These small group Bible studies of Acts 15 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Acts 15 Bible Study Guide – The Jerusalem Council
Outline
I. Paul and Barnabas report to the Jerusalem Council (1-5)
II. Peter argues for saved by grace (6-11)
III. James’ conclusion (12-21)
I. Paul and Barnabas report to the Jerusalem Council (1-5)
Discussion Questions
• What were the men from Judea teaching?
• What may have motivated them to require circumcision?
• If you were arguing against them, what would your case be?
• Why did Paul argue so strongly against this idea?
• In which New Testament book is Paul’s focus on teaching against this “circumcision is necessary for salvation” idea?
• How would this disagreement be handled?
• What did Paul and Barnabas do on the way to Jerusalem?
• Does the church sometimes still focus on rituals instead of relationship?
• What rituals may take on oversized importance now?
• How can we guard against the idea that salvation comes by works?
• Why does rules-based religion have such a strong appeal?
Cross-References
Romans 3:28 – For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Galatians 2:16 – Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 5:6 – For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
John 17:3 – And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Psalms 51:16-17 – For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. The Judaizers –
Acts 15:1-2 – But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.
Paul often encountered a sect that espoused the requirement to be circumcised and keep the law. They were called Judaizers. And Paul consistently argues and writes against them, as he does here.
The Judaizers (verses 1 and 5) were groups of legalistic Jews who claimed to believe in the gospel but added their own works and traditions to it. Their main doctrine was that you not only need to believe in Christ but must also keep the law, especially circumcision, or you cannot be saved.
In Philippians 3:2, Paul refers to this group as dogs (at the time, wild dogs roamed the streets of the cities in that area, causing havoc) and evil workers (because they were doing the work of Satan). Paul often warned the church to watch out for these works-oriented groups.
Much of the letter of Galatians was written to argue against the works-based salvation philosophy of these Judaizers.
There are many problems with a works-oriented approach. Here are a few:
• The biggest problem is that it cannot possibly be successful! They were teaching people to follow the law, but it is impossible for anyone to keep the whole law. That is one of the major points in the Old Testament and of preparing people for the coming of Christ. A person who tries to follow all of the laws in the Old Testament will fall far short. He will be burdened to the point of collapse. And finally, he will collapse under the strain that no man (except for Christ) can bear.
• It encourages pride. Many Jews, like the Pharisees, were proud. They viewed themselves as being a special people and looked down on all the uncircumcised. They trusted in themselves, thinking it was their works that would save them.
• It gives man the glory instead of God. While adding works seems like a small and even helpful addition to the gospel equation, it immediately makes things man-centric and negates the need for Christ. God does not share glory (Isaiah 42:8).
Romans 2:29 – But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
True circumcision is circumcision of the heart. Circumcision of the heart refers to a heart that is set apart for and devoted to God, giving rise to a sincere faith in Christ. That means recognizing that salvation comes from Christ alone. It is 100% Him and 0% us, not a fifty-fifty split.
It is also an understanding that the flesh avails nothing. There is no room for confidence in our own achievements or abilities.
Philippians 3:3 – For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.
We put our confidence in Christ, not in ourselves. Many Jews felt that they were granted automatic entry into God’s family simply because they were “good,” circumcised Jews. Paul refuted that idea throughout his writings and ministry. The ones who actually belong to God are not those who are physically circumcised but those who worship Him, trust in Jesus, and put no confidence in their own flesh.
Application – Do you put confidence in the flesh? Nothing we do can take away our sins. None of our own achievements can bring us to God. It doesn’t matter how many people we share with, how many Scriptures we memorize, how many times we have read the Bible, how many good deeds we have done, how many promotions we have gotten, how many exams we have aced, how many languages we have learned, how many houses/cars we have bought, how many friends we have made, how many patients’ lives we have saved, how much of the Bible we have memorized, how many prayers we have said, or how many times we have visited church. We must put no confidence in these things or anything else of ourselves to bring us to God.
In what aspect might you be tempted to put confidence in the flesh? Take it to the Lord. Thank Him for His blessings in that area while acknowledging that any ability or resource you have is from Him.
2. Some things are worth arguing about –
Paul consistently and vigorously argued against the circumcision party. He was unwilling to give an inch to this group because he knew how destructive their teachings were.
We should major on the majors and minor on the minors. We should seek unity with other believers (Ephesians 4:1-6). We should not divide over small things. But this was no small thing.
Salvation by grace through faith alone was one of the core principles of the Reformation because it is extremely important. It is one of the majors we should major on. Churches should not divide over carpet coloring, usage of drums, or minor eschatology differences.
But works-based salvation was worth arguing about.
Galatians 1:8 – But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Reflect – Consider arguments or divisions you have witnessed in churches. Were they worth fighting over? Were they major or minor issues?
Application – Take a stand for the truth on core gospel issues. Speak up against wrong ideas that will mislead the saints.
2 Corinthians 10:5 – We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
3. The Jerusalem Council –
It was decided that Paul and Barnabas would go up to Jerusalem and a council would be held with the apostles and elders to decide on this issue. This was the inaugural major churchwide council and the only one mentioned in Scripture. It would be a prototype for future councils held by the church, of which there were many.
4. Testifying of God’s works on the way –
Acts 15:3 – So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.
Paul and Barnabas didn’t waste any time. They were in between ministry destinations and activities. But on the way to their next stop, they joyfully testified of what God had been doing. You can feel their energy and enthusiasm. They were delighted to share testimonies of what they had witnessed God doing.
Reflected – Are you equally as excited about sharing what God has done for you?
Mark 5:19 – “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Telling about God’s goodness in our lives should be as natural as breathing.
II. Peter argues for saved by grace (6-11)
Discussion Questions
• Why was it important that the apostles and elders meet to make a decision on this issue?
• Summarize Peter’s argument.
• What event does Peter refer to in verses 7-9?
• How did the Holy Spirit make it clear that the Gentiles could be saved?
• What is essential for salvation?
• What are the dangers of adding more requirements beyond these?
• Why does Peter describe the Old Testament law and circumcision as a yoke?
• How do the truths in this passage speak to unity in the church?
• Are you adding requirements to salvation and placing a yoke on yourselves or others?
Cross-References
Romans 10:12-13 – For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Ephesians 2:14-16 – For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Peter stands up –
Peter is the first to give a full speech at the council. He gave one of the strongest defenses of salvation by faith alone in all of Scripture.
Peter’s speech was not about his own opinion. His speech was powerful largely because he simply recounted indisputable facts of how God had saved the Gentiles.
Peter recounted how in the “early days” of the church God had clearly reached out and saved the Gentiles. Giving them the same Holy Spirit, He made no distinction. For the full story, read Acts 10-11.
This was Peter’s conclusion at the time.
Acts 11:17-18 – If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Extending salvation to the Gentiles was God’s choice.
2. Salvation is by faith through God’s grace –
Verse 7 – That the Gentiles should hear the gospel and believe.
Verse 9 – Having cleansed their hearts by faith.
Verse 10 – Demanding they keep the Old Testament law was like putting a yoke on them.
Verse 11 – We will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). A person cannot be saved by good works. Salvation is 100% God’s work in our lives. Going to church cannot save you. Praying cannot save you. Giving to the poor cannot save you. Reading the Bible cannot save you. Being baptized cannot save you. Singing in the choir cannot save you. Doing ministry for God (preaching or teaching or any other) cannot save you.
The word “grace” means that God gives us something which we do not deserve, namely, salvation. It cannot be earned. It cannot be paid back. Our sins mean we deserve judgment, but God gave us something much better instead: eternal life!
It is a gift from God.
Suppose I am walking down the street and find a random stranger and hand him $1000; that is a gift, a form of grace. Since he did not work for me, he does not deserve this gift. Of course, he has the opportunity to accept it or not. God’s grace toward us is like this. It is completely unmerited. One reason God designed it this way is that He does not want boasters in heaven.
Suppose a person is drowning and the captain of a nearby boat tosses him a life ring. He takes hold of it. Will the saved person be bragging in the boat about his cleverness, his choice, or his great natural ability? Of course not. He will thank the captain for saving him. And the captain is the one who should get the credit for saving his life. On the other hand, imagine the captain throws him a life ring and it is within his grasp, but he refuses to grab it and tries to save himself. In the process, he drowns. Will people blame the captain for the man’s death? No, it is his own fault. He is the one who refused help and therefore has to bear the responsibility for his decision.
In the same way, God gets 100% of the credit for our salvation when a person believes and people get 100% of the blame when they refuse to take His free gift and die in their sin.
It was extremely important that the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith was established clearly in the early church. Thus, Peter’s powerful speech is one of the most important in all of history. Praise God that Peter was willing to speak up and use his voice to share these time-enduring truths.
Lies gain power when those who know the truth keep silent or are intimidated.
Application – Have you acknowledged before God that salvation is a gift of grace that you do not deserve? Do you live like that or do you still seek to earn or deserve salvation in some way?
3. Relationship vs rules and rituals –
Paul and Peter were adamant that the church must not submit itself to a ritualistic religion. People have already tried that and failed.
No one can keep the heavy burden of the law. It is too much for us (Acts 15:10). God is not pleased by religious ritual and never has been (Hosea 6:6). He wasn’t pleased when people brought sacrifices with their hearts far from Him. He wasn’t pleased with the rich people who made significant public offerings to get praise from men.
But a rules-based approach to religion is not just a thing of the past. It is still common today. It is popular for several reasons:
• Satan pushes this agenda as one way to keep people from having a real relationship with Christ.
• It makes sense to people. We like checklists. We like to-do lists. We like achieving things. We want to have a simple and easy-to-understand list of what a good Christian should do. It somehow makes sense to us.
• It appeals to our fallen nature. Some part of our nature thinks that we can make up for our sin, that we can somehow earn salvation. That is pride. We want to rely on ourselves instead of others. Telling people there is nothing they can do to earn salvation turns many away.
Every religion in the world, except for what we learn in the Bible, is about rules. When people make up a religion, they make up lots of rules because it seems to make sense.
This mentality often creeps into the church. Many unwritten or sometimes written rules are added to Scripture.
Here are some:
• Christians must tithe 10%.
• When the church doors are open, you should be there.
• Men should wear suits and ties to church
• Women should always wear dresses.
• The King James Version is the only version Christians should use.
• Christians should not drink any alcohol.
• Real wine should be used for communion.
• Real wine should not be used for communion.
• Christians should not watch movies.
• You should not dance.
• Christmas is sacred. We should religiously celebrate it.
• Christmas is pagan. We should religiously avoid it.
• Christians should celebrate the Old Testament festivals
The list can go on and on. Are these rules good? Are they bad?
Most of these are conscience issues, preference issues, or personal conviction issues. None of the rules above is actually listed in Scripture. Many are not bad, but we need to be careful that we don’t focus on rules instead of relationship.
You need to come before the Lord and earnestly seek His guidance in forming your own convictions.
Our faith is about a relationship with Jesus, not rituals or rules.
Celebrating an Old Testament festival can be very helpful for drawing close to Jesus and seeing Him foreshadowed in those Old Testament events. But we should not be legalistic about it or require others to make the same choice we do.
One believes that Christmas is an excellent way to share the good news with the lost, have a wonderful family time, and remember Christ’s birth. Another person says that it has pagan roots or has become too secular and is better avoided.
Romans 14:4-5 – Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
The heart of our faith is not about these things. It is not about rules or rituals. Some of these things have their purpose, but they are a means to an end and not an end in themselves.
The Pharisees were very strict in their external behavior. They were very religious, but for them, it was a performance to demonstrate to those watching how righteous they were when, in fact, they were far from God.
Paul described rituals as a “shadow of the things to come.”
Colossians 2:17 – These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
If you could pick one person from history to meet, who would it be? Jesus? Charles Spurgeon? Alexander the Great?
Imagine that you meet that person. Would you just look at his shadow? Charles Spurgeon says, “Hi, Troy. How are you?” Troy answers, “Sorry, I am busy studying your shadow.”
The shadow shows that the person is real. But the shadow is not the focal point. Instead, it points us to the person behind the shadow.
That is Christ. Religious rituals should point us to Christ. But they are not the main course. They are a means to an end. And the end is a closer relationship with Jesus.
Colossians 2:17 – The substance belongs to Christ.
Don’t focus on the shadow. Focus on the real thing. Christ! Our faith is not about rules. It is not about commands. It is not about rituals or festivals. It is not about going to church. It is not about wearing symbols like a cross or a dove. It is not about baptism or communion. It is not even about heaven or reading the Bible. What is it then?
It is about having a relationship with Christ. If you do all of the rest but have no relationship with Christ, you are missing the whole point and have created your own religion.
The Bible is a way to let us become closer to Christ. Heaven is a place where we can see Christ face-to-face. Communion is a ritual to remember what Christ has done for us. Christian symbols are reminders of what Christ has done for us. All of these things are a means to an end.
We need a relationship, not a ritual.
III. James’ conclusion (12-21)
Discussion Questions
• Who was James?
• What prophecy did James cite? Why was this prophecy important?
• What was James’ judgment?
• Why did he ask them to abstain from eating things polluted by idols, sexual immorality, thing strangled, and blood?
• Are these rules for today as well or were they cultural?
Cross-References
Galatians 1:19 – But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Galatians 2:9 – And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
1 Corinthians 15:7 – Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Paul and Barnabas speak –
Paul and Barnabas shared what they had witnessed on their first missionary journey. God had been working among the Gentiles, saving many. They had witnessed a Roman governor coming to Jesus. Also, they had seen more than one miracle.
2. James’ speech –
James was the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55), an apostle (Galatians 1:19), and a pillar of the early church (Galatians 2:9).
He spoke last and gave the final conclusion. These facts show us his position as a very influential leader in the early church. At the very least, it seems that he chaired this meeting.
James cited a prophecy from Amos that salvation would include not only the Jews, but also the Gentiles (Amos 9:11-12). Thus, James makes it clear that God’s plan all along included the Gentiles. If God included them, how could they possibly exclude them?
3. James’ conclusion –
Acts 15:19-20 – Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.
The Jerusalem Council held that the Gentiles were full-fledged members of the church and had received salvation and the Holy Spirit. The Council also held that salvation was by grace through faith.
The Council concluded that the Gentiles were not required to obey the Old Testament law or be circumcised. However, in order to preserve unity among the Jews and Gentiles, Gentiles were requested to follow four aspects of the Old Testament law.
• Abstain from things polluted by idols.
• Abstain from sexual immorality.
• Abstain from strangled things.
• Abstain from blood.
These were not given as requirements for salvation, but as good practices which would help meld the two groups and prevent Gentiles from grossly offending Jews and creating division in the early church.
One of the rules of Bible interpretation is to let Scripture interpret Scripture and to look at the whole Bible as context. When we do, we will find that sexual immorality is repeatedly condemned throughout the New Testament.
But Paul wrote about eating food sacrificed to idols and allowed it.
Paul dealt with these same issues multiple times. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he concluded that eating food sacrificed to idols was not wrong in and of itself (Romans 14:14), but that he would willingly give up eating meat to preserve unity (1 Corinthians 8:13).
We are under grace and are free of the Old Testament law (Galatians 5:1). It is the Old Testament law that prohibits practices such as eating blood (Leviticus 17:14). Still, we should avoid practices that will cause division or other believers to stumble.
The commands in Acts 15:20 were given specifically to Gentiles in the early New Testament church for a specific reason. Eating blood or food with blood in it is a matter of conscience.
A more important principle is to pursue unity.
Romans 14:19 – So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
1 Corinthians 10:24, 33 – Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor… just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Application – What is something you may need to give up at times in order to pursue unity with other believers around you?
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