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Lesson 21 : Circumcision, the Law, the Gentiles & the Will of God (15:1-35)

Lesson 21 : Circumcision, the Law, the Gentiles & the Will of God (15:1-35). I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study. Judaizers came to Antioch contending that circumcision was essential for salvation (15:1-5).

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Lesson 21 : Circumcision, the Law, the Gentiles & the Will of God (15:1-35)

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  1. Lesson 21:Circumcision, the Law, the Gentiles &the Will of God (15:1-35)

  2. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Judaizers came to Antioch contending that circumcision was essential for salvation (15:1-5). • Judaizers were individuals who required allegiance to elements of the Law of Moses. • Specifically, they believed that circumcision was equally essential as faith or baptism. • This included some Pharisees, who had been converted but still held to the Law (15:5). • This contention was directed at the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. • Paul and Barnabas boldly and widely contended on behalf of uncircumcised Gentiles.

  3. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • It is sinful to bind where God has not bound or to loose where God has not loosed! • The Judaizers sought to bind circumcision as a salvation issue. • However, God does not require it! • In and of itself, circumcision is not a “right or wrong” act in the sight of God. • However, to bind it as a condition of salvation perverts the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6-7). • It is right and proper to contend earnestly for the faith! • “Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute” (15:2). • Truth cannot be and must not be compromised (Gal. 2:5). • Arguing, disputing, debating & contending on behalf of truth is necessary (cf. Jude 3)!

  4. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The apostles & elders gathered to discuss the Gentiles’ relationship to the gospel (15:6-21). • Even among the apostles and elders, there was “much debate” (15:7). • The prominent voices emphasized what God had done and what God had said. • Peter reminded them that God sent him to preach salvation to the Gentiles (15:7-11).

  5. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • The conditions of salvation are the same for everyone! • God’s plan of salvation does not vary in stipulations based on man’s circumstances! • God “made no distinction” between Jew and Gentile in His plan of salvation (15:9). • All “shall be saved in the same manner” – whether Jews, Gentiles or us today! • It is “the faith” (the gospel system) that saves & purifies hearts (15:9), not the O.T.

  6. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The apostles & elders gathered to discuss the Gentiles’ relationship to the gospel (15:6-21). • Even among the apostles and elders, there was “much debate” (15:7). • The prominent voices emphasized what God had done and what God had said. • Peter reminded them that God sent him to preach salvation to the Gentiles (15:7-11). • Paul and Barnabas told how God had been working among the Gentiles (15:12). • James pointed to the O.T. prophets for God’s eternal plan for the Gentiles (15:13-21). • James called for a letter to be written to their Gentile brethren (15:20-21).

  7. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The apostles & elders sent a letter to the Gentiles expressing full acceptance (15:22-29). • Along with Paul and Barnabas, Judas and Silas carried the letter to Antioch (15:22). • The premise of the letter: “We’ve heard brethren are troubling you” (15:24). • The purpose of the letter: “Confirmation that keeping the law is not required” (25-27). • The prescription of the letter: “Hold yourself away from the effects of idolatry” (28-29).

  8. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Paul, Barnabas, Judas & Silas stayed and worked with the church in Antioch (15:30-35). • The Gentiles rejoiced when the encouraging letter was read about their salvation (31). • Judas & Silas practiced what they preached regarding tolerance/acceptance (32-33). • Paul and Barnabas continued teaching and preaching (present tense verbs).

  9. III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives • We should not allow ourselves to be distracted or diverted by false teaching! • We must remember to yield to God’s will and not try to propel our will over His!

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