Acts 15:Â Denominational Dispute
Why did the Jews think circumcision was so important?
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King James
What do you suppose had happened to give Paul and Barnabas reason to disagree with them?
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King James
Why was it important to consult leaders in Jerusalem to settle the issue?
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King James
Early in Jesus’ ministry, many Samaritans became followers, even though they were considered outcasts to the Jewish faith. Why might they rejoice at news of other foreigners becoming believers?
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King James
Which do you think would naturally be more receptive to news about Jesus, Jews or foreigners? Why?
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King James
How important to their deliberation would it be to tell stories of the uncircumcised being healed and filled with the Holy Spirit?
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King James
After hearing that God had accepted uncircumcised people, why would some Jews think they still had to be circumcised?
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King James
How much time might have been spent among the apostles and church leaders, debating the issue?
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King James
Do you think Peter’s perspective was guided by the Holy Spirit or was based on what he thought was a practical solution. Why did his words end the debate?
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King James
Why might it have been important for Paul and Barnabas to say more about the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit among foreigners?
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King James
How much difficulty do you think the Jewish believers had in accepting non-Jews into their fellowship?
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King James
James quoted the words found in Amos 9:11–12 to show that God’s plan had always been to reach out to foreigners. How would James have been aware of that passage and connect it to this situation?
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King James
Why did it matter what James had to say?
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King James
What aspects of the Jewish faith would James have seen as troublesome for foreigners?
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King James
Why do you think James proposed only four requirements and not the Ten Commandments given to Moses?
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King James
The assembly could have sent their decision-making letter with Paul and Barnabas. Why was it important for Silas and Judas Barsabas to go with them to Antioch?
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King James
How did the believers in Antioch respond to the letter?
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King James
What might Silas and Judas have said to encourage believers?
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King James
Why do you think Silas and Judas stayed in Antioch for a while, and then only Judas returned to Jerusalem?
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King James
What motivated Paul to want to revisit the places where he had so often been ridiculed, beaten, and imprisoned?
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King James
Why might Barnabas have insisted that John Mark go with them, when Paul so strongly objected?
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King James
Do you think Paul and Barnabas going their separate ways was a good or bad decision? Why?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Paraphrase
King James
Why might Silas have been an excellent help to Paul in his ministry?