Bible Study Snacks, Acts 15:1-12

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Fifteen, Verses 1-12.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) See how the early church dealt with the issue of circumcision and the Law of Moses

 For your convenience, here is a summary Acts 15:1-12... 

This chapter records a pivotal event in the early church, confirming that what Jesus accomplished on the cross was the creation of one new body, in which both Jews and Gentiles were to have the same access to God through faith in Jesus Christ and not the Law of Moses (cf. Ephesians 2:11-18).

Men from Judea come to Antioch teaching the necessity of circumcision and keeping the Law. Paul and Barnabas dispute this, and the decision is made to send them to Jerusalem to talk with the apostles and elders. Along the way, Paul and Barnabas describe the conversion of the Gentiles which causes great joy (1-3).

At Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas first report to the whole church. When Pharisees who are believers say that circumcision and keeping the Law of Moses is necessary, the apostles and elders meet to discuss the issue further. After much dispute, Peter speaks of how God chose him to be the first to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, how God acknowledges them by giving them the Holy Spirit, and how God makes no distinction, purifying their hearts through faith.  Peter thus questions why they should put a yoke on the Gentiles that even they themselves are unable to bear. Rather, by the grace of the Lord both Jews and Gentiles can be saved in the same manner.  Barnabas and Paul again report the miracles and wonders God has done through them among the Gentiles (4-12).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:  

1) What were some people from Jerusalem teaching the brethren in Antioch? (Acts 15:1)
2) Who disagreed with them? What actions were taken? (Acts 15:2)
3) On the way to Jerusalem, what did Paul and Barnabas do? (Acts 15:3)
4) When they arrived at Jerusalem, with whom did they first meet? What did they tell them? (Acts 15:4)
5) Who then stood up, and what did they say? (Acts 15:5)
6) Who then came together to discuss the matter? (Acts 15:6)
7) Who spoke first? What did he say? (Acts 15:7-11)
8) Who spoke second? What did they say? (Acts 15:12)

After completing this week's study, go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri