Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: the Jerusalem Summit” Acts

9. What do you think Peter meant when he said that they would “test God” if they told new believers they had to Small Group Questions obey the Law (15:10)? “The Church Afire: The Jerusalem Summit” Acts 14:27–15:35 10. Peter said in verse 9 that God “purified their hearts by faith.” What do you think that means? 1. In what ways, if any, have you allowed the Gospel to describe your whole life? 11. How would you explain to someone what Peter said in verse 11 that “it is through grace” we are saved? 2. What were some of the expected, extra-biblical rules you were supposed to follow in the church where you 12. Read Romans 14:13-15 and 1 Corinthians 8:9. How do grew up? these words relate to what Peter said in his speech (15:10)? 3. Who came to the church in Antioch and caused considerable dissension (15:1-2)? a. Do you have unrealistic expectations of someone?

a. What were their expectations of the Gentile b. Are those expectations causing them to stumble? believers? Why? 13. What did Paul and Barnabas have to say at the council b. What if circumcision were made necessary to (15:4, 12)? salvation (Galatians 5:3; Romans 10:4)? 14. James, the brother of Jesus, spoke next. What was his 4. What happened when Paul and Barnabas heard the appeal to the council (15:13-18)? teaching (15:2)? 15. What judgment did James make about the controversial 5. How did the church in Antioch decide they should settle teaching (15:19-20)? the question? 16. Who was sent along with Paul and Barnabas to take 6. What did Paul and Barnabas do as they traveled to the letter to the church in Antioch (15:22, 25-27)? Jerusalem (15:3)? 17. What did the council write concerning being a. Who traveled with them? Was that important? circumcised and keeping the Law (15:23-24)?

7. The Jerusalem church welcomed Paul and Barnabas 18. In the letter, what four things were the Gentiles as they reached the city. What did the party of the instructed to avoid (15:28-29)? Pharisees say at the first council (15:4-5)? a. Why do you think these were included? 8. What was Peter’s argument to the council (15:7-11)? 19. What was the reaction of the church in Antioch to the letter from Jerusalem (15:30-31)? Next Steps: 20. If you had received this letter, what would you have found encouraging about it? Explain. GI am so thankful that we are saved, not by law keeping, but by the grace of God in Christ Jesus! 21. The real issue debated at the council was not whether GAs a recipient of God’s grace, I will gladly extend grace a Gentile might become a believer, but whether they must first become a Jew and follow Jewish Law. What to others. impact might it have had on the church then and today, GI will not use my freedom in Christ to cause others to if the decision had been that Gentiles must follow stumble. Jewish Law to become a believer? GI will not create restrictions (that were never intended by God) that make it difficult for others to follow Jesus. 22. What unbiblical things do some people today require of converts to be saved?

23. James said that they had been making it difficult for the Gentiles who were turning to God by forcing them to obey the Jewish Law (15:10). Can you think of some ways that people today make it difficult to turn to God?

a. How do you think we might counteract this?

24. Do real Christians ever strongly disagree on some things?

a. Why do you think this is?

b. What is vital to remember during seasons of conflict, especially as it relates to the church? Refer to the appeals of Peter, Paul and Barnabas, and James in 15:7-18.

25. What can we learn about resolving conflict from the way the Jewish leaders and the Apostles worked toward a resolution?

26. When we fall under the banner of grace, we are free to let some things go for the sake of unity. What do you need to let go this week for the sake of unity in the Kingdom of God?