1. How do you understand the purpose of the apostles – at least in the gospels? Has your view
    changed at all now? (You’re allowed to answer “no” if it hasn’t!)

  2. Many of the apostles whom Jesus chose were a group “uneducated and untrained men” (Acts
    4:13) who lived in the same region of backwater Galilee and who knew each other. This doesn’t
    seem like a careful selection. Why do you think Jesus chose these people?

  3. When Andrew first discovered Jesus, he promptly told his brother Peter about him. John probably
    did likewise with his brother James. And Philip went and found Nathanael to tell him. We can
    sometimes find it hard to share the gospel with relatives and friends. What do you think made the
    difference for these people? Does that give you any ideas about ways you might share the gospel
    with your own relatives or friends?

  4. Matthew and Simon had strongly opposed backgrounds. Has there been a time when you’ve had
    to work together in Christian ministry or in a church with someone whose background or lifestyle
    were objectionable to you? How did you handle that? Looking back, do you think the collaboration
    was successful, and why or why not?

  5. In Matthew 10:1-13, what were the things the apostles were to learn and practise doing?

  6. In that same passage, the apostles were sent out without what we would commonly consider to
    be adequate preparation. Why do you think Jesus did this – or was his preparation of them actually
    adequate?  

  7. Consider your ministry areas in our church – things you could do, or things you sense the Lord
    wants you to do. How much training or preparation would you feel you need, and how comfortable
    would you need to feel before starting? In the light of Matthew 10:1-13, has your view altered,
    or has it confirmed your view?

  8. Has there been a point in time which brought you insight into where your life is at, and what your
    future looks like? What are your goals and expectations from now for the rest of your life? What
    is your understanding of God’s plans for you going forward – where is the Holy Spirit leading you?