Bible Studies
The first few verses of this chapter tell about Paul and Barnabas, and others, being sent to the Jerusalem church. There was a dissension about works, "according to the custom of Moses" in order to be saved (verse 1). Upon arriving some of the Pharisees, a very legalistic group of religious people, began talking about the necessity of observing the Law of Moses.
Peter tried to set the record straight. He reminded this group of legalists that the Gentiles (non-Jews) had also received and responded to the gospel, emphasizing that the Holy Spirt has "made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith"(9).
In verse 10 it is stated, "Now therefore, why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?" Keep in mind that beliefs of the Jews and the Pharisees included dozens of rules to follow. It was impossible to obey them all, thereby making it unbearable, and out of reach to obtaining salvation. Verse 11 is the key verse in this chapter: "But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they are also." In fact, this could be a key verse in all of scripture.
The next section, verses 7-12 is a masterful oratory addressing law and grace that has application for today. All Christians are saved through grace, with no other requirements. It is the opinion of this writer that people who teach salvation by works are willfully denying the truth of scripture because they like to think out of pride that salvation can be earned. In verse 19 a warning is given "to not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles."
There are certain things from which to abstain, however, among them being fornication, mentioned in verses 20 and 29. Out of all the things to mention this must be really important. Fornication is having sexual relations with someone other than your wife or husband. There are certain things that believers should NOT do, and won't want to do.
The chapter closes with the the disciples traveling to different churches in other cities to "see how they are" (36).
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. What kind of argument would you use with a person who believes it is possible to earn salvation?
2. How would you explain to someone why there are certain things Christians should not do?
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
Good study John! I appreciate the application question.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 579 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by John Clark or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 579 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.