College Notes
The Acts
Chapter 15
Council at Jerusalem (15:1-35)
Problem (15:1-5)
Doctrine of circumcision essential to Jewish heritage.
vs. 1
"certain men" means certain members of
Church -- possibly ministers.
vs. 2
Ministers gathered at Jerusalem to discuss
matter.
vs. 3
"Brought on their way"
-- trip was paid by Church.
vs. 4 - 5
Jerusalem
Conference -- 1st in Church history, 49 A.D. Cultures are changed very
slowly.
Note: The Church was in transition at this time. Many were still offering sacrifices at the Temple and there were many Priests who believed. They were still keeping the Jewish laws, sacrifices, washings and all of the various rituals. It would be natural for many of them to expect new converts to be circumcised.
Peter's Decision (15:6-11)
vs. 7
Note: Teaching change. Originally thought James, Lord's brother, was leader of Church in making doctrine. Why? Because, here in chapter 15 is an example.
vs. 9 - 10
Point: Israel's carnality brought on the
sacrifices, etc. to remind them of their relationship with God.
Was a yoke to remind them of sin.
Was not until the golden calf that God
introduced these various sacrifices.
vs. 11
Jew and Gentile alike
through grace from God.
James' Statement
(15:12-21)
vs. 13
James, Lord's brother speaks.
vs. 20
Example of problems
that Gentiles had, but circumcision was still main subject.
Note: Ordinances kept "forever" which means so long as factors exist.
Israel becomes spiritual nation and circumcision becomes a spiritual subject, i.e. of the heart.
Marriage binding "forever..."
vs. 21
Sabbath day not done away.
Point: Things do not come all at one time. Circumcision took nearly 18 years to be resolved.
Letters
(15:22-35)
vs. 23
Antioch: strong center (HQ) for Gentile
Churches.
3rd largest city -- trading center.
vs. 24
Were part of Church (converted) and zealous
for wrong cause.
vs. 28 - 29
It was mandatory
for any Gentile to keep these basic tenants of the law in order to live
among the Jewish community and not offend them.
vs. 32
Judas and Silas = prophets.
Two types of prophesying:
Subject: Meat to idols.
Acts of The
Apostles (15:36-18:22)
Second Evangelistic Tour
Disagreement (15:36 - 40)
vs. 38
Note: John Mark for
some unknown reason did not continue in the first missionary journey. Thus
Paul and Barnabas split up! This was not a split in the church just a
disagreement in administration. Barnabas did not refuse what Paul wanted
done. They did go back and visit the churches. They reached a mutual
agreement so that the work could be done. It was a “win- win
situation.”
Note: Same one who wrote gospel of Mark.