Bible Studies

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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?

      

     

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