The Council at Jerusalem: Unity Amidst Diversity in the Early Church

Acts 15 reveals the early Church's struggle to define its identity and mission amidst cultural and doctrinal diversity. Yet, the Jerusalem Council's resolution underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers towards unity. Despite the dispute between Paul and Barnabas, the Gospel continues to spread, illustrating that God's work can advance even amid human disagreements.

Verses 1-5: Dispute over Circumcision

Some individuals from Judea argue that Gentiles must be circumcised according to the Law of Moses to be saved. This provokes a significant dispute, and Paul and Barnabas are appointed to go to Jerusalem to discuss this matter with the apostles and elders.

Verses 6-21: The Jerusalem Council

During the council, Peter asserts that God has accepted the Gentiles and that they should not be burdened with the Law of Moses. James, the leader of the Jerusalem Church, agrees and suggests writing a letter to the Gentiles asking them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from meat of strangled animals, and from blood.

Verses 22-35: The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers

The council agrees with James's proposal and sends Judas and Silas, along with Barnabas and Paul, to deliver the letter to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The letter's delivery brings great joy to the believers, and Judas and Silas, both prophets, encourage and strengthen the brothers with their words.

Verses 36-41: Disagreement between Paul and Barnabas

Paul suggests to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they had established. However, a sharp disagreement arises over including John Mark, leading them to part ways. Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus, while Paul chooses Silas and travels through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Acts 15 records a significant turning point in the early Church's history: the Jerusalem Council. This meeting addresses a significant doctrinal dispute about whether Gentile converts must obey Jewish customs to be saved. The council's conclusion opens the way for the unrestricted inclusion of Gentiles in the Church. However, a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas shows that even devoted believers can face personal disputes.

Doctrinal Disputes
Inclusion of the Gentiles
Unity of the Church
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Missionary Journey ContinuesDispute over Circumcision
The Jerusalem Council
The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers
Disagreement between Paul and BarnabasPaul
Barnabas
Certain individuals from Judea
Peter
James
Judas (called Barsabbas)
Silas
The Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem
John MarkAntioch
Jerusalem
Syria
Cilicia
Phoenicia
Samaria
Cyprus
Pamphylia

1. What are the potential dangers of imposing one's cultural practices on believers from different cultures, as seen in the dispute over circumcision?

2. How does the Jerusalem Council provide a model for resolving doctrinal disputes within the Church?

3. What can we learn from Peter's defense of the Gentile believers at the Council?

4. How does James' proposal balance the concerns of Jewish believers and the freedom of Gentile believers?

5. How does the council's letter demonstrate sensitivity and respect towards both Jewish and Gentile believers?

6. How does the response of the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia to the council's letter underscore the importance of unity in the Church?

7. What can the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas teach us about dealing with personal disputes within Christian ministry?

8. How can we apply the lessons from the Jerusalem Council to current debates within our own churches or denominations?

9. How does the council's decision reflect the work of the Holy Spirit in the early Church?

10. What strategies can we use to avoid letting personal disagreements, like the one between Paul and Barnabas, hinder our Christian mission?

11. How does Acts 15 challenge our understanding of the role of cultural practices in our faith?

12. What can we learn from the way the early Church handled disagreements and conflicts?

13. How can the council's decision influence our approach to cultural diversity within our own church communities?

14. How does the unfolding of events in this chapter demonstrate the sovereignty of God, even in times of conflict and disagreement?

15. How does the inclusivity of Gentiles in the early Church speak to issues of racial or cultural inclusion in today's Church?

16. In what ways does the decision of the Jerusalem Council demonstrate the Church's flexibility and adaptability to changing contexts?

17. How do you reconcile the directive from the Jerusalem Council with the freedom we have in Christ?

18. How can the split between Paul and Barnabas be viewed both negatively and positively?

19. What does the chapter suggest about the role of human agency and the Holy Spirit in the expansion of the Church?

20. How can we promote unity in our church communities amidst differing views and beliefs?