Bible Study Snacks, Acts 21:15-25

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! I hope everyone had a nice week! 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 Twenty-one, Verses 15-25.

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) Review the arrival of Paul in Jerusalem

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 21:15-25...  

Paul and his companions proceed to Jerusalem. They are accompanied by some of the disciples from Caesarea. They lodge with Mnason of Cyprus, who was an early disciple. They then meet with the Jerusalem brethren, who meet them gladly. The next day, Paul and his companions meet with James and the elders to give a description of the "things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry." The brethren glorify the Lord upon hearing these things.

James and the elders then expound to Paul the problem he faces. Many myriads of Jews believe, and they are zealous for the law. They have been informed that Paul taught Jews, living among the Gentiles, to forsake Moses - that is, not to circumcise their children, nor to keep the customs. They expect these Jewish believers to learn that Paul is in Jerusalem.

James and the elders give Paul a plan - he should accompany the four men who have taken a vow; purify himself; pay their expenses in an effort to show that Paul keeps the law (customs) as a Jew. They reiterate (cf. Acts 15) that the believing Gentiles are not subject to the law. (15-25)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What did Paul tell James and the elders? How did they react? (Acts 21:18-20)
2) What had the Jewish believers been informed about Paul? (Acts 21:20-21)
3) What was the plan suggested to Paul? What was this to accomplish? (Acts 21:22-24)
4) Had James and the elders changed their position regarding the letter written to the Gentiles in Acts 15? (Acts 21:25)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to 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