River Valley Church New Testament Soap Sprint Sample

In Jerusalem, the council of leaders among the new believers in Jesus met to determine how Gentile believers should be instructed regarding their adherence or non-adherence to the customs and regulations of Mosaic law. In a Spirit-led demonstration of God's acceptance of people from all cultures and ethnicities who put their faith in Him, the council decided not to require the Gentile believers to keep all the regulations of the old covenant. 

Paul continued to preach and shepherd new churches in a number of cities across the Roman Empire, ministering first to the Jews in the synagogue and then to the Gentiles who were open to hearing about Jesus' new way. With the early churches' growth came more persecution, especially for Paul. The Jewish religious leaders were constantly looking for opportunities to discredit him and have him arrested.