Acts 15:1–21: Gathered Together to Consider This Matter
Introduction
If we think back to the beginning of the Book of Acts, the gospel has already come incredibly far into the world. From a small group of disciples in Jerusalem waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit, we have now seen the Holy Spirit expand his dwelling place into men and women in several different areas, cultures, languages, and ethnicities. Especially, we have seen the power of the Holy Spirit to bring many Gentiles to faith in Christ. This progress has raised significant questions within the church, specifically regarding the ongoing applicability of the Jewish ceremonial law, such as circumcision. To deal with a specific issue that arises that would insist that Gentiles be circumcised, the church gathers together her officers to examine the question from all angles. The Jerusalem Council sets a pattern, therefore, for how we must handle controversies in the church to this day: the church must judge controversies in light of God’s Word.
Discussion Questions
1. Why would these men from Judea believe that circumcision is required for salvation (v. 1)? Why would it have been difficult for the early church to understand the basis on which Gentiles could be drawn into the people of God apart from being circumcised? Why did Paul and Barnabas fiercely oppose this teaching (v. 2a)? Why send delegates to Jerusalem about the question (v. 2b)? How did the rest of the church respond to the news of God’s salvation of Gentiles (v. 3)?
2. Although the whole church was with the apostles and elders when Paul and Barnabas arrived (v. 4), why did only the apostles and elders gather to consider the question (v. 6)? What does Peter imply when he reminds the assembly that God gave his Holy Spirit to Gentiles (v. 8)? Why was it important that God cleansed their hearts not by ceremonies, but merely by faith (v. 9)? Why is it essential for us to believe that salvation is by grace alone, and not by works (v. 11)?
3. Who is James (v. 13)? Is he an apostle or an elder? Why does he quote the Scriptures in the consideration of this matter (vv. 16–18)? What clarity does Amos 9:11–12 add to the debate? What kind of wisdom does James offer for handling barriers to fellowship in vv. 19–21? What example does James set for how the church should make decisions in the cases and controversies of our own day?
4. What kind of example does Acts 15 set for how the church ought to answer doctrinal questions? What do we see about the importance of a plurality of elders (since apostles are no longer living)? What is the role of in-person, gathering together and debate for sorting through these questions? How do we see the Scriptures consulted? What kind of authority do the officers of the church have to answer questions of doctrine and of wisdom for the leadership of the church?
