1. The Controversial of the Early Church: If you were in the Jerusalem Council, how would you respond to the requirement that “the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the Law of Moses” (15:5)? How would you support your stand from the Scripture?

2. The Center of the Gospel: The leaders of the Jerusalem church were clear about the center of the gospel not being tradition or ritual, but by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8); as Peter proclaimed, “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved” (15:11).   

3. The Concerns for Fellow Believers: The early Christian leaders struggled to make sure that they would not “make it difficult for the Gentiles who [were] turning to God” (15:19). At the same time, the instructions to the gentile believers focused on not only the ethical and moral issues, but also on avoiding practices that would stumble the Jewish believers. Likewise, today’s Christians should have mutual concerns for one another.

4. The Qualification of God’s Servant: Paul concerned about credibility while Barnabas concerned about restoration and giving John Mark a second chance. Is there an absolute way to approach the issue? What would be your priority and what would you do?

5. Your own insight: (fill in yourself)

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Meditation and Application:

1. Thank God for His saving grace.

2. What are some of the needs and concerns of your fellow believers, and in what way that you could be a help in their situations? Pick one or two for whom you could start praying and lend a helping hand.