A C T S Go Tell the Good     News! Lesson 16  Acts 15:1-35

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 Trouble arises from within the church. Many Gentiles had been converted Their inclusion among the saved was initially questioned, but Peter’s answers convinced all that “God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life” (11:18) In Acts 15, this truth is questioned by some Jewish Christians (believing Pharisees), who thought that Gentiles must first submit to circumcision before becoming Christians. NOTE ON CHRONOLOGY: The events of Acts 15 occur 17 years after Paul’s conversion and 14 years after his Acts 9 visit, circa 48 A.D. (Galatians 1:18; 2:1)

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 Teachers from Judea come to Antioch and teach that Gentiles must be circumcised (15:1-3) Paul and Barnabas dispute with them (cf. Gal. 2:4-5) It was determined that Paul, Barnabas, and others should go to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this question. WHY? The Judaizing teachers had COME FROM THERE The apostles spoke authoritatively for Christ. The elders in Jerusalem had some responsibility for the teaching that was done by those who came out of the church there (cf. 15:24) Paul & Barnabas are sent by the church. They report of their work among the Gentiles to brethren in Samaria and Phoenicia.

Phoenicia Samaria

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 In Jerusalem, Paul meets privately with Peter, John, and James the Lord’s brother (Galatians 1:19; 2:2, 7-9) They are in agreement! Paul & Barnabas are welcomed by the church and give a thorough report of their work (15:4) Believing Pharisees assert that it is necessary for Gentiles to be circumcised. (15:5) The apostles and elders come together to consider the matter (15:6). After much dispute, Peter, Paul & Barnabas, and James address the gathering in turn.

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 Peter’s speech (15:7-11) God chose me to preach to the Gentiles God showed His approval by sending the Holy Spirit. God showed no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, purifying both by faith. Why challenge God’s will? Why demand that they do what we Jews were unable to do? Both Jews and Gentiles are saved by grace! Paul & Barnabas tell of the miracles God worked through them among the Gentiles (15:12)

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 James’ speech (15:13-21) The words of the prophets agree with Peter that the Gentiles would be included in God’s redemptive plan (Amos 9:11-12) God knows His eternal plan! Do not make it unnecessarily difficult for the Gentiles to turn to the Lord!

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 James’ speech (15:13-21) Let’s write to them and warn them about things that might truly hinder their relationship with God – let’s remind them to abstain from idols, sexual immorality, things strangled, and blood. Regarding the latter, note that this prohibition goes back before Abraham and Moses (Genesis 9:3-4; Lev. 7:11-12) It does not bind the Law of Moses on Gentiles

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 A decision is reached to send a letter and messengers to the Gentile brethren The decision pleases the apostles, and elders, with the church. Barnabas, Paul, Judas, Silas & others would be sent.

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 Contents of the letter (15:23-29) It is from the apostles, elders, and brethren to Gentile brethren in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. It disavows the Judaizing teachers who had come from Jerusalem Messengers would be sent along with the letter to confirm its contents. It seemed good to the HOLY SPIRIT and those sending the letter to burden the Gentiles with nothing more than necessary things – abstaining from idols, blood, things strangled and sexual immorality.

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 Reception of the Letter in Antioch (15:30-35) The letter was delivered to the assembled multitude of disciples When they read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. What would they have found encouraging? Judas and Silas, who are also prophets, exhort and strengthen the brethren. Judas and others return to Jerusalem with greetings for the apostles from the brethren, but Silas remains to work in Antioch, as did Barnabas and Paul.

The Conference in Jerusalem Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2 Additional facts related to the Jerusalem Conference Titus was one of the others who had gone with Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem. He was not compelled to be circumcised (Galatians 2:3) Peter, John, and James expressed to Paul their desire that he “remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10)