Ice Breaker
Share about how you resolved a recent disagreement with a co-worker, roommate, friend or spouse.
General Study Questions
How does this passage fit into the book as a whole?
How does it flow from the previous section of the text?
What in the passage stands out to you?
How does this passage minister to its original audience?
How does this text minister to us today?
Is there a sin to confess?
Is there a cause for thanksgiving or praise to God?
Is there a promise or truth to trust in?
Is there an attitude to change?
Is there a command to obey or an example to imitate?
Is there anything confusing or hard to understand about the passage?
How is the Gospel present in this passage?
What is the single, main point of the passage?
How would you apply this passage to your life?
Text Specific Questions
Verses 1 and 5 summarizes the disagreement among the early church believers. In your own words, what is the issue?
How do Galatians 2:15-16, 21 and 3:28-29 speak to this disagreement?
Given Paul and Peter’s background, why is their testimony important to the Jerusalem Council?
In verse 11 Peter reminds us we are saved by grace alone. What additions to the Gospel might a new believer encounter today?
Read the Council’s decision in verses 23-29.
Why did they send a letter and representatives?
What are the new believers to abstain from?
Why do you think the Council chose these particular things to abstain from?
How does the Council’s handling of this disagreement help you? What can you learn from them?
One of the big concerns in this passage is church unity and how the Gentile and Jewish Christians could fellowship together. What threatens church unity day? How can this passage help us move towards unity?
