Study #12. (15: 1-35)

Feb 8

Recap

In our previous study, we saw one of the first instances of the Gospel being preached to a primarily non-Jewish Audience. Paul and Barnabas’ healing of the man who was lame was misinterpreted as an act of the gods of Rome, but through Paul’s sermon, God moved the hearts of many in the crowd, and Gentiles began to turn to Christ, even though some Jewish men and women were antagonistic to what was happening.

Introduction

In our reading today, it would seem that some time has passed since the last chapter (see 14:28 -And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.). Now there is a growing gentile population that has come to follow Jesus and be part of the church, but a theological disagreement begins to arise, specifically around the Mosaic law. Some people went to the city of Antioch (as we have said, a very multicultural city) and began to claim that Gentiles who are following Jesus need to be circumcised to actually be saved; they believe the whole of the Mosaic law is still required.

This claim first led to a sharp disagreement, as Paul and Barnabas opposed them, but the matter could not be settled by them alone, so they were sent to Jerusalem to meet with other apostles and leaders of the church. This was not a decision that could be made on their own.

Their actions, and the actions of the church leaders in Jerusalem, begin to paint a picture of how decision-making in the church is pursued. The conversations take them to prayer and scripture as they seek God’s wisdom and purpose, and ultimately, their decision seemed good to the Holy Spirit (v.28).

This story is filled with many implications.

It highlights how church unity is sought
It paints what faithful submission to God and the church looks like.
It reveals how the Gospel responds to other cultures, and shows that it does not remove or impose cultural distinctions (Jewish law is not required on other cultures)
It reminds us that the plan of salvation has always been for all people,
But we should also see that the Gospel retains a specific moral vision while it interacts with many different cultures; the disciples call for sexual purity and a renunciation of idol worship.

With these things in mind lets read this week’s passage!

Read Acts 15:135

(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)

Three Quick Questions:

Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?
Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
Are there any other stories or passages in the Bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?

Diving Deeper

In verse 1, we read about a certain group of people who come to the multicultural city of Antioch (Where people first began to be called Christians), and began imposing rules on the gentile Christians, specifically that they would be circumcised.
Why do you think this group would impose these rules?
What is the problem with the rules they are imposing?
Are there rules similar to these that the church sometimes imposes today?
In verses 7-10, Peter stands up to give a defence against the requirement of circumcision (imposition of the law).
What does Peter’s defence teach us about the law and God’s grace?
In verses 13-21, James joins the conversation, he refers to an Old Testament prophecy ( Amos 9:11-12) as evidence for God’s inclusion of Gentiles, and ultimately decides that the Jewish law cannot be imposed on the Gentiles, but that they should abstain from sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols.
Why do you think they impose some rules, but not others?
Should there be any rules of living that the church imposes today?
After the council meeting, a letter is sent to the church in Antioch. In the letter, the church leaders write that their decision “seemed good to the Holy Spirit.”
What does this teach us about decision-making in the church?
How can we test if something seems good to the Holy Spirit today?

Benediction

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Phill Pearson