1. Keeping in mind that the author of Acts might not be presenting an unbiased account of Paul's proselytizing journey (i.e., it is part of the nature of the account to present those resisting Paul and his message in a negative light), why are some people receptive and others not? What are the issues? How does Paul represent himself? As a Christian? Jew? On what occasions does he identify himself as a Roman citizen and why?

2. How would you characterize the nature of Roman power and administration in the provinces to judge by Acts and the correspondence between Pliny and Trajan? Were the Romans feared, despised, welcomed? (Think about the different circumstances that may apply, i.e. be careful not to generalize where you shouldn't.)