“Luke / Acts Week 42 – Oct. 14-18”

Monday, October 14, 2024

Monday – Acts 15:6-21 The Jerusalem Council
1. In Jerusalem, the church leadership gathers to discuss the matter of Gentile salvation. Summarize the different evidence Peter, Paul and Barnabas, and James uses to show that God accepts Gentiles without keeping the Law of Moses or being circumcised.
2. What exactly does Peter mean when he says, “we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will” (v. 11)?
3. To what extent, if any, does this passage present a model for how we can resolve issues today? Explain.

Tuesday – Acts 15:22-35 The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers
1. With theological matters decided, the group now turns to practical matters. Not only does the Jerusalem church’s letter addresses the issue of Gentile salvation, but it also addresses Gentile-Jewish relationships. Why does James lay four “burdens” (vv. 28-29) on the Gentiles?
2. How do both the Jews and Gentiles in Antioch and beyond receive the letter? What role do you imagine Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas playing in the delivery of the letter?
3. The conflict of Acts 15 has the potential of severing the church in two; yet truth prevails. What principles for conflict resolution among believers do you see in Acts 15? How would this help you today?

Wednesday – Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas Separate
1. With one dispute resolved, Luke follows with another dispute. However, this was over a difference of opinion, not doctrine. What is behind the split between Paul and Barnabas?
2. Luke records, their disagreement was so “sharp... that they separated from each other.” How do you imagine the argument sounding? Do you see the two reconciling (cf. 1 Cor 9:6; Col 4:10)? Explain.
3. Why do you think Barnabas wants to take Mark with them/him despite the fact the young man had previously deserted them? When has someone given you a second chance like Barnabas does for Mark?

Thursday – Acts 13:5, 13; 15:37-39; Col 4:10-11; 2 Tim 4:11 Mark: A Character Study
1. First mentioned in Acts 12:12, John Mark grew up in a home closely associated with the early church in Jerusalem. How do you imagine this experience shaping him into a missionary (cf. Act 12:25)?
2. At first, John Mark is “assisting” Paul and Barnabas. Yet not long afterwards he “left them” or as Paul put it, “withdrawn” or “deserted” them. Why do you think John Mark left the missionaries? Was Paul’s estimation of the situation correct or a little too extreme? Explain.
3. Later, we find Mark is an asset to Paul. What do you think changed in both men to bring about this reconciliation? 

Friday – Acts 16:1-5 Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
1. Retracing the steps of the first missionary journey, Paul comes to Lystra where he meets Timothy. Despite the debate in Acts 15, why is it acceptable for Paul to circumcise him (cf. 1 Cor 9:19-23)?
2. From this point on, Timothy becomes Paul’s right-hand-man. Using passages such as 1 Cor 4:17; Php 2:19-22; 1 Tim 1:18-19a; 2 Tim 1:3-7; 3:10-17, write a character sketch of this godly young man.
3. The answer to how a church grows is found in v. 5. Why does “strengthened” faith come before “increased” numbers? What areas of faith does your congregation need to be strengthened in before you can increase in number?

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