Study Questions for October 31, 2004

Acts 15:1-40 - Resolving a Theological Crisis

1. In spite of fierce opposition and life-threatening persecution, everything seemed to be going smoothly, until some well-meaning, self-appointed individuals sought to impose their conception of salvation on the Christian life.  What made this issue much more than a debate about circumcision?
 
2.  In Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia (Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe), he described the nature of the theological conflict. Presumably Galatians 2:11-16 was written before Acts 15 and the verdict of the Jerusalem Council. In Acts it is evident that all the believers were pleased that Gentiles were coming to Christ. The debate centered on what was expected of these Gentile converts. How difficult do you think it was for “believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees” to let go of the requirement for circumcision?
 
3. What was the early church’s method for resolving this conflict? 
 
4. Why does the natural progression of speakers, first Peter, then Barnabas and Paul, followed by James, make sense? 
 
5. How did their conclusion fit with the principle of the easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30)? 
 
6. What was significant about how the Jerusalem Council communicated their conclusion to Gentile believers? What was the significance of the delegation and the tone of the letter?
 
7. Agree or Disagree? The theological crisis threatened to close the open door of evangelism to the Gentiles but the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas seems to have expanded the outreach of the Gospel.

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