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Bible Study with Rev Charles Franklin instructing
Book of Acts Chapter 15 notes (Paul’s Ministry)
Trouble
in Antioch.
Verses
1-2; After the completion of their first
missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas were enjoying being home in Antioch. But low and behold trouble arose from Judea
by way of some Christ believers that were members of the Pharisee party. They
insisted that any new gentile converts must walk as the Jews walk. That is, they must be circumcised and keep
all the Law of Moses.
Verses
3-5; Paul and Barnabas strongly
disagreed with this doctrine. The Elders
at Antioch agreed with Paul and appointed he and Barnabas (along with Judas and
Silas) to go to Jerusalem to settle the matter.
The Jews followed and met up with them in Jerusalem with their argument.
The
council at Jerusalem
Verses
6-11; It is Peter that stands in
Jerusalem and makes the primary argument that God does not hold the Gentiles to
the mandates of the Mosaic Covenant. Peter’s main point is that God then looked
on compliance. But now God looks on the
heart. And that the Gentiles were saved
by Grace through Faith the same as they were.
Verses
12-18; Then Paul and Barnabus came
before the council in Jerusalem with testimony of how God had moved among the
Gentiles on their journey. And
emphasizing that at no time did the Holy Spirit move them to teach the mandates
of the Torah. In confirming Peter’s
testimony, James quotes Amos 9: 11-12; as the Prophet states that God would
cause the Gentiles to bear His Name.
Verses
19-22; Then James made a recommendation
of critical items that the Gentiles should adhere to and the council
unanimously adopts them and prepares a letter to all Gentile Churches for their
instruction and guidance. Verses 23-29
is a copy of the letter.
The
Return to Antioch and the beginning of the Second Missionary Journey.
Verses
30-35; Initially, they returned to
Antioch with the letter from Jerusalem with the judgement of the issue create
by the Jewish believers. It was a positive reception of the instructions by the
Antioch Saints. Paul, Barnabas, Judas,
and Silas stayed in Antioch for a while strengthening the Saints with words of
encouragement.
Verses
36-41; But some time later, Paul was
moved to go back and check on the progress of the Churches they had started.
But a disagreement arose over John Mark whereas Paul did bot want to bring him
along, while Barnabas did. Their agreement was so sharp it took separation to
resolve it. Paul took Silas, while Barnabas took Mark. One group went to Cypress and the other went
to Syria. Both did God’s work and that
was strengthening the churches as they traveled.