Acts 15:7-9, 22-31: Session 4: The Gospel

Acts 15:7-9, 22-31

  

LEADER GUIDE, EXPLORE THE BIBLE, LIFEWAY ADULTS: PAGES: 47-56 (ISSN 1930-5877; ITEM 005075122)

Session 4: The Gospel
Acts 15:7-9, 22-31
Memory Verse: Acts 15:9
Salvation comes to all who express their faith in Jesus. 

Context: Paul and Barnabas' missionary journey. They encounter people who still hold strongly to the Mosaic law, as well as circumcision. Their audience consists of those who believe of those specific requirements for salvation. The Mosaic faction also believed that Gentiles could accept Christ only after becoming converts to Judaism.

Paul and Barnabas had a difficult task in front of them, but God's will for them to continue on their mission prevailed. 

Here's a video that dives deeper into understanding the Mosaic law. 

Sidenote (SN): Divisions in churches can arise from small issues. 

Question: Why is open, honest communication so important in handling conflicting ideas? 

***Today's study will show how a serious argument in the early church was resolved in a way that honored God and affirmed His plan for salvation. 

Requirements for Gentiles: Acts 15: 7-9

Application Point: We should not impose cultural requirements onto new believers beyond salvation by grace through faith.

7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

SIDENOTE (SN): Certain Jews had tried to enforce the Mosaic law on Gentile believers in the Antioch congregation.

Peter's testimony pointed to the truth that God did not differentiate between the Jews and the Gentiles in terms of any outward act. Keeping rules and being circumcised was no longer the standard. Faith in Christ and the work of the Spirit is what mattered. 

The purpose of the law was to guard people until faith comes (Galatians 3:24-26). ***

24 The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. 25 But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus. 

(Mic Drop...   :) 

Question: What kinds of erroneous things might unbelievers today think are necessary for salvation? How could you use Peter's example to help resolve contention over salvation? 

Not Bound: Acts 15:22-26

Application Point: The church should clearly communicate the truths and implications of the gospel. 

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

22 Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. 23 They wrote:

“From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,

To the brothers and sisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts, 25 we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

SN: (v.24) The Jerusalem leaders made it clear that these men were not representing them. These men, known as Judaizers, caused unnecessary consternation among the Gentiles in Antioch, which in turn, distressed the Jerusalem church. The solution was to send men (Judas and Silas) with Barnabas and Paul to share the message personally.  

Question: What kinds of objections might you encounter from people who resist the Gospel?

Believers Rejoice: Acts 15: 27-31

Application Point: Take advantage of opportunities to rejoice over the gospel message and share that with others. 

27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements: 29 that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.

Farewell.”

The Outcome of the Jerusalem Letter

30 So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. 31 When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

SN: Through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the Jerusalem Council had accomplished two things:

1. It had strengthened the bond between Jewish and Gentile believers by eliminating legalistic barriers of faith and practice.
2. It provided and effective blueprint for handling the inevitable conflicts and controversies that arise when humans disagree on key topics. 

Question: Additional acts of outward identification are not required for salvation. What do you find most encouraging about that? How can believers support one another in the gospel mission?

 Application Points: 

1. We should not impose cultural requirements onto new believers beyond salvation by grace through faith.
2. The church should clearly communicate the truths and implications of the gospel. 
3. Take advantage of opportunities to rejoice over the gospel message and share that with others. 

CHALLENGE: 

God has called us to avoid anything that hinders or distracts others from receiving the gospel well. 

***Identify areas of your life that need to be cleansed so that your mission to spread the gospel can be more effective. ***