July 24–30

Acts 16–21

“The Lord Had Called Us for to Preach the Gospel”

As you read about Paul’s efforts to preach the gospel, the Spirit may prompt you with thoughts or feelings. Write these promptings down, and make plans to act on them.

Record Your Impressions

Among the Lord’s final words to His Apostles was the commandment “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). While the Apostles didn’t quite make it to all nations, Acts 16–21 does show that Paul and his companions did make remarkable progress in establishing the Church. They taught, baptized, and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost. They performed miracles, even raising a man from the dead, and foretold the Great Apostasy (Acts 20:7–12, 28–31). And the work they started continues with living Apostles today, along with devoted disciples like you, who are helping fulfill the Savior’s commission in ways Paul never could have imagined. Perhaps you are aware of people who do not know their Heavenly Father or His gospel. Perhaps you have felt that your “spirit was stirred in [you]” to share with them what you know about Him (Acts 17:16). If you follow Paul’s example of humility and boldness in sharing the gospel, you may find someone “whose heart the Lord [has] opened” (Acts 16:14).

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Acts 16–21

The Spirit will guide me in my efforts to share the gospel.

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “No man can preach the Gospel without the Holy Ghost” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 332). As you read Acts 16–21, consider why the Prophet’s statement is true. Note instances in which the Spirit aided Paul and his companions. What blessings came as they followed the Spirit? When have you felt the Spirit prompting you in your efforts to share the gospel?

Acts 16–21

I can declare the gospel in all circumstances.

Being thrown in prison for preaching the gospel might seem like an understandable reason to stop preaching. But to Paul and Silas, it became an opportunity to convert a jailer (see Acts 16:16–34). Throughout Acts 16–21, look for other examples of Paul’s willingness to share his witness with everyone. Why do you think he was so bold and fearless? What do you learn from Paul’s example?

There are many more messages about sharing the gospel in Acts 16–21. As you study these chapters, look for some that are especially applicable to you.

See also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” Liahona, May 2019, 15–18.

Each of us is a child of God.

Acts 17:16–34

“We are the offspring of God.”

In Athens, Paul found people with diverse opinions and religious views. They were always seeking “to hear some new thing,” and what Paul had to offer was definitely new to them (see Acts 17:19–21). They worshipped many gods, including one they called “the unknown God” (Acts 17:23), but they believed that gods were powers or forces, not living, personal beings, and certainly not our Father. Ponder what Paul said to help them come to know God. What does it mean to you to be the “offspring of God”? (Acts 17:29). In your opinion, how is being a child of God different from being just one of His creations? How does understanding this truth influence how you see yourself and others?

If you had stood beside Paul as he was testifying, what would you have told the ancient Greeks about our Heavenly Father? Do you know someone who could benefit from hearing your testimony?

See also Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:2; “We Are the Offspring of God” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Acts 16–21.To deepen your family’s understanding of Acts 16–21, you could study the map at the end of this outline, looking for the cities where Paul preached the gospel in these chapters. What resources do we have today to help bring the gospel to all nations?

To inspire your family to share the gospel, you could show one or more of the videos in the “Sharing the Gospel” section of the Gospel Library.

Acts 17:10–12; 18:24–28.How can we be more like the Saints in these verses? What might it mean to “[receive] the word with all readiness of mind”? (Acts 17:11). What can we do to be “mighty in the scriptures”? (Acts 18:24).

Acts 19:1–7.These verses can help your family have a discussion about the importance of being baptized and confirmed. To better understand the truths in Acts 19:1–7, you could discuss some things that are useless without something else, such as a cell phone without a battery. Or you could share this teaching from the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 95). Why is baptism “good for nothing” without receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost? (see 3 Nephi 27:19–20; Moses 6:59–61).

Acts 19:18–20.As you read Acts 19:18–20, notice the value of the possessions that the people were willing to give up in order to embrace the gospel (see verse 19). Are there worldly possessions or activities we need to give up in order to receive heavenly blessings?

Acts 20:32–35.When has your family experienced Christ’s teaching that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”? (Acts 20:35). Is there someone who could benefit from service, time, or gifts that your family could give? As a family, discuss some ideas and make a plan to serve someone. How do we feel when we serve others? Why is it more blessed to give than to receive?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “I Am a Child of God,” Children’s Songbook, 2–3.

Improving Personal Study

Record impressions. “When you record spiritual impressions, you show the Lord that you value His direction, and He will bless you with more frequent revelation” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 12; see also page 30).

The missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.