The Book of Tobit book club questions

The reading plan

Meeting 1: Chapters 1 to 4

1. How would you judge Tobit's choice to serve a king while secretly burying victims of royal violence?
2. What should matter most when helping others brings conflict at home?
3. How might Tobit's damaged sight shape your judgment of his questioning his wife's honesty?
4. Which part of Tobit's counsel seems most important for Tobias to follow, and why?
5. How does Tobit's conflict with his wife affect the weight you give his advice about family duties?

Meeting 2: Chapters 5 to 9

6. Is Raphael's concealment of his identity fair to Tobit, even though his mission is to help?
7. How does the journey to recover money shape your expectations of the help Raphael will provide?
8. What does placing healing knowledge beside a marriage proposal suggest about the traveler's needs?
9. How should fears about seven deaths weigh against the wish to agree to a marriage?
10. What does Raguel's fear reveal about how people face uncertainty, even when danger has passed?

Meeting 3: Chapters 10 to 14

11. How should Tobias balance ties to his wedding household with the anxiety of his family at home?
12. What does Sarah's welcome suggest about the meaning of Tobias's homecoming for the whole household?
13. What would make a reward fitting for someone whose help has brought a household joy?
14. Does Raphael's revealed identity change your judgment of his earlier concealment? Why or why not?
15. How does the picture of Jerusalem rebuilt in precious stones shape the prayer's call to repentance?

Themes to talk about

Tips for the host

1. Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
2. Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.