BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

In the next part of Acts, Paul discovers that there are some Jewish Christians who are claiming that non-Jewish Christians must become Jewish (by practicing circumcision, the Sabbath, and kosher food laws) in order to be a part of the Jesus movement. But Paul and Barnabas radically disagree, and they take the debate to a leadership council in Jerusalem for resolve. While there, Peter, Paul, and James (the brother of Jesus) point to the Scriptures and their experiences to show that God’s plan has always been to include all the nations. The council then makes a groundbreaking decision and clarifies that while non-Jewish Christians must stop participating in pagan temple sacrifices, they do not need to adopt an ethnically Jewish identity or obey the ritual laws and customs of the Torah. Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, but he is also the risen King of all nations. Membership in God’s Kingdom is not based on ethnicity or law but simply on trusting and obeying Jesus.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• What thoughts, questions, or insights came up as you read today’s chapter?
• What do you think would have happened if Paul and Barnabas avoided the conflict with the teachers from Judea (15:1-2)? Why do you think they spoke up and pursued such a strong debate? What was the immediate result of their Spirit-led consensus (see 15:31)? Does anyone in your community feel unjustly excluded? How can you pursue healthy conflict on their behalf?
• Let your reflections prompt a prayer. Express your gratitude to Jesus for including all who trust in him. Ask him to show you where there are hindrances that exclude or burden people in your community. Pray for the courage to speak up and advocate for what is true and loving.