Free group study handout
Acts 15: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Acts 15 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Some men from Judea taught that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved (vv. 1-2). Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to discuss this issue with the apostles and elders.
Key verse
“But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”
Acts 15:11 (WEB)
Outline
- Acts 15:1–5 Dispute over Gentile Circumcision
- Acts 15:6–11 The Council of Jerusalem
- Acts 15:12–21 Testimonies and Conclusion from James
- Acts 15:22–29 Letter to the Gentiles
- Acts 15:30–35 Delivery and Encouragement
- Acts 15:36–41 Separation of Paul and Barnabas
Discussion questions
- In v1, who teaches that circumcision according to the law of Moses is necessary for salvation?
- What do Paul and Barnabas report in v4 after arriving in Jerusalem?
- Peter's statement in v10 about a yoke: how does he relate this to the law and the Gentiles?
- In v20, why does James specify certain practices for the Gentiles to abstain from?
- When have you felt a disagreement lead to a separation, like Paul and Barnabas in v39?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Acts 15: Galatians 2, Acts 21, Acts 13.
Before next time: read Acts 16.