top of page

Getting the most out of Acts, Chapter Fifteen.

Title: Getting the Most Out of Acts, Chapter Fifteen Subtitle: Finding Unity in Disagreement

Introduction: Welcome to today's Bible study on Acts 15. In this chapter, we will explore the importance of seeking unity amidst disagreement and the process of discernment in the early Christian community. We will also reflect on how we can apply these principles daily.

I. The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-6)

A. The Conflict: Circumcision and the Gentile Converts (Acts 15:1-2) Some believers from Judea insisted that Gentile converts should be circumcised according to the law of Moses (Genesis 17:10-14). Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed, and the church sent them to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles and elders.

B. The Journey to Jerusalem (Acts 15:3) As Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem, they shared their experiences of God's work among the Gentiles, encouraging believers.

C. The Council's Deliberation (Acts 15:4-6) In Jerusalem, the apostles and elders gathered to discuss the question of circumcision and the Gentiles.

II. The Testimonies (Acts 15:7-12)

A. Peter's Speech (Acts 15:7-11) Peter reminded the council how God had chosen him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:1-48). He emphasized that God had purified the Gentiles' hearts by faith and argued that requiring circumcision would be unnecessary.

B. Barnabas and Paul's Witness (Acts 15:12) Barnabas and Paul shared their experiences of God's work among the Gentiles, further supporting Peter's argument.

III. The Decision and Letter (Acts 15:13-21)

A. James' Proposal (Acts 15:13-21) James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, proposed a compromise: the Gentiles would not be required to undergo circumcision, but they should abstain from certain practices associated with pagan worship and immorality.

B. The Letter to the Gentile Believers (Acts 15:22-29) The council agreed on James' proposal and sent a letter to the Gentile believers, encouraging them to follow the agreed-upon guidelines.

IV. The Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41)

A. The Dispute (Acts 15:36-39) Paul and Barnabas disagreed on whether to take John Mark, who had abandoned them earlier, on their next missionary journey. The disagreement was so sharp that they parted ways.

B. The Separate Journeys (Acts 15:39-41) Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Conclusion: Acts 15 teaches us the importance of seeking unity amidst disagreement and discerning God's will in challenging situations. The early church navigated conflicts with wisdom and grace, reaching a compromise that allowed the Gospel to spread among the Gentiles. Today, we can apply these principles by engaging in open dialogue, seeking God's guidance, and working together to advance His Kingdom, even when we face disagreements. Let us strive for unity and understanding, knowing that our shared faith in Jesus Christ binds us.

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

The Protection of God's Scriptural Order

Introduction: Church, today we are going to talk about something critical—the divine order that God has established. This is not a...

Comentários


bottom of page