Salvation through the Grace of Our Lord Jesus 

Acts 15:1-35 

Key Verse 15:11

Read verses 1-2 and think about the requirement “some men” insisted that every male (especially an adult) must be “circumcised” for salvation. In what respect is it not a small burden? (Genesis 34:25) What does the Bible teach us about true circumcision? (Romans 2:29; Acts 15:9) 

Read verses 3-4 and think about the reports they made. Who were the members of the journey team? What did they report? What did the reports do for the listeners? What can we learn from their practice in advancing God’s work in our generation? 

Read verses 5-11 and compare what some of the believers (who belonged to the party of the Pharisees) said (in verse 5) and what Peter said (in verses 7-11). 

What does “the message of the gospel” stand for? (Acts 10:36-43)

How did they (the Jews of Peter’s day) distinguish between the Jews and the Gentiles? (Acts 11:1-3) 

What does the Bible say about the condition of the heart of a fallen man? (Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23) 

Yet how can a man’s heart be made pure? (9) 

What do you think Peter might have meant by “a yoke”? (Acts 15:1,5) 

What does “the grace of our Lord Jesus” mean? 

Read verses 12-35 and think about the four requirements James (and the Council’s letter) added. Peter already declared that it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved. Yet, why did they (Jerusalem Council) add these requirements? (21; 29b) 

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