Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
arod4God@neo.rr.com FACEBOOK: Roderick Grabski
Session ELEVEN: THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen / Discuss ACTS 15:1-35
a. Discuss initial impressions & translation differences
• Verses 23, 29 and 34
III. A Wee Bit of Background Info:
a. On Gentile Christians (Galatians 2:11-21)
b. On The Covenant with Abraham & Moses
• Genesis 17:11-14 / Exodus 4:21-26
c. On The Law (Leviticus 17:7, 10-15; 18:6-29)
IV. The Council in Jerusalem (15:1-29):
a. Trouble Comes to Antioch (vv. 1-3)
• Paul and Barnabus engage in the Debate
• Church sends Paul & Barnabus to Jerusalem
• They share joy on the way down
b. The Meeting Agenda (vv. 4-5):
• Report on all that God has been doing with them
• “Christian” Pharisees bring up the issue
1. Boils down to “Salvation by Faith Alone” vs “Works Righteousness”
c. The Council Hears the Defense (vv. 6-12):
• From Peter (sounding VERY MUCH like Paul)
1. Faith Comes by Hearing (Romans 10:8-17)
2. Holy Spirit bears Witness
3. No distinction between Jew or Greek
4. Purified Hearts (Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4)
5. Justified by Faith (Galatians 3:21-29)
• From Barnabus and Paul
1. Relating to the silent crowd all the signs and wonders that God worked through them among the Gentiles
d. The Council Decides (vv. 13-21):
• James the Just – Very Hebrew and Very Spirit-filled
1. (Did you ever think you had your case made based on the person who was in charge?)
• James refers to Peter by his Hebrew name
1. Simeon told us how God would take from the Gentiles “a people for his Name”
• James quotes Amos and Jeremiah
• Jame’s judgment is to not trouble the Gentiles turning to God
1. 4 abstinences (v 29) Not prohibitions
2. Based on Social issues that would confront Jews and Gentiles worshipping and fellowshipping together
e. Communicating the Decision of the Council (vv. 22-35):
• A Letter sent to Antioch by way of Paul, Barnabus, Judas (Barsabbas), and Silas (Silvanus)
• The message well received
• Judas and Silas go back to Jerusalem
• Paul and Barnabus stay in Antioch
V. APPLICATION
• An informed congregation allows for all persons of interest be heard.
• Church meeting can be Spirit-filled and productive, even when disagreements are voiced.
• Church controversies should always seek conformity with God’s Word, God’s Will, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
• Salvation comes by Grace through Faith – not by Works.
• We should Thank God and Praise God for Acts 15.
VI. Close in Prayer
NEXT SESSION: PAUL’S 2ND MISSIONARY JOURNEY (Part 1)
Read ACTS 15:36 – 16:40 to prepare for class
