1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. The Jerusalem Council: Grace vs. Law Acts 15:1-35
What is the Nature of the Gospel?
Mixed heritage accepted in Acts 8
“Devout” Gentiles accepted in Acts 10
What about the non-proselyte Gentiles that believed in Acts 11, 13 & 14?

3. The Dissension Acts 15:1-5
Certain Jewish Christians were demanding that Gentile believers be circumcised in order to be saved – vs. 1
Barnabas & Paul opposed this teaching - 2
The church sends them to Jerusalem
A good idea is good regardless of its source

4. The Dissension Acts 15:3-5
Barnabas & Paul tell about God’s work among the Gentiles as they travel
When they arrive they meet with the church along with the apostles & elders
Certain believing Pharisees oppose saying Gentiles needed to be circumcised and directed to follow the Law of Moses

5. The Debate – Peter’s Presentation Acts 15:6-11
This was a restricted session
Debate – searching out a question
Peter recounted God’s work when he preached the gospel to Cornelius

6. The Debate – Peter’s Presentation Acts 15:6-11
Peter Concluded:
God did not make a distinction
A burden they themselves could not bear should not be put on the Gentiles
Salvation was through the grace of the Lord Jesus – for Jew & Gentile alike

7. Barnabas & Paul Report Acts 15:12
Barnabas & Paul recount the signs and wonders God did through them among the Gentiles
The Judaizers did not have anything similar to back up their ministry

8. James’ Judgment Acts 15:13-21
He reminded them of what Simeon (Peter) had said earlier
He used Amos 9:11,12 as an example of OT Prophecies that agree with Peter’s experience
The Prophecies do not make additional demands on the Gentiles

9. James’ Judgment Acts 15:19-21
Gentiles should not be troubled
Gentiles should be careful & abstain from:
Things contaminated by idols – Exod. 20:3; 34:17; Deut 5:7 – Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 8 & 10
Fornication – Lev. 18; 1 Cor. 6
Things strangled / eating blood – Lev. 17

10. The Decision of the Council Acts 15:22-29
They adopted James’ advice
from “brethren to brethren” - equality
Written to those “disturbed” by the unauthorized men
It was written in unanimity
These are no commands, just responsibilities in keeping harmony,

11. Report to Antioch Acts 15:30-35
They rejoiced over its encouragement
Their salvation was no longer questioned
They would not have to keep Mosaic Law
The restrictions requested were to encourage harmony

12. Conclusions
Salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works – Good works are follow salvation - Eph. 2:8-10
We are to live in a way that shows our love for other believers and unbelievers

13. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ