THE BOOK OF ACTS: Week 8 – July 21-27
Acts 15-16: How do individuals and church deal with disagreements?
Chapter 15 presents a major development in the church, the process used to reach an important decision, the delivery of the message, and the conclusion itself. Disagreement about mission priorities leads to separation. Paul’s second missionary journey begins in a surprising way.
- Acts 15:1-11 Believers from Judea teach the necessity of circumcision. The apostles and elders meet together in Jerusalem– Peter’s speech.
- Acts 15:12-21 Barnabas and Paul’s report. James speaks.
- Acts 15:22-29 The church sends Judas &Silas with Paul & Barnabas with a letter.
- Acts 15:30-35 The Letter is delivered to Antioch.
- Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas separate. Paul & Silas commended by the church.
- Acts 16:1-10 Paul, Silas, and Timothy are called to Macedonia
- Acts 16:11-40 Ministry in Philippi – Lydia, the jailer, and the magistrates
Chapter 15: Consensus and Disagreement
The believers in Jesus at a Jerusalem Council made a theological decision that, quite frankly, still affects us today. How has that decision changed the face of the Church today? Where do you think the Holy Spirit was in the process of making that decision?
Does it surprise you that Paul and Barnabas go their separate ways? What good could come out of that separation? What harm?
Action Plan: Ask someone in a leadership position if they have participated in a difficult decision for the congregation. Ask how they think the Holy Spirit may have been at work.
Chapter 16: I Had a Dream
Name all the things that God/Holy Spirit/Spirit of Jesus does in this chapter? What surprises you? What is your favorite part of this adventurous story?
Action Plan: This account occurs in Philippi, a congregation that Paul held dear. Read of his love for these people in his letter written to them from prison: Philippians 1:1-11. What is your favorite verse or phrase? Write it down and refer to it frequently throughout the day.
