Introduction
Some believing Pharisees insist that believers must keep the law of Moses (v 5).
This conflict between Jewish and Gentile believers is resolved.
Questions
1. When Jews came to Antioch saying that Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised, what action did the church take to decide the issue?
v 2 ... they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
2. How did Peter say that that both Jews and non-Jews will be saved?
v 11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”
3. What were the proposed four recommendations that James made for the Gentiles?
v 19 and 20 Therefore my judgement is that we don’t trouble those from amongst the Gentiles who turn to God, but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 5 Paul and Barnabas visit Jerusalem to resolve a dispute over whether Gentile believers need to be circumcised
- v 6 to 21 The apostles and elders in Jerusalem agree that salvation for all people comes through faith in Jesus, not through keeping Jewish ritual
- v 22 to 29 A letter, recommending just four observations for Gentiles is sent to the Gentile believers affected by the dispute
- v 30 to 41 Barnabas takes John Mark with him to Cyprus. Paul disagrees with Barnabas and chooses Silas to accompany him to Syria and Cilicia starting his second major recorded journey