1. 1 Paul Goes to Jerusalem (Acts 15; Galatians 2) Gentiles, the Gospel and the Law of Moses

2. 2 Paul Goes to Jerusalem Contending for the faith in Antioch Consultation at Jerusalem Correspondence to the Gentile saints Lessons for us

3. 3 Contending for the Faith Certain men from Jerusalem taught a new message, Acts 15:1 (Gal. 1:6-9); Gal. 2:4 Conflict over the Law & the Gospel: Must Gentiles keep LOM to be saved? Gospel an addition to the law or a new covenant? (Heb. 8:6-13)

4. 4 Contending for the Faith Implications upon previous gospel work: On the Jews: Were they saved by & obligated to keep the Law of Moses? (Acts 13:38-39) Was Christianity a “sect” of Judaism?Was Christianity a “sect” of Judaism? On the Gentiles: Was their conversion valid? (Acts 11:15-18, 20-21; 13:47-48; 14:27)

5. 5 Contending for the Faith Liberty in Christ from Mosaic Law, Gal. 2:4; 5:1 (Rom. 10:4) Paul & Barnabas opposed binding, 15:2 Dissension (stasis): “a standing;” insurrection, rebellion, uproar Dispute (suzetesis): “mutual questioning, disputation, discussion” So truth would continue, Gal. 2:5

6. 6 Consultation at Jerusalem Acts 15:2-21 Decision to go to Jerusalem was made in agreement with divine revelation, Acts 15:2; Gal. 2:2 Why go to Jerusalem? Not to decide what to teach (Matt. 18:18) To discover what was being taught in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:2-3; 6-9)

7. 7 Consultation at Jerusalem Acts 15:2-21 Trip to & reception at Jerusalem, Acts 15:3-6; Gal. 2:2-3, 9 Reported Gentiles conversions, 15:3 Received by Jerusalem church, 15:4 Objection raised, 15:5 Private meeting, 15:6 (Gal. 2:2) Public discussion & declaration, 15:7-21

8. 8 Correspondence to Gentile Saints Acts 15:22-35 From apostles, elders & brethren, 15:22-23 Warning: We did not command this doctrine, 15:24 Commendation of Judas & Silas; Sent for confirmation, 15:25-27 Declared the truth, 15:28-29 Delivered & encouraged, 15:30-35; 16:4-5

9. 9 Lessons for us Jerusalem meeting cannot be duplicated today Went up by revelation; ceased, 1 Cor. 13:10 Meeting did not decide doctrine nor do we There is one gospel for all (Rom. 1:16) The Law of Moses cannot justify sinners – Acts 13:38-39 (15:9-11)

10. 10 Law of Moses Revealed what sin was – Rom. 7:7 Could not justify the sinner – Rom. 3:20 A tutor for the Jews – Gal. 3:23-25 Was fulfilled in Christ – Matt. 5:17 (Rom. 10:4) Was erased as binding – Col. 2:14, 16-17

11. 11 Lessons for us “False brethren” (false teachers) exist & must be opposed Spy out our liberty in Christ, causing bondage to error (sin) – 2 Pet. 2:1-2 Beware! – Phil. 3:1-3; Rom. 16:17-18 Public debate is proper & productive, Acts 15:2; 17:2-4 (1 Pet. 3:15; Col. 3:17)

12. 12 Lessons for us How to establish & apply divine authority, Acts 15:7-21 Apostolic approved example – 15:7-11 Necessary inference – 15:12 Direct statement from Scripture – 15:13-21 Communication between brethren in different churches does not violate autonomy, 15:2, 4, 6, 22-23; 16:4

13. 13 Lessons for us Unity in the faith is possible & practical, Gal. 2:3, 6-7, 9-10 (Acts 15:25) By applying & submitting to divine authority By not binding where the Lord has not bound – Acts 15:5, 19; Gal. 2:3By not binding where the Lord has not bound – Acts 15:5, 19; Gal. 2:3 By binding where the Lord has bound – Acts 15:19-20, 28-29By binding where the Lord has bound – Acts 15:19-20, 28-29 By keeping right attitudes toward each other – Gal. 2:9-10; Eph. 4:1-3