Discussion Guide - Acts 15:1-19

[ICE BREAKER]

What are the biggest questions that you have about your relationship with God?

[SET UP] When have you experienced freedom in your life? What did that look like? Acts 15:1-19, read it aloud…

[DIGGING DEEPER] Even though the church in Jerusalem had come to the conclusion that Gentiles could be saved, some still believed that, “the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” The decision that was soon to be made here in Acts 15 would have huge implications for the understanding of the life of a Christian in relation to the law of Moses. The dilemma begins with some men who have traveled down from Judea to Antioch. They were teaching that in order for the new believers to be saved, they must follow the law of Moses, specifically with circumcision. The church realized that this was a serious issue that needed to be discussed and debated with Paul and Barnabas regarding this issue. This problem was so serious that a formal decision needed to be made. Paul and Barnabas were appointed as leaders to head for Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders. On the way, they stopped at Phoenicia and Samaria to share about the conversion of the Gentiles. This news made everyone glad, including those in Jerusalem as well!  Are there individuals or types of people I believe are beyond God’s grace?  What ideas do I have about being a Christian that prevents others from experiencing freedom in Christ?

The good report of the conversion of Gentiles was interrupted by an objection from the Pharisees regarding the circumcision. This is the first mention of believers that were Pharisees besides Paul. As a result, “the apostles and elders met to consider this question.” After much discussion, Peter speaks to the crowd and shares how it was God’s own initiative that he poured out His spirit on the Gentiles just as he did to Peter and his friends. In verse 9, Peter shares the great truth that God “did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.” Peter knows that the law of Moses was hard for them to bear, let alone a Gentile. How is one saved? Through faith in Jesus Christ: whether Jew or Gentile, God extends His grace to us all. We no longer are bound to the law of Moses for it is by grace that we are redeemed.  Is following Jesus a religion?  If believing in Jesus is enough to be right with God, how do I know that I have believed enough?

In verse 13 near the end of their meeting, James speaks. It is evident that James is the leader of the church in Jerusalem after the Apostles were scattered in Acts 8. James makes this revolutionary statement that “God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles.” Throughout the Old Testament, the Gentiles stood in contrast to God’s chosen people, the Jews. Here we read, that the Gentiles can be a part of God’s chosen people in the same sense that Jews were. The point of James’ speech is that God is taking the Gentiles as a people for himself. As we read through verse 15, James reveals how the prophets agree with this statement. In verse 19, James concludes that it shouldn’t be difficult for the Gentiles that are turning to God. The answer to the dilemma: not requiring Gentiles to go through painful circumcision. God is at work circumcising people’s hearts through his Spirit. The Gentile nations are now included in the future kingdom of Israel. James’ decision to change a religious practice is based on the revelation of God, which is then confirmed by the apostles, and supported by a new understanding of the Scripture. Jesus wants you to be free, to serve Him, and to live for Him. As followers of Jesus, we need to surrender our lives to Jesus and join God as His children and be a part of His redemptive work. When we understand this freedom, we don’t have to clean up before we follow Jesus, act like a Jew, or even follow a set of cultural restrictions. We can come to Christ just as we are. We are free to be His.  Are there ways that I am turning Christianity into a religion defined by some confined set of expectations?  How can I experience this freedom that is found in Jesus Christ?

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT L: Leadership development. Who in your group is growing as a leader? I: How can you as a leader involve your group in biblical service? F: Who is a friend you can invite to become a part of your group? E: How can we use this passage to equip us as followers of Jesus?