Christ Wesleyan Church
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Acts of the Apostles 15:11 NLT
A. The Council at Jerusalem..
Acts of the Apostles 15:1 NLT
1. Paul and Barnabas came into a sharp debate with these false teachers.
2. A split began to happen within the church between the Jews. Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem.
3. Peter testified once again and recaptured the vision of the gospel.
Acts of the Apostles 15:11 NLT
4. This message would have to be recaptured again and again!
Galatians 2:1-10 NLT
5. James, the leader of the Jerusalem Church and half-brother of Jesus, writes a letter to the Gentile believers and sends it back with the two teams of Paul and Barnabas, and Judas and Silas.
6. Paul and Barnabas separate over John Mark and form new missionary teams: one team, Paul and Silas and the second team, Barnabas and John Mark.
Acts of the Apostles 15:9-10 NLT
B. The letter with four restrictions...
Acts of the Apostles 15:19-21 NLT
1. All four of these restrictions were a part of pagan practices and worship.
a. Food to idols - One God!
b. Sexual immorality - Abstinence and purity!
c. Strangled animals - Pagan practice!
d. Blood - Pagan practice!
2. The restrictions were meant to build harmony between Jews and Gentiles.
3. The restrictions were meant to promote peace and defer to other convictions.
4. They were not given as a means to gain salvation, that was only by grace through faith!
C. The second missionary journey…
Acts of the Apostles 13:4 NLT
1. This missionary journey took place around 49-52 AD with Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy.
2. The total travel would have been about 3,050 miles.
3. The travel time would have taken about 100 days.
D. Missions come with a challenge…
1. Paul went to Derbe and Lystra and met with Timothy. Timothy then accompanied them on their journey. Timothy had a respected testimony. Timothy’s mother was Jewish and his father, Greek. He was circumcised before traveling with them.
2. Next, Paul and Silas traveled through Phrygia and Galatia. They then traveled to Troas.
3. Traveling to Greece, they stayed in Philippi for several days. There they saw the conversion and baptism of Lydia and her household.
4. Paul and Silas were dragged before the city officials by an angry mob. They were beaten and arrested.
5. While in prison, they were singing hymns and praying while other prisoners listened. An earthquake set them all free.
6. The jailer came to faith and all his family were baptized.
7. Paul and Silas were released but they refused to go quietly as they were Roman citizens and had been mistreated.
Acts of the Apostles 16:40 NLT
E. Questions to consider…
1. When Paul and Barnabas encountered those who were spreading another gospel, they disagreed “vehemently.” How should we handle disagreements with other believers? When should we dig in and when should we agree to disagree?
2. The Council at Jerusalem gave four restrictions. Timothy chose to be circumcised, even though it was not a requirement. When should we defer to the convictions of others and when should we hold fast to our own? What sacrifices are you willing to make? How far should we go in preserving our witness?
3. Paul listened to the Spirit in direction as to when and where he should travel. How do you listen to the Spirit’s voice as you seek direction? How does He guide you in your daily life?
4. Paul and Silas were Roman citizens but were not treated fairly. When should we stand up for our rights and when should we be silent? How should we respond to the challenges to our faith today?
5. Paul and Silas continued to face setbacks in their journey. Physical beatings, challenges to their travel, and opposition were continually before them. How do you keep your fire burning in your heart when you face disappointments, opposition, or setbacks?
Acts of the Apostles 16:5 NLT