Weekly Lesson:  Acts Chapters 15

Teacher:  Bro. Chris Sims

Bro. Chris opened up the lesson discussing how the Jews in this chapter believed that the Gentiles needed to be circumcised like the Jews before becoming Christians. 

In Acts 15:1 it says …Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

What are some examples of Except ye?

• Speaking in tongue
• Water baptism
• Certain Churches

The first two bullets are acts of salvation.

Acts 15:7 – What does Paul own up to in this verse?  Paul is saying remember what I have told you.  He was the person chosen, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word, and believe.

Acts 15:9 – How did they purify their hearts?  It’s by faith.

Acts 15:11 – “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” What is Phenomenal about Paul’s preaching?  He was consistent in his sound doctrine.  In the early church you will find this doctrine…by faith and thru grace are you saved.

Acts 15:22 and 27 – Judas and Silas are debating among the Pharisees.  Paul was nominally the lead but the Jews responded better to Peter and James.

Who were the two key figures in the early church? 

1. Paul
2. Barnabas

Who are now included with these men?

1. Silas
2. Judas

 

Acts 15:29 – The Gentiles were considered heathens.  They performed strange religious practices among them.  They were advised not to continue with these forms of practices which included; meat and blood offered as idols, and fornication.  These men understood the Gentile practices but they are pastoring them now and were offering instruction and setting parameters for them.

Acts 15:31 – They gathered in a central place.

Acts 15:35 – They rejoiced to the preaching.  Paul is giving revelations that Jesus Christ is always in our lives as Christians.

KEY POINTS:  The further we go as Christians we must always remind ourselves of:

1. If it’s not scripture it’s not spiritual
2. If it’s not spiritual it’s not scriptural

 

We as Christians can’t get caught up in feelings and emotions.  The word is always right.  Pastors sometimes will instruct us in the word.  Remember to always look for the Book, Chapter and Verse.

The Second Missionary Journey

All these men were going back to every city to see how the converts were doing.  Paul was not comfortable with the Loyalty of John Mark.  Paul was questioning his loyalty. 

Loyalty:  Is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause.  We as Christians should always be committed to a church.  Find a work in the church and perform it with loyalty. 

Loyalty should be demonstrated in your everyday life.  Whether it’s your work, church, marriage or friendships, it’s always right to be loyal.

Acts 15:38-40 – Paul and Barnabas had a falling out regarding the loyalty of John Mark.  They departed ways and each continued their journeys.

Acts 15:40 – Silas is recommended and confirmed.

NEXT WEEK:       Acts Chapter 16