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Lesson 23

Acts, Chapter 15

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Time Frame (Acts 15)

Paul’s first missionary journey, covered in Acts 13:1 – Acts 14:28, came after Herod’s death in A.D. 44 (12:1-25)

First missionary journey covered about 3 years. A.D. 45-48.

The close of chapter 14 mentions “a long time” in Antioch

A generally accepted date for the Jerusalem council is A.D. 51 (some say A.D. 53). Several years had passed).

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Conflict over Circumcision (1-5) 1

Jews came from Judea to Antioch, and taught the brethren (1) Doctrine: All (including Gentiles) must

be circumcised to be saved Even regarding the Apostles, a res-

pect for their position and authority was not always recognized (2) These men argued with Paul and

Barnabas Decision was made to appeal to

Jerusalem

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Conflict over Circumcision (1-5) 2

Church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem (2-3) Paul and Barnabas traveled through

Phoenecia and Samaria on the way to Jerusalem

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Antioch

SYRIA

CYPRUS

As Paul and Barnabas passed through the Jewish regions of Phoenicia and Samaria, they told the Jews of the conversions of the Gentiles in their first Missionary Journey. (Acts 15:3)

Jerusalem

Pho

enic

ia

Samaria

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Conflict over Circumcision (1-5) 2

Church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem (2-3) Paul and Barnabas traveled through

Phoenicia and Samaria on the way to Jerusalem

They told the Jewish Christians of the conversions of the Gentiles (these sayings were received with joy! [cf. 11:18])

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Conflict over Circumcision (1-5) 3

The church in Jerusalem received Paul and Barnabas (4-5) Despite claims of Judaizing teachers, Paul

was always received and respected by the Apostles (4)

Paul and Barnabas gave a report to the church in Jerusalem re: their journeys (4)

Some of the sect of the Pharisees renewed the issue: It is necessary to circumcise the Gentiles, and to keep the law…

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Conflict over Circumcision (1-5) 4

Additional Notes (1-5) Verse 2 (dissension & dispute) both

terms have a negative connotation (cf. Mark 15:7; rebellion or insurrection). But, there is no shame in defending the truth of the gospel, Jude 3)

Companion reading Galatians 2:1-10. Note that Paul went to Jerusalem “by” or “because of” revelation. In other words, he knew he was right in this dispute…

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 1

Apostles and Elders (6) We are not sure how many of the

apostles remained in Jerusalem at this time (10 years had passed since Acts 2). For sure, James, Peter and John were present (cf. Acts 15; Galatians 2:6-10)

Both of these offices were intended by the Lord for oversight. (for elders, cf. Acts 20:28)

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 2

The Second meeting (6-21) Note: A previous meeting in verses 4&5. Note also that these were public

meetings. The church was present Do not make the mistake that because

all the brethren “kept silent and listened” (vs. 12) that this was a democratic assembly.

Verse 7 indicates that the meeting began with ‘much dispute’. Same word as vs. 2, “mutual questioning.”

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 3

Peter Speaks (7-11) Peter recounts the events of Acts 10.

(vs. 7-9) He uses this as an indication that God

has “made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”

Note: This was without circumcision

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 4

Peter Speaks (7-11) Conclusion: “Why do you test God by

putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear.” (vs. 10)

This argument made time and again in scripture. The law could not bring salvation! (cf. Romans 8:3)

Instead, we are all saved in the same way, by grace through faith (vs. 11)

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 5

Paul and Barnabas speak (12) For a more detailed discussion of the

part Paul and Barnabas played in the meeting, again read Galatians 2:1-10

Paul and Barnabas contradicted the claims of the Judaizing teachers that they were proclaiming error, by noting the miracles God had used to confirm their ministry among the Gentiles.

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 6

James speaks (13-21) James argument is a comparison of

Peter’s testimony with a prophecy of scripture taken from Amos 9:11-12

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Amos 9:11-12

“On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old; 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,” Says the LORD who does this thing.

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 6

James speaks (13-21) James argument is a comparison of

Peter’s testimony with a prophecy of scripture taken from Amos 9:11-12

“And with this the words of the prophets agree…”

The argument: Prophecy indicates that the rebuilding of the tabernacle would bring the Gentile into standing with God, “so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord…”

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 7

James speaks (13-21) James’ judgment: Do not trouble the

Gentiles with these additional burdens Gentiles should be encouraged to:

•Abstain from the pollutions of idolatry•Abstain from sexual immorality•Abstain from things strangled•Abstain from eating blood

Note: Last two not merely cultural… God condemns the eating of blood.

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McGarvey (page 67)

“The four things, from which James proposed that the Gentiles should be required to abstain, had been made unlawful, not my the Mosaic Law, but by the revelations of the patriarchal age. From the beginning it had been known to the Patriarchs that it was sinful to have an responsible connection with idols, or to indulge in fornication; and from the time of the law given to the race in the family of Noah (Genesis 9:4), eating blood and consequently eating things strangled which retained their blood within them had been wrong; and so will continue to the end of the world.”

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The Jerusalem Meeting(6-21) 8

Additional Considerations Authority was found in the leadership

of the congregation (15:6) Matter was settled by the testimony of

God, not man (15:8, 12, 15) The church in Jerusalem did not

“decide”, but agreed with the decision (15:22)

The importance of communication with the congregation is seen here (15:22)

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The Jerusalem Decree(22-29) 1

Unanimous Decision to inform Antioch of the established teaching Men were chosen: Paul, Barnabas,

Judas (Barsabas) and Silas (22) Letter was written and sent with them

(23) Content of the Letter (24-29)

Those who teach the necessity of circumcision were guilty of “troubling”

“no such commandment” Only commands, cf. vs. 29

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The Jerusalem Decree(22-29) 2

Paul and Barnabas were given the approval of the apostles (25-26) Specific mention given of their good

work (cf. Galatians 2:9) Judas and Silas sent to confirm this

The Decision made by the Holy Spirit (28) They were in agreement with the

teaching of the Holy Spirit

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Ministry in Antioch (30-35)

Church in Antioch received the Letter (30-31) They rejoiced, accepting its message Note: The issue is settled, though not

accepted by all! Judas and Silas preach in Antioch

(32-33) Inspired prophets (32) Judas returned to Jerusalem, but Silas

stayed with Paul and Barnabas in Antioch

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Division over John Mark (36-41) 1

Paul proposes second journey (36) Barnabas wanted to take John

Mark with them (37-41) Paul objected, not trusting his

faithfulness (he had once left them), cf. 13:13

The contention became sharp, and they separated (39)

Barnabas and Mark to Cyprus (39) Paul & Silas through Syria and

Cilicia (40-41)