Every Bible study has a guide.
The question is, Whom do you trust?
For our study of the life of Paul, I chose to build the lessons around the writing of Charles (Chuck) Swindoll.
That decision was easy.
For decades, Chuck Swindoll has been one of the most respected Bible teachers in the evangelical world. He has written more than 70 books, and his books have sold millions of copies worldwide. His ministry has impacted Christians through books, radio, commentaries, and faithful expository preaching for more than half a century.
But impressive statistics are not the main reason I chose him.
I chose Swindoll because he has a rare gift.
Scholarship You Can Understand
Some Bible writers are deeply scholarly but difficult to read.
Others are engaging storytellers but light on biblical substance.
Chuck Swindoll manages to combine both.
His books are grounded in careful study of Scripture. He pays attention to the historical setting, the flow of the biblical text, and the meaning the original author intended. Yet he never writes merely to inform the mind.
He writes to change lives.
As you read, you continually find yourself asking, What does this mean for me?
That is exactly what good Bible study should do.
Truth Wrapped in Story
One of Swindoll’s greatest strengths is his use of stories.
Throughout his books he illustrates biblical truth with memorable accounts from history, everyday life, his years as a pastor, and his own personal experiences.
Long after you’ve forgotten an outline, you’ll often remember one of his stories—and with it, the biblical principle it illustrates.
Jesus taught that way.
So did Paul.
Stories help truth stick.
Practical Without Being Shallow
Some books leave you impressed with the author’s knowledge.
Others leave you encouraged for a day or two.
Swindoll consistently leaves readers wanting to become more like Christ.
His writing is practical without becoming simplistic. He understands that following Jesus involves real people facing real struggles—discouragement, conflict, disappointment, temptation, suffering, and failure.
That makes him an ideal companion for studying Paul’s life.
After all, Paul experienced all of those things.
Why This Study Works
The lessons in this study are not simply chapter summaries of Swindoll’s book.
Instead, each lesson is built around thoughtful discussion questions that help your group discover biblical truth together. Participants don’t just listen—they interact. They think. They share. They wrestle with Scripture. And because people remember what they discover for themselves, the lessons tend to stay with them long after class is over.
That’s the goal of every study in the Good Questions Have Groups Talking series.
They are designed to:
- Save teachers hours of preparation.
- Make classes easier to lead.
- Get everyone involved in the discussion.
- Move beyond information to genuine life change.
The Paul study is part of the Good Questions Have Groups Talking Bible Study series. It is available individually through Amazon or as part of the Good Questions Subscription, giving your class access to a growing library of discussion-based Bible studies.
Great teachers make difficult truths understandable.
Chuck Swindoll has been doing that for generations. My hope is that these discussion lessons will help your class benefit from his insights while spending even more time interacting with God’s Word together.
If you would like to explore this new study, it is available on Amazon, as well as part of Good Questions Have Groups Talking
