◄ Acts 15:2 ►
And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 15:2? 2. How can we resolve disputes like Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:2 today? 3. What role does church leadership play in resolving conflicts, as seen in Acts 15:2? 4. How does Acts 15:2 connect with Matthew 18:15-17 on conflict resolution? 5. Why is seeking counsel from elders important, as demonstrated in Acts 15:2? 6. How can Acts 15:2 guide us in maintaining unity within the church? 7. Why did Paul and Barnabas dispute with those advocating circumcision in Acts 15:2? 8. How does Acts 15:2 address the conflict between Jewish law and Christian faith? 9. What does Acts 15:2 reveal about early church leadership and decision-making? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 15? 11. What defines a synod? 12. What are the key events in Silas's biblical life? 13. Why does Acts contradict Paul's letters in key details, such as his visits to Jerusalem? 14. Acts 15:1 – How can we verify the historicity of this Jerusalem Council when non-biblical sources are silent on such a pivotal event? Discussion Questions 1. How does the resolution of the doctrinal question in Acts 15:2 reflect the early church's commitment to unity and truth? 2. In what ways can modern churches learn from the example of Paul and Barnabas in addressing theological disputes? 3. How does the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church challenge us to embrace diversity within our own congregations? 4. What role does seeking godly counsel play in your personal decision-making process, and how can you apply this principle in your life? 5. How does the message of unity between Jews and Gentiles in Ephesians 2 relate to the events of Acts 15:2, and what practical steps can you take to promote unity in your community? Acts 15 Bible Study Questions 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? Links Acts 15:2 NIV Acts 15:2 NLT Acts 15:2 ESV Acts 15:2 NASB Acts 15:2 KJV Acts 15:2 Commentaries Bible Hub