Beyond What We See

Written By Nicole Vollrath

RLC Home Group Handout | October 11th, 2026 

Jesus Stories; “Beyond What We See"  | Acts 14

Recap

In Acts 14, we see the gospel reaching people whose understanding of the world is very different from our own. Through Paul and Barnabas’s response to the people of Lystra, we learn to hold firmly to truth while moving toward others with compassion, remembering that we need the same grace we offer them. We can grieve what is broken without treating people with contempt, and we can recognize God’s goodness in the lives of those who do not yet know him. We also discover that following Jesus does not spare us from suffering, but we can surrender our burdens to him and depend on his presence as we continue in faith. As Paul and Barnabas strengthen believers, appoint elders, and entrust the churches to the Lord, we are reminded that we do not carry God’s work alone or control its results. Our hope rests in Christ himself, who continues working beyond what we can see and beyond our lifetime.

References 

  • Acts 14:8–17 — Paul and Barnabas respond to misunderstanding by directing people toward the living God and his goodness.

  • Romans 12:19 — We surrender vengeance to God rather than allowing anger to govern our response to others.

  • Acts 14:19–22 — Paul’s suffering and continued ministry remind us that hardship is part of following Jesus.

  • Acts 14:23–27 — The apostles entrust the churches to the Lord and celebrate what God has accomplished through them.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 — Having been reconciled to God through Christ, we are entrusted with sharing his message of reconciliation..

“The Gospel reaches towards cultures that don’t understand it, meets humanity with grace, carries us through suffering, and works beyond what we will see."

Discussion Questions


Head

  • Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?

  • In Acts 14:14–17, how do Paul and Barnabas challenge the crowd’s beliefs while finding a starting point the people can understand?

  • What do appointing elders, praying, and committing the churches to the Lord reveal about how Paul and Barnabas understand their responsibility?

  • How could the message about “many hardships” in Acts 14:22 strengthen the disciples rather than discourage them?

Heart

  • When someone sees the world very differently from you, what is your first response; curiosity, fear, frustration, or compassion? What might be underneath that response?

  • When has remembering the grace Jesus has shown you changed the way you treated someone else?

  • The sermon distinguishes being angry that someone is wrong from being grieved because someone is lost. How can you recognize the difference in your own heart?

  • Whose quiet faithfulness has shaped your life in ways they may never realize?

Hands

  • Who could you ask this week, “Help me understand what has shaped the way you see the world”? What would it look like to listen carefully?

  • Is there a conversation, online habit, or source of commentary that is feeding contempt in you? What change could help you respond more like Jesus?

  • Who is walking through hardship and needs your presence more than an explanation? How could you show up for them?


Nicole Vollrath
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Astonishing Grace