this week? 3. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to protect you from the attacks of others? 4. What kind of practical support can you give someone facing difficulty right now?